Sean Deville

Sean Deville is back with another novel based on global domination, and ultimately, destruction. However, the source of the chaos is not something you really see coming. In fact, there are several curve balls waiting to get thrown your way thanks to the writing skills of Mr. Deville. Just like with his previous work, he turns over every stone and brings together a colorful cast to play out a very different apocalypse.

The world is torn. On one end of the spectrum, major governments want to implement surgeries, which will see every human get a chip implant at some point or another. On the other end, there are people and governments that oppose the surgery. Religions are clashing, politics are getting out of control, and technology has taken over. Or has it?

Charles Grader is a professor who has just gained consciousness after a three-year coma. And the visions that haunted him through the coma continue to haunt him at night, bringing with them messages of the end. More specifically, they warn of the 7 Seals being opened, much like the Bible predicts. This begs the question, is there a more mysterious entity behind the chaos on earth? Or is it just a matter of humans becoming too technologically advanced for their own good?

There is no question that Deville builds on a winning recipe for his epic stories. He starts with a professional and tangible introduction to creating a sense of realism, before hitting you with elements that would normally seem far-fetched. However, due to his dedication and detail to research, even the far-fetched elements carry real substance.

Another thing I have noticed about Deville’s work is the semi-detachment in the tone of his style. Because even though the characters are skillfully projected and they convincingly sell the drama, the style Deville uses always comes with that degree of coldness. And it works. Given the broad plot spectrum and the attempt to realistically help the reader envision this possible reality in the near future, his choice of style is spot on. Essentially, you are looking at a serious read that demands your full attention – just like his previous trilogy.

In terms of pacing, Deville is not a hasty writer. And while I typically prefer novels in this genre to have a little more urgency, it is the way Deville delivers the story that ultimately got me hooked. His choices for when and where to divulge specific information flows with the slower pace and it definitely provides more opportunity to get invested.

Finally, the plot might not be the most original, but then again, Deville wants to keep things close to home. At least, that is the impression you get when reading. In his fictional take on the apocalypse, you get a combination of religion, technology, politics, and the human condition, all rolled into one. And once they clash, you will not be able to predict the outcome. Yes, the ending is not something you see coming and Deville deserves extra credits here.

Like I have noted in my other reviews about Deville’s work, this is not easy reading. Instead, prepare yourself for a network of different stories that connect to a very dark climax. And, as I have come to expect from Deville, the quality of writing remains superb.

Reviewed by Damnetha Jules
Damnetha  is a staff writer, horror book and movie critic.

Also by Sean Deville:

Cobra Z

The Contained

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I had the pleasure of reading the first installment of the Necropolis Trilogy, and now I get to review the second one, namely The Contained. Sean Deville is at it again, bringing his very technical zombie story into its second phase. His web of characters continues to spread and a few more surprises are waiting if you loved Cobra Z. And once again, Deville doesn’t slack on his precise style of storytelling.

The Contained picks up where the virus outbreak continues to destroy the United Kingdom. The country is literally being quarantined from the rest of the world, and the American government is being warned that martial law might become a necessary option if the problem can’t be contained. Within a few days of the virus spreading, everyone knew things would never be the same again.

At the helm of the problem are several characters, situated in different challenging positions. Some of them are familiar, like Major David Croft, and others are new, like Rachel, a flesh-eating monster with more than just feasting on the brain. And as the UK crumbles, these civilians, government officials, and military agents try to survive the onslaught.

In the first review, I did of the trilogy, I noted that Deville is very proficient with his writing skills. I had no doubt that he would use the same quality with the second book, and I was right on the money. This is not the type of story you’ll find under the easy reading section because it pleads for all your attention. Given that there are many characters to follow, and the plot is thick with political and military detail, you want to switch off the phone if you plan on reading this one.

This part of the trilogy doesn’t really speak to a central character as much as it focuses on the fight to survive. In fact, it felt a little more technical than Cobra Z. While Deville has no problem selling his characters and all their twitches, it seemed like he leaned more towards exploring the realistic consequences of an outbreak. I would’ve liked to connect more with the characters, but the complexity of the plot makes a little difficult at times.

Nevertheless, Deville is stunningly creative while maintaining his urge to keep things simple. He switches between perspectives quite well, especially when entering the mind of an infected, and he doesn’t make his job easier with all the complexities surrounding the virus outbreak. He covers all the details and lays down a very convincing plot.

In terms of style, Deville prefers a sophisticated and professional approach. When you read his book you’ll know a lot of effort went into making a solid story with more than enough action. He’s spot on with the gory details, the cast of characters are diverse, and you don’t really know what’s coming next.

I’d recommend The Contained to readers who love making their brain work while they read. When you finish that last page it will probably feel like you ran a marathon, because it’s just that intense once you get into it.

Reviewed by Damnetha Jules
Damnetha  is a staff writer, horror book and movie critic.

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Also by Sean Deville:

Cobra Z

Sean Deville delivers a different perspective on what it could be like if a zombie outbreak occurs in modern day London. His novel, entitled “Cobra Z”, is the first of three books that take a serious look at a very popular epidemic. The biggest challenge staring Deville in the face is to stand out in a rather saturated market, which he does in a surprising way. In fact, if there is one novel that can break the stigma, it’s probably this one.

The book starts with some confidential files regarding the Hirta Island Research Complex, the source of the outbreak. In a very political way, the reader is informed that hell is pretty much breaking loose. The book continues to introduce characters who experience the initial outbreak, but their seconds of fame are short-lived thanks to the zombies. The person who is called in to investigate and take charge of the situation is Major David Croft, a veteran who has lost interest in what he does but is too set in his ways to do something else.

On the other side of the spectrum is a cult called The Sons of the Resurrection, and they are led by Abraham, a religious extremist who has a score to settle with Croft. After recruiting a vengeful and brilliant scientist, Abraham unleashes the virus that will rid the world of all sinners. Quickly the virus becomes uncontrollable, as seen through the eyes of different individuals, and time runs out to save the few lives that are left.

So what makes this particular novel different than the rest? For starters, it’s very well researched and executed. Deville has really taken his time to get every detail in place, bringing this hypothetical scenario into the real world. Secondly, he places more focus on the zombies and what they are capable of, rather than portraying them simply as flesh-eating drones. Thirdly, the novel starts at the beginning. Many authors prefer to skip the source and head straight for the action, whereas Deville takes a more patient approach. There has to be a buildup to the climax where the country is on its knees.

The whole novel through it felt as if I was reading something by a well-established writer, like Grisham or King. I was incredibly impressed with the quality in Deville’s style and the way he maintained it right up to the end. He’s sophisticated, clear and gives his characters life. If there is a single thing, I would’ve changed it would be the time he spent on certain characters, but this is really just a personal taste issue. As for the pacing, Deville likes to play around depending on the situation, ensuring there aren’t any boring moments.

For readers who are eager to deeply invest themselves in a good story for hours on end, “Cobra Z” will be a good choice. I don’t recommend reading it on the fly because it’s not a quick and easy read. It’s the type of book you finish and think, “Where has the time gone?” Personally, I’m really looking forward to the next book in the trilogy and Deville has joined my list of authors to keep an eye on.

Reviewed by Damnetha Jules
Damnetha  is a staff writer, horror book and movie critic.

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