Step into the chilling world of William W. Johnstone’s Devil series, where small-town America becomes a battleground for the ultimate clash between good and evil! This gripping five-book horror saga, launched in 1980, blends supernatural terror, vivid characters, and thought-provoking themes of faith and morality. Perfect for fans of classic horror, the Devil series invites readers to face the darkness alongside courageous heroes.
With its roots in the 1980s horror boom, this series captures the era’s fascination with satanic panic and delivers pulse-pounding tales that linger long after the final page. Ready to explore a world where the devil’s minions lurk in the shadows? Let’s dive into Johnstone’s terrifying masterpiece!
How Devil Began
William W. Johnstone, a prolific author known for his westerns and thrillers, unleashed his horror prowess with the Devil series in 1980. Inspired by his love for storytelling and a knack for weaving moral dilemmas into genre fiction, Johnstone crafted this saga to explore the eternal struggle between divine forces and demonic evil. The first book, The Devil’s Kiss, set the tone with its gritty narrative and bold confrontation of satanic forces in Whitfield, Nebraska. Published during a time when horror paperbacks ruled, the series quickly gained a cult following for its unapologetic intensity and vivid prose.
The Heart of Devil
The Devil series spans five novels, each plunging readers into supernatural horror. The Devil’s Kiss (1980) introduces Reverend Sam Balon, a former soldier turned preacher, battling a coven led by the sinister Black Wilder in Whitfield. The Devil’s Heart (1983) escalates the stakes as evil resurfaces, testing Sam’s faith. The Devil’s Touch (1984) follows Sam and his family facing undead horrors in Logandale, while The Devil’s Cat (1987) unleashes a feline-fueled nightmare in Becancour. The series concludes with The Devil’s Laughter (1992), tying up the saga with relentless terror.
Johnstone’s style is fast-paced, packed with graphic violence, gore, and provocative themes like incest and satanic worship, reflecting the era’s boundary-pushing horror. Set in rural towns, the series pits ordinary people against cosmic evil, exploring faith, redemption, and the human spirit. The recurring motif of God and Satan as players in a cosmic “game” adds a unique philosophical layer, making the series both thrilling and introspective.
Why Devil Resonates
The Devil series carved a niche in 1980s horror, blending Christian apocalyptic themes with pulpy, over-the-top scares. Its cult status endures among horror enthusiasts who cherish its raw energy and fearless storytelling. Johnstone’s ability to craft relatable heroes like Sam Balon, who balance grit and grace, resonates with readers seeking tales of hope amid darkness. Decades later, the series remains a time capsule of horror’s golden age, inspiring fans to rediscover its chilling legacy.
- Publication Years: 1980–1992
- Number of Books: 5
- Genre: Horror
- Key Character: Sam Balon
Grab The Devil’s Kiss and dive into Johnstone’s spine-chilling world of horror! Whether you’re a horror aficionado or a curious newcomer, the Devil series promises a wild ride through the shadows of good and evil.