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A former spy with a dark secret and a past he can't outrun. A mysterious cult that steals beautiful teenagers. A looming battle between the forces of light and dark, and the girl who drags them into the middle of it all.

Steven Cabbott sees demons, and has even had to fight a few. Lately, they've taken an interest in him. He suspects it has something to do with his past. His mother killed his father when Steven was young, claiming he was a demon. Steven figured she was nuts. Now he's not so certain.

Sixteen years of silence between Steven and Kate, the love of his life, end with a cryptic one-word message: Help! A mysterious cult has kidnapped Kate's teenaged daughter. Steven charges forward in a frantic effort to save the young woman, but the foe he faces is extraordinarily powerful. He's always one step behind, and his growing demon problem isn't helping matters.

Steven is caught in a fight between much larger forces. Can he overcome his own demons to save Kate's daughter? If he fails, they may all fall victim to the Devil's Den.

280 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 5, 2018

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About the author

Jeff Altabef

26 books263 followers
Jeff Altabef lives in New York with his wife, two daughters, and Charlie the dog. He spends time volunteering at the writing center in the local community college. After years of being accused of "telling stories," he thought he would make it official. He writes in both the thriller and young adult genres. Fourteenth Colony, a political thriller, is his debut novel. Jeff has a blog designed to encourage writing by those that like telling stories. You can find his blog, The Accidental Writers Workshop, on The Patch. Jeff also rights a column for The Examiner under the byline - The Accidental Writer.

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5 stars
62 (50%)
4 stars
37 (29%)
3 stars
18 (14%)
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2 (1%)
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5 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
Profile Image for Meenaz Lodhi.
952 reviews77 followers
November 4, 2018
“The truth is hard to find, but it’s always worth the effort. But, some truths should remain hidden.”
This has been a great read! My first of Jeff Altabef’s work and I’m glad to have accepted the ARC. The story construction is very plausible, shredded with doubts over the main protagonist, it doesn’t help that he is initially presented as a bit of a suspect character and we're never quite sure how crazy grief has made him. A battle between good and bad faced with his own inner demons, the choices to make...The plot unravels bit by bit, a mix of mystery, thriller and supernatural in a dystopian near future, governed by the Originalists, and if that’s not enough, a secret cult with deadly and evil intentions dominates the game! I was totally immersed into the book from the beginning, so credible and well written it is. A totally unique and original angel/demon story, entertaining, with some cruel, gritty and gruesome twists and characters. Add to it a witty dialogue to lighten the mood. I’m definitely going to continue with this series! Hopefully soon!
I am voluntarily leaving a review with no obligation of an advance copy I received from the author.
557 reviews14 followers
August 27, 2018
What a great book! Devil’s Den, is the first book in a new series. This book is set in the future and is definitely a thriller!
Well-written with great characters. Highly Recoommend!
Profile Image for Alicia Huxtable.
1,758 reviews57 followers
November 12, 2018
What an interesting...yet disturbing story. While it was a great story, well written with believable characters, I hate to think of where the author got an idea like this. But guess what....I'll read book 2 for sure!!
Profile Image for Sherry Fundin.
1,996 reviews143 followers
November 7, 2018
I am a huge fan of Jeff Altabef’s, so when I get a chance to read one of his books, I hop on it. His writing is captivating, making it easy to get lost in the story, and I did.

She ignored her instincts….and the hook is set.

Fantastic. Fear and dread ooze off the pages and I love the sense of danger and despair…with a breath of hope.

Angels and demons.

The end of days…or the Great Struggle, depends on what side of the fence you sit on.

What is Steve’s place in the upcoming war?

He joined the army after his mother killed his father and threatened to kill him. She had seen demons, and now he can see them too. Was his father the demon she claimed he was? Now, he’s home, looking for her to find answers to his questions. Well, let me tell you…better yet, grab a copy of the book and find out for yourself. I don’t think you will have any regrets.

The apocalyptic/dystopian vibe keeps me reading on, waiting and wondering what will happen next.

Kate and Steve have a past, and they come back together when she asks for his help in finding her daughter, Megan.

Then…I meet Megan, and I’m off on an adventure that caught me by surprise. I love when an author can do that and Jeff Altabef does it very well. He has a way of catching me offguard. When I think I know where I’m going, the road takes a sharp turn and I hold on for dear life.

I love the scene where Kate and Steve are sitting in the diner, people watching, making up stories for them…what’s their job, are they married, are they a serial killer…I have been there and done that. Have you? It is scenes like this that give the book that something extra I am always looking for.

Steve hears voices, sees demons, and is in love with knives, sharp, pointy knives. The dark is calling him and this dark is of the most evil kind, persistent, using trickery and temptation. A lesser man may have already yielded.

The characters, some I loved, some I hated, some I didn’t know what to think, but as I read along, their personalities became clearer, their motives exposed, and some questions were still left to be answered.

At 71% Jeff Altabef dealt me a super shocker! I never saw that coming, but in hindsight, I can see the hint given. I was so engrossed in the story that I missed it. That goes to show how great his writing is…

I love deep, dark, twisted stories, and Jeff Altabef has delivered. I was riveted, engrossed in the story, and, when I reached the end, I felt a bit let down…because I WANT MORE!

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Devil’s Den by Jeff Altabef.

See more at : fundinmental
240 reviews5 followers
August 28, 2018
I enjoyed this book! I haven't read any others by this author so wasn't sure what to expect, far exceeded any expectations. Read it in less than 24 hours! It was an engaging, fast moving tale, with a few twists and turns along the way to a satisfying conclusion.(of this story, definitely set up for more of the series) Believable characters, intrigue, well told action scenes and the battle of good and evil all play their role in making this a very enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Alice Smith.
29 reviews
November 5, 2018
Steven Cabbot, former Army and spy is fighting with demons. He feels as if they are taking him over. He goes back to his childhood home looking for his mother, not forgetting she killed his father, saying he was a demon. Not locating, her, he fights demons and humans who wish to harm him, until he gets a text from someone from his past. Kate-his childhood crush. The address is close by and after he arrives, he discovers someone has kidnapped Kate's daughter, Megan. Delving into the search for Megan, Steve encounters demons, honest people, and killers. He locates Megan, but can he rescue her? This story has twists and you will not want to put it down. I highly recommend it and I will be checking out other books he has written.
I received a advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
222 reviews9 followers
March 1, 2019
This is a raw glimpse into a future world that is dark and seemingly without hope. But the ties of love and one's word still means something to Steven Cabott. The text read "help", and Steve immediately seeks out his former love, even though it has been sixteen years since they parted. Her daughter is missing.
Thus begins a taut thriller, as Steve struggles with the satanic demons who try to claim him as theirs while battling human demons intent on creating a revolutionary "end of days" and ushering in a new world under their rule by enslaving the best and brightest of our youth. Plotting is complex and outstanding, characters far too real. And the world is hauntingly familiar but frightfully different.
Jeff Atabef has mastered his craft with nail-biting suspense. His humans, coldly more insidious than Satan's minions are opposed by a man whose simple humanity makes him heroic.
Profile Image for Michelle VanDaley.
1,626 reviews4 followers
August 28, 2018
Devil's Den hooks you from the start and doesn't let go until the very end. The characters are in depth and extremely relatable so you quickly become invested in their story. The paranormal world the author has created is a fresh approach and does not take over the story - there is a perfect blend of paranormal, action, thriller, suspense and romance. Seriously this book has it all!! I am excited to see where the author takes the story in book 2.
568 reviews
September 1, 2018
A very enjoyable tale with lots of suspense and action. A tale of a future where the major cities in each State are split by wealth and class. The main character Steven, comes back home looking for his mother, and wishes he never found her. The characters are well developed with just enough detail so you understand them, but not get bored. This fast paced plot will keep you turning pages wondering what will happen next. I'm looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Fiona Andrew.
767 reviews15 followers
August 26, 2018
Oh my gosh, what a roller coaster of a book. From page one I was hooked the story was mesmerising I did not want to put the book down and read it in one day. Megan doesn’t trust her gut, gets kidnaped, then life gets complicated. Kate reaches out to Steve who she hasn’t seen for 16 years. Together they are going to rescue Megan. Except their is more to the kidnaping than meets the eye. In a classic good versus evil the Angels fight the Demons. Grab your copy you won’t be disappointed. Highly recommend.
178 reviews
October 23, 2018
Fantastic book
This is the first book in a new series of Nephilim. Who doesn’t love Nephilim. It really showcases the dark and the light, Angels and demons. It is a fast pace, can’t put down read. I was hooked from the start. I cannot wait until the next installment comes out. If you love supernatural thrillers, then this book is for you. Please pick it up you won’t be sorry.
Profile Image for Alina.
893 reviews8 followers
February 28, 2019
For a first-in- series, 'Devil's Den' delivers what every first-in-series should; an entertaining thrill ride that is sure to keep you coming back and wanting more.
This has all the elements in the making of a really good series. I enjoyed all the paranormal, action, mystery, suspense and bada**ery that ensues in every chapter. a must read.
Profile Image for Mandy Walkden-Brown.
569 reviews28 followers
November 6, 2018
Very different, in the best way possible.

Wasn't expecting such a clever interweaving of special ops and the paranormal that results in this page-turner of a book.

Strong, likeable and well drawn characters. The paranormal component just adds to the tautly woven intrigue, suspense and the unfolding mystery. Some really unexpected twists, well handled.

Very much looking forward to seeing where this series goes.

I received an eARC of this book and have no hesitation in writing a review; it's a ripper of a read!
623 reviews3 followers
November 11, 2018
To quietly into the night, not so, what an ambitious, commanding and at times overwhelming storytelling! Just when you think things can get any worse, the story floors you. Such great writing, vivid characters and imagination out of this world. Great book!
11.1k reviews160 followers
September 18, 2018
Steven sees demons, this is why they’ve shown an interest in him. A girl who’s in the middle of everything. An intriguing story that has you wishing for more. Another great read by a superb author.
Profile Image for Debbi Smith.
431 reviews4 followers
November 5, 2018
A futuristic book that has all the twists and turns a good thriller needs. You'll enjoy it.
Profile Image for Janeandjerry.
515 reviews21 followers
April 10, 2019
DEVIL'S DEN will make you open your eyes and wonder what is really out there lurking amongst us all... Who is Mother and what are her intentions and who exactly is Father Paul...
Profile Image for Scarolet Ellis.
7,444 reviews59 followers
August 22, 2018
This is my honest and unbias opinion of the story. This is one of those books you can't put down till you are finished with it. Jeff Altabef deliverd a very well pace action packe story. I am so glad I read this book I have found another new author to read now YAY. I highly recommend this book to everyone who loves books like this.
Profile Image for Caroline Doig.
5,358 reviews47 followers
April 14, 2019
This is my 1st read and review for this author and what an amazing story story, this is an exciting paranormal thriller and I absolutely loved it. When Steven was young his mother killed his father saying that he was a demon and Steven thought that his mother was crazy but 16 years later he thinks that it might of been true. The woman he loved all of those years ago that he left behind Kate sent him a message that she needs his help Katie’s daughter has gone missing and she needs him but Steven is literally fighting demons of his own. So will Steven get to Kate’s daughter in time?. Wow just wow that is an amazing story I definitely can’t wait to read more from this author and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.
September 24, 2018
It's always exciting for me to receive an advanced copy of a Jeff Altabef novel. Unlike many authors who fall in love with a world of their own creation and pump out multiple books with similar plot lines or characters, Jeff Altabef's novels never cease to whisk me away to places I've never been, introducing me to characters who's lives I can't wait explore.

Devil's Den, the first book in the Nephilim Thriller series, finds us in a not too distant future built around intense social injustice. The world is divided into districts with the wealthy living behind high walls patrolled by armed guards, while the rest of the population lives in varying degrees of crippling poverty. Enter Steven, an ex-soldier turned demon hunter, a man on a mission to find out the truth behind his mother's disappearance so many years ago. When Steven receives a text from an old flame simply saying "Help!", he drops everything to come to her aid. Megan, Kate's 16 year old daughter is missing. When a surveillance video surfaces showing two men in a white van kidnapping Megan on her way home from school, Steven knows he'll do what ever it takes to bring Kate's daughter safely home.

I've never been much on suspense thrillers, supernatural or not, but this book drew me in quickly and kept me hooked. The language of the book flows nicely. The characters are well written. Their backstories are cleverly woven into the plot in such a way that it gives each one depth without taking away from the tale as a whole. The action was a slow, simmering build with the perspective changing every few chapters from Steven to Megan and back again. The plot twists bordered on maddening but it only added to the suspense. If I had to complain about something with Devil's Den it would have to be the ending. I found it to be quite abrupt. I understand that this book is meant to be the first in a series but after spending so many pages getting to know the characters and experiencing the ever mounting level of intensity each page provided, I was expecting an explosive ending. For me it seemed to be more of a sizzle than a blaze. I'm not saying it wasn't a good book. The ending presents a nice wrap-up that sets up for the next installment of the series and I am most definitely looking forward to the next book. Overall, this is a really good read.
Profile Image for Jamie Bee.
Author 2 books102 followers
April 2, 2019
Steven is a former spy who can see demons. The love of his life, Kate, asks for his help in retrieving her daughter from a mysterious cult that kidnaps teenagers. As Steven gets deeper into this, he finds it is a much larger operation than he imagined.

Will Steven be successful? What of his relationship with Kate? Does Steven himself have demons to confront?

I found this book difficult to get into. It first alternates between a third-person present-tense perspective and Stevens first-person present-tense perspective. I always find it a little tricky to move between third person and first person in a novel, and I'm not a fan of present-tense writing. It seems like it should be more immediate, but I find it more distancing. The first person sections, too, were written in an overblown style that tried too hard to be both describing what was going on and offering supposedly pithy thoughts. Also, I thought many sections went on too long narrative went on for too long without breaking for dialogue.
Profile Image for C.J. Santiago.
433 reviews4 followers
November 10, 2019
Strangely inp....

Steven got a text all of a sudden from Kate , a long time ago girlfriend. He hasn't seen her in sixteen years. He had walked out then. And although he regretted his actions over the years, he was surprised. Steven is a bad guy. He has demons in his head and doesn't understand why. His mother killed his father years ago saying he was a demon. Steven didn't know then what he knows now. Kate's daughter has been kidnapped. She needs help.

Steven is a killer. He worked with an organization who did very bad things. Now he feels he has no redemption. But could he be wrong?? This turns out to be a battle between good and evil. And his mother is right in the middle of it. Can he rescue Kate's kid and save himself??

It's an interesting story set in a time years from now, where the one percent own everything and everyone else lives in squalor. I found it interesting and sad. But I likes the story and the battle has just begun. Lucifer wants Steven. Can he resist the temptation??

Read on my friends
22 reviews
July 14, 2021
Firstly, this series is self-described religious supernatural. I stumbled across this series in my library Fantasy section.😳 Don't let the "R," word turn you away. This series may be about The Coming End of Days but it's a long battle of Good versus Evil, Lucifer, Archangels, Where in the F÷ck is God?, and the author has gone in some very original directions. There's tons of violence but there's no one preaching through the book, there's no bible verses.
Now: Our Hero in the coming End of Days. He's perfect for those that want a severe anti-hero. A killer; and likes it, no loves it. I'd call him a redneck with mad killing skills but he's a city boy.
This first book is pretty rehashed territory but necessary to get through for the rest of the series. Books 2 and 3 are definitely original and well worth the pain of getting through this first one.
Narrator: Timothy G. Little brings this series to life. He does a great job bringing the sarcasm, disbelief, annoyance of the Main Character nicely.
Profile Image for Rebel.
917 reviews
October 11, 2020
I found this book difficult to get into. supposed black ops trained but felt he couldn't fight his way out of a kindergarten school yard being picked on by bullies. the description's of what's happening to who what and where were too long for the dialogue. at least the words are spelled correctly and the grammar is acceptable. I barely slogged my way through the book. Issues were never resolved. Like a few readers I just had too skip to the end to find out what happened and even then it wasn't worth the time I wasted reading the book. I'm glad others liked it but considering the number of books this author has written he would know how to write a story better. There was nothing "gripping or thrilling" about the book. The "supernatural" part was only apparent because the character was a "nephilim". This should have been labeled for YA because of the way the characters were written and the way the author had them acting.
489 reviews5 followers
September 3, 2018
The problem with Jeff Altabef books is that ones you start them you can't put them down.
This is a thrilling read and has a bit of everything. The divisions between the poor and wealthy. Good against evil. Devil again Angel. This is the first book in a new series and I look forward to seeing more about Steve and Kate. I was glad to see the new series is picking up on some of the story lines developed in Fracture Point and Shatter Point. No need to have read those books to enjoy Devil's Den but to me it was like getting reintroduced to old acquaintances.
This book has a lot of twist and turns. You might guess some of the outcome but I think you also have some surprises in store for you. Book has a good ending, no cliffhanger but I think a lot of people having read this book will like to see it continuing on.
Profile Image for Texas.
1,689 reviews393 followers
October 10, 2018
The Devil's Den - I enjoy reading books by Jeff Altabef. This one, while different from the first book I read by him, is a job well done. The storylines morph like crazy keeping the reader constantly figuring out the new angle, the new twist, the new wrench. A good blend of realism, virtual reality, and demons and angels; don't want to say more without giving something away.

Well written, relatively fast paced and with good descriptions making an interesting, intriguing read complete with suspense. Some of the characters are doozies; there's just enough development of some characters to add to the story, but the main characters do grow as the story advances along. There are a lot of storylines making the story complex but not confusing. Included are peeks at Red Death (two chapters) and Fracture Point (three chapters), which I didn't read either. Minor editing needed. 4*
Profile Image for Kanyon.
386 reviews
November 7, 2018
Devil’s Den is dark, gritty and packed full of action. Steven is a unique character, while he struggles with his personal demons and finding himself, he is called into action by his ex-girlfriend whose daughter has gone missing. With lots of cursing and ass-kicking he sets about righting wrongs and tracking down the mysterious kidnappers. He will find this missing case will lead to a good vs evil war, between angels and demons. Where will he stand in it? Great first book! I can’t wait to read more. I would recommend this book to readers of supernatural thrillers and heads up there is some gore.

Devil’s Den is the first book in the Nephilim Thriller series.

I voluntarily received and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Final Rating: 4 Stars


Devil's Den (A Nephilim Thriller, #1) by Jeff Altabef
Profile Image for Sue Brooks.
463 reviews6 followers
March 17, 2019
This is the first book that I have read by Jeff Altabef and I can honestly say that I loved it and hope to read more!!!

Steven Cabbott (the main character) is facing a battle between good and bad -- and then throw in his own inner demons. The story starts Steven receiving a text from his old girlfriend saying -- HELP! It turns out that a mysterious cult has kidnapped Kate's teen-aged daughter. I don't write spoilers - SO, I just can't tell you exactly what happens or how it happens without giving away the story. I will warn you that once you start reading and get into this story, you will want to keep reading until you reach the end!! And then, you will want to start the next book of the series to find out what happens next!!!

I’m definitely going to continue reading this series!
Profile Image for The Mysterious Reader.
3,585 reviews62 followers
November 6, 2018
Jeff Altabef’s Devil's Den: A Gripping Supernatural Thriller (A Nephilim Thriller Book 1) is a wonderfully complex yet thrillingly action packed novel that is full of twists and turns (with at least one that nearly gave me mental whiplash). Added to a great character in Steven Cabbott with a fascinating background and some real questions he needs answers to about himself, and Steven and Kate’s story here is a great one and well worth the read. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
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