The Devil You Know (Children Of The Mountain)

I wish the third of this series was already available, "Lightning Child". To enhance your pleasure I suggest reading books in order. This series begins in the first book, "Among the Wolves" and follows characters from that book continuing the story although you should be able to read the story as a stand alone if you wish..

The books are written in first person. Hakok requests that you provide a review and let him know if you see any editing errors at the end of the story, if you wish.

I was waiting for more characters with some that the kids could look up to, but by the end of book 2, we still had the same bad guys and no new good guys to give us some hope. Thought we might see more than 2 kids with virus help. Wonder what happens to the witch Dr. In Greenbriar. Sorry R.A. and good luck on book 3. LJJ

Entertaining enough. But the main characters knew a lot about a world they had never lived in, and the dialogue of the teenagers was way beyond their years. However, the storyline was interesting and well developed. Read this If you like post-apocalyptic stories.

I really liked the first book of this series. But this second book....it took me forever to get through it!! It was too depressingly predictable: the ever present cold, snow, storms, and trudging through them. Nothing has changed in this weary, cold, violent dystopian world except a few plot twists and several new characters. Will Mags and Gabe ever find any peace and a more pleasant place to live? Couldn't tell you. Maybe their sanity is going to flee before then........

I don't consider myself a fan of post-apocalyptic novels, but I'd picked up "Among Wolves" - the first book in this series - for free and had been surprised at both the careful plot and the able writing. So when I had the chance to read an advance copy of "The Devil You Know" I was happy to take it.

We meet Gabe and Mags exploring beyond their precarious post. Gabe has anticipated that the dwelling they share with the other children of the mountain wouldn't be safe for long and plans to relocate everyone to a safer abode. His incomplete knowledge of what led to the Last Day has him misjudge the world around him, and as he learns more, he needs to constantly recalibrate his worldview and use his resourcefulness to make up for the enemy threat he faces and for his occasional (but believable, given his lack of experience) blunders, in order to rescue those he cares about.

As in the first book, the plot moves along at a determined trudge, befitting the atmosphere of a world shrouded in grey snow. R.A. Hakok avoids showy fireworks and instead embraces the dreariness of his dystopia, where resources are sparse and struggles are won by strategy and calculation instead of gunfights and flash-bang heroics. Everybody's playing a long game, which I found rewarding: all parties play smart and duplicitous games and make intelligent choices a satisfying amount of the time. The tension remains, even when the narrative focuses on inner struggles; the external threats are real and persistent.

Again, the book ends with a clean ending that lets those who aren't fans leave the series with some closure, but enough uncertainty to make this reader anticipate the next installment. I'm not usually big into series, but the Gabe and Mags are good companions and even some of their antagonists have redeeming qualities to a degree that I hope something can be worked out for them. I also look forward to yet more insights into the world post-blast and how this queer virus works.

If my review isn't enough of a recommendation, I suggest getting "Among Wolves", which seems to be permanently priced at zero dollars, and letting your enjoyment of that book guide your purchase decision.

4.5 stars

I found this book almost as compelling as the first ~ although a continuing story, it's a different chapter, as protagonist Gabriel and his friend Mags set off in search for a haven safe from those who threaten their group, and come across some who they trust, at first, later to find out that not all of them have their best interests at heart. The sense of bleakness, of cold and silence, is so well done all the way through.

As with the first book, I applauded the structure of this book ~ it starts with Gabriel trying to get out of the pickle in which he has found himself, then goes back ten days to show how he got there. Running alongside is the associated story of a boy kept imprisoned; the way in which this gradually intertwines with the main story works so well. I loved the building of suspense, and the hints of danger to come.

One thing I was not so sure about, in this book, was the way in which Gabriel seemed to know so much about how the world was before the fall, given that he was six at the time and had received little formal education, learning things only by conversation, and reading novels and the odd scrap of old newspaper. It didn't bother me a great deal, and I was able to suspend any disbelief most of the time, but I felt that the author had sometimes forgotten that he was writing from the POV of a seventeen year old boy who had lived a very insular life for the past ten years. But the end was full of the unexpected, I really enjoyed the book and will certainly be reading the next one ~ which is what matters!

I just finished the second installment of this amazing post-apocalypse series, set in an endless winter, during my own summer in the burning hot desert. Once again, Mr. Hakok uses Gabe's first person voice to deliver minute detail about his journey with Mags. With nearly every page I could just about see the ash-grey snowflakes, feel the torment of the cold or smell the acrid smoke from the MRE heating tabs. That's how intimate this story is. But what's really important is that Hakok truly knows how to write a story. You can bet that this author is going to be winning awards for his ability to make you see what he sees.

This installment ends on a high note, unlike the first one, which ended in a cliffhanger. I look forward to seeing how the next installment plays out.

One of the better post-apocalyptic series out there today. I judge a story by how often I think about it between readings. The Devil You Know, and the first of series, Among Wolves, are both absorbing and populated with a variety of characters that shouldn't be judged on first appearances. Following Gab and Mags' struggle for survival through a man-made post-apocalyptic shattered landscape is sobering and lays bare the thin layer of civilization that populates our world. The worse part of this series is that it all hasn't been written yet so you have to wait for each one if you catch up on the first two.

R.A. Hakok is on my favorite authors list and am looking forward to the next book in the series.

A great read that continues the breakneck pace of Book One. Wonderfully well defined characters... You are drawn to the protagonists and can't help but cheer them on, and the story also features the kind of villain you just love to hate. New characters that fall in both categories are introduced here.

We're still not completely clear on the full backstory of how the end of the world as we know it came about and it seems the author is forcing us along a journey of discovery together with the heroes, who were only seven years old when it all went down. We first meet them 10 years after.

This book and its predecessor are suitable for teens to centegenarians. I am so impressed with this author's ability to spin a fearful and very grown up tale without resorting to graphic sex and gore.

Be prepared for some shocking twists, as well as meeting someone even more despicable than Kane.

Eagerly awaiting Book Three!

Good follow up to Among the Wolves. In this story we meet new characters. Some are not trustworthy, but how do you know who you can trust? Gabe and Mags must face another hard journey. Will they make it to their destination?
Well written, characters fleshed out. I could envision this story as it unfolded. Mr. Hakok is going to become very well known.
I recommend this book. Clean and entertaining. Very hard to put down. Kept me up quite late.
I was given a free book by the author in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts are 100% my own.

The journey continues, and the plot increases in complexity. Unlike book 1, this one leaves you hanging a bit more precipitously, so I look forward to 3 with eagerness, 4 stars this time just because I don't like set up sequences where a scenario begins at one point, then flips back in time and proceeds forward. The writing is quite good enough and entertaining without them. They annoy me a bit, and interrupt the plot flow. That said, the characters are evolving, sometimes in unexepected ways, so Book 2 is a bit more interesting. As an aside, I'd like to see more characters dying off. When you read the series, you'll probably understand what I mean.

I have been waiting for this book to be available. I loved the first book and this one was equally as well written. I read it straight through in one day and can't wait for the next one. It gives a new twist on the post apocalyptic novels, the characters are believable and stayed with me long after finishing the book. Definitely a new favorite author.

The Children of the Montain series is fascinating. This second book The Devil You Know is an exciting continuation of the first book. I loved the characters, who continue to strive in the second book, with intelligence and common sense as they strive to survive impossible odds. It is one of the futuristic frictions I just find extremely fascinating. I loved fast pace of the story, and the ever present conflicts and problem solving of the main characters, their strength and weaknesses. I hardly could put the book down. Wonderful reading. I highly recommend it.

I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is a great second book in the series. This one seems a little more grown up - obviously the children are older and have been exposed to more at this point, but additionally, with the exception of the main characters, there are fewer juveniles and a lot more adult characters in this one. A lot of tension, and a very intriguing setup for the next book in the series!

I received a free advance copy of this book. The first book in this series, "Among Wolves", was very engaging and hard to put down. I had been anticipating more of the same. There was a lot of trudging through the snow in book two that distracted me and caused me to put the book aside more often but things picked up eventually. This book seemed more focused on plot building so I'm really looking forward to the next book to see where all the strings lead. I like the characters and their story so keep up the good work Mr. Hakok!

After reading Among Wolves, I couldn't WAIT for the sequel and it definitely did not disapoint. I love the post-apocalyptic genre but, let's face it, there's a lot of it that just isn't very good. R.A. Hakok is a truly gifted writer and I am selfishly wishing him a long, productive career so I can keep reading his books. He has created a futuristic, wintry world with few humans left. Both the setting and characters are beautifully handled and the plot will keep you turning pages long after you should have gone to sleep. Please keep writing Mr. Hakok! I have to know what happens next. Bravo!!

The second book in this series (Children of the Mountain) was just as imaginative and gritty as the initial offering.Though it is an apocalyptic YA novel, it is an interesting scenario for mature readers as well. A quick read and a bit rough around the edges at times, the story line and character development carry the day. The obvious misuse of UK terms for US railroading is off-putting, but most readers will never notice. Give it a try.

A excellent book that is well worth the read. Amazing storyline that has me waiting for the 3rd book just to see what happens next. The character feel very real and fleshed out unlike many of the indie authors that you read. In this book we get a lot of the backstory about the characters and what really caused the apocalypse with time jumps back to when it all started. I would recommend this series to anyone.

Once again R.A. Hakok writes a beautiful book continuing his Children of the Mountain series. The characters are well developed, becoming real in the sense that you are able to relate to all their thoughts and emotions. The wonderful dialogue reflects the characters voices and move you along in the story, it's not choppy or repetitive. The story line is full of twists and turns and the imagery keeps you in rooted in this place during every moment.

This was an exceptionally entertaining read. The amount of detail the author gives really paints a bleak image of the world these children were thrust into and forced to survive while quickly becoming adults. Some of it is far fetched in regards to certain character's will to survive and the ability to outsmart others with years of training and experience but without that, there wouldn't be much of a story. Great read though- I found it difficult to put the book down and always looked forward to picking up where I left off, Much like his first book in the series.

This book and its predecessor, Among Wolves, put Mr Hakok in my list of top 5 indie authors. I won't regurgitate the plot but I did want to say that it was a real fun read; exciting, very tightly plotted and with well fleshed out and believable characters. He creates a very atmospheric world that I found easy to get lost in. I found the writing quite polished and professional and look forward to the next book in the series.

A solid second book in the series. Although this book was a bit more back-story oriented than the first I can see that it will have been a great setup for the third. Overall I give the author high marks for his work! If you have not read his first book, Viable, please do. It is also an excellent story and well written.

the pace of the story is enjoyable- not frenetic but a smooth build. our young protagonist is smart, but naive and inexperienced and it shows at times. but that makes him realistic. its an interesting story; try it if you are in the mood for a ya post-apocalypse story.

I did receive and free advance copy of this book. Still a good series to get into, but this book is definitely slower paced than the other two. I think it wasn't until the last third of the book that it really grabbed my attention. Hopefully the next book has a bit more than 'plodding through the snow'? I'm guessing the next book WILL be better.

The plot thickens...new characters are introduced and more secrets are revealed. Mags is infected but has compassion for the other "experiment" that becomes her ally, while Gabe finds out more about the team who are holding him and Mags as "guests". Next installment please!!

R.A. Hakok spins another edgy and interesting post-apocalyptic tale in the second of the series. Gabe's inner dialogue fills most of the pages, but rather than feeling stifled, the first point of view is engaging and oftentimes suspenseful. I highly enjoyed The Devil You Know and eagerly anticipate the third installment.

A wonderful, thrilling follow-up to the first book in the series! I love dystopian stories and this series is one of the best I've read. Can't wait for the third book to come out to learn what happens to Gabe and Mags. I'm glad the author gives details and backstory to help explain why things are the way they are. Five stars!

This was a terrific sequel to "Among Wolves". Bit by bit we are learning more about this post-apocolytic world. Some answers but also more questions. I love the way the story stays internally consistent and comes around to include parts of the first book. Definitely want to read these books in order. Can't wait for the next installment!

This is great!! Nicely written start to the series. This series reminds me of the Out of the Ashes series and it is just as well written! Nicely done and worth a read. My husband and I have greatly enjoyed this book.

Hakok has a knack for descriptive writing and storytelling rarely seen among Indie writers. A believable world with intriguing characters and lots of suspense. A very worthwhile read with plenty of room for expansion of the story. Looking forward to the next chapter.

At first I thought it was a predictable storyline but it is a page turner. I had to stay up all night to finish book couldnt put it down. I enjoyed the new characters and the growth of gabe whom i have grown fond of. I'm excited to see where they go next and what's in store for everyone!

What an exciting book. Finally dystopian fiction that is believable, interesting, and well written. I eagerly await the next episode. I got this book in exchange for a fair and honest review, which this is.

I throughly enjoyed reading this sequel. Hakok develops the characters from The children of the mountain and leads up to what may be in the future for our hero and heroine. Can't wait to read the next one.

Another fantastic installment in this riveting series. One of the best I have read in quite a while. This book takes up the saga and keeps us on the edge of our seats, never failing to deliver twists and turns we never expected. Couldn't put it down

Normally if it a series, I will not start reading it. But this is one series that I find myself wanting the next in the series to hurry up and be completed. I find myself setting on the edge of my chair waiting for the children to be safe.

Really enjoyed both books. Book 2, The Devil You Know was nerve racking in a good way and down right stressful...... But each time something happened to scare me and get my blood boiling, I would get pure satisfaction when the kids would rally and continue fighting to survive. Can't wait for the next book in series. Thanks