Who says one man can’t fight evil? In Devil’s Den by Jeff Altabef, Steven Cabbott is a one-man force to be reckoned with who has to choose between good and evil. After a past full of violence and killing, Steven has to decide whether to give in to the demons trying to steal his soul or forge a path for goodness. The choice becomes simple when his only true love contacts him to say her daughter has disappeared. After 16 years of separation, Steven has no hesitation in helping Kate and, in the process, uncovers some interesting facts about his past. Fortunately for Steven and Kate, Megan is a smart young lady with several people willing to look out for her as she is groomed for special duties in a quasi-religious cult that hides human trafficking in a future of virtual reality and mind control. Will rescue come in time and does Steven really have what it takes to be a true hero?

Jeff Altabef has created a realistic look at the future with a distinct divide between rich and poor and those who have special access to technology in Devil’s Den. Exciting action makes this thriller move quickly and the added spice of supernatural elements increases the appeal. Steven is a well-defined character struggling with issues that are beyond the usual and the rest of the characters provide colorful engagement supporting the overall plot. A smooth read with plenty of action and solid characters. Intense with a love story thrown in, Devil’s Den is a great book and the perfect beginning to what should be a wonderful series.

Steve's mother saw demons, and now he does too. Returning home in the hope of discovering answers, he soon finds himself on a mission that will bring him closer to the truth than he could imagine. He has spent years battling demons, both figurative and literal ones, but he finally came home only to receive an almost perfectly timed plea for help. His ex's daughter, Megan, has been abducted, and lacking the funds to pay the police she reaches desperately to the one person she thinks could be of help. He will move Heaven and Hell to see it through; better yet, they should know their place and step aside. Nothing will stop him, not the demons who hunt him, not his doubts, not even the fact that his enemies seem to remain one step ahead of him. Megan is just another number in a string of disappearances orchestrated by The Farm. They brainwash their subjects into compliance and preach religion, but their agenda is a little more sinister.

Devil's Den is the first book in Jeff Altabef's A Nephilim Thriller and what a first book it is. You're immediately pulled into Steve's distorted world, a place of political hierarchy, districts and, of course, demons. You can't help but love Steve's no nonsense attitude. Tempered by life and experiences, he is a firm believer in actions speaking louder than words, especially when said actions make people confess, and he has the stomach and the attitude needed to get things done. Nothing and no one will stop him. Devil's Den has an intensely gripping narrative with vivid descriptions, striking characters, and a plot that sinks its claws in so deep you may end up scarred for life. It is impossible to put down; you just have to know what is happening, you need to see the bigger picture, and when you do see it ... you may wish you'd had the foresight to avert your gaze.