The Devil's Web [Mass Market Paperback]

Mary Balogh (Author)

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback
• Publisher: Dell (2008)
• ASIN: B001LQMIPW
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 2.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (46 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,337,110 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Mary Balogh is the New York Times bestselling author of the acclaimed Slightly novels: Slightly Married, Slightly Wicked, Slightly Scandalous, Slightly Tempted, Slightly Sinful, and Slightly Dangerous, as well as the romances No Man's Mistress, More than a Mistress, and One Night for Love. She is also the author of Simply Love, Simply Unforgettable, Simply Magic, and Simply Perfect, her dazzling quartet of novels set at Miss Martin's School for Girls. A former teacher herself, she grew up in Wales and now lives in Canada.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Balogh doesn't compromise in order to make readers happy, December 31, 2007

By 

Kathy Kaiser - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Devil's Web (Dell Historical Romance) (Mass Market Paperback)

While other reviewers were disheartened by the struggles the main characters experience throughout this story, I found the book perfectly understandable and appreciated the continuity that Balogh is brave enough to create and publish. If you had read the other two books, you would realize that this final story would be the most difficult of the three love stories. Balogh left the character of James for the end because he had the most inner hubris to overcome and work through. I've read enough Balogh books to realize that her characterization is always consistent. She won't compromise character traits or inner struggles that she gives them in previous books. I was eager to see how she would help James resolve his guilt and overcome his difficult upbringing. She's 'right on' in his reticence, fear of love, and in the ways he would treat Madeleine. I also realize, however, that I was girding myself for a difficult read when I purchased Devil's Web. I, like others, much prefer a more light-hearted romance. This is an older book, and I think that Balogh has matured as a writer over the last 17 years. She does keep getting better and better, but I have a hard time seeing readers give her such low marks when she is by far one of the best writers writing romance these days.

42 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars The Relationship From Hell! ** Grade: C **, September 20, 2004

By 

MaryGrace Meloche (Ontario, Canada.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Devil's Web (Paperback)

Mary Balogh first introduced Madeline and James, to her readers, in THE GILDED WEB. And oh how well the author intrigued her readers with this couple -- so skillfully setting the stage for their story. So skillfully, that when I finally tracked down James and Madeline on the secondary market I immediately placed my order. After all, what are a few, big dollars? I JUST HAD to find out what happened to this couple. Mary, Mary, Mary! Oh my goodness! James and Madeline's story, THE DEVIL'S WEB, is a disheartening read. It is the story of two combatants, two people who should never have married! I don't care how much Balogh claims they share a hidden love deep in their hearts! The depth is too great! These two people FIGHT, FIGHT, and FIGHT some more, and when they are not fighting they ignore each other!

An overzealous religious father raised James Purnell. Love and friendship raised Madeline Raine. Everyone liked her -- everyone except James Purnell. "Obsession" is the key word in this novel. A novel about two people who share this unwanted emotion, two people who can't let go, two people who drag each other through the gutter of despair.

No doubt, Mary Balogh can write a story. Her writing skills are always first-rate. She pulls her reader into a story. There is no question Mary Balogh is one of my all-time favorite authors. I don't think there is anyone else who can write such diversified characters as this lady! Balogh's "Signet Regency" collection may be similar in setting but each story is OH SO different. Would I recommend THIS particular story? Only if you are reading the entire "Raine series" and you want closure . . . Grade: C

Publish date: August 1990

Grace Atkinson, Ontario - Canada.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally, a relationship requiring work., January 10, 2008

By 

P Tupper "lawyerlady001" (San Diego, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Devil's Web (Dell Historical Romance) (Mass Market Paperback)

I loved this book, the characters, and the situations. I agonized through the main characters inability to talk to each other. I ached as they watched others have the type of lives they wanted but did not know how to achieve. My heart broke for James as he tried to break through to his father, knowing it was impossible. And I absolutlely LOVED how Balough wove all the different aspects of love throughout this story with the lives and reactions of the different characters. I think this is one of my favorite Balough books. I don't understand how others could see it as anything other than affirming the ability to overcome the most crippling of psychological obstacles in an attempt to find freedom in the ability to express love. I will re-read this book down the road, and I will enjoy every one of the interwoven love stories that each open the door for James and Madeline to be able to share themselves.