A Blood-Soaked, Witch-Filled Nightmare

Marie Lestrange’s The Devil’s Colony delivers a relentless, haunting, and visceral reimagining of one of America’s most enduring mysteries: the disappearance of the Lost Colony of Roanoke. By blending historical fiction with full-throttle horror, Lestrange crafts a tale that grips readers with its eerie atmosphere, brutal violence, and creeping sense of dread. From the first page to the last, this novel refuses to let up.

This is not a slow-burn horror novel. Instead, it launches into an all-out assault of blood, fire, and madness. If you enjoy historical fiction laced with the supernatural—and have the stomach for truly unsettling imagery—this book is an absolute must-read.

Many thanks to Victory Editing for an electronic ARC in exchange for my authentic review.

“The Devil’s Colony” Premise: Roanoke Like You’ve Never Seen It Before

Set in 1587, The Devil’s Colony follows the Dare family—Ananais, Eleanor, Agnes, Henry, and baby Virginia, the first English child born in the New World. While these figures originate from real historical records, Lestrange takes their story in a terrifying new direction. The novel presents Roanoke as a doomed settlement, plagued by strange occurrences, horrific deaths, and the constant, oppressive presence of something lurking just beyond the tree line. Witches, wendigos, and possessed children turn this settlement into a nightmare, and the novel leans into the question: what really happened to Roanoke?

Told through multiple points of view, the novel embraces an era-specific narrative style, with most chapter openings framed as prayers—desperate pleas to God for salvation from the horrors creeping into the settlement. This approach creates an immersive, almost claustrophobic reading experience that plunges you into the settlers’ growing terror and paranoia. The Devil’s Colony reads like a found-footage horror film in book form. It’s fast-paced, utterly gruesome, and drenched in dread.

From the moment the Dares set foot on the cursed land, the colony faces misfortune. Crops fail. Shadows shift in the woods. Children disappear or return… different. As tensions rise and the death toll climbs, it becomes clear that something ancient and hungry has taken root in Roanoke. No one is safe.

What Makes “The Devil’s Colony” Stand Out

1. A Fast-Paced, Visceral Horror Experience

Unlike many horror novels that take their time building suspense, this one strikes fast. Lestrange wastes no time—right from the start, the book becomes a bloodbath. If you enjoy horror packed with nonstop tension, action, and gore, you’ll be hooked immediately.

The violence in this novel is not for the faint of heart. Lestrange excels at crafting nightmarish imagery that lingers long after you’ve put the book down. Women transform into sacks of skin that skitter around like puppies (yes, really!). Corpses whisper secrets. Something monstrous watches from the woods, waiting to claim its next victim. If body horror unsettles you, proceed with caution—this book does not hold back.

2. Historical Fiction with a Dark, Supernatural Twist

One of the most fascinating aspects of this novel is how Lestrange intertwines real history with fiction. The fate of the Roanoke settlers remains one of history’s greatest unsolved mysteries, and The Devil’s Colony offers a chilling hypothetical answer.

The Dares existed in reality. Virginia Dare’s birth marked a historical milestone. The colony’s inexplicable disappearance remains well-documented. Lestrange uses these facts as a foundation and constructs an intricate, terrifying what-if scenario, blending historical authenticity with full-blown supernatural horror.

3. Female Rage and Revenge

Without spoiling too much, this book thrives on powerful moments of female rage and vengeance. The women of Roanoke endure horrific treatment at the hands of both the supernatural forces at play and the men who claim to lead them. However, they do not remain victims. If you love stories where women refuse to go down without a fight—even when the odds seem impossibly stacked against them—you’ll find deeply satisfying moments throughout this novel.

4. Masterful Use of Atmosphere and Language

Lestrange’s writing stands out as stunning and immersive. Her descriptions pull you deep into the eerie, oppressive world of Roanoke. The forests breathe, the settlement feels cursed, and every shadow hides a potential nightmare.

By framing much of the narrative as prayers, she adds an extra layer of authenticity and dread. The characters’ devotion to God serves not only as a reflection of the time period but also as a desperate lifeline—a way to cling to sanity as the world around them unravels. Whether or not their prayers receive answers… well, you’ll have to read to find out.

Potential Drawbacks of “The Devil’s Colony”

While I loved this book, some elements may not work for every reader.

1. Time Jumps and Off-Page Action

Due to the novel’s multiple POVs, the timeline shifts frequently. One chapter might take place in May, while the next jumps to July with an entirely different character narrating. As a result, some major events unfold off-page. Characters may suddenly die, or relationships may shift dramatically without the reader witnessing it firsthand.

Although this structure enhances the found-footage feel of the book, it may frustrate readers who prefer a more linear narrative.

2. Heavy Religious Themes

Given the historical setting, religion plays a significant role in the book. The Roanoke settlers lived as deeply religious individuals (likely Puritans), and their beliefs shape their dialogue and inner monologues. Nearly every chapter begins with a prayer, often pleading for salvation from the evil surrounding them.

For some readers, this adds authenticity and tension to the story. However, others may find the heavy focus on Christianity overwhelming. It’s worth noting that while faith remains a central theme, the novel frequently blurs the line between devotion and madness.

Final Thoughts on “The Devil’s Colony”

I loved this book. It moves at a breakneck pace, delivers brutally intense horror, and features some of the most striking imagery I’ve encountered in a long time. By combining real history, supernatural horror, and gut-wrenching violence, Lestrange creates an unforgettable reading experience.

If you enjoy historical horror, folklore-based nightmares, or books that embrace darkness, The Devil’s Colony belongs on your reading list. Just be prepared to sleep with the lights on.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Will you be picking this one up? Let’s talk all things Roanoke, witches, and historical horror in the comments!