Publisher’s Weekly Best of 2009 This subtle, eerie present-day horror novel mercilessly dissects and reassembles the classic narrative of a man returning to his smalltown birthplace, where the familiar folks have become strange creatures… Gregory (Pandemonium) produces a quietly brilliant second novel… A wide variety of believable characters, a well-developed sense of place and some fascinating scientific speculation will earn this understated novel an appreciative audience among fans of literary SF.

Kirkus Reviews: Evokes the best of Stephen King: Gregory is a writer to watch.

Library Journal: “Gregory (Pandemonium) creates a disturbing yet fascinating vision of a new evolution of humanity along two distinct lines, raising questions as to what constitutes being human. VERDICT As involving as any mystery, this tale calls to mind both the groundbreaking work of Philip K. Dick and the universal appeal of Ray Bradbury.”

The Agony Column:  Gregory’s work is dense and intense, our life observed through a monstrous filter that somehow makes monsters more relevant the humans we see every day — probably because they’re not so different.

Stomping Yeti: “There are books that grab you from the first page, dragging you along at a relentless pace. Then there are books that slowly seduce you with strong characters and until you find yourself captivated and caring more than you would ever expect. Daryl Gregory’s brilliant sophomore effort, The Devil’s Alphabet, is definitely one of the latter.”

Graeme’s Fantasy Book Review: 8.25/10. (Yes, he gives quarter stars.) “Having finished ‘The Devil’s Alphabet’, I have to say that while it didn’t quite match up to ‘Pandemonium’ but it’s still worth a look…”

SFF World (Rob H. Bedford): I can see why this book was on Publisher’s Weekly top Science Fiction/Fantasy novels of 2009. However, part of what I enjoyed about the book is how it slipped in and out of the related genres of fantasy, science fiction, and horror.  Overall, a very solid novel that has me regretting I’ve yet to read Gregory’s debut novel, Pandemonium.  An oversight I will remedy.