This book is quite hard to understand, but when you get the gist of it, it becomes clear and the exceptional writing come through. The main characters are three ordinary teenagers, Smokey, Bryan and Jake, whose lives have been terrorized by fear of the Dark Man. A pleasing mix of horror and detective work, this book should be read by teenagers and adults, as I consider it a bit too complicated and scary for younger children. Bryan's brother Adam, was taken by the Dark Man ten years ago, when he walked down the Devil's footsteps and sang the haunting children's rhyme. Bryan ran, and has been running ever since, but when he teams up with Smokey and Jake, he realises that he has to face his fears and walk the feared stepping stones. This simple task tests all the teenagers mental and physical strengths, pushing them to their limits. The characters are easy to relate to, and their emotions are shown vividly, and the writing pulls you into the heart of the story. With a slogan such as: Thirteen steps to the Dark Man's door, won't be turning back no more, this plot is sure to frighten young children. During the story, lots of children have disappeared, with Jake and Smokey wanting their own mysteries solved. I think that the plot could be told better and in a way that more people could understand it easily. Other than that, great originality and writing in an exciting novel that shows horror in a whole new light.