Summary:
When 17 year old Cooper dies in an attempt to burn down his school, he finds himself in the afterlife. Lucy, the Devil's sister who has crossed party lines, decides to give Cooper another shot at heaven. The deal? Cooper returns to Earth and has to find a girl named Grace. The rest is up to him.
While Cooper figures out his mission, he's thrown into the life he's always wanted. Great parents, a spot on the Varsity football team and a real future are all within reach. But what he really wants is Grace, a feisty girl with an abusive boyfriend who can pound Cooper into pulp if he doesn't watch out.
While Lucy plays demonic-puppeteer, clues to an unknown past between Cooper and Grace start to unravel. Cooper discovers that what's keeping him and Grace apart is far more sinister than anything this bad boy could have ever imagined.
My thoughts:
I saw this cover a while back and loved it. Then I was approached to review the books, so of course I agreed. I love books where the Devil is a character, and this may be the first one I've read where the Devil's sister is a character. So I loved that spin. Especially since Lucy is going against her brother by helping Cooper get another shot at Heaven.
I enjoyed the characterization. There are glimpses of Cooper's previous life when he burned down the gym and we get to see how different things are for Cooper in his new life. The contrast was done really well and added to his character's depth.
While he tries to get close to Grace, things get complicated and more dangerous for Cooper. She's got a boyfriend and he's trouble. I wish we would've gotten to see more of Cooper and Grace, but it seems like we may get to see it in the next book.
Overall, it was an enjoyable and quick read.
Just for fun:
Would you trust the Devil's sister to help you get into heaven?
This premise sounds very unique and interesting. I love the fact that Cooper will have a "redemption" arc. Not too many authors use those -- they're hard to do. Thanks for the info, Kelly! Wishing Toni huge success! :-)
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it, Lexa.
DeleteOoh, so since Grace already has a boyfriend, I'm guessing there's some good tension scenes in there between the boys... *heh, heh, heh* ;)
ReplyDeleteYou're a smart cookie. ;)
DeleteWhat an interesting concept! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteNot the devil's sister, but yes for a good looking brother, for him I'd say one shouldn't be tainted by familial association, and that I don't judge people by their zip - codes ;)
ReplyDeleteInteresting premise.
Don't judge people by their zip codes. :) Love that!
DeleteI'd probably trust the devil's sister if I didn't know her true identity, LOL :-)
ReplyDeleteLOL. That would help with the trust issue. ;)
DeleteThis is an odd-sounding book, but I like the idea of Cooper's "second chance" at redemption. That ought to make for an intense read! :)
ReplyDeleteAnd no, I wouldn't trust the devil's sister... primarily because Satan is a fallen angel and doesn't HAVE one... so anyone who said she is the devil's sister is a liar and therefore not trustworthy. ;)
Ah, the beauty of fiction. :) Writers have such power, don't we? We can bend rules and make things work for our stories. I personally love that and look for books that break rules because you know you are getting a new twist to an old idea.
DeleteWhat Katrina said -- I'd take Lucy for a liar. However, I'll bet anybody who finds out they're headed for hell will jump at a chance at heaven no matter what. :)
ReplyDeleteYou're probably right.
DeleteThis sounds like an interesting book and I like that the devil's sister is a character. I do not think I would trust her though! :)
ReplyDelete~Jess
I wouldn't be too trusting either, but like Marcia said, if I had a chance at heaven, I'd probably listen to the devil's sister to get there.
DeleteRationally, I wouldn't trust her, of course. But the great thing about stories is you've got to jump in to find out what she wants and why she's doing this. Lucy ~ what an innocent name for the devil's sister!
ReplyDeleteYes, I love that about books. :)
DeleteI don't think I could trust the devil's sister!
ReplyDeleteHmmm, quite an intriguing concept. Congratulations to Toni!
It definitely is an interesting concept.
DeleteI'm interested by devilish and demonic characters. This sounds great.
ReplyDeleteNo, I don't think I could trust the devil's sister.
Me too. I love demonic characters. :)
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ReplyDeleteHey, Kelly!
An amazing review of what should be a real page turner. I'm cheering at the top of my lungs for Cooper, but in respect to your question> "Just for fun:
Would you trust the Devil's sister to help you get into heaven?" Well, it would be tempting if she was a 5'9" brunette with a bone to pick with her brother, but otherwise have to proceed w/caution. All the best to Toni Depalma and her rather engaging book-cheers!
LOL
DeleteA very intriguing concept! And refreshing to see a cover with a male protagonist flanked by two girls -- so many recent YA franchises have been the other way around.
ReplyDeleteGood point! I didn't even think of that, but you are spot on.
DeleteI really appreciate your professional approach. These are pieces of very useful information that will be of great use for me in future.
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