Come, venture with me into the furthest reaches of hell, where good boys can suddenly turn very, very bad and Death is actually a small man with glasses.
I’m talking of course about The Devil’s Apprentice, the latest pick from the lovely The Write Reads on his mega blog tour!
This book is seen through the eyes of Philip, a very good boy whose life takes a sudden turn for the worse when he’s mistakenly hit by Death in a car. Suddenly, he’s transported to Hell, where things suddenly become a lot more treacherous. Because Lucifer is dying, and though he’s picked the wrong successor, he has no choice but to start training him up in the ways of evil.
I think that synopsis alone sums up everything that is excellent about this book. It’s got a sort of Terry Pratchett-esque quirkiness about it, where you feel that literally anything could- and does- happen. It feels like you’re on an adventure: along with Philip, you discover that literally no crime goes unpunished. Did you step on others during your lifetime? No problem: spend eternity as part of a road! The worldbuilding and inventiveness on display here makes for a rollicking read, and created a world that I really enjoyed finding out more about.
Philip’s development over the course of the book was an interesting one. I liked his slow acclimatisation to the new situation he finds himself in, and the way he gradually forms friendships down in hell (all hail Lucifax, the devil’s cat! Because of course the devil has a cat). Andersen takes full advantage of his unusual protagonist to explore the fine line between good and evil: to which extent is being good or bad a choice? Can we decide our own destiny?
For me, though, the best thing about the book is Philip’s transformation. I won’t give too much away, but it’s definitely one of the boldest and most daring plot twists I can remember reading!
Masterfully written, funny and wonderfully imagined, this is a YA quite unlike any other. If you’re in the mood for a Terry Pratchett-C.S. Lewis-Lucifer crossover, then welcome, friend. You’re in for a real treat!
The Roaring Bookworm 
I’ve got my stop next week but had to come and read what you thought. I agree – I loved this book. It was quirky, fun and adventurous. Great review!
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