Devilish (Novel)

For other uses of the word Succubus, see Succubus (disambiguation).

Devilish is a novel written by Maureen Johnson.

Cover of Devilish by Maureen Johnson.

Alternative Cover of Devilish by Maureen Johnson.

Details

• Title: Devilish
• Author: Maureen Johnson
• Format: Paperback
• Publisher: Razorbill
• Pages: 272
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1595141324
• ISBN-13: 978-1595141323
• Release Date: August 16, 2007

Synopsis/Commentary

Fast paced and very funny, this is the story of high-school senior Jane Jarvis, who gets in over her head--which isn't difficult because she's very short. She's also very smart, and when her best friend, Allison, starts acting oddly, it doesn't take Jane long to figure out that there's some unholy connection between Ally and mysterious Lanalee, a new girl at their Catholic school. Connection, indeed. As it turns out, Ally has sold her soul to junior devil Lanalee in exchange for popularity; however, Jane doesn't buy Ally's tearful confession. Boldly, she informs Lanalee that she will take Ally's place (she really thinks the whole thing is bunk). Bunk it is not, and soon enough Jane finds herself in the fight of (and for) her life. Johnson does a very clever thing here. She takes a typical high-school story about popularity (amusing enough in Jane's snarky voice) and turns it on its head when evil comes on the scene.

Book Review

The following reviews are from the Amazon.com listing in the External Links below:

• 5.0 out of 5 stars
• Fast-paced and funny
• Reviewed On: January 6, 2007
• Reviewed By: Sheila Ruth, Editor, WandsAndWorlds.com

Jane Jarvis has always looked after her best friend, Ally. So Jane is determined to help Ally through Big-Little day at Saint Teresa's Preparatory School for Girls. Big-Little day is a day when seniors each choose a freshman to take under their wing and mentor as their "little." Ally, unpopular and totally lacking in self-confidence, is sure that no freshman will want her for a "big." And sure enough, Big-Little day ends disastrously for Ally when she humiliates herself in front of the whole school.

But the next day, something strange starts happening. Ally shows up at school with a new haircut and new clothes. Not only is her appearance changed, but Ally also seems to have developed a new-found confidence. Jane begins to suspect that something is wrong, and eventually she discovers that Ally has sold her soul to a demon. Jane is determined to save Ally at all costs, but more than that, Jane soon finds herself caught up in cosmic battle against the forces of evil.

I'm not a big fan of high school stories; high school wasn't all that great when I was actually there, and I certainly have no desire to relive it in books. But devilish caught my attention from the first page and held it to the end. Jane is a fascinating character, a brilliant student but a rebel, and it's a lot of fun to watch her try to outwit the demon. devilish is a funny, fast-paced story with many interesting twists, but mostly it's just a really good read.

External Links

• Amazon Book Listing