by Michele Suzanne
Rating: 4 Bows!
It’s never easy living up to your father’s expectations, but when your father is Satan, and he sees you as his ticket to world domination, it’s especially tough.
Austan Paumgarten wrestles with normal fifteen-year-old issues like grades, girls and winning sports matches, along with some abnormal ones like what to do when his father possesses his roommate. Initially, Austan withdraws, believing himself to be a curse on others but is drawn out by three new friends; Imani Baptiste, a girl with a harrowing past who sees running fast as her only hope of going to college; Gabe Michaels, Austan’s roommate, a socially awkward guy who desperately hopes to find friendship and fit in at St. Ignatius, a competitive all-boys boarding school, and Fr. Bonaventure, a kindly old priest with a chilling connection to Austan’s family.
When his father forces him to collect souls, Austan struggles with his demonic destiny as the devil’s son and his innate desire to help those he cares about.
Austan Paumgarten wrestles with normal fifteen-year-old issues like grades, girls and winning sports matches, along with some abnormal ones like what to do when his father possesses his roommate. Initially, Austan withdraws, believing himself to be a curse on others but is drawn out by three new friends; Imani Baptiste, a girl with a harrowing past who sees running fast as her only hope of going to college; Gabe Michaels, Austan’s roommate, a socially awkward guy who desperately hopes to find friendship and fit in at St. Ignatius, a competitive all-boys boarding school, and Fr. Bonaventure, a kindly old priest with a chilling connection to Austan’s family.
When his father forces him to collect souls, Austan struggles with his demonic destiny as the devil’s son and his innate desire to help those he cares about.
*I was given this book in exchange for my honest review*
I've yet to read a novel that dealt with Religion, more specifically with Satan, and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this novel.
The background story is rather creepy but intriguing at the same time, like in movies where you don't want to watch but you just can't look away! The story is a perfect balance of intense, hilarious, and mystery.
What really worked for this novel was the mixture of personalities from the characters: Austan was aloof and mysterious but conflicted about who he was and what that meant, Imani was a strong hearted girl who just wanted to get ahead in life, and Gabe was the kid that is always striving to please everyone. Their interactions were great to watch and it reminded me of my time in high school.
I liked how we get to see the characters struggle with developing who they will become because that is something we all go through...of course, Austan's case is a little different...
The choices and consequences of our actions are what makes us who we are and that is no different for Austan, Imani and Gabe.
Told from different perspectives, Vade Retro Satana is the story of how parents influence ones life and how that affects those around you. Austan will need to find the strength to do the right thing even if it's not what he want or there will be consequences...bad ones.
Michele Suzanne, thank you for introducing me to this gang of witty and stunning characters, I look forward to see where you take them!
Lovely review! This sounds like an interesting read. If I ever come across it, I'll definitely check it out.:)
ReplyDeleteIts a great book with an interesting concept! Its an amazon in case you want to check it out (:
ReplyDeleteGreat review Sara :) I wasn't sure I was going to understand the review as the title sounded Spanish or something... lol but I really enjoyed your take on the book!
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