Virginia Weiss

This book annoyed me. It meandered on and on with so many words to say so little. I should have abandoned it early on when it abruptly switched from the first scene with Lucifer to recounting Emma's life up until that point. It just seemed interminable.

Maybe I didn't get it, but maybe there wasn't an "it" to get. I was excited at the prospect of Kuan Yin and Eastern* philosophies bringing something different to the tale, but aside from the elliptical comments and circular nature of various events, I didn't really feel it.

Other criticisms: misrepresentation of wolf social hierarchies, slight racism, never-ending descriptions of each moment and object, "it was all a dream"-type cop out, bizarre sexual tension and content which should have either a) been more of the book or b) not been in it (I felt). This one also suffers from a bit of a Mary Sue character where it's clear she's suffering but unclear why Lucifer would take any interest. There was a whole lot of telling us exactly what she thought and felt which was unnecessary.

There were some nice ideas in this book, and hints of better books it could have been. It sits in an uneasy place between child and adult literature where I want to call it YA but don't feel like most teenagers would bother finishing it. There were plenty of very visual moments, attempts to deal with interesting issues (agoraphobia, domestic violence, death of a child etc.), and surprisingly decent sex.

I don't hate it, I just wouldn't read it again or recommend it.

*There was a mix of Chinese, Japanese and Indian deities that made it seem that a non-specific "Eastern" would be the best descriptor.… (mehr)

Emma Addison has been through a lot in life. Her older brother died when she was young and she felt somewhat responsible for the death. Her parents die soon after. She is left with an aunt who does not like her and an uncle who likes her “too much”. Running from that bad situation to an eventual grown-up life with a job, a boyfriend, and surrogate parents. Eventually that all falls away too. So Emma turns to the supernatural and inadvertently summons the devil. Whether what Emma sees next may be real or may not be but it sure is interesting.

The cover and the summary for this book drew me in. I was raised Catholic but have questions about religion. I, like Emma, have found interest in many ideas from all religions intriguing. So many things that Emma goes through mirror some of my life in ways I can not explain. As weird as it sounds I feel like this book was meant for me. Even though this is a fictional book with fictional characters that tie in our reality with many religions and myths it just seems feasible.
The book is fast paced and sometimes scary. At least to me. As I begrudgingly read the end, I was okay with how it did end.

I would not change anything in this book. I do submit a warning for Christians who feel strongly in their beliefs and do not like to question them. This book may not be for you. If you have an open mind, give it a shot but just warning you.

I have looked all over the web for more by author Virginia Weiss. Alas, I can not find her or any more works. Just throwing this out there but Miss Weiss if you read this I would like an interview for Confuzzled Books Blog. Eager to see more of your writing.… (mehr)