Intriguing and hilarious while entertaining. This book kept my interest peaked page after page. While obviously fictional it certainly reads as actually written by Crumblewit. A delectable treat with a delightful dark humor. Even if you are unfamiliar with Screwtape this book is refreshingly satisfying in a macabre sort of way.



I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. Thank you for the generosity in exchange for an honest review. ( )

I'm giving Derek Wilson two stars in my review mostly because it takes a lot of balls to write a self-proclaimed "sequel" to the masterpiece Screwtape Letters. To openly draw comparisons to one of the arguably greatest writers of all times is either very brave or very foolish.

When held against Lewis' classic, Magnificnet Malevolence is flat, repetive and derivative. Wilson is doing what has already been done, but not nearly as well. Unlike in Screwtape, the criticisms in M.M. are too obvious to be impactful (internet porn is endorsed by the devil - who knew?) and the themes are too broad to be personal (mega-churchs are more about show than carrying on Jesus' missions- shocking!). Lewis had the awareness and skill to record the little things individuals do to each other everyday that are devilish. As a result, we can change our behaviors and become better. Wilson's attempt at this fails because his scope is too big and historic.

I'm sorry to continuosly compare this work to Lewis', but by putting Screwtape on the cover, Wilson asked for it. In a vacuum, Wilson's work would be ok, but he begged comparisons (and sales) with his cover art. As such, the work fails. ( )

This is by no means the only "sequel" to Lewis' _The Screwtape Letters_ that has been written over the years. The premise of the original is an appealing one and quite handy for the scrutiny of current events and trends in a different light.

Unfortunately, _Magnificent Malevolence_ fails to take full advantage of Lewis' premise. Rather than focusing on the human failings of the present age, which might have provided more original insight, Wilson burdens the demon Crumblewit with a very narrow survey of social and religious (primarily Christian) trends over the past 60 or 70 years. For the most part, this material provides no surprises. It's hard to dispute that the good intentions that pave the road to Crumblewit's Hell can be twisted and distorted in many of the ways described, but they're nothing new; humanity has been falling into those same basic errors for centuries now, if not longer. Yet, today's world indulges in new forms of error, in my opinion (or at least, old errors in new skins), and I would have preferred to see the author take on some of those.

The material that is presented seemed to become repetitious as Crumblewit flitted from one scheme to another. Perhaps this stands as a good commentary on Hell itself, which is the antithesis of progress, but it serves less well to advance the narrative. ( )

I laughed out loud as I read this book. The themes of pride and selfishness which must be a part of the life of a demon were clearly evident. I enjoyed the subtle ways in which Crumblewhit was able to accomplish his mission. The fresh take on the modern church was eye opening. This book was able to accomplish the goal of making us look at our own lives and our walk with God. ( )

Clearly, and by the author's admission, this is connected to the brilliant work "The Screwtape Letters" by the masterful C.S. Lewis. Unfortunately, this work never consistently achieves the same level of insight, wit, or scathing commentary that the original displayed. I certainly found moments to love, laugh with, or be unsettled by, but if felt a bit lackluster generally. I am glad I read it once, but this won't garner the same attention year after year that Lewis' groundbreaking work has earned. ( )