| Book Review | Jennifer Hairfield |
Working
for the Devil
by: Lilith Saintcrow
I've always been a believer that a picture is worth a
thousand words. I use this when picking books to read. Just
picking up and looking at this novel a few thoughts came to
mind. The title itself gives a biblical reference while the
series name, Dante Valentine Novel, refers to the Divine
Comedy. Also, the author's name, Lilith Saintcrow, which I
doubt is her real name, has lots of images attached to it as
well. With the name Lilith, the image of a strong female
comes to mind, which our main character in the story is, as
for Saintcrow; it deals with Death and the Gods. Not to
mention, she is probably a fan of the movie The Crow.
Honestly, I didn't think I would like this novel with all
the different references, but I am also a firm believer in
not judging a book by its cover, I decided to bite my
tongue, bear it, and see if I would like it.
The story jumps right in with the action. Dante Valentine,
the main character, is a sanctioned necromancer, someone who
can raise the dead. People can always tell what she is by
her tattoo on her cheek and the Katana sword that she
carries. All people with psychic abilities are highly
coveted and trained in certain arts in this society. Right
at the beginning we meet Lucifer's right hand assassin,
Tierce Japhrimel, who becomes her demon familiar by
Lucifer's will. Japhrimel's only orders are to keep Dante
alive and bring his egg back. As for Dante, all she has to
do is kill the demon, Santino, who escaped Hell and is
trying to take over. An added benefit to this kill is that
she can finally get her revenge for her friend Dorreen, who
he killed viciously. But while reading this story nothing is
ever what it seems, and hardly anyone tells the whole truth.
Once Dante accepts the mission we follow her and Japhrimel
around Saint City collecting information and getting
equipment together for the Hunt. Japhrimel takes his job to
the maximum in protecting Dante, which ticks her off for she
is very independent. But, if they succeed in the mission
then Japhrimel will be free from Hell and Dante will be
richer than she could ever imagine and finally be out of
debt. The force relationship between our main characters
starts off somewhat civil with a few spats sporadically, to
her defending him to her friends, who invite themselves
along for the festivities, to caring very deeply for him.
The group flies down to Nuevo Rio and joins up with Dante's
ex, Jace, who is also attached to the mob.
Once in Rio, this is where most of the action takes place.
With help from all her friends, especially Japhrimel and his
sharing of his demon power to Dante, she fulfills her
agreement to Lucifer, for she would rather die than go back
on her word. Throughout the story you slowly get involved
with the characters to the point of feeling intense emotions
when they get hurt or die. We also get to see what Dante is
thinking and truly feeling throughout the story. The whole
book is fun to read and hooks you before you know it. The
author did an amazing job of characterization and giving the
reader just enough details to keep the imagination working.