Review: The Devil's Apprentice (The Great Devil War, #1)

Author: Kenneth B. Andersen
Started reading: July 29th 2019
Finished the book: August 2nd 2019
Pages: 311
Genres: Fantasy, YA
Published: September 30th 2005
Source: Got a digital copy from the author
Goodreads score: 4.10
My score:

Synopsis

Philip is a good boy, a really good boy, who accidentally gets sent to Hell to become the Devil’s heir. The Devil, Lucifer, is dying and desperately in need of a successor, but there’s been a mistake and Philip is the wrong boy. Philip is terrible at being bad, but Lucifer has no other choice than to begin the difficult task of training him in the ways of evil. Philip gets both friends and enemies in this odd, gloomy underworld—but who can he trust, when he discovers an evil-minded plot against the dark throne?

My thoughts

Lately there have been tons and tons of YA Fantasy books and I've seen a lot of readers getting sick of it, since it's very often much of the same. This is another YA Fantasy book, but it's like NOTHING you've ever read. The story was so unique, and although it takes place in hell, the story is mainly about being good, and about what is good and what is evil. I think this was one of my favorite books this summer!

Pros

• Harry Potter: This is one of the biggest compliments I can give an author, but the story reminded me a bit of Harry Potter. In the first HP book you follow a young boy into a different realm and you get to know it together. In this book you follow Philip who enters hell and together you learn more about this place and slowly the story unfolds. 
• Characters: I loved how everybody in hell is supposed to be evil and they want to be evil and want to be the bad guy, but secretly a lot of the characters are kinda sweet too. I think Philip was a great main character, but main characters can only shine with good side characters as well. This book had a whole bunch of great side characters.
• World building: There is no hell without heaven and no heaven without hell. It was nice to read how the Bible, God and Jesus are a part of the story as well and the author definitely knows the Bible and the stories. A lot of references towards religion are in this book. The way it's written is also respectful and very well done. I was a bit scared that the story would be gloomy, since the book takes place in hell, and the devil is there and all that stuff. But it didn't feel dark at all.
• Morale: Big parts of the book are about good deeds, evil deeds and what is good and what is bad? When are you good and when are you bad and what kind of feeling does it give you? A great morale for a YA book.

Cons

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Overall

One of the most unique YA Fantasy books I've read in awhile. Highly enjoyable, easy to read, great world building, great characters, lots of questions and mystery. A book that explores the line between good and evil.

Definitely worth your time and I'm going to read the second book SOON!

Other opinions on this book

"Impressive world building through vivid imagery. The Devil's Apprentice reminded me of the Harry Potter series, as the plot is complex enough to satisfy teenager and adults of all ages."

- Love Reading

"Highly entertaining, fun and incredibly creative! From the very first paragraph, I was in it."

- Reads & Reels

"Colourful characters and devilish humour. Entertainment from page one to the end."

- Books told me so

Thanks for reading!

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