Repossessed

by A.M. Jenkins

Don't call me a demon. I prefer the term Fallen Angel. Everybody deserves a vacation, right? Especially if you have a pointless job like tormenting the damned. So who could blame me for blowing off my duties and taking a small, unauthorized break? Besides, I've always wanted to see what physical existence is like. That's why I "borrowed" the slightly used body of a slacker teen. Believe me, he wasn't going to be using it anymore anyway. I have never understood why humans do the things they do. Like sin—if it's so terrible, why do they keep doing it? I'm going to have a lot of fun finding out!

Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Humor, Teen, Fiction, Demons

224 pages, Hardcover

First published May 29, 2007

About the author

Born in 1961. Have lived in TX all my life. Divorced with three sons, two dogs (Hobo and Tyson), two cats (Waldo and Smudge), and two gerbils (Nimbus and Gobi). Jobs throughout my life include pizza maker, ice cream dipper, day care worker, bookstore manager, aerobics instructor, high school math teacher, elementary reading tutor, and freelance writer (warning: this, kiddies, is what may happen to you if you get a liberal arts degree). Published books include Breaking Boxes, Damage, Out of Order, Beating Heart, Repossessed, Night Road, and Hallowmere #5 Queen of the Masquerade (with Tiffany Trent). Short stories include The Last Second, in Michael Cart's anthology Rush Hour: Reckless.

Reviews

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Look at the cover. What do you see? Yep, a demon! Demons don’t generally promote a feeling of tranquility do they? However, this one is smiling which is unusual. When you read the first line of REPOSSESSED, First thing I did was, I stole a body, you don’t quite know what you are getting into. Thoughts of a demon inhabiting a teenager and running around causing havoc enters your mind. But, you soon find out that isn’t the case at all.

Kiriel is one of the fallen, condemned to a life in hell tormeting the poor souls that are unfortunate enough to end up there. He’s performed the same function for thousands of years and he is sick of it. All he wants is a little vacation. He knows he can’t run away from Hell forever, but really, who is gonna know if he leaves for a while? No one checks up on him to make sure he is tormenting enough souls or anything.

After a lot of observing, Kiriel inhabits a young teenager named Shaun right before he is about to be hit by a bus. He was going to die anyway; so what if he didn’t get to experience the last 2 seconds of his life. Kiriel wants to experience life for a change instead of just watching. He enjoys everything: walking, feeling the breeze blow across his skin, and, of course, eating (he falls in love with ketchup).

Not knowing how long he is going to be able to stay inside Shaun’s body, Kiriel doesn’t waste anytime experiencing life. While he begins to interact with the people in Shaun’s life, he realizes that he doesn’t just want to disappear. He wants to leave a mark on the world before he goes back. He comes up with four things that he can influence for the better before his time ends on Earth. He plants 4 seeds, hoping they’ll grow after he isn’t around to tend them anymore.

REPOSSESSION is a delightful book. There are many sections that make you laugh out loud and definately even more that just cause a smile to spread on your face. I love the unique idea that a “demon” from Hell comes to our world and understands how important life is. He knows you should make the best of every minute you have. Granted, all of his motives aren’t selfless. He definately has some things he specifically wants to accomplish for himself but in the grand scheme of things, Kiriel is just a really great guy.

[Mir · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't notice when I got this that I had already read something else by the author (sorry, but your name isn't very noteworthy). Although I didn't love Night Road it was a memorable and original take on the vampire story. Whereas that was dark and not very hopeful, this was a pretty cheerful and upbeat for a story about demonic fallen angelic possession. But Kiriel isn't doing an Exorcist-type mission of damnation here, he's just treating himself to a little unauthorized vacation from his duties in Hell. No harm in that, right?

[Gaby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quién diría que entrar en la cabeza de un demonio ángel caído sería tan divertido y reflexivo.

Kiriel es un caído que está cansado de torturar a las almas pecadoras, así que decide tomarse unas “vacaciones”. Para ello, posee el cuerpo de un adolescente que de todas formas no valora su vida.

Pensé que trataría de un demonio que viene a la tierra para hacer algunas travesuras. Pues no es así.

Kiriel lo único que quiere es experimentar todo lo que ya conoce sobre las personas de primera mano. Es interesante ver las constantes comparaciones que hace sobre lo que piensa que sabe con lo que en realidad es.

Un libro ligero, entretenido, pero también cargado de mucho simbolismo.
Con un final en cierta medida bonito... pero un poco soso.

Muy recomendable para cuando quieres una lectura liviana y aún así te deje una huella :)

3.5/5 estrellas porque deja muchos espacios en blanco y esperaba más del final.

[Andrew Hicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the 2007 Printz Honor-recipient YA novel Repossessed, Kiriel, one of hell's overworked, underappreciated minions, takes leave of absence, heads up to earth and possesses the body of 17-year-old Shaun. In a convenient sidestep on author A.M. Jenkins' part, Kiriel hijacks and salvages Shaun's body at the exact moment before he was about to get hit by a bus and die, so Shaun's not really gonna miss anything anyway.

Jenkins conveys well Kiriel's wonderment at being able to inhabit the physical universe for the first time since time was created. While living inside Shaun, Kiriel finally gets to feel the warmth of the sun, the gentle calming pressure of a breeze and, well, the low-maintenance joys of jerking off. That's all poetic and beautiful and stuff, but Kiriel really just wants to get laid. He knows about a girl, Lane, who's long been infatuated with Shaun from afar but has never registered to him as anything more than a lumpy, unfuckable blip.

Kiriel quickly realizes Shaun has taken more than just Lane for granted. At this point, he faces a conundrum similar to that of the body-jumping protagonist of David Levithan's Every Day - how do you get what you want while still respecting the host's body, psyche and intentions? Even if it's obvious your host appreciates none of the beauty of his life?

Kiriel, as a spiritual being, has just enough inner omniscience to pull off being a plausible Shaun, although his best friend, mom and brother all wonder why he's suddenly bathing regularly, dressing well, lifting weights and all-around giving a crap. This is enough to arouse their suspicion, but only the family cat knows for sure that Shaun is really no longer the same person.

Essentially, after settling past the initial novelty of being human, Kiriel uses Shaun to impact the lives of three characters:

1. Lane, the girl, who is certain to have her world rocked by the millennia of theoretical sexual technique Kiriel has observed, studied and longed for - if she can just buy the fact that Shaun really thinks she's beautiful.
2. Jason, Shaun's little brother, who's been treated as nuisance and rival at home, to the point where he can't make friends or excel at school.
3. Reed, the school bully, who apparently has gone through life unchallenged until encountering Kiriel, whose job is literally to torture souls in hell. It's not exactly a fair fight, but who's gonna root for a YA bully? Bully's goin' down. I mean, come on, the protagonist lifts weights now and shit!

While all this unfolds, Kiriel realizes he's living on extremely borrowed time. His absence from hell is sure to be noticed, and they're sure to come back to claim him. If not one of hell's dark lords, perhaps the Creator himself. But, as the book proceeds and no consequences manifest, Kiriel has to wonder if the Creator notices, cares or punishes the wicked. There's plenty of elementary metaphor in Repossessed, on both spiritual and emotional levels, mostly serving to enhance the story.

The premise of Repossessed is a grabber, the characterization is completely believable (if conveniently one-note), and Jenkins' prose and humor both burst right off the page. It's the plot itself that's thin, conventional and somehow still gets under-explored and under-resolved. This is one of those rare YA books I was happy to plow through and finish over a 24-hour period, but I actually wished Jenkins had given it an extra 50-70 pages to more fully inhabit its own universe.

[Carm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kiriel is a demon who, frustrated with his job (tormenting the damned, duh), decides to vacation in the body of a seventeen year old boy. Of course when a being who has never experienced any physical sensation hijacks a teenager’s body, sex is the ultimate goal. Knowing what my life was like between the ages of 12 & 17, this book is pretty tame despite being on banned/restricted lists. It’s regular teenage stuff. People need to relax. I will say that I bought this book used and on the inside cover there is a “Children’s Room - Cheshire Ct Public Library” stamp under a red “DISCARD” stamp. That tickled me.

[Jennifer Wardrip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com

As humans involved in our daily lives, we often take the world for granted. Our days are filled with boring, humdrum activities. A. M. Jenkins creates a new twist on the mundane in his new book REPOSSESSED.

First, meet Shaun, age 17. He is about to take a step in the wrong direction - into the path of an oncoming truck. Next, meet Kiriel, a minor demon in search of a short break from the fires of hell. Put the two together, and you get a whole different view of daily life.

Seconds before the actual truck/teen collision, Kiriel slips into Shaun's body. Kiriel, a demon who prefers to call himself a "fallen angel," sees the perfect opportunity to find that needed break from his dull duties. He wants more out of "life." He wants to feel it and experience it first hand.

Once in Shaun's body, Kiriel is able to experience what he has only previously observed. This is his first actual look at the world through human eyes. Amazing! There's the feel and texture of everything from food, especially ketchup, to clothing against his skin. Fabulous! And that two-and-a-half hours spent in the bathtub make him wonder why humans don't constantly bathe. Kiriel finds himself wondering how humans can live such exciting daily lives and still express the desire for further adventures.

To Kiriel the real world is not all about just the physical experience. As he deals with Shaun's family, a divorced mother and his younger brother, Jason, he learns that love and the emotional side of life can be an unexpected roller coaster ride of its own.

A.M. Jenkins's demon makes us see what is really around us and perhaps makes us more understanding and grateful for how precious life is.

[Misty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted more from this book. It sounded so cute, like such a neat idea, but it fell a little flat to me. Repossessed is the story of Kiriel, a fallen angel who possesses the body of Shaun, a slacker teen who wasn't doing much with it anyway, as Kiriel quips. Kiriel tries to experience life as Shaun, luxuriating in the senses humans possess and the activities he's seen humans do but never been able to do himself. He is at first rather sex-obsessed (fitting, as he inhabits a teenage boy), but as the story progresses he begins to truly experience life and develop attachments, in essence becoming more human.
So, sounds great. And it was cute, and there were some great humorous parts, both through Kiriel's narration and through his blundering his way through a human life. But it was always only so-so, and even though there was nothing I hated about it, I felt myself constantly checking the page number to see how much was left. I had waited a while for it and was excited, and by the time I got into it, I was just ready for it to end. I would try another Jenkins book, it was good enough for that, but if another left me feeling dissatisfied and underwhelmed, I don't think I'd give him a third chance.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Someone rec’d it to me, saying “demon gets a body, immediately masturbates.” Sold.

I really enjoyed meeting Kiriel, and following his journey in being human. Ain’t all it’s cracked up to be, eh? The touch with the cat was very lovely, very cute.

I think I should spend time with my family more.

[Jaemi · Rating 4 out of 5]

An eternity of reflecting one's misery back on oneself, as it turns out, gets quite dull. Really, it's torturous. You can't change anything at this point, it's all been said and done. And the thanklessness of it...well. It's just more than Kiriel can deal with. So what if he's breaking all the rules? He deserves a vacation. And the body he slipped into...well, it was about to die anyway.

After eternity as a spirit, the physical realm is quite something. In fact, Kiriel is giving the Creator props at every turn. Color! Wind! It's all just incredible. Of course, learning to be human whilst being supervised is more than a little awkward, so his first order of business is to remove himself from the company of Shaun's best friend and head home for some solitude.

After getting caught essentially making out with a t-shirt, spending a couple of hours in the bathroom, and overhauling Shaun's appearance, Kiriel thinks he's getting the hang of this physical thing. Each new experience is incredible. Like ketchup. Oh does he love ketchup! Ingenious.

But he has bigger issues at hand. Better experiences he wants to try to get to before someone notices and his trip comes to an end. Only at this point does he realize his choice of someone generally unnoticed may not have been the best. These are not the boys who...get on well with girls. But he can try!

Speaking is his biggest issue really. It's a bit hard to remember to try to talk like an uninterested, unenlightened teenage boy when you know pretty much everything. Eager to try to make an impact while he can, Kiriel decides to give some advice to a bully, who he knows he'll see in Hell if things don't change. But apparently attempting to counsel a bully on his fears of inadequacy in public is not the best idea.

After a few days as Shaun, Kiriel's curiosity is starting to wear off. The novelty is wearing off. Being human is hopelessly futile. Shaun has disappeared, and no one has noticed, aside from his cat. It's horribly depressing. And the changes he's begun, being nicer to Jason, well, he won't be here to carry through on that. So what's the point, really?

Still. It's been fun. And you can learn things while physical that you just wouldn't otherwise. So it wasn't all pointless. And maybe he will leave a mark after he's gone. Maybe it's not all futile.

[Rebecca Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kiriel is one of the Fallen, one of the angels who supported Satan in his uprising. But after spending millennia in the bowels of Hell, reflecting the sorrows of the sinners under his jurisdiction while living out his own eternal punishment, things have become a little stale and he decides to take a little vacation.

In order to take this vacation, Kiriel hijacks the body of the unassuming Shaun seconds before he dies - Kiriel thinks this perfectly acceptable, after all, he was going to die anyway, and his possession merely eliminated much of the pain the boy would have felt anyway. Taking over his body, however, also means taking over his life and Kiriel finds himself immersed in the sensations and emotions of human life - and more specifically, the world of a seventeen year old.

Kiriel knows that his 'vacation' won't go unnoticed forever though - it is, after all, completely against the rules - but he intends to enjoy it for as long as 'humanly' possible.

While I loved the premise of the novel, and found it cute funny in places, I did have my issues with it. For instance, it took less than twenty pages for Kiriel to turn to his first major exploration of humanity: masturbation. This leads into his central (not only, but major) quest for the novel: sex. He sets his sights on one girl and pursues her for the entirely with little (some but not much) regard for the reality of the situation or the fact that this is a real person he's trying to catch here. Perhaps this would appeal more to a male, seventeen-year-old audience, but, for me, it had quite a large negative impact on what should have been a good book.

That said, however, it did have it's redeeming qualities. The presentation of Kiriel as a fallen angel (as opposed to a 'demon') who, despite his backing of Satan ("The Boss"), sincerely and desperately wishes to retain the communication with, and love of, God ("The Creator") was both fascinating and moving. Similarly, the unrecognised acts of redemption Kiriel undertakes during his illicit 'vacation' are quite touching.

It was an okay book - shifting to quite good in places - but overall I feel that the story had the potential to be much better than it was.

[María Belén · Rating 4 out of 5]

Es interesante, curioso, entretenido y muy divertido el ver la vida desde el punto de vista de un 'caido' muy peculiar por cierto me diverti muchisímo y me encariñe con kiriel era como un niño percibiendo cada sentido, maravillandose por lo que le rodeaba, llegando a conclusiones locas jajajaj, siendo imperfecto y aun asi el ya tenia concimento de todo, pero claro ahora lo experiementaba en un cuerpo real.
Es la primera vez que me enamoro de un personaje tan curioso, sin necesidad de que la autora recalque sus perfectos rasgos y pulcros modales sino que te encariñas de el, por su forma de ser <3 y eso ya lo hace memorable. Ademas cabe recalcar que pese a ser un libro basado en un caido, no te meten la religion hasta por los oidos :p es una trama sencilla las 'vacaciones de un caido al hacerse con el cuerpo de un chico llamado shaun y comenzar a experimentar la vida desde su punto de vista' :3

[Goliath Manzano · Rating 5 out of 5]

It thoroughly develops Y.A. issues!

[Aurora Dimitre · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was... fine? I didn't have anything against it. It was fine. An interesting look at things, tbh. Didn't make much of an impact.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute 2 hour read, it's a fun thought provoking book that really makes you think about why you're here and why you exist.

[Cilla Savary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read with a unique plot. Just what would it be like for a curious demon to take a holiday and possess a boys body at the moment he is to die. The crowning jewel on this book is that it is wholesome and funny. Yep. I know. A book about a demon...wholesome? You'll just have to read it and see.

[Cheryl Gatling]

Don't let the horns and tail fool you, nor the flames on the cover. This short, cute novel about a demon who steals the body of a teenage boy, has more good in it than evil. It is sweet, gently comic, downright inspiring, and provides some serious food for thought. It is Kiriel's job to torment the damned, but all he really has to do is mirror their failures to them, and they torment themselves with regret. It's tedious work, and Kiriel tires of it after a few eons. He swoops into Shaun's body the second before Shaun is about to be hit by a truck. Shaun's spirit flies away, and Kiriel walks home in Shaun's body. His number one goal is to experience as much sensual pleasure as he can, and he wallows in things that taste good and smell good and feel good. His family raise their eyebrows as he takes a two and a half hour bath, and is caught "french kissing his shirt." Kiriel soon learns that the biggest part of being human is relationships with other humans. With superior knowledge of the events of history, and painful ignorance of human nature, he sets about trying to improve those relationships for everyone around him. He befriends his little brother, he tries to soften up the school bully, he encourages his mom to make up with her brother. Why would a demon be so kind? He claims it's because he knows how painful and pointless an eternity in hell can be. But really, it's because he gains an appreciation of what a wondrous thing human life is, an opportunity to be savored and not squandered. Humans are tied together in a network of relationships in a way that the spirits (according to this book) are not. Humans should be kind to each other because they can. Kiriel raises many theological questions. My favorite is this: "Why would an all-knowing One create a being and give it a nature... and then reject that being for doing what it's nature called it to do?" These questions are never answered. Kiriel craves attention and answers from the Creator, but the Creator remains a distant, hands-off manager. Kiriel has to be content with learning his own lessons, including this: ketchup is really, really good.

[Becca · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Earnest Devil Does Some Good in the World?"
"Teenage Boy Enriched By Possession?"
"God Has a Plan, Even for Evil Minions?"
"God Doesn't have a Plan, but You Should Do Some Good Anyway?"

I just saw this book on Laura's list, and it was on the very first shelf I saw at the library yesterday, so I snagged it and read it in the afternoon. It was a fun fast read, with some funny bits, and now that I've been thinking about it for a day, I'm not sure how to review it.
Hence the headlines above.
The take-away from this book has me scratching my noggin.
First a summary to clear my thoughts: a devil is unsatisfied with his job tormenting evil-doers in hell, and so breaks rank and takes the body of a boy --Shaun-- right before he's supposed to get hit by a truck. He has a great time smelling clothes, riding the bus, taking a long bath, um, masturbating, and doing geometry homework. Basically, he loves the human life and the Creation.
And being a devil must not mean that you have an evil nature, because he sets out to make good marks on the people around him-- he patches up Shaun's mom's relationship with her brother, he treats Shaun's overlooked and battle-hardened little brother with dignity and starts to repair his self-esteem, he opens his friend's eyes to the loveliness of an under-noticed girl, and he tries to save a nasty bully from eventually being tortured for an eternity. By him.
But his conflict throughout is whether or not he is known by the creator, and if his role as a minion was Given to him, or if he just assigned it to himself. Is it a deistic universe where god made the watch and then went on a trip? Or is he still there? do the damned condemn themselves or are they condemned from above?
He seems to conclude that on some level he is known and that he'll continue making a difference in unofficial ways.
So, odd.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kiriel is sick of Hell; that’s where he works. He’s a demon although he prefers to be called a Fallen Angel. So, he decides to take a vacation by stealing the body of a slacker teen named Shaun. It seems a good way for him to experience human emotions and experiences. Even though Kiriel could get in a lot of trouble for his vacation, he risks it, because he was in Hell to begin with and he would only be sent back there. But as Kiriel experiences life in Shaun’s body, he starts to develop relationships with those close to Shaun which could cause complications when someone higher up finally notices Kiriel has left his post in Hell.

The story in Repossessed was very interesting, yet I felt it didn’t go very deep. I think that’s because even thought Kiriel spent some time in a human body, he still didn’t fully understand what it is to be human. I really liked how many of Kiriel’s actions were very humorous though; for example, he enjoys doing Shaun’s homework because he likes using different writing instruments. However, that worked against the story in the end, because Kiriel wanted to leave some kind of footprint behind on earth from his short time there and the story got more serious.

Repossessed was enjoyable, but the story didn’t really stand out for me despite its uniqueness. Readers who like humorous, if not action-filled, stories will enjoy this novel.

reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com

[H · Rating 2 out of 5]

Repossessed questions the afterlife and Hell and the meaning of demons/devils and the banishment of God's favorite (Satan) after he refused to follow God's words.

I had no idea what I was getting into. I was kind of looking for a breezy and fun story and in a way, this is, just not up to my standards.

The story was pretty good at the beginning, and made me think more of the normal, everyday life that I took for granted.

Then it started getting tedious and preachy. I know, it's from a devil's point of view appreciating this world the Creator has created and trying to understand the reasons why humans (the ones in Hell) would do the things they did in life.

And it goes on and on of course with Kiriel's (the devil)wanting to leave a lasting impact on the people that are around him.

It was interesting, though, to think of a devil as more than an evil, insensitive being. Kiriel was what would be classified as a good-hearted person.

I just didn't like/agree with the way the author has portrayed God. I'm not saying anything else on this 'cause I hate religious discussions, they leave my head spinning.

To sum it up: it was okay, but I think I would've survived not reading.

There's nothing to miss, nothing to leave behind.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you read this book as a story about a kid who's possessed, you'll miss the point. It's not that you can't read it for that. The Fallen One (because the beings who run Hell are fallen from Heaven... it's in the Bible) who runs the kid has interesting goals, and he goes about them in a truly unique way. The real point of the book, however, is a meditation on what it means to be human. What divides us from animals? What divides us from anything that exists? There are passages about noticing things (a bowl of Fruit Loops, the texture of a little boy's hair, an old woman's skin), about the general loveliness that is life, and what it takes for something to be beautiful. Basically, the book puts a whole new spin on what it means to be alive vs. ALIVE - a riff on existence vs. living, but not beaten to death. Those of you who are offended by a frank and purposeful discussion of the meaning and purpose of god should steer clear, as well as those of you who don't like honest appraisals of the effect and enjoyment of a healthy sex drive.
Overall, it's an interesting book, and you can read it for either the philosophy or the story.

[Esther Barajikian · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book, "Repossessed" written by A.M. Jenkins is an award-winning (Michael L. Printz Award) fantasy novel written to appeal to advanced readers. It is the story of a fallen angel, Kiriel, who is tired of his job in Hell and decides to inhabit the body of a 17 year old American boy. Throughout the book, Kiriel participates in several activities that are apparently common for the modern teenage boy and throughout the process gains a new perspective on the nature of both "creation" and the "Creator."

Although it was an easy and fairly enjoyable read, I only gave this book a 3-star rating. The subject matter was less than tasteful at times and did not always settle well with my more conservative, Christian worldview. Generally speaking however, the main character was likable and thoughtful - very different than one would expect from a "fallen angel." The plot moves along at a good pace and seemed to have the ability to keep the reader engaged and eager to see what would happen next.

My guess is that this book would generally be appealing to teenage readers with its witty use of sarcasm and lighthearted perspective on issues that affect teens of today.

[Mina Reyes · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read #Repossessed by #AMJenkins and totally got me off guard. A fallen angel decided that he won't play he's part anymore and he wants to experience everything that had been denied to him, he starts by stealing a body. I honestly thought the fallen would create destruction since the kid he chosen it's the worst as a student, friend, brother, son he just sucks! I love to see he's family and friends break there heads with this new and improve Shaun and how everyone likes Kiriel more than him. If you like funny, heartwarming, family reconnection, what really means to be human, the complications of acceptance and love then Repossessed by A.M. Jenkins is the book for you. 2.80 stars #OkRead

"Technically speaking, I broke a few rules, but what are they going to do? Send me to Hell, ha ha?"

"He just assumed Shaun was there, and would always be there. Humans take so much for granted"

An eternity of wishing to speak directly to my Creato, I thought in despair-and this is how He finally contacts me? Through AOL instant messenger?"

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A strangely interesting read. The cover might lead you to expect a funny or satiric devil story, but this is actually a surprisingly deep, spiritual read. Kiriel is a demon who takes an unauthorized vacation from Hell by possessing Shaun, and we lucky readers can appreciate the wonders of creation (ketchup, carpet, soap, etc.)from this new perspective. I was struck by how much Kiriel's awe over sensual details sounds like someone experiencing hallucinogenic drugs, and he is quite interested in sex, in a very 'demonic' sort of way.

There are some funny moments and it all comes together in a thought-provoking climax. Somme readers will find it a bit slow, as Kiriel really notices little, precious details of life. I wonder if deeply faithful readers will enjoy the ecumenical openess of the story; I see no reason to be offended by Jenkins' representations of 'the Boss' or 'The Creator.' For those willing to simmer on a slow first act, this is well worth the read.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was much more entertaining than doing my taxes! The story is about Kiriel, a Fallen Angel, as he prefers to be called, rather than a Demon. Doomed for eternity to watch over the whiny damned, he decided he wants to experience human life, and sin for himself, even if briefly. He steals the body of a teen-aged boy who is about to step out into traffic and get killed, and spends a few days enjoying an embodied life. There is so much to look at, taste, feel. The hopes of sex actually lead to a purer emotion, and he tries in his way, to set in motion just a few small differences in the lives he touches for the short time he is able to remain human. This is a funny and touching book that will be enjoyed by boys as well as girls, and is even likely to appeal to the reluctant reader due to its off the wall premise.

[kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this book.
I was grabbed from the first line to the end of the story and had to keep reading until I finished it.
Kiriel, a demon, decides to take a break from tormenting souls and inhabits the body of a teenage boy who is about to die.
The voice of Kiriel/Shaun is irreverent and funny. His experience of human life, with all the sights, sounds, smells and textures is clearly drawn as he comments on all of his new sensations.
As one of the fallen angels who rebelled against the Creator, he tells his tale with a certain determination not to be ignored any longer that is bittersweet.
This book will make you laugh and cry as he learns about being human and tries to leave his mark on the world. It will give you a lot to think about.
I'd recommend it to anyone who wants an entertaining yet thoughtful read.

[Brandi Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A.M. Jenkins was awarded the 2008 Michael L. Printz Honor for this work of fantasy. It is intended for the advanced reader (A). In this novel Kiriel, a fallen angel, inhabits the body of a teenaged boy after he is struck by a vehicle. While in this body, Kiriel explores life on Earth as a teenager.
I gave this book 4 stars. It is evident from the very beginning that Kiriel is not a stereotypical demon. He is kind, thoughtful, vulnerable, and inquisitive. I enjoyed following Kiriel's development as he savoured the emotional and physical aspects of life that many of us take for granted.
This book could serve as a launch pad for many class discussions. Religion and bullying are among the topics referenced in the book.
This is my first experience with an ebook. Ebooks are convenient, but I still love a good hardcover. This book is available in print and ebook formats.

[Debrarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short & sweet! Kiriel is one of the Fallen Angels, aka "demons," who spend eternity witnessing the torment of souls in Hell. He finds the job a bit tiresome and decides to take a vacation in the form of possessing the body of an American teen seconds before he loses his life by stepping in front of a bus. All the messy, detailled business of mortal living fascinates Kiriel, and he tries to live as fully as he can - eating the divine catsup, befriending his body (Shaun)'s little brother, and trying to get busy with the girl who has a crush on Shaun - before the Higher Ups yank him back where he belongs. Poignant thread of how Kiriel - acting, after all, only as his divinely-created nature dictates - longs for recognition by his Creator.

[Jason Kurtz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I met A. M. Jenkins in 2008, and have been meaning to get this book read for quite a while. The plot and concept are interesting but the book suffers for continuity issues and needed better editing.

I had never thought quite so much about editing before as I did with this book. I felt like I knew where the author wanted to go, but she just didn't quite get there, and I felt that the voice was inconsistent for the character, another area where an editor should have thrown a flag.

Over-all, I thought it could have been a much deeper book, but turned out to be a bit on the fluffy side, perfectly fine if you are looking for a short read that will take you an afternoon to finish...

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was nice. When I now think about it, I really like it. It's just that I had pretty high expectations from it, and I really like the whole plot, I just think it could have been a whole lot better with a slightly different direction to it, maybe even darker.
That being said, I did like the book - the setting, the characters, the style and etc. I think it's a really nice book, and the author is great, but that it was sort of disappointing to find out it wasn't this cool and dark book about a demon who ran away from hell, but more like a young boy brought into the world and discovers it. Which, again, is really nice, just not what I was expecting.

[elissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful! 4 1/2 stars. An absolutely unique idea and I couldn't put it down. It would make a great booktalk, it doesn't have anything really objectionable in it, and it was way better than the other book of hers that I read (although I liked that one, too). I added this to my "to read" shelf the day it won a Printz Honor. I had thought about reading it recently, but hadn't gotten around to it. I'm glad that the Printz committee got me to move it to the top of my list!