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Circles in Hell #5
I'm No Angel
“Steve Minion is back! For Good. Mostly."
Following the lead of Florence Nightingale, Steve’s partner in Eternity, he has returned to Hell to ease the suffering of the Damned. Yet Steve is faced with a dilemma. What can he do that will offer more than a brief respite from everlasting torment? And how can he make it funny at the same time?
In Steve’s search for meaningful employment in the Afterlife, he has one comic misadventure after another. Along the way, he meets a few new angels and a couple of saints. He even learns what may be one of the great secrets of the universe … or maybe not.
And all the while, something’s bothering him. Too many people who have been consigned to Hell just don’t seem to belong there. Steve is determined to find out why, whether Satan likes it or not.
Especially if Satan doesn’t like it. After all, Steve is no angel. He’s a little bit good, a little bit bad, and a whole lot of trouble!
I’m No Angel Is the fifth volume in the satire/fantasy comedy series, Circles in Hell. It has been compared to other works of “Hell Fiction” including The Screwtape Letters and Good Omens and to the paranormal humor of Tom Holt, Christopher Moore and Douglas Adams.
Click on the book jacket to "Look inside."
_______________________________________________
Comedy Fiction Book Categories
>Satire and Humor
>Fantasy Comedy
>Fantasy Humor
>Hell Fiction
>Devils and Demons
>Fiction Humor
>Paranormal Humor
>Paranormal Comedy Romance
Following the lead of Florence Nightingale, Steve’s partner in Eternity, he has returned to Hell to ease the suffering of the Damned. Yet Steve is faced with a dilemma. What can he do that will offer more than a brief respite from everlasting torment? And how can he make it funny at the same time?
In Steve’s search for meaningful employment in the Afterlife, he has one comic misadventure after another. Along the way, he meets a few new angels and a couple of saints. He even learns what may be one of the great secrets of the universe … or maybe not.
And all the while, something’s bothering him. Too many people who have been consigned to Hell just don’t seem to belong there. Steve is determined to find out why, whether Satan likes it or not.
Especially if Satan doesn’t like it. After all, Steve is no angel. He’s a little bit good, a little bit bad, and a whole lot of trouble!
I’m No Angel Is the fifth volume in the satire/fantasy comedy series, Circles in Hell. It has been compared to other works of “Hell Fiction” including The Screwtape Letters and Good Omens and to the paranormal humor of Tom Holt, Christopher Moore and Douglas Adams.
Click on the book jacket to "Look inside."
_______________________________________________
Comedy Fiction Book Categories
>Satire and Humor
>Fantasy Comedy
>Fantasy Humor
>Hell Fiction
>Devils and Demons
>Fiction Humor
>Paranormal Humor
>Paranormal Comedy Romance
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2018
165 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Mark Cain
29 books220 followersWriter living in Austin, Texas.
My work could best be described as satire, with a little fantasy thrown in. This is a good characterization of my comic fantasy series, CIRCLES IN HELL.
Here is a link to the series page.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017...
My work could best be described as satire, with a little fantasy thrown in. This is a good characterization of my comic fantasy series, CIRCLES IN HELL.
Here is a link to the series page.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
May 4, 2020
3.5 stars, Steves story slipped a little in the ratings for me.
I preferred him as Hell’s Super.
I preferred him as Hell’s Super.
June 29, 2020
Well Minion is back! Another fun adventure through the levels of Hell with all our old friends Steve, Flo, Beezy, BOOH, Otis, Orson, Edison, Peter and Satan. This is a great addition to the series that just continues with creative, humorous ways to tick off Satan. Fans of the series will enjoy this new phase in Steve Minon's afterlife. If you have not read this series, what's stopping you? Get on it.
July 17, 2019
A superb cap to a superb series
I came across this series accidentally having never heard of the author before but I enjoyed all of the books immensely.
The books are humorous supernatural fantasy which is a well-trodden path but in my opinion at least , these books are a great addition to the genre and well worth a read.
I came across this series accidentally having never heard of the author before but I enjoyed all of the books immensely.
The books are humorous supernatural fantasy which is a well-trodden path but in my opinion at least , these books are a great addition to the genre and well worth a read.
September 11, 2018
This was my favorite book of this series! It was full of nonstop action and humor. As the series has gone on each of the characters have gained more depth. I really liked that Saint Peter had a big part in this book. Beezie has always been one of my favorites and I love how Cain makes a point to bring back all the characters from the other books even if it’s just for a small part. I hope this isn’t the last book about Steve Minion and the Circles of Hell. I’ve really come to enjoy them.
The narrator for these books does an excellent job. Each character has a distinctive voice and personality. He speaks clearly and is easy to understand. He definitely adds something special to the series.
I would like to thank the author/narrator/publisher for generously providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an unbiased and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The narrator for these books does an excellent job. Each character has a distinctive voice and personality. He speaks clearly and is easy to understand. He definitely adds something special to the series.
I would like to thank the author/narrator/publisher for generously providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an unbiased and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 4, 2025
Not a bad entry in the series. It definitely still has some of the charm I expect from the author, though he is starting to ride on a few of his tried and true grammatical jokes a bit too heavily here. Playing with similes is fine and all, but it's getting to the point where I think he just wants to extend scenes or distract the reader to pad out the book sometimes.
I can probably also say that this made me feel a bit like the 4th book could have easily been the end of the series. Again, this was a fun enough story, but at times I caught myself wondering why we needed this, or just getting a bit bored because we've drifted so far from the mystery elements that got me into the series in the first place. I suppose I could cut this some slack and say that the series could end here, but that's me having thoughts based on knowing that I also read the next book today and have some serious thoughts on it, so yeah, I'll stop here.
I can probably also say that this made me feel a bit like the 4th book could have easily been the end of the series. Again, this was a fun enough story, but at times I caught myself wondering why we needed this, or just getting a bit bored because we've drifted so far from the mystery elements that got me into the series in the first place. I suppose I could cut this some slack and say that the series could end here, but that's me having thoughts based on knowing that I also read the next book today and have some serious thoughts on it, so yeah, I'll stop here.
January 21, 2018
Funny
Spent a cold Sunday reading this book. It was funny, well written, and has a great speed. Hoping with how it ended their will be a sixth book because I really do enjoy this series.
Spent a cold Sunday reading this book. It was funny, well written, and has a great speed. Hoping with how it ended their will be a sixth book because I really do enjoy this series.
July 7, 2020
This book is a fun and intelligent read. The MC, Steve Minion, began has Hell's superintendent, this being a punishment for Steve since he hated handyman chores in life. Satan tricked Steve into becoming a demon but Steve managed to find his way back and even become a saved soul entitled to enter Heaven. Steve's girlfriend, Florence Nightingale, is also a saved soul but one that resides in Hell to lessen the suffering of the damned. As a result Steve stays in Hell as well, but needs to find a way to fill his days. His first plan, acting as Hell's tour guide, allows Steve to irritate his former tormentor, Satan, but runs afoul the rules. But then Steve discovers that Satan tricked Saint Peter into using a weighted coin two hundred years earlier. In this way Satan has been unfairly influencing who goes to Heaven and who to Hell and so Steve is presented a new opportunity do right in Hell. But how?
Bottom line: Worth the read but probably more enjoyable if you've read the prior books in the series.
Bottom line: Worth the read but probably more enjoyable if you've read the prior books in the series.
February 7, 2018
What a ride!
I've mentioned this in other reviews I've left and discussions I've had across the web, this series is easily in my top 5 favorite series of all time. The unique story line combined with a witty sense of humor and an outstanding narrator make this an enjoyable listen, and one which I plan to partake in again, from start to finish, very soon.
From the series perspective, this book was easily my favorite as it puts Steve in a very new position where he actually has some ability for positive influence down below, as well as above. Without ruining the story, I will say that I feel Steve has finally found his niche after serving as one of the damned for so long
The moment where Steve and Lilith reunited for the first time brought a genuine smile to my face. And no, not from a "hey, she is a hot succubus" perspective, but from the vantage point that Lilith was one of the major influences on Steve during his time as Hell's Super.
Michael Gilboe did an absolutely outstanding job with his performance in this series, and this entry in it was no exception. His ability to diversify the voices of each character enough to make them memorable definitely contributed to a very enjoyable story.
Again, without spoiling the series, I feel that the impact BZ had towards the final moments in the storyline was another truly emotional twist. BZ and Steve's relationship throughout the series is one which I have found myself drawn to, and this entry definitely cinched it for me. The big foam finger was a very nice touch and it really showcased BZ's nature as the Lord of the Flies.
I have to say that I was taken aback when Michael was introduced into the storyline. As an archangel that is highly revered throughout various religions, I was rolling when he first came into the picture. Well played, Mr. Cain, well played indeed. Oh, and introducing Dante? Genius!!
This is a fantastic series but I will assume you already know that if you are looking at book five's reviews. If not, go pick up the first entry and start now. You will not regret it. Mark has a real winner here.
As one of the top five in my favorite series list, I wholeheartedly recommend this series and easily give this particular chapter a 5/5. For BZ's sake, listen to this book!
I've mentioned this in other reviews I've left and discussions I've had across the web, this series is easily in my top 5 favorite series of all time. The unique story line combined with a witty sense of humor and an outstanding narrator make this an enjoyable listen, and one which I plan to partake in again, from start to finish, very soon.
From the series perspective, this book was easily my favorite as it puts Steve in a very new position where he actually has some ability for positive influence down below, as well as above. Without ruining the story, I will say that I feel Steve has finally found his niche after serving as one of the damned for so long
The moment where Steve and Lilith reunited for the first time brought a genuine smile to my face. And no, not from a "hey, she is a hot succubus" perspective, but from the vantage point that Lilith was one of the major influences on Steve during his time as Hell's Super.
Michael Gilboe did an absolutely outstanding job with his performance in this series, and this entry in it was no exception. His ability to diversify the voices of each character enough to make them memorable definitely contributed to a very enjoyable story.
Again, without spoiling the series, I feel that the impact BZ had towards the final moments in the storyline was another truly emotional twist. BZ and Steve's relationship throughout the series is one which I have found myself drawn to, and this entry definitely cinched it for me. The big foam finger was a very nice touch and it really showcased BZ's nature as the Lord of the Flies.
I have to say that I was taken aback when Michael was introduced into the storyline. As an archangel that is highly revered throughout various religions, I was rolling when he first came into the picture. Well played, Mr. Cain, well played indeed. Oh, and introducing Dante? Genius!!
This is a fantastic series but I will assume you already know that if you are looking at book five's reviews. If not, go pick up the first entry and start now. You will not regret it. Mark has a real winner here.
As one of the top five in my favorite series list, I wholeheartedly recommend this series and easily give this particular chapter a 5/5. For BZ's sake, listen to this book!
July 19, 2025
Continuing the story of Steve Minion's afterlife exploits, Mark Cain's 5th book is another fun story with humour and mystery featuring well written characters.
If you've followed the story so far you'll know that Steve isn't tied to Hell anymore, sure he lives there with his girlfriend Florence Nightingale, but he's now one of the "saved" who has a place in Heaven if he wants it. That means he no longer answers to Beelzebub or Satan. The problem is though that Steve doesn't know what he should do with himself, he knows he wants to make the suffering of the damned a little easier like Florence does, but how. That's essentially the route of the story here, Steve discovering a place for himself which brings him a mystery to solve too.
I enjoyed the book but unlike the others it did drag a little in the middle for me. I felt it got lost trying to add a few random characters and situations which didn't add much to the whole story, but I'm still happy I read it. I'll still read the next one in the series because the author has crafted a wonderful world for me. If you liked the others in the series you'll enjoy this one too. 4/5
If you've followed the story so far you'll know that Steve isn't tied to Hell anymore, sure he lives there with his girlfriend Florence Nightingale, but he's now one of the "saved" who has a place in Heaven if he wants it. That means he no longer answers to Beelzebub or Satan. The problem is though that Steve doesn't know what he should do with himself, he knows he wants to make the suffering of the damned a little easier like Florence does, but how. That's essentially the route of the story here, Steve discovering a place for himself which brings him a mystery to solve too.
I enjoyed the book but unlike the others it did drag a little in the middle for me. I felt it got lost trying to add a few random characters and situations which didn't add much to the whole story, but I'm still happy I read it. I'll still read the next one in the series because the author has crafted a wonderful world for me. If you liked the others in the series you'll enjoy this one too. 4/5
February 1, 2018
So after the last book in the series, I thought Steves story was finished. He'd got his happily ever after in Hell. As it turn out, I was wrong. It was just the beginning. Steve is now wandering around Hell, being a pain to Satan, and working out how to help out Pete, sorry, St. Peter.
Added to this the whole gang make an appearance. He's working on his relationship with Flo, keeping in touch with BOOH, Beelzebub, Orson and the rest as he tries to work out what his place now is. It can't be easy being a saved soul downstairs but he is determined to make it work.
It's all done with a gentle touch, and the usual dose of humour and slight silliness. It's a worthy addition to the series, and it's left open ended enough that there is lots of room for another book. In fact this does have the feeling of a setup for the next set of books. I'll look forward to it.
Added to this the whole gang make an appearance. He's working on his relationship with Flo, keeping in touch with BOOH, Beelzebub, Orson and the rest as he tries to work out what his place now is. It can't be easy being a saved soul downstairs but he is determined to make it work.
It's all done with a gentle touch, and the usual dose of humour and slight silliness. It's a worthy addition to the series, and it's left open ended enough that there is lots of room for another book. In fact this does have the feeling of a setup for the next set of books. I'll look forward to it.
January 26, 2018
Another good read and a satisfying ending to the series (or springboard for continuing action...although I'm not sure how much further the author could take this story). Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the series. I felt that the first four books had better tension, buildup and comedic timing than this fifth installment. Additionally, I felt that there was not as much character development in this latest work, with most of that having been done in the previous four. Still, an entertaining read.
September 21, 2018
I just know people driving near me in bad traffic recently are wondering why I'm smiling or laughing.
It's because I was listening to the audio book version of "I'm No Angel".
This book is a great "read"; a lot of fun and a MUCH more entertaining alternative to news/talk radio during my daily commute.
They are good reading but treat yourself and do the audio book versions - the narrator for these is excellent.
Do yourself a favor and listen to the early books in the series first, then this one, so you get the full effect.
Mark, PLEASE keep them coming!
It's because I was listening to the audio book version of "I'm No Angel".
This book is a great "read"; a lot of fun and a MUCH more entertaining alternative to news/talk radio during my daily commute.
They are good reading but treat yourself and do the audio book versions - the narrator for these is excellent.
Do yourself a favor and listen to the early books in the series first, then this one, so you get the full effect.
Mark, PLEASE keep them coming!
October 31, 2018
I absolutely love this series. I have listened to the audiobook series at least 7 times. the series starts off great and just gets better. The thing I like the most is the unpredictability of the plot. Just when you think you know what to expect, you get thrown one hell of a curveball. All of the characters are so rich, no two dimensional characters here! It is amazing that the author can make you care as much about ancillary characters and their story as the main protagonist. I found myself wanting to know as much about Beelzebub, Charon, Booh, and St Peter as Steve and Orson!
March 5, 2018
This is the 5th book in the series and a return to the original type of story. The first couple of these were mysteries. Not in the traditional whodunit sense, but since our hero, Steve, is a maintenance supervisor, they tend toward his figuring why something is broken down. Steve has now changed "jobs," but the story returns to this theme.
The author's style is light and humorous and while the books aren't laugh-out-loud funny, I found a lot to amuse me.
The author's style is light and humorous and while the books aren't laugh-out-loud funny, I found a lot to amuse me.
July 25, 2018
Not the best book in the series. One which I had thought was completed btw. But it still was quite an enjoyable and funny read. Still worthy of 5 stars imho. Interesting twist in this with Steve Minion as a saved soul but choosing to stay in hell - mainly cuz of Flo; and trying to find HIS place in things among the damned to at least "delay" their torture. Anyway, he goes above and beyond in "finding his career path". I suppose it is all just "the Divine Plan", huh??
March 29, 2018
Beautiful redemption ark conclusion
I have to say the main shame in this book is that I finished the series and will have to reread the entire thing again. The arch-type settles nicely and the entirety of the series really flows into the grand conclusion. To the author I say what a book of beauty and look forward to more like it.
I have to say the main shame in this book is that I finished the series and will have to reread the entire thing again. The arch-type settles nicely and the entirety of the series really flows into the grand conclusion. To the author I say what a book of beauty and look forward to more like it.
August 11, 2020
Cain nailed it like it was abel
Another superb story. The characters are entertaining, and while it includes hell, it is not R rated. One question i had... Did he ever look up Florence Nightingale 's picture? I always enjoyed Ronnie and his best friend. Oh and BOOH made a cameo!
Sorry to be vague, but i don't want to put down a spoiler.
Another superb story. The characters are entertaining, and while it includes hell, it is not R rated. One question i had... Did he ever look up Florence Nightingale 's picture? I always enjoyed Ronnie and his best friend. Oh and BOOH made a cameo!
Sorry to be vague, but i don't want to put down a spoiler.
June 12, 2021
Very enjoyable series with a unique twist
Unusual and fun take on the afterlife. The main character is a snarky handyman in Hell damned to an eternity of unpleasantness and follows his development in character. The books are well written and amusing with a clear progression and interesting twists.
Unusual and fun take on the afterlife. The main character is a snarky handyman in Hell damned to an eternity of unpleasantness and follows his development in character. The books are well written and amusing with a clear progression and interesting twists.
January 22, 2018
A great addition to the series
I wondered where the story would go after the previous book and I’m glad it has continued in this way. This book filled in a lot of leftover gaps, while introducing new things to explore in the future. Just an all around great read.
I wondered where the story would go after the previous book and I’m glad it has continued in this way. This book filled in a lot of leftover gaps, while introducing new things to explore in the future. Just an all around great read.
August 2, 2019
Funny as Hell
As usual, Mark Cain brings his particular style of humour to new heights (or should I say depths?). I love how his character Steve bests Satan, and allows us to feel hope should we end up in the Bad Place to redeem ourselves. Keep up the good work, Mark!
As usual, Mark Cain brings his particular style of humour to new heights (or should I say depths?). I love how his character Steve bests Satan, and allows us to feel hope should we end up in the Bad Place to redeem ourselves. Keep up the good work, Mark!
November 12, 2019
I have enjoyed this series and I am so glad that Minion finally found his purpose! This is a great series for people who just need an escape from the stress and a good laugh. (I laughed out loud when he was taking on Satan face to face.)
November 27, 2019
Steeeve
Another in the circle series. The characters making further appearances showing how the hellish or heavenly imagination of M Cain works. Your enjoyment of this book will depend on the toss of a coin
Another in the circle series. The characters making further appearances showing how the hellish or heavenly imagination of M Cain works. Your enjoyment of this book will depend on the toss of a coin
January 14, 2022
Entertaining, Always Inventive
I like the ways Steve antagonizes Satan and builds comical relationships with demons. Its like poking the eyes of religious zealots for fun. I never could predict the next scheme.
I like the ways Steve antagonizes Satan and builds comical relationships with demons. Its like poking the eyes of religious zealots for fun. I never could predict the next scheme.
June 2, 2022
Funny silly poke at the afterlife
Read all 5 books enjoyed the journey through each. The cast of characters was quite amusing BP and LP had me laughing. For a light hearted read and assuming you have an odd sense of humor, i would definitely recommend them.
Read all 5 books enjoyed the journey through each. The cast of characters was quite amusing BP and LP had me laughing. For a light hearted read and assuming you have an odd sense of humor, i would definitely recommend them.
January 21, 2018
Seriously cannot believe how consistently good this series of books in. The characters are great and the story is phenomenal. Really hoping for more in the series.
January 23, 2018
I love this series. It's just silly FUN with a good heart and a lot of edge, which is what I need these days!
January 27, 2018
Hilarious!
Nicely written, great storyline and characterisation. Very easy to read and hard to put down. Looking forward to the next one.
Nicely written, great storyline and characterisation. Very easy to read and hard to put down. Looking forward to the next one.
February 7, 2018
Good fun read!
I hope this isn't the last we hear from Steve. I have enjoyed following his adventures in hell through all 5 books.
Very entertaining.
I hope this isn't the last we hear from Steve. I have enjoyed following his adventures in hell through all 5 books.
Very entertaining.
February 19, 2018
Another fantastic addition
Book 5 in the Circles In Hell collection is every bit as entertaining as the others. I just couldn't put it down.
Book 5 in the Circles In Hell collection is every bit as entertaining as the others. I just couldn't put it down.
April 5, 2018
Steve wins again. Now he has a new job he,s all set to become a thorn in Satan,s side. More please soon
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews