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The Grounded #1
Grounded for All Eternity
A group of kids from hell come to Earth on one of the craziest nights of the year—Halloween—in this “entertaining, high-octane” ( Kirkus Reviews ) middle grade adventure about teamwork, friendship, shattering expectations, and understanding the world (or otherworld) around us.
Malachi and his friends are just your regular average kids from hell. The suburbs that is, not the fiery pit part. But when Hell’s Bells ring out—signaling that a soul has escaped from one of the eternal circles, Mal and his friends can’t help but take the opportunity for a little adventure.
Before they know it, they’ve somehow slipped through the veil and found themselves in the middle of Salem, Massachusetts, on Halloween night. And what’s even worse, they’ve managed to bring the escaped soul with them! As the essence of one of history’s greatest manipulators gains power by shifting the balance on Earth, Mal and his squad-mates—along with some new friends that they meet along the way—work desperately to trap the escapee, save the people of Earth from the forces of evil, and find the portal back to their own dimension.
If they can’t manage it before their parents realize they’re gone, they’ll be grounded for an eternity. And an eternity in hell is a very, very long time.
Malachi and his friends are just your regular average kids from hell. The suburbs that is, not the fiery pit part. But when Hell’s Bells ring out—signaling that a soul has escaped from one of the eternal circles, Mal and his friends can’t help but take the opportunity for a little adventure.
Before they know it, they’ve somehow slipped through the veil and found themselves in the middle of Salem, Massachusetts, on Halloween night. And what’s even worse, they’ve managed to bring the escaped soul with them! As the essence of one of history’s greatest manipulators gains power by shifting the balance on Earth, Mal and his squad-mates—along with some new friends that they meet along the way—work desperately to trap the escapee, save the people of Earth from the forces of evil, and find the portal back to their own dimension.
If they can’t manage it before their parents realize they’re gone, they’ll be grounded for an eternity. And an eternity in hell is a very, very long time.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published July 26, 2022
20 people are currently reading
1133 people want to read
About the author
Darcy Marks
3 books31 followersDarcy Marks is a lifelong reader who learned to walk quite well with a book in front of her face, thank you very much. She lives in Vermont with her husband, three genre-defying kids and a very needy cat, where she writes rebellious fantasy books for kids. When she's not reading or writing she explains math and science to lawyers as a forensic toxicologist and used her several black belts to help found The Safety Team, which works to empower women and smash the patriarchy. Her debut middle grade fantasy, "Grounded for All Eternity," is out now, with its sequel "The Afterlife of the Party."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
March 13, 2022
I present to you the perfect middle grade Halloween read 🙌🏻
This was so FUN. I love the plot, loved the characters, loved the overall vibe. Seriously, add this one to your TBR for this year.
This was so FUN. I love the plot, loved the characters, loved the overall vibe. Seriously, add this one to your TBR for this year.
September 14, 2022
3.5 rounding up!
September 4, 2022
Concept? Incredible. Execution? Trash.
A book about kids from hell? I’m in! But these kids are some type of special kids with unique wings that give them extra privileges? Kind of? Very unclear what all that’s about.
A soul from hell escapes to earth and the kids go and try and track down the soul. Great…but nothing exciting really happens. They are a part of a 4 person unit but COMPLETELY leave out the 4th in their group…lazy lazy writing. They meet some side characters, one of which might create a cute romance that’s completely ignored but could’ve redeemed this whole book, the other side character is nothing more than someone to do magic for them.
Overall, did not enjoy and would not recommend. The characters are VERY poorly written with zero attempt to get the reader to connect with them or become attached. This book really should only be like 150-200 pages long because by the time I was at page 200, I was exhausted trying to find a reason to keep reading.
Am I glad I read it? Yes. Will I be ordering more copies to the bookstore after October? Absolutely not.
A book about kids from hell? I’m in! But these kids are some type of special kids with unique wings that give them extra privileges? Kind of? Very unclear what all that’s about.
A soul from hell escapes to earth and the kids go and try and track down the soul. Great…but nothing exciting really happens. They are a part of a 4 person unit but COMPLETELY leave out the 4th in their group…lazy lazy writing. They meet some side characters, one of which might create a cute romance that’s completely ignored but could’ve redeemed this whole book, the other side character is nothing more than someone to do magic for them.
Overall, did not enjoy and would not recommend. The characters are VERY poorly written with zero attempt to get the reader to connect with them or become attached. This book really should only be like 150-200 pages long because by the time I was at page 200, I was exhausted trying to find a reason to keep reading.
Am I glad I read it? Yes. Will I be ordering more copies to the bookstore after October? Absolutely not.
August 25, 2022
(2.5)
Rep: bi mc
Rep: bi mc
June 16, 2022
Kids who live in Hell go to Earth to capture an escaped soul before their parents find out they left and are grounded for all eternity? How can I refuse? First, the cover. I don’t like to admit I am usually drawn to books by their covers and have been known to acquire books based only on the cover without knowing anything about the story. So yes, the cover drew me in at first then when I read the description, I knew I was in because it sounded like so much dang fun!
Malachi, Crowley and Lilith are your typical teenagers. On school break, looking forward to hanging out, playing video games, sleeping in, grabbing a latte. The only difference is these kids can fly using sharp black wings and they live in Hell. Who knew there were suburbs in Hell? When the alarm is raised that a soul has escaped the pit, their plans are cancelled as the entire place is on lockdown and they are all restricted to their homes. So, so boring. If you can’t have any fun on school break, even if it’s Hell, what’s the point of living? Well, you guessed it. Malachi and his friends sneak out and decide to go check out the veil. It is Halloween after all and the veil between realms is at its thinnest. What they didn’t plan for was being pushed through the veil inadvertently bringing the escaped soul with them. They find themselves in Salem, Massachusetts and oh yes, the escaped soul happens to be the Reverend Samuel Parris, the man who is thought to be the driving force behind the witch hunt resulting in the Salem Witch Trials in 1693 and personally profited from the hysteria. Now that he has escaped Hell, he plans to continue his reign of terror using the residents of Salem once again to commit acts of evil. In order to return home, Malachi and his friends must capture him. If they don’t capture him, they will be stuck there and the powers of Heaven are planning to smite the entire city to ensure Samuel is stopped.
I have never read anything by this author before, but I really enjoyed the setting she created even if you have to suspend disbelief that anything coming out of Hell would be looking to protect the humans on Earth. Malachi and his friends are very likable and easy to relate to. I also liked teenage witches, Sean and Charity and the angel, Cassandra who tries to bribe the kids from Hell with cookies to come to Heaven. The pacing of the story was good, though there were a few moments, very tense moments, I might add, where I was clutching my fists wondering if they were going to be successful on their mission, because the alternative is death, or worse, being grounded for all eternity.
My Final Verdict: The ending of this story leads me to believe we haven’t seen or heard the last of Malachi, but without proof, there is only hope. I hope there will be more. I highly recommend this story to readers in middle school and high school as well as adults who like to be entertained but don’t mind that the protagonists are juveniles.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Grounded for All Eternity from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Malachi, Crowley and Lilith are your typical teenagers. On school break, looking forward to hanging out, playing video games, sleeping in, grabbing a latte. The only difference is these kids can fly using sharp black wings and they live in Hell. Who knew there were suburbs in Hell? When the alarm is raised that a soul has escaped the pit, their plans are cancelled as the entire place is on lockdown and they are all restricted to their homes. So, so boring. If you can’t have any fun on school break, even if it’s Hell, what’s the point of living? Well, you guessed it. Malachi and his friends sneak out and decide to go check out the veil. It is Halloween after all and the veil between realms is at its thinnest. What they didn’t plan for was being pushed through the veil inadvertently bringing the escaped soul with them. They find themselves in Salem, Massachusetts and oh yes, the escaped soul happens to be the Reverend Samuel Parris, the man who is thought to be the driving force behind the witch hunt resulting in the Salem Witch Trials in 1693 and personally profited from the hysteria. Now that he has escaped Hell, he plans to continue his reign of terror using the residents of Salem once again to commit acts of evil. In order to return home, Malachi and his friends must capture him. If they don’t capture him, they will be stuck there and the powers of Heaven are planning to smite the entire city to ensure Samuel is stopped.
I have never read anything by this author before, but I really enjoyed the setting she created even if you have to suspend disbelief that anything coming out of Hell would be looking to protect the humans on Earth. Malachi and his friends are very likable and easy to relate to. I also liked teenage witches, Sean and Charity and the angel, Cassandra who tries to bribe the kids from Hell with cookies to come to Heaven. The pacing of the story was good, though there were a few moments, very tense moments, I might add, where I was clutching my fists wondering if they were going to be successful on their mission, because the alternative is death, or worse, being grounded for all eternity.
My Final Verdict: The ending of this story leads me to believe we haven’t seen or heard the last of Malachi, but without proof, there is only hope. I hope there will be more. I highly recommend this story to readers in middle school and high school as well as adults who like to be entertained but don’t mind that the protagonists are juveniles.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Grounded for All Eternity from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 11, 2022
Fantastic, fun, and wholly original. I was routing for this unlikely group of friends the whole way through. Anyone who likes stories about good friends, or Salem witches, will love this.
I just bumped this up to 5 stars. Because kudos to the author who wrote a story about growing up in Hell. Aside from being a just fun adventure story or a scary Halloween tale, it’ll make you think differently about Heaven and Hell. And I think that’s pretty ballsy and cool.
I just bumped this up to 5 stars. Because kudos to the author who wrote a story about growing up in Hell. Aside from being a just fun adventure story or a scary Halloween tale, it’ll make you think differently about Heaven and Hell. And I think that’s pretty ballsy and cool.
February 14, 2023
I feel like this book healed some part of my inner child. I loved it so much 🥺
May 11, 2022
Thank you to Simon and Schuster/Aladdin, the author, and NetGalley for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review. This book will release July 26, 2022.
“If you think protecting people and seeking justice is falling, then I will choose to fall every time.”
Mal and his squad live in the suburbs of Hell, and their school vacation is starting to feel like one, too. A soul has escaped from the Pit and is on the loose, which means their on lockdown, even during Halloween, one of their favorite holidays. When Mal, Lilith, Crowley, and Aleister decide to goof off in the woods near a tear in the veil to Earth, they accidentally fall through into Salem. But the town is more chaotic than usual, and it’s starting to seem like something ghostly, something infernal is going on—and they’d better figure it out before the veil closes, they have no way home, and they’re... grounded for all eternity.
This book is like if Supernatural were a show for middle grade students, and Percy Jackson was the star, which means it is extremely close to perfect. I love the author’s take on sort of modernizing Christian angelology and giving it the fun, snarky treatment as the reader gets a look behind the scenes, all while not straying too far from what powers are actually supposed to do. In fact, it’s pretty spot on, from what I can tell. We also get a little bit about other dimensions, with mentions of Heaven, Faerie, and Purgatory, which I just think is so cool. All the little worldbuilding details of the parts set in Hell are nice, too, like the scent of the air, the ambulatory leaves, the witty names of the shops, and the different origins of the populace.
Aside from the elements that the lapsed Catholic in me is totally geeking out about, I really love the message here, which I think can be boiled down to: “You may have a destiny, but you can carry it out your way.” The way things have always been done doesn’t have to remain the only way, and younger generations can reinvent the rules. Mal and his squad are a fun bunch of kids, and I loved watching them and the friends they meet while on their self-appointed mission (Charity in particular is so refreshing in her enthusiasm, and I love Cassandra’s almost inept social worker vibe) realize that responsibility isn’t always a bad thing, and that doing the right thing is more important than the seemingly good thing, regardless of perception. Of course, Mal comes to this conclusion in a way less boring way than I just did, so honestly? Just follow the squad through the veil, and you’ll be in for a Hell of a Halloween.
Now just imagine Mal popping up and giving me the stink eye, saying “Not there,” and vanishing. But he’s right, it’s not totally their fault.
“If you think protecting people and seeking justice is falling, then I will choose to fall every time.”
Mal and his squad live in the suburbs of Hell, and their school vacation is starting to feel like one, too. A soul has escaped from the Pit and is on the loose, which means their on lockdown, even during Halloween, one of their favorite holidays. When Mal, Lilith, Crowley, and Aleister decide to goof off in the woods near a tear in the veil to Earth, they accidentally fall through into Salem. But the town is more chaotic than usual, and it’s starting to seem like something ghostly, something infernal is going on—and they’d better figure it out before the veil closes, they have no way home, and they’re... grounded for all eternity.
This book is like if Supernatural were a show for middle grade students, and Percy Jackson was the star, which means it is extremely close to perfect. I love the author’s take on sort of modernizing Christian angelology and giving it the fun, snarky treatment as the reader gets a look behind the scenes, all while not straying too far from what powers are actually supposed to do. In fact, it’s pretty spot on, from what I can tell. We also get a little bit about other dimensions, with mentions of Heaven, Faerie, and Purgatory, which I just think is so cool. All the little worldbuilding details of the parts set in Hell are nice, too, like the scent of the air, the ambulatory leaves, the witty names of the shops, and the different origins of the populace.
Aside from the elements that the lapsed Catholic in me is totally geeking out about, I really love the message here, which I think can be boiled down to: “You may have a destiny, but you can carry it out your way.” The way things have always been done doesn’t have to remain the only way, and younger generations can reinvent the rules. Mal and his squad are a fun bunch of kids, and I loved watching them and the friends they meet while on their self-appointed mission (Charity in particular is so refreshing in her enthusiasm, and I love Cassandra’s almost inept social worker vibe) realize that responsibility isn’t always a bad thing, and that doing the right thing is more important than the seemingly good thing, regardless of perception. Of course, Mal comes to this conclusion in a way less boring way than I just did, so honestly? Just follow the squad through the veil, and you’ll be in for a Hell of a Halloween.
Now just imagine Mal popping up and giving me the stink eye, saying “Not there,” and vanishing. But he’s right, it’s not totally their fault.
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January 23, 2024Supernatural powers + a little bit of religion = Grounded for All Eternity
If you think a fantasy story with elements of good and evil and spiritual beings from the Bible (seraphs, guardians, angels, demons, Michael the archangel, witches) would make a good story, then this story about Malachi and his squad mates Cowley and Lilith who find themselves on Earth after they escape through the veil which keeps our world and their world apart is for you.
If you think a fantasy story with elements of good and evil and spiritual beings from the Bible (seraphs, guardians, angels, demons, Michael the archangel, witches) would make a good story, then this story about Malachi and his squad mates Cowley and Lilith who find themselves on Earth after they escape through the veil which keeps our world and their world apart is for you.
August 9, 2022
2.5-3 stars. I really liked this book in the beginning, but once the plot moved to Salem it was too all over the place. There was way too much going on and I wish the story was more focused. I also had a hard time reading some of the Salem inconsistencies...
I DID really like Mal, Lilith and Crowley though, and that Mal is bi (I think). Also shout out to Supernatural for prepping me for a lot of Hell/Heaven/Angels lore.
I DID really like Mal, Lilith and Crowley though, and that Mal is bi (I think). Also shout out to Supernatural for prepping me for a lot of Hell/Heaven/Angels lore.
January 29, 2023
Mal is the young adult son of two high-profile professional dark angels in Hell. (I do mean literally. Not the fiery inferno but the suburbs in actual Hell).
When a manipulative soul escapes with Mal and two of his BFF's to the mortal realm on Samhain or our Americanized Halloween, it is up to Mal, his friends and three unlikely comrades, to restore order before the evil soul takes over the town of Salem, Massachusetts.
The book pits the forces of good against evil, adding additional layers to what we think we know about both Heaven and Hell, and incorporating mythology, and destiny.
One of the nice touches with Darcy Marks' writing is that she not only has definitely done her research on Samhain and the various depictions or incarnations of Heaven and Hell and its various inhabitants, but on the historical part of the story which ties into the Salem Witch Trials.
If you're a fan of Wednesday, Those Meddling Kids, Lucifer, the Gargoyles t.v. show, or the Bad Omen, this is a fun middle-grade book for you to enjoy!
*I especially love the (not so subtle) jabs that Darcy Marks throws in about certain topics (like the Capital of Hell) and Pays a VERY nice teaser to something in the "Didn't see that coming" scenario.
When a manipulative soul escapes with Mal and two of his BFF's to the mortal realm on Samhain or our Americanized Halloween, it is up to Mal, his friends and three unlikely comrades, to restore order before the evil soul takes over the town of Salem, Massachusetts.
The book pits the forces of good against evil, adding additional layers to what we think we know about both Heaven and Hell, and incorporating mythology, and destiny.
One of the nice touches with Darcy Marks' writing is that she not only has definitely done her research on Samhain and the various depictions or incarnations of Heaven and Hell and its various inhabitants, but on the historical part of the story which ties into the Salem Witch Trials.
If you're a fan of Wednesday, Those Meddling Kids, Lucifer, the Gargoyles t.v. show, or the Bad Omen, this is a fun middle-grade book for you to enjoy!
*I especially love the (not so subtle) jabs that Darcy Marks throws in about certain topics (like the Capital of Hell) and Pays a VERY nice teaser to something in the "Didn't see that coming" scenario.
September 25, 2024
This book is absolutely perfect for Halloween!! It kind of reminded me of Hocus Pocus in a way.
September 7, 2024
This is a cute book that really would have benefited from being longer. While appearing for pluralism and nodding to other faith traditions, this story features angels from hell in an undeniable cute imaging of ordinary life for the people who make sure bad people get their Justice in the afterlife. It’s an original take on hell, and I enjoyed the fact it pointed out that (duh) wouldn’t the people who worked in hell have an outrageously developed sense of Justice and right out wrong? To imprison the bad people???
I liked the characters and their struggles, but I just really wished that the plot could have slowed down in some places. In the beginning, when Malachi first comes to Earth, we had a LOT of time with him alone as he explored, but then later it felt like whiplash- we were in the human world, then in heaven, then on Earth in the matter of three pages. And I wished all the characters weren’t keeping secrets from everyone else because at times I got frustrated. At one point, Malachi is helping Charity get a box, then without any warning Sean holds a knife to his throat???? Then they break apart and decide on a truce without really saying what the heck happened or what would make a character act that way and we don’t find out for like another 80 pages that apparently a charm or something was glowing which told the humans there were demons around. All the characters had to hide their identity from one another, which made for a lot of awkward “I can help but I can’t explain how it why” Hopefully any future books can be longer and take more time to move a bit more naturally.
I liked the bisexual awakening. I liked that there were witches and exploring the Salem Witch Trails was fascinating- and the book taking place on Halloween was a lot of fun to!!! There were hints of greater conversations about how we label people as monsters, but these unfortunately were sprinkled in without a lot of characters talking about it, more like an observation by one character and everyone just kind of nods. I wish the cast could have been more diverse as everyone was white. Would love to see how this world is explored more in any future books.
I liked the characters and their struggles, but I just really wished that the plot could have slowed down in some places. In the beginning, when Malachi first comes to Earth, we had a LOT of time with him alone as he explored, but then later it felt like whiplash- we were in the human world, then in heaven, then on Earth in the matter of three pages. And I wished all the characters weren’t keeping secrets from everyone else because at times I got frustrated. At one point, Malachi is helping Charity get a box, then without any warning Sean holds a knife to his throat???? Then they break apart and decide on a truce without really saying what the heck happened or what would make a character act that way and we don’t find out for like another 80 pages that apparently a charm or something was glowing which told the humans there were demons around. All the characters had to hide their identity from one another, which made for a lot of awkward “I can help but I can’t explain how it why” Hopefully any future books can be longer and take more time to move a bit more naturally.
I liked the bisexual awakening. I liked that there were witches and exploring the Salem Witch Trails was fascinating- and the book taking place on Halloween was a lot of fun to!!! There were hints of greater conversations about how we label people as monsters, but these unfortunately were sprinkled in without a lot of characters talking about it, more like an observation by one character and everyone just kind of nods. I wish the cast could have been more diverse as everyone was white. Would love to see how this world is explored more in any future books.
July 9, 2023
Cheeky narration, reminded me at times of Good Omens. Interesting how it combines some of the history with the Salem Witch Trials with modern times. Loved the personality of many of the characters. Good balance of snark, history, and making people think.
August 1, 2022
Have you ever chosen a book based solely on the cover? I totally grabbed Grounded for All Eternity because it looked like a FUN middle-grade read - and it did not disappoint.
With a completely original storyline, we follow a group of friends who sneak out of Hell for the night ... on what happens to be Halloween and end up on a crazy adventure. If you love stories about teamwork, friendship, and shattering expectations then you will love Grounded for All Eternity.
With a completely original storyline, we follow a group of friends who sneak out of Hell for the night ... on what happens to be Halloween and end up on a crazy adventure. If you love stories about teamwork, friendship, and shattering expectations then you will love Grounded for All Eternity.
October 6, 2022
Super clever fun! Wickedly good adventures of young beings from Hell who have to capture the evil soul they inadvertently unleashed upon Earth. This made me chuckle and had my attention the whole way through. The characters stand apart and the story lived up to my expectations. Perfect for the Halloween season and beyond.
Extra kudos for an obviously bi main character.
Extra kudos for an obviously bi main character.
June 9, 2023
Hell has suburbs. Who knew?
The suburbs of Hell, perhaps not surprisingly, have much in common with our mortal suburbs. Little houses with fenced yards, people out walking their dogs, leaves falling from the trees in the fall. The fences usually aren't tall metal pikes, though; the dogs don't usually have three heads; and the leaves don't sprout legs and run off.
Like any suburban kid, Malachi is bored. He's only got one week of Samhain vacation, before it's back to school, where he'll learn about being a "power," i.e. an angel who protects against evil. His carefree youth of playing "hologames" and whizzing about on his black wings are not long for this world. He has a "squad" of three others, and he's destined to be their leader. He's despondent about this, frustrated at the prospect of having no choice, dreading the idea that it will change his relation with these three friends.
Malachi's angst is relatable to many adolescents. Even though he's characterized as a "cool" kid, he's written with enough restraint and flaws to keep him appealing. This is important, because naturally, this book is told in first-person. The chemistry he has with his squad varies: Lilith, the brains of the operation, often draws his outspoken admiration. Crowley, the magic user, is depicted as a scatterbrained nerd. The fourth member is absent for much of the story, so not much to be said about him.
Their vacation is confounded when a particularly wicked soul escapes from the Nine Circles. After cabin fever sets in, the group escapes, and are pushed through the veil to Salem, Massachussetts. On Samhain, or as it may be more commonly known, Halloween.
Kids from Hell set loose in Salem on Halloween? You know I'm down.
The book starts off rather humorous, as Malachi sees this mishap as the chance to have one last hurrah with his friends. Several other amusing characters have their turn, like a well-meaning but hapless seraph, who thinks Mal and the others want to be whisked off to Heaven. The tone grows more serious as they realize the enormity of their predicament, and find out the escaped soul snuck through with them, and intends to wreak havoc.
The strongest chemistry, curiously, is between Malachi and a later supporting character, Sean. The interactions described between the two suggest a captivating tension; Malachi often reacts upon Sean's features, behaviour, and his hesitation to let go of his hand. Although Malachi describes his other relations in plain language, it feels here like he wants to articulate something more complex and curious. This becomes the most compelling element of the story.
The action related to the escaped soul has its ups and downs. Much is espoused about the nature of Hell, and its purpose, and the philosophy of what is objectively "evil," and what is merely misunderstood; highly relevant subjects, when the Salem Witch Trials are brought into the narrative. There is also an underlying theme of kids asserting their own agency, in a world where adults would hold them back. Considering how young many of the Witch Trials' victims were, and those who judged them were old and stubborn, it also strongly informs the narrative.
But some of the details and worldbuilding gets a bit spotty; Malachi and his crew seem to be otherwordly beings, but they can be injured and feel tired? The escaped soul's abilities also seem weirdly inconsistent. Much of the tension involves getting a maguffin to the appointed place, which while I suppose easier for a kid to comprehend, is somewhat trite.
Nonetheless, Malachi's snarky but grounded narration is fun to read, and the way the tone escalates from funny to intense is well-paced. Reading about witches and the denizens of Hell is already pretty fun, and Grounded for All Eternity certainly makes superb use of this material.
The suburbs of Hell, perhaps not surprisingly, have much in common with our mortal suburbs. Little houses with fenced yards, people out walking their dogs, leaves falling from the trees in the fall. The fences usually aren't tall metal pikes, though; the dogs don't usually have three heads; and the leaves don't sprout legs and run off.
Like any suburban kid, Malachi is bored. He's only got one week of Samhain vacation, before it's back to school, where he'll learn about being a "power," i.e. an angel who protects against evil. His carefree youth of playing "hologames" and whizzing about on his black wings are not long for this world. He has a "squad" of three others, and he's destined to be their leader. He's despondent about this, frustrated at the prospect of having no choice, dreading the idea that it will change his relation with these three friends.
Malachi's angst is relatable to many adolescents. Even though he's characterized as a "cool" kid, he's written with enough restraint and flaws to keep him appealing. This is important, because naturally, this book is told in first-person. The chemistry he has with his squad varies: Lilith, the brains of the operation, often draws his outspoken admiration. Crowley, the magic user, is depicted as a scatterbrained nerd. The fourth member is absent for much of the story, so not much to be said about him.
Their vacation is confounded when a particularly wicked soul escapes from the Nine Circles. After cabin fever sets in, the group escapes, and are pushed through the veil to Salem, Massachussetts. On Samhain, or as it may be more commonly known, Halloween.
Kids from Hell set loose in Salem on Halloween? You know I'm down.
The book starts off rather humorous, as Malachi sees this mishap as the chance to have one last hurrah with his friends. Several other amusing characters have their turn, like a well-meaning but hapless seraph, who thinks Mal and the others want to be whisked off to Heaven. The tone grows more serious as they realize the enormity of their predicament, and find out the escaped soul snuck through with them, and intends to wreak havoc.
The strongest chemistry, curiously, is between Malachi and a later supporting character, Sean. The interactions described between the two suggest a captivating tension; Malachi often reacts upon Sean's features, behaviour, and his hesitation to let go of his hand. Although Malachi describes his other relations in plain language, it feels here like he wants to articulate something more complex and curious. This becomes the most compelling element of the story.
The action related to the escaped soul has its ups and downs. Much is espoused about the nature of Hell, and its purpose, and the philosophy of what is objectively "evil," and what is merely misunderstood; highly relevant subjects, when the Salem Witch Trials are brought into the narrative. There is also an underlying theme of kids asserting their own agency, in a world where adults would hold them back. Considering how young many of the Witch Trials' victims were, and those who judged them were old and stubborn, it also strongly informs the narrative.
But some of the details and worldbuilding gets a bit spotty; Malachi and his crew seem to be otherwordly beings, but they can be injured and feel tired? The escaped soul's abilities also seem weirdly inconsistent. Much of the tension involves getting a maguffin to the appointed place, which while I suppose easier for a kid to comprehend, is somewhat trite.
Nonetheless, Malachi's snarky but grounded narration is fun to read, and the way the tone escalates from funny to intense is well-paced. Reading about witches and the denizens of Hell is already pretty fun, and Grounded for All Eternity certainly makes superb use of this material.
September 22, 2022
What worked:
Mal is an archangel living in Hell and it’s assumed he’ll lead his squadron just like his parents. Mal’s not sure that’s the future he wants. Featuring fallen angels as the main characters is not something you see all the time, but these characters are fated to be Hell’s guardians, keeping evil souls from escaping. Mal and two friends find themselves pushed through a barrier onto Earth and immediately realize they no longer have their large, black wings. Mal’s brain still thinks like a Power but he finds himself in the unfamiliar world of the living and readers will be amused as he tries to adapt. He can see humans’ auras and knows if they’re headed toward heaven or hell, or if their eternities are uncertain. Unfortunately, Mal, Lilith, and Crowley have released an evil soul that is determined to upset the balance of good and evil.
Hell is much like Earth, except for orange skies, fiery fences, and eternal damnation. Mal lives in a neighborhood, enjoys his break from school, and revels in playing video games with his friends. Most of the plot happens in the human world but it still shares issues related to the supernatural. One of Mal’s biggest fears is that he’ll end up stuck in heaven for all of eternity and the angel who keeps popping up to deliver him there only adds to his worries. Imps, brownies, and daemons also pop up but they’re not a big factor in the plot. Inhabitants of Hell are stereotyped by everyone else
The story blends real social issues with the exciting adventure of Hell’s guardians trying to capture an escaped soul. The misconceptions of stereotypes are a big factor in the books as the humans, the angel, and the Powers all have assumptions of the others based on what they’ve been told. Mal is upset by the expectation of becoming an archangel leader like his parents and he feels adults make all the important decisions in his life. Young readers will relate to wanting some control over what happens to them and the frustration when parents micromanage. Mal also struggles to share his feelings with his friends as he doesn’t want to disappoint them or let them down. Finally, Mal has conflicting thoughts about his sexuality. Early on, he’s infatuated with Lilith and gets red-faced and tongue-tied when he happens to touch her. However, these thoughts become muddled when another character enters the story.
What didn’t work as well:
It would be nice if Mal and his friends retained more of their Hellish abilities on Earth. Crowley is able to wield magic and his weakened power is the only one having a major impact on the story. I know making the kids more like humans adds to their difficulties and conflicts so it’s not a big deal.
The Final Verdict:
The closeness of Mal and his friends offers friendly banter and tender moments as their adventure on Earth ensues. A time limit adds to the suspense as three possible outcomes count down, two of them being very bad. Young readers will enjoy the twists and surprises in the plot and I recommend you give this book a shot.
Mal is an archangel living in Hell and it’s assumed he’ll lead his squadron just like his parents. Mal’s not sure that’s the future he wants. Featuring fallen angels as the main characters is not something you see all the time, but these characters are fated to be Hell’s guardians, keeping evil souls from escaping. Mal and two friends find themselves pushed through a barrier onto Earth and immediately realize they no longer have their large, black wings. Mal’s brain still thinks like a Power but he finds himself in the unfamiliar world of the living and readers will be amused as he tries to adapt. He can see humans’ auras and knows if they’re headed toward heaven or hell, or if their eternities are uncertain. Unfortunately, Mal, Lilith, and Crowley have released an evil soul that is determined to upset the balance of good and evil.
Hell is much like Earth, except for orange skies, fiery fences, and eternal damnation. Mal lives in a neighborhood, enjoys his break from school, and revels in playing video games with his friends. Most of the plot happens in the human world but it still shares issues related to the supernatural. One of Mal’s biggest fears is that he’ll end up stuck in heaven for all of eternity and the angel who keeps popping up to deliver him there only adds to his worries. Imps, brownies, and daemons also pop up but they’re not a big factor in the plot. Inhabitants of Hell are stereotyped by everyone else
The story blends real social issues with the exciting adventure of Hell’s guardians trying to capture an escaped soul. The misconceptions of stereotypes are a big factor in the books as the humans, the angel, and the Powers all have assumptions of the others based on what they’ve been told. Mal is upset by the expectation of becoming an archangel leader like his parents and he feels adults make all the important decisions in his life. Young readers will relate to wanting some control over what happens to them and the frustration when parents micromanage. Mal also struggles to share his feelings with his friends as he doesn’t want to disappoint them or let them down. Finally, Mal has conflicting thoughts about his sexuality. Early on, he’s infatuated with Lilith and gets red-faced and tongue-tied when he happens to touch her. However, these thoughts become muddled when another character enters the story.
What didn’t work as well:
It would be nice if Mal and his friends retained more of their Hellish abilities on Earth. Crowley is able to wield magic and his weakened power is the only one having a major impact on the story. I know making the kids more like humans adds to their difficulties and conflicts so it’s not a big deal.
The Final Verdict:
The closeness of Mal and his friends offers friendly banter and tender moments as their adventure on Earth ensues. A time limit adds to the suspense as three possible outcomes count down, two of them being very bad. Young readers will enjoy the twists and surprises in the plot and I recommend you give this book a shot.
November 14, 2022
I was rather excited for this one. You all know that I love middle grade books. There is something nostalgic for me that transports me back to my youth reading and appreciating the lessons that these books offer to their readers. While I no longer need to learn these lessons, I am a parent of two little ones who I hope to pass these lessons onto. And what better way to do so than to build a love of reading and turning them onto these great books.
I didn't expect this book to work out as well as it did. I honestly was pulled in by the cover and I stayed for the unique story, cute characters, and the excellent world building. First thing you have to do with MG is lower your expectations. It is written for younger readers so the writing style, language and dialogue can be annoying and simplistic at times. The characters aren't overly complex and the conflicts aren't especially impressive, but that is by design. As far as all of those things goes, this book manages to do them as well as any MG would be expected to do.
The characters are well developed, though I did have a qualm with the introduction of the character Sean. In his introduction he seemed younger and naïve, however on the second appearance his character appeared much more mature, a bit angry and wanting everything in his control. This stark difference came across as a little jarring and shook me out of the moment for a bit, but from that point forward he remained consistent and in the end, he showed some growth and progress. The rest of the characters felt genuine and well fleshed out. I would enjoy reading a sequel and following these characters are they grow and evolve.
The incredible world that Marks has created was fantastical and quirky and whimsical. I had a great time hearing all the contrasts and similarities of Earth and Hell. There are some funny references and punny name changes, and it gave heavy Halloween Town vibes. The story was unique and the mystery was fun to figure out. My main complaint is of the villain. The pacing was a little slow in working the conflict into the foreground of the story and at first the villain and his motive just didn't seem big enough. It wasn't really intimidating, but by the end Marks had managed to make it a much more formidable problem for our cast of characters.
This touched on topics of destiny, the universality of right and wrong, adult control, manipulation, and self-expression and identity. There are subtle hints to LGBTQ+ elements, but it handles them casually and I really liked how it wasn't a main focus. This is written for 12-13 year-olds dealing with world ending scenarios so I wouldn't want that to be a tugging force in the story. It also plays with the idea of fluid sexuality in a sense that there is no dilemma to meet societal norms. Its all feelings that come natural to the characters and I love it.
The ending was cute and I hope to see a sequel come out of this incredible world. Recommended for my fellow MG readers or my friends with younger ones.
I didn't expect this book to work out as well as it did. I honestly was pulled in by the cover and I stayed for the unique story, cute characters, and the excellent world building. First thing you have to do with MG is lower your expectations. It is written for younger readers so the writing style, language and dialogue can be annoying and simplistic at times. The characters aren't overly complex and the conflicts aren't especially impressive, but that is by design. As far as all of those things goes, this book manages to do them as well as any MG would be expected to do.
The characters are well developed, though I did have a qualm with the introduction of the character Sean. In his introduction he seemed younger and naïve, however on the second appearance his character appeared much more mature, a bit angry and wanting everything in his control. This stark difference came across as a little jarring and shook me out of the moment for a bit, but from that point forward he remained consistent and in the end, he showed some growth and progress. The rest of the characters felt genuine and well fleshed out. I would enjoy reading a sequel and following these characters are they grow and evolve.
The incredible world that Marks has created was fantastical and quirky and whimsical. I had a great time hearing all the contrasts and similarities of Earth and Hell. There are some funny references and punny name changes, and it gave heavy Halloween Town vibes. The story was unique and the mystery was fun to figure out. My main complaint is of the villain. The pacing was a little slow in working the conflict into the foreground of the story and at first the villain and his motive just didn't seem big enough. It wasn't really intimidating, but by the end Marks had managed to make it a much more formidable problem for our cast of characters.
This touched on topics of destiny, the universality of right and wrong, adult control, manipulation, and self-expression and identity. There are subtle hints to LGBTQ+ elements, but it handles them casually and I really liked how it wasn't a main focus. This is written for 12-13 year-olds dealing with world ending scenarios so I wouldn't want that to be a tugging force in the story. It also plays with the idea of fluid sexuality in a sense that there is no dilemma to meet societal norms. Its all feelings that come natural to the characters and I love it.
The ending was cute and I hope to see a sequel come out of this incredible world. Recommended for my fellow MG readers or my friends with younger ones.
July 1, 2022
It's not Halloween, yet. Not even close. But I'm still going to already shout this one out as a must-read for that upcoming holiday.
Mal is an average kid. Well, for Hell that is. He lives with his parents, goes to school, and has pretty much the same problems as any kid on Earth. Go figure. When a soul escapes one of Hell's levels, the entire town goes on high alert with fire-shield-dome and everything. His parents are on call and need to find him a babysitter because it's school break. Just when Mal's convinced his vacation's ruined, his friends come to the rescue, but their secret fun out doesn't end exactly the way they hoped it would. Accidentally slipping through a gateway, they find themselves on Earth. Not only do they have no clue how to return home before their parents notice that they're missing, but they see all sorts of evil creatures which shouldn't be on Earth. Now, they not only have to find the way home, but they'll have to deal with the escaped evil themselves.
This was so much more fun than I thought it might be. Although Mal has wings and lives in the Underworld, it's not much different than life on a town on Earth. The author allows several chapters for the reader to sink into Mal's life and really get to know him, where he comes from, and all the details living in the realm of death entails. And it isn't boring, in the least. Mal's easy to identify with, laid back, and faces many of the same issues that many middle graders do. By letting the reader to get to know his reality first, it makes the adventure on Earth that much more enjoyable...and relatable.
The writing flows very well and naturally, never letting anything feel choppy or forced. The friends interact as any would and could be the kids down the street. There are enough oddities to keep the reader in the pages, and as the story progresses, this slips over to surprising twists and tension. Some situations have the reader wondering what the friends will do, while others will cause a smirk or a snort. It's a nice balance of adventure and fun.
Along with a fun tale, the author has woven in well-known literature, historic figures and myths. Dante's levels of Hell, Faust, Methuselah, and more give a nod at all those history and literature buffs. I found it a nice twist, although I'm sure some of these will go over readers' heads. But having them mentioned and playing a role is a nice bonus.
This is an easy read with tons to like. The plot and setting are original, and the characters are easy to root for. I do see this one as being a winner with more than just a couple readers.
I received a DRC and enjoyed every page.
Mal is an average kid. Well, for Hell that is. He lives with his parents, goes to school, and has pretty much the same problems as any kid on Earth. Go figure. When a soul escapes one of Hell's levels, the entire town goes on high alert with fire-shield-dome and everything. His parents are on call and need to find him a babysitter because it's school break. Just when Mal's convinced his vacation's ruined, his friends come to the rescue, but their secret fun out doesn't end exactly the way they hoped it would. Accidentally slipping through a gateway, they find themselves on Earth. Not only do they have no clue how to return home before their parents notice that they're missing, but they see all sorts of evil creatures which shouldn't be on Earth. Now, they not only have to find the way home, but they'll have to deal with the escaped evil themselves.
This was so much more fun than I thought it might be. Although Mal has wings and lives in the Underworld, it's not much different than life on a town on Earth. The author allows several chapters for the reader to sink into Mal's life and really get to know him, where he comes from, and all the details living in the realm of death entails. And it isn't boring, in the least. Mal's easy to identify with, laid back, and faces many of the same issues that many middle graders do. By letting the reader to get to know his reality first, it makes the adventure on Earth that much more enjoyable...and relatable.
The writing flows very well and naturally, never letting anything feel choppy or forced. The friends interact as any would and could be the kids down the street. There are enough oddities to keep the reader in the pages, and as the story progresses, this slips over to surprising twists and tension. Some situations have the reader wondering what the friends will do, while others will cause a smirk or a snort. It's a nice balance of adventure and fun.
Along with a fun tale, the author has woven in well-known literature, historic figures and myths. Dante's levels of Hell, Faust, Methuselah, and more give a nod at all those history and literature buffs. I found it a nice twist, although I'm sure some of these will go over readers' heads. But having them mentioned and playing a role is a nice bonus.
This is an easy read with tons to like. The plot and setting are original, and the characters are easy to root for. I do see this one as being a winner with more than just a couple readers.
I received a DRC and enjoyed every page.
October 18, 2022
Okay I’m giving this book a 3.6 out of 5, honestly it had a strong start but the rest was just so much. Like so much chaos was happening and the ending felt like the author was adding stuff and I didn’t like that part.
The letter part was cute and I did like that part of the ending.
I do feel like Cassandra was a good character, but like holy shit did she zap them a lot, and that caused a lot of unnecessary problems.
I did like the book overall, I just thought I would like it a lot more then I did, I wanted to give it a 5 star rating but like halfway towards the finish I was like “what is going on” and changed my evaluation.
I loved Malachi and Sean, like I wanted them to get together but that didn’t happen. Like maybe a small kiss even, a farewell one. But they never specified anyone’s ages. So my thought process was like “they’re either 14 or like 16”. Might have even been 15, cuz sometimes their behavior was mature and other times it was very childish, like in the beginning Mal was a bit childish, but as soon as like them going through the veil and he realized he’s not with anyone he maturity goes up a notch, and it was so weird to be reading that.
Like I understand it’s a middle grade/teen book, but like I’d like some clarification on what age they are, cuz you couldn’t tell me “yeah they’re 12” like what.
I do feel like the plot dragged on for a couple chapters, could’ve been good without the baby angel scene. It was hella cute though.
Also there were multiple times where Charity would say things that was never mentioned and she’d like “sorry I didn’t mention this before” like what.
From what I could recall she says “what street is this? Oh how could I forget?” As she’s practically limping/running away from a cursed soul. Like what the fuck. Literally makes no sense and I hated that.
Honestly the ending conclusion felt rushed and I didn’t like it. The last chapter where Mal was grounded was good I liked that.
Also I liked Crowley’s character but in the beginning he seemed like a nerd and then after that he seemed so closed off, and I didn’t really like that at all.
I gotta say along with Crowley, I wished that they showed their powers better. Like we got some of Crowley at the end of the book but I wanted to see what the others could do too. Sean was good during the cut scene but after that he didn’t really feel ass important.
I feel like I’m judging the book too hard, where as this is a kids book so I don’t need too, but it’s 4am and I just finished reading the book and I have opinions ya feel.
The letter part was cute and I did like that part of the ending.
I do feel like Cassandra was a good character, but like holy shit did she zap them a lot, and that caused a lot of unnecessary problems.
I did like the book overall, I just thought I would like it a lot more then I did, I wanted to give it a 5 star rating but like halfway towards the finish I was like “what is going on” and changed my evaluation.
I loved Malachi and Sean, like I wanted them to get together but that didn’t happen. Like maybe a small kiss even, a farewell one. But they never specified anyone’s ages. So my thought process was like “they’re either 14 or like 16”. Might have even been 15, cuz sometimes their behavior was mature and other times it was very childish, like in the beginning Mal was a bit childish, but as soon as like them going through the veil and he realized he’s not with anyone he maturity goes up a notch, and it was so weird to be reading that.
Like I understand it’s a middle grade/teen book, but like I’d like some clarification on what age they are, cuz you couldn’t tell me “yeah they’re 12” like what.
I do feel like the plot dragged on for a couple chapters, could’ve been good without the baby angel scene. It was hella cute though.
Also there were multiple times where Charity would say things that was never mentioned and she’d like “sorry I didn’t mention this before” like what.
From what I could recall she says “what street is this? Oh how could I forget?” As she’s practically limping/running away from a cursed soul. Like what the fuck. Literally makes no sense and I hated that.
Honestly the ending conclusion felt rushed and I didn’t like it. The last chapter where Mal was grounded was good I liked that.
Also I liked Crowley’s character but in the beginning he seemed like a nerd and then after that he seemed so closed off, and I didn’t really like that at all.
I gotta say along with Crowley, I wished that they showed their powers better. Like we got some of Crowley at the end of the book but I wanted to see what the others could do too. Sean was good during the cut scene but after that he didn’t really feel ass important.
I feel like I’m judging the book too hard, where as this is a kids book so I don’t need too, but it’s 4am and I just finished reading the book and I have opinions ya feel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2022
🔥☀️🌇Grounded for All Eternity🌇☀️🔥
3.5 Stars
Malachi wants to avoid his fate of becoming a power, guarding and regulating the nine rings of Hell. One day, Hell's Bell rings, signaling that someone has escaped from the eighth circle (The Manipulators). Malachi, Lilith, Aleister, and Crowley, along with almost everyone else in Hell, are stuck at home. So Malachi sneaks out one day with his squad, only to stumble across a weak place in the veil. Curiosity overwhelms him and he finds himself nearing the veil only to be pulled onto Earth. Lost and alone, Malachi searches for a way to go back to Hell. However, he finds out that he has brought with him Lilith, Crowley, and none other than Samuel Parish-the escapee. Now, along with a psychic human boy, and a witch, Hell's kids must work to capture Samuel from destroying the constructs of Heaven, Hell, Earth, Purgatory, and the veil.
Darcy Marks created a fantastic and imaginative story weaving together history and mythology. I discovered that Samuel Parriss was a real historical figure who was the minister in Salem Village during the Salem witch trials. I enjoyed how Hell and Heaven is depicted, where the author took her own humorous and creative liberty. She constructed a detailed system in Hell. I enjoyed learning more about the nine circles but also how she weaved in mythology, mentioning Hades, Anubis and more.
This was an atmospheric book that I finished in one sitting. I was really transported to every single setting with the right amount of world-building and descriptions to keep the world vibrant. Seeing Mal, Lilith, and Crowley's experience on Earth during Halloween was hilarious. Mal, Lilith, and Crowley were characters I really liked. They contrasted and complimented each other well. Mal was caring but also cocky at points and thoughtful. Lilith was brave, strategic, and cheerful. Crowley was sarcastic, sardonic, and determined.
I also have to mention that I think Mal could be bisexual; and it was hinted at but not explored. I did want the romantic aspect of the story to be explored a bit more, rather than taking a backseat. The action mixed with the humor and bond of a friendship kept the story going. I wished that Aleister could be a bigger part of the story.
The story was overall really good, with an interesting plot, and great characters.
☑️PLOT
☑️PLOT TWIST
☑️CHARACTERS
3.5 Stars
Malachi wants to avoid his fate of becoming a power, guarding and regulating the nine rings of Hell. One day, Hell's Bell rings, signaling that someone has escaped from the eighth circle (The Manipulators). Malachi, Lilith, Aleister, and Crowley, along with almost everyone else in Hell, are stuck at home. So Malachi sneaks out one day with his squad, only to stumble across a weak place in the veil. Curiosity overwhelms him and he finds himself nearing the veil only to be pulled onto Earth. Lost and alone, Malachi searches for a way to go back to Hell. However, he finds out that he has brought with him Lilith, Crowley, and none other than Samuel Parish-the escapee. Now, along with a psychic human boy, and a witch, Hell's kids must work to capture Samuel from destroying the constructs of Heaven, Hell, Earth, Purgatory, and the veil.
Darcy Marks created a fantastic and imaginative story weaving together history and mythology. I discovered that Samuel Parriss was a real historical figure who was the minister in Salem Village during the Salem witch trials. I enjoyed how Hell and Heaven is depicted, where the author took her own humorous and creative liberty. She constructed a detailed system in Hell. I enjoyed learning more about the nine circles but also how she weaved in mythology, mentioning Hades, Anubis and more.
This was an atmospheric book that I finished in one sitting. I was really transported to every single setting with the right amount of world-building and descriptions to keep the world vibrant. Seeing Mal, Lilith, and Crowley's experience on Earth during Halloween was hilarious. Mal, Lilith, and Crowley were characters I really liked. They contrasted and complimented each other well. Mal was caring but also cocky at points and thoughtful. Lilith was brave, strategic, and cheerful. Crowley was sarcastic, sardonic, and determined.
I also have to mention that I think Mal could be bisexual; and it was hinted at but not explored. I did want the romantic aspect of the story to be explored a bit more, rather than taking a backseat. The action mixed with the humor and bond of a friendship kept the story going. I wished that Aleister could be a bigger part of the story.
The story was overall really good, with an interesting plot, and great characters.
☑️PLOT
☑️PLOT TWIST
☑️CHARACTERS
January 16, 2025
3.5 Starts
6 grade +
This is an excellent middle grade book to read around fall. It has the perfect setting and characters for an action packed Halloween adventure. The three main denizens from hell, Malachi, Lilith, and Crowley, feel like a real group of friends and their dynamic was endearing. There is a bit of LGBTQ representation with Mal having showcasing feelings for both Lilith and a human boy, Sean. One of the humans, Charity, also mentions having moms. There are roots in real mythology, religion, and history with creatures from many influences, biblical references of heaven and hell, and the main antagonist being tied to the Salem Witch trials. Overall, the concept was strong but the book struggled with pacing.
It takes a long time before the real conflict starts. And after it is introduced, It jumps around and fumbles for a clear direction. The movement of the story itself felt like it constantly stopped and started and stopped again, snagging on something that felt irrelevant. It took almost 90% of the book to clearly explain what Malachi and his friends are. The audience is told they are “powers” and it describes some expectations of the role, but it doesn’t clearly define it until the last 80 pages or so. Much of the ending felt rushed and big world building concepts were introduced last minute. It is a case of missued space. The front half of the book takes its time to unfold (which isn’t a bad thing if that time is used to build up the story) only to unload a lot of important information in the last quarter of the book. Things like the concept of Chaos with a capital “C,” what it meant to be a “power,” and Crowley and Charity magically discovering a wide reaching protection charm last minute without any buildup that they were trying to accomplish that goal. If the book used its slower start to introduce concepts and creatures that would have a strong pay off to the conclusion, this would have been a 4 star + book. Instead a lot of the first half feels like it wasted time with what it did think was important world building only to have a very rushed ending to get everything wrapped in a neat bow at just under 400 pages.
All that being said, I do think it kept me entertained and had enough of a mystery of questions that made me want to keep reading to find out what happens next. I liked that it is sprinkled in different creatures based from different myths and the structures and hierarchies of heaven and hell were interesting.
6 grade +
This is an excellent middle grade book to read around fall. It has the perfect setting and characters for an action packed Halloween adventure. The three main denizens from hell, Malachi, Lilith, and Crowley, feel like a real group of friends and their dynamic was endearing. There is a bit of LGBTQ representation with Mal having showcasing feelings for both Lilith and a human boy, Sean. One of the humans, Charity, also mentions having moms. There are roots in real mythology, religion, and history with creatures from many influences, biblical references of heaven and hell, and the main antagonist being tied to the Salem Witch trials. Overall, the concept was strong but the book struggled with pacing.
It takes a long time before the real conflict starts. And after it is introduced, It jumps around and fumbles for a clear direction. The movement of the story itself felt like it constantly stopped and started and stopped again, snagging on something that felt irrelevant. It took almost 90% of the book to clearly explain what Malachi and his friends are. The audience is told they are “powers” and it describes some expectations of the role, but it doesn’t clearly define it until the last 80 pages or so. Much of the ending felt rushed and big world building concepts were introduced last minute. It is a case of missued space. The front half of the book takes its time to unfold (which isn’t a bad thing if that time is used to build up the story) only to unload a lot of important information in the last quarter of the book. Things like the concept of Chaos with a capital “C,” what it meant to be a “power,” and Crowley and Charity magically discovering a wide reaching protection charm last minute without any buildup that they were trying to accomplish that goal. If the book used its slower start to introduce concepts and creatures that would have a strong pay off to the conclusion, this would have been a 4 star + book. Instead a lot of the first half feels like it wasted time with what it did think was important world building only to have a very rushed ending to get everything wrapped in a neat bow at just under 400 pages.
All that being said, I do think it kept me entertained and had enough of a mystery of questions that made me want to keep reading to find out what happens next. I liked that it is sprinkled in different creatures based from different myths and the structures and hierarchies of heaven and hell were interesting.
June 26, 2022
ARC provided by Simon and Schuster via NetGalley for an honest review.
When I saw that cover and title come across my dashboard feed on NetGalley, I just knew that I had to see what it was about. Once I read the summary I knew that I had to read it, and although there were a few flaws, for a debut it was brilliantly written with great characters and a really nice take on the good vs. evil trope.
The story is told solely through Malachi’s point of view which was great. He is really great character who has a lot on his plate and it was fun watching him grow and learn throughout the book. Mal is destined to be the leader of his squad, a role he is not sure he wants, but has no other choice. This leads him to make some iffy choices, but ultimately he does come to understand that being the leader might not be so bad, especially if he does it on his terms.
The other characters were also well developed and a lot of fun to hang out with. Mal has a great relationship with his friends, Crowley and Lilith, and they work together well, even when things get a bit tense between them. The two witches they meet on earth, Sean and Charity, are also well fleshed out and add a nice dynamic to the group. There is also an angel, Cassandra, who wants to take Mal and his friends to heaven instead of allowing them to go back to hell. I liked her alot and enjoyed seeing her character change.
The stars of this book though are definitely the plot and the setting. The book starts off in hell and the description of the suburbs is wonderful and kind of amusing. The kids all live with their parents who all have different jobs in the running of hell. On earth they are in Salem, MA on halloween night and I loved how mystified Mal and the gang were about the things the humans were up to. There was some nice social commentary as well. The whole capturing of the soul and who the soul was added some nice historical perspective to the story with some information about the witch trials. There were some nice surprises about who Mal and his friends really were and what their roles in hell were all about, but a bit more information about that would have been nice. The plot was fast moving with a lot of snarky comments and interesting insights to keep kids interested.
While there is no indication that this will be a series, I certainly hope it will be. The ending certainly left things open enough for another book, hopefully from the point of view of one of the other characters. Get the word out to all of the middle grade kids you know to pick up this book this summer. I know they will enjoy it!
https://elnadesbookchat.com
When I saw that cover and title come across my dashboard feed on NetGalley, I just knew that I had to see what it was about. Once I read the summary I knew that I had to read it, and although there were a few flaws, for a debut it was brilliantly written with great characters and a really nice take on the good vs. evil trope.
The story is told solely through Malachi’s point of view which was great. He is really great character who has a lot on his plate and it was fun watching him grow and learn throughout the book. Mal is destined to be the leader of his squad, a role he is not sure he wants, but has no other choice. This leads him to make some iffy choices, but ultimately he does come to understand that being the leader might not be so bad, especially if he does it on his terms.
The other characters were also well developed and a lot of fun to hang out with. Mal has a great relationship with his friends, Crowley and Lilith, and they work together well, even when things get a bit tense between them. The two witches they meet on earth, Sean and Charity, are also well fleshed out and add a nice dynamic to the group. There is also an angel, Cassandra, who wants to take Mal and his friends to heaven instead of allowing them to go back to hell. I liked her alot and enjoyed seeing her character change.
The stars of this book though are definitely the plot and the setting. The book starts off in hell and the description of the suburbs is wonderful and kind of amusing. The kids all live with their parents who all have different jobs in the running of hell. On earth they are in Salem, MA on halloween night and I loved how mystified Mal and the gang were about the things the humans were up to. There was some nice social commentary as well. The whole capturing of the soul and who the soul was added some nice historical perspective to the story with some information about the witch trials. There were some nice surprises about who Mal and his friends really were and what their roles in hell were all about, but a bit more information about that would have been nice. The plot was fast moving with a lot of snarky comments and interesting insights to keep kids interested.
While there is no indication that this will be a series, I certainly hope it will be. The ending certainly left things open enough for another book, hopefully from the point of view of one of the other characters. Get the word out to all of the middle grade kids you know to pick up this book this summer. I know they will enjoy it!
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December 23, 2022
Really enjoyed this tween title, perfect for kids and adults to listen to together, especially during October, but enjoyable year round. Marks does a great job with the characters, they're fun, relatable and have distinct voices. I also liked the message that allows readers to identify with characters who live in a place deemed 'bad' by many (Hell) but whose actions throughout the story show the meaninglessness of stereotypes and generalizations.
The main character is also bi and has two crushes in the story, one of his team, Lilith and a new boy he meets on Earth. There wasn't time taken out to stop and explain or be confused about the crush - it's just there naturally, which is nice. However, the story centers more around the characters friendships than romantic relationships. Very refreshing!
The world Marks creates is also well thought out and easy to imagine through the story without a need for info dumps. I really enjoyed reading about this version of Hell where the denizens are not solely evil demons, but dedicated to their work and ultimately as important at keeping humans and the earthly realm safe as any of the otherworldly beings. Also, did I mention it was just funny.
Kids who enjoyed the Heck: Where the Bad Kids Go series and are now tweens might find this title a similarly funny trip to H E double hockey sticks.
The main character is also bi and has two crushes in the story, one of his team, Lilith and a new boy he meets on Earth. There wasn't time taken out to stop and explain or be confused about the crush - it's just there naturally, which is nice. However, the story centers more around the characters friendships than romantic relationships. Very refreshing!
The world Marks creates is also well thought out and easy to imagine through the story without a need for info dumps. I really enjoyed reading about this version of Hell where the denizens are not solely evil demons, but dedicated to their work and ultimately as important at keeping humans and the earthly realm safe as any of the otherworldly beings. Also, did I mention it was just funny.
Kids who enjoyed the Heck: Where the Bad Kids Go series and are now tweens might find this title a similarly funny trip to H E double hockey sticks.
December 7, 2025
I'm giving Grounded for All Eternity by Darcy Marks a 4 just because Aleister wasn't with them. I was hoping it was the whole squad. It was also confusing since the synopsis introduced Lilith, Aleister and the main character. Looking at the cover I thought the other one on the side was Aleister. But when I went and read the story I realized it was Crowley. Aside from that it was all amazing. I'm in my 20s and I still enjoy this. It gives me a feeling of nostalgia. And this definitely took me out of my reading slump. I realized how I relate with the kids so much back then especially with Mal. And for Crowley, if he's older he has a huge potential to be part of the book boyfriends society. The best line that really get's me in the whole story is the "Touch my son and die!" by Mal's dad to Sean's dad---I was screaming---like yassss bro, go get him. And in metaphorical sense, the whole story was definitely what middle grade kids should be reading. It has a huge lesson and the message is definitely what the older people should be teaching the kids. It's not just an adventure but a whole new perspective of the "what ifs".
April 16, 2023
Mal and his friends are from hell. When a soul escapes and they're on lockdown for the majority of their school break, they start to get a little antsy. So, they find themselves in the forest when the veil between hell and Earth is thin. And suddenly, they're on Earth. With a dangerous escaped soul. It's up to them to return the soul to hell before something else bad happens.
This middle grade read would absolutely make the perfect Halloween read. Mal and his friends find themselves in Salem, Massachusetts on Halloween when they come to Earth, not quite ready for the adventure they find themselves in. The characters were well-rounded, even the side characters that we meet while on Earth. I loved the intertwining with some Salem history, and it just made an overall fun Halloween adventure.
My only complaint is that the pacing is off at some points, making the book feel a little longer than it needs to be. But I think there's a sequel coming soon, and I'm definitely interested in reading more about Mal's adventures with his friends.
This middle grade read would absolutely make the perfect Halloween read. Mal and his friends find themselves in Salem, Massachusetts on Halloween when they come to Earth, not quite ready for the adventure they find themselves in. The characters were well-rounded, even the side characters that we meet while on Earth. I loved the intertwining with some Salem history, and it just made an overall fun Halloween adventure.
My only complaint is that the pacing is off at some points, making the book feel a little longer than it needs to be. But I think there's a sequel coming soon, and I'm definitely interested in reading more about Mal's adventures with his friends.
September 26, 2022
Pros
Narration was entertaining and sounded like a middle school/high school teen.
The villan wasn't beaten too quickly
Character development
Cons
Mal and his friends ages were never specified
Content warning: suicide by manipulation so basically murder. Attempted Murder twice one minor character and one of one of the side characters. Not graphic but it describes blood on windshield, skin turning blue from lack of oxygen. A woman gets pushed in front of an oncoming train and Mal and co save her just in time. Parris uses powers to try to murder 3 people one a teenager by manipulation off the edge of a tower, all 3 are saved.
Violence. Nothing graphic but a few scenes the kids are attacked.
Charity not being able to fight, but her mom's coven can summon fireballs.
Neutral depends on how you view it
Bisexual representation, nothing other than blushing happens.
Narration was entertaining and sounded like a middle school/high school teen.
The villan wasn't beaten too quickly
Character development
Cons
Mal and his friends ages were never specified
Content warning: suicide by manipulation so basically murder. Attempted Murder twice one minor character and one of one of the side characters. Not graphic but it describes blood on windshield, skin turning blue from lack of oxygen. A woman gets pushed in front of an oncoming train and Mal and co save her just in time. Parris uses powers to try to murder 3 people one a teenager by manipulation off the edge of a tower, all 3 are saved.
Violence. Nothing graphic but a few scenes the kids are attacked.
Charity not being able to fight, but her mom's coven can summon fireballs.
Neutral depends on how you view it
Bisexual representation, nothing other than blushing happens.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2022
A creative and a hell of an adventure that will make you root for the bad/good guys?
Bored with their lives in a privileged neighborhood in hell, Mal and his friends decide to take a walk on the wild side ( earth ) to escape the boredom of adolescence.
However, things start to get ugly when they try to get back home but can't. The same number of people to cross the veil must be the same to return. The kids have managed to bring the escaped soul, and this dangerous entity, is wreaking havoc in Salem.
As the rule goes, our friends will embark on a mission to capture the hellish entity.
Unless they don't want to be grounded for life, our friends will have to accomplish this mission before dinner time.
Bored with their lives in a privileged neighborhood in hell, Mal and his friends decide to take a walk on the wild side ( earth ) to escape the boredom of adolescence.
However, things start to get ugly when they try to get back home but can't. The same number of people to cross the veil must be the same to return. The kids have managed to bring the escaped soul, and this dangerous entity, is wreaking havoc in Salem.
As the rule goes, our friends will embark on a mission to capture the hellish entity.
Unless they don't want to be grounded for life, our friends will have to accomplish this mission before dinner time.
December 8, 2022
Malachi, Crowley, and Lilith break out of hell during a school vacation despite Samuel Parris, one of the inciters of the Salem Witchcraft Trials, escape from one of his Dante-eque circle of hell into modern day Salem. The black-winged teens have to find their way back into hell and recapture Parris to get there. The worldbuilding is intresting, pulling on the works of Dante's Inferno, the Bible, and the history of the witch trials. The characters were intresting, but didn't delve deep enough to be fully fleshed out. If there is a sequel, the characters might become more three-deminsional. The way hell and magic works and the thrilling action scenes keep the pages turning. Would like to see if some of the misteps can be corrected in a second book.
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