25 Jun / The Devil’s Kiss by Sarwat Chadda
Being a so-called ‘normal’ teenager for hapa Pakistani Londoner Bilqis SanGreal has never been an option. With an overbearing father who happens to be the Templar Master – even if many believe he murdered his beloved wife – Billi’s destiny as the newest, youngest Knight is unavoidable. Under Arthur SanGreal’s iron leadership, the ragtag group of Knights must continue the timeless battle between good and evil, fighting off the Unholy from destroying mankind.
When Billi passes her horrific Ordeal, she’s finally in. But having survived her most challenging physical attack ever doesn’t mean she’s able to keep her emotions under tight control: her growing frustration with her seemingly uncaring father and the sudden return of her once best friend Kay whose newly honed powers only seem to set him further apart leads her to literally fall for a dark stranger in the middle of the night. She should have known so much better! Now everyone’s souls – especially those of firstborn children – are in grave danger and Billi must fight for ultimate salvation any way she can. Go, girl, go!
In spite of the mostly Christianity-inspired good vs. evil themes, first-time novelist Chadda does an admirable job uniting all the various major religions to fight against the ultimate inhumanity. And that’s certainly a welcome achievement when manmade death and destruction happens far too often in the name of God.
Readers: Middle Grade, Young Adult
Published: 2009 (United States)