Devilish Paperback – February 21, 2013

I'm an adult. As such, I don't normally go in for YA lit. (Though, I do realize that adults reading YA is becoming more and more common as the genre evolves.) I love Maureen Johnson's voice. She uses snappy phrases and turns of wit that really bring her books to life. Devilish was fun. Johnson has a way of portraying the angst and difficulties of being a teenager without making it stereotypical... and without leaving me rolling my eyes (which, really. is hard because, c'mon, we're talking about teenagers here). I love to pick up her books for quick, fun weekend reading. You know, something where you can enjoy yourself without getting involved in an intricate or lengthy series (because I have to go back to work/grad school on Monday). I've just picked up a copy of Name of the Star as well, and I can't wait to get started reading that one!

I read this book years ago and although I forgot the title and author for a while, the story itself stuck with me. I finally looked it up a couple of days ago, my Google search something along the lines of 'demons + cupcakes + high school', and was pleased as punch when I found it.Although this was a re-read I found it just as brilliant, perhaps more, than it was the first time around. Johnson's style of writing is addictive, a mixture of beautiful descriptions and believable dialogue. (The dialogue was much appreciated by me seeing as many books I read nowadays sound so... well, scripted. With Johnson's writing I could almost hear the teens talking in my head.)It's always a treat to find something from your youth that is as wonderful now as it was then, something that doesn't pale in comparison to your colorful memories, and this book was one of those rare exceptions for me.I recommend this book to anyone, no matter what age, that is looking for a book that is creative and captures your attention to the very end. You won't be disappointed.

A different take on an old story of demons and deals. Loved the heroine, Jane, and her relatable attitude. I could have kept reading for a hundred more pages!

3 - 3 1/2 stars - In Devilish, Jane's best friend, Ally, is having a pretty rough time. She got stood up for the junior prom and now, on Big-Little Day (when freshmen choose seniors to be Big to their Little), Ally got a less than glowing review from the Junior Judges, an unknown group of juniors who judge the seniors. Things start to look up for Ally but quickly go downhill when something disastrous happens during the selection process. Surprisingly, the next day Ally shows up and is transformed; new hair, clothes and attitude. She's also avoiding Jane, when the two used to be inseparable.Jane, despite not being a train wreck herself, has had issues with authority at her Catholic school (passing out condoms on Valentine's Day, for one), in part because of a break-up with Elton after going out for over seven months, that left her doing things that racked up demerits at school. Fortunately, a new girl at school named Lanalee, who also helped Ally save some face, seems willing to help Jane. Unfortunately, Ally has gotten herself into more trouble than Jane could ever imagine, Lanalee might not be as helpful as she thought and and, to top it off, she's got to deal with Owen a freshmen who may be stalking her.I kind of have mixed feelings about this book. The writing was good, Jane was likeable, pretty tough, smart and snarky, all characteristics I like in my protagonists. However, I didn't think there was enough character development with some of the secondary characters and some of the situations seemed a little haphazardly thrown in. I never understood why Jane liked Elton or was so hung up over him, other than her saying she was, because we never really found out anything about him and ***minor spoiler*** the reason he gave Jane for breaking up with her would be the same reason he shouldn't have gone out with Ally, unless it was part of her deal, which we never found out. He was just really blah. *** I don't want to give away too much, but, for example, the resolution was a little weird (actually, there were a couple of things that were a little out in left field) and it seemed like the whole thing could've been avoided if another character hadn't gotten involved.The ending was wrapped up, but at the same time, it seemed like there could've been a sequel or at least another chapter (or, I should say, five chapters; another weird thing was the really short chapter length(like five pages)). Devilish isn't unforgettable, but it is a cute, quick read.