"Killing him should be easy; He's only six." An opening line like that is all this book needed to grab me! As I was reading it, I was just praying it would become a series! I don't know much about the Knights Templar beyond what Dan Brown wrote about, but I have always been intrigued by their history, and in particular, their mysterious nature throughout history. When I picked up Devil's Kiss, by Sarwat Chadda, I wasn't prepared for such an interesting book and description of the Knights Templar!
Billi's Father is the master of the Knights Templar, while her mother, a Pakistani Muslim, was killed by one the very monsters Billi, her father, and the other Knights fight against each and every day. Billi is being trained as a Templar, much to the irritation of the older, more cantankerous of the Order. Despite the training, all Billi really cares about is having a normal life. She wants to be able to do her homework at night without having to assist in slayings and Ghul, Were, or Grigori attacks. She wants to meet boys and have a real relationship. Most of all, she wants her friend, Kay, another Templar in training, to return from Jerusalem where he is learning to hone his psychic abilities.
When Kay returns, though, his powers get him in trouble. He underestimates his abilities and almost allows a group of angry fallen angels (Grigori) escape hell. They were able to close the portal, but not before the Grigori are able to call for their one free brother- The Angel of Death. The Knights are preparing for a fight, but Billi just wants to spend time with the mysterious new guy she just met- Michael. What Billi doesn't know is that her unconventional and sometimes terrifying life is about to get a whole lot scarier.
Packed with history and mystical fiction, this book is really a page-turner. I read it in one sitting and was sad to see it end. The characters are deep and complex while the story is tinted with dark creatures, religion, and a modern girl who just wants to listen to her iPod and enjoy being a teenager. I love how Chadda is able to combine an ancient mysterious order with the life of an average present-day teenager. This is a great book for both guys and girls, with enough action to keep anyone interested. It isn't too gory, but there are some harsh parts with the creepy Ghuls. If you have a student who is a little bit darker than Harry Potter or Twilight, but still likes the magical, mystical type of book, this one is sure to be a screaming success! Now I am just going to keep my fingers crossed that Chadda decides to continue Billi's story!
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