It's the fifth book in the Vampire Chronicles, and once again, the lovable Lestat is narrating his story. Only this time it's the devil who steals the show in Anne Rice's Memnoch the Devil.

Without spoiling any of the specifics, here's what you should know about the book: The Devil tells his side of the story. He takes Lestat on a journey through Heaven and Hell and into the past - where he witnesses cosmic history unfold. Needless to say, this version of events is different from the version you're familiar with (after all, it's told from the devil's perspective).

And here's where Anne Rice books have come to define themselves: They are not about plot - They are about the characters and the spiritual questions they face. I'm not sure I understood everything that happened in the book. But I think that's the point. This book is about faith, and in many ways it's depressing. After all, faith can never be proven - that's what makes it faith. They say seeing is believing, but that's not entirely true either. Faith is wanting to believe (at least in my opinion. You might read the book and think differently).

I could get into my interpretation of many of the smaller details - but I don't want to spoil the book for anyone who might read it - it's worth reading, and it's a book that is well-researched.

From a writing perspective, I want to point out something she does that many authors could benefit from. It's this:

All of her books plant a seed for the next book in the series. The previous book "The Tale of the Body Thief" had a character who overheard a conversation between God and the devil. In many ways, the core of that conversation is elaborated on in this book. This book sets the stage for the next book "The Vampire Armand." Giving the reader a taste of what is to come is a great way to keep them coming back.

I would give this book 9 out of 10. Like I said, the devil steals the show in this book and it's less of a vampire book than the others in the series. If spiritual and religious debate is your thing and you liked the other Vampire Chronicle books - check it out. If not, it's probably not your cup of tea... and that's fine too.

Originally reviewed on my blog at http://www.AustinJamesHere.blogspot.com