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The D'Evil Diaries
The D'Evil Diaries
A hilarious, crackling, original debut about an unlucky demon, perfect for fans of Derek Landy and Eoin Colfer.
Twelve-year-old Jinx is hopeless at being evil. Which is a bit of a problem when you're Lucifer's youngest son. But when Jinx runs away from Pandemonium, the walled city he's lived in all his life, he bumps into dead girl Tommy - who's been sent to Hell for accidentally feeding her nasty uncle to a circus lion - and unearths a conspiracy that could up-end the entire underworld.
Cue shenanigans involving carnivorous carousel horses, death-trap-riddled libraries and hungry quicksand. Now the fate of the realm rests in the hands of its most unlikely demon and a girl who shouldn’t be in Hell at all...
Twelve-year-old Jinx is hopeless at being evil. Which is a bit of a problem when you're Lucifer's youngest son. But when Jinx runs away from Pandemonium, the walled city he's lived in all his life, he bumps into dead girl Tommy - who's been sent to Hell for accidentally feeding her nasty uncle to a circus lion - and unearths a conspiracy that could up-end the entire underworld.
Cue shenanigans involving carnivorous carousel horses, death-trap-riddled libraries and hungry quicksand. Now the fate of the realm rests in the hands of its most unlikely demon and a girl who shouldn’t be in Hell at all...
272 pages, Paperback
First published April 2, 2015
About the author
Tatum Flynn
5 books61 followersTatum Flynn has a cat called Friday, a soft spot for the word ‘ramshackle’, and a vagabond past which involves piloting lifeboats in Venezuela, playing poker in Las Vegas, shooting rapids in the Grand Canyon and almost falling out of a plane over Scotland.
Likes: being excited. Dislikes: being a grown-up. Hence: writes funny, scary books for kids.
Likes: being excited. Dislikes: being a grown-up. Hence: writes funny, scary books for kids.
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August 15, 2016Това беше една много чакана книга.
И когато най-после се озова в ръцете ми и току-що затворих последната страница, мога да кажа със сигурност, че чакането си заслужаваше. Адски готина и свежа история, изключително забавна, с точното количество напрегнати моменти и неочаквани обрати, с герои, които няма как да не ти станат симпатични.
Джинкс е демон. От Ада. Само че... той е различен демон. Не просто различен в смисъл, че има някоя дребна демонска странност. Не, Джинкс Д'Явол има най-лошото качество, което един демон може да притежава. Той е... добър. И дори Адът да замръзне, Джинкс просто не може да прави злини - не му идва отвътре. А това хич не е хубаво, когато си син на самия Повелител на мухите, Принц на Мрака, и.. абе, така де, на Луцифер.
Определено мога да кажа, че за мен този роман се нарежда сред едни от най-добрите тийн книги, попаднали ми тази година. Наред с хумора /а Тейтъм Флин има разкошен хумор, който с нещо ми напомняше за поредиците на Рик Риърдън/, приключенията и невъзможните ситуации, в които се забърква Джинкс, книгата казва и неща, които са наистина важни за децата и тийнейджърите - и всъщност не само за тях. Че да си "различен" не значи автоматично "по-лош". Че понякога неоправдаването на очакванията на другите за нас не е лошо нещо, а напротив. Че понякога точно тези, от които най-малко сме го очаквали, могат да извършат големи неща.
Героите бяха достатъчно убедителни, а някои от тях - и доста забавни. Джинкс и Томи са страхотен тандем, много им се радвах и се радвам, че засега нещата приключиха по пози начин.
Пореден прекрасен превод на Борислав Стефанов, който явно наистина се е забавлявал с тази книга. Надявам се, че следващите приключения на Джинкс Д'Явол няма да закъснеят.
И когато най-после се озова в ръцете ми и току-що затворих последната страница, мога да кажа със сигурност, че чакането си заслужаваше. Адски готина и свежа история, изключително забавна, с точното количество напрегнати моменти и неочаквани обрати, с герои, които няма как да не ти станат симпатични.
Джинкс е демон. От Ада. Само че... той е различен демон. Не просто различен в смисъл, че има някоя дребна демонска странност. Не, Джинкс Д'Явол има най-лошото качество, което един демон може да притежава. Той е... добър. И дори Адът да замръзне, Джинкс просто не може да прави злини - не му идва отвътре. А това хич не е хубаво, когато си син на самия Повелител на мухите, Принц на Мрака, и.. абе, така де, на Луцифер.
Определено мога да кажа, че за мен този роман се нарежда сред едни от най-добрите тийн книги, попаднали ми тази година. Наред с хумора /а Тейтъм Флин има разкошен хумор, който с нещо ми напомняше за поредиците на Рик Риърдън/, приключенията и невъзможните ситуации, в които се забърква Джинкс, книгата казва и неща, които са наистина важни за децата и тийнейджърите - и всъщност не само за тях. Че да си "различен" не значи автоматично "по-лош". Че понякога неоправдаването на очакванията на другите за нас не е лошо нещо, а напротив. Че понякога точно тези, от които най-малко сме го очаквали, могат да извършат големи неща.
Героите бяха достатъчно убедителни, а някои от тях - и доста забавни. Джинкс и Томи са страхотен тандем, много им се радвах и се радвам, че засега нещата приключиха по пози начин.
Пореден прекрасен превод на Борислав Стефанов, който явно наистина се е забавлявал с тази книга. Надявам се, че следващите приключения на Джинкс Д'Явол няма да закъснеят.
April 20, 2015
Loved it – start to finish. Wouldn’t change a thing. Actually not quite true, I wanted the next book immediately upon completing the final page and was somewhat perturbed about the fact that this was not an option.
So what’s to love about The D’Evil Diaries? Well let’s start with the fact that it’s brilliantly written shall we. There is a great balance between the humour (will get to that in a moment), story, characters and have I mentioned the wonderful world of Hell yet? Though to be fair I think ‘wonderful’ and ‘hell’ should probably not be in the same sentence, nonetheless I loved the one Tatum Flynn imagines here.
The story is fun and I was routing for Jinx from the start but there are all these little gems of dialogue and jokes. I’m half tempted to start listing them. That would spoil it though… I will say this – halfway through the book there is a Wizard of Oz reference which was the moment I knew it was perfect.
The D’Evil Diaries is so entertaining and works on many levels. I’m pretty convinced that this is a book you’d enjoy regardless of if you’re 9 or 90.
So what’s to love about The D’Evil Diaries? Well let’s start with the fact that it’s brilliantly written shall we. There is a great balance between the humour (will get to that in a moment), story, characters and have I mentioned the wonderful world of Hell yet? Though to be fair I think ‘wonderful’ and ‘hell’ should probably not be in the same sentence, nonetheless I loved the one Tatum Flynn imagines here.
The story is fun and I was routing for Jinx from the start but there are all these little gems of dialogue and jokes. I’m half tempted to start listing them. That would spoil it though… I will say this – halfway through the book there is a Wizard of Oz reference which was the moment I knew it was perfect.
The D’Evil Diaries is so entertaining and works on many levels. I’m pretty convinced that this is a book you’d enjoy regardless of if you’re 9 or 90.
August 9, 2016
Ето една книга, която току що се появи у нас! Топла-топла, направо пари! Ама така пари, че от нея просто се сипе огън и жупел! „Жупел за закуска. Дневниците на един Д`Явол” е дебютната книга на Тейтъм Флин. И е адски готина... с акцент върху АДСКОТО! Прочетете ревюто на "Книжни Криле"
https://knijnikrile.wordpress.com/201...
https://knijnikrile.wordpress.com/201...
December 24, 2017
Страхотно свежа история за необичайните приятелства, изпълнението на семейния дълг и търсенето на това кой си и къде е твоето място в този голям див ... Ад. :)
September 2, 2018
http://www.writingis.fun/%D0%B6%D1%83...
Всеки читател знае, какво се случва като влезнеш в книжарница – отиваш за една книга, а излизаш поне с тройно толкова. Ето така, при една поредна разходка, тази книжка се озова в купчинката ми.
Всеки читател знае, какво се случва като влезнеш в книжарница – отиваш за една книга, а излизаш поне с тройно толкова. Ето така, при една поредна разходка, тази книжка се озова в купчинката ми.
January 16, 2015
Twelve year old Jinx D’Evil suffers many of the problems of your average 12 year old – doing poorly at his studies, living in the shadow of his brothers and failing to live up to the expectations of a powerful and demanding father. The difference with Jinx is that he is a demon, his home is Pandemonium, the capital city of Hell and his father is none other than the Enemy of Righteousness, Prince of Darkness and Lord of the Flies, namely the Devil himself.
The D’Evil Diaries begins with Jinx being taken to task by Lucifer for failing his evil-levels and generally managing to bring out the good in his evil mentors (Dracula has now apparently taken up work for the milk marketing board).
When Jinx embarks on a quest to prove his worth as a demon to his dad he encounters Tommy, a kickass human girl who has arrived in hell by accident. Together they unwittingly uncover an evil (what else) plot to overthrow Lucifer being hatched by his own generals.
D’Evil diaries is a brilliant take on the classic friendship/adventure story in which Flynn runs riot with the comic possibilities of an inept in the kingdom of the damned. There are some gloriously funny moments in here, including God speaking in the voice of Morgan Freeman, the Devil using a glutton’s mouth as an ashtray and, my personal favourite, the planning meeting between God and the Devil in a nice little French restaurant where ‘the plaice is very good’.
I first read the book on a long train journey where I was told politely that if I was going to continue disturbing the other passengers with my laughter I would have to leave the quiet carriage (this is true).
There is real substance here too – this is played for more than just laughs. Hell is described in suitably damning prose (Flynn clearly knows her Milton). There is also a broad cast of dashing characters, slothful sloths, milk drinking vampire bats and bandit queens. Lastly there is genuine pathos in the character of Jinx and the growing friendship between him and Tommy which is very touching.
This book is an excellent debut from Tatum Flynn – pitched somewhere between Douglas Adams and Terry Gilliam – it’s irreverent, funny and touching and both kids and adults will enjoy the devilry and the demonic humour. Clearly the devil does not only have the best tunes.
The D’Evil Diaries begins with Jinx being taken to task by Lucifer for failing his evil-levels and generally managing to bring out the good in his evil mentors (Dracula has now apparently taken up work for the milk marketing board).
When Jinx embarks on a quest to prove his worth as a demon to his dad he encounters Tommy, a kickass human girl who has arrived in hell by accident. Together they unwittingly uncover an evil (what else) plot to overthrow Lucifer being hatched by his own generals.
D’Evil diaries is a brilliant take on the classic friendship/adventure story in which Flynn runs riot with the comic possibilities of an inept in the kingdom of the damned. There are some gloriously funny moments in here, including God speaking in the voice of Morgan Freeman, the Devil using a glutton’s mouth as an ashtray and, my personal favourite, the planning meeting between God and the Devil in a nice little French restaurant where ‘the plaice is very good’.
I first read the book on a long train journey where I was told politely that if I was going to continue disturbing the other passengers with my laughter I would have to leave the quiet carriage (this is true).
There is real substance here too – this is played for more than just laughs. Hell is described in suitably damning prose (Flynn clearly knows her Milton). There is also a broad cast of dashing characters, slothful sloths, milk drinking vampire bats and bandit queens. Lastly there is genuine pathos in the character of Jinx and the growing friendship between him and Tommy which is very touching.
This book is an excellent debut from Tatum Flynn – pitched somewhere between Douglas Adams and Terry Gilliam – it’s irreverent, funny and touching and both kids and adults will enjoy the devilry and the demonic humour. Clearly the devil does not only have the best tunes.
January 15, 2015
The minute I discovered The D’Evil Diaries was about a boy who wishes he could be more evil, I knew I'd like Tatum's book. I am a compulsively nice person (I blame my mum) who'd love to be a criminal mastermind. So I sympathise with Lucifer’s youngest son, Jinx, as he fails miserably in his devillish demon duties and wishes he could be more villainous to please his father.
The D'Evil Diaries is great read. Mainly because Tatum Flynn is funny. Really funny. The book is full of quietly hilarious lines like the witty, ‘I wish she would be braver than me more quietly.’ I also enjoyed the deft comic asides with which Tatum demonstrates the hideous ‘goodness’ that Jinx oozes in his wake – Dracula leaving the dark side for the Milk Marketing Board, and Blackbeard the Pirate abandoning the life of bloody-thirsty piracy to become head of the Aquatic Creatures Protection Society.
Humour doesn’t come at the expense of plot. As Jinx runs away from Pandemonium, picking up dead-girl sidekick Tommy (who seems to have been sent to hell by accident), the plot races along, quite literally, as the two reluctant heroes flee packs of mutant killer carousel horses, snarling woxes (wolf-slash-fox with added saliva) and murderous quicksand.
The relationship between Jinx and Tommy is convincingly sweet with some great, fast-paced banter:
She crossed her arms. ‘Okay then, we have a deal. But if I end up as demon toast…’
‘I’ll be expecting pointy metal right between the eyes.’
‘Just so we’re clear.’
It doesn’t hurt that both main characters are immensely likeable, particularly Jinx with his unique brand of ‘accidental heroism’ (watch out for the moment he wipes out the wox). The background characters are equally convincing, and as someone whose Pullmanesque-daemon would be a sloth, I was delighted to discover Loiter, the three-toed sloth and Patron Demon of Laziness.
Daft, hilarious, clever and perfectly ridiculous, I can’t recommend this book highly enough. D’evillishly good.
The D'Evil Diaries is great read. Mainly because Tatum Flynn is funny. Really funny. The book is full of quietly hilarious lines like the witty, ‘I wish she would be braver than me more quietly.’ I also enjoyed the deft comic asides with which Tatum demonstrates the hideous ‘goodness’ that Jinx oozes in his wake – Dracula leaving the dark side for the Milk Marketing Board, and Blackbeard the Pirate abandoning the life of bloody-thirsty piracy to become head of the Aquatic Creatures Protection Society.
Humour doesn’t come at the expense of plot. As Jinx runs away from Pandemonium, picking up dead-girl sidekick Tommy (who seems to have been sent to hell by accident), the plot races along, quite literally, as the two reluctant heroes flee packs of mutant killer carousel horses, snarling woxes (wolf-slash-fox with added saliva) and murderous quicksand.
The relationship between Jinx and Tommy is convincingly sweet with some great, fast-paced banter:
She crossed her arms. ‘Okay then, we have a deal. But if I end up as demon toast…’
‘I’ll be expecting pointy metal right between the eyes.’
‘Just so we’re clear.’
It doesn’t hurt that both main characters are immensely likeable, particularly Jinx with his unique brand of ‘accidental heroism’ (watch out for the moment he wipes out the wox). The background characters are equally convincing, and as someone whose Pullmanesque-daemon would be a sloth, I was delighted to discover Loiter, the three-toed sloth and Patron Demon of Laziness.
Daft, hilarious, clever and perfectly ridiculous, I can’t recommend this book highly enough. D’evillishly good.
October 21, 2014
Children always want to rebel against their parents. So, if you happen to be Lucifer's youngest son, the only way to go is good.
Jinx is, in fact, so fantastically good that his dad has threatened to pack him off to demon military academy to learn wrong from right. Jinx runs away and fantastic adventures ensue.
But I don't want this to sound like your run-of-the-mill MG. For a start it's set in Hell. Jinx and sidekick human Tommy (who has been sent down below for accidentally killing her evil uncle), and in fact all the characters, are hilarious and refreshingly unique, and will appeal to both kids and parents.
But what I liked best about it is that, while it's accessible, Tatum Flynn doesn't dumb down for her audience; the writing and plot are satisfyingly, though appropriately, complex, there's a liberal sprinkling of mythology in there, and its all wrapped up in humour so sharp it could give you a paper cut.
All in all proving that the Devil doesn't just have the best tunes, sometimes he has the best books too.
Jinx is, in fact, so fantastically good that his dad has threatened to pack him off to demon military academy to learn wrong from right. Jinx runs away and fantastic adventures ensue.
But I don't want this to sound like your run-of-the-mill MG. For a start it's set in Hell. Jinx and sidekick human Tommy (who has been sent down below for accidentally killing her evil uncle), and in fact all the characters, are hilarious and refreshingly unique, and will appeal to both kids and parents.
But what I liked best about it is that, while it's accessible, Tatum Flynn doesn't dumb down for her audience; the writing and plot are satisfyingly, though appropriately, complex, there's a liberal sprinkling of mythology in there, and its all wrapped up in humour so sharp it could give you a paper cut.
All in all proving that the Devil doesn't just have the best tunes, sometimes he has the best books too.
April 15, 2015
What a fantastic, hilarious adventure this book is! Poor Jinx has his work cut out for him trying to convince Dear Old Dad that he can be as bad as his siblings, and the shenanigans he gets up to with his pal Tommy along the way are just a joy to read. Tommy makes a fabulous sidekick, as does Loiter (I will forevermore describe my utmost degree of fatigue as being 'sloth-tired') and Bruce the bat. This is the kind of book that is destined to become a children's classic, and I absolutely loved it. Can't wait for the next instalment in HELL'S BELLES!
May 5, 2015
I do not approve of this book.
It is far too much fun and far too funny. Books like this shouldn't be allowed.
If you have a child and you don't want them to enjoy themselves, you should not buy this book.
It is far too much fun and far too funny. Books like this shouldn't be allowed.
If you have a child and you don't want them to enjoy themselves, you should not buy this book.
July 5, 2015
This review first appeared on The Book Zone (For Boys)
The concept of Satan having a hapless son is not a particularly new one, but never has it been as funny as it is in Tatum Flynn's The D'Evil Diaries. In fact, Adam Sandler would have been much better off handing over the co-writing duties on the truly dire Little Nicky to Tatum Flynn - it would have been a hell of a lot funnier if he had (pun intended)!
Jinx D'Evil, the main character of this book, is the son of Lucifer, but he is a pretty poor excuse for a demon. Only he could make the monstrous Nemesis Tree in The Poison Gardens blossom with beautiful pink (and totally harmless) flowers. And the less said about his flying abilities the better. His poor father has tried everything he can think of to make his son a better demon, including sending to various points in Earth's history to learn from some of the planets most despicable villains. But all Jinx seems to do is make them good. With his self-esteem at an all-time low, and before he gets sent to a military academy, Jinx does what many other children his age have thought about doing - he runs away from home, and stumbles straight into a conspiracy that threatens the whole of hell, and possibly heaven as well.
Jinx is aided and abetted in his adventures by Tommy, a young girl who has somehow ended up in hell by mistake (even Lucifer has morals - he doesn't accept children into his realm). Tommy is everything that Jinx isn't - kick-ass brave, clever, resourceful - and the relationship that develops between them as the learn to trust each other (or not, as the case may be at times) is both hilarious and heartwarming.
The D'Evil Diaries is comedy adventure at its best, and it will have children giggling all the way from page one to the final chapter. It is great to see that the author does not patronise her readers - she has obviously done her research and/or knows her mythology and classical depictions of hell very well, and she uses these to great effect without ever dumbing things down for her young audience. Where some funny books for this age group can fall foul of too much emphasis on laughs and not enough on plot, The D'Evil Diaries strikes that perfect balance between the two.
The hilarious and irreverent manner with which the author treats her theology-inspired subject will no doubt have those 'good'(?) people of the Westboro Baptist Church rattling off fire-and-brimstone hate emails by their hundreds, but I'm sure that Ms Flynn can give as good as she gets if she so chooses. She should team up with the brilliant Barry Hutchison, and other authors who have received such missives and find someone to publish an anthology of them. I think it would make a great Christmas stocking filler!
The concept of Satan having a hapless son is not a particularly new one, but never has it been as funny as it is in Tatum Flynn's The D'Evil Diaries. In fact, Adam Sandler would have been much better off handing over the co-writing duties on the truly dire Little Nicky to Tatum Flynn - it would have been a hell of a lot funnier if he had (pun intended)!
Jinx D'Evil, the main character of this book, is the son of Lucifer, but he is a pretty poor excuse for a demon. Only he could make the monstrous Nemesis Tree in The Poison Gardens blossom with beautiful pink (and totally harmless) flowers. And the less said about his flying abilities the better. His poor father has tried everything he can think of to make his son a better demon, including sending to various points in Earth's history to learn from some of the planets most despicable villains. But all Jinx seems to do is make them good. With his self-esteem at an all-time low, and before he gets sent to a military academy, Jinx does what many other children his age have thought about doing - he runs away from home, and stumbles straight into a conspiracy that threatens the whole of hell, and possibly heaven as well.
Jinx is aided and abetted in his adventures by Tommy, a young girl who has somehow ended up in hell by mistake (even Lucifer has morals - he doesn't accept children into his realm). Tommy is everything that Jinx isn't - kick-ass brave, clever, resourceful - and the relationship that develops between them as the learn to trust each other (or not, as the case may be at times) is both hilarious and heartwarming.
The D'Evil Diaries is comedy adventure at its best, and it will have children giggling all the way from page one to the final chapter. It is great to see that the author does not patronise her readers - she has obviously done her research and/or knows her mythology and classical depictions of hell very well, and she uses these to great effect without ever dumbing things down for her young audience. Where some funny books for this age group can fall foul of too much emphasis on laughs and not enough on plot, The D'Evil Diaries strikes that perfect balance between the two.
The hilarious and irreverent manner with which the author treats her theology-inspired subject will no doubt have those 'good'(?) people of the Westboro Baptist Church rattling off fire-and-brimstone hate emails by their hundreds, but I'm sure that Ms Flynn can give as good as she gets if she so chooses. She should team up with the brilliant Barry Hutchison, and other authors who have received such missives and find someone to publish an anthology of them. I think it would make a great Christmas stocking filler!
October 15, 2016
Дяволски забавна приключенска история
(Цялото ревю е тук: https://knijenpetar.wordpress.com/201...)
Да определя тийнейджърска книжка за задължителна в очакващия ме списък с набелязани книги, е повече от странно за мен, но получената предварителна информация направо си ме извади от унеса и хукнах да се снабдя с нея. А работата е там, че изобщо не бях чувал за Тейтъм Флин, нито колко е начетена или опитна в това, което си е наумила – да пише забавни истории. „Жупел за закуска: Дневниците на един Д’Явол“ („Сиела“, 2016, с превод на Борислав Стефанов) може спокойно да се нарече яка книжка, която хем ти пречи да се намусиш, хем ти пълни главата с най-различни полезни факти за живота и… всичко останало. Не е лесно това, да знаете. Много от образователните книжки приличат по-скоро на омразната „задължителна“ литература за хлапетата, а и освен това сякаш се копират една от друга. Нещо като приятно изключение се явява „Любов по време на глобално затопляне“ на Франческа Лия Блок (https://knijenpetar.wordpress.com/201...), насочваща вниманието на младите към Омировата „Одисея“. Сигурно има и доста други, които не съм чел. Тази нито прилича на образователна, нито задължава с нещо, но пък е една от пределно мобилизиращите към научаване на факти от живота. Скрита „лимонка“ си е, да!
(Цялото ревю е тук: https://knijenpetar.wordpress.com/201...)
Да определя тийнейджърска книжка за задължителна в очакващия ме списък с набелязани книги, е повече от странно за мен, но получената предварителна информация направо си ме извади от унеса и хукнах да се снабдя с нея. А работата е там, че изобщо не бях чувал за Тейтъм Флин, нито колко е начетена или опитна в това, което си е наумила – да пише забавни истории. „Жупел за закуска: Дневниците на един Д’Явол“ („Сиела“, 2016, с превод на Борислав Стефанов) може спокойно да се нарече яка книжка, която хем ти пречи да се намусиш, хем ти пълни главата с най-различни полезни факти за живота и… всичко останало. Не е лесно това, да знаете. Много от образователните книжки приличат по-скоро на омразната „задължителна“ литература за хлапетата, а и освен това сякаш се копират една от друга. Нещо като приятно изключение се явява „Любов по време на глобално затопляне“ на Франческа Лия Блок (https://knijenpetar.wordpress.com/201...), насочваща вниманието на младите към Омировата „Одисея“. Сигурно има и доста други, които не съм чел. Тази нито прилича на образователна, нито задължава с нещо, но пък е една от пределно мобилизиращите към научаване на факти от живота. Скрита „лимонка“ си е, да!
April 8, 2015
Once in a while a children’s book comes along that is so inventive, and witty, and different, that you want to hug it whilst reading. Twelve year old protagonist Jinx D’evil is just like any other school boy apart from the fact that he is a demon with bright red skin and wings, lives in Hell and is the son of the ruler there, Lucifer. His problem is that he is too angelic – he is no good at being devilish, and runs away from his father after disappointing him one too many times. Whilst on the run, in the outer circles of Hell he meets Tommy, a dead girl, and together they discover a coup to overthrow his father, and finally Jinx has a chance to prove himself a worthy devilish son. The ensuing adventure is fast, furious and fun. The story is gripping, the writing compelling and the jokes clever and witty, so that you can appreciate them as an adult and as a child – it’s not just silly slapstick:
“Now, now, you really needn’t worry. I happen to know that Tafrac, the Patron Demon of Wrath, isn’t home right now. I believe he’s down on Earth, busy making people angry with a new scheme, something to do with website comments.”
Read the rest of my review at http://www.minervareads.com/?p=850
“Now, now, you really needn’t worry. I happen to know that Tafrac, the Patron Demon of Wrath, isn’t home right now. I believe he’s down on Earth, busy making people angry with a new scheme, something to do with website comments.”
Read the rest of my review at http://www.minervareads.com/?p=850
February 10, 2015
What do you get when you start with the youngest son of the Devil (you know, the “good” son), add a human girl who mistakenly ends up in hell (hey, anyone could accidentally feed their uncle to a lion, right?), and ask them to outwit, outsmart, and outrun a horde of diabolical demons? Gales of laughter, that’s what you get. Especially when it’s Tatum Flynn telling the story.
There’s a fine line in humorous fiction: too much humour and the reader suffocates; too little and, well, it’s just not funny. Flynn walks that line beautifully. The D’Evil Diaries is packed with laugh out loud hijinks, yet still manages to find those moments of genuine emotion and character that take the story to the next level. Plus, it features the most fantastic library this side of Dante’s Inferno and might just have the cutest pet vampire bat ever (!). I mean, what more could a reader possibly ask for?
Bottom line? I loved it. Our kids loved it. And I have no doubt other readers are going to love it too.
I highly recommend The D’Evil Diaries. It’s one H-E-L-L of a good read.
There’s a fine line in humorous fiction: too much humour and the reader suffocates; too little and, well, it’s just not funny. Flynn walks that line beautifully. The D’Evil Diaries is packed with laugh out loud hijinks, yet still manages to find those moments of genuine emotion and character that take the story to the next level. Plus, it features the most fantastic library this side of Dante’s Inferno and might just have the cutest pet vampire bat ever (!). I mean, what more could a reader possibly ask for?
Bottom line? I loved it. Our kids loved it. And I have no doubt other readers are going to love it too.
I highly recommend The D’Evil Diaries. It’s one H-E-L-L of a good read.
April 13, 2015
I received a copy of this book via First Reads Goodreads Giveaways -
This book is AWESOME! Funny and entertaining, I loved being talken on a tour of Hell with Jinx and Tommy for my guides, and the illustrations were perfectly places and brought the book to life! Loved the 'Meanwhile' sections which tied different parts of the story together, like Lucifer having hot chocolate and fondue with God in Paris! A great read, perfect for all ages! I didn't think Hell would be an ideal place to escape to via a book, but this was a great destination! Looking forward to the next instalment next year!
This book is AWESOME! Funny and entertaining, I loved being talken on a tour of Hell with Jinx and Tommy for my guides, and the illustrations were perfectly places and brought the book to life! Loved the 'Meanwhile' sections which tied different parts of the story together, like Lucifer having hot chocolate and fondue with God in Paris! A great read, perfect for all ages! I didn't think Hell would be an ideal place to escape to via a book, but this was a great destination! Looking forward to the next instalment next year!
April 12, 2015
I've been to Hell and back... AND I LIKED IT.
Not content to be wickedly witty and affable on Twitter, Tatum Flynn has poured such qualities into this D'Lightful tale of 12yo Jinx D'Evil, charting his friendship with a Bonehead, Tomasina Covelli (Tommy) and their quest to save the underworld.
I'm not one to spill out spoilers, suffice it to say, read this book, you won't be sorry. For the detail, the quips, the laughs, and the chance to GO TO HELL... I loved it.
Not content to be wickedly witty and affable on Twitter, Tatum Flynn has poured such qualities into this D'Lightful tale of 12yo Jinx D'Evil, charting his friendship with a Bonehead, Tomasina Covelli (Tommy) and their quest to save the underworld.
I'm not one to spill out spoilers, suffice it to say, read this book, you won't be sorry. For the detail, the quips, the laughs, and the chance to GO TO HELL... I loved it.
March 5, 2015
This book starts with Jinx - Satan's youngest son - hanging from a tree. You can't go wrong with that type of beginning! I liked Jinx. I enjoyed his accidental 'good' disasters and the friendship that develops between him and Tommy - a girl who really shouldn't be in Hell. There's a mix of underworld/hell/Hades mythology that I really enjoyed, too. And who doesn't love a son trying to save his home and father! It's such a quick, fun, funny, interesting read!
January 17, 2016
An absolutely amazing UK middle grade fantasy, with a modern sense of humour that appeals to the adult reader as much as the younger fan. Very reminiscent of Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman's "Good Omens".
January 20, 2015
Brilliant and funny.
January 26, 2021
Тази книга си беше чиста изненада!
Радвам се, че не само заглавието и корицата са хубави, а реално и самото съдържание.
Радвам се, че не само заглавието и корицата са хубави, а реално и самото съдържание.
June 27, 2015
ER FLY
Author - Tatum Flynn
Age - 10+
At 12, Jinx is the youngest son of the Devil. But no matter how he tries, he can't be as evil as his big brother Dantalion, and good things keep happening when he tries to be bad. His dad (Lucifer) is angry after reading his school report, and sends him off to private tutors Blackbeard in the 18th Century, then Dracula as a last resort - but when Blackbeard ends up having a beach wedding with a mermaid and Dracula gives up blood and is the face of new milk advertising, Lucifer decides Jinx must go to Sharp Military Academy to learn how to be evil.
Jinx runs away and his adventures really begin when he sneaks out of his father's kingdom city of pandemonium, and meets Tommy (Thomasina) an 11yr old human girl. She shouldn't even be in Hell. Only 17 yrs an older are ever let in to Hell.
On the quest to learn why she is there, they learn that the Infinite Wall (the wall between Heaven and Hell is going to be broken down by traitors to Lucifer) and they suddenly are the only ones to save the entire kingdom of Hell.
Tommy and Jinx face Hellions, Garmin (Hell's Vultures), Witches (who were burnt at the stake centuries before) and travel on the Infernal Express to the Desert of Deception and beyond, to discover a betrayal he can hardly believe, and the courage to finally redeem himself.
This is a funny, clever story involving friendship, redemption, belief in yourself and a quest like no other.
Author - Tatum Flynn
Age - 10+
At 12, Jinx is the youngest son of the Devil. But no matter how he tries, he can't be as evil as his big brother Dantalion, and good things keep happening when he tries to be bad. His dad (Lucifer) is angry after reading his school report, and sends him off to private tutors Blackbeard in the 18th Century, then Dracula as a last resort - but when Blackbeard ends up having a beach wedding with a mermaid and Dracula gives up blood and is the face of new milk advertising, Lucifer decides Jinx must go to Sharp Military Academy to learn how to be evil.
Jinx runs away and his adventures really begin when he sneaks out of his father's kingdom city of pandemonium, and meets Tommy (Thomasina) an 11yr old human girl. She shouldn't even be in Hell. Only 17 yrs an older are ever let in to Hell.
On the quest to learn why she is there, they learn that the Infinite Wall (the wall between Heaven and Hell is going to be broken down by traitors to Lucifer) and they suddenly are the only ones to save the entire kingdom of Hell.
Tommy and Jinx face Hellions, Garmin (Hell's Vultures), Witches (who were burnt at the stake centuries before) and travel on the Infernal Express to the Desert of Deception and beyond, to discover a betrayal he can hardly believe, and the courage to finally redeem himself.
This is a funny, clever story involving friendship, redemption, belief in yourself and a quest like no other.
September 23, 2015
The D'Evil Diaries is a brilliantly written book by this debut author and a real page turner even for the adult reader. Tatum Flynn builds an imaginative, magical world that happens to be the underworld, giving the reader a frisson from discovering the unknown and the dangerous. The humour that permeates the narrative and the lively description give the story an extra, compelling edge.
Interwoven in the exciting plot and underneath the humorous voice, the author cleverly sneaks in elements of Greek and Roman mythology. For example I was fascinated to learn about Persephone, mother of the 12 year old hero Jinx, who according to Greek mythology, is at the origin of the changing seasons. I couldn't stop laughing when reading that Jinx's father, Lucifer, failed to read the small print in the prenup that gives his wife the freedom to spend six months of the year sunning herself on Earth, and thereby losing her companionship during the spring and summer seasons. Who would have imagined a lovelorn Lucifer?
Jinx and his companion Tommy form an unlikely friendship that sustains them throughout the hell-raising adventures they embark upon to save Lucifer's kingdom and unmask the traitors.
I cannot wait to read the sequel!
Interwoven in the exciting plot and underneath the humorous voice, the author cleverly sneaks in elements of Greek and Roman mythology. For example I was fascinated to learn about Persephone, mother of the 12 year old hero Jinx, who according to Greek mythology, is at the origin of the changing seasons. I couldn't stop laughing when reading that Jinx's father, Lucifer, failed to read the small print in the prenup that gives his wife the freedom to spend six months of the year sunning herself on Earth, and thereby losing her companionship during the spring and summer seasons. Who would have imagined a lovelorn Lucifer?
Jinx and his companion Tommy form an unlikely friendship that sustains them throughout the hell-raising adventures they embark upon to save Lucifer's kingdom and unmask the traitors.
I cannot wait to read the sequel!
October 25, 2015
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and was insanely excited about it—and for good reason. THE D’EVIL DIARIES is a rollicking good time to the ends of hell and back, with a snarky, ne’er-do-evil demon named Jinx and an irrepressible human girl named Tommy. The unlikely duo tries to uncover a plot against Jinx’s father—who happens to be Lucifer himself—while also getting to the bottom of another mystery: why Tommy ended up in Hell in the first place. (She sort-of-accidentally killed her uncle with a lion, but he was a jerk anyway, and children aren’t supposed to go to Hell.)
I loved the imagination of this story, the descriptions of Hell, and the interactions between Jinx and Tommy. It was one long snark-fest, and I couldn’t be happier. If you like your books with plenty of wit, adventure, and just a dash of irreverence, then this is the book for you.
(I promised myself I would avoid the puns, but who was I kidding.) It’s a devilish good time.
I loved the imagination of this story, the descriptions of Hell, and the interactions between Jinx and Tommy. It was one long snark-fest, and I couldn’t be happier. If you like your books with plenty of wit, adventure, and just a dash of irreverence, then this is the book for you.
(I promised myself I would avoid the puns, but who was I kidding.) It’s a devilish good time.
August 14, 2015
This story takes you right into the depths of Hell... literally. Jinx D'evil is a teenage demon who can't seem to demon right... which probably wouldn't be SUCH a problem if he wasn't also the son of Lucifer himself. Jinx's struggle between pleasing his father and just being himself lands him in the middle of a mysterious plot that threatens the future of Hell. He teams up with the demon of Sloth--a sloth!--and a wrongfully dead girl named Tommy to get to the bottom of it. The D'evil Diaries is a humorous adventure into a whimsical new world reminiscent of the works of Roald Dahl. It was a bit slow for my tastes, but the dry wit and world-building kept me invested to the very end. Overall it's an enjoyable start to a series, and I plan on picking up the next book.
April 13, 2015
Fun book, really enjoyed it. Will be passing it on to my daughter now! The idea was great, twist at end was fun, wonderful characters
April 18, 2015
Not as mischievous as you might imagine, but oh so funny and poignant. This is the first in a series, and this makes me happy.
September 18, 2015
What a fun adventure. Kind of makes me want to go to.........Hell. LOL. I loved all the characters and can't wait to read more about them in new books. This is a fun read for all ages.
September 17, 2015
Delightful. What kid wouldn't love this book?
September 21, 2016
Love that book!!
May 3, 2019
Ако ви се чете нещо свежо, забавно, младежко, но впечатляващо добре измислено и написано, че да е подходящо и за някой над целевата възраст на ходеща хормонална бомба, нападната от различно по злост акне, то поредицата за дневниците на един дявол са точно за вас. Не очаквайте Данте Алигиери, не очаквайте Черното евангелие, нито Некрономикона. В случай, че сте от сляпо отдадените религиозни типове вероятно мисълта, че от Ада може да има положителен смисъл ще ви се стори достойна за получаване на апоплектичен удар. Но ако позволявате на вярата и здравия разум да са добри приятели в съзнанието ви – то забавната адска бюрокрация, пандемоничните мегаполиси и балансираните отношения между шефчетата от двете страни на барикадата ще ви разтоварят някой и друг следобед с разходка из кръговете адови, докато разплитате мистерии от космическа величина.
Джинкс е едно странно дяволче, или поне петдесет процента такова, ама само откъм наличието на рога, опашка и тъмно червен нюанс на кожата. Само че сините очи, неспособността за летене и склонността да сее добро като полудяла билкарка по Еньовден му идват прекомерно активни по майчина линия, особено като се има предвид, че прозхожда директно от Хадес и Персефона. Е, Хадес вече е Луцифер, но Перси си е Перси – шест месеца в ада, шест месеца на гръцки плаж със всичкото сагапо, метакса и сиртаки. И за продукта от междурасовата любов не е никак лесно да оцелява между пълчищата уж лоши без да ги конвертира случайно в добряци, като между „жертвите“ му падат Черната брада, Дракула и кой ли още не, осмелил се да го учи на недоброжелателни дела. Така Джинкси бива заплашен да постъпи във военно училище, където да му избият добросърдечието през каквито дупчици имат дяволите, и решението да се избяга от къщи явно не остава чуждо и в демонските селения.
Къде по случайност, къде по силата на съдбата се почва едно странно приключение, включващо единственото дете, обречено да скита из кръговете на ада, твърде много видове демони и страдалци, подложени на доста креативни задгробни мъчения, плюс заговор от вселенска величина, включващ дяволската рода, една стена, която явно навестява Тръмп в сънищата му, и много добри уроци за приятелството и семейството, ако и да идват от уж презрените подземни обитатели на Тартара. Книжката ще се хареса на всеки, обичащ леките четива с приключенски привкус, фентъзийна нишка и малко страшки за разкош. С нетърпение чакам и продължението ѝ – Хубавиците от ада, от поне година, но и така Жупел за закуска е напълно завършена история, оставяща доволния послевкус на доброто книжно забавление без претенции. Не пропускайте!
Джинкс е едно странно дяволче, или поне петдесет процента такова, ама само откъм наличието на рога, опашка и тъмно червен нюанс на кожата. Само че сините очи, неспособността за летене и склонността да сее добро като полудяла билкарка по Еньовден му идват прекомерно активни по майчина линия, особено като се има предвид, че прозхожда директно от Хадес и Персефона. Е, Хадес вече е Луцифер, но Перси си е Перси – шест месеца в ада, шест месеца на гръцки плаж със всичкото сагапо, метакса и сиртаки. И за продукта от междурасовата любов не е никак лесно да оцелява между пълчищата уж лоши без да ги конвертира случайно в добряци, като между „жертвите“ му падат Черната брада, Дракула и кой ли още не, осмелил се да го учи на недоброжелателни дела. Така Джинкси бива заплашен да постъпи във военно училище, където да му избият добросърдечието през каквито дупчици имат дяволите, и решението да се избяга от къщи явно не остава чуждо и в демонските селения.
Къде по случайност, къде по силата на съдбата се почва едно странно приключение, включващо единственото дете, обречено да скита из кръговете на ада, твърде много видове демони и страдалци, подложени на доста креативни задгробни мъчения, плюс заговор от вселенска величина, включващ дяволската рода, една стена, която явно навестява Тръмп в сънищата му, и много добри уроци за приятелството и семейството, ако и да идват от уж презрените подземни обитатели на Тартара. Книжката ще се хареса на всеки, обичащ леките четива с приключенски привкус, фентъзийна нишка и малко страшки за разкош. С нетърпение чакам и продължението ѝ – Хубавиците от ада, от поне година, но и така Жупел за закуска е напълно завършена история, оставяща доволния послевкус на доброто книжно забавление без претенции. Не пропускайте!
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