The Devil's Intern by Donna Hosie

3.66/5.00

Published: 2014

Genres: Humor, YA, 1^st Person Perspective

Goodreads

A boy, a time travelling device, and a plot to stop his death.

Mitchell, the Devil’s intern, leans on the support of his friends as he faces time and obstacles to reverse his death.

The Devil’s Intern proves a book can be more effective when it isn’t trying to be philosophical and deep.

I loved the characters, from the peaceful Elinor to her Nordic Labrador, the melodramatic Devil called Sir to Medusa.

Almost more than anything, I love the realistic portrayal of Mitchell Johnson, four syllables and nothing more I liked the fact that he openly, and more than once, cried. Often, literary characters, particularly teenagers, adapt too well and too fast to stressing situations. Angst appears to be an okay emotion, but crying is handled like a taboo, something no self-respecting character should do. This occurs more often with male characters. I like that he is awkward, is confused by girls (without getting poetic or self-pitying), and does some stupid stuff.

Hosie’s portrayal of Hell evokes less Dante or Milton and more Gary Larson. It is a funny book. Humor is more vulnerable to subjectivity than most feelings. While some think The Office (the U.S. adaptation) is hilarious, some assert that it is just stupid. Is the Netflix version of A Series of Unfortunate Events funny or just tiresome? I thought it was funny. You might think otherwise.

The Devil’s Intern is a fun read, a good break between studying, but nothing in it screams great. If you are looking for something exceptional or inspiring, I would advise looking elsewhere. If, however, you recognize the relief and the necessity of humor and light, The Devil’s Intern will make a great choice. Team DEVIL awaits, ring the door with 666 scorched across the polished wood, and be ready.

I would prescribe this book to anyone in desperate need for some humor.

Donna Hosie, a proud Ravenclaw as her site attests, recently finished her The Devil’s tetralogy, with The Devil’s Horsemen published January 10, 2017.

SPOILER WARNING

Below, I mention a few specific instances in the book, ones that may spoil it for you. As far as unspoiled goes, this review is finished. If you plan to read this book and do not wish to be spoiled, this is your fair warning to turn back now.

In a previous review, I mentioned that I dislike time travel, and I’m not making an exception here. Donna Hosie, however, writes it in such a way that it is more interesting than I expected, from the seemingly arbitrary rules, like Osmosis of the Dead, to the question of effects, like figuring out the traces they left behind each time they travelled was due to the Skin Walkers following them.