Review - Diabolical (Tantalize #4) by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Title: Diabolical

Author: Cynthia Leitich Smith

Series: 4th (Tantalize, Eternal, Blessed)

Pages: 368

Published: January 24th 2012 by Candlewick Press 

ISBN:  9780763651183

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

 

Description: Prepare for a hell of a ride as Cynthia Leitich Smith calls on characters from her previous novels - and conjures up new ones - for a climactic showdown.  When "slipped" angel Zachary and his werewolf pal, Kieren, arrive under suspicious circumstances to a mysterious New England boarding school, they quickly find themselves in a hellish lockdown with an intriguing assortment of secretive, hand-picked students. Plagued by demon dogs, hallucinatory wall décor, a sadistic instructor, and a legendary fire-breathing monster, will they somehow manage to escape? Or will the devil have his due? Best-selling author Cynthia Leitich Smith unites heroes from the previous three novels in the Tantalize Series - including Zachary's girl, Miranda, and Kieren's love, Quincie - along with a fascinating cast of all-new characters for a suspenseful, action-packed clash between the forces of heaven and hell.

I Give This ...

 

I've kept at this series hoping to capture what I loved in book two.  Second book in the series, but it's the first one I read (luckily, I don't feel it matters which order you read the 1st and 2nd).  It's come close with each one, but with some many different story lines and characters, it was hard to get the same feel.

I honestly think I enjoyed this one the most after Eternal.  I finally felt like all the pieces of the story came together the way they should.  Although, I do feel like a continuation is possible with two of the characters, I think I might stop with this series right here.

I enjoyed how there are so many forces at work here.  I'm sure the real targets were Quince and Zachary, but the story included everyone.  I was afraid one of them might do something to jeopardize the chances, but the devil has nothing on these two. 

The story can get a little cheesy at times.   I feel its better suited to younger teens that aren't looking for a lot of depth and through provoking dialogue.  But, I've enjoyed the series since I first discovered it.