Jackie Kessler
Hell’s Belles (Hell on Earth, Book 1)
Kensington Books (26th December 2006)
Trade Paperback ISBN: 0-8217-8102-2
Buy

A few months ago I read the first three chapters of Jackie Kessler’s Hell’s Belles, but had to put it aside when I got caught up in library books and their due dates. My sieve of a memory left me doubtful of how well I could remember these opening stages when I picked the book up again the other day.

I needn’t have worried. I’m the first to admit I’m very sceptical. Just because something’s a best seller, or comes with gushy fangirlies, that doesn’t mean it’ll automatically appeal to everyone. But I’m happy to report that this novel did appeal to me. It’s hard to find a fresh voice, but Jezebel’s seems truly original, and flows in a way that seems as though Ms Kessler was wearing her inner demon on the outside when she wrote this Jez’s mindset is reminiscent of “rolling out the red carpet”: when she’s not lusting, she’s emotional, and Hell knows we can all relate to that.

But what really made me enjoy this book was Hell. It’s fire and brimstone, and the demons are categorised. But instead of romanticising demons, Ms Kessler shows them for what they are - red creatures with hooves, and pelt covering their lower halves. And some even have horns.

I don’t know what The Road to Hell has in store for me, but if you’re listening, Ms Kessler - Tezebel wants more Hell

Your response: