GROUNDED FOR ALL ETERNITY

Middle school can be hell.

In this case, quite literally, as middle school fallen angels Malachi, Lilith, and Crowley find themselves transported through an opening in the veil from their suburb in Hell to present-day Salem, Massachusetts, on Halloween. The trio are excited for the adventure, as their weeklong break from classes has been woefully disappointing; Hell’s been in lockdown since the soul of Samuel Parris—the Puritan minister who oversaw the Salem witch trials—escaped from the eighth circle. After the three fallen angels attempt to return home, they realize that Parris escaped with them, and Hell has a rule that’s keeping them from returning home: The same number that leaves must return. In addition, Parris’ evil soul is affecting the citizens of Salem, making it a dangerous place and rendering him more corporeal. The trio have to work with young locals Charity and Sean (a witch and psychic, respectively) and social worker seraph Cassandra before Heaven obliterates the town to stop it from becoming Hell on Earth. This is an entertaining, high-octane story that moves with the speed of a bat out of...you know where. The forward momentum will keep the attention of readers who appreciate plot-driven stories. Mal’s fear of change as he and his friends get older feels realistic, and his attraction to both Lilith and Sean adds some nuance, but other characters are more two-dimensional. All characters are presumed White.

Fast-paced and amusing.