Series: Dante Walker, Book 1
Author: Victoria Scott
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Genre: Young Adult Supernatural
Rating: Older Teen (strong language, strong sexual innuendo, sensuality, underage drinking)
Told: First Person (Dante), Present Tense
Format: Paperback (Library)
Find It On: Goodreads
Summary:
He makes good girls...bad.
Dante Walker is flippin’ awesome, and he knows it. His good looks, killer charm, and stellar confidence have made him one of hell’s best—a soul collector. His job is simple: weed through humanity and label those round rears with a big red good or bad stamp. Old Saint Nick gets the good guys, and he gets the fun ones. Bag-and-tag.
Sealing souls is nothing personal. Dante’s an equal-opportunity collector and doesn't want it any other way. But he’ll have to adjust, because Boss Man has given him a new assignment:
Collect Charlie Cooper’s soul within ten days.
Dante doesn't know why Boss Man wants Charlie, nor does he care. This assignment means only one thing to him, and that’s a permanent ticket out of hell. But after Dante meets the quirky Nerd Alert chick he’s come to collect, he realizes this assignment will test his abilities as a collector…and uncover emotions deeply buried.
Three Words: A good bad.
Writing: Snarky and playful, if a little crude at times.
Setting: We mostly kept to Peachville, Alabama, where Charlie lives. It had a smaller-town feel, which fit well for the story. I loved the trip to Vegas.
Story: Dante Walker, a soul Collector for Satan, is sent on special assignment to collect the pure soul of Charlie Cooper for unknown reasons. As he works his magic turning her to the dark side, he discovers that perhaps being good isn't all that bad. A pretty original angels and demons story. Charlie's progression to the dark side was well paced and interesting to follow, and the mystery behind why Satan wanted her was original. The story ended with quite a bang, which didn't quite fit the laid back nature of the rest of the book, but it was definitely entertaining.
Characters: Never a dull moment with Dante! I wouldn't consider the self-centered and egotistical boy any type of boyfriend - or even friend - material in real life, but as a character he was a ton of fun to follow. Considering his personality, he really should've been the type of character one loves to hate, but I never disliked him, no matter what he did - the mark of true writing talent. Bravo, Ms. Scott. Charlie was a sweetheart, but her naiveté got on my nerves more than once. Seriously, how could she have bought Dante's story? All of Dante's stories? It was a bit ridiculous. Annabelle and Blue made good backup for Charlie, and although a little too crude for my personal tastes, Dante's friend Max was a nice addition.
Romantic Relationship: In all honesty, I didn't quite buy it. Dante and Charlie were complete opposites, and Dante just didn't feel like the sacrificial-love type. That said though, it was done extremely well and happened gradually over time, as good love should, so I approved despite my misgivings.
Conclusion: Overall a pretty sweet read, although definitely for the older teen. Cool and confident Dante was a fun narrator, and I will definitely be interested in continuing his story.
People keep really liking this series, but I just haven't really wanted to pick it up. You make it sound pretty fun though so I might need to rethink that!
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