Book Review: Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers

Personal Demons
by Lisa Desrochers
Non-series

Tor Teen
ISBN-10: 0-7653-2808-9
ISBN-13: 978-0-7653-2808-3
Publication Date: September, 2010
List Price: $9.99

Review: Moses and Hitler - two people with an uncanny ability to influence people - each fighting for a different side. What made Moses sway his followers to do good, and Hitler influence his followers to do evil? In Lisa Desrochers' novel, Personal Demons , the answer becomes alarmingly clear. Moses was "tagged" for Heaven, while Hitler was "tagged" for Hell. Little does high school student, Mary Francis Cavanaugh, know, her name will one day be as known as Moses and Hitler - and her soul is up for the taking. Will Heaven be able to tag her first, or will the Demon sent from Hell beat him to it?

Frannie feels she is just like every other kid. In fact, she's certain she is far less remarkable than most. However, when two new students come to Haden High, Frannie's life is turned upside down. Luc is gorgeous beyond belief. He has a hint of danger and is hot - literally. Even though Frannie senses Luc is untrustworthy and dangerous, she is uncharacteristically draw to him. When he makes it clear that he wants Frannie, and nobody else, she's at a loss. Gabe, on the other hand, is almost glowing with beauty. Around Gabe, Frannie feels peace and calm. She is overwhelmed with the sense of love she feels with him almost instantly. Both boys, one fighting for good and the other for evil have but one plan for their time at Haden High - to tag Frannie's soul. It doesn't take long, however, for Luc and Gabe to realize that this isn't the normal every day tagging. They find in the end that there is a greater battle awaiting them. Which one will take her heart? And more importantly, which one will take her soul?

Personal Demons is an exciting journey through good an evil. It is every teenage girl's dream to have the two most gorgeous boys fighting over her, and Frannie's living that dream. However, that dream's not all it seems. Readers will find themselves hoping for Frannie to choose wisely, to be tagged for Heaven, but Luc's character is so charming and develops seamlessly throughout the story that readers will question their own judgment. Personal Demons contains all elements of a good teen fiction novel, romance, danger, intrigue, and relationships with peers and parents. Frannie wants to be her own person, but the rest of the world won't seem to let her. It's exciting to see her fight against the pull the boys have, and to rebel against her strong Catholic upbringing and "Leave it to Beaver" parents. Plus, the storyline is thought-provoking. What if there really were angels and demons living among people tagging their souls? Readers will find themselves wondering if they've been tagged! It is important to suspend disbeliefs a little, though when reading the novel. It is hard to believe that Frannie wouldn't find it really odd that this boy that's seducing her has red eyes, smells of brimstone, and has freakishly hot skin. However, though Frannie mentions it, it is definitely not a big deal. It's as if red eyes are a normal everyday occurrence. Plus, although the book is focused on Frannie, Luc, and Gabe, the friendships Frannie has would definitely play a bigger role in her life than they appear to in the book. The girlfriends are strong at the beginning, but then are almost forgotten. All in all, though, Personal Demons is a first-rate book for teens thriving for excitement and danger.

Review written by Margo Nauert (6th grade teacher).

We would like to thank JKSCommunications for providing a copy of Personal Demons for this review.

Have you read Personal Demons? How would you rate it?