DEVIL'S KISS by Sarwat Chadda Reading level: Young Adult Paperback: 352 pages Publisher: Hyperion Book CH; 1 Reprint edition (August 10, 2010) Language: English ISBN-10: 1423120221 Source: Purchased Extras: Author Website check it out, you will not be disappointed Rating: YYYY Summary: Goodreads

As the youngest and only female member of the Knights Templar, Bilquis SanGreal grew up knowing she wasn't normal. Instead of hanging out at the mall or going on dates, she spends her time training as a soldier in her order's ancient battle against the Unholy. Billi's cloistered life is blasted apart when her childhood friend, Kay, returns from Jerusalem, gorgeous and with a dangerous chip on his shoulder. He's ready to reclaim his place in Billi's life, but she's met someone new: amber-eyed Michael, who seems to understand her like no one else, effortlessly claiming a stake in her heart. But the Templars are called to duty before Billi can enjoy the pleasant new twist to her life. One of the order's ancient enemies has resurfaced, searching for a treasure that the Templars have protected for hundreds of years -- a cursed mirror powerful enough to kill all of London's firstborn. To save her city from catastrophe, Billi will have to put her heart aside and make sacrifices greater than any of the Templars could have imagined.

MY THOUGHTS I had read DEVIL'S KISS a few years ago and realized recently that I had never reviewed it and I cannot fathom why? I recently had the pleasure of meeting Sarwat Chadda and had the best time that I went to see him (plus the most awesome Rachel Hawkins) twice. Not only was he witty and engaging but I was fascinated by his reasons for the inception of Billi SanGreal. He simply wanted to write a book with a female character that his daughters could look up to and enjoy and his instincts were on the mark.

In the DEVIL'S KISS there is a protagonist that is a regular girl living a dual life, she has no superpowers, nor does she have the blood of a Vampire, Werewolf, Faerie or any otherworldly entity coursing through her veins. Yes she just a regular girl who happens to train relentlessly in order to fight the forces of evil while trying to be a normal teen. Her struggles with maintaining her brutal schedule are always evident, through her many bruises, missed classes, and being an outcast at school but non are more evident then her tenuous relationship with her hard-nosed father who is also the leader of the Templar's. As I witness Billi at war with herself and those closest to her and I can comprehend her reasons and motivations, especially when she encounters a boy that she becomes involved in for all the wrong reasons and then the story takes a menacing turn can only have one outcome. EEEK! Wicked good stuff.

So, you can see how I am kicking myself all kinds of ways for not talking about this book sooner. I think I have to claim temporary insanity because I surely have dropped the ball on this one. I enjoyed this book for many reasons but mainly because the protagonist is kick ass and smart and the supporting characters give this story the weight and balance that give it credibility. Also, the story concept is original and I love the whole Indiana Jones kind of vibe that this story has about it. I highly recommend picking up this book and I know you will not be disappointed by it's story or protagonist. A great read full of adventure and some of the best fight scenes around. Enjoy!!