Eva Pasco

5.0 out of 5 stars

One for the Books

Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2024

Verified Purchase

Author J.S. Frankel’s Teen & Young Adult Sci-Fi/Horror novel features protagonist, Loren Penner, a high school outcast beaten to a pulp on a regular basis by the “Unholy Four”. After one particular pummeling session, he’s locked in the town of Satan Crag’s library. A bookworm at heart, Loren comes across a satanic book of spells on the librarian’s desk. Without realizing it, he summons Jezebel (Jez), Satan’s half-mortal daughter from the netherworld.

What ensues is a spellbinding story about “pushing oneself to go beyond not only what you can do, but also what others can do,” words of advice from Jezebel who hasn’t had it so easy herself either downstairs or upstairs.

In Loren’s case, it’s also about staying true to his core beliefs without succumbing to the mindset of those who deserve his wrathful vengeance. With the help of the Book’s spells, Jezebel’s guidance—and, of utmost importance—taking care of business totally on his own, Loren gets ‘er done.

The author accurately portrays teen angst, the mindset of entitled bullies, a town with a hive-mind mentality and corrupt law enforcement officials who contribute to its resident evil. Add to all this, mind-blowing confrontations, jaw-dropping outcomes, and Satan making an appearance in Loren’s living room in the capacity of Jezebel’s doting father.

‘Jezebel: Hell on Earth’ is definitely one for the books in a reader’s library.