Comments on: Hell’s Belles by Jackie Kessler

By: Catherine

Catherine — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 00:44:52 +0000

This is my first time posting, but I really enjoy your reviews. I appreciate the fact that you don’t think every book is golden. I’ve been thinking about getting this book but was undecided. Now I’m going to have to rush to the bookstore.

By: shuzluva

shuzluva — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 17:46:40 +0000

Well, another book to add to the pile. This looks like it will be fun and not in an annoying, it’s trying too hard way.

Her boss is taken out of commission and the new guy in charge is a complete dick who vows to make hers and the lives of her brethren a… shall we say… living hell?

Hee hee…all the hell references in your review were hilarious. As usual!

By: Jane

Jane — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 15:36:11 +0000

I didn’t get the whole Paul being tortured by Hell thing either. of course, I didn’t pick up on the “serve and protect” clue until the end. I am a very dense reader at times.

Ultimately, the real problem was as Rhian and Bam articulated and that the story was so much about Jezebel that Paul, the man for whom she makes her most meaningful change, was really not very important to the story. It’s as if it could have been any other male character. It’s not he who evokes change, but rather the idea of him – a male human lover.

. I was more interested in Daun, the incubus lover-man who seems to revel in being evil. He’s Mr. Bad Boy, but he’s also fiercely loyal to Jesse and will do anything for her.

Word. I thought Daun was by far the most interesting male character and frankly, I thought Jessie believed that too.

By: Wylie

Wylie — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 15:15:56 +0000

Sound like an awesome book. It’s in my Amazon cart!

btw -
“… who wouldn’t know where her clitoris was if it developed its own awareness and bit her in the ass”
is the reason I keep coming back. You are so freaking funny.

By: Jackie

Jackie — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 12:12:10 +0000

You so rock my world, Bam. Thanks for the review!

Lastly—and I’m just nitpicking here—what’s with demonic characters named Lilith?

Heh. Dude, in mine, it’s “Lillith.” Three Ls. Makes a difference. Seriously, though, according to some sources, Lilith (spelled incorrectly, in my opinion) was like a mother demon, giving birth to li’l succubi/ae called the Lillim. I thought it would be neat to have the Queen of the Succubi in my book named Lillith.

Man, I’d LURVE to pick your brain about some things. Thanks so much for the feedback — uber helpful, on many levels.

Rhian is spot-on about the “why does Hell go after Paul question” (and thanks so much for the comments, Rhian!) — but I’ll also say this: it’s a clue. ((Insert evil music here.))

And yep, THE ROAD TO HELL comes out in November. HOTTER THAN HELL comes out some time in 2008 (summer, please — “This summer’s gonna be HOT!” — groan, but hey, it would be fun…).

Thanks again, Bam.

By: rhian

rhian — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 11:48:02 +0000

Now this is where we diverge in taste, Bammie – I totally LOVED the book and thought it was a unique take on the “I am Demon, Hear me Roar” tale.
I loved Jezebel’s experiences learning to be human and thought she kicked ass on many levels… it’s not always about the blood trail.
As for her goober moments – uh, that would so be me, tripping over my own damn feet while big bads were on my ass, so the relatability factor was there for me. It also made for an interesting counterpoint between her “programmed” bad self and her developing good self.
Paul was very much a minor character in conjunction to Jez… which I liked. Who gave a shit what he thought/felt – it was all about her.
I thought the political battles in hell and the heirarchy descriptions were very well done and added to the sense of Jez being a “fallout” victim, just trying to get by. Even Lucifer ended up falling victim to circumstance, which was a nice tie back into her situation. (Jeez – i hope mentioning that point doesn’t ruin it for anyone – it’s tough to talk points without giving away surprises.)
Regarding: “why does Hell go after Paul” question, if you recall, Jez had just been demoted to the trashman job of being a Nightmare. She wasn’t out collecting souls, just scaring the wee outa them.
My opinion: Jackie totally kicked ass with this book and I’m REALLY anxiously awaiting the next one!