Review: The Devil's Poetry by Louise Cole

Overall Rating: ★★★ ☆         Difficulty Rating: ★


   Nothing was abnormal about Callie's love for books. However, the fact that reading from one particular powerful book was to determine the fate of the world certainly rang peculiar...

   Young people left, right and centre were being called up by the National Service to fight in the ongoing oil wars and conflicts in the Middle East. There was nothing Callie and her friends could do about it. That was until a secret order sought her out and informed her that reading from an ancient manuscript will bring peace. That sounds simple enough but, with the order being every bit as malicious as the evil Cadaveri, who can Callie trust?

   Cole has such a way of crafting a unique and imaginative plot that it kept me on edge pretty much the entire time I was reading. Structurally, I admired how she would end every chapter with suspense or a shocking revelation, which made me struggle to stop reading - much like Callie's infatuation with the book! 

   My favourite aspect of The Devil's Poetry has got to be how the title is certainly reflective of Cole's writing itself. Her wonderfully poetic descriptions were what made the book so gripping. 

I could still feel my heart beating, but it was a funeral march, slow and steady, the rhythm of hopelessness."

    The story has a very action packed plot; it really kicks off at the halfway point, which caused me to enjoy the second half so much more. However, the pace of the plot towards the beginning of the novel did give me whiplash! There was such a strong beginning that immediately drew me in because of the undertones of impending doom. Shortly after that, I felt like I was plunged into a mess of mixed narratives I could not comprehend. Consequently, I was uncertain as to who was speaking and in what time. In terms of structure, I believe that this would have worked a lot better if these narratives were separated by chapters - which signposted the current narrator - or if the mixed narrative was introduced later in the novel after getting to know the characters better.

    I loved the contextual relevance of this book as it touches on terrorism and questions whether collateral damage is ever acceptable if the ends justifies the means - both very pressing issues that affects us today. 

She is their instrument. If we find a bomb we destroy it, do we not?"

   Disillusionment is a recurring theme in the plot as we are constantly left questioning who the real protagonists are. It is this that gives The Devil's Poetry the thrill of being unpredictable. On the other hand, this could be confusing at times as it would have been preferable if Cole had delved into the backstory of the villainous Cadaveri a little more so I could be sure of their origin and motives. 

   An outstanding novel from Cole, whose enchanting poetry will certainly have you under its spell.

20 comments

  1. Love reading your reviews, they remind me why I loved reading so much!

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    1. This is the best comment I've ever received; you have honestly made my day! :D

      Meg x

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  2. I've not heard of this book before but I feel like o might have to give it a go now. It sounds interesting and like something I would enjoy!

    Lauren :) x

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    1. I reckon you would really enjoy it, especially if you like suspense thrillers / fantasy!

      Meg x

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  3. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  4. I have a number of books beside my bed waiting to be read. Your review reminded me how much I enjoy reading & today I am definitely going to make time to sit down and immerse into a book :) Beautifully written review!
    xox Nadia
    www.mielandmint.com

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    1. What a lovely comment! Reading is a great way to de-stress by getting lost in another world even if it is only for a little while :) Thank you so much!

      Meg x

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  5. Wow! i need to pick up a copy.
    I'm glad i found your blog today :)

    www.majellarose.com

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    1. I'm glad you liked my review! Thank you, lovely, I really appreciate your comment.

      Meg x

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  6. Ooh I read a post on this a few days ago! Sounds really good, definitely need to get back into reading!

    Tiffany x www.foodandotherloves.co.uk

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    1. Reading is my favourite retreat!

      Much love,

      Meg x

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  7. Oooo this is such a great review and this sounds like something I would definitely read. I love to find out what others are reading and get their thoughts on books before I add to my reading list.

    Jordanne || Thelifeofaglasgowgirl.co.uk

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    1. You and me both, Jordanne!

      Much love,

      Meg x

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  8. a great and informative review. I'll be adding this to my TBR list!

    Hannah @ The Northern Writes | www.thenorthernwrites.co.uk

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    1. I'm delighted that you liked my review! I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did!

      Much love,

      Meg x

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  9. Ooh this sounds so good! I'll add this one to my list of books to read 😍

    Ellie
    www.headintheclouds.me.uk

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    1. I hope you love the book as much as I did!

      Much love,

      Meg x

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  10. I haven't sat and read a book for ages, but this one sounds fab! I'll have to try and get it for my holiday next month :)

    Louise x

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