The audio version of one of my all-time favorites. ( )

Cross C.S. Lewis’s Screwtape Letters with a modern-day, very American, Christian high-school romantic read and you’ll have the flavor of the Ishbane Conspiracy. Ishbane, or Prince Ishbane, is a demon, corresponding with lesser demons who hope to control the destinies of four young American adults. High-schoolers might be tempted with tarot cards, family rebellion, sexual attraction and more. Younger siblings could be tempted to read the evil Harry Potter books or play D&D. And wiser Christian friends might argue that the world was surely made in six sets of twenty four hours because the Bible tells them so.

Told in alternating chapters of modern teen fiction and demon-mail, the story centers on a recent convert whose father has died, and a former gang-member who’s moved with his family to Portland to avoid his LA past. School libraries eagerly accept New Age books, but reject the Bible. Meanwhile students play with Ouija boards, drink to excess, take risks with drugs, and wonder why their friends seem always to die. But it all has a very one-time one-place feel. The letters deal with specific themes and lack the timeless relevance of their predecessors. These Christians adhere to a particularly American brand of faith. And sweeping denunciations of Harry Potter, evolution and more might alienate a significant part of the intended audience. That said, there are some very well-dictated examples of Christian witness which, coupled with a deeply emotional ending, make for a worthwhile read. It’s not C.S. Lewis, and it’s not Robin Jones Gunn, but it’s a well-imagined concept and an interesting tale.

Disclosure: Blogging for Books provided this book to me for free in exchange for an honest review. ( )

A modern day Screwtape. It's a little long for that style of writing. I never finished it if that means anything. I should probably give it a second chance. ( )