The idea behind this book seemed interesting to me, and I thought it had potential, but it is clear within the first few pages that this book wasn't going to sit well with me. I didn't like the bickering between Lucifer and the Creator which made them seem immature. I get that this may be used to keep them relevant for the times, but it just felt silly and annoying. If it were any other character, and not necessarily a religious being, I would have felt the same way though. It's not fun to read constant complaining no matter who it comes from. You have to hear from the angels and the other religious beings throghout the novel and I didn't really like their sections. Joby's story really didn't appeal to me very much either. So overall, just not for me.

Absolutely delightful in the end.
Throughout the majority I couldn't decide whether this is the world I often feel like I live in or the one I wish I did. In the end, I still don't know. I am very glad I read it, though.

This book was an epic undertaking for a first novel, and succeeds admirably, if sometimes a bit unevenly. From about page 300 to page 638, I had trouble putting the book down. Ferrari's rhythm of revelation is masterful, keeping facets of the narrative in the dark for the reader and the characters, but rarely at the same time. The beginning set up does feel a little cliché at times and maybe even corny, but as you read further into the book, the characters become important in and of themselves, no matter who they "represent." It is a wonderful read--full of imaginative description and plenty of action, but also with a lot of allegorical insight for the reader who wants more than just a fun story. My only real criticism is the Epilogue. I'd outlaw epilogues for fiction If I could. Sometimes it is ok to just leave loose ends rather than to tie them up in a few short pages.

I've had my sights set on this one for quite some time. The premise seemed like something I would absolutely adore. It just took me way too long to get past the half-way mark. Once Joby grows up, I found the whole thing just kinda stalled altogether. I kept getting restless, putting the book down to read something else. After awhile I realized the desire to finish just wasn't there. So I officially cry uncle. I'm out. I didn't hate this book (so no one star), and I'm feeling too ambivalent to give it more stars than that since I didn't finish it. I just lost interest.

One thing that probably put me off here immediately - I hated the Lucifer character - spoiled, petulant, spiteful, churlish ... just a douche really. I like my Satan with a lot more self-control and dignity - a villain worthy of Shakespeare, not some over-the-top drama King screaming bloody murder and stomping his feet when things don't go his way. He should be a worthy opponent - not some souped-up bully.

I will be adding this book to my top five favorite books of all time and will recommend it highly to everyone I meet on the street. The characters were developed wonderfully; each one came to life fully within my imagination. The storyline was epic, yet imaginative and never boring. The combination of mythologies created depth and character to Joby and his comrades. I cried, I cried, I cried, but I also laughed and loved, and am truly grateful for having the experience of reading this book.

I do not normally write reviews for books! With that being typed, let me tell you how wonderful this book was...

I will not give anything away about the book, so no need to worry for spoilers or leaks. I just want to say that this book is an amazing and fresh take on an old classic. I started to read this book a few years ago, and then put it down again. It took me nearly 3 years to pick it back up and finish it, and I am both thankful that I waited and sad that I did not finish it right away. This book is a feel good page turner, eloquent and very well written. Several plot twists caught me by surprise, which is always a plus. It changed my perspective, and how many books can you say that about. I highly recommend giving this one a read. Thank you for your time.

God and Satan have another bet, this one on whether or not a 4th grader will use his free will to commit an act of supreme wickedness before he turns 40. A great book if you like fantasy, religious contests, or Arthurian legends.

This is supposed to be a metaphor for man's struggle with faith, which appealed to me. But it is so heavy-handed and not the least bit veiled that I felt I could have learned more about this epic struggle by reading the Bible. I knew the genre of fantasy wasn't my thing but every once in a while I pick one up to see if I've changed my mind. I haven't.