Hellbound introduces us to Michael, one of Hell's newest residents. Michael finds himself in the company of Asmodeus (also called Satan) without knowing or understanding how he got there. He doesn't remember his life. He doesn't remember his death. Michael's story isn't as simple as "Once upon a time, I woke up in Hell because I was very bad." The readers aren't treated to book that chronicles Michael's downfall until he hits the point of irredeemable. Michael's story begins in Hell.

Asmodeus, who is a glib devil always ready with a retort, ushers Michael around Hell introducing him to what his domain has to offer. This presentation of Satan as a charming deceiver isn't a new one. He is supposed to be tempting and likable in order for people to trust him and do his bidding. I liked that Hawken explored this wittiness, though. He made Satan likable, even though you know something malicious is lurking there. Satan is equally forthright and vague. Yes, he'll admit that he's using Michael to his ends, but Satan twists his stories in his favor and omits what doesn't suit his current purpose. Sometimes, it feels like it's not so much of him twisting the truth than this is how he's interprets the events. That whole two people getting two wildly different meanings from the same event, if you will.

Hawken's concept of Hell is one that's explored in universal reconciliation. Universal reconciliation asserts Hell isn't a place for people to suffer endlessly, that all souls will be reconciled with God. Some souls may have to endure suffering in Hell for their sins for a while, but after the appropriate penance has been paid, they will enter Heaven. However, there is a major difference in Hawken's version of this reconciliation. While universal reconciliation states that all souls will enter Heaven, in this book, that reconciliation is still a matter of free will.

Hawken's paints Hell as a place that caters to any sinful desire you might have. There is some unbearable heat outside the buildings and there are a few souls burning in torment, but mostly it seems that vices are readily available for people to enjoy. From casinos to brothels, it's a veritable playground for adults divvied up in districts according to sins. Why would anyone want to leave such a place? For all its amusements, this Hell is still a savage place where rules don't apply and there is no real punishment for misdeeds committed against others in Hell. However, all Hell's residents (unless exempted by Satan) suffer from "The Guilt."

"The Guilt" is basically visions of things people did in their earthly life. Guilt is felt more acutely in Hell. The weight of it is absolute. It's painful and heavy to endure. It tears away at the mind, and it happens often. "The Guilt" isn't meant just to act as punishment, though. There is no rationalizing sin in Hell as often done in life, and this allows the condemned to scrutinize their actions without the pretense. Guilt is a powerful feeling, and one that is often overlooked when discussing powerful emotions. To quote Satan: "Don't underestimate the power of a guilty mind." Going back to this "choice" to leave Hell, these visions allow them to evaluate and decide for themselves if they'll seek absolution or if they'll continue to endure Hell.

As Asmodeus chauffeurs Michael around, Michael begins to remember important parts of his life through "The Guilt." He remembers his past and all the ups and downs he faced as an orphan who became a bare-knuckle fighter. Most importantly, though, he remembers his love for his wife, Charlotte, and their horrible deaths. However, while Michael went to Hell, his wife's soul is stuck in Limbo where it will stay until this wrong is corrected. Yeah, I know it sounds like I just described something that should be in The Crow, but I swear I'm not doing the story justice. This is the moment when Asmodeus strikes and his interest in Michael is revealed as he offers to direct Michael on the path that will correct that. Michael realizes Satan has much to gain from his success, but that's a trifling matter when compared to what he hopes to achieve for Charlotte.

Honestly, I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I started reading this book. I wasn't even sure what to expect for nearly the first half of the book. I was soaking up the details of Hell during that time while being on guard for when Asmodeus would finally reveal what he wants. You don't get a personal tour of your new home from Satan without there being some catch. Then, I learned how Michael died, which ended the first section of the book called "Damnation" and led into the second section titled "Revelation." And it was quite the revelation. That was the "There it is!" moment when I knew that the rules of engagement were about to be spelled out, and what a fascinating, thought-provoking journey Michael took from that point.

This book had the power to make me laugh one moment and to be deeply contemplative the next. Michael was an interesting character who you can't help rooting for in all his flawed glory, and his story--the person he was, the person he was becoming--really struck a chord in me. You could really feel the depth of the various emotions he displayed--the pain, the uncertainty, the anger, all of it. There were some little nitpicky things I had with the book, but they were mostly just some of my weird nitpicks and don't really warrant spending time complaining about. I was much more fascinated with the theories Hawken set forward than the things I didn't like.

Overall, this novel was an enjoyable blend of horror, theology, and philosophy with a twist of humor that dared to tackle ideas such as the Hell paradox and the idea of destiny existing in a nonlinear fashion. If you're not a fan of stories that play with the idea of Divine Providence, stories that turn theological ideas inside out, this is likely not the story for you. Hawken presents some very fresh ideas in this story about God, Satan, and how everything fits together in this grand scheme. It also explored the depth of love and how sometimes you're willing to do anything for those who matter the most. Look out for my review of book two I Am Satan soon!

Set in hell, this reads like an epic movie with amazing characters, twists and description. It's horrific, original and so gripping! Also very thought provoking and deep.

Interesting until the end. A bit childish but mildly entertaining.

Well that was interesting. I didn't really know what to expect when I got into Hellbound. I'm happy to say it isn't a proselytical text. In fact I imagine hard-core Christians would set up picket lines outside of Hawken's home if the book ever gained any traction. But then that's probably why I like it. It presents an interesting take on the relationship of God and the Devil, the purpose of Hell, and the existence of the afterlife. I won't call it groundbreaking, but it made me think.

I did find both God and Satan's characters to be a bit trite at times, Satan the Joker and God the bumbling omnipotent. Michael came up with some convenient help on more than one occasion, like a parade passing and practically giving him the answer to a riddle he needed to solve. Though I suppose I could read divine intervention into this. And I kind of wonder where all of the women in Hell were. Surely they couldn't all be prostates, right?

All in all it was an entertaining, thought provoking read. I look forward to seeing what Hawken's comes up with next.

3 and a half stars I think. I really liked the book but I believe it did not quite meet its potential. I wish it were a bit longer and the story bit more developed. Alas as it is not the book feels rushed in places and the main character a little bit underdeveloped and you wonder how he got emotionally from A to B. Then again I'm comparing Hellbound with Convivium which was a very long book :) If you liked Convivium you want to check this book out.
I got the book for free in a deal at Amazon and am planning to get myself the sequel.