Title: Breakup From Hell
Author:Ann Dávila Cardinal
Genre: YA fantasy
Publisher: Harperteen
Pages: 304
Release Date: 2 February 2023
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Hello fellow booklovers, today I'm back with a review for the witty coming of age, fantasy YA Breakup From Hell by Ann Dávila Cardinal— which follows a teen girl’s first foray into dating (and then breaking up with) the son of Satan.
Synopsis
Miguela Angeles is tired. Tired of her abuela keeping secrets, especially about her heritage. Tired of her small Vermont town and hanging out at the same places with the same friends she’s known forever. So when another boring Sunday trip to church turns into a run-in with Sam, a mysterious hottie in town on vacation, Mica seizes the opportunity to get closer to him.
It’s not long before she is under Sam’s spell and doing things she’s never done before, like winning all her martial arts sparring matches—and lying to her favorite people. The more time Mica spends with Sam, the more weird things start to happen, too. Like terrifying-visions-of-the-world-ending weird.
Mica’s gut instincts keep telling her something is off, yet Sam is the most exciting guy she’s ever met. But when Mica discovers his family’s roots, she realizes that instead of being in the typical high school relationship, she’s living in a horror novel.
She has to leave Sam, but will ending their relationship also bring an end to everything she knows and everyone she loves?
Review
I really enjoyed this one and thought the Supernatural, lovers-to-enemies style romance was thoroughly entertaining and tongue in cheek hi-jinx we encounter kept the tone light despite all the fire and brimstone imagery (and “hellish” characters that make an appearance.)
Fans of Lucifer (especially fans of Tom Ellis’ portrayal of true titular character) and the melodramatic goodness of Buffy The Vampire Slayer will appreciate the good vs. evil plot line and all the villain based shenanigans that results from breaking up with the son of the devil. Though I do have to admit the pacing was a little too fast at times which I found a bit jarring and meant the romance did feel a little Insta-lovey.
But, since the synopsis makes it clear that the romance is pretty much doomed, Ann Dávila Cardinal does swiftly usher us through most of the “honeymoon phase” scenes — allowing us to bask in all the juicy, drama-filled and action-packed (sometimes farm animal related) conflicts that we’ve been waiting for.
I liked Mica, our protagonist who yearns for excitement and a life beyond the small town she’s grown up in—which many teen readers will find highly relatable. I also really loved the other characters too (particularly Barry who’s enthusiasm for demon slaying was hilariously refreshing and Rage-the alternate love interest of Mica’s who I genuinely really liked). It was also great to see that even the antagonists (Sam and Rona) were pretty memorable characters and got their own time to shine—with witty one liners, evil speeches, demonic possessions galore.
Overall, a fairly lighthearted and entertaining fantasy romp that perfect for fans of Lucifer, Buffy and all things supernaturally weird (we’re talking angels, demons, devilish exes, possessed townspeople , and even a dragon!)
And a huge thank you to Harper360ya for the e-arc
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
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