It’s Teens vs. Demons in this spirited, clean read What if the Devil was not in the details, but sitting in your high school homeroom class? In “The Demons Among Us,” that’s the dilemma facing siblings Joy and Daniel McClain and their peers, who enter into spiritual warfare with the Devil and his followers. In the guise of fellow classmates, these Devil’s advocates ascend Hell and prowl the halls of Pleasant Hill High School. The demons offer Joy, Daniel, and their friends high school success and eternal life, all guaranteed by their “Boss,” but Angels appear from Heaven and guide the teens in their fight against temptation and evil. The supernatural battle eventually threatens the safety of their suburban town, and the teens must decide where their spirituals paths will lead. Author Jill Willis is adept at appealing to young adults in a story format that is familiar to them through mainstream paranormal novels, such as “Twilight.” The plot’s agility and movement will hold a teen reader’s attention. The strength of “The Demons Among Us” lies in its ability to establish a Christian awareness of the Devil and his underlings; the suburban high school setting makes this supernatural threat even more authentic to its teen audience. The book masterfully defines the way evil morphs to steal souls, from a handsome star quarterback to a flock of nasty birds and serpents. It’s refreshing to read a book that is so suspenseful and thoughtful without unnecessary forays into random sex and drug use that might drag the plot and deflect from its message. If you’re a parent looking for something to read with your teen or young adult, “The Demons Among Us” will create opportunities for discussion, listening, and mutual accountability to faith. I received an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
