Review of The Gates (Samuel Johnson vs. the Devil, Book 1)

Author: John Connolly  
Rating: 4 Stars
Review By: Shana

​What if the only thing standing between the Devil (aka, the Great Malevolence) and the destruction of the world was eleven year old Samuel Johnson and his trusty dachshund, Boswell? John Connolly (yes, THAT John Connolly) answers the question aptly.  

Borrowing from the best traditions of Roald Dahl (of plucky youths going up against greater forces), Monty Python (finding humor both high and low through satire and sight gags), and Douglas Adams (with the absurd meeting the everyday, and the most well-timed asides), Connolly’s prepubescent hero and faithful hound are equal to the task of saving the world and foiling a most dastardly plan. So when the gates of hell threaten to open, we are taken on a fast-paced romp as Samuel tries to muster some help to avoid an apocalypse.

​The book feels very British, and the cast of characters is entertaining, with likable demons and repugnant housewives. The Large Hadron Collider plays a particular (see what I did there?) role, we all learn to tread lightly on rose bushes, the efficacy of email communication is born out, and getting an early start on Halloween (not to mention enthusiastic costumes on the day itself) ends up being quite fortuitous for the planet. Recommended for those who like schoolboy heroes, small dogs, punny wordplay, and the occasional smiting.