Title: Dante’s Journey
Author: JC Marino
Publisher: Star Publish
Publication Date: February 2010
Paperback: 368 pages
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Source: Review Copy
Reviewed by: Laura
RATING: 7/10 – Very good, would definitely recommend
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
A flash of light and Detective Joe Dante steps through. No longer on the cobblestone streets of 1961 Boston, Joe finds himself in a horrifying new world-Hell itself. Joe was in hot pursuit of his family’s killer, drug lord Filippo Argenti, when both were killed, and isn’t about to let a little thing like death slow him down. So, with a healthy dose of New England stubbornness and the help of a mysterious guide, Virgil DiMini, Joe must evade angry demons, and search ever-lower through the rings of the original Dante’s Inferno in hopes of finding justice for his wife and children. However, Joe will soon discover that behind every sin lies a secret and each secret revealed could land Joe in an eternity of hot water… VERY hot.
REVIEW:
‘Dante’s Journey‘ is a contemporary rewrite of Dante’s ‘Inferno’. Unfortunately I haven’t read the original, so I can’t compare.
The book follows Joe Dante, a 1960′s cop who dies whilst in pursuit of a powerful drug lord, whom he also believes to be responsible for the murder of his wife and two children. Suddenly there’s a flash of light and he finds himself in hell.
Joe is a man obsessed with revenge. Determined to bring Filippo Argenti to justice for his crimes. An obsession that even in death he cannot relinquish. As Joe seeks Argenti and answers about the death of his family he slowly descends down through the nine circles of hell. Voluntarily I might add.
The deeper into hell you go, the greater the sin and inevitably the greater the punishment.
The punishment for each sin is clever and inspired. Although be warned more than a few are macabre and gruesome. As Joe descends into each level, it’s surprising what is viewed as the greater sin. What would you view as worse murder, suicide or betrayal?
But, what really worked was the mix of dark, be it the punishment of the damned or Joe’s unrelenting obsession, with the witty and entertaining dialogue. To say Joe is madcap is understating it a little. He is a man with nothing left to lose, not even death now, and his craziness escalates. His recklessness is however hugely entertaining.
On his route through hell, Joe encounters many different people characters, each with different sins of their own. Each person has an impact on Joe, some both in life as well as death. Including Joe’s very interesting guide Virgil, who is a constant enigma.
Time has no meaning, and the juxtaposition of different villains and cultures from different eras is a fascinating mix. The straight 60s cop meets the hippy is a scene that is guaranteed to make you laugh.
Mixed into Joe’s journey is flashbacks to his past life and the actions and events that led him to to where he is now. Joe is an immensely endearing character, you cannot but help to become wrapped up in his love, grief, bitterness and determination for revenge. Almost egging him on as he goes and does the one thing you know you wouldn’t have the guts to.
I was a little unsure of this book when I began reading it, but it quickly draws you in. It is well written and pacy. Compromised of short chapters that make it a surprisingly easy read.
VERDICT:
A refreshing new voice to the Urban Fantasy genre, JC Marino has written a different but insightful novel. It is a clever commentary on human behaviour, our role in life and will make you think about the life you lead and the decisions you make.
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You can find out more about the author here:
5 Comments
Sounds interesting. I've promised myself I'll read more urban fantasy, so I might look into this.
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Hi Zosia, I love urban fantasy one of my fav genres.
Yes it is interesting quite a different read. But very good.
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This is a bit strange. The greatest sin in the original Inferno is Betrayal, I hope JC Marino didn't change that.
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@Robi
Hi, I was trying not to give this away and spoil it for anyone who has not read the books. No, this hasn't been changed. My guess would be although I have not read the original is that they are all the same
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I really enjoyed this book so I'm always happy to hear someone else like it as much as I did. Thanks for the review.
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