ONE STARReads like the notes from a brainstorming session for a season of a British sitcom. No editing, no focus, inclusion of characters that are annoying and get in the way of the plot (and the interesting characters), and a constant "insert resolution here" (it may as well have said that) deus ex machina. Yes, there were funny parts. But I found myself skimming too often. The older women, Michael, and the scenes in heaven and hell pushed past what I could tolerate. When I started skimming the main text, there seemed no point in continuing. Oh, that and the victim blaming of the recipient of domestic violence. Real classy, guys.NOT RECOMMENDED I relished I Lucifer, loved Good Omens. Anything irreverent about religious mythologies I like to try.And I wasn't disappointed with Clovenhoof. It's not as clever as Good Omens (and even slightly immature sometimes) but it's very funny, and in the same vein, lots of interconnecting characters all form a story around the central character, here The Devil. He's been found wanting - his managerial style is lacking, his results lacklustre. He's sent to Earth to live his life there among the humans, minus his powers, as everyman Jeremy Clovenhoof. Though he's not exactly an everyman...I did enjoy the irony (coming from the Black Country) of Jeremy ending up in the hell-on-earth that is the Birmingham suburb. His neighbours and the people he meets that (somehow, probably unrealistically) become his friends make the story really, their own tales and plots amusing and dovetailing together nicely by the end. My favourite scenes were those that connect with the supernatural, those in Hell and Heaven and the characters given to the famous mythological being we are familiar with. A great read to make you smile, lots of fun-poking and chortles (some of them a little rude). And also an eye-catching and nicely designed cover.With thanks to the authors for the review copy.
What do You think about Clovenhoof (2012)?
I loved this book! Probably one of the funniest books I've read. Really did make me laugh out loud.
—youkmenglong
This was entertaining... yet another grown up fairy tale that I seem to be drawn to.
—neah
laugh out loud funny! you'll never cheer for the devil quite like this!
—theolovesyou
Spot-on British comedy with some surprising theological insights!
—ornac
