Hellbent [Paperback]

Anthony McGowan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 5, 2006

Sent to Hell for typical teenage misdemeanours, Conor is surprised to find that it's not all pitchforks and leaping flames. But an eternity in a fusty cave full of philosophy books and obscure classical music is actually worse. Then Conor realizes that his personal version of Hell might be someone else's idea of Heaven - and vice versa. He sets out on a filthy, funny and forbidden journey to search for his opposite number, accompanied by his repulsive pet dog, a depressed cross-dressing Viking and a stumpy devil called Clarence. What he sees is disgusting and what he discovers is shocking, but oddly enough Conor learns a hell of a lot about life - now that he's dead!

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 7 Up—When 16-year-old Conor O'Neill dies after being hit by an ice-cream truck, he finds himself in Hell, accompanied by his dog Scrote, who is now able to speak. They are watched over and tormented by a devil named Clarence, which, of course, will raise (and then dash) the hopes of It's a Wonderful Life fans. There's no doubt that the author has a way with words, and there's even some nifty philosophy thrown into the mix. But the scatology and sociopathology that pervade this book necessitate putting it in the you-must-be-kidding column. McGowan is an author to watch, but this effort is over-the-top.—Nancy Brown, Fox Lane High School, Bedford, NY
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Review

"A wisecracking helter-skelter....This is real boys' stuff, with enough gaseous fart gags to keep the inferno stoked."

-- "The Guardian" --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Simon Pulse (September 5, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416908145
• ISBN-13: 978-1416908142
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,490,922 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Anthony McGowan is one of the most widely acclaimed young-adult authors in the UK. His books have won several major awards, and been shortlisted for many more. He has also written highly regarded adult fiction, as well as books for younger readers. He has a PhD on the history of beauty, and has taught philosophy and creative writing. He lives in London with his wife and two children.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Courtesy of Teens Read Too, December 23, 2006

By 

TeensReadToo "Eat. Drink. Read. Be Merrier." (All Over the US & Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hellbent (Paperback)

No one really knows if there is a Hell or Heaven. Is Heaven full of clouds and Hell as hot as a pizza oven? Unfortunately for Connor O'Neil, who knows exactly how it feels. It's not wonderful Heaven that he gets to experience firsthand, but rather the dreadful Hell. That's right! Connor has died and went to Hell. How? Well, by chasing after his dog and getting hit by an ice cream truck.

Of course Hell isn't what exactly how people had described it. It has changed over the years. There's still your usual furnaces and dungeons and creepy crawlers. But now Hell isn't too big on physical pain, since they have become more sophisticated. And they also call the unfortunate people who have to go to Hell their "customers." So Hell shouldn't seem too bad for Connor, right?

The worst has yet to come since now Connor is condemned to a corner surrounded by the worst thing ever--educational material. Books are all around him, along with radios blaring out educational programs. Everything fit for his eternal punishment.

Then Connor comes up with a plan, since everyone needs a plan. In order for him to survive Hell he needs to find someone that would absolutely enjoy his corner and trade. So now Connor is out to find the person that is willing to trade for his educational corner.

Witty and absolutely engrossing, Anthony McGowan has cooked up a novel that will make you burst out laughing. HELLBENT is exactly for anyone who needs something to lift them up. With crazy characters and a plot that is ultimately unusual, HELLBENT is a definite page-turner that will keep the reader up all night.

Reviewed by: Randstostipher "tallnlankyrn" Nguyen

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Courtesy of Teens Read Too, January 17, 2007

By 

TeensReadToo "Eat. Drink. Read. Be Merrier." (All Over the US & Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hellbent (Hardcover)

No one really knows if there is a Hell or Heaven. Is Heaven full of clouds and Hell as hot as a pizza oven? Unfortunately for Connor O'Neil, who knows exactly how it feels. It's not wonderful Heaven that he gets to experience firsthand, but rather the dreadful Hell. That's right! Connor has died and went to Hell. How? Well, by chasing after his dog and getting hit by an ice cream truck.

Of course Hell isn't what exactly how people had described it. It has changed over the years. There's still your usual furnaces and dungeons and creepy crawlers. But now Hell isn't too big on physical pain, since they have become more sophisticated. And they also call the unfortunate people who have to go to Hell their "customers." So Hell shouldn't seem too bad for Connor, right?

The worst has yet to come since now Connor is condemned to a corner surrounded by the worst thing ever--educational material. Books are all around him, along with radios blaring out educational programs. Everything fit for his eternal punishment.

Then Connor comes up with a plan, since everyone needs a plan. In order for him to survive Hell he needs to find someone that would absolutely enjoy his corner and trade. So now Connor is out to find the person that is willing to trade for his educational corner.

Witty and absolutely engrossing, Anthony McGowan has cooked up a novel that will make you burst out laughing. HELLBENT is exactly for anyone who needs something to lift them up. With crazy characters and a plot that is ultimately unusual, HELLBENT is a definite page-turner that will keep the reader up all night.

Reviewed by: Randstostipher "tallnlankyrn" Nguyen

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely wonderful!, January 16, 2007

By 

Brian Farrey-Latz (St. Paul, MN United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hellbent (Paperback)

I picked this book up on a whim; the cover intrigued me, the back cover copy sold me. Three pages in I knew I was in love. McGowan has written a brilliant and hilarious account of one teen's journey through hell--literally. Yes, it's got its gross out moments but they're done with such great humor that they're easy to forgive.

It's hard to find good, funny YA. McGowan's sense of timing, matched with his sharply drawn characters and keen eye for plot make this my favorite new find of 2007.

I can't wait for his next book!