On the Devil's Court (Paperback)

~ Carl Deuker (Author) "There are two things that I' ashamed of..." (more)
Key Phrases: empty gym, bounce pass, old gym, Loyal High, Miss Mitchell, Sunset Hill (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Deuker's first YA novel is an absorbing reworking of the Faustian legend, with plenty of relevance for modern readers. Joe Faust, 17, who has always lived in the shadow of his scientist father, suffers a slump when everything in his life goes wrong. He doesn't fit in at his new school, flubs the basketball team tryouts and, perhaps worst of all, finds that his words have been distorted in a tabloid article smearing his father. While practicing alone on an abandoned basketball court, Joe agrees to sell his soul to the devil in exchange for a perfect season. Or does he? Joe doesn't really believe in the devil, but when he suddenly gets to join the team, which then goes on to its first undefeated seasonwith him as the star player, he isn't so sure. And when he easily earns straight "A's" (he'd always struggled to get even a "C+"), Joe is convinced that some outside force is aiding him. Deuker skillfully blends gritty basketball action with well-rounded characters to create a vivid contemporary morality tale. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 8-12 In a well-constructed juxtaposition, senior Joe Faust fears that, like the legendary Dr. Faustus, he has made an irrevocable pact with the devil. The only child of a famous geneticist and a sculptress, Joe feels inadequate except on the basketball court. When the family moves to Seattle, Joe is eager to experience the non-conformity of public school and the competition of Metro basketball, but his parents veto nearby Loyal High in favor of Eastside, an academic private school. Joe unleashes his frustrations in an abandoned gym where the devil he's read about in Doctor Faustus seems to inspire a series of perfect shots. Desperate for success and identity, Joe vows, "Give me a full season, give me twenty-four games of this power, and my soul is yours." Joe becomes a superstar, but his uneasiness is heightened as he delves deeper into Dr. Faustus in his English class. Finally, when Joe wins the twenty-fifth game, he realizes that, "The devil's workif he had done anywas over." For better or worse, Joe learns that he is the master of his fate. This well-paced first novel is a clever blend of family conflict, superstition, and exciting sports action. Adolescent readers will empathize with the mind games that Joe plays as he struggles for self-identity and independence; teachers will delight in the literary references and analogies; and librarians will praise this fine addition to sports fiction. Gerry Larson, Chewning Junior High School, Durham,
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; Reprint edition (September 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 031606727X
• ISBN-13: 978-0316067270
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #157,834 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An absolutely original sports novel, July 18, 2000

By	Robert James (Culver City, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: On the Devil's Court (Pendragon Cycle) (Paperback)

"On the Devil's Court" is a wonderfully fast, easy, and exciting read. Joe Faust's life has gone into the dumps, and the only thing that matters anymore is basketball. Unfortunately, his basketball game is rotten these days too. So, Joe sells his soul to the devil for a perfect season of basketball. Or does he? Readers are propelled through the book by one realistic conflict after another, with plenty of surprises to keep the reader guessing about the state of Joe's soul. I've taught this book to high school freshmen for a number of years now, and the boys always love it. This is a great book for younger readers, or slower readers, because it is written in clean, simple sentences that few readers will have trouble with. All in all, a first-rate first novel!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A totally awesome book awaits you- it's a must read!!!, April 14, 2002

By	Adrienne "[e-mail]" (Kenmore, WA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: On the Devil's Court (Pendragon Cycle) (Paperback)

On the Devil's court is a GREAT book!!! Joe Faust, a senior in high school, sees his basketball skills deteriorating, and desperately wants to improve so he can make the varsity team. One night, while in an old deserted gym, Joe makes a terrifying bargain, agreeing to sell his soul to the Devil in exchange for one straight season of power. When the end of the year rolls around, Joe's team is undefeated, and they make the championships. Joe's deal with the Devil is done.
On the Devil's Court takes place in Seattle where Mr. Deuker lives, and the story is very true to real life. I would HIGHLY recommend this book to any one who likes basketball and suspense, and would like to add, if anyone is interested, that Mr. Deuker is a very nice and funny person, and is my WONDERFUL teacher!!!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST READ BOOK- On the Devil's Court, March 14, 2000

By	Greeky (Massachusetts, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: On the Devil's Court (Hardcover)

On the Devil's Court is an intresting book written by Carl Deuker. It deals with a boy named Joe, who isn't really fantastic in any area of life. His main concern is to play varsity basketball, but he hasn't been playing so great. Then, a miracle happened. He is a star on his varsity team, one of the most popular kids in school, and a straight A student. Are these accomplishments of his hard work or is someone or something helping him!