“THE MEPHISTO COVENANT: The Redemption of Ajax,” by Trinity Faegen, Egmont, Sept. 27, 2011, $17.99 (ages 14 and up)
Sasha feels her heart breaking every time she thinks of her father. A year ago, Dad came home from Russia in a metal box. No one could explain how or why her father, an insurance man, was killed, and Sasha has found no closure. She’s so desperate to find his murderer; she’s even willing to give the Ravens, and Eryx, a chance. But Sasha’s meeting with the group is anything but productive — it’s downright deadly.
To make matters worse, when Sasha returns home, she learns her mother is being deported to Russia and Sasha is being sent to live in Colorado with an uncle she’s never heard of.
The move comes within hours, Sasha and her mother franticly packing up their belongings. Once in Colorado, Sasha receives a frosty reception from her aunt, who obviously doesn’t want her there.
Sasha has never felt so alone or like such an outcast. Rather than making life easier for her, Sasha’s cousin makes school a nightmare. The only thing she has to look forward to is the mysterious Jax, who seems to have magic coming from his fingertips.
Jax, it turns out, is a son of Hell, bound to Earth forever. He only has one chance for redemption — the Mephisto Covenant. The Mephisto Covenant God’s promise he will find peace in the love of an Anabo, a daughter of Eve. Jax has waited for a thousand years to find an Anabo, to find Sasha.
Jax is overjoyed to have found Sasha. They belong together. But being together comes at a cost. Their relationship puts Sasha in serious danger and unless she’s willing to give up her mortal life, Jax will never be saved.
“The Mephisto Covenant” is an addictive read. Author Trinity Faegen immediately captures the reader’s interest and her story is compelling. But “The Mephisto Covenant” is not for everyone.
The covenant is based on the idea that Eve had a daughter, Aurora, before falling from Grace. Aurora left Eden and God sent her a mate of pure spirit. Their descendants became the Anabo, or people of light. Lucifer tried to insinuate evil into the Anabo, but couldn’t stop them from spreading their light. Jax is the son of a dark angel whose job is to take souls to hell. His mother was an Anabo.
The whole concept is a bit confusing and requires people to set their religious beliefs aside in order to fully enjoy the plot, which, truthfully is a bit convoluted.
Also of concern to some readers will be the mature content that comes into play throughout the book and climaxes toward the end. The publisher’s suggested age is 14 and up, but because of the graphic, though not lurid, nature of some of the content, 14 may be too young.
