This is a novel about a mother trying to cope with an abusive husband and protect her children from ALL harm. The husband is portrayed in a way which fits fairly well with the sociopathic ex-partners of some women that I know. The twist is that the narrative is interspersed with passages in italics ostensibly giving the Devil’s view of proceedings and humanity in general. At the beginning of “The Screwtape Letters” by C.S. Lewis the author warns the reader that the Devil is by nature a liar and nothing he says can be relied upon. “Idle Hands,” with its female Devil, contains no such warning. Readers looking for insight and guidance about the human condition need to give this book a few cautious pokes with a long stick first because there is a very subtle and clever spin on this subject throughout, which gets stronger towards the end. (The Devil denies responsibility for humans behaving devilishly in a manner that’s worthy of Tony Blair.)

It is a good book, but not recommended to the unsceptical reader.

OK, here goes, I’m not sure where to begin with this one.

One of the most unusual books I’ve read in a while and almost impossible to categorize. It’s a bit like the film ‘sliding doors’ but narrated by the devil. Mmmhh intrigued. I was after about 70 pages. With quotes like this from him down below!

“I’m not the teacher. I’m the test. I have nothing to teach you. No judgment to hand down”

A story of ‘what if’s’ and consequences.

So like I said, narrated by the devil himself.. in this case the devil who calls herself “Ella” and she introduces us to Perdie and her desperate life she has with her pig of a husband and her three children.
Her husband is an abuser and makes her life hell and as we see in the opening stages of the story she’s had enough and she’s planned her escape and is executing it.

Moving on in her new life in Colorado she experiences tragedy and she is given the opportunity to make a change - make it all go away and she steps into what I call that sliding door moment. Sorry Cassondra Windwalker - you probably hate me using that phrase.

....... Anyway she makes a deal with the devil and things change... for the better or worse. Without spoiling it for you I can’t really give you any more details.
It’s a sad story and centers around mankind and how dumb we are at times. We choose our paths and we follow them. But if we were given the chance to change would we ? But there’s always a catch isn’t there? Well there is when your dealing with the devil himself.. or herself in this case.

This is dark but wrote in a different kind of dark. Also with domestic abuse thrown in - you may want to sit it out.
There’s a lot in this story with great characters and lots of behavioral and psychology humanisms.
The ending is left a little wide of open so if you need everything tied up with a massive “the end ribbon’ tough.
If you need something different and unique this ones definitely for you.

“Trim your wick, lift your shade. Cast that shine a little closer. I do get weary of darkness”

Fantastic writing, totally different. 4 stars
Thank you Agora books.
Published 23rd July

This is a story about a woman living with her 3 children and an abusive husband. What sets it apart from other books is they way the author has used a 3rd person as an adversary or 'devil'character. This character interposes the narrative of the story with insights as to why our character is thinking or acting in a certain way.

This book challenges readers to grasp what’s going on. Perdie is an abused wife who has the best interests of her children, Hannah, Rachel and Tad. She has to decide whether it is best for the family to leave with the children or stay. Her first choice leads to a happier life style then calamity. That makes her wonder if she should have chosen to stay. The book explores both possibilities. However, hovering over the book and making extended contributions to the text is Ella, who might be the devil or, as she describes herself, the ‘Adversary’. This ethereal voice comments on Perdie’s decisions and life’s choices in general. Some of it is amusing, some perceptive. She offers a good take on the human ability to find anxiety in all situations. Going on holiday just leads to worry about coming back! There are also some interesting questions about Christianity. This book is different and worth a shot.

This book wasn't at all what I expected. However, it has to be one of the most unique and fascinating books I have ever read. Beautifully written and exploring difficult decisions and their consequences, protecting our children and feeling responsible for anything bad that happens to them. All of this is peppered with the 'Devil' and her opinions. Exceptionally clever.

I’m numb! My hands are shaking. This is intense. What I feel after reading this book is equal to be in car which crushes into a wall or being stabbed in the heart brutally several times.

Perdie reminded of William Styron’s Sophie: she doesn’t decide which child of hers will leave behind but she has to decide between two dangerous paths which may result with more casualties she can ever imagine.

Perdie wants to leave her abuser husband for a long time. Her husband’s growing violent tendencies around their son is the last straw. She may endure his physical and mental abuse but she cannot let him harm her children.

She has to protect two daughters and her son to live in a dangerous territory. But what will happen to her children if she finally achieves to leave this violent life behind: how could she let her children live in poverty as she barely makes enough money to provide their needs by working at two different jobs, leaving them alone in the house broken hearted. How could she be a good mother without giving them better education opportunities and a bright future?

The adversary-the evil- watches each step she takes and sneakily waits for her to choose a path ends with heartbreak and grief.
I don’t want to give more spoilers about the story. I could only say it’s truly heart wrenching, impactful, thought provoking, depressing, soul crushing story about a mother who is ready to do whatever it takes for protecting her children in expanse her own life!

It makes us question our own decisions we make for our own children and makes us think deeply what we would do if we were in Perdie’s shoes.

The parts of the inner monologues of the evil were also brilliant, smart but at some parts they were too long and too philosophical for me which affected the intense pace of the story. But instead of that especially blood freezing, shocking conclusion was jaw dropping.

This is one of the surprising and mind spinning novels I’ve read for a long time and I’m looking forward to read more works of the author.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Agora Books for sharing this incredible ARC with me in exchange my honest opinions.

Oh, how decadent. A novel narrated by the devil himself, otherwise known as, Ella.. I would have thought him to be more maniacal. He seems quite bored with us, unless we choose to stand and shine our light. The enemy is mesmerized by the light of those that will not be consumed by this world, by those that embrace their differences and accepts life on its terms.

So, here comes Miss Perdie. A woman that believes she is a victim of circumstance. If she can just hang on a little while longer, all will be well.. In the short term or in the long term. Either way, it's not okay. Sometimes we delude ourselves, and in that delusion, we are not the only person harmed. Sometimes stuff happens no matter what we do, no matter what decisions we make.

In desperation, what kind of choices will a person make? What does Ella find so fascinating about this family? Whose light shines the brightest and what does the devil get out of this? Finished this book in one sitting to find out the answers. Well worth the read. Definitely not what you expect. Not every story has a happy ending.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and Cassondra Windwalker for an ARC in return for an honest review.

This book blew me away. The story itself, both versions, was so heartbreaking and real that I was reduced to tears. Ella's musings, interspersed throughout the stories, were written incredibly beautifully and were so thought-provoking, that when I finished the book I just sat there in tears and reflected on it. Then I went back to the beginning and started reading it again.

This was a very different book to others I've read lately. The storyline really makes you think about choices you make in your life. A very quick and enjoyable read but the thoughts of the 'narrator' (devil) went on for too long at times.

Wow! such unusual read. Narrated by the devil himself we meet Perdie, a woman at a crossroads in her life. At times a sliding doors/road not taken journey, but also a great look at life, this book was a definite could not put downer, in fact I read it end to end in a matter of hours. I needed a break from my normal genre and boy did this provide a good one.

I love books that make me question EVERYTHING. I was expecting the narrative from Ella to be more serious but it is at times quite cheeky and sarcastic which is very clever considering the topics discussed (domestic violence and abuse). I cannot wait to read more from this author as this novel was original, brilliant and mind-bendingly and philosophically thought- provoking whilst still remaining accessible due to the colloquial voice of Ella..

This is a gripping read and I could empathise with Perdie and her children and the impact her husband's violence has had on her and on the mental health of their children. ( I work in Safeguarding in Education and see the results of this kind of behaviour far too often).

5 stars for this rollercoaster of a ride.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the Advanced Reader Copy.

Oh my goodness, this book is amazing! Perdie is struggling with a dilemma which many victims of domestic abuse face. Should she leave her violent and manipulative husband Matt and risk her children (Hannah, Rachel and Tad) growing up in the possible poverty of a single parent family struggling to make ends meet or stay, protect her children, take the blows in secret so they can have the chance of the best in life. ‘Ella’ is ‘The Adversary’ better known to us humans as the Devil, whose job it is to tempt, to offer alternatives which is a game in return for a ‘win’. The story is told extremely cleverly in circular form though Perdie with interjections and reflections by Ella.

First of all, I flew through this book in one session that’s how good I think it is. It is gripping, very well written, clever and original. I love Ella’s observations on humans which are pertinent, accurate, witty, cynical and wise. Yes, wise! I don’t wish to spoil Ella’s thoughts on the nature of mankind but it’s philosophical and thought provoking. The story with Perdie’s life with Matt is desperately sad and your heart breaks at the impact he has on the mental well being of his children to say nothing of the physical effects on Perdie. Whichever route Perdie is tempted to choose there is a huge price to pay. There are some shocking scenes, stark choices and heartbreaking tests. The end is excellent as Ella reflects on the outcome.

Overall, this is compulsive and gripping reading, it makes you think and reflect on the human condition. This is a book I will definitely remember. Highly recommended.

The cover is brilliant!

With thanks to NetGalley and Agora Books

“Trim your wick, lift your shade. Cast that shine a little closer. I do get weary of the darkness”.

This book was such a unique read. It’s told in multiple voices. One being “Ella” or the devil. I didn’t know how much I would I enjoy that POV, but it really did give some additional background to the story. This book shows how 1 decision can change your whole life and would you life be better or worse if you didn’t make that decision.

Thank you to NetGalley and Agora books for the ARC and the opportunity to read this early.

Idle Hands by Cassondra Windwalker is a book that is hard to categorise, One of my favourite tropes in any medium, be it comics, films or books is the idea of "what if"- it opens up so many doors and can take a story in any direction, and it is just such an idea that lies at the heart of this original and engrossing book.
Narrated by a character who calls herself "Ella" though apparently she is better known as the devil, the book tells the story of a woman named Perdie who will face Ella's temptation when she is in the depths of despair. We meet Perdie as she takes the brave step of leaving her abusive husband and taking her three small children to live in Colorado. It is a difficult decision, but the only one she can make, as she fears that he will turn his attention and his fists to the children sooner or later. Setting up a new home is difficult and the children struggle to make friends and fit in at school but eventually things settle down and Perdie marries again happily. While their life may not be perfect, it seems largely happy until one tragic night when disaster strikes and Ella takes advantage of the opportunity to give Perdie a chance to change the past. If she never leaves her first husband , will it avert the tragedy that has ripped apart her new life?
This is a powerful and moving account of life with an abusive spouse and parent, and the subject matter makes it a difficult read at times. I found it really interesting that the author tracked the long term consequences of the violence and abuse and described them so well. There is a lot packed into a relatively short book, and I found myself reading it in a single sitting as I was so invested in Perdie and her family. I also really enjoyed the interjections from Ella scattered throughout the book , they gave an interesting "outside " perspective on human behaviour and psychology. For those of you who like your books neatly wrapped up, this one definitely has a more open ending, but in all honesty I think that is the only one that would fit with the rest of the book.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

This was an interesting and unique book, a harrowing tale of domestic abuse and how it affects the lives of all the people around it whether they be directly involved or not, with a strong "be careful what you wish for message". The fact that "the devil" was the books narrator was what intrigued me enough to want the read this, and I still think it really adds a whole other dimension to the story, I did find that paragraphs from the Elles perspective went on a bit and brought me out of the story at times. All in all a good read
3.75 stars rounded up to 4
Many thanks to netgalley for providing me with the ARC in exchange for my honest review

Idle Hands follows the story of Perdie, a woman who escapes her abusive husband for the sake of her children and moves to Colorado, where she meets Reilly and starts a new life with him.

The novel combines elements of fantasy with real issues, as it is narrated by the Devil as they follow a survivor of domestic violence. The Devil takes advantage of people's weakness and is happy to wait patiently until opportunity opens to strike a deal with them. You know the house always wins so the story is particularly heartbreaking as Perdie has gone through so much, you feel like she can't really catch a break.

This novel wasn't like anything I have read before. There's always a sense of doubt when reviewing a different kind of genre or writing style as I always wonder "will I do this book justice?" the answer is clear to me: my review of Idle Hands will probably fall short and if I could give it more than 5 stars I certainly would!

Disclosure: I'd like to thank the publisher for my advanced reader copy. This is my honest review.

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This book is very different to anything I've read before. I really enjoyed the different twists and turns and how unpredictable it was, However; I struggled at times with the narration of 'the devil' especially during the first chapter. I feel as though it rambled on at times and was confusing to read.

Idle hands follows the story of Perdie, her abusive husband and their three children. Perdie believes she is the sole person responsible for the fate of her family and that her choices will hold her responsible for the happiness and success of her children. What she doesn't know is that 'the devil' is watching over her...

Thank you to NetGalley for my copy of this book in return for a review.

Wow!
This book blew me away and had me hooked from the beginning
Perdie with her 3 children in tow escapes her violent husband in hopes to provide a better future for everyone. But an other being has plans and has been watching, waiting to intervene.
I haven't read anything by this author before but Cassandra Windwalker writes a beautifully suspenseful novel on what you would sacrifice for love and hope of a better future. With two narratives perfectly entwined throughout. Definitely one to buy and one you won't be able to put down

I feel like I don't often say this, but this book should have been longer. It felt unfinished - I wanted more of a finale in this book. Other than that, I can say that this book is excellent. It's a very real look at domestic abuse; and not the vague stuff you read in other books. This is brutal. I highly recommend reading it.

Idle Hands was such a strange and engrossing read! The most interesting thing about this book was that it is narrated by “the devil”, who actually goes by Ella. Periodically throughout the novel, it shifts to Ella’s perspective, where she gives insight into Perdie’s character as well as the nature of choices, good and evil, and indulgences. I really loved Ella’s character and liked switching from Perdie’s life to Ella’s recollections and musings.
Perdie herself sort of labeled herself as the victim in every situation, which I can understand given her abusive marriage. However, I didn’t feel a connection to her character and was mostly reading because I wanted to know what happened. I did like all of her children, though, and I think they all had very detailed, unique personalities even as young children.
The plot, above all, was just amazing. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, first waiting to read about “the accident”, and then waiting for the conclusion and to know what choice Perdie would make.