Diabhal

Kaufman (The Lairdbalor) puts an unusual spin on the diabolic possession story by evoking sympathy for the embodiment of evil. Ceit Robertson’s power emerged at an early age, and she’s assumed to be next in line to lead her family’s Celtic magick community. When her mother becomes afflicted by dark beings called the Sluagh, Ceit tries to save her mother’s soul and is revealed to possess more power than anyone imagined. Cait is effectively orphaned, with her mother catatonic and her father too distraught to care for her. Members of a Satanic temple are awed by Ceit and decide to bring her into their fold so she can be worshipped properly; however, events don’t go as planned. Kaufman’s tale of an affectionate, afflicted “devil” mixes with the Satanic panic of the 1980s to become an engrossing tale of magic, darkness, and natural order. Fans of My Best Friend’s Exorcism and Stranger Things will be fascinated by Ceit’s ascent to power. (Nov.)