Plot Summary

Demon's Daring Escape

A demon seeks freedom

Tired of his monotonous job in Hell, a demon named Kiriel decides to escape by inhabiting a human body. He chooses Shaun, a teenage boy about to die in an accident, and takes over his life. Kiriel is eager to experience the physical world and its pleasures, something he has never known.

Shaun's New Tenant

Adjusting to human life

Kiriel navigates Shaun's life, interacting with his family and friends. He struggles with human emotions and social norms, finding joy in simple sensory experiences. Kiriel's presence goes unnoticed by most, but Shaun's cat, Peanut, senses the change.

Human Pleasures Explored

Indulging in earthly delights

Kiriel revels in the physical sensations of being human, from eating to bathing. He is particularly fascinated by human sexuality and desires to experience it fully. However, he realizes that human relationships are more complex than he anticipated.

Unexpected Connections Formed

Building bonds with others

Kiriel forms unexpected connections with Shaun's brother, Jason, and his friend, Bailey. He tries to improve their lives in small ways, hoping to leave a positive mark. Kiriel's interactions reveal the intricacies of human relationships and the impact of kindness.

Lessons in Humanity

Understanding human nature

Through his experiences, Kiriel learns about human emotions, guilt, and redemption. He reflects on the nature of sin and the arbitrary rules that govern human behavior. Kiriel begins to question his own existence and purpose.

Confronting the Creator

Seeking divine attention

Kiriel visits a church, hoping to attract the Creator's notice. He grapples with feelings of rejection and insignificance, longing for acknowledgment from the divine. Despite his doubts, Kiriel finds solace in the beauty of the world and the connections he has made.

A Final Reckoning

Facing the consequences

Kiriel is confronted by an angel who informs him that his time in Shaun's body is over. He must return to his duties in Hell, but not before ensuring Shaun's life is restored. Kiriel accepts his fate, grateful for the brief taste of humanity and the lessons learned.

Characters

Kiriel

Curious and rebellious demon

Kiriel is a demon who escapes Hell to experience human life. He is curious, introspective, and often questions the rules imposed by the Creator. Throughout the story, Kiriel learns about human emotions and the value of small acts of kindness.

Shaun

Unwitting host to a demon

Shaun is a teenage boy whose body is taken over by Kiriel. He is unaware of the demon's presence and continues his life as usual. Shaun's relationships with his family and friends are subtly influenced by Kiriel's actions.

Jason

Misunderstood younger brother

Jason is Shaun's younger brother, often seen as a troublemaker. Kiriel forms a bond with Jason, recognizing his potential and encouraging him to pursue his interests. Jason's character represents the struggles of being misunderstood.

Bailey

Loyal and easygoing friend

Bailey is Shaun's best friend, who remains supportive despite Kiriel's unusual behavior. He is laid-back and accepting, providing a sense of stability in Shaun's life. Bailey's friendship highlights the importance of loyalty and understanding.

Lane

Shaun's love interest

Lane is a girl Shaun has a crush on, and Kiriel attempts to pursue a relationship with her. She is kind and perceptive, eventually forming a connection with Kiriel. Lane's character explores themes of self-worth and the complexity of human attraction.

Peanut

Perceptive family cat

Peanut is Shaun's cat, who senses the change in Shaun's behavior. The cat's awareness of Kiriel's presence adds a layer of tension and serves as a reminder of the supernatural elements at play.

Anius

Dutiful overseer of Hell

Anius is a demon responsible for maintaining order in Hell. He is concerned with rules and procedures, representing the bureaucratic nature of the underworld. Anius's interactions with Kiriel highlight the tension between duty and desire for freedom.

Hanael

Serene and powerful angel

Hanael is an angel sent to retrieve Kiriel. He embodies the divine order and the Creator's will, serving as a contrast to Kiriel's rebellious nature. Hanael's presence underscores the themes of redemption and divine justice.

Plot Devices

Body-Snatching

A demon's escape plan

Kiriel's decision to inhabit Shaun's body serves as the catalyst for the story. This plot device allows Kiriel to explore human life and experience emotions and sensations he never knew. It raises questions about identity and the nature of existence.

Sensory Exploration

Experiencing the human world

Kiriel's fascination with sensory experiences highlights the richness of human life. This plot device emphasizes the beauty and complexity of the physical world, contrasting with the monotony of Hell.

Moral Reflection

Questioning sin and redemption

Kiriel's reflections on human behavior and sin provide insight into the arbitrary nature of moral rules. This device encourages readers to consider the true meaning of redemption and the possibility of change.

Divine Intervention

Angelic confrontation

The arrival of Hanael, the angel, serves as a turning point in the story. This plot device underscores the themes of divine justice and the consequences of Kiriel's actions, ultimately leading to his return to Hell.

Analysis

Exploring the human condition

"Repossessed" by A.M. Jenkins delves into the complexities of human life through the eyes of a demon. The story examines themes of identity, redemption, and the arbitrary nature of sin. Kiriel's journey highlights the beauty and intricacy of the human experience, emphasizing the importance of connection and kindness. The novel challenges readers to reflect on their own lives and consider the impact of their actions on others. Through Kiriel's eyes, we are reminded of the value of appreciating the world around us and the potential for change within ourselves.

Last updated: March 13, 2025

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