Parents' Guide to Devil's Advocate: The X-Files Origins, Book 2

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Common Sense Media Review

Michael Berry By Michael Berry , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 13+

TV series fans will enjoy teen Scully-centered mystery.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 13+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

What's the Story?

As DEVIL'S ADVOCATE begins, 15-year-old Dana Scully is adjusting to life in a new town, feeling like a "weirdo" because she's interested in science. After she experiences in gym class a vision of a murder victim bearing stigmata, she alienates many of her classmates. She and a new friend, Ethan, begin an investigation that leads to clues both scientific and seemingly supernatural. To stop the killings and save herself, Dana must use all her deductive powers.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say : Not yet rated

Chronicling the youthful adventures of beloved TV characters can be a lot of fun, and this retro spin-off makes the most of its premise. In Devil's Advocate, author Jonathan Maberry captures the essence of Dana Scully and adds some new characters for her to react against. The solution to the book's central mystery may seem too easy for some readers, but there are enough successful plot twists to satisfy the most demanding mystery buffs. There are also some dangling plot threads, just as there were on the TV show and in the movies.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how Devil's Advocate explores the philosophies of believers and skeptics. Is the truth out there?

  • What are good strategies for engaging girls and young women in the sciences?

  • How is violence used in Devil's Advocate? When might it be justified?

Book Details

  • Author : Jonathan Maberry
  • Genre : Science Fiction
  • Topics : Adventures , STEM
  • Book type : Fiction
  • Publisher : Imprint
  • Publication date : January 3, 2017
  • Publisher's recommended age(s) : 13 - 18
  • Number of pages : 368
  • Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
  • Last updated : September 30, 2025

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