Released February 1st!
When her dad and his apprentice are tricked by demons working together (something unheard of and against their nature) her father dies, leaving Riley with a load of debt, demons that somehow recognize know her name, and an old crush that doesn't understand that she's not a little kid anymore.
First thing I loved: Den, short for Denver, is her father's hawt apprentice and Riley used to like him, ages ago. Their strained relationship is great. I love that Denver is a bit of a bad boy who actually does some bad stuff! He's sweet to Riley, much like an older brother, but his personal life isn't so pretty. He drinks, used to smoke before the prices got too high, and he picks up girls in bars. So many YA books have bad boys that only talk tough, but Denver is a perfect mix of light and dark characteristics.
Second thing I love: Riley is tough without being so self-assured that she's unrelatable. She's like Bella meets Lara Croft. Her voice was really strong and I liked spending time with her.
As far as content goes, Den drinks, there are a few scattered curse words. I'd still rate it PG-13. There is a scene where Riley gets sent by her jerk guild master to sell some captured demons in an adult bookstore, and Riley sees some things that make her eyes bug out, but it's presented to the reader mainly through allusions and her reactions(disgust), not a painted picture. I wouldn't give this book to young teens for that reason.
Thanks to "Around the World ARC Tours" for providing this ARC!
Interesting premise. It takes a previously used storyline (like that used in The Italian Job) and gives it an urban fantasy edge. I think the title is fantastic. I might have to check this one out.
ReplyDeleteI like the title too- there are a lot of "so-and-so's something" books out there, "Heretic's Daughter", Healer's Apprentice", etc. but I like that format. You get a relationship and a miniplot in the title.
ReplyDeleteLet me know if you read it.
Hey Connie! Thanks for the comment.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review, Kelly!
ReplyDeleteHey Myrna- thanks for stopping by. I liked your review of Paranormalcy, too.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good book! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review, it sounds interesting...
ReplyDeleteHi Kerri and Jen- Thanks for leaving comments. Let me know if you read the book, whatcha think.
ReplyDeleteOkay, you threw me off with the Bella meets Lara Croft but I still like the tough but relatable heroine, not many of those going around it seems.
ReplyDeleteHaha Steph- she stumbles quite a few times and says things like "I'm just average looking" while all the boys gawk (a la Bella), but she's also diving under tables and covered in neon green demon pee and told she looks hot...best comparison I could come up with:)
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