Review: The Demon Trapper's Daughter by Jana Oliver

T h e  D e m o n  T r a p p e r' s  D a u g h t e r by Jana Oliver

Release Date: 2/1/11 (Paperback - US)

Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Age Group: Older Teens/Young Adults

Pages: 340

Source: Borrowed/public library
Challenge: 2011 Debut Author Challenge
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Kindle

Other: Retro Demonology (Kindle)

Word Blurb: Crazy awesome, eerily realistic!

"Riley Blackthorne just needs a chance to prove herself – and that’s exactly what the demons are counting on...

Seventeen-year-old Riley, the only daughter of legendary Demon Trapper, Paul Blackthorne, has always dreamed of following in her father's footsteps. The good news is, with human society seriously disrupted by economic upheaval and Lucifer increasing the number of demons in all major cities, Atlanta’s local Trappers’ Guild needs all the help they can get – even from a girl. When she’s not keeping up with her homework or trying to manage her growing crush on fellow apprentice, Simon, Riley’s out saving distressed citizens from foul-mouthed little devils – Grade One Hellspawn only, of course, per the strict rules of the Guild. Life’s about as normal as can be for the average demon-trapping teen.

But then a Grade Five Geo-Fiend crashes Riley’s routine assignment at a library, jeopardizing her life and her chosen livelihood. And, as if that wasn’t bad enough, sudden tragedy strikes the Trappers' Guild, spinning Riley down a more dangerous path than she ever could have imagined. As her whole world crashes down around her, who can Riley trust with her heart – and her life?"

THIS BOOK IS SERIOUSLY, INSANELY, UTTERLY AWESOME. So, if the caps didn't do a good job of filling you in on my current feelings, well let me just say, THE DEMON TRAPPER'S DAUGHTER is excellent. There are a few minor things that bugged me, but everything else is just amazing. I was completely stunned by this novel - I'd only heard a few things about the plot, but I wasn't expecting much of it. This book is chockfull of odd deaths, demon rampages, hot guys, the walking dead, cryptic necromancers, seductive witches, religion, angels... the list goes on. There's so much going on, yet it fails to be overwhelming. Which is great, and again totally unexpected.

The economy is pretty much a bust by the time this novel is set, which is in 2018. There's an increase in poverty, less work, and new laws. There are only a few ways to make any real money, if one is not already rich: become a demon trapper or sell the rights to a loved one's corpse to the necromancers. Pretty creepy, huh? Well, you bet. The world has taken a turn toward the dark, and while intensely horrifying, it is also intensely engrossing. And just all around intense. Riley Blackthorne fits right in. First, can I just say that I absolutely love her name! I really love the sound of it, and boy, does it suit. (When you hear Blackthorne, doesn't badass kinda sorta come to mind?) Riley is badass. She kicks butt, isn't afraid to take on a challenge, no matter how scary. And she's willing to face-off with the pigheaded male sexists running the Demon Trapper Guild.

And what harm is there in placing a few sexy guys in the mix? Oh, yes. Beck. DEFINITELY NUMBER ONE on the hot-o-meter. #2 Simon. And, I must say that Ori is just plain good-looking. What to do with all these hunky male species... Right now, Riley tangled up with super hunk numero dos, Simon. And while I think there romance is sweet and adorable, I'm a Team Beck girl all the way. We'll just have to see what happens over the course of the series. (There is going to be a series... right... right?)

And then also of note, would be the ultra-awesome plot behind it all. The demons... their plans for Riley and the reason behind her father being attacked. The family histories... the histories of the demon trappers... the mystery behind the ineffective Holy Water... the demon hunters and the Vatican and The Church... all so fascinating! All of which makes me want to know more, too! My only real problem with this book is the pacing. I needed things to pick up faster; I wanted a little bit more action as well. But, I can't wait for more action, more magic, and definitely more scenes of the romantic persuasion in the next book!

I've definitely been won over by a Ms. Oliver, and intend to heartily pursue this engrossing, eerie, and dark series underway. Looking forward to a sequel, the way I look forward to a boston creme doughnut... and that's saying something!

"Wary of necro games she watched [Beck] approach, fearing this was yet another trick.
'Riley,' he said. When she didn't answer, he added, 'How bad has it been?'
'Just fabulous. The demonic kitten really made my night' (121).

"A frown flitted across his face. 'Ya remember when I first got back from over there, how goofy ya got?'
Goofy? Riley's temper stirred. 'I wasn't like that.'
'Well, ya had yer eyes on me, that's for sure.'
She gave him a stony silence, because he was right. His time in the Army had left him tanned, muscled, and way cuter than when he'd left. A total hunk, and she'd fallen hard.
Then you shot me down like I was nothing" (123).

Oh, baby, don't you know? He is so very into you! Can't wait!

Thanks for reading! And happy blogging!