Friday, January 4, 2013

Review: The Demon Lover by Juliet Dark


The Demon Lover by Juliet Dark
Series: Fairwick Chronicles, Book #1
Published: December 27th, 2011
Publisher: Ballantine Books
450 pages (ebook)
Genre: Adult urban fantasy/paranormal
Acquired this book: From NetGalley
Warning: May contain spoilers
{GoodReads || Buy this book: Book Depository || Amazon || Chapters/Indigo}

Note: This book is not YA

Since accepting a teaching position at remote Fairwick College in upstate New York, Callie McFay has experienced the same disturbingly erotic dream every night: A mist enters her bedroom, then takes the shape of a virile, seductive stranger who proceeds to ravish her in the most toe-curling, wholly satisfying ways possible. Perhaps these dreams are the result of writing her bestselling book, The Sex Lives of Demon Lovers. After all, Callie’s lifelong passion is the intersection of lurid fairy tales and Gothic literature—which is why she finds herself at Fairwick’s renowned folklore department, living in a once-stately Victorian house that, at first sight, seemed to call her name.

But Callie soon realizes that her dreams are alarmingly real. She has a demon lover—an incubus—and he will seduce her, pleasure her, and eventually suck the very life from her. Then Callie makes another startling discovery: He’s not the only mythical creature in Fairwick. As the tenured witches of the college and the resident fairies in the surrounding woods prepare to cast out the incubus, Callie must accomplish something infinitely more difficult—banishing this demon lover from her heart.

 
The Demon Lover was much different than what I expected. It didn’t feel like your typical paranormal book - it was like a mixture of paranormal, fantasy, erotica, and romance. The author builds a fascinating world of supernatural creatures, along with a story that kept me guessing while madly turning the pages to find out what happened next.

In most respects I liked Callie as a main character. She was believably flawed - often so wrapped up in her own dramas that she didn’t see that the people around her were suffering or having problems, and she often missed things that should have been obvious. However, there was something relatable about her that drew me to her and made me accept her, flaws and all. Her voice was very authentic, making it feel like a friend was relating a story to me. 

Even though the plot was slow moving at times (my only complaint about the book is that it was too long), I don’t think the story dragged. I kept wondering where the story was going and found myself thinking ‘I can’t imagine how it goes on for another 200 pages…100 pages…50 pages…’ etc., but there was something compelling about it that made it nearly impossible to stop reading. It was captivating and unique, and while I had a couple things figured out, I was anxious to see how it all played out and figure out the mysteries that eluded me.

One thing I’d like to point out: this story was HOT. If you’re easily offended by graphic sex scenes or don’t enjoy a lot of sex in books, you’re going to want to skip The Demon Lover. The sex scenes start from the very first chapter and get hotter and hotter throughout the book. I’m sure some people will argue there was too much sex, and while it did seem a bit gratuitous at times, at least it was well-written and fun to read! I think I’d rather read a book like this than straight-up erotica because the story itself was so good.

Overall, while The Demon Lover is hard to peg down and even harder to describe, I enjoyed it very much. An interesting cast of characters, great setting, unique spin on supernatural creatures, beautiful yet simple writing, and a romance that leaves you yearning for book 2; I would recommend The Demon Lover to any fan of the paranormal.

 In accordance with FTC guidelines, I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. No money or compensation of any sort exchanged hands. I review books to share my love of reading, and I'm always completely honest in my reviews, good or bad.
*Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for sending me an ARC of this book for review.*

Have you read The Demon Lover? What did you think? What are some of your favourite adult paranormal series?



5 comments:

  1. I could kick myself for getting this one on NetGalley when I started blogging, then letting it expire. That was when I didn't really get NG. *sighs* So, I still really want to read it. Glad that you liked it - it's cool that the author managed to blend paranormal and erotica. (BTW if you liked this, you NEED to read Anne Bishop's Ephemera duology. Just sayin'.)

    It's awesome that you weren't bored, and that Callie was a character you liked! That's very encouraging.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ooooh this one sounds so good!! I was really intrigued by the summary when I first saw it, and your review makes me want to read it even more! Great review :)

    -Jessica (Peace Love Books)

    ReplyDelete
  3. I loved this book and yes it was definitely adult or new adult and oh so hot..i have the Water Witch book two for review and cannot wait to read it! Awesome review!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I loved the slow build with this one...definitely had a very gothic feel which I loved! Great review!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I really enjoyed this one too and can't wait to read The Water Witch. Funny, but when I first got this ARC a year ago, I didn't really read the blurb or anything, just started reading. I thought it was YA though! So as I read, I had a huge WTF moment. lol.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for visiting Ramblings of a Daydreamer! I love hearing what you have to say, and I appreciate every single comment. I hope to see you here again soon! ♥
~Marie

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...