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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
First off, I am going to say that I LOVE Sarah Rees Brennan. She’s funny and strange and bubbly. She makes me smile. And she’s from Ireland. That a bajillion cool points right there. However, as many good things as I’ve heard about this book, I didn’t much take to it. Why? I am really, *really*, not a high fantasy girl. Demons I can handle, but getting into magicians, talismans, demon dances and you’ve lost me.
So, how did I even finish the book? Tenacity. So while I was battling the fantasy part of it, I found myself trying to connect to any one of the four main characters with medium success. Nick, the protagonist, fits the definition of “ass” perfectly. While he’s somewhat snarky and even a little funny, I found him to be a tad too mood-swingy? That’s not a word, but bipolar seemed too strong. Alan I found a bit annoying until about 200ish pages in, then he was okay. Mae was uninteresting. At times she was all “Ra Ra I am Woman strong,” and then other times completely impassive and weak. Jamie was the most likeable, but only because he was constantly afraid of Nick...and that was funny.
And on that mention of the 200 page turn around, I actually started to get intrigued 200 pages in. Finally. A little late really. By the end, I really got the feeling that this was very much the first of a series...that the later books would have a better flow, but the end of this one needed a shock, but failed to deliver one. And on a final note about those last 100 pages, I got SUCH a strong Mortal Instruments vibe from it! Almost like a watered-down plot twist from Cassie Clare’s world. Anyway, I might read the sequel some day, but I’m not pressed to devour it now.
And now comes the usual who I’d recommend this for bit. Honestly? I recommend this to anyone who loves high fantasty, or who loves the The Mortal Instruments series and doesn’t mind reading a slightly similar book.
So, how did I even finish the book? Tenacity. So while I was battling the fantasy part of it, I found myself trying to connect to any one of the four main characters with medium success. Nick, the protagonist, fits the definition of “ass” perfectly. While he’s somewhat snarky and even a little funny, I found him to be a tad too mood-swingy? That’s not a word, but bipolar seemed too strong. Alan I found a bit annoying until about 200ish pages in, then he was okay. Mae was uninteresting. At times she was all “Ra Ra I am Woman strong,” and then other times completely impassive and weak. Jamie was the most likeable, but only because he was constantly afraid of Nick...and that was funny.
And on that mention of the 200 page turn around, I actually started to get intrigued 200 pages in. Finally. A little late really. By the end, I really got the feeling that this was very much the first of a series...that the later books would have a better flow, but the end of this one needed a shock, but failed to deliver one. And on a final note about those last 100 pages, I got SUCH a strong Mortal Instruments vibe from it! Almost like a watered-down plot twist from Cassie Clare’s world. Anyway, I might read the sequel some day, but I’m not pressed to devour it now.
And now comes the usual who I’d recommend this for bit. Honestly? I recommend this to anyone who loves high fantasty, or who loves the The Mortal Instruments series and doesn’t mind reading a slightly similar book.
Title: The Demon’s Lexicon
Author: Sarah Rees Brennan
Genre: YA Paranormal
Publishing Information: 336 pages; June 2nd, 2009 by Margaret K. McElderry
Series: The Demon’s Lexicon #1
Where I got it: Borders liquidation sale
One sentence: Brothers Nick and Alan Ryves have always been on the run from the magicians and the demons who give them their power, until a brother and sister come to the Ryves for help and drag them deeper into a game of cat and mouse and secrets that could change Nick’s life.
Themes: Fantasy, demons, magicians, magic, siblings, paranormal
Main character: 4/5
I’ll admit I was not enamored with either Nick or Alan at the outset of the novel, however as often happens, they grew on me. Nick is literally a sociopath, which is so different from anything I’ve ever read! A foil for Nick, Alan seemed like a pushover for most of the novel; however he definitely appeared in a different light at the end. The brothers’ development created well-rounded, fascinating characters that I was emotionally invested in.
Secondary characters: 4/5
Brennan excelled at expert characterizations in even the most minor characters. Jamie and Mae were thoroughly written, full of twists, surprises and quirks. I found them to be slightly clingy and dependent in the first half, but again, they came into their own in the second part of the novel. Even Nick and Alan’s mom is illustrated perfectly, despite her minimal appearance.
Writing style: 3/5
The writing started out slow and awkward, but picked up speed until the second half of the novel was nearly break-neck speed, making it impossible to put down. The action was intense and suspenseful, but was balanced out well with sometimes-over-the-top description. The foreshadowing was basically nonexistent.
Plot: 4/5
The world building was astounding- from the demons and magicians and the rules that govern their magic to the Goblin Market. What a treat to read! The plot was interesting and kept me engrossed in the tale of Nick and Alan. And that plot twist! Wow! I never really saw that one coming, but it definitely took the novel to a higher level.
Ending: 4.5/5
That plot twist definitely made the ending something to remember. There were so many possibilities and ways that Brennan could have ended the novel, but the myriad of twists and turns revealed more about the characters and made everything all the more richer.
Best scene: The end!
Positives: Interesting and unique characters, world building, PLOT TWISTS
Negatives: Slow introduction, just okay writing style
First Line: The pipe under the sink was leaking again.
Cover: A little tacky, but definitely intriguing.
Verdict: A fun demon read with world-building and twists that take it to the next level.
Rating: 7.8 / 10
Author: Sarah Rees Brennan
Genre: YA Paranormal
Publishing Information: 336 pages; June 2nd, 2009 by Margaret K. McElderry
Series: The Demon’s Lexicon #1
Where I got it: Borders liquidation sale
One sentence: Brothers Nick and Alan Ryves have always been on the run from the magicians and the demons who give them their power, until a brother and sister come to the Ryves for help and drag them deeper into a game of cat and mouse and secrets that could change Nick’s life.
Themes: Fantasy, demons, magicians, magic, siblings, paranormal
Main character: 4/5
I’ll admit I was not enamored with either Nick or Alan at the outset of the novel, however as often happens, they grew on me. Nick is literally a sociopath, which is so different from anything I’ve ever read! A foil for Nick, Alan seemed like a pushover for most of the novel; however he definitely appeared in a different light at the end. The brothers’ development created well-rounded, fascinating characters that I was emotionally invested in.
Secondary characters: 4/5
Brennan excelled at expert characterizations in even the most minor characters. Jamie and Mae were thoroughly written, full of twists, surprises and quirks. I found them to be slightly clingy and dependent in the first half, but again, they came into their own in the second part of the novel. Even Nick and Alan’s mom is illustrated perfectly, despite her minimal appearance.
Writing style: 3/5
The writing started out slow and awkward, but picked up speed until the second half of the novel was nearly break-neck speed, making it impossible to put down. The action was intense and suspenseful, but was balanced out well with sometimes-over-the-top description. The foreshadowing was basically nonexistent.
Plot: 4/5
The world building was astounding- from the demons and magicians and the rules that govern their magic to the Goblin Market. What a treat to read! The plot was interesting and kept me engrossed in the tale of Nick and Alan. And that plot twist! Wow! I never really saw that one coming, but it definitely took the novel to a higher level.
Ending: 4.5/5
That plot twist definitely made the ending something to remember. There were so many possibilities and ways that Brennan could have ended the novel, but the myriad of twists and turns revealed more about the characters and made everything all the more richer.
Best scene: The end!
Positives: Interesting and unique characters, world building, PLOT TWISTS
Negatives: Slow introduction, just okay writing style
First Line: The pipe under the sink was leaking again.
Cover: A little tacky, but definitely intriguing.
Verdict: A fun demon read with world-building and twists that take it to the next level.
Rating: 7.8 / 10
It was pretty good, and I always enjoy an axis-2-challenged protagonist. The writing, however fun and easy flowing it was, stumbled about halfway through: enough is enough with the telling, especially from inside a character's PoV. It got to a point where not one scene could occur without a simplistic reminder that the Main Character Is Unemotional and Different and a Jackass.
When I was a teenager, the thought processes and feelings of people I wasn't very familiar with were utterly mystifying for me, and I didn't give them any thought because I (a) didn't give a fuck, (b) knew I probably wouldn't get it anyway, (c) was so used to all this after having lived it for all my life. That's just the thing: that was my reality, so I wasn't constantly remarking on it. Once we get Nick as a character, all the reminders that are added in almost every paragraph come off as more and more artificial. Maybe it's an unfair criticism. Maybe I found him too easy to get due to my personal experience and interest in the field of clinical psychology, and this is YA - in fact, maybe I should consider the relentless tells a plus, as the author seemingly tried to push Nick beyond the noxious Attractive Bad Boy To Swoon For archetype.
Rating aside, I am reading the second book.
When I was a teenager, the thought processes and feelings of people I wasn't very familiar with were utterly mystifying for me, and I didn't give them any thought because I (a) didn't give a fuck, (b) knew I probably wouldn't get it anyway, (c) was so used to all this after having lived it for all my life. That's just the thing: that was my reality, so I wasn't constantly remarking on it. Once we get Nick as a character, all the reminders that are added in almost every paragraph come off as more and more artificial. Maybe it's an unfair criticism. Maybe I found him too easy to get due to my personal experience and interest in the field of clinical psychology, and this is YA - in fact, maybe I should consider the relentless tells a plus, as the author seemingly tried to push Nick beyond the noxious Attractive Bad Boy To Swoon For archetype.
Rating aside, I am reading the second book.
"My life was going to flash before my eyes, but it decided to hide behind my eyes and quake with terror, instead." (Jamie Crawford)
It's the character-driven novels that get to me! A book can have great world-building and an awesome plot, but if I can't relate to the characters or understand them, my reading enjoyment level goes way down.
I have really strong emotions towards the characters in The Demon Lexicon; moments where I hate them, moments where I love them and moments where I wanted to hug them and strangle them at the same time.
The tone of The Demon Lexicon is dark and twisted. There's evil magicians, demons, demons possessing humans so that evil magicians can gain more power, violence, blood, murder and death. However, there are also moments that are magical, heartfelt and humourous. The world of magic, demons and magicians is nothing out of the ordinary, but the way Brennan writes, it seems refreshing and unique. My favourite part of the The Demon Lexicon world is The Goblin Market - which has a magical and mystical carnival atmosphere.
The Demon Lexicon is narrated by Nick Ryves. Nick is unfeeling and unkind. The only emotions that we really see from him is rage and the need to hurt, maim and kill. While he's not an easy character to relate to, I could still understand him and feel sympathetic towards him. Brennan certainly has a knack for making me feel something towards an emotionless character.
Spoiler
This could also be because there's a reason for Nick's lack of feelings. He's a demon.There's also Alan, Nick's older brother, whose characterisation I absolutely love. Alan is Nick's total opposite. He's sensitive, kind and gentle, but he's also extremely manipulative, knows exactly how to work a crowd and uses whatever he can to his advantage. Alan also has a disability and I appreciate that The Demon Lexicon has a disabled badass as one of its main characters.
What makes The Demon Lexicon shine, is the heartfelt family dynamics. I appreciate the brotherly bonds between Nick and Alan and the sibling bond between Mae, a feisty and independent character, and her brother, Jamie - who is usually nervous, hates conflict and confronts every uncomfortable situation that he's in with humour. Like every sibling relationship, there's conflict and fights, but there's no doubt about the lengths that the siblings in The Demon Lexicon will go to in order to protect each other. I have a close relationship with my sister and I could relate to the sibling dynamics in The Demon Lexicon
When I read The Demon Lexicon in 2014, I gave it 4 stars, but after a third reread, I tried to think about reasons why I gave this book 4 stars and couldn't come up with anything. The Demon Lexicon has a dark tone and the characters aren't all black-and-white, but it's filled with sibling love, humour and heart.
"Either something bad happens or it doesn't: if it doesn't, you've wasted time being afraid, and if it does, you've wasted time that you could have spent sharpening your weapons." (Nick Ryves)
What a swell book! Dark, creepy, funny, and totally engrossing. For those who won't branch out from vampires (you know who you are, people who ask me for vampire books at the ref desk!), you're missing out. Demons rule!
Supposedly the first book in a trilogy. The story was wrapped up enough to satisfy, but enough was left open that I'm eager to read future books about these characters.
Supposedly the first book in a trilogy. The story was wrapped up enough to satisfy, but enough was left open that I'm eager to read future books about these characters.
Basically, this book was awesome. I seriously thought I knew where this was going and then WHAM [a:Sarah Rees Brennan|836009|Sarah Rees Brennan|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1254149255p2/836009.jpg] gave me a run for my money. Except, it didn't cost me anything. I loved this book. I'm excited for the second Demons book to come out. I'm pretty sure it's going to be amazing.
3.5/5 ⭐
I'm not a big fan of series because I'm much more of a character-person rather than a plot-person, and I didn't really love or grow attached to any of the characters in the story. But BOY was it an escape! A very fun way to pass the time, a super quick read, and it was definitely very interesting to piece together everything in my mind before the actual reveals. I'm not 100% sure if I'm going to continue with this series or not, but it definitely met my expectations and like I said, it was a nice few hours and ultimately, I enjoyed myself.
I'm not a big fan of series because I'm much more of a character-person rather than a plot-person, and I didn't really love or grow attached to any of the characters in the story. But BOY was it an escape! A very fun way to pass the time, a super quick read, and it was definitely very interesting to piece together everything in my mind before the actual reveals. I'm not 100% sure if I'm going to continue with this series or not, but it definitely met my expectations and like I said, it was a nice few hours and ultimately, I enjoyed myself.
Spooky, with creepily appealing characters, witty dialogue & commentary, and a knack for making hindsight 20/10.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated