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krixel's review against another edition
5.0
This was one of the best books I've read in a long time. I was a little hesitant when I first picked it up and discovered it was from Mae's point of view, but after reading it, I couldn't imagine it any different. I really fell in love with her character, and she's one of the few female leads I consider one of my favorite characters. Nick is as brilliant as ever. I adore him even more than I did in The Demon's Lexicon, which I didn't know was possible. All the other characters are fabulously portrayed as well, and there's really nothing I can complain about.
The plot was fast paced and it caused much mental agony when I had to put the book down and go down anything else. There were many moments, usually involving Nick's smart-mouth, that had be laughing out loud. This book has humor, drama, action, violence, romance... you name it. It's fantastically written and I'm dying for book 3.
The plot was fast paced and it caused much mental agony when I had to put the book down and go down anything else. There were many moments, usually involving Nick's smart-mouth, that had be laughing out loud. This book has humor, drama, action, violence, romance... you name it. It's fantastically written and I'm dying for book 3.
janina_reads's review against another edition
3.0
I made it!
Sorry, but I’ve always wanted to find one of those pics to accompany my review. Isn’t he cute? You totally want to forget he could attack you and high five him, don’t you?
Honestly, I really don’t know exactly what happened here. I was so excited to read The Demon’s Covenant after finishing [b:The Demon’s Lexicon|6594657|The Demon's Covenant (The Demon's Lexicon Trilogy, #2)|Sarah Rees Brennan|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1275743144s/6594657.jpg|6788394], but somehow I had a hard time getting through it. The beginning drew me in immediately, but then there was this looong, dragging middle part that almost made me give up. I’m glad I didn’t because again, the ending was fantastic and has me waiting impatiently for the third book now. Of course, it didn’t really live up to the ending of book one, but seriously, what could? Nevertheless, I have to admit that I’m a little disappointed. I mean, I love it when an ending takes me by surprise, but actually the whole book should be able to keep me interested and glued to the pages. And that certainly wasn’t the case here.
Somehow (and I never ever thought I would say that) reading from Nick’s point of view was more interesting than reading from Mae’s. Her narration was rather … dull sometimes. Maybe that’s because Nick is unlike any other character I encountered before ? I really appreciate that [a:Sarah Rees Brennan|836009|Sarah Rees Brennan|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1254149255p2/836009.jpg] didn’t change his ways for the sake of a sappy love story. He doesn’t really care about others, he doesn’t pretend, but. (I’m warning you, if you haven’t read book one (and plan to do so), DON’T YOU DARE click on this spoiler tag. It’ll ruin everything!)
And then, all the amorous complications. Honestly, what was the point? Basically we have this situation: A has this thing for C, but thinks it is better to give the relationship with E a chance because it’s easier that way. But there is also B, who is actually a really good kisser and has a serious crush on A. Later on, it is revealed that E is actually in love with D, who on the other side has feelings for F and although C seems to not really care, there are sparks flying between him and A … You are confused? You feel like you’re watching a soap opera? Yes, me too. This is actually a love square mixed with a love triangle.
That aside, I will definitely read book three because the ending here couldn’t be more open. Also, some scenes in The Demon’s Covenant really touched me - while others made me laugh hysterically. Now I really want to know how the story ends and what happens to its characters. The fact that the next book is told from Sin’s point of view doesn’t really bother me, but I’m not sure how it’ll work out because she was definitely only a minor character in the first two instalments.
Sorry, but I’ve always wanted to find one of those pics to accompany my review. Isn’t he cute? You totally want to forget he could attack you and high five him, don’t you?
Honestly, I really don’t know exactly what happened here. I was so excited to read The Demon’s Covenant after finishing [b:The Demon’s Lexicon|6594657|The Demon's Covenant (The Demon's Lexicon Trilogy, #2)|Sarah Rees Brennan|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1275743144s/6594657.jpg|6788394], but somehow I had a hard time getting through it. The beginning drew me in immediately, but then there was this looong, dragging middle part that almost made me give up. I’m glad I didn’t because again, the ending was fantastic and has me waiting impatiently for the third book now. Of course, it didn’t really live up to the ending of book one, but seriously, what could? Nevertheless, I have to admit that I’m a little disappointed. I mean, I love it when an ending takes me by surprise, but actually the whole book should be able to keep me interested and glued to the pages. And that certainly wasn’t the case here.
Somehow (and I never ever thought I would say that) reading from Nick’s point of view was more interesting than reading from Mae’s. Her narration was rather … dull sometimes. Maybe that’s because Nick is unlike any other character I encountered before ? I really appreciate that [a:Sarah Rees Brennan|836009|Sarah Rees Brennan|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1254149255p2/836009.jpg] didn’t change his ways for the sake of a sappy love story. He doesn’t really care about others, he doesn’t pretend, but
Spoiler
although he isn’t human and he doesn’t want to be, there were still moments when I felt like he did feel something. He isn’t totally out there. He does care for the people close to him, albeit in a different wayAnd then, all the amorous complications. Honestly, what was the point? Basically we have this situation: A has this thing for C, but thinks it is better to give the relationship with E a chance because it’s easier that way. But there is also B, who is actually a really good kisser and has a serious crush on A. Later on, it is revealed that E is actually in love with D, who on the other side has feelings for F and although C seems to not really care, there are sparks flying between him and A … You are confused? You feel like you’re watching a soap opera? Yes, me too. This is actually a love square mixed with a love triangle.
That aside, I will definitely read book three because the ending here couldn’t be more open. Also, some scenes in The Demon’s Covenant really touched me - while others made me laugh hysterically. Now I really want to know how the story ends and what happens to its characters. The fact that the next book is told from Sin’s point of view doesn’t really bother me, but I’m not sure how it’ll work out because she was definitely only a minor character in the first two instalments.
booksong's review against another edition
4.0
Incredible sequel to The Demon's Lexicon, utilizing a great point of view shift to tell this continuing saga of demons, magicians, and vibrant humanity through the eyes of Mae Crawford. While Mae's point of view isn't quite as unique and carefully executed as Nick's in the previous novel (for obvious reasons), it has a measure of strength, independence, and passion that perfectly characterizes Mae herself.
Ever since the arrival of the Ryves brothers in the life of Mae and her magician brother Jamie, nothing has been normal. But Mae hasn't seen Alan and Nick in a while...until the day the charismatic leader of the Obsidan Circle, Gerald, returns, threatening to seduce Jamie to the side of the manipulative magic users. It turns out Gerald has created a mysterious new sigil of control, and that's only the beginning of a stunning web of power, lies, and betrayals that threatens to shatter Mae and Jamie's entire world.
I loved how the author used this novel and Mae's more open and human narration to deepen the characters we only got glimpses of in the previous novel; not only the main players but ones like the dancer Sin and the captivatingly deadly demons Liannan and Anzu. Relationships are expanded as well using the new perspective; Nick and Alan's heartrending brotherly bond, the sweet and ironclad sibling love between Mae and Jamie, and the friendships and loves that begin to strengthen between the foursome.
Nick's struggles with humanity are brilliantly and sympathetically portrayed, despite the reminders of his dark and dangerous true nature. Alan is an absolutely stunning character, in turns a bitter liar and an utterly noble guardian. Jamie is endearing, strong, loving, hysterical, and I want to hug him every time he appears in a scene. And Mae herself turns out to be a much deeper character than I expected, enduring pain, confusion, hardship, and betrayal before the cliffhanger ending that promises so much more in the final novel. The Demon's Lexicon was very good; this novel convinced me that this trilogy is going to be one of the best fantasies out there right now.
Ever since the arrival of the Ryves brothers in the life of Mae and her magician brother Jamie, nothing has been normal. But Mae hasn't seen Alan and Nick in a while...until the day the charismatic leader of the Obsidan Circle, Gerald, returns, threatening to seduce Jamie to the side of the manipulative magic users. It turns out Gerald has created a mysterious new sigil of control, and that's only the beginning of a stunning web of power, lies, and betrayals that threatens to shatter Mae and Jamie's entire world.
I loved how the author used this novel and Mae's more open and human narration to deepen the characters we only got glimpses of in the previous novel; not only the main players but ones like the dancer Sin and the captivatingly deadly demons Liannan and Anzu. Relationships are expanded as well using the new perspective; Nick and Alan's heartrending brotherly bond, the sweet and ironclad sibling love between Mae and Jamie, and the friendships and loves that begin to strengthen between the foursome.
Nick's struggles with humanity are brilliantly and sympathetically portrayed, despite the reminders of his dark and dangerous true nature. Alan is an absolutely stunning character, in turns a bitter liar and an utterly noble guardian. Jamie is endearing, strong, loving, hysterical, and I want to hug him every time he appears in a scene. And Mae herself turns out to be a much deeper character than I expected, enduring pain, confusion, hardship, and betrayal before the cliffhanger ending that promises so much more in the final novel. The Demon's Lexicon was very good; this novel convinced me that this trilogy is going to be one of the best fantasies out there right now.
lauraleye's review against another edition
5.0
This book was actually kind of hard to even find, and I wanted very much to find it. Actually, I searched for months, occasionally rereading the first book to keep me going. So when I received it for Christmas, I was really excited. And it didn't disappoint!
I think one of the best parts of this book was seeing things through Mae's eyes, because she is such an awesome character. Such witty shirts, so suave, so badass. She's not a black hearted demon or awesomely powerful sorcerer; she's a teenage girl with boy troubles and a dorky younger brother.
Okay, so the younger brother is a magician, and the boy troubles may or may not involve demons and killing things. Whatever. Totally normal teenage girl!
And Jaimie, oh god Jaimie. So clever, so witty, and developing so nicely! Poor Jaimie, such terrible taste in men. Not that Mae can judge, but that's life. Nick wants to be more human for Alan! Alan is a lovely person with a ruthless soul! Sin is named Cynthia and flirts with everyone! Gerald is Gerald, and therefore a delicate balance between super sketchy and precious!
In short: I love this series, and this book, and every second between now and the third book being mine is like a thousand years of agony.
I think one of the best parts of this book was seeing things through Mae's eyes, because she is such an awesome character. Such witty shirts, so suave, so badass. She's not a black hearted demon or awesomely powerful sorcerer; she's a teenage girl with boy troubles and a dorky younger brother.
Okay, so the younger brother is a magician, and the boy troubles may or may not involve demons and killing things. Whatever. Totally normal teenage girl!
And Jaimie, oh god Jaimie. So clever, so witty, and developing so nicely! Poor Jaimie, such terrible taste in men. Not that Mae can judge, but that's life. Nick wants to be more human for Alan! Alan is a lovely person with a ruthless soul! Sin is named Cynthia and flirts with everyone! Gerald is Gerald, and therefore a delicate balance between super sketchy and precious!
In short: I love this series, and this book, and every second between now and the third book being mine is like a thousand years of agony.
nevclue's review against another edition
3.0
Mixed feelings about this. At times it felt like Mae and Jamie were convincing teenagers (not a bad thing for a YA book), but Nick and Alan and the main plot were in a whole different genre. The relationship between Nick and Alan remains the interesting part of the series, but I'm generally meh about the characters.
eacolgan's review against another edition
5.0
i loved the first installment of this trilogy, and the second had me unable to stop reading until i was done-- i'm talking staying up too late, late for work, cannot put it down. mae is an awesome heroine and a great narrator-- relatable in all the good ways, surprising and changing and feeling really real throughout. i loved all the surprises this book had, both inherent to the overarching plot of the trilogy, and the interpersonal ones revealed bit by bit along the way. i cannot wait for the third book to come out so i can (hopefully!) buy all three in a set, because these are definitely books i need to own.
litagentsaritza's review against another edition
5.0
This may sound like an odd review comment but I know I love a series when I can imagine fanfic written for it and [a:sarah rees brennan|836009|Sarah Rees Brennan|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1254149255p2/836009.jpg]'s trilogy has me hooked, line and sinker! I laughed, I cried... I cried some more... I yelled at characters for doing stupid things... I laughed again and just when I thought I couldn't cry any more... yep... Niagara falls Frankie Angel!
What I liked about this book: I love that in the second installment of this amazing trilogy, the author decides to change the POV. The first book was written from Nick's POV and I just loved it! Was actually concerned that having the POV change to Mae in this one would pull me out of the series (or at least keep me less interested) but I had nothing to worry about. Brennan came through again!
This series reads very much like an M. Night Shyamalan movie script but... ten times better! I don't want to give too much away with this review because you really need to read it! Really! Can't wait to read the final installment and I wonder who the protag will be. I'm hoping it's Alan, to be honest but I wouldn't mind if it were Jamie's POV either.
Did I mention that I totally fell in love with this series? Yeah... now to wait for the final installment to be released.
Summary: The Demon's Covenant is the sequel to The Demon's Lexicon. Mae was always in control, but suddenly everyone she trusted is lying--and in danger.
What I liked about this book: I love that in the second installment of this amazing trilogy, the author decides to change the POV. The first book was written from Nick's POV and I just loved it! Was actually concerned that having the POV change to Mae in this one would pull me out of the series (or at least keep me less interested) but I had nothing to worry about. Brennan came through again!
This series reads very much like an M. Night Shyamalan movie script but... ten times better! I don't want to give too much away with this review because you really need to read it! Really! Can't wait to read the final installment and I wonder who the protag will be. I'm hoping it's Alan, to be honest but I wouldn't mind if it were Jamie's POV either.
Did I mention that I totally fell in love with this series? Yeah... now to wait for the final installment to be released.
seeinghowitgoes's review against another edition
3.0
So close to a 4, sitting on 3.5.
The POV for the 2nd book switches to Mae, which was a bit of a problem for me because I had almost no memory of her character from the first book. I love the male characters in this universe, but the females come off a little whiny and judgmental (oh the irony of a girl writing this in a review).
Mae's decisions and especially her choices about boys felt like I should have whiplash she kept going from one extreme to another so often.
Nick I still love for his bad-assery. I only wish there was more of Alan, rather than the few glimpses of him just being nice I want to see more into his actual character.
The POV for the 2nd book switches to Mae, which was a bit of a problem for me because I had almost no memory of her character from the first book. I love the male characters in this universe, but the females come off a little whiny and judgmental (oh the irony of a girl writing this in a review).
Mae's decisions and especially her choices about boys felt like I should have whiplash she kept going from one extreme to another so often.
Nick I still love for his bad-assery. I only wish there was more of Alan, rather than the few glimpses of him just being nice I want to see more into his actual character.
sarahannkateri's review against another edition
3.0
3.5
Ok, I have a lot of issues with this series. It's overly wordy, but also strangely under-explained - several scenes had me wondering 'wait, wtf just happened?' and I'm still not 100% clear that I can explain the premise, although that could be because I've forgotten a lot of what happened in the first book. Instead of talking naturally, three of the main characters just drop sarcastic one-liner after sarcastic one-liner, which gets really tiresome, really fast.
But even as I was rolling my eyes at the lamer parts, I still kept reading, because I wanted to know what was going to happen. I liked this book better than the first one, probably because the narrator wasn't an unfeeling sociopath, which made it a lot easier to empathize with. I liked the emphasis on familial love and friendship. As much as I complain about the dialogue, the humor did make me laugh on occasion (for example I loved the use of the word "enterpainment." It's high time English speakers got our own version of schadenfreude.)
I'll be very interested to see where the final book goes.
Ok, I have a lot of issues with this series. It's overly wordy, but also strangely under-explained - several scenes had me wondering 'wait, wtf just happened?' and I'm still not 100% clear that I can explain the premise, although that could be because I've forgotten a lot of what happened in the first book. Instead of talking naturally, three of the main characters just drop sarcastic one-liner after sarcastic one-liner, which gets really tiresome, really fast.
But even as I was rolling my eyes at the lamer parts, I still kept reading, because I wanted to know what was going to happen. I liked this book better than the first one, probably because the narrator wasn't an unfeeling sociopath, which made it a lot easier to empathize with. I liked the emphasis on familial love and friendship. As much as I complain about the dialogue, the humor did make me laugh on occasion (for example I loved the use of the word "enterpainment." It's high time English speakers got our own version of schadenfreude.)
I'll be very interested to see where the final book goes.