A review by katyanaish
Fury of the Demon by Diana Rowland

4.0

The last book felt so huge that this one feels smaller by comparison. But that's not really fair - I think it is more because I literally tore through this series, reading the whole thing in a week... and book 5 really shocked me. Anything less jaw dropping was going to feel smaller.

That said, some significant things get sorted out in this book, and there are also some huge events. We don't get the consequences of the biggest of those events -

Spoiler

What does it mean that Ryan/Szerain has the dagger? What is going to happen to poor Zack? And are we done with the Rowan arc now, because that has loomed overhead for too long, and I'm ready to be done thanks?

- but I'm okay with that. We've had a hell of a lot of plot movement (overall plot) in the last book and a half. I'm alright with keeping some of the big plot threads dangling here.

The reason for the 4 stars instead of 5 is going behind spoiler tags.

Spoiler

I think the Mzatal arc in this book was a cop out. I do understand that he was never really in the running for The One for Kara, he was more... comfort food, after her horrible experience. He has a fatherly vibe (not in a skeevy way, but as in a caretaker), and I have really enjoyed their connection - Kara needed someone to care for her. And she needed to care for someone safe. That said, I feel like the dramatic temperament swing he has in this book comes way out of left field, and is a convenient way to clear Kara's plate (so to speak).

Also, I'm not sure I trust Szerain. I do like Ryan, but now he's some weird Ryan-puppet, and... he honestly just creeps me the hell out.

I do really like the threads laid for where Rowland is going with the story, though, and I'm excited to read on. It's really a fantastic series.