This may come as a complete shock to you guys, but I know a thing or two about urban fantasy. Not too much, mind you, but enough to recognize a good UF novel when I read one. Here’s what I can tell you: Diana Rowland is one of the best. Whenever I get my hands on her latest novel, I’m absolutely certain that I will enjoy it immensely.

Sins of the Demon picks up just a few weeks after the great discovery at the end of the third book. Now that she finally knows what he is, Kara would like nothing more than to try and figure out all the details concerning Ryan, but she’s too busy saving her own life and career. Someone is killing people from Kara’s past, people she had every reason to hate. There isn’t a doubt in her mind that the deaths are connected, but she doesn’t know whether the killer wants to frame her or simply do her a favor. At the same time, someone from the demon realm is trying to summon Kara (oh, the irony), but unlike the demons Kara summons, she will not get the chance for a fair bargain. If they succeed, she will be nothing more than a slave to a demonic lord, and it certainly won’t be one as lenient as Rhyzkahl.

Here’s another thing that might surprise you: I hate love triangles with a fiery passion. I usually say that there’s no such thing as a good love triangle, and it is my firm opinion that there isn’t a good reason for an author to introduce one. But you see, that’s not entirely true, and Diana Rowland made me eat my words. She managed to write a love triangle that I actually enjoy, one that isn’t too angsty, that makes perfect sense, and is, in fact, quite necessary for the story.

I’ll write just a few words about the characters because that’s really where Rowland’s strength lies. (Well, that, the awesome plots and the simple-yet-intriguing worldbuilding.) After reading this novel I can honestly say that I want to be Kara Gillian when I grow up. She is now more skilled, more confident, but still has the good sense to run in fear when she’s out of her league – which happens often when you’re in the business of summoning demons. As for Ryan and Rhyzkahl… oh, dear *fans self*. I wouldn’t mind being in a position to choose between the two at all. As for the other characters, it is clear that Rowland takes the time to build each one, even the really unimportant ones. They all come alive for me every single time.

But this also needs to be said: I absolutely despise cliffhanger endings. A fourth book of the series either has a steady audience or it doesn’t. I simply refuse to believe that a cliffhanger influences this in any way. I took one star off my rating only because of that. Otherwise, this would have been a perfect 5-star urban fantasy, and I don’t give 5 stars to UF novels all that often. In fact, Hounded by Kevin Hearne is the only one I can remember.

If you love urban fantasy or simply enjoy reading one from time to time, make sure to put this on your tbr. Each book is better than the last.

For this review and more, please visit The Nocturnal Library