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The Demon's Series #1
Demon's Lure
In the fight against the demons of the skylands, Sunrise has one of the rarest powers: that of a lure. Where demons normally feed by tormenting their victims, Sunrise draws them with her happiness.
She doesn't want to hunt demons, but when a hunter team arrives at her village to ask for her help, she agrees. It should be easy: they just need her as bait for a pain demon that is too fast for them to capture otherwise. And a typical pain demon is no match for an experienced team of demon hunters.
But this is no typical demon. And it has its own plans. It has no intention of being trapped, and is not worried about the hunter team. No, its main concern is: what does a demon who's spent millennia torturing and tormenting humans know about making one happy?
She doesn't want to hunt demons, but when a hunter team arrives at her village to ask for her help, she agrees. It should be easy: they just need her as bait for a pain demon that is too fast for them to capture otherwise. And a typical pain demon is no match for an experienced team of demon hunters.
But this is no typical demon. And it has its own plans. It has no intention of being trapped, and is not worried about the hunter team. No, its main concern is: what does a demon who's spent millennia torturing and tormenting humans know about making one happy?
- GenresFantasy
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 29, 2018
22 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
June 16, 2018
Rowyn's Demon's Lure is an intriguing read. While it takes a little while for the shape of the story to truly emerge, it's a thoughtful and complex story with a beautifully developed -- though, with all honestly, slightly uncomfortable -- central relationship between "lure" Sunrise and demon Bright. Bright's occasional POVs are wonderful for the way they demonstrate the truly alien nature of demons, and for the tantalizing hints that Bright is more than he seems; Sunrise's are wonderful for her refreshingly practical nature and the delicate development of the novel's thematic arcs (regarding happiness, and the morality of action-vs.-intention).
Also of note is the unique world (floating islands in the sky!) and wonderfully diverse cast. I've long maintained that there is no reason for fantasy, the genre which invents fabulous settings and religions and magics, must faithfully reproduce the social systems and mores of Western Europe, and indeed, Demon's Lure presents something refreshingly different.
Where I might quibble is with the book's structure. It takes quite a while for the central conflict to develop, and while I wouldn't say that those early chapters are unnecessary (they show us a lot about Sunshine and her world), they do have a bit of a slower pace. Then, too, there is the ending, which feels more unfinished than I would like, even with the promise of a sequel. That said, it's not that these structural choices are wrong -- simply that they are worth mentioning, and measuring against your reading preferences.
I also noticed some minor things that I would have flagged, were I editing this manuscript - not anything too blatant, and once the story hit its stride I was quite caught up. But a few very minor obstacles to immersion at the beginning.
Overall, this is a wonderful book and I'm so glad for the chance to read it. I was captivated by Sunrise, warily intrigued by Bright, and enchanted by the world that Rowyn has built. I look forward to the sequel!
Also of note is the unique world (floating islands in the sky!) and wonderfully diverse cast. I've long maintained that there is no reason for fantasy, the genre which invents fabulous settings and religions and magics, must faithfully reproduce the social systems and mores of Western Europe, and indeed, Demon's Lure presents something refreshingly different.
Where I might quibble is with the book's structure. It takes quite a while for the central conflict to develop, and while I wouldn't say that those early chapters are unnecessary (they show us a lot about Sunshine and her world), they do have a bit of a slower pace. Then, too, there is the ending, which feels more unfinished than I would like, even with the promise of a sequel. That said, it's not that these structural choices are wrong -- simply that they are worth mentioning, and measuring against your reading preferences.
I also noticed some minor things that I would have flagged, were I editing this manuscript - not anything too blatant, and once the story hit its stride I was quite caught up. But a few very minor obstacles to immersion at the beginning.
Overall, this is a wonderful book and I'm so glad for the chance to read it. I was captivated by Sunrise, warily intrigued by Bright, and enchanted by the world that Rowyn has built. I look forward to the sequel!
April 17, 2022
I found this to be a fascinating read, found when looking for books with a "psychopathic" protagonist. The relationship between the "Lure" and the demon was an interesting study of the shadow self, the parts of us that are entirely self serving and pragmatic. These aspects are as understandable and relatable as they are repellent. In many ways they make each other better by through balance, in other ways the relationship could be seen as co-dependent. Either way I enjoyed the book, the alien thoughts of the Demon, and the sheer savagery when he would let go. Loved it.
December 4, 2019
An easy 5 stars. My system: anything that has me immediately reaching for Book 2 deserves full applause. I was entertained the whole way through.
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I highly recommend L Rowyn's DEMON'S LURE and sequel ANGEL'S SIGIL.
High fantasy with a queernormative setting and a completely absorbing demon-redemption story.
Sunrise has been gifted a demon-hunting sigil by the angels -- she is a Lure. Demon's can feed harmlessly on her happiness instead of preying on regular humans.
But then she is kidnapped by the pain demon Bright -- a cruel, controlling shapeshifter who has tortured humans for centuries.
The story walks a difficult path in dealing with this fictitious abusive (and non-romantic) relationship and detailing the trials of Sunrise as she tries to reform someone utterly inhuman and questions whether a) it is possible and b) it is worth it.
Though it deals with a difficult topic, it does so thoughtfully -- and while explicitly condemning human abusers.
It's a story that can only take place in this particular setting and circumstance and it's very well done.
I read both books back to back and couldn't get over L Rowyn's gorgeous writing, effortlessly interesting setting, and the way she creates a character in Bright that I at times both loved and hated.
Really, really excellent stuff and something that's left me thoughtful. Not without problematic elements (as you can see!), but these are both recognised and content warned.
So do check them out on L Rowyn's website for both buy links and CWs!
https://ladyrowyn.com/
---
I highly recommend L Rowyn's DEMON'S LURE and sequel ANGEL'S SIGIL.
High fantasy with a queernormative setting and a completely absorbing demon-redemption story.
Sunrise has been gifted a demon-hunting sigil by the angels -- she is a Lure. Demon's can feed harmlessly on her happiness instead of preying on regular humans.
But then she is kidnapped by the pain demon Bright -- a cruel, controlling shapeshifter who has tortured humans for centuries.
The story walks a difficult path in dealing with this fictitious abusive (and non-romantic) relationship and detailing the trials of Sunrise as she tries to reform someone utterly inhuman and questions whether a) it is possible and b) it is worth it.
Though it deals with a difficult topic, it does so thoughtfully -- and while explicitly condemning human abusers.
It's a story that can only take place in this particular setting and circumstance and it's very well done.
I read both books back to back and couldn't get over L Rowyn's gorgeous writing, effortlessly interesting setting, and the way she creates a character in Bright that I at times both loved and hated.
Really, really excellent stuff and something that's left me thoughtful. Not without problematic elements (as you can see!), but these are both recognised and content warned.
So do check them out on L Rowyn's website for both buy links and CWs!
https://ladyrowyn.com/
January 6, 2021
An excellent book by an amazing author. The world is feels new and realized with characters I found myself genuinely invested in. Magic and demons in this world are interesting and I liked the methods for containing and combatting them as presented. The different varieties of demons and marks of the hunters led to interesting strategies being employed by the generally weaker humans against powerful adversaries. Ultimately though, the unique interactions between the two characters is what makes this so intriguing. Our demon character is thoughroughly alien enough in thought and action to feel like a dangerous other interacting with humans. The fundamental attempts by both to reach, if not an understanding, then a balance between both their needs is fascinating and develops in an natural manner. Ultimately a unique and well built world with equally brilliant characters leads to a very enjoyable read. I cannot wait to rea the second novel.
July 3, 2018
This was a really fun read! The worst part is that now I have to wait for the second book to come out!
It did start off a little slow, but once I got into the meat of the story, it really gripped me. Sunrise is a very lovable character, and L. Rowyn in general is good about making characters that you want to like. She also writes really intriguing character interactions in all her books (which I also recommend!).
It did start off a little slow, but once I got into the meat of the story, it really gripped me. Sunrise is a very lovable character, and L. Rowyn in general is good about making characters that you want to like. She also writes really intriguing character interactions in all her books (which I also recommend!).
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews