Blood of the Demon (Kara Gillian, #2) in SOS: Serious Overload of Series

May 03, 2010 Alisha rated it really liked it

Unlike book 1 (Mark of the Demon), I had no doubt in my mind when it came time to assign a rating to this book. It was a solid piece of paranormal detective fiction.

Speaking of which. I give it the classification of "paranormal detective fiction," but I must say, the main mystery of the book is heavier on the "detective" part than the "paranormal" (for the most part, that is). The biggest paranormal element of the book--and the series, for that matter--comes from Kara Gillian's being a demon sum Unlike book 1 (Mark of the Demon), I had no doubt in my mind when it came time to assign a rating to this book. It was a solid piece of paranormal detective fiction.

Speaking of which. I give it the classification of "paranormal detective fiction," but I must say, the main mystery of the book is heavier on the "detective" part than the "paranormal" (for the most part, that is). The biggest paranormal element of the book--and the series, for that matter--comes from Kara Gillian's being a demon summoner. This means that she is exposed to lots of the preternatural, but it's something that is not known to the public at large. That said, the main mystery is very well laid out with plenty of clues and some good red herrings to keep one guessing. I didn't "figure it out" until I was quite close to the resolution...a good sign, in my view. :o)

And Ms. Rowland knows her forensics! Some of the more fascinating (albeit creepy) scenes involve the medical examiner and crew. Lots of attention is paid to accuracy and detail, and it pays off in quality.

I didn't want to alter the book description listed in the book data above, since it's the one provided by the publisher. But I have to point out that the description is not quite accurate. The main misrepresentation is the fact that Kara does not spend the book being Rhyzkahl's personal summoner: rather, she tries to decide whether she wants to be such, after Rhyzkahl makes the offer very early on in the book. And I suppose it's worth mentioning that this whole "demon" notion as portrayed in the book is not "heaven and hell" related, but rather from another dimension. Like an Otherworld of sorts. But anywho. I digress.

This (presently "most recent") installment of the series has less sensuality overall than did the first book. I'm perfectly fine with this, not because of an aversion to it (quite the contrary!), but because I felt the first book added the element rather randomly and inexplicably. The progression of the romantic element here is slower, more deft and believable. Ms. Rowland takes her time developing the relationships this time.

That all said...I still feel fairly disconnected from the character Lord Rhyzkahl. It's clear enough that there's meant to be a love triangle developing that includes him, but he's still such an unknown; and I'm not talking "Barrons-from-Fever-series" mysterious, here. ^__^ It's like the reader (and Kara, for that matter) is being told to invest in- and respond to this character, without any discernible reasoning as to why. I want to feel something for him--affinity, dislike, ambiguity, anything--but it's tough.

Overall, I really dug this book, particularly the "mystery" elements. I'd gladly recommend it to others who like UF. I get the feeling that the author is really focusing on the overall development of the series... it's clearly building up to some great stuff, and I can't wait to continue following along. ...more

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Jun 19, 2013 Alisha rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Second Readthrough. Just as enjoyable as last time, perhaps a bit more. I think some of Kara's limited ability to recognize some obvious signals from other people...because she's a super observant detective otherwise.

Review from first readthrough can be found: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/101131857 ...more

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Mar 10, 2023 Kelly (Maybedog) rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: what-modern-fantasy

3.5 stars rounded up

This is so different than her zombie series in that the MC is attracted to the dangerous demon. It’s so typical sexist Twilight Fabio breast baring typical romance where she is drawn to the dangerous guy.

The sexual politics are just revolting. The men treat her like shit, call her “foolish woman” or say control her during sex, etc. It’s revolting. During sex:

“Ah but you are mine. It should not matter what you wish.”

And that was after she said she didn’t want pain. Argh! Why ...more

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Aug 11, 2009 Arlene rated it it was ok

Shelves: favorite-urban-fantasy, magic-spells-mage-witchcraft, demons

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Aug 25, 2013 Thenia rated it liked it

Shelves: series, reviewed, r-ab, mystery, paranormal, 2013, magic

This is probably a case of "it's not you, it's me", since the book was perfectly alright and yet for some reason I did not enjoy it as much as the first one in the series.

Kara is working on another case, which although enjoyably complex, failed to draw me in. Ryan is back and so is the demon Lord Rhyzkahl and they both complicate Kara's life in different ways.

By the end of the book several things have changed and I'm curious to see what will happen next in Secrets of the Demon, (view spoiler) ...more

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Jun 23, 2011 Jamie ~ Bad Boy Inspector rated it it was amazing

Shelves: genre-urban-fantasy, subject-pn-witches-warlocks-magic, subject-pn-demons, read-2011

4.5/5 I am really enjoying this series!! Going straight to the next one.

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Dec 08, 2011 Marsha rated it really liked it

Okay, this may be considered a small spoiler, so LOOK AWAY!

Though I am enjoying their discovery of each other and what their possible feelings may be and what they may mean for each other, Kiss Ryan Already!!!!

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