Title: The Demon’s Lexicon (The Demon’s Lexicon Trilogy #1)
Author: Sarah Rees Brennan
Publisher: Simon & Schuster (UK) | Margaret K. McElderry Books (US)
Publication Date: 2009
Paperback: 324 pages
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Young Adult
Source: Own Copy
Reviewed by: Carolyn
RATING: 8/10 – brilliant, couldn’t put it down!
SUMMARY:
Nick and his brother Alan are on the run with their mother, who was once the lover of a powerful magician. When she left him, she stole an important charm – and he will stop at nothing to reclaim it. Now Alan has been marked with the sign of death by the magician’s demon, and only Nick can save him. But to do so he must face those he has fled from all his life – the magicians – and kill them. So the hunted becomes the hunter…but in saving his brother, Nick discovers something that will unravel his whole past…
REVIEW:
‘The Demon’s Lexicon‘ is a great book – well written, three dimensional characters, exciting plot, and although it’s aimed at young adults it’s just as tense, as thrilling and as moving as some adult urban fantasy’s I’ve read.
The story is told from the view point of Nick, although there are other characters who play a very important role in the story and Nick’s life, especially his brother, Alan. At first I didn’t particularly like Nick. He’s a bit of an arse to be honest – closed off from everyone and everything, unfeeling and uncaring, and always has something derogatory to say. That is accept towards Alan. Although Nick doesn’t really know it, Alan is everything to him and he would do anything to protect him.
Nick is the brooding, tortured bad boy I seemed to always like and root for and because of this he grew on me in a big way. Alan, on the other hand is sweet and gentle, a bit of a goody-two-shoes, always wanting to help. He talks and acts way beyond his 19 years and looks after Nick by cooking him dinner and making sure he does his homework. He cares for Nick deeply but Alan holds quite a few secrets and once Nick discovers one of them a rift begins to form, but what Nick doesn’t know is that he has only uncovered part of what will be the biggest secret of all.
The other two main characters are Mae and Jamie. They come into the lives of Nick and Alan looking for help as Jamie’s been marked by a Demon. Jamie is so funny and I really like his character. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for Mae. I understand her actions all stem from the love and concern she has for her brother, but I didn’t like the fact she never apologised for putting Alan in a difficult situation and asking him to help her brother, even though it meant putting Alan’s life at risk too.
Nick’s anger towards Mae is totally founded in my opinion and because of this I just couldn’t warm to her. If she had just acknowledged that what she had asked of them was huge and how grateful she was, it may have changed my opinion of her.
The plot is an exciting one and one which I won’t go into as it links to lots of surprises, but it has magic, demons and sword fights. It also has one of the best surprise endings I’ve ever read. The last hundred pages were just amazing and the twists and turns, I am happy to say, I didn’t see coming.
In situations where there is a surprise or a twist in the storyline I usually have my suspicions fairly early on and therefore the fun is diminished slightly when it arrives. But with ‘The Demon’s Lexicon‘ I hadn’t got a clue and it was absolutely delicious, I relished what was a great reading experience.
VERDICT:
If you haven’t started this series yet, I wouldn’t wait as long as I did, go read it now, you won’t be disappointed. ‘The Demon’s Lexicon‘ has everything that you could want from a YA urban fantasy. I cannot wait to begin The Demon’s Covenant.
You can find out more about the author here:
Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter | Simon & Schuster
8 Comments
The ending 100% caught me of guard too! But it was what I loved about the book the most I think.
The 2nd book, The Demon's Covenant, was just released in May. I love the hardback cover. Have you seen it?
Reply
What a great review! I loved this book and The Demon's Covenant is even better. I was initially dubious about book two as the narrator is Mae, and I felt pretty much as you did after the first book. However, it is really interesting to get to know her better and she becomes a much more sympathetic character as the story goes on.
Reply
ive been going over and over again about this book ive seen it a few times at my local bookstore and now have decided im going to buy it thanks for the great review!
Reply
Great review! I've been planning to read this book for almost a year now, but never did!
Reply
These books are amazing. The story and plot is so compelling. Why did it take me so long to find them? Don't know but glad I did.
Reply
Lindsay – I agree, I think I would have felt differently about the book if it had a normal ending, but it was just SO good! I have only seen the UK paperback edition.
Splendibird – Thanks! I'm glad you thought the next book is even better, can't wait to read it, luckily have it on my shelf! I was a bit dubious to read Demon's Covenant is from Mae's POV but I'm pleased to hear that she's a more sympathetic character
Blueicegal – You're welcome! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did
Aleksandra – Well, I would definitely recommend that you do – it's a really great read, especially that ending!
Victoria – That's how I feel, what took me so long? I'm glad I've at least started the series now, hopefully will get around to book two very soon
Reply
Fab! If not for the many good reviews about this, I would never have thought of getting it – now I won't NOT get it!
Reply
Just found you via The Book Vixen. I'm your newest follower! I have heard good things about this series…thanks for the review.
Reply