Review: The Demon's Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan
Title: The Demon’s Lexicon
Author: Sarah Rees Brennan
Author: Sarah Rees Brennan
Genre: YA Paranormal
Publishing Information: 336 pages; June 2nd, 2009 by Margaret K. McElderry
Series: The Demon’s Lexicon #1
Where I got it: Borders liquidation sale
One sentence: Brothers Nick and Alan Ryves have always been on the run from the magicians and the demons who give them their power, until a brother and sister come to the Ryves for help and drag them deeper into a game of cat and mouse and secrets that could change Nick’s life.
Themes: Fantasy, demons, magicians, magic, siblings, paranormal
Where I got it: Borders liquidation sale
One sentence: Brothers Nick and Alan Ryves have always been on the run from the magicians and the demons who give them their power, until a brother and sister come to the Ryves for help and drag them deeper into a game of cat and mouse and secrets that could change Nick’s life.
Themes: Fantasy, demons, magicians, magic, siblings, paranormal
Main character: 4/5
I’ll admit I was not enamored with either Nick or Alan at the outset of the novel, however as often happens, they grew on me. Nick is literally a sociopath, which is so different from anything I’ve ever read! A foil for Nick, Alan seemed like a pushover for most of the novel; however he definitely appeared in a different light at the end. The brothers’ development created well-rounded, fascinating characters that I was emotionally invested in.
Secondary characters: 4/5
Brennan excelled at expert characterizations in even the most minor characters. Jamie and Mae were thoroughly written, full of twists, surprises and quirks. I found them to be slightly clingy and dependent in the first half, but again, they came into their own in the second part of the novel. Even Nick and Alan’s mom is illustrated perfectly, despite her minimal appearance.
Writing style: 3/5
The writing started out slow and awkward, but picked up speed until the second half of the novel was nearly break-neck speed, making it impossible to put down. The action was intense and suspenseful, but was balanced out well with sometimes-over-the-top description. The foreshadowing was basically nonexistent.
The writing started out slow and awkward, but picked up speed until the second half of the novel was nearly break-neck speed, making it impossible to put down. The action was intense and suspenseful, but was balanced out well with sometimes-over-the-top description. The foreshadowing was basically nonexistent.
Plot: 4/5
The world building was astounding- from the demons and magicians and the rules that govern their magic to the Goblin Market. What a treat to read! The plot was interesting and kept me engrossed in the tale of Nick and Alan. And that plot twist! Wow! I never really saw that one coming, but it definitely took the novel to a higher level.
Ending: 4.5/5
That plot twist definitely made the ending something to remember. There were so many possibilities and ways that Brennan could have ended the novel, but the myriad of twists and turns revealed more about the characters and made everything all the more richer.
Best scene: The end!
Positives: Interesting and unique characters, world building, PLOT TWISTS
Negatives: Slow introduction, just okay writing style
First Line: The pipe under the sink was leaking again.
Cover: A little tacky, but definitely intriguing.
Verdict: A fun demon read with world-building and twists that take it to the next level.
Rating: 7.8 / 10
Verdict: A fun demon read with world-building and twists that take it to the next level.
Rating: 7.8 / 10
All of the characters have more to them than it appears at first glance, and it's easy to believe the vivid world of magicians and the Goblin's Market could truly exist amidst our own. The many twists will keep readers guessing and glued to the page, but ultimately the story rests on Nick and Alan and the intense yet tenuous bond between them. It's this relationship that gives the novel its heart, and raises it above the many other paranormal and urban fantasy offerings hitting the shelves.
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