I have mixed feelings about this book.
The bad…
1. It’s never a good sign when you can pick up another book in the middle reading one–both of about the same length–and finish that book in two sittings.
2. None of the characters had exceptional “wow” factor. In fact, every character in the book, save the father who dies almost immediately, pushed my buttons on numerous occasions.
The good…
1. Oliver did an exceptional job creating a 2018, demon infested Atlanta. I grew up outside Atlanta, and spent many an evening downtown as a teenager and a twenty something, so I was looking forward to reading her vision of the city. Her rich scenes not only took me back to Atlanta, but also oozed the crumbling despair of the books setting.
2. This book has some of the best one-liners I’ve ever read. Here’s my favorite from page 301 of the ARC:
“Let’s test it,” Morton said. “Anybody got a demon in their pocket?”
I didn’t even have to mark the page for that one, the line stuck with me.
Final Thoughts…
I gave The Demon Trapper’s Daughter three stars on Goodreads; which means I liked it but I didn’t love it. There were instances when the story slowed too much and the characters needed to get their acts together–they are demon trappers after all. However, I would like to see where the story is going. The last 100 pages made it all worthwhile! Lastly, this is a YA novel, but I wouldn’t recommend it for anyone under 16 years of age.
The Demon Trapper’s Daughter by Jana Oliver goes on sale tomorrow, February 1, 2011.
When you are finished reading it check out this bonus story, free for Kindle!!
A Demon Trapper’s bonus story.
Before Riley Blackthorne can take on Grade Five demons, she has to trap her very first. Her debut solo trapping experience should be a breeze, just a harmless Grade One after all. But throw in some dippy hippies (whose peace signs and Patchouli really aren’t driving any demons away), one mischievous demon, and a run-in with the police, and Riley might not be able to pull it off…
**I received this ARC from Library Thing for review.
Amanda Makepeace's Imagination Run Amok 
Saw this galley and passed on it … still searching for the copy of ‘Paranormalcy’ that I put down. sigh. Thanks for the share. When I can’t read all the books that are out there it is good to know that you are on task. “Hi-yo Silver, away!”
Well, most of the time I am. LOL 😀 This one did take me longer to read than it should have, first because of the holidays and then just because my heart wasn’t in it 100%.
I have seen mixed reviews of this book, and it was interesting to read your thoughts on it. I’ll read it when it comes into the library, but I don’t think I’ll buy it. 🙂
Yes, I didn’t realize till after I finished (as I try not to look) that there were so many mixed reviews. I’m sure it’s just one of those books that some people love and some people just like.