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Monday, April 30, 2012

The Demon Trapper's Daughter by Jana Oliver


Synopsis:  Seventeen-year-old Riley, the only daughter of legendary Demon Trapper, Paul Blackthorne, has always dreamed of following in her father's footsteps. The good news is, with human society seriously disrupted by economic upheaval and Lucifer increasing the number of demons in all major cities, Atlanta’s local Trappers’ Guild needs all the help they can get—even from a girl. When she’s not keeping up with her homework or trying to manage her growing crush on fellow apprentice, Simon, Riley’s out saving distressed citizens from foul-mouthed little devils – Grade One Hellspawn only, of course, per the strict rules of the Guild. Life’s about as normal as can be for the average demon-trapping teen. 

But then a Grade Five Geo-Fiend crashes Riley’s routine assignment at a library, jeopardizing her life and her chosen livelihood. And, as if that wasn’t bad enough, sudden tragedy strikes the Trappers’ Guild, spinning Riley down a more dangerous path than she ever could have imagined. As her whole world crashes down around her, who can Riley trust with her heart—and her life?

My 2 cents:  First of all to clear up some confusion, the book I read above was that cover and that title.  I guess the publisher changed it recently to a new cover with a new title called "Forsaken."  They are one and the same book, in case you wanted to find the book to read in the future.  There are 2 more sequels to the series out, too. And I happen to like the first cover and title better.  Oh, well!

Back to the review!    This book is in a class all its own.  You know how you read some books, and you are able to compare it to another book that is very similar.  Then there are those few rare gems that are really unique, and all their own.  The Demon Trapper's Daughter was one of these gems!

The story itself was really different.  First of all, Riley is a kick-butt, take no prisoners kind of girl, who is trying to prove herself in her dad's world.  The relationship between father and daughter so complex and interesting.  There was definite love there, but also mutual respect and understanding.  

Then there is Paul Blackthorne's apprentice, Beck.  He's just like Riley in so many ways, but the 2 can't stand each other!  A lot of the time it was like watching a brother and sister bicker.  Since Beck is so close to Paul, and thinks of him like the father he never had, its not a far leap I guess!  

Then the book turns into funny and sarcastic to tragedy and horror pretty quick.  Riley has to suddenly deal with a lot, and the one who ends up having her back is Beck.  Another apprentice, Simon, who is much nicer than Beck, plays the love interest in the story.  Although it becomes pretty clear that Beck may have some buried feelings as well.

In the middle of all this drama is world of evil and demons that are waiting to unleash Hell on the city of Atlanta.  This book was an awesome read, and a real page-turner!  5 stars

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