Slayers of Old

Slayers of Old by Jim C. Hines, 352 pages

When they were teens, Jenny, Annette, and Temple were all Chosen Ones, tasked with defeating evil as a hunter of Artemis, a half-succubus, and a wizard, respectively. But now they're all much older and have put their battle days behind them, choosing to run a secondhand bookstore in Salem. Of course, evil has decided it's not quite done with them, and when locals start summoning ancient magical creatures, the trio must get back in the saddle to once again vanquish demons and secure the safety of Salem.

Blurbs about this book describe it as "Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets The Golden Girls," and boy howdy, is that correct. It's a ton of fun, and has lots of nods to the Slayer, though knowing Buffy isn't a requirement for enjoying this book. A great time and hopefully the first of many featuring Jenny, Annette, and Temple.

Voidwalker

Voidwalker by S.A. Maclean, 592 pages

Smuggler Fionamara has the handy ability to easily pop between worlds, helping the wealthy and unscrupulous transfer items without the taxes that usually come along with such shipments. However, her most recent job has gone sideways, unknowingly transporting a cartful of explosives in an attempt to kill the demon Antal, who rules over the territory where she lives. However, when she meets Antal following the assassination attempt, she slowly learns that while yes, physically terrifying, he's also a much more thoughtful and complex creature than she assumed. As the two hash out a plan to assist each other in bringing some lasting peace in the territory, they also discover an undeniable attraction to one another.

Solidly placed in the romantasy realm, this book has all the hallmarks of a good fantasy (well-created world and magic system) as well as a steamy romance (though I don't know if I'd call it enemies-to-lovers when one of them is an obligate carnivore that eats the other's species — maybe predator-prey?). It's the first of a series, and I'm intrigued to see where the rest of this goes. Not sure I'd recommend it to a romance reader, but for the masses of romantasy readers, sure.

Island Witch

Island Witch by Amanda Jayatissa, 367 pages

Amara has long assisted her father with his work as the local village's priest, helping exorcise demons and protect homes using the traditional methods. When local men start getting attacked in the nearby jungle, however, villagers who have adopted the colonizers' Christian religion start blaming him (and by extension her) for welcoming and controlling the demons instead of fighting against them. Meanwhile, Amara struggles with a growing divide in her relationship with her father, which has disturbingly coincided with a series of violent nightmares and an increase in sleepwalking. All the while, the attacks continue...

This was an intriguing look into the colonization of Sri Lanka and the ways in which it impacted local culture (it reminded me of Things Fall Apart in that sense). But it also taps into local mythology, the anger of mistreated women, and fear of the unknown. There are times at which the author does a bit more telling than showing, which is unfortunate, as so much of horror is based on atmosphere and the unsettling feelings it creates. But overall, this was a fresh and creative way to examine colonialism.

Evocation

Evocation by S.T. Gibson, 301 pages

David Aristarkhov is a powerful and persuasive attorney by day, a spirit medium by night. He comes from a long line of powerful magicians who, legend has it, come by their charisma thanks to an ancestor's deal with a demon. When he's performing a séance one night, David is forcibly taken over by an angry spirit, who continues to pester him for months afterward. Unable to fix the problem by himself, David is forced to seek help from his ex, Rhys, and Rhys's witch wife, Moira, who find that the help they provide is inextricably tangled up with their feelings for David.

This is the first book of a planned quadrilogy, and I enjoyed the characters and setting enough that I'll probably pick up more of them as they come out. However, I don't know that I'd offer this up as a solid fantasy recommendation, as the magical elements seem to be there only to further the relationship plot surrounding David, Rhys, and Moira. And the magic felt even more hand-wavy than usual. Not bad, just not my favorite ever. (This is, however, a GORGOUS book, with some super high-quality production in the physical book. Props to the publisher, Angry Robot, for that!)

The Witchstone

The Witchstone by Harry H. Neff, 462 pages

For four centuries, the Drakefords have been caught under a horrific curse that slowly turns them into monsters. They've given up hope of ever breaking the curse when lazy demon Laszlo, their curse's official Keeper, pops up at their remote home with a plan to break the curse in six short days. Of course he has ulterior motives (he's a demon after all), but Maggie Drakeford — a teenager who is just starting to show signs of the curse-caused transformation — is willing to do whatever she can to save her already-monstrous father, herself, and her younger brother, Lump (actually George, but hey, it's what he calls himself). A whirlwind trip around the world in search of magical items guarded by horrid creatures ensues, as does an unlikely friendship between Laszlo and Maggie.

I loved this book, which somehow has both Percy Jackson and The Guncle vibes (but also with demons). The characters are fantastic, particularly Laszlo's shark-headed buddy Clarence and the aforementioned Lump, and the twists kept me guessing until the very end. (Also, a shoutout to that fantastic cover!) Highly recommended to fans of urban fantasy, lazy antiheros, and bumpkins with gumption. 

Even Though I Knew the End

Even Though I Knew the End by C.L. Polk, 136 pages

Helen is an augur who uses her magical abilities to track murderers, kidnappers, and all manner of lowlifes through 1940s Chicago. When she's not doing that, she's spending her time with Edith, the saintly love of her life. However, Helen has a secret that not even Edith knows: Helen's soul is not hers, and in just a few days, the demon who owns it is coming calling. But if she can manage to catch Chicago's most notorious serial killer, there's a chance she can keep that soul, and her life, a bit longer.

In this short book, Polk creates a rich world of angels, demons, magic, and hidden lesbian nightclubs. It's wonderfully told, and just the perfect length, and I can see why it has received so many accolades. However, angels and demons books aren't really my cup of tea, and having read Rebecca Roanhorse's Western-set Tread of Angels fairly recently, I felt like this one was just OK. But if demons, angels, and soul bargains are your jam, by all means, read this, as it's a great addition to that fantasy subgenre.

(Also: let's judge this book by the cover for a minute, because that is GORGEOUS.)

Light from Uncommon Stars

 Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki, 372 pages.

This is actually my second time reading this book. You can read my first review, which I stand by, here (and also Kara's original review here). This wonderful novel is just as good the second time, and I even began to get a little more definition on why I liked it the second time around.

The troubles in this book are categorically much larger than the joys. Deals for the soul, intergalactic war and civilization ending plague, even the much more grounded harassment and abuse. How could things like noodles, ducks, and a kind word from a stranger stack up? And yet they do. Not only do the joys manage to balance the terrible weights, in the end they are all that matters. And I think that, as one of the central tenets of the book, this is part of what I find so soothing and beautiful about it. This book definitely makes the list of ones to reread when I'm feeling down.  

P.S. Something about this book reminds me of Everything Everywhere All At Once, so if you liked that movie this book may be a good pick.

Tread of Angels

 Tread of Angels by Rebecca Roanhorse, 201 pages.

Kara wrote about this book pretty recently, and I entirely agree with everything she said, which leaves me without much to add. 

This novella does a fantastic job of packing a very vibrant world into a very small number of pages. I think I'll be thinking of this one for a while.

Tread of Angels

Tread of Angels by Rebecca Roanhorse, 201 pages

The mining town of Goetia is split in two, between the Virtues (descendants of the angels who stayed in heaven) and the Fallen (whose ancestors took Lucifer's side in the big battle). Rarely do the two groups mingle, but on the one celebratory night that they do, a Virtue is found dead in a Fallen saloon and half-blood cardsharp Celeste must defend her sister Mariel from the swift justice of the Virtues.

For such a short book, Roanhorse really packs in a lot of worldbuilding and intrigue. The old-time western feel of Goetia, the strict social structure, the racial commentary (Celeste can pass as a Virtue if needed, while her sister can't), even the health impacts of industry. However, the plot — solving the mystery of who this murdered man was and who killed him — never slowed, making for a thrilling ride. Not that I'm surprised — Roanhorse always delivers a fantastic story in a fully realized world.

Suburban Hell

Suburban Hell by Maureen Kilmer, 336 pages

The PTA moms of Winchester, Illinois, have just broken ground on their club house/She Shed when one of their number, Liz, starts acting a bit odd, lazing around and being rude to her friends where she was previously kind and always active. While some of the more perfectionist moms of the group pass it off as "more of Liz's substandard life," Liz's close friend Amy is convinced that something demonic is at play. With the reluctant help of her other pals Melissa and Jess, Amy starts investigating and nothing, even rogue household appliances and rotting-corpse smells, will deter them from saving their friend.

This is a beach read for spooky season. It's light, it's fluffy, and it's funny. I appreciated the snark and the "power of friendships" vein that runs through the book, though I expected the scary stuff to be actually scary. It wasn't. But if you go into this book expecting fluff and fun and nothing more, it's plenty enjoyable.

Light From Uncommon Stars

Light From Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki, 372 pages

Decades ago, violinist Shizuka Satomi made a deal with a demon — instead of giving over her own soul, she'd find and hand over the souls of seven musicians, and in return she'd get to live, though no record of her music would exist. Over the course of an abnormally long life, she's handed over six incredible violinists, and is on the hunt for her seventh. Imagine her surprise when she finds her newest "student" is Katrina Nguyen, a poor trans woman who only feels at home with herself when she plays her violin. Now Satomi has a decision to make: does she keep her deal with the demon and literally damn this young woman who has nothing else, or does she figure something else out to allow Katrina a happy life? Meanwhile, starship captain and intergalactic refugee Lan Tran is trying to lead her crew/family while building a business as a donut shop owner. While it may not seem possible, Los Angeles brings these two storylines together in a wonderful and eye-opening way.

What an amazing book! There's so much about identity, and humanity, and the purpose of art, and the links between art and artist, and the refugee experience, and authenticity... and it's fun to read! An excellent mix of science fiction and fantasy, and I highly recommend it.

Inside Man

Inside Man by K.J. Parker, 127 pages

An anonymous demon, deemed "too fragile" for most fieldwork, is now on duty at a monastery, attempting to trip up the monks who must constantly pray for a long-dead wealthy benefactor. While on the job, the bored demon becomes ensnared by a sadistic exorcist who's working hard to undermine the laws of good and evil. As the narrator tells his story, the reader must wonder what makes someone good or evil or just human.

This novella is alternately funny, thought-provoking, confusing, and absurd. I'd recommend it to anyone who read Good Omens and wanted more details about the day-to-day existence of angels and demons.

The Book of Accidents

The Book of Accidents by Chuck Wendig, 544 pages

Nathan grew up with a violent drunk father and when his old man dies, bitter and alone, he offers Nathan the chance to buy the house for a dollar. Nathan's hesitant, but his wife Maddie convinces him to agree to the deal, arguing that it'll give her a place to work on her art and give their teenage son Oliver a chance at a fresh start, far away from the pressures of the city. At first it seems like a great plan, but strange things start happening soon, from Maddie going into a fugue state while carving with a chainsaw to a creepy older kid hanging around with Oliver to vision's of Nathan's late father showing up in the front yard. Something isn't right, and it doesn't seem interested in leaving the family alone until it's over.

There is a LOT going on in this book, including demons, parallel worlds, kids with superpowers, serial killers, art coming to life, abusive parents, and even some light cannibalism. In short, it makes it hard to follow what's going on. That said, I absolutely loved the nuclear family, which is ultimately honest, caring, and supportive of one another, no matter how weird the situation. I also enjoyed Wendig's humor throughout. Honestly, if this book lost just one or two of the weirder plot points, it'd be a home run for fans of Stephen King and T. Kingfisher's novels.

This book is scheduled to be published July 20, 2021.

The Devil and the Dark Water

The Devil and the Dark Water by Stuart Turton, 463 pages

Sailors in the 1600s were a suspicious lot, so when strange symbols appear on an eight-month voyage to Amsterdam, the crew and passengers of the Saardam begin to suspect that the ship is cursed and that a demon walks among them. Thankfully, they have one of the world's greatest detectives, Samuel Pipps, on board — unfortunately, however, he's a prisoner confined to a dark, uncomfortable cell. Nevertheless, Pipps' loyal bodyguard Arent Hayes begins investigating the symbols, aided by Sara Wessel, disgruntled wife of the governor general. But a few "unholy miracles" later, and they're fighting storms, mutiny, and possible murder. Will they be able to solve the mystery and arrive in Amsterdam safely?

This is a fun historical fiction novel, perfect for fans of swash-buckling adventure stories. But the flap copy and cover descriptions can't be said to be correct. "A murder on the high seas" is splashed across the back cover, though such a murder doesn't appear until well past the book's halfway point, so don't put this book in the "murder mystery" pile. That quibble aside, it's a fun story and worth a read.

The Accidental Demon Slayer

 The Accidental Demon Slayer by Angie Fox  292 pp.

Lizzie Brown is a mild mannered, almost stodgy, preschool teacher who begins this book with the worst thirtieth birthday ever. Her long lost Harley riding witch grandmother shows up, her beloved terrier, Pirate, begins talking, there is an ancient demon in her bathroom, and she learns she is actually a demon slayer. Lizzie ends up leaving with Grandma on the Harley to meet up with the rest of the Red Skull Coven, a motorcycle gang of witches. Along the way they connect with Dimitri, a shapeshifting gryphon who has been designated Lizzie's protector. After an attack at a werewolf run Shoney's, Grandma has been captured and is stuck in the 2nd level of Hell. Now Lizzie must learn to slay demons to rescue her. Fans of excessive use of similes will adore this book. I listened to the audio version and, while the narrator, Tavia Gilbert, is great at voices, her performance was too overwrought. Amusing but I'm not interested in continuing the series.  

Ring Shout

Ring Shout by P. Djeli Clark, 192 pages

It's 1922, and the Klan is raging in Macon, Georgia. Maryse is a young Black woman who's making a living bootlegging and fighting demons — specifically, the pointy-headed, hate-fueled Ku Kluxes that the human Klans may turn into — using the magic of Shouters and a Gullah woman, as well as a mystical sword that responds to her thirst for revenge. As the Ku Kluxes grow in numbers, and as other hate-filled creatures manifest around the screening of Birth of a Nation at Stone Mountain, Maryse must decide whether she's going to let her own hatred and quest for vengeance rule her, or if she can fight these demons in another way.

This is an AMAZING dark fantasy novel that reverberates through the last 100 years of U.S. history, and strips bare the white supremacy and problematic politics of today. It's powerful and unrelenting, and I can't recommend it heartily enough. This book needs to be read.

*This book will be published Oct. 13, 2020.

The Obsidian Tower

The Obsidian Tower by Melissa Caruso, 514 pages

When a book begins with a rhyming mantra about guarding a tower and repeats the line "Nothing must unseal the Door," it's a pretty safe bet that the capital-D Door will be opened somewhere in that book. Well, that's how this book start, and Caruso makes sure we don't have to wait long. Warden of Gloamingard Castle and granddaughter of the castle's immortal Witch Lord, Ryxander's broken magic kills everything it or she touches, and that apparently includes the seal upon the titular block of obsidian, which breaks open and begins unleashing hell (literally, with demons and everything) in the middle of diplomatic talks Ryx is hosting. Can Ryx keep the demons at bay, close the Door, broker peace, AND keep from killing anyone in the process? Who knows?!? But it sure is a hell of a lot of fun watching her try!

I'm a sucker for a good found-family story, and this one definitely has that, as Ryx is literally broken and thus has no friends before the Rookery (a sort of neutral magic investigation squad) turns up. It also has plenty of political intrigue (death! grievances! power struggles! potential world wars!) and the odd bit of flirty verbal sparring. Also: the craziest castle this side of Howl's moving one. This was a bunch of fun, and I can't wait to see what the second book brings when it comes out next year.

The Sisters Grimm

The Sisters Grimm by Menna van Praag, 430 pages

Goldie, Scarlet, Bea, and Liyana will all turn 18 just as October turns into November. At that point, these strangers to each other will all enter a world they all thought was simply a childhood dream and be forced to make a decision: good or evil. This is the way of things for Sisters Grimm, particularly for these four, the favorite daughters of demonic Wilhelm Grimm. Unfortunately for them, they are almost completely unaware of what's coming on their birthday night, though they are increasingly noticing strange things happening, from mysterious strangers suddenly appearing to literal sparks flying from their fingertips.

Told in short vignettes focusing on each of the sisters and on Leo, a star soldier sent to hunt Goldie, the interwoven tales brought to life four very different (but also remarkably similar?) teenage girls. I'll admit that the way this book was structured was definitely a challenge to reading it -- van Praag uses first-, second-, and third-person narration, as well as flashback sections, throughout the book -- and it may have benefited from a heavier editing hand. This was our emergency online book for Orcs & Aliens, so I'm interested to see what the group makes of this somewhat confusing book.

The Library of the Unwritten

The Library of the Unwritten by A.J. Hackwith  382 pp.

Deep in the bowels of Hell is a neutral zone which contains the Library. Claire is the Head Librarian in the Unwritten Books Wing, where all unfinished writings are held until their authors finish them. Her job is to repair damages and age wear as well as keeping track of characters who attempt to escape to find their authors. When the Hero (thereafter given the name Hero) escapes to the realm of Earth, Claire, her assistant/former muse Brevity, and a somewhat bewildered demon named Leto must leave Hell to find him and return him to his book. While there they are attacked by a fallen angel named Ramiel who believes they have the Devil's Bible in their possession. This is the first book in the "Hell's Library" series which blurs the lines between the existence of good and evil. I enjoyed this more than the The Devil's Detective and it doesn't have nearly the gore.

The Devil's Detective

The Devil's Detective by Simon Kurt Unsworth  304 pp.

This story takes place in Hell but it is a sort of post-apocalyptic version of Hell. There is no longer punishments for the sins of the residents other than just surviving in a demon run world of darkness and danger. The human residents have no knowledge of what they did to send them to their infinite dark and disgusting existence. Their only hope is to be one of the random few chosen by the visiting angels to be released into heaven. Thomas Fool is an information officer, i.e. an investigator of deaths. Most deaths are not investigated, only the few "special cases" warrant the services of Fool and his team. A series of gory deaths of "Genevieves" aka male prostitutes. The story is different and grotesque. I admit I probably would not have gotten past the first few chapters had I been reading the physical book. However, the audiobook narration by David Rintoul was excellent and kept me engaged.