First Lines: The night of the dance was crisp and clear, one of those desert nights when the world seemed to be holding its breath. Fall was giving way to winter and there was an edge to the breeze.
A quick thank you needs to go out to Jennifer Quintenz, the author, for supplying me with a copy of this book.
So obviously, I received a copy from the author to review. I love when this happens. It’s even better when the plot and the cover share some awesomeness. I mean, look at this cover! Gorgeous. Now let’s look at the plot.
Braedyn pretty much lurks in the shadows of her high school, ignored by all except for her two best friends, Royal and Cassie. It all changes when new neighbors move. Braedyn is falling quickly for the neighbor boy, Lucas. But things aren’t quite what they appear, because these new neighbors are really warriors out to fight and kill the demon daughters of Lilith who prey on men. Lucas is a warrior…and so is Braedyn’s own father. The line between good and evil isn’t as clear as Braedyn once thought it was…
I knew pretty quickly that I was going to like Braedyn. The first few pages alone told me she was witty, clever, loyal, and highly observant. Great characteristics for a heroine. I can respect those qualities. And when you know that early on that you like them main character, you’re pretty well set for the rest of the book. I did fear for a while that Braedyn would turn mousy, but she held her own. Kind of want to fist-bump her for that.
Right, so I originally wanted to read this because it practically had a neon sign hanging over it saying, “DEMONS, OVER HERE!” I was quite taken with the mythology surrounding the Daughters of Lilith (or Lilitu, as they are referred to in the story). It was fascinating to see where the story went with them.
As is mentioned, the line between good and evil is really blurry, which is kind of exactly what it needs to be. Because really, what’s worse than an evil villain? Answer: an evil villain who truly believes he/she is in the right and doing the right thing. This book was loaded with characters who were forced to question whether or not what they were doing was right. Very multidimensional. Loved that.
The other characters were good as well. I felt myself drawn to Royal, like that best friend I keep looking for. Oddly, there was something about Lucas that I just had a hard time with early on. I was more cautious in regards to him than Braedyn was. Sure, I overcame it, but that feeling was there. I can’t even explain where that came from.
This story was all its own and completely owned what it told. I am very much looking forward to what happens next.
Belle of the Library 