What drew me at first was the title--and all the implications attached. Rarely does a book say so much with just the title. Emblazoned on Jana Oliver's debut were four little words that completely capture the essence of the novel.
The Demon Trapper's Daughter
My first thought was: Okay, female lead defined by/living in the shadow of her parent(s). What I wanted to know next was, is this a good or bad shadow? Did her parent's rep give her something to live up to or something to live down? After reading the back cover, I got my answer and was fully convinced I had to get this book.
Paul Blackthorne is a heavy hitter among demon trappers, a full-on legend in his field. He's revered by his peers and feared by the demons he's so adept at capturing. Too bad his daughter, Riley, can't say the same.
She botches her very first job, a level one demon capture gone horribly--and embarrassingly--wrong. It's on youtube just minutes after the incident, and now Riley has to face The Guild and the possibility of losing her trapping license. Worse, the guy who once set her young pulse pounding, the one who broke her heart years ago with his indifference, witnesses her walk of shame. Covered in demon piss, sporting a limp, bad hair, and a bruised ego, Denver Beck is the last person Riley wants to see. Beck, her long-ago crush and father's apprentice, is a sarcastic Southern boy with down-home charm, killer looks, and a smart mouth. The Trappers Guild doesn't like him much more than they like Riley…but he's a male.
And in The Guild--a true blue, no-girls-allowed-all-boys club--that makes all the difference.
I love the fact that against all odds Riley goes for it. She wants to be a trapper, so she does it. No apologies, no feeling sorry for herself. She had great voice, believable sarcasm, humor and just the right dose of vulnerability. Plus, she was totally kick ass, which I love in a heroine--especially one as young as Riley. Demons, angels, trappers, a mounting conflict and a developed, enthralling world that is at one recognizable and fresh, this book had everything I look for in a good read. I dug the love triangle set-up…though, for me, it was no contest. Bad boy Beck vs. the saintly Simon? I'd choose Beck any day ;) For me, the sequel, Soul Thief, can't come out soon enough!
Happy reading,
Ninja Girl
Hi! I saw you featured on the Follow Friday post!!! Come check mine out!
ReplyDeleteI read this book and it's one of my faves!! Riley is a kick-ass and I'm totally for Beck, too, I don't like Simon :P
ReplyDeleteI can't wait for the second one, here in UK it's called The Demon Trappers: Forbidden
For whatever reason I'm a sucker with titles that go "The ____'s Daughter" and this one is the same, especially since it deals with a father-daughter relationship. I haven't read too many books concerning demons but I've watched some Buffy. I think I'm ready. ;)
ReplyDeletei hadn't heard of this book before but it sounds great! It will definitely have to go on my list of books to buy.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Hey guys,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you liked the book, too!! It was definitely a good one.
@Zoe 'bout to go check out your blog right now ;)
@Franny I saw that about the different names for the UK series! I love the cover for Forbidden
@kaye I know what you mean. That whole Daughter of... gets me, too. And I'm a Buffy fan as well :)
@Falen You should definitely check it out, and after you're finished tell me what you think. Thank you so much for being my first non-family member follower!
Hi there Ninja Girl! I'm Lazy Girl! We're like cousins!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a very cool book and I love your review :) Glad to meet ya.
xo,
Lah @ LazyGirl Reads
Hi, I'm a new follower! :)
ReplyDeleteI loved this book! But I don't like Simon and just like you I'd choose Beck any day!! :P
I've been meaning to read this one.
ReplyDeleteI didn't LOVE it but did enjoy the book. Just an average read for me :)
ReplyDeleteGreat review. I'm just about to review this one, as well. I loved Riley as a character, too-- she went through a lot of crap, but was unusual among YA heroines in that she never excessively whined. Take that, Bella Swan!
ReplyDeleteFollowing up on your request on my FF post for a great dystopia recommendation... Hmm, dystopian with a happy ending is a hard one! The Uglies series is great, tho you're right-- the ending isn't overly cheery.
Dark Life by Kat Falls is a really unique dystopia with a non-depressing ending... so is Ship Breaker (by Paolo Bagicilupi). I hear Enclave is practically sunshine-y for a dystopian-- and the Hunger Games have their moments. (But I bet you've read them.) Hope one of these will be the thing, and thanks for the follow! :)
@ Lazy Girl Ha!!! Glad to meet you too, Cuz :)
ReplyDelete@ Sylvia Great to meet another Beck fan! Thanks for following
@ Parajunkee I'd recommend this one for sure. I think the series will only get better once we get even more into the world. Oliver did a really good job of setting everything up pretty seemlessly.
@ Blueicegal I'm glad you liked it :) I thought it was well done, especially for a debut. Can't wait to see where she goes with it
@ Kat THANK YOU! I actually haven't read Hunger Games yet mainly b/c though I've liked some dystopia, I've never found one I really love. Will definitely check these out :)
Ninja Girl,
ReplyDeleteI was diverted to your site through Follow Friday, but I'm sure glad I was. You write great reviews! The Demon Trapper's Daughter is probably not something I would have sought out before, but your review makes it sound like a lot of fun. I guess I will just have to check it out now.
New Follower.
ReplyDeleteOh no! I think I need to add another book to my enormous TBR pile.
Thanks for the amazing review,
Erika @ Let's talk about books
This book is sitting next to my bed in what I fondly refer to as "The Teetering Pile" (aka the books that are next in line to be read).
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that you enjoyed this one - I may have to move it up a place or two so I get to it sooner! :) Great review as well.
Have a fabulous weekend!
Shelagh (new follower)
The Word Fiend
Whew! It's been one heck of a day :) I'm so happy to meet everybody and look forward to following your blogs
ReplyDeleteHey
ReplyDeleteI was considering getting this the other day, think i will definitely have to now. Good review :]
Amy (new follower)
I have this, and I really have to read it, especicially after this review! :)
ReplyDeleteJane definately has it all! Love him. (: I'm going to: PErfec You looks amazing. And I sound like that all the time. ;) Thanks for the follow!
Sounds awesome! I'm taking your ninja advice and am going to read it :-)Great review!!
ReplyDeleteEvie@Paromantasy