The Demon Trapper's Daughter
By Jana Oliver
February 2011
St. Martin's Press
Young Adult
Demon Trappers Series Book 1
Source: Library Thing
Riley Blackthorne just needs a chance to prove herself – and that’s exactly what the demons are counting on…
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?
I must say that I entered into this book with the utmost excitement. I can’t say that the excitement rose from having any knowledge of this book, I had none- nor had I ever heard of Jana Oliver. (Sorry) It merely came from receiving my very first ARC! To receive a book, unattainable to so many, to be one of the few to read something before so many, for someone like myself, it is a true treasure. Though, in this excitement, there was danger…we all (Book Lovers) know that it is dangerous to be too overly excited before reading something unknown. However, the disappointment I felt, the fall from such high hopes, only comes from the fact that since I received this book earlier than most, I will have to wait longer for the next book in this series.
The Demon Trapper’s Daughter had me hooked in the very beginning. JO provides us with a long awaited Heroine and a much needed change of scenery. While the idea of good versus evil isn’t exactly new, JO adds her own little twist giving us something exciting and fresh. It’s a nice change from all the typical YA books filled with weak characters and whining heroines thrown into a world of vampires/werewolves. JO’s characters are intriguing and well developed, especially the heroine, Riley Blackthorne. I loved Riley from the very beginning. She is a fierce, impulsive, headstrong, and cynical 17 year-old girl who isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. To top it all off, the story keeps you on edge with anticipation and not to forget (and warn) the book ends with a cliffhanger that will leave you begging for more.
If your looking for a sweet, romantic story of a whiny heroine in a sappy love triangle, then go grab Twilight. For all others who have been looking for an edgy story with a strong heroine that doesn’t waste time pining over potential love interests-and I will confess, there are some-but for once, puts her priorities first. Jana Oliver has provided just that!
3 STARS
