Careful what you wish for
Full disclosure – I was provided an advanced copy of this book by the author, however, I have voluntarily chosen to write a review. All opinions are my own.
The Demon Dealer is scheduled for a February 9th release.
Ted is a successful physician living in the biggest house in the town of La Puerta. Having been born the son of a maid, he has everything he has always dreamed of. A gorgeous wife, two amazing kids, a house fit for a king and a thriving practice; but still, something is missing. In La Puerta, for people with means, anything can be purchased – including demons. Shortly after purchasing his first demon and bringing Valentina home, Ted notices subtle changes in himself and his family. What exactly did he purchase and why does she hold such a command over everyone she encounters?
The Demon Dealer is the newest novel by Carol James Marshall and is best described as occult horror. To be honest, as a rule. I usually shy away from novels dealing with the demonic as a focus as it just really creeps me out. Nothing good can come from “dancing with the devil” as Tom and his entire family soon learn. As can be expected in a town where demons are bought and kept as pets, things aren’t exactly squeaky clean. In fact, most of the people of La Puerta are downright reprehensible. It was fairly hard for me to find any one character in the book that I actually liked. Strangely enough, that still didn’t stop me from calling it quits on the book. A twisted part of me really wanted to read on to find out what happened to the people of La Puerta and their secrets. The further I got into the story and as things started to really unravel, a few characters did eventually start to grow on me to the point where in the end I was really hoping to see them escape this hell of a town that they were in.
So, while I didn’t love it and I didn’t hate it, The Demon Dealer still managed to hold my attention. With characters this bereft of morals I’m sure it was a with a bit of schadenfreude that I continued to read. With an ending that could rival any big screen horror movie, I am sure we have not seen the last of Valentina. It will be interesting to see where she wreaks her havoc next.
Jennly Reads 