Book Review: The Demon's Lexicon

Title: The Demon's Lexicon
Author: Sarah Rees Brennan




I bought this book.


Description: Nick and his brother, Alan, have spent their lives on the run from magic. Their father was murdered, and their mother was driven mad by magicians and the demons who give them power. The magicians are hunting the Ryves family for a charm that Nick's mother stole -- a charm that keeps her alive -- and they want it badly enough to kill again.

Danger draws even closer when a brother and sister come to the Ryves family for help. The boy wears a demon's mark, a sign of death that almost nothing can erase...and when Alan also gets marked by a demon, Nick is desperate to save him. The only way to do that is to kill one of the magicians they have been hiding from for so long.

Ensnared in a deadly game of cat and mouse, Nick starts to suspect that his brother is telling him lie after lie about their past. As the magicians' Circle closes in on their family, Nick uncovers the secret that could destroy them all.

This is the Demon's Lexicon.


My Review: This is a superb story that seamlessly integrates a fantasy world of magicians, black magic, and demons into "normal" life. The main characters, Nick and Alan, are brothers who are so different you wonder throughout the story how they are related. Nick is somewhat unfeeling, fearless and always ready to start a fight, while Alan uses his natural charm and a limp to put people at ease and place their trust in him.

Sarah Rees Brennan has crafted a story full of twists and turns that draws a reader into its world and doesn't let go. Several times I told myself I would stop reading at the next chapter, but was unable to pull myself away. She keeps you begging for more and culminates in an unbelievable ending. All in all, this was an engrossing read. I've already picked up the sequel, The Demon's Covenant and am looking forward to reading more about Nick, Alan and their world.

My Rating: 4 stars

Description and photo courtesy of Goodreads.