Blood of the Demon

Book two brings back many of the elements that I enjoyed from MARK OF THE DEMON, with none of the plot kryptonite that drove me up a wall. I love Ryan and Kara's chemistry (though I wanted to clap and hoot in support of Jill's "Girl, you crazy" line. Glad I'm not the only one thinking it), and while the plot was complex and a little over the top, it never torpedoed my ability to suspend disbelief like book one. ( )

RATING: 3.5 stars.Not as good as the first one (the story seemed like more of the same, the mystery wasn't as well explored), but still the characters and the world building are appealing. Full review to come (maybe). ( )

I am so happy that I recently discovered this series. The Kara Gillian series is about a police detective who can also summon demons and see and manipulate the arcane. In the first installment we got to know Kara (a realistic, down to earth, all around likeable character) and her world. We also met her demon summoner Aunt Tessa, a demon lord named Rhyzkahl, and the uber sexy and endearing FBI agent Ryan.

In "Blood of the Demon", bodies are starting to turn up in which the bodies's souls or essences have been stolen. Kara is one of the few people who can actually see the missing souls and thereby can tell that fact alone links the murders. Again the actual mystery is so interesting and entertaining I don't want to spoil the details or give anything away. Take my word that the plot is well paced and fully developed. There are plenty of surprises and excitement to intrigue any urban fantasy or paranormal fan. Rhyzkahl is still ready and willing to offer Kara affection and attention but she hesitates to call on him due to his powers. Now he is asking her to be his summoner, a link Kara isn't sure she is prepared for.

Romance to me is a secondary part of any novel I read. I want the mysteries and the kick butt action. I want to learn about supernatural worlds and the creatures that inhabit them. That said, the romance (or would be romance) between Kara and Ryan is a highlight of this series. I love her, I love him. They work together so well because they are friends first. The author has done an excellent job of naturally bringing the two together. This isn't a love at first sight plot device at all. The tension between them crackles. They are obviously into each other but they both skirt the issue, neither willing to risk their friendship. Still I love every scene and every interaction. I want them together but I dread the moment we lose this chemistry.

So far I really enjoy the fact that each case has been completely resolved by the time the last page is read but yet there are plenty of ongoing storylines to keep the reader waiting for more. I have the third book at my bedside and I can't wait to read it and be caught up on the series. I have to say that this has earned a place on my pre-order 'must have' list. ( )

In Rowland's urban fantasy novel, Kara Gillian is a cop with a secret gift. Not only does she possess "othersight" and can see what others can't, but she is also a summoner. She summons a demon lord to help her with two unsolved cases. She works side-by-side with a sexy FBI agent but these cases can't be solved by him or her without help because they weren't just murdered, their souls were stolen. a case with roots in the arcane, the case is also deeply rooted among the rich, powerful and corrupt in Beaulac, Louisiana. As the killings continue, Kara realizes she has a lot to learn about humans, demons, and all things that kill in darkness. A riveting, suspenseful combination of police procedural and urban fantasy. ( )

In Blood of the Demon, Beaulac homicide detective Kara Gillian is finally able to go back to work after she was technically dead for two weeks after the conclusion of the Symbol Man investigation. Her Aunt Tessa Pazhel remains in an extended care facility after having her essence stolen from her body by the Symbol Man. Kara tries to find answers to how she can get Tessa’s essence to come back to her body before it is too late, including basically destroying Tessa's wards.

Kara also finds herself engaged in an investigation into an apparent suicide by one of her own fellow officers, and escalates its way through the wealthy Beulac community. Call it Louisiana Politics as usual if you like; bribery, corruption, sex with your own daughter in law, blackmail, and murder to protect your own neck. Where a judge can call the police and demand that an officer be removed from an investigation in order to slow it down, or stall it altogether.

Kara is learning more about her ability as a summoner, or one who has the ability to open portals between the mundane world and the demon realm. She is actually growing stronger the more she learns about herself. She can now summon demons without having to wait for the full moon. She even discovers that Tessa has a boyfriend much to her chagrin.

The villain this time around: A Soul (Essence) eating human who doesn't kill as many people as the Symbol Man.

Yes loyal readers, we do get a bundle of scenes with Lord Rhyzkahl in them, and we also learn more about Special Agent Ryan Kristoff, but not enough to explain how he came about his abilities or why he is being called an oath breaker by a twelfth level demon. Zach also has become something of a mystery with his ability to show up at a moment’s notice when Ryan is in trouble, and somehow knowing what Ryan is, but refusing to say anything to Kara.

Crime Scene Technician Jill Faciane who has become Kara’s best friend over the course of the last two books, also makes an appearance. I like Jill, and love the interaction between her and Kara. Jill steps fully into Kara’s world when she comes face to face with a demon at her aunt’s home. She doesn’t even blink an eye. I also like the fact that Cory Crawford has been promoted and is now Kara’s boss. He is starting to understand what Kara can do, and supports her fully.

This book is definitely not a let down from Mark of the Demon. Kara is still being pursued by people who want to kill her. She still maintains her rugged determination, and snarky attitude, along with the attitude that she will do whatever it takes to solve her cases, including making more enemies.

In the end, Kara and Rhyzkahl agree to terms where she becomes his summoner, and she agrees to call upon him at least once during a moon cycle for 3 years. (Full Moon) She also gets his mark on her left forearm to prove that she belongs to him and is under his protection as well, something that Ryan isn’t too thrilled to see. But, as far as Ryan and Kara's romance goes; it's a non starter.

I like this book because there’s no carryover story into the next release. You can ALMOST read this book as a solo book, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Read Mark of the Demon first before entering into this story, and then follow it with Secrets of the Demon. The story ends on a happy note and not a head shaking what the hell just happened moment. Of course, having already read the next book in the series, I am definitely looking forward to the fourth book, Sins of the Demon (January 2012). ( )