Kat Beyer

This was different from what I expected. Part of it I think is because most YA Paranormal I read tends to have romance as well and usually as a strong part of the storyline. This didn't. This was definitely more interested in exploring Mia's new surroundings, her family and the world she was now thrust in as a Demon Catcher.

I felt most enthralled in this book when Mia would go into lengthy descriptions or discussions about Milan and the history therein. Beyer's attention to detail whether show more discussing the everyday mannerisms of the Della Torre family or the horrors that Italian Jews faced during World War II had the same dedicated feeling. Beyer obviously felt deeply for her subject matter and that shines throughout her writing.

Of less interest to me was the actual demon hunting. When I hear 'demon hunting' I immediately think of either Buffy or the Winchester brothers--butt kicking heroes who attacked the vicious citizens of the Underworld with sword, fire and crossbow. I did not think bells. Or candles. The demon hunting part was anti-climatic and not quite as tense as I think Beyer wanted. Interesting at first, but anti-climatic. show less

16 year old Mia is suddenly swept away from her homework into a terrifying demonic possession she is not expected to survive. Enter the mysterious, long-lost, demon-catching family members from Milan, there to save her and try to find a way to contain the demon.

They bring shy, awkward Mia with them on their return, and this book is as much about falling in love with a new language and food culture as it is about the riveting paranormal plotline. Fast-paced adventure with a interesting story show more to tell.

I like Mia, and I like seeing her grow throughout the story -- in confidence in herself (in a very believable way) and in love with her family, tradition and food. Is she is 16-year-old worried about fashion and boys? Yes, but she's also a thinker who is willing to work hard to find a way to survive, and that is a compelling portrait for any young woman to see.

I loved the first book, and the sequel does not disppoint. I also really appreciate that while the mystery of the demon continues, the books can stand alone. A thoughtful and addicting series.

Book provided by Edelweiss. show less

16 year old Mia is suddenly swept away from her homework into a terrifying demonic possession she is not expected to survive. Enter the mysterious, long-lost, demon-catching family members from Milan, there to save her and try to find a way to contain the demon.

They bring shy, awkward Mia with them on their return, and this book is as much about falling in love with a new language and food culture as it is about the riveting paranormal plotline. Fast-paced adventure with a interesting story show more to tell.

I like Mia, and I like seeing her grow throughout the story -- in confidence in herself (in a very believable way) and in love with her family, tradition and food. Is she is 16-year-old worried about fashion and boys? Yes, but she's also a thinker who is willing to work hard to find a way to survive, and that is a compelling portrait for any young woman to see. show less

Originally reviewed at http://flyleafreview.blogspot.com/2012/09/book-review-demon-catchers-of-milan-by...

This is a case of a book which has had a somewhat lukewarm reception but that I really, really enjoyed. Why? Well, I'd be happy to tell you. I like books about demonic possession and exorcisms like I like books about cults. It's kind of a weird fascination but it's there nonetheless. And what I liked so much about The Demon Catchers Of Milan (TDCOM) was that Beyer's take on the those two show more subjects was not your typical take. This book has no bad ass demon hunter á la Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Not that there is anything wrong with Buffy, love that show (especially any episode with Angel, SWOON) but if you are looking for action packed demon slaying by a bunch of hero types you may be disappointed. What TDCOM does have is a very cool story of a family, a family with a long history of exorcising demons, and doing so in an interesting and somewhat traditional manner. You also have a relatable main character in the form of Mia Della Torres, a teenage girl thrown into the middle of a feud between one scary-ass demon and a branch of a family she knows little to nothing about. And by thrown into the middle I mean Mia is possessed by said demon within the first few pages of the book. Talk about starting off with a bang!

During her possession Mia is there but not really there. She experiences what is going on around her somewhat numbly and she has no control over her body. After a couple of failed attempts by the church to rid Mia of this demon, two of her Italian relatives she has never met, successfully perform the exorcism. Unfortunately her family fears it's not over for Mia and after some family discussions Mia is packed up to return to Milan with these relatives.

Mia learns a little about the role her family has played over the centuries in exorcising and apprehending demons, but not everything. It's frustrating, but on the other hand, I like how she was forced to discover things on her own. Mia is a teenager but at times she feels younger. I think this is because Mia is a bit of an odd duck. We don't hear much about school friends and even less about boyfriends. Mia seems closest to her younger sister and her parents. She's also pretty insecure about herself and I think this adds to her introverted nature. For Mia to leave the security of her home and family to travel with unfamiliar relatives to a strange land, where she doesn't speak the language may seem out of character. But I think it also speaks to the seriousness of the situation. Her family feels Mia is very susceptible to this demon and she might not survive another possession if (or more like when) one occurs.

Mia may be away for her immediate family, but she does email them throughout the book. I especially enjoyed her email correspondence with her sister. Mia is frustrated by the language barrier (although the girl picks up Italian REALLY quickly!) she's frustrated about how little she knows about her situation, she's frustrated by the isolation (she's not allowed out of the house without family guards for fear of another attack) and she's frustrated that she's not trusted enough to do more to help. Through these emails Mia is able to vent and it also gives the reader more insight into her (and her family's) character.

And I love Mia's Italian family. It's a big crew full of eccentric personalities and getting to know them alongside Mia was perhaps my favorite part of this book. My favorites are Nonno and Nonna, the head of this branch of the family, and of course Emilio, the potential love interest/ crush. Ok, we don't get to know Emilio as well as I would like, in fact the romance angle in TDCOM is played down. But I think in this case it works. From what I can gather, this book is the start of a series, and like many first works it is setting the scene for future installments. Emilio's character comes across as very caring and kind, but also mysterious and aloof, thus adding to Mia's crush.

There is another male character in the book that garners some of Mia's attention, but I am going to skip saying much because there is huge potential to spoil. I will say that he is a questionable character, with unclear motivations. He is also somebody that Mia is warned to steer clear of. Does she? You'll have to read the book to find out.

Earlier I talked a little about the way the exorcism/ demon catching is handled, and how it's a different angle than others that I have read. What I liked about it was that it felt very old school and traditional. Almost holy, or spiritual in nature.You've may have heard of bell, book and candle in terms of witchcraft or casting spells? Well that method is used here to apprehend and contain demons. In fact, Nonno owns a handmade candle shop, and there are some pretty cool things about the candles in his store. Although we don't get a bunch of action filled fight scenes between demons and their catchers, we do witness the demon attacking and another exorcism. And it's very creepy, let me tell you. Also? These demon catchers have cool little demon catching cases or kits which I think is AWESOME. Kind of like Ghostbusters but less cheesy.

So most of the complaints I have seen about TDCOM have to do with the of lack ass-kickery in catching demons (which I have addressed) and the lack of information Mia receives in regards to her particular role in this feud between her family and this particular demon. There are things alluded to in the story that allow Mia, and the reader, to fill in the gaps and there are some moments of foreshadowing. I'm totally cool with this because again, it's setting the scene for the developing story. TDCOM never felt confusing to me so much as mysterious and suspenseful. I am invested in these characters and this story and really want to find out more. In the end Mia must make a decision as to whether she wants to join the "family business" and her choice excites me. I foresee lots on interesting developments ahead as the story unfolds!

There is always room for improvement and some minor complaints I have about TDCOM are that we actually don't get to see much of Milan. Because Mia is sequestered in her family's home, we only get the barest descriptions of this beautiful old city. We get some cool lessons on it's history, and lot's of info on food and customs (which I LOVE by the way) but not much in setting. I hope that this will change in future books because I would LOVE to get a better view of that Italian city.

I also hope to see more fleshing out of secondary characters. I feel like I know Mia and Nonno and Nonna, but more on Emilio and Mia's other cousins, as well as the demon itself, would be awesome. Again, I have high hopes that this will come in future books.

What else can I say? This book worked for me. I think it's a great start to a new series and I look forward to reading more by author Kat Beyer.

4/5 Stars show less