American Monsters

Please note that this review may contain spoilers for earlier instalments of this series. You can read my reviews for these novels [here] and [here].

American Monsters was written by Derek Landy and first published in 2016. It follows the continuing adventures of Amber and Milo as they try to find a way to finally stop Amber’s twisted parents. The book forms the final instalment of The Demon Road Trilogy, and is preceded by Demon Road (2015) and Desolation (2016). I’d strongly advise that you read the books in sequence if you want to have any idea of what’s going on.

Amber is struggling to come to terms with her new role as the Shining Demon’s representative on Earth. She’s stronger than ever, her demonic side fuelled by vials of her benefactor’s blood, but using these is starting to come at the cost of her sanity. And then there are the things she must do – things that enable serial killers to go on killing. She knows that she needs to find a way to break her contract before she completely loses her soul.

And then there is the problem of her parents. Bill and Betty are still on the run and know that they’re living on borrowed time. When Amber finally catches up with them, they cut a deal. They know that they won’t live long while the Shining Demon is still in power. They want Amber to deliver the monster to them so that they can devour him and take his place. If Amber can do that, they promise that they’ll leave her alone to live her life.

Amber knows that her parents can’t be trusted, but there is one small problem. They’ve taken Kelly hostage and will kill her if Amber doesn’t deliver the goods within six days. With Kelly’s life on the line, Amber and Milo have no choice but to hit the road to find chains powerful enough to bind a Lord of Hell. However on the way they will encounter many old friends and enemies and, now that it’s known that Amber is the Shining Demon’s lapdog, it’s difficult to know who they can trust…

Desolation

Please note that this review may contain spoilers for its prequel, Demon Road. You can read my review of this novel [here].

Desolation was written by Derek Landy and first published in 2016. It’s a horror novel that follows Amber’s continuing escape across America as she tries to avoid both her parents and the Hounds of Hell. The novel is the second part of the The Demon Road Trilogy and follows on directly from the events of Demon Road (2015), so you really need to read the novels in sequence to fully appreciate them.

Amber and Milo are on the run. The Shining Demon hasn’t taken Amber’s treachery lightly and has now pulled out all the stops to claim her soul. Not only has he made deals with every serial killer in America, promising them their heart’s desires in return for Amber, but he has also unleashed the Hounds of Hell. The demonic biker gang exist to follow his orders and will never rest until they have tracked Amber down.

The only safe place for them now is the Alaskan town of Desolation Hill, a place surrounded by a magical barrier that blocks the Shining Demon’s power. However, the town is not without its secrets. Everyone who lives there seems to be a little too friendly with each other and unwelcoming to outsiders. Amber also soon learns that a festival – Hell Night – is about to take place and no strangers will be allowed to stay in the town over that period.

As Amber and Milo explore the town they begin to uncover a sinister mystery spanning two hundred years, one that hinges on annual child disappearances and the presence of a sinister figure called the Narrow Man. They also join forces with a team of paranormal investigators who have come to Desolation Hill to investigate the same happenings. They only have a few nights to discover the true secret of the town and how it ties back to the Shining Demon because, once Hell Night falls, they might never be able to leave the town again…

Demon Road

Sorry that reviews are being a bit slow at the moment. Most of my time this month is being eaten up by the NaNoWriMo but rest assured, I’m still very much alive and have plenty of novels lined up for this blog.

Demon Road was written by Derek Landy and first published in 2015. It’s a horror story about a teenage girl who is forced to go on the run to escape her demonic parents. The book forms the first part of a planned trilogy and its sequel, Desolation, is due for release early next year.

Amber has never had a great relationship with her parents. Although they make sure she’s provided for, they’ve never been all that loving or keen to spend any time with her. Shortly after her sixteenth birthday, she finds out why. They’re demons who are keen to eat her flesh in order to absorb her developing powers.

Narrowly escaping from their clutches, Amber goes on the run across America. Along the way, she joins forces with a mysterious man named Milo whose car seems to have a will of its own and Glen, a young Irishman with a terrible curse. She also makes a deal with the same demon lord that granted her parents their power, promising to do something for him if he helps to protect her from her parents. The Shining Demon agrees to her terms but gives her a strict time limit. If she doesn’t complete his quest within five weeks, he will return for her soul.

Together, Amber and her new friends travel America via the mysterious Demon Road. Not only are they pursued by Amber’s parents and their equally cannibalistic friends but their path is also blocked by many dangers. The Demon Road has a habit of drawing creatures of the night together and Amber must face witches, vampires and serial killers in her quest to save herself. To top it all, Amber is forced to come to terms with her dark heritage. As the child of two demons, she is also far from ordinary…