Review: The Demon's Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan

Demon’s Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Publish Date: June 2009
Age Range: Young Adult
336pp

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 des-perate 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. Turn the page.

The Demon’s Lexicon is Sarah’s debut novel and I just have to say “WOW!” She did a fantastic job. Let’s start with the writing – Beautifully written – I ate up every word and found myself ensnared in Brennan’s world with sword swinging – knife throwing bad boy Nick (I love my bad boys) & gun slinging charismatic Alan as the Ryves brothers try to outrun evil Magicians and Demons. I did not want to put this book down for 1 minute. I carried it everywhere and tried to get sneaks in when I could, let’s just say I’m addicted now. The characters are well developed and I did not feel like I was lacking anything from the characters – I came to understand them on every level and what it is that makes them tick.

I love books that have witty banter and comic relief and The Demon’s Lexicon did not disappoint. I don’t know how many times I laughed at a remark in this book and they just kept on coming. I think I’ve found a new character to jones on. “How about it Nick? Please turn that wicked smile on me!” I mean look at that mouth - me thinks it’s wicked!

The plot is fantastic and will keep you glued to the pages. There are plenty of twists and unsuspected turns in this book that will have you begging for more by the end. There is one revelation that had my eyes bulging and my mouth on the floor because I suspected something entirely different than what I got. I won’t go into details, so you'll have to find out for yourself. The Ryves brothers are loveable and I can’t wait to go on another adventure with them. So until then, I’ll have to find something else to tickle my fancy.

I highly recommend The Demon’s Lexicon, you won’t be disappointed!

Rating: 4 ½ out of 5 stars