Review Detail

Reader reviewed by Tina

The
Demons Covenant by Sarah Rees Brennan is
the second book in the Demons trilogy.
The novel picks up a few weeks after the events at the end of The
Demons Lexicon and expands on the first
books storylines. The characters are still trying to deal with the
aftereffects of the last books resolution. Jamie is still struggling with the
fact that he is a magician, a race of people that typically work out of
self-interest and have been known to sacrifice people to use their bodies as
hosts for demons. In the previous novel, Jamie was one of the people that a
specific group of magicians, the Obsidian Circle, tried to sacrifice to the
demon Anzu. To protect Jamie, Mae killed one of the magicians and is haunted by
the memory of blood on her hands. Nick is dealing with the fact that hes
really a demon being hosted by a human body and that he and Alan are not
blood-related. Alans decision to unleash a demon onto the world, even though
that demon is his brother, weighs on his conscience.

The story opens
with Mae returning, somewhat reluctantly, to her normal life when she discovers
that her brother is meeting with new leader of the Obsidian Circle, Gerald.
Terrified that she may lose her younger brother, Mae seeks out Alan and Nick
once more. However, Nick and Alan are dealing with issues of their own. Every
magician in England is now aware of what Nick really is, which means that they
would do anything to see him dead.

In addition,
Nicks powers and his lack of a human conscience have caused a rift between the
brothers. Tension hangs between them over something that happened during the
time the foursome was apart, something so terrible that neither brother will
speak about it. When Gerald realizes that all isnt well between the siblings,
he preys on Alans doubts and guilty conscience, trying to convince him to
spring a deadly trap against his own brother. When Mae realizes that Jamie
isnt the only one whose life may be on the line, she seeks new aid at the
Goblin Marketa dangerous, tempting place rich with magic that shed thought
shed never experience again. With magical threats closing in from all sides,
Mae begins to form a plan of her own to save them. Will an ordinary girls machinations
be enough to save them all?

While the plot is
interesting, the characters and the dialogue make this book unforgettable.
Sarah Rees Brennan manages to weave together scenes that are humorous, action
packed, heart wrenching and beautifully written all at the same time. Dialogue
flows naturally, never once sounding stilted or unrealistic. To top it off,
every single one of the characters is unique and well developed. Nick is now
aware of why he doesnt empathize with other people and in order to make Alan
happy, he enlists Maes help to gain insight into human emotions. Though Nick
is blunt and coarse, he is also honest (demons cant lie) and willing to do
just about anything to please Alan. In contrast, Alan is genuinely kind, but is
a practiced liar. In The Demons Covenant,
the reader develops a whole new appreciation for what Alan is willing to
sacrifice for his brother. Jamie remains timid, but his determination to be
true to himself shows a level of courage that wasnt apparent in the first book
of the series. His tendency to stumble into dangerous situations makes the
reader amused and sympathetic instead of annoyed. However, the character whose
development is most apparent throughout the course of the novel is Mae.

As Mae delves
deeper and deeper into the world of magic, shes forced to come to terms with
her own humanity and face some difficult decisions, which helps her to develop
as a character. In the previous book, Maes stubbornness and bravado had at
times made her more of a hindrance than a help to the group. However, Mae grows
as she realizes that more than her brothers life is at stake; she matures and
becomes a compelling and intelligent character. While she still makes mistakes,
she learns from them and does her best to keep new ones from happening in the
future. Sarah Rees Brennans choice to have Mae as the narrator allowed the
reader to see under the surface of Maes feisty personality. In addition to
being strong-willed, shes also loyal, emotional, courageous and protective of
her brother.

The interactions
between characters add to the overall strength of the novel. The recurring
theme of the importance of familial love is touching and illuminating without
weighing down the story. Jamie and Maes interactions throughout the novel help
readers to understand why Mae would be willing to repeatedly risk her life for
her brother. Likewise, the subtle love expressed between Alan and Nick excuse
both characters for the harms they commit in order to protect each other.

Readers who find
family bonds compelling components in books will no doubt enjoy The Demons
Covenant. Harry Potter fans especially will
enjoy Sarah Rees Brennans world as they may find it a refreshing and similar
read in both quality and content. The Demons Covenant is an entertaining and
addictive read that lingers long after the last page has been read.