{Book Review} The Demon Trapper’s Daughter by Jana Oliver

Synopsis:

Riley Blackthorne just needs a chance to prove herself – and that’s exactly what the demons are counting on…

Seventeen-year-old Riley, the only daughter of legendary demon trapper Paul Blackthorne, has always dreamed of following in her father's footsteps.  The good news is, with human society seriously disrupted by economic upheaval and Lucifer increasing the number of demons in all major cities, Atlanta’s local Trappers Guild needs all the help they can get – even from a girl. When she’s not keeping up with her homework or trying to manage her growing crush on fellow apprentice Simon, Riley’s out saving distressed citizens from foul-mouthed little devils – Grade One Hellspawn only, of course, per the strict rules of the Guild. Life’s about as normal as can be for the average demon-trapping teen.

But then a Grade Five Geo-Fiend crashes Riley’s routine assignment at a library, jeopardizing her life and her chosen livelihood.  And, as if that wasn’t bad enough, sudden tragedy strikes the Trappers Guild, spinning Riley down a more dangerous path than she ever could have imagined. As her whole world crashes down around her, who can Riley trust with her heart – and her life?

So funny enough, I actually started this book in March of 2014. For some reason, I didn’t finish it until this month, March of 2016. I don’t really know why, because I really liked it.

The Demon Trapper’s Daughter is really great for anyone who likes Urban Fantasy; it’s technically Young Adult, but it’s a bit darker than many YA series. It follows the story of Riley Blackthorne who just wants to be a good demon trapper. But then demons seem to know her, which doesn’t happen; they start calling her name. Even worse, tragedy strikes, and suddenly, Riley doesn’t know who she can trust.

Riley is a likable UF heroine; she’s a bit stubborn and naive, as they usually are in YA UF, at least at the beginning. But she’s determined, which is very important in this book, since much of it is just testing her resolve and perseverance.

BECK. Denver Beck is a gem. I can’t wait to see him more in the next book. Beck was a protege of Riley’s father, and is dedicated to making sure Riley is ok. And maybe more than that, in the future at least. Cause there is WAY more going on with the two of them, and they have such interesting chemistry and I can’t wait to see their relationship develop. He’s certainly far more interesting than boring-as-dirt Simon, Riley’s current love interest. No offense Simon, but Beck is WAY cooler than you.

There’s lots of bloody, demon violence, thanks to a bunch of terrifying hellspawn. There is no lack of creepy situations that Riley gets herself in. The world building is well done, with Jana Oliver describing a world eerily similar to ours, but with more visible demons. We get to know many of the Demon Trappers, and what it takes to bring demons down. I can’t wait to see how she grows as the series continues. Highly recommended for anyone who likes Urban Fantasy/Paranormal.

Content: Language, Kissing, lots of violence. Recommended for 16+