review: Demon Bound by Meljean Brook

Release Date: November 2008
Publisher: Berkley (MM/paperback)
ISBN: 978-0425224533


Demon Bound is the fourth full-length novel by author Meljean Brook, and story 7 in the Guardian series. I recommend reading the series in order, although I'm jumping in with a review of this book as I like to post my thoughts when the read is freshly finished.

There was a major roadblock to my writing this review. Demon Bound is classified as a paranormal romance, and the world in which the Guardian stories take place is intensely complex and detailed. To (over)simplify, there are demons and angels (and lots of other beings in-between), three-headed dogs (aka hellhounds) and various super-cool abilities or skills known as Gifts to assist the good guys. There is unimaginable danger on Earth, and power struggles in Hell, all of which most humans are (blissfully) unaware. I felt that I needed to do justice to this worldbuilding by first thoroughly understanding the plot and the background to the story - heck, the series to date! Despite my best attempts I would lose track of plot developments and worry about how these gaps would affect accuracy in my review. How or when did I lose my abilities to concentrate and apply higher thinking skills? Was it due to sleep-deprivation since my (now-toddler) child was born? Or was it before that? Perhaps I never had them at all!

It was Meljean's comment on this post which helped me get going on the review. Although I may not have grasped some (probably very important) parts to the (whole/ongoing) story, I really enjoyed the rest of the book. Very fortunately for others like myself (or am I alone?), there is a guide to help readers wondering or curious , so Thank You Meljean for all your hard work on it -much appreciated! (though I still want to ask you a clarification question or two :)

Perhaps what I can comment more coherently on is the romantic aspects of the story. I loved how the connection between Alice and Jake seemed so instrinsic and evident in their every interaction from the start, though they are greatly different in their backgrounds and experiences. They are wary with each other at the beginning but are quickly thrown into a highly threatening situation and must work together. I found Jake very endearing with his mix of boyishness, honesty, charm and gutsiness. Alice presented herself as reserved and unapproachable, and it was lovely to gradually glimpse into her vulnerabilities and see her yield to and embrace Jake's sincerity and unwavering feelings for her.

Excellent characterization is a constant I've found in Meljean's stories. Each major player in the stories is uniquely and distinctly presented to the reader from the clothing worn to gestures or the inflection of speech. I can still clearly envision main characters from previous Guardian stories, as they were so memorably described.

In closing, I anticipate future re-reads of this and the other stories in the Guardian series. I fully expect to discover details and nuances that I've missed in the original reading, and this can only add to the richness and satisfaction to be found in Meljean's writing.