November 1, 2011
Gr 9 Up-The Ryves brothers-charismatic, bookish Alan and brooding heartthrob Nick-are back for the closing volume of Brennan's urban fantasy trilogy. This time the narrative centers on Sin, dancing diva of the Goblin Market, who contends for Market leadership with Mae, a "tourist" (i.e., outsider). Meanwhile, the villainous magicians are torturing Alan in an attempt to gain control over Nick. The Demon's Lexicon (2009) focused on Nick and his complex relationship with Alan; The Demon's Covenant (2010, both S & S) did the same for Mae and her wizard brother, Jamie. Unfortunately, Sin pales in comparison with the previous protagonists. Frankly, she is not an appealing character. Her actions and inner thoughts can often be trite and superficial. In the competition for Goblin Market supremacy, many readers will root for likable Mae over Sin. However, Brennan's skilled plotting and evocative setting win out in the end. Fans of Jonathan Stroud's "Bartimaeus" series (Hyperion) will enjoy the witty dialogue and the fast-paced plot. To appreciate the finely drawn dynamics among Nick, Alan, Mae, and Jamie, teens should read the previous titles before tackling The Demon's Surrender.-Sam Bloom, Groesbeck Branch Library, Cincinnati, OH
Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
July 1, 2011
The third book in the trilogy brings back all the pulse and energy of the first (The Demon's Lexicon, rev. 9/09). This one is told from the perspective of Sin, heiress of the Goblin Market and a consummate performer who can dance up a demon with her grace and power. The delightfully dangerous Ryves brothers continue to play a central role, as Sin falls for Alan, the brilliant scholar of magic who raised his demon brother, Nick, as a human. When her leadership of the Market is threatened, Sin must attempt a terrible task, all the while protecting her family and preparing to fight the Market's dark enemies, the magicians. Each of Rees Brennan's main characters is empowered with talent, bravery, and fierce loyalty. Sin is gorgeous and graceful in both dance and battle; she's smart and tough yet nearing exhaustion. Rees Brennan wiles readers with taut plotting and sensual descriptions of both romantic entanglements and deadly swordplay. The climactic battle results in unexpected and dangerous alliances; as with all Market bargains, getting what you want comes with a price. lauren adams
(Copyright 2011 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)
July 1, 2011
The third book in the trilogy is told from the perspective of Sin, heiress of the Goblin Market. The delightfully dangerous Ryves brothers continue to play a central role, as Sin falls for Alan. When her leadership is threatened, Sin must attempt a terrible task. Brennan lures readers with taut plotting and sensual descriptions of both romantic entanglements and deadly swordplay.
(Copyright 2011 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)
May 1, 2011
Demons aren't the worst evil stalking a gritty alternative England in the conclusion to an outstanding urban-fantasy trilogy.
Dancer Cynthia "Sin" Davies is a true daughter of the Goblin Market, the motley alliance of folk on the magical fringe. When the Ryves brothers--charming, manipulative Alan and vicious, inscrutable Nick--instigate open warfare with a Circle of murderous magicians, Sin finds herself competing for Market leadership. Sin's complicated background and her current dilemma provide almost too many plot conflicts, as she juggles loyalties to her families, her community, her friends and herself. Unfortunately, half the story is weighed down by romantic dithering before it finally explodes into a relentless rollercoaster of magical intrigue, deception, betrayal, counter-betrayal, violence, tragedy, heartbreak and sacrifice. Against impossible odds, the (more-or-less) heroes manage to pull off an ambiguously upbeat ending. But Sin remains a strangely shallow protagonist, ever the consummate performer and obsessed with appearances. She dances chameleonlike through all the mayhem, observing and reacting, rather than instigating and resolving, as too many pivotal events occur off-page. This odd detachment diminishes the fiercely intimate exploration of family love that gave the first two books their emotional power.
Flashes of quicksilver humor and a tentative Happy-For-Now don't quite overcome the ominous reminder that, when treating with demons, they "always take more than you can afford to pay." (Urban fantasy. 14 & up)
(COPYRIGHT (2011) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)