Customer Reviews

California Demon: The Secret Life of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom (Book 2)

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

In this second outing, Kate follows one of her charges from Coastal Mists knowing that no one recovers that quickly from a coma and that this must be another demonic possession. She is lead to her daughters school where she finds a book that appears blank only to finds that it is a portal to tortured demonic souls. Just another day for Kate who has to fit this in-between getting her teen daughter to cheerleading practice, getting her 2 year old to daycare, and having dinner on the table by 6. But the twists to this book are what keep the story moving - the notes and quirks that bring back her memories of Eric, her first husband that was killed five years ago, her daughters teacher - who has a few secrets of his own, and Cool - the surfing phenom that has a sudden interest in San Diablo. Kenner is such a funny writer that you can't help but laugh out loud when a demon gets a ice pick through the eye.

I was willing to give this book a shot, but it just seemed so derivative. People compare the book to Buffy, but I wonder if they saw the show--the blonde heroine is *more* than just a chick cheerleader, and the book reflected pretty shallowly on that level.

I was also a little annoyed at the slight...I don't want to say homophobia...but bemused dismay that the main character displays (for your laughs) at the prospect that her infant son might turn out gay. Please--these jokes aren't funny, and haven't been for a while. At that point, I just looked at the Kate Connor and every word and thought that came out of her... I just couldn't level with her. She wasn't a heroine anymore.

If you're looking for a book that is as deep as a failed TV pilot episode, then you're in luck. The book doesn't give you any more than pretty people having some demon problems in a white, blond suburb.

A great follow up to the debut of Carpe Demon. In this second book, evil is still lurking around town and Kate is getting more deeply involved in uncovering it. From the seniors home to the highschool event where her daughter is, strange things are happening. Can Kate keep the events from threatening her family? A new person in town may have a closer relationship to Kate than at first glance.

Fifty pages about a normal Mom battling demons in suburbia, add two hundred pages of daily life in suburbia with an occasional foray into the 'supernatural thing.' Finish with thirty pages of supernatural climax where Kate comes off as Saving The Day.

Kate worried about her daughter's new boy crush being demony? Check.
One hundred pages later, he is? Check.
Twenty pages of describing the antics of a two year old? Check.
Suspense heightened by hiding demon evidence in the kitchen? Check.
Her husband's job keeps him conveniently off screen? Check.
Introduction of a family type character connected with forza? Check.
Clueless police briefly mentioned? Good demon body dumping times. Check.
Kate takes no serious injuries in serious situations? Check.

I read this book already. It was called Carpe Demon: Adventures of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom. Kenner changed around a few details, but I essentially read the same book a second time. Once was enough; this series had a neat riff on the Buffy theme, but what made Buffy great is she rose above her cliche. Kate hasn't.

I gave the second a chance after reading the first, and it didn't wow me. I'd rather read good Buffy the Vampire Slayer fanfiction, but I have to admit the third novel in this series sounds very interesting. Her daughter learning about the nightlife is actually a new direction (unless her boyfriend in #3 is also inhuman, that would be three strikes, you're out). May try it later, but not high on the reading list.

I was told how this series is "like Buffy grew up and had a family." To be honest, that's pretty high praise, to bad that this isn't the case. Now, it's not fair to compare it to Buffy, but that's how this series is being built up to. This is nowhere near as good as Buffy. I'd rather read Buffy fan-fiction compared to this series.

There are a couple of things that bother me about this. First is the character of Kate. She whines, and moans about what she does. To be honest, it's a major distraction. I would say that it takes away from the story, but there's not story here. I think that there wants to be one, but a story/plot never comes out. It's just Kate going after a demon, and her moaning along the way. Also speaking of Kate, she gets the stuffing kicked out of her in many scenes, and yet nobody seems to notice or asks her about her cuts and bruises. Nobody.

I also didn't like how there was a lack of a plot. There was no plot. Just Kate ploddering along fighting a demon or two. There is so much fluff in the book, that just takes up pages, but for no other reason that to just fill pages. No plot, story or character development, or interesting characters.

I also didn't like the author's writing style. She uses a lot of parentheses and what is in them, breaks up the flow of the writing. It's like walking through mud. It just gives the author more chances for Kate to whine and moan.

Honestly, I'd say if you have to read this series, go to the library. That's if you feel that **really** need to read it. Otherwise, skip it.

Very likely I made a mistake listening to this book immediately after the first one. Kenner reuses a number of the same plot devices from her first Demon Hunter novel to much the same effect in this one. I noticed that someone else has listed the repititions so I don't feel obligated to do so.

I was once again impressed how she manages to get beat up including being throttled on a regular basis and no one, especially not her husband, notices any bruising. I would think the police would be keeping an eye on her-- or at least the press since her husband Stewart is running for office. Anyway, this is a time passer. I'm starting to hope that poor oblivious Stewart finally gets clued into what is going on in his town-- He is reminiscent of 50's and 60's sitcom husbands. His wife is hiding a big part of her life from him which includes shifting dead bodies out of his house and he appears to have no idea or is easily distracted.

As for the reader, Laura Hicks, she is quite good if a little flat sounding when doing first person narration. When it comes to conversation though she is very good voicing the children, demons and neighbors.

Kate Conner's days are pretty full. She has a teenager, a toddler, a husband, and oh yeah, she's a level four demon hunter. If Kate's days are busy enough, she's still trying to keep her secret identity a secret from her family. But when a series of demon attacks are centered on Kate's daughter's high school, she'll have to work overtime to protect her identity and save the day.

I really, really enjoy this series. It's a fun little series. Definitely fluffy reading, but there is nothing wrong with that! Sometimes, that is just what a reader is looking for. If you want a quick read with a supernatural twist, this book is for you!

Once you get past the believability factor in the first book of this series, and buy into why Kate keeps dumping her little kid off on a career-less neighbor, you might enjoy this as a fast, entertaining read. I liked the first one better; this advances the question of how her husband died, but that issue really tested my limit for "puh-leeze" value. I will probably read the third book but I already see a red "hokey" flag warning. Overall the writing style is great and you want to keep turning pages; however, some predictability is present. If you want to get away from reality shows and CSI-type books, this series fits the bill.

A fun sequel to Carpe Demon - about a mother of a teenager and a toddler, who volunteers at her church and in the PTA, and who supports her husband as he runs for office. Oh yeah, and who slays demons in her spare time. Engaging, authentic, and funny - I'm hoping for another installment...

I think this one was just as great as the first book CARPE DEMON.
I really enjoyed havign another demon hunting adventure and with the ending the way it was, there just has to be third in this series. If there isn't, I'll be disappointed.

I do recommend that you read the first before this to get a better understanding of what's going on.