Customer Reviews

The Demon Spirit (The DemonWars Trilogy, Book 2)

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I just literally finished reading The Demon Spirit about two minutes ago. While I was expecting a good read, I wasn't expecting one quite of this calibre.

The description of this book sounded something like that of the first one. The Goblins/Powries are still rampaging, Elbryan & Pony are still fighting, and Markwart (I don't feel right giving him the title of Abbot) is still scheming to get those stones back, and has made not one, but two Brothers Justice.

But this book takes entirely different turns from the first one. And it was even darker, which in itself is quite astonishing. (Though not so much so that you are left without hope, even at the end)

About the only real complaints I have with this one is the battles. They are well written, in the usual Bob style, but I felt that there were too many, particularly near the beginning of the book. But this is very much a minor complaint in what is otherwise an excellent novel.

Arguably, this was the best book thus far in Salvatore's career. (Though I really liked Homeland)

And to think that the next book is due out any day now...

Congratulations, Bob! Should you return to Vancouver for another booksigning, I shall certainly be there to congratulate you in person.

While this one was not as good as the first, many of the excellent characters and character development are still factors in why this book is good. One thing I like about this series is that Salvatore isn't afraid to eliminate a "hero" or villian no matter how good they are. Which is a problem I have with some of the Forgotten realms and Dragon lance books, those characters are immortal. Could you imagine those heroes just dying? Nope! Anyway, The Demon Spirit is a good sequel to Awakens. I recommend it highly.

While not as great as I expected, this was a very entertaining and fast paced continuation of an exploration into the world of Corona. Salvatore, as always, kept my attention and focus and I truly enjoyed turning the pages. My only complaint is that after the victory over Dactyl (maybe/maybe not?) the story begins to focus more and more on the Abellican monks. At times I found this boring and lacking of slow. Once the goblins and powries left the stage the story began to grind to a slower pace. Although I did eventually get into the new direction of the story, it did take some getting used to.

Overall I'd recommend you pursue the continuation of the First Demon War Saga and pick up this novel. I look forward to reading the Demon Apostle.

I'm on page 427 and I don't want this book to end, but I know I'll be done in a couple hours. I used to read fantasy novels at a rate of about one a week, but then I came to college and became a creative writing major and had all these "literary fiction" books to read for my classes, and had little time left to read on my own. I picked up "The Demon Awakens" this past summer when I was on jury duty, and was then thrilled, on my last visit home, to find a copy of "The Demon Spirit" in paperback. I haven't been able to put it down since! While most of the "literature" I read for class isn't necessarily *bad,* I had forgotten just how much *fun* I used to have with reading, particularly good fantasy novels that keep you in the world, with the characters, even when you're not directly engaged with the book. I love this series, and while I really don't have the money, or the time (my other reading has fallen behind as I can't pull myself away from Corona), I'm going to do myself a favor and order "The Demon Apostle" as soon as I see it's available. Salvatore has come through and saved a rather lost literary soul... thanks!

This book was not as good as TDA, but it was still extremely good. The imagination, emotion, adventure- everything was really well-written!

Another great book by Salvatore. He never seems to miss. He has great detail, storytelling, and imagination. A definate must on any fantasy lovers list.

If you like bobs other books youl love this series.I blew through the three books in about a week and a half.The plot was so interesting i juest wanted to see where it led.

After reading Demon Awakens and half of the Demon Spirit I had high aspirations for the book. The entire saga with the Father Abbot was absolutely magnificent. I only wish the other half of the book was as well thought out. The entire episode with Elbryan leading the rogue band really detracted greatly from what I feel was the real story with the Ablican Church. In addition to this, the story doesn't resolve any of major issues brought up in the book in favor of putting them off until the sequel in the hope of selling more books. Sorry, but if I'm going to spend 25 dollars, I'd rather have the book be 200 pages longer and resolve these issues instead of putting them off. Only a half-hearted approval for this one.

Overall Demon Spirit was a disappointing novel. When I decided to read this book it was with the hope that it would be an improvement on Demon Awakens but in fact there is a precipitous drop in the quality of work. As usual Salvatore's battle descriptions are well described, but is anyone out there getting annoyed by the plot of these novels? Salvatore rehashes the Brother Justic conflict again in Demon Spirit-- unfortunately this conflict is not greatly anticipated by the reader and the actual battle is less inspiring than several minor conflicts Elbryan et al have while battling rogue goblins. After alluding to a political subplot in the battle between Elbryan et al and the wicked Father Abbot, Salvatore rather abruptly and disappointingly nips this subplot in the bud. I may be wrong, but there is a segment of Salavatore's readership which may be intersted in aspects of a fantasy novel that are not diretly related to combat. Development of the social and polical ! aspects of the world which Salvatore generates would make for a more interesting novel, than a world which is generated for his heroic characters to smash through.

Perhaps I expect to much from Salvatore, but the Dark elf series is far better written and it seems as though these other series essentially use "retread" character molds. Avelyn aka Cadderly, Elbryan/Dritzz/Luthien, Pony/Cattie Brie. Granted the books are a decent read but I'm always feeling as though something is missing. I feel as though Salvatore could be the caliber of a J.R.Tolkien, Robert Jordan or a more pleasing cross of the two if he merely spent more time developing the world about his characters. By providing a more detailed description of this fantasy realm and creating secondary characters with more depth I sure he could generate a truly remarkable series.

this book will keep you on the edge of your seat from cover to cover. if you haven't read the demon awakens don't start with this book! the story will be confusing, but if you've read demon awakens then jump right into this book! this is truly an awesome book!