17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Terrific, Hands Down, May 1, 2009
A demon out of the toilet. A stone of cataclysmic powers and entirely too much power. A bond between three that goes beyond personal.
Nothing out of the usual, nothing at all. The Trouble with Demons, true to the wonderful books Magic Lost, Trouble Found and Armed and Magical is nonstop spitfire action for every page. The story keeps you turning the pages like there's no tomorrow. Unlike some faster-paced books, the people are completely developed. You still feel close to all of the "good guys" and care about them. And the bad guys are fun to read about.
Newcomers to the series won't be completely lost. There is just enough information in the book that they'll understand everything, but they'll probably miss a couple more subtle things, and won't know as much about all the people. I recommend reading the first two books first.
To everyone who has read the first two books: you won't be disappointed. If anything, the plot and relationships grow even more intricate. Raine will be having her adventures for a while, considering all the trouble she gets into. No matter who your favorite character is, you'll get to see a bunch of them. Phealan only grows more amusing, Talon grows more like his father every day, Piaras grows more noble, and Tam and Mychael, whoever you like best, grow more... interesting. New characters are introduced and I promise, you'll love them too. Especially the demonology professor. Raine takes to her from the start - her robes have slits in them for running (finally a practical person) and carries her own mug for ale, just in case.
With a Hellgate opened and demon pouring out over Mid, it's all Raine and her friends can do to attempt to protect everyone. But the people who opened it lose control, and soon it's not just about stopping the ones who opened it - it's about stopping the Demon Queen from making it (literally) Hell on Earth. As if there weren't enough problems, Raine, Mychael, and Tam are bonded... Not by choice. By magic and the Saghred. While the bond might not be horrible under different circumstances, it's the last thing any of them need. It's against the law, and it's hard for Tam to resist the Saghred's dark magic, as much as he tries. (and all those things aren't even the start of it)
It will be a long wait for Bewitched and Betrayed (Lisa Shearin promises tissues will not be needed, don't worry). Anything, a year, a month, a week would be a long wait. It will probably be out about this time next year, and I can assure you: you'll be on the edge of your seat waiting for it.
Hands down to Lisa Shearin. She is a talented writer, and deserves every round of applause she gets. And she is devoted to her fans. She responds to every blog comment and email. Her site is lisashearin.com
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Somewhat disappointing, May 28, 2009
I really enjoyed the first two books in the Raine Benares series. Enough so that I pre-ordered this 3rd volume. While the characters are still engaging and the plot moves along at a fast pace, I have to knock stars off because nothing gets accomplished. At the end of this book I felt that Raine's storyline just had not moved forward enough to be satisfying. (Spoiler: I don't think I want to read another novel of Raine fighting the same villains as the set up for book 4 indicates. Seriously, the author seems to have talent - why so much recycling?)
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Fun but Full of Trite Phrases., June 16, 2009
Raine Benares and her goblin and elf beaux are all strong mages who work in concert to defeat the demons in this fun adventure. Her possible romance with either or both of them add a little thrill. She is an independent and resourceful heroine with a feisty temperament. However, Lisa Shearin uses too many trite phrases too often heard in the average detective novel or action movie. "Signed and sealed." "...over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes." "I am quite capable of doing it myself." "throw it back in your face." "kill or be killed." Almost every page offers another example, so that it detracts from the pleasure of reading the adventure. I'm not sure I want to know what happens in the next book enough to buy it and slog through the stale language.
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