Harper Madison isn’t like other girls. She has extraordinary powers, but her inability to control them has gotten her kicked from so many foster homes she’s lost count. Shadowford Home is her last chance, and she hopes Peachville High will be the fresh start she needs. But when evidence ties her to the gruesome murder of a Demons cheerleader, Harper discovers this small town has a big secret.
Goodreads Link: Beautiful Demons (Shadow Demons Saga #1)
Author: Sarra Cannon
Genre: YA Urban Fantasy
Rating: 5/5 stars
| This is Sarra Cannon’s debut book which is hard to imagine because it’s very well-written. I read this first book in a day and I’m already moving on to the second, so I know I’m hooked on this series. When you find a book this good, grab it! The pacing is excellent. Each chapter leads naturally into the next one with just enough ebb and flow in the pacing to keep me turning pages. There are hints of bigger things going on and the main character learns just enough to keep it from being frustrating, but it will obviously take time to unravel the full mystery. There were twists that I didn’t see coming. At first, I was worried about witches and demons being portrayed stereotypically in a small southern town, but this isn’t some preachy book about the dangers of messing with the paranormal/occult world. People have magical powers but it’s their choice how to use them (for good or evil). There is a lot more going on and the main character, Harper, will have to figure out where her allegiances are, how she wants to use her magic, and how she lives her life in general. The tone is also good, with dialog that sounds like natural teens (and adults). The first person voice is very easy to read and relate to from the first page. Harper is a sympathetic character even when she makes mistakes. I recommend this to fans of modern witches like True Blood, Charmed, and The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. |
