Personal Demon
Book #8 of the Women of the Otherworld Series
by Kelley Armstrong
Publisher: Spectra (March 2008)
Genre Urban Fantasy
Format: Paperback (371 pages)
Source: Personal Bookshelf
Purchase: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Book Depository
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3 stars)
Tabloid reporter Hope Adams appears to live the life of an ordinary working girl. But in addition to possessing the beauty of a Bolly-wood princess, Hope has other unique traits. For she is a half demon- a human fathered by a demon. And she’s inherited not only a gift for seeing the past but a hunter for chaos- along with a talent for finding it wherever she can. Naturally, when she’s chosen by a very dangerous group for a very dangerous mission, she jumps at the chance…
The head of the powerful Cortez Cabal- a family that makes the mob look like amateurs- has a little problem in Miami: a gang of wealthy, bored offspring of supernaturals is getting out of hand, and Hope is needed to infiltrated. As spells, astral projections, and pheromones soar across South Beach, Hope weaves her way through its elite hot spots, posing as upscale eye candy and reading the auras of the clientele- and potential marks. Add on Goodreads
At a Glance
Personal Demon was good but not great. I am not a huge fan of Hope so it was hard to care about her story. But there were some redeemable qualities that made this book enjoyable.
The Good
I really was excited when I first started reading this book. With Hope infiltrating a gang, how could that not be an awesome plot? And I wasn’t disappointed for most of the book on that regard. The plot was action packed and suspenseful. I really loved reading about Hope working jobs for the gang and her banter with Karl was just all kinds of fun.
Though Hope isn’t my fav character of the series, I was excited every time she and Karl got together to fight, make out, or just irritate the hell out of each other. I liked their relationship and how it built up. How Karl finally realized how important Hope is to him. It was all very sweet.
I also liked how Armstrong handled Karl. We know him to be selfish, distant, and untrustworthy. But he always had this aura of cool around him. He still had all that but Armstong just made him a little more likable by showing his sensitive side. Hope is good for him, she makes him a better person.
The mystery was spot on. Personal Demon actually had a more mystery feel than an urban fantasy feel. I liked that change up. It kept me on my toes.
The Bad
I was hoping this book would make me like Hope more but nope. I fell in love with Karl more than anyone. I think Amrstong could have done a lot more with Hope.
Armstrong wrote half the book in Lucas’s POV. I did not like that at all. Those were the most boring parts for me. I think Armstrong really can’t pull off a male POV in general.
The second half the book focuses a lot on the Cabal family story and I lost interest. I no longer find that plot line entertaining.
The Snuggly
There was a little snuggly but nothing big. No real sex scenes.
Overall
This is an average read for me. It filled the time and I mostly enjoyed it but I wouldn’t reread it. There are a lot better books in the series, but for anyone who follows the series, this is a must read. Recommended.
“Remember when we met? Before you left, you said you were going to make a fool of yourself over me. That’s still what you’re worried about. That you’ll find yourself doing things you never dreamed of doing, things you laughed at in others, and you’ll make a fool of yourself.”
Women of the Otherworld Series:
Book #1: Bitten
Book #2: Stolen
Book #3: Dime Store Magic
Book #4: Industrial Magic
Book #5: Haunted
Book #6: Broken
Book #7: No Humans Involved
Book #8: Personal Demon
Book #9: Living with the Dead
Book #10: Frostbitten
Book #11: Waking the Witch
Book #12: Spell Bound
Book #13: Thirteen
Sarah Elizabeth
Wow. On to book 8 already! I don’t think I’ve read this one before but I gave up reading these a couple of months ago because I just found them dull. Sounds like I’m not missing much at the moment! 🙂
Jennifer Bielman
Nope, not missing much. I only did this thing because I have read most of the books already. Most of them are just average. I read them before I knew what amazing urban fantasy really was. I liked it but I could have not read it and been fine with that.
meradeth
I haven’t picked up any of Armstrong’s adult books yet–the first few look like lots of fun, but we’ll see if they make to the top of my tbr!
Jennifer Bielman
The first couple books are great, but the series does drag a bit. I would read this as a last resort, but they wouldn’t be my first pick.
Sarah (saz101)
Wait… so… let me get this straight. The love interest is Karl, but half the book is written from the POV of a third, completely separate character? :S
WEIRD.
I’m sorry this wasn’t the strongest in the series… but I’m so INTRIGUED by the series, and how they all tie together! Awesome review as always.
Seriously.
And I’m still convinced your hair is your superpower.
Jennifer Bielman
I know. Armstrng brings back old characters in new books and sometimes gives them their own POV. I didn’t like it.
I think you might like this series but it wont blow you away.
And hell yeah my hair has superpower. Just yesterday it saved a family from a house fire and it did the dishes.