Review: Where Demons Fear to Tread

Reviewed by Jen
 

Julian is one of the top dogs in the demon hierarchy.  In just 200 years, he has climbed the ranks to Archdemon.  He seduces the innocent; he revels in debauchery.  Or at least, he always has. 

Serena is guardian angel. She follows her charge Nick into Julian's club one night, having no idea she is stepping into a demon's realm.  Her beauty and innocence captivate Julian and he decides he must have her.  Serena feels the attraction too, but she is determined to stay true to her righteous path.  

When Julian manipulates Serena into spending a week with him in Sin City, he is sure he'll break down her resolve.  But instead, she begins breaking down the walls he has spent centuries building around his tattered soul.  Can a demon know love?  And what could it mean for his chances of redemption?

I'll bet you know the answers to those questions without even reading the story.  And that leads me to one of my two complaints about the book. It's a bit predictable.  With the notable exception of Nick's path, you can pretty much figure out what's going to happen from chapter one.  That's not to say I didn't enjoy the ride. I did. Julian is sexy and angsty in all the right places. He makes for a great reluctant hero and reforming bad boy. There is good sexual tension and the love scenes are steamy.

Lucianna makes for a good villain in that she is completely off the chain crazy and that makes her very dangerous.  I believe she would happily cut anyone's throat in the blink of an eye.  Then bathe in their blood.  

I can't say I was as crazy about Serena as I was Julian.  (Here comes that second complaint.)  She was oh-so-good and so very innocent.  But one kiss from Julian and she wants to jump his bones.  Obviously, she shows restraint. But would such a beacon of virtue have to fight her carnal impulses so hard?  Plus, at times, she is almost too good for me to relate to.

That being said, I still really wanted things to work out for them.  And I liked watching it all unfold. I'm interested to see where the series will go next.  Almost 4 stars.

*ARC Provided by Mira via NetGalley

Click to purchase: Amazon

Where Demons Fear to Tread

by Stephanie Chong

Release Date: August 23, 2011 

Publisher: Mira