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Demon Derby
She survived cancer, but can she fight demon derby girls? Set in the world of roller derby, the new novel from Carrie Harris, author of Bad Taste in Boys and Bad Hair Day, is perfect for Buffy the Vampire Slayer fans and for anyone facing their own demons, inside or out.
"A resolutely tough cancer survivor winds up battling more than just the opposing team when she goes out for roller derby and comes face to face with supernatural enemies in this fast-paced, often funny offering about demon hunters . . . a paranormal adventure with both style and heart (on wheels)."-- Kirkus Reviews
"It reads almost like a lost episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer at times, complete with character sass and kick-butt moves . . . a fun read with plenty of action and heart."-- VOYA
Casey kicked cancer’s ass. Now a demon wants to kick hers. . . .
Casey hates being known as the girl who survived cancer. She wants people to treat her like her old self, fearless and strong. And after a creepy encounter with a crazy guy in an alley, Casey is all about reclaiming her power.
So when she has a chance to try out for the Apocalypsies roller derby team, she jumps on it. Being a derby girl would prove that she doesn’t need anybody’s pity. It doesn’t hurt that Michael, the team manager, is almost unnaturally hot. Which makes sense when Casey finds out that he’s not human.
Michael’s got a he trains demon hunters. That crazy guy in the alley? Demon. And the fact that Casey went head to head with evil and lived makes her a threat to demonkind. Casey thought she’d already fought and won the battle of her lifetime. But it’s only beginning. . . .
“Part heartwarming, part tough-as-nails heroine, and part hilarity make Demon Derby all-around amazing.” —Elana Johnson, author of Possession, Surrender, and Abandon
“ Demon Derby may just be the most fun you can have without roller skates.” —Stacey Jay, author of Juliet Immortal and Romeo Redeemed
“With the strongest, snarkiest, kick-buttingest heroine I’ve ever met, Demon Derby is an original, fast-paced adventure ride that will make you laugh, cry, and beg for more.” —Gretchen McNeil, author of 3:59, Ten, and Possess
"A resolutely tough cancer survivor winds up battling more than just the opposing team when she goes out for roller derby and comes face to face with supernatural enemies in this fast-paced, often funny offering about demon hunters . . . a paranormal adventure with both style and heart (on wheels)."-- Kirkus Reviews
"It reads almost like a lost episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer at times, complete with character sass and kick-butt moves . . . a fun read with plenty of action and heart."-- VOYA
Casey kicked cancer’s ass. Now a demon wants to kick hers. . . .
Casey hates being known as the girl who survived cancer. She wants people to treat her like her old self, fearless and strong. And after a creepy encounter with a crazy guy in an alley, Casey is all about reclaiming her power.
So when she has a chance to try out for the Apocalypsies roller derby team, she jumps on it. Being a derby girl would prove that she doesn’t need anybody’s pity. It doesn’t hurt that Michael, the team manager, is almost unnaturally hot. Which makes sense when Casey finds out that he’s not human.
Michael’s got a he trains demon hunters. That crazy guy in the alley? Demon. And the fact that Casey went head to head with evil and lived makes her a threat to demonkind. Casey thought she’d already fought and won the battle of her lifetime. But it’s only beginning. . . .
“Part heartwarming, part tough-as-nails heroine, and part hilarity make Demon Derby all-around amazing.” —Elana Johnson, author of Possession, Surrender, and Abandon
“ Demon Derby may just be the most fun you can have without roller skates.” —Stacey Jay, author of Juliet Immortal and Romeo Redeemed
“With the strongest, snarkiest, kick-buttingest heroine I’ve ever met, Demon Derby is an original, fast-paced adventure ride that will make you laugh, cry, and beg for more.” —Gretchen McNeil, author of 3:59, Ten, and Possess
294 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
7 people are currently reading
593 people want to read
About the author
Carrie Harris
66 books346 followersCarrie Harris is a geek-of-all-trades and proud of it. Brains are her specialty; she used to work at a lab where they were delivered daily via FedEx. After that, it seemed only natural to write a zombie book. Now she lives in Utah with her ninja-doctor husband and three zombie-obsessed children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 16, 2014
I had some mixed feelings through the first quarter of this book. I was expecting a lot of a supernatural/urban fantasy world building, but Demon Derby tended to skim the surface on that. Instead, it's main focus is on Casey who was once a fearless stunt girl, but having survived cancer, has to redefine who she is. The focus of the book is first on her pain, fear, and anger, and the supernatural elements are in support of her new adventures. What I really loved is that Carrie Harris doesn't shy away from female anger. Usually we see anger in villains rather than heroines. But through Casey, we see the transformative power of anger as it is the force that helps her turn her fear of her new situation (and fear of demons) into a willingness to meet challenges head on. Casey's bout with cancer has left her feeling vulnerable because she can no longer define herself through her old physical definition. She is required to adjust, grow, and accept changes...hence her move from freerunning to roller derby. She is so different from other protagonists in this genre, and is able to accept the full range of her emotions without judging them as inappropriate or not "nice." There are some very fun/funny moments as when a boy tries to rescue Casey and instead of feeling like a princess, Casey feels annoyed.
December 15, 2017
Buffy the Vampire Slayer on skates. That’s a tagline that sums it up in one neat line. But it doesn’t do the subject justice. Casey is a cancer survivor who’s been struggling with bad health for a while. She isn’t letting it get her down, though.
The author is great at letting us know how Casey feels when others pity her or coddle her. She loves her family fiercely but is the first to think they’re sometimes too much to handle. She’s got a lot on her plate, what with homework, her best friends who think she’s getting a little too tense, her sister, a nasty roller derby rival and, oh yeah, the demons that have sprung up out of nowhere.
The novel is geared towards teens. Casey’s unique situation forces her to exhaustive efforts in order to get on the roller derby team AND deal with demons that are sucking out people’s souls and sticking them in bobblehead dolls. (Aha! I always suspected those things were evil!)
The story is fast paced, energetic, romantic and fierce…much like Casey herself. Truly, she would prefer not to have to deal with the demons. But she’s licked cancer and she draws on that powerful inner strength whenever they try to get the best of her.
The novel ends on a decided high note (much like a certain series about a kick-ass blonde slayer) with Casey learning that she doesn’t need to shoulder her burdens alone. It’s a great ending to a fun novel with a strong adolescent heroine. I found it engaging, moving and with much to admire. It seems like it may become a series and I would be eager to read a sequel.
The author is great at letting us know how Casey feels when others pity her or coddle her. She loves her family fiercely but is the first to think they’re sometimes too much to handle. She’s got a lot on her plate, what with homework, her best friends who think she’s getting a little too tense, her sister, a nasty roller derby rival and, oh yeah, the demons that have sprung up out of nowhere.
The novel is geared towards teens. Casey’s unique situation forces her to exhaustive efforts in order to get on the roller derby team AND deal with demons that are sucking out people’s souls and sticking them in bobblehead dolls. (Aha! I always suspected those things were evil!)
The story is fast paced, energetic, romantic and fierce…much like Casey herself. Truly, she would prefer not to have to deal with the demons. But she’s licked cancer and she draws on that powerful inner strength whenever they try to get the best of her.
The novel ends on a decided high note (much like a certain series about a kick-ass blonde slayer) with Casey learning that she doesn’t need to shoulder her burdens alone. It’s a great ending to a fun novel with a strong adolescent heroine. I found it engaging, moving and with much to admire. It seems like it may become a series and I would be eager to read a sequel.
October 15, 2019
I scoured my TBR backlist to fulfill the Book Riot 2019 Read Harder Challenge for “a book published prior to January 1, 2019, with fewer than 100 reviews on Goodreads.” I loved two other of Carrie Harris’s books: Bad Taste in Boys and Bad Hair Day. So, I picked this up (as of my writing it had 35 GR reviews) as I knew I was entering into a world of silly paranormal that would bring some laughs. But this one was too silly for me, and too absurd to even make me giggle.
I loved the roller derby angle! That part was fun and very interesting. I could have even done the demon hunting bit. But when the bobblehead bit was thrown down, I groaned out loud and went “Oh come on!” From then on, it felt like the story was not completely fleshed out. {Oh, as I write that, bad pun considering first book of hers I read was about zombies!} The ending felt tossed together and incomplete.
I appreciate all the cancer and conquering-the-disease symbolism. I love that she wrote this book because of her own husband’s fight with leukemia. But the overall ridiculousness was way too much of a stretch for me.
I loved the roller derby angle! That part was fun and very interesting. I could have even done the demon hunting bit. But when the bobblehead bit was thrown down, I groaned out loud and went “Oh come on!” From then on, it felt like the story was not completely fleshed out. {Oh, as I write that, bad pun considering first book of hers I read was about zombies!} The ending felt tossed together and incomplete.
I appreciate all the cancer and conquering-the-disease symbolism. I love that she wrote this book because of her own husband’s fight with leukemia. But the overall ridiculousness was way too much of a stretch for me.
November 30, 2017
I would have enjoyed this book more if it wasn't a paranormal. I thought I would love the paranormal elements, but I didn't end up caring about them. For me they just didn't seem to gel well. If it was only about a girl joining a derby team and falling for the team manager, I would have rated the book higher. As it was, I found myself skimming the paranormal elements a little.
February 20, 2018
This book was a freebie, and I knew it would be a quick read. There are so many YA supernatural themed books out now, and this one was average, at best. The story and characters were not particularly well-defined. Not a terrible read, but I’m not inclined to seek out another but okay this author.
September 4, 2019
I've read and enjoyed YA fiction, but the writing style in this book seemed targeted more to pre-teens. The characters were boring and it wasn't until after over 100 pages that the real plot started to emerge. Just, bleh. DNF.
December 13, 2018
This is an awesome book. I so love Casey she is so brave and smart. To know more about this book grab your copy today a so so so must read!!!!
August 31, 2023
So much fun! And so much grit, determination, life. Love the roller derby descriptions, great for a person like me that knows only what she saw on television 45 yrs ago.l
March 20, 2017
Very interesting. Had a lot of detail. A lot of action. Also had a little amount of comedy
July 24, 2014
Carrie Harris' third novel is an unusual hybrid: Buffy the Vampie Slayer mets Whip It meets any cancer YA novel you care to name. The fact that she successfully marries the three elements is no small feat, although she takes some liberties in doing so. This is a passably entertaining read, particularly if you have a thing for one of those three distinctive elements, but it suffers from unconvincing conveniences, and some major cut corners.
This novel could have easily followed one track. Teenage Casey the former daredevil free-runner has just come off a year of cancer kicking her butt. Now it's in remission and she desperately wants to reclaim her life. That's a solid foundation, and roller derby becoming the bassass world in which she proves herself would provide a fine plot structure, although more easily overshadowed by Shana Cross' Derby Girll (later retitled Whip It after it was made into a movie). The sudden introduction of the demon threat, and Casey's standard anointment as a demon hunter is convincing enough, albeit abrupt, but as the story moves forward, the impausible mounts.
Some gravity defying moves on the roller derby track—that would have freaked any real person out—are brushed off as "Cool! Can you teach me that?!" The inevitable mentor-figure, after being dramatically revealed, then takes 60 plus pages—days and scenes—to elaborate at any length as to why Casey is the target of demon fury. After which they decide, "Oh, maybe we'll start training a week from now." The Sentinel—said mentor-figure—is almost always absent, and for absolutely no reason (especially for a creature that can sense Casey's whereabouts and whether she is in danger or not) when Casey is actually under attack. There's an egregious flaw in the storyline toward the very end, where a pivotal character discusses witnessing something that she was not actually present for.
An additional flaw in such a pivotal character: The sentinel is supposedly a creature of great cosmic power, but when inhabiting a teenage body, apparently is incapable of acting as anything other than a teenager half of the time. This is a shortcoming found in much YA paranormal fiction, so perhaps readers are inured to it. Or perhaps readers prefer the pantomime of a teenage romance over characters with internal logic.
As for the derby, the author has done her research, but, as she admits in her brief bio, she's no derby girl. The juniors team Casey joins don't seem like teenagers at all, Casey being the exception. League mechanics, tryout/rostering decisions, two-year old rules such as the two-whistle start will tip off derby insiders to the flaws in Harris' world building. Her derby-skating sister and the manager of her team meet for the first time, and they don't talk about derby? Unbelievable. Most of the derby flaws are fairly light, and won't trip up the reader in the way that the cut corners with the plot do.
I can't speak to the cancer-related elements, but given that Casey essentially has supernatural powers, I suppose her remarkable physical abilities after such a dire bout of cancer are believable enough.
I wanted to like this so much more than I did. I would give it a 2.5 but am inclined to round up for personal reasons. Overall, an amateur effort that suffers from lack of believability. If you've got a high-tolerance for plastic storytelling, where an author cuts corners at will, and internal logic be damned; and if one or more of the three main themes strikes your fancy (ideally at least two of the three); and you are a voracious reader, you might give this a go. Otherwise, I hate to say it, you're not missing much.
This novel could have easily followed one track. Teenage Casey the former daredevil free-runner has just come off a year of cancer kicking her butt. Now it's in remission and she desperately wants to reclaim her life. That's a solid foundation, and roller derby becoming the bassass world in which she proves herself would provide a fine plot structure, although more easily overshadowed by Shana Cross' Derby Girll (later retitled Whip It after it was made into a movie). The sudden introduction of the demon threat, and Casey's standard anointment as a demon hunter is convincing enough, albeit abrupt, but as the story moves forward, the impausible mounts.
Some gravity defying moves on the roller derby track—that would have freaked any real person out—are brushed off as "Cool! Can you teach me that?!" The inevitable mentor-figure, after being dramatically revealed, then takes 60 plus pages—days and scenes—to elaborate at any length as to why Casey is the target of demon fury. After which they decide, "Oh, maybe we'll start training a week from now." The Sentinel—said mentor-figure—is almost always absent, and for absolutely no reason (especially for a creature that can sense Casey's whereabouts and whether she is in danger or not) when Casey is actually under attack. There's an egregious flaw in the storyline toward the very end, where a pivotal character discusses witnessing something that she was not actually present for.
An additional flaw in such a pivotal character: The sentinel is supposedly a creature of great cosmic power, but when inhabiting a teenage body, apparently is incapable of acting as anything other than a teenager half of the time. This is a shortcoming found in much YA paranormal fiction, so perhaps readers are inured to it. Or perhaps readers prefer the pantomime of a teenage romance over characters with internal logic.
As for the derby, the author has done her research, but, as she admits in her brief bio, she's no derby girl. The juniors team Casey joins don't seem like teenagers at all, Casey being the exception. League mechanics, tryout/rostering decisions, two-year old rules such as the two-whistle start will tip off derby insiders to the flaws in Harris' world building. Her derby-skating sister and the manager of her team meet for the first time, and they don't talk about derby? Unbelievable. Most of the derby flaws are fairly light, and won't trip up the reader in the way that the cut corners with the plot do.
I can't speak to the cancer-related elements, but given that Casey essentially has supernatural powers, I suppose her remarkable physical abilities after such a dire bout of cancer are believable enough.
I wanted to like this so much more than I did. I would give it a 2.5 but am inclined to round up for personal reasons. Overall, an amateur effort that suffers from lack of believability. If you've got a high-tolerance for plastic storytelling, where an author cuts corners at will, and internal logic be damned; and if one or more of the three main themes strikes your fancy (ideally at least two of the three); and you are a voracious reader, you might give this a go. Otherwise, I hate to say it, you're not missing much.
Read
August 30, 2014Casey has always liked to kick ass. Her hobbies are skateboarding, freerunning, and martial arts. She has devoted her life to taking risks and making her mark. Unfortunately, instead of becoming renown for her accomplishments in one of her chosen sports, she has become known as the girl who survived cancer.
Having won her battle with leukemia, Casey is ready to resume normal life and reconnecting with her dare devil friends. Not being at her peak physically is causing some tension as she attempts to rejoin the gang. When a few of her stunts fall short of the mark, everyone rushes to her rescue, cautions that maybe she isn't ready, and some even question if she should be participating at all.
Upon her return to the dojo, Casey connects with Darcy. Never really close before, Darcy's excitement about Casey's return is encouraging. As they chat, Darcy mentions the upcoming tryouts for a local roller derby team. She begs Casey to join her in trying to nab the two openings on the team. Darcy sees it as her chance to get back her edge and becomes excited about the prospect of reinventing her rough and tumble life.
As tryouts get underway, Casey is not surprised by how difficult it is physically, but she is concerned about the negative attitude several of the team members have toward her efforts to make the team. Maybe it has something to do with the incredibly attractive coach named Michael and his obvious interest in her. She wants to become a part of the group for the thrill of skating, but a powerful attraction to Michael also has her inspired to make the team. Michael becomes even more attentive after Casey has an unusual encounter with a strange man outside the practice facility. It is evident that some power beyond Casey's comprehension is at work pulling the two of them together.
Author Carrie Harris's snarky, sarcastic tone is perfect for this fast-paced paranormal adventure. Although the paranormal nature of the piece has Casey battling demons, she is also fighting the very real fears of overprotective friends and family, as well as her own fears that she didn't deserve to beat a disease that usually claims the lives of so many. The experience of reading DEMON DERBY has me eager to check out Carrie Harris's other books soon.
Having won her battle with leukemia, Casey is ready to resume normal life and reconnecting with her dare devil friends. Not being at her peak physically is causing some tension as she attempts to rejoin the gang. When a few of her stunts fall short of the mark, everyone rushes to her rescue, cautions that maybe she isn't ready, and some even question if she should be participating at all.
Upon her return to the dojo, Casey connects with Darcy. Never really close before, Darcy's excitement about Casey's return is encouraging. As they chat, Darcy mentions the upcoming tryouts for a local roller derby team. She begs Casey to join her in trying to nab the two openings on the team. Darcy sees it as her chance to get back her edge and becomes excited about the prospect of reinventing her rough and tumble life.
As tryouts get underway, Casey is not surprised by how difficult it is physically, but she is concerned about the negative attitude several of the team members have toward her efforts to make the team. Maybe it has something to do with the incredibly attractive coach named Michael and his obvious interest in her. She wants to become a part of the group for the thrill of skating, but a powerful attraction to Michael also has her inspired to make the team. Michael becomes even more attentive after Casey has an unusual encounter with a strange man outside the practice facility. It is evident that some power beyond Casey's comprehension is at work pulling the two of them together.
Author Carrie Harris's snarky, sarcastic tone is perfect for this fast-paced paranormal adventure. Although the paranormal nature of the piece has Casey battling demons, she is also fighting the very real fears of overprotective friends and family, as well as her own fears that she didn't deserve to beat a disease that usually claims the lives of so many. The experience of reading DEMON DERBY has me eager to check out Carrie Harris's other books soon.
August 10, 2014
How do you get back to normal after surviving cancer? That's the dilemma Casey's facing. Her stamina is low and she's out of the loop because of her cancer treatment. When she gets a chance to audition for a roller derby team, something her older sister used to do and was quite good at, she jumps at the chance. It doesn't hurt that Michael, manager of the team is ultra-good looking. If only it were that easy to get back in the swing of things. The leader of the rollergirl pack, Ruthanasia, is dead set against Casey making the team, but she guts it out and gets an alternate spot, but did she merit it, or did Michael decide to add her for other, more mysterious reasons?
During her hospital stay, Casey almost died, but her determination to live fought off death and in the process, she was changed in ways that frighten her at first, but then make her really excited about the task she's handed. A couple weeks before her derby audition, she was attacked by a demon at a party she was attending where her sister goes to college. She was burned by the creature's tears and had a very interesting time explaining what happened to the police. When Michael takes an interest in her, she discovers that he's not human, but is an angel-like being. The parts of the book where he's still getting used to his human body are pretty humorous. As Casey learns more about the demons, how they're intent upon destroying mankind and the awful things happening to human souls when the demons collect them,(imagine really scary bobbleheads), the story gets intriguing and fast paced. The blend of romance, paranormal and action will certainly appeal to teen readers. My only quibble with the book and it's certainly not a deal breaker, is with the editing. At one point Casey throws a water soaked cushion on the ground, but she's in her living room. It's also a bit difficult to imagine even the most air-headed parents not noticing a burned painting on the living room wall or asking their daughter what happened. Overall. it's a fast, action-filled and quite enjoyable book.
During her hospital stay, Casey almost died, but her determination to live fought off death and in the process, she was changed in ways that frighten her at first, but then make her really excited about the task she's handed. A couple weeks before her derby audition, she was attacked by a demon at a party she was attending where her sister goes to college. She was burned by the creature's tears and had a very interesting time explaining what happened to the police. When Michael takes an interest in her, she discovers that he's not human, but is an angel-like being. The parts of the book where he's still getting used to his human body are pretty humorous. As Casey learns more about the demons, how they're intent upon destroying mankind and the awful things happening to human souls when the demons collect them,(imagine really scary bobbleheads), the story gets intriguing and fast paced. The blend of romance, paranormal and action will certainly appeal to teen readers. My only quibble with the book and it's certainly not a deal breaker, is with the editing. At one point Casey throws a water soaked cushion on the ground, but she's in her living room. It's also a bit difficult to imagine even the most air-headed parents not noticing a burned painting on the living room wall or asking their daughter what happened. Overall. it's a fast, action-filled and quite enjoyable book.
February 11, 2015
Casey Kent is a teenage cancer survivor and hates being seen by her friends and family as fragile. So when she tries out for the local roller derby team, many are hesitant to allow her to do so -- especially the team captain, who seems to want to do nothing but make her life miserable. But Casey soon finds out that cancer was a walk in the park compared to the new demons she must fight: well, that's because they're actual demons.
Carrie Harris's novels are perfect to give to readers like me who don't particularly like paranormal stories that involve zombies, werewolves, demons, and the like because there is always an element of comedy in her writing. Laughter and smart-assery are Carrie's M.O. in her writing and in her life -- and no doubt Carrie will read that statement as a badge of honor, as she should.
In Demon Derby, the comedy is toned down more so than it was in her first two books, Bad Taste in Boys and Bad Hair Day, but it's still there. However, what Harris adds to this narrative is a greater purpose than her previous books. You see, this book is dedicated to her husband Andy who is a cancer survivor -- and having heard Andy's harrowing story from Carrie herself, I see where those personal moments are inserted into the narrative. Despite the fact that Harris's writing never takes itself too seriously, there is definitely an underlying gravitas happening beneath the surface. The fact that the paranormal beings Harris's protagonist must fight are demons rather than zombies, werewolves, vampires or any other paranormal being, is clearly symbolically intentional: because cancer is a demon that survivors must fight in myriad ways.
Don't miss the acknowledgements as well as the Q & A with Carrie at the end of the book to learn more about the inspiration for this story. It will make you read it in a whole different light.
Review originally posted on my blog, A Foodie Bibliophile in Wanderlust.
Carrie Harris's novels are perfect to give to readers like me who don't particularly like paranormal stories that involve zombies, werewolves, demons, and the like because there is always an element of comedy in her writing. Laughter and smart-assery are Carrie's M.O. in her writing and in her life -- and no doubt Carrie will read that statement as a badge of honor, as she should.
In Demon Derby, the comedy is toned down more so than it was in her first two books, Bad Taste in Boys and Bad Hair Day, but it's still there. However, what Harris adds to this narrative is a greater purpose than her previous books. You see, this book is dedicated to her husband Andy who is a cancer survivor -- and having heard Andy's harrowing story from Carrie herself, I see where those personal moments are inserted into the narrative. Despite the fact that Harris's writing never takes itself too seriously, there is definitely an underlying gravitas happening beneath the surface. The fact that the paranormal beings Harris's protagonist must fight are demons rather than zombies, werewolves, vampires or any other paranormal being, is clearly symbolically intentional: because cancer is a demon that survivors must fight in myriad ways.
Don't miss the acknowledgements as well as the Q & A with Carrie at the end of the book to learn more about the inspiration for this story. It will make you read it in a whole different light.
Review originally posted on my blog, A Foodie Bibliophile in Wanderlust.
December 9, 2014
Demon Derby felt a little personal. I did not have leukemia as a teen; I had to have a lung lobe removed when I was 45. I was in good shape physically, was training and competing with my dogs in Schutzhund, got influenza, had a chest x-ray, and my life fell apart. I had pulmonary neuroendocrine carcinoma, 1 of 1600 people diagnosed in 2006. The surgery caused permanent damage, people looked at me differently, and I had to fight to get my life back. I did not have chemo (there is no chemotherapy for this tumor), but I had a severe reaction to the drug used to help with the nerve and muscle damage. Eight years later, I still have to remind myself that I can do whatever I want. Some of my friends are still uncomfortable around me. The fear of the cancer returning is still a whisper in the back of my mind.
Casey is real and believable. She is angry, lonely, frustrated, and sick of being sick. She is certain the cancer will come back and scared to death. She is terrified that her body will betray her again. Derby is a distraction; the derby girls do not know her, and she thinks she can make a clean start. Then the demons show up. Casey has a lot of demons to fight, and her own demons may be just as evil and difficult to defeat as the bad guys.
Casey is real and believable. She is angry, lonely, frustrated, and sick of being sick. She is certain the cancer will come back and scared to death. She is terrified that her body will betray her again. Derby is a distraction; the derby girls do not know her, and she thinks she can make a clean start. Then the demons show up. Casey has a lot of demons to fight, and her own demons may be just as evil and difficult to defeat as the bad guys.
August 19, 2014
A mash-up with some fun parts, but suffering from trying to be too many things at once: a cancer survivor's story of after-cancer, a demon-slaying monster fight, a grrl power romp, and a derby girl action story. The best parts are where the main character, Casey, talks about her anger and frustration with being less physical than she once was, and with people hovering over her and being protective (although the over-protectiveness is very inconsistent throughout the story). It's got some funny parts, but there is no romantic build up for why she's attracted to Michael, her trainer and derby coach who's also part celestial being, and he is very one dimensional and frankly not that interesting...plus he's described as looking almost plastic, so I kept picturing a Ken doll, which wasn't particularly appealing.
A recommendation maybe for someone wanting a sports story with a female heroine, but although there are quite a few derby references, the story isn't about "winning the big game" or even really about the team coming together.
But I bet there might be a sequel.
A recommendation maybe for someone wanting a sports story with a female heroine, but although there are quite a few derby references, the story isn't about "winning the big game" or even really about the team coming together.
But I bet there might be a sequel.
July 16, 2014
As a recovering cancer patient, Casey misses the strong, daredevil girl she used to be -- a freerunner and martial artist. Now physically weaker, she is all too aware of her own mortality. When she hears about tryouts to become a roller derby girl, Casey jumps at the chance to recapture her fearlessness. She meets the gorgeous roller derby team manager, Michael, who turns out to be a Sentinel come to earth to train people how to destroy demons. Casey becomes his first demon-hunter and happily, his first girlfriend. Although it’s an unlikely mix of realistic cancer recovery sequences, flippant teen conversations, roller derby, and vicious demon attacks, the story works. The author’s handling of Casey’s recovery seemed particularly adept. In a Q and A section at the end, it is revealed that the author’s husband is a cancer survivor himself, and he served as inspiration, in part, for Casey’s character.
July 13, 2014
Wants to be Buffy. Isn't. But comes closer than most! I appreciate a lot of things about Casey -- that she's a skater girl, that she loves parkour, that she is willing to play hard and get beat up and deals with her anger in a variety of interesting ways. I also really like that she's a cancer survivor who is fighting not to be defined by that, and that when people call her on bad behavior she deals with it.
This book is absolutely a love affair with Derby and the tough girls who play it, so if that's what you love, read it. I did not find it as funny as other reviewers have, and I could have skipped the love story, but it was much better than the premise would lead you to believe. It's no Hold Me Closer, Necromancer, but it's ok.
Advanced copy provided by Edelweiss.
This book is absolutely a love affair with Derby and the tough girls who play it, so if that's what you love, read it. I did not find it as funny as other reviewers have, and I could have skipped the love story, but it was much better than the premise would lead you to believe. It's no Hold Me Closer, Necromancer, but it's ok.
Advanced copy provided by Edelweiss.
October 13, 2014
Casey beat cancer and is ready to gain back her strength and freedom. Joining the Apocalypsies roller derby team would be a great way to build up her endurance and self-confidence. Little does Casey know that the super hot team manager is a sentinel and that her battle with cancer has turned her into demon prey. Is Casey strong enough and brave enough to become a demon hunter? Filled with humor, this book would be a fun addition to a library's teen collection. Casey's spirit and zest for life make her a likable character. The story provides an interesting mix of humor and horror (i.e. Buffy the Vampire Slayer). The story line does get a bit ridiculous and flows towards a predictable ending.
July 25, 2016
Casey is a survivor of leukemia. She's feeling so in spirit and body. She tries to go freerunning with her friends but don't have the stamina and hurt herself.
She is attacked in an alley one night and defeats the bad guy when he saw her necklace. She didn't know he was a demon.
Her friend Darcy invites her to the roller derby tryouts where she meets Michael. He reminded her of the guy who attacked her. Michael explained to her about demons and her being a hunter.
This book was so action packed. Casey could be a bit slow on the uptake and not confident at times but she was willing to handle her business.
I hope there will be a book 2 because this book was so awesome it needs to continue.
She is attacked in an alley one night and defeats the bad guy when he saw her necklace. She didn't know he was a demon.
Her friend Darcy invites her to the roller derby tryouts where she meets Michael. He reminded her of the guy who attacked her. Michael explained to her about demons and her being a hunter.
This book was so action packed. Casey could be a bit slow on the uptake and not confident at times but she was willing to handle her business.
I hope there will be a book 2 because this book was so awesome it needs to continue.
May 16, 2015
I honestly can't think of any other book that combines roller derbies, cancer survivors, demon destroyers, and...bobbleheads. But there you have it. If you're tired of the story about the poor teen who dies tragically of cancer, but not until falling in love with someone who is totally perfect for them, and then leaving you sobbing through a box of tissues, maybe this is more the cancer book for you. The author's husband is a survivor, and they have noticed there aren't too many books about kids who survive. Sure, it was about demons and bobbleheads—but mostly it was about being able to get on with your life.
May 3, 2016
Ok, so I enjoyed this book. There's just a few problems. 1. The timeline of events is EXTREMELY short. Normally that doesn't bother me, but I felt like there was very little happening because the timeline was so accelerated. Everything just happened so quickly, I barely had time to get attached to the story or the characters. 2. Because of the accelerated timeline, the insta-love was super strong with this one. Again, this doesn't always bother me, but it did here. I just, they barely knew each other and started fucking kissing! Ugh.
October 31, 2014
great fun. i may have to check out more on the derby. didn't know they did so much for charity. also great to see a SURVIVOR cancer story. casey's progression is inspiring, seeing her find herself after such a difficult time of life. not only does she reinvent herself, but finds a way to blend her new self with her past pre-cancer existence. very inspiring for young cancer patients. fun characters and a hot sentinel.
November 14, 2014
Demon Derby is an amazing book full of action and excitement. I really like how this book shows that you have to be strong even if you’ve gone through bad things. Its a really good lesson. I wish it was part of a series but sadly its not. She did write some other books which I hope are as amazing as this book. I would definitely recommend other to read this book. Its a thriller so if you enjoy thrillers you might want to read this.
December 8, 2016
Casey was a fearless athlete- then she was diagnosed with leukemia. After almost dying , she is now in remission. She has to figure out how to live - with the knowledge of death not being far away.
The fact that his involves roller derby, demon hunting , and bobble heads is just a bonus.
Casey feels real, her reactions are true to being a teenager and to those that unexpectedly survived a serious illness
and the book is funny
The fact that his involves roller derby, demon hunting , and bobble heads is just a bonus.
Casey feels real, her reactions are true to being a teenager and to those that unexpectedly survived a serious illness
and the book is funny
November 8, 2020
Quick fun read about cancer survivor Casey who is determined to prove she hasn't lost her nerve, she tries out for roller derby and becomes involved in demon slaying. The plot is a little sloppy in the execution but it is an enjoyable read if you don't expect too much in the way of depth or polish. I also liked how close Casey was to her sister Rachel.
September 9, 2014
Well..you know, just your average cancer-survivor, demon-hunting junior derby girl story..I can't figure out if I can only give it two stars because demon-hunting books are puh-retty low down on my list of preferred stories, or if the off-kilter derby language (including the old rules set, GASP) killed it...or if this is just a twist on riding on TFIOS coat-tails. Overall, one big MEH.
August 4, 2014
Typical YA read, good plot but somewhat predictable.
July 31, 2014
Amazing book with a great story. I couldn't put it down!
August 8, 2014
Her best book so far
August 12, 2014
3.5. this was a quick fun read. as usual it was full of humor and a strong, witty heroine.
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