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The Books of Pandemonium #2
Devil's Blood
Time works differently for devils . . .
In the place that we call Hell, the Lord of Swarms is plotting his conquest. In the shambles of London’s Smithfield, Jack the Darksman sets off to steal a devil. And in a different London altogether, a wicked secret is about to be revealed. The stage is set for an adventure that will span centuries.
Devils are rising once more . . .
In the place that we call Hell, the Lord of Swarms is plotting his conquest. In the shambles of London’s Smithfield, Jack the Darksman sets off to steal a devil. And in a different London altogether, a wicked secret is about to be revealed. The stage is set for an adventure that will span centuries.
Devils are rising once more . . .
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2016
2 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 26, 2019
After having read Black Arts (which I enjoyed a lot) quite a while ago, one thing was clear to me: I needed to get to know more about the characters and their world. When I found out that there was a sequel to it, my expectations were high - and now, after having finished Devil's Blood, I can definitely say that I am not disappointed. On the contrary, I absolutely loved this book.
At first, I must admit, I was a little worried because although I love time travelling in stories, I feared that, due to the new setting, it might not feel the same as the first book. However, I was proven wrong very soon.
From the very beginning I realised how dear the characters had grown dear to me. I was happy to see that Jack, Beth, Kit and the Imp were still all together and I highly anticipated the journey they were about to embark on. What happens next, I don't want to spoil for future readers, but I can assure you that it is more than worth reading.
What I love about the series is that I cannot really say who my favourite character is. Jack is a highly sympathetic protagonist who, despite his unusual powers, never seems like a stereotypical 'chosen one'. He has a well-balanced set of strengths and flaws and I think one can easily relate to him. I especially liked how empathetic he was towards Ada, despite not knowing her for long, and how jealous he got over Beth. In my opinion, he is the perfect blend of a literary character - neither too powerful and flawless, nor too helpless and dependent on others.
Beth is absolutely admireable. I love how you never quite know what she's up to and that she's always determined to get what she wants. I also think that her ability to play various roles with ease is a very interesting character trait. And yet, she is also just a normal, flawed human being. I somehow consider her my favourite character, but as I said, it is hard to actually define just one.
Kit somehow seemed to me like a dork in this book - an amiable dork, nevertheless. He's exactly the kind of character that usually becomes my favourite. I like his bold and boastful attitude and sometimes he's luckier than he deserves. Some of his phrases really made me chuckle in the midst of a suspenseful moment and yet they never felt out of place. A really refreshing character.
The same counts for the Imp. It's more than just a comic relief character, as one might easily judge. I think it is an important part of the story and I love how it is seen as a friend rather than a servant or tool. I also absolutely love the way he talks.
Those four make up the perfect group of main characters and I would love to read more about them. The other characters are also worth talking about, but I do not want to spoil anything. However, none of them ever felt like a flat stock character.
Aside from the characters, I think that the authors created an intriguing world that really draws you in while reading. Devil's Blood (as well as Black Arts) features a vivid and authentic writing style. Each character has their own way of talking and acting and even the differences between the different centuries' English were considered. There really is nothing to complain about.
So if you haven't read Black Arts so far, go and read it, and when you're done, grab the sequel as soon as you can. I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys historical fantasy, good writing and interesting characters.
At first, I must admit, I was a little worried because although I love time travelling in stories, I feared that, due to the new setting, it might not feel the same as the first book. However, I was proven wrong very soon.
From the very beginning I realised how dear the characters had grown dear to me. I was happy to see that Jack, Beth, Kit and the Imp were still all together and I highly anticipated the journey they were about to embark on. What happens next, I don't want to spoil for future readers, but I can assure you that it is more than worth reading.
What I love about the series is that I cannot really say who my favourite character is. Jack is a highly sympathetic protagonist who, despite his unusual powers, never seems like a stereotypical 'chosen one'. He has a well-balanced set of strengths and flaws and I think one can easily relate to him. I especially liked how empathetic he was towards Ada, despite not knowing her for long, and how jealous he got over Beth. In my opinion, he is the perfect blend of a literary character - neither too powerful and flawless, nor too helpless and dependent on others.
Beth is absolutely admireable. I love how you never quite know what she's up to and that she's always determined to get what she wants. I also think that her ability to play various roles with ease is a very interesting character trait. And yet, she is also just a normal, flawed human being. I somehow consider her my favourite character, but as I said, it is hard to actually define just one.
Kit somehow seemed to me like a dork in this book - an amiable dork, nevertheless. He's exactly the kind of character that usually becomes my favourite. I like his bold and boastful attitude and sometimes he's luckier than he deserves. Some of his phrases really made me chuckle in the midst of a suspenseful moment and yet they never felt out of place. A really refreshing character.
The same counts for the Imp. It's more than just a comic relief character, as one might easily judge. I think it is an important part of the story and I love how it is seen as a friend rather than a servant or tool. I also absolutely love the way he talks.
Those four make up the perfect group of main characters and I would love to read more about them. The other characters are also worth talking about, but I do not want to spoil anything. However, none of them ever felt like a flat stock character.
Aside from the characters, I think that the authors created an intriguing world that really draws you in while reading. Devil's Blood (as well as Black Arts) features a vivid and authentic writing style. Each character has their own way of talking and acting and even the differences between the different centuries' English were considered. There really is nothing to complain about.
So if you haven't read Black Arts so far, go and read it, and when you're done, grab the sequel as soon as you can. I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys historical fantasy, good writing and interesting characters.
March 2, 2021
I am sorry it is over. I loved 'Devil's Blood' as much as I loved 'Black Arts', for which this is a sequel. Main characters Jack and Beth are just as engaging this time around, but the story does not stay in the 16th century for long as these two, along with the carefree rake Kit and the shape shifting Imp, are dragged forward through time by the pleasure seeking devil Sargastes. These books are dark and the devils in them truly evil, but across different times in history they seem to fit right in with what humanity is up to.
Although not for the faint of heart, this book is well written, expertly paced and thoroughly entertaining. I can only hope Prentice and Weil write some more.
Although not for the faint of heart, this book is well written, expertly paced and thoroughly entertaining. I can only hope Prentice and Weil write some more.
January 13, 2018
Devil's blood blends the historical and the supernatural with a dash of time travel. Our intrepid trio no longer dwell in Elizabethan England but in Georgian England with all its wonder and vices. Not all demon's have horns and scales no somewhere human skin. I really enjoyed this sequel, the only slight issue I had were the ending felt a bit rushed but nevertheless a good novel.
November 7, 2023
I've had this book on my bookshelf at home for literal years now, and the only reason I hadn't read it until now is because I wanted to SAVOR it. That's right. That was how much I loved the first book in the series ("Black Arts") back when I read it around 2018. So rich in characterization, setting, world-building, and plot, that I just wanted to luxuriate in it, bask in it, take my sweet time with it. Such is the magic and power of Prentice and Weil's stories.
I am so very glad I DID wait all these years to finally read and finish this book. What an absolute ADVENTURE. The kind of magic I haven't experienced in my life since, well, back when I finished the first book all those years ago. What a journey it really has been! The characters in this story are so likeable - I really love the main character, Jack. He feels like a real person, and is someone you really sympathize with (as the poor boy always ends up getting the short end of the stick). There's also Beth, and Imp, and Kit, and they just make for such a wonderful ragtag team of protagonists. Also, what's not to love about Elizabethan England characters suddenly finding themselves in the late 18th century?? The other fantastic thing about these two authors is that they somehow manage to weave in an extraordinary richness of detail to make their world REAL, but without actually bogging us down in details. (Honestly not sure how they do it - must be some sort of devil magic!) My only disappointment is that it seems the authors don't intend to continue the series. I feel like this is one series that was so vividly told, I could easily see it being turned into a movie or TV series.
If you like stories based in England and/or medieval times, stories about demons or magic, with a touch of some Dickensian characters - then look no further than "The Books of Pandemonium". I consider myself a fantasy buff, but I don't think I've ever read other fantasy books even close to these. So, so proud to have both books in this series on my shelf at home!
I am so very glad I DID wait all these years to finally read and finish this book. What an absolute ADVENTURE. The kind of magic I haven't experienced in my life since, well, back when I finished the first book all those years ago. What a journey it really has been! The characters in this story are so likeable - I really love the main character, Jack. He feels like a real person, and is someone you really sympathize with (as the poor boy always ends up getting the short end of the stick). There's also Beth, and Imp, and Kit, and they just make for such a wonderful ragtag team of protagonists. Also, what's not to love about Elizabethan England characters suddenly finding themselves in the late 18th century?? The other fantastic thing about these two authors is that they somehow manage to weave in an extraordinary richness of detail to make their world REAL, but without actually bogging us down in details. (Honestly not sure how they do it - must be some sort of devil magic!) My only disappointment is that it seems the authors don't intend to continue the series. I feel like this is one series that was so vividly told, I could easily see it being turned into a movie or TV series.
If you like stories based in England and/or medieval times, stories about demons or magic, with a touch of some Dickensian characters - then look no further than "The Books of Pandemonium". I consider myself a fantasy buff, but I don't think I've ever read other fantasy books even close to these. So, so proud to have both books in this series on my shelf at home!
July 14, 2016
Actual rating: 2.5.
Not much of a story and rather disappointing. After reading Black Arts, I expected more.
Not much of a story and rather disappointing. After reading Black Arts, I expected more.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews