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The Demon Star
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Expected 28 Jul 26Win a free print copy of this book!
19 days and 07:25:58
10 copies available
U.S. only
Gods rule this planet. Demons stalk its canyons while Kings beg for mercy. Can three mere humans rewrite its destiny?
The otherworldly religious conflict of Dune, the cosmic strangeness of Gideon the Ninth, and the heart-pounding action of Red Rising converge in this horror-tinged epic science fantasy debut.
Ysira Naktis was a human sacrifice, marked for death. Unlike the thousands ‘harvested’ each year, though, she did the unthinkable. She survived—and what she brought back with her could change the fate of worlds.
When Ysira’s estranged son is chosen to become the vessel of a god-killing demon, she is faced with a choice: allow him to harness cosmic power at an unspeakable cost, or doom millions to save him. She finds an unlikely ally in Brother Jacen Kheris, once a gifted exorcist, now a guilt-ridden addict, desperate for purpose.
From a demon-haunted canyon to a starbound satellite, they must battle their way through cultists, aliens, and the gods themselves. The truths they unearth are deeper and more sinister than anything they could have imagined.
In this cinematic thrill ride, Jesse Aragon plunges us into a world as intricate and inventive as it is brutal.
The otherworldly religious conflict of Dune, the cosmic strangeness of Gideon the Ninth, and the heart-pounding action of Red Rising converge in this horror-tinged epic science fantasy debut.
Ysira Naktis was a human sacrifice, marked for death. Unlike the thousands ‘harvested’ each year, though, she did the unthinkable. She survived—and what she brought back with her could change the fate of worlds.
When Ysira’s estranged son is chosen to become the vessel of a god-killing demon, she is faced with a choice: allow him to harness cosmic power at an unspeakable cost, or doom millions to save him. She finds an unlikely ally in Brother Jacen Kheris, once a gifted exorcist, now a guilt-ridden addict, desperate for purpose.
From a demon-haunted canyon to a starbound satellite, they must battle their way through cultists, aliens, and the gods themselves. The truths they unearth are deeper and more sinister than anything they could have imagined.
In this cinematic thrill ride, Jesse Aragon plunges us into a world as intricate and inventive as it is brutal.
400 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication July 28, 2026
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Review of advance copy received from Author
May 27, 2026This is my debut novel! As ARCs start to make their way out into the world, I’m stopping by to provide some context and content warnings before I dip out of this space forever!
✨ The Demon Star is a science fantasy/space opera novel. In style and content, it’s closer to epic fantasy than science fiction.
👿 I wrote TDS for an adult audience. CWs below the cut.
🪱 For more information, news, artwork, and memes if you’re into that, you can visit my website, or see the pinned post on my author Instagram!
Happy reading 🙂
CWs (extremely mild spoilers):
✨ The Demon Star is a science fantasy/space opera novel. In style and content, it’s closer to epic fantasy than science fiction.
👿 I wrote TDS for an adult audience. CWs below the cut.
🪱 For more information, news, artwork, and memes if you’re into that, you can visit my website, or see the pinned post on my author Instagram!
Happy reading 🙂
CWs (extremely mild spoilers):
May 28, 2026
4.5 stars! RTC
Currently Reading
July 4, 2026Pre-read
I've absolutely no expectations (other than high ones) and going in blind.
I'm in love with the title's font BTW. It's especially soft but confident looking in the black on white version on the inner title page 🧐
I've absolutely no expectations (other than high ones) and going in blind.
I'm in love with the title's font BTW. It's especially soft but confident looking in the black on white version on the inner title page 🧐
January 28, 2026
Filled with compelling and merciless morally gray characters I rooted for, The Demon Star made me feel a sense of wonder I haven't experienced since reading Dune for the first time. For fans of desert worlds, mothers who will elevate their children to godhood to survive and thrive, and worms (Aragon's are much smaller, but just as terrifying). But with tortured, alcoholic, catholic-inspired psychic priests! Demonic possession!?? Apocalyptic reapings organized by alien overlords! Horrors beyond comprehension! This one sex scene that actually killed me (and then resuscitated me)!
My official blurb: Aragorn’s science-fantasy epic infected me with wonder and creeping dread. The Demon Star is a testament to how desperation turns the power-starved into monsters, and in a brutal world oppressed by alien gods, I would bow at Ysira and Jacen’s feet.
My official blurb: Aragorn’s science-fantasy epic infected me with wonder and creeping dread. The Demon Star is a testament to how desperation turns the power-starved into monsters, and in a brutal world oppressed by alien gods, I would bow at Ysira and Jacen’s feet.
July 1, 2026
This is a science fantasy with some elements of horror (disgusting 😏) and this blend really worked for me.
Things I loved:
- the high stakes, making this truly epic!! Such an incredible feat for a standalone book
- The priesthood, exorcists, and parasitic demons
- Complex mother/son relationship with a chosen one type of situation (see Dune comp)
- Morally grey to dead cold heart type characters (no one is good here)
- Pacing was great!!
- The tiniest crumb of a queer romantic subplot (it was perfect)
My only complaint was that I wished the glossary was a lot more extensive because your girl forgot a few things here and there. Thank you DAW for this advanced reader copy!
Things I loved:
- the high stakes, making this truly epic!! Such an incredible feat for a standalone book
- The priesthood, exorcists, and parasitic demons
- Complex mother/son relationship with a chosen one type of situation (see Dune comp)
- Morally grey to dead cold heart type characters (no one is good here)
- Pacing was great!!
- The tiniest crumb of a queer romantic subplot (it was perfect)
My only complaint was that I wished the glossary was a lot more extensive because your girl forgot a few things here and there. Thank you DAW for this advanced reader copy!
Want to Read
August 24, 2025LET'S GO!!!!
June 15, 2026
this book made me cry on a public train. do with that what you will.
the demon star is a horror-infused science fantasy set on a ruined planet ruled by parasitic gods who demand blood. aragon gives us two of the most messy, relatable, and painfully mortal characters i’ve read in a while. both ysira and jacen’s pov chapters were so compelling that i struggled to pick a favorite. ysira’s journey as a survivor and mother as well as jacen’s struggles with addiction were so resonant and human, keeping the story grounded and intimate even as the scale expanded. because i am a sucker for side characters who steal the show, i was also obsessed with nines and especially ogden. neri was also so realistic and tragic… i wanted to give him the biggest hug. the morally grey decisions they are forced to make had me screaming. a lot of the times at ysira and jacen. every major character in this book is somewhere on the grey to black spectrum, and disturbed to some level. but you can’t help but feel for them.
because of this, the relationships were… immensely screwed up. ysira loves her son, but makes about ninety terrible decisions regarding him. and there are emotions between her, jacen, and seth, but no one knows what to do with them. when i say there’s romance in this book, it’s the tiniest crumbs and at least 85% relegated to closet yearning and slight hand brushes. this definitely takes “you can’t love anyone else until you love yourself” to another level. but they try. and i love them for it.
i appreciate how flawlessly this book bridges the gap between epic fantasy, space opera, and cosmic horror. the worldbuilding is grandiose in scale but because the story is character driven, it feels so intimate. you go from demon-haunted canyons to starbound satellites, and you can feel the creeping dread on every page. aragon asks "what is a god?" and then answers it in the most visceral, terrifying way possible. the gods themselves are just sickening. i love how their presence is built up through the world and through anecdotes, especially turil. she was the scariest to me. i do wish we’d seen more of the gods just because they were so interesting! i’ve read a lot of science fantasy, but the way aragon handles religious trauma and the tyranny of faith is so incisive it actually left me staring at a wall for a good twenty minutes. i’m always sat for multilayered lore and history.
i also really loved how it stands alone while clearly having the potential for something massive (this is me begging jesse for more in this universe). the ending is satisfyingly unsatisfying, and leaves so much open for interpretation, especially with the structural change.
overall the demon star wrecked me in the best way. i feel like fans of dune, sun eater, and the locked tomb will enjoy this as much as i did. for anyone looking for eldritch gods, messy family bonds, body horror, and religious commentary, you need this on your shelf.
the demon star is a horror-infused science fantasy set on a ruined planet ruled by parasitic gods who demand blood. aragon gives us two of the most messy, relatable, and painfully mortal characters i’ve read in a while. both ysira and jacen’s pov chapters were so compelling that i struggled to pick a favorite. ysira’s journey as a survivor and mother as well as jacen’s struggles with addiction were so resonant and human, keeping the story grounded and intimate even as the scale expanded. because i am a sucker for side characters who steal the show, i was also obsessed with nines and especially ogden. neri was also so realistic and tragic… i wanted to give him the biggest hug. the morally grey decisions they are forced to make had me screaming. a lot of the times at ysira and jacen. every major character in this book is somewhere on the grey to black spectrum, and disturbed to some level. but you can’t help but feel for them.
because of this, the relationships were… immensely screwed up. ysira loves her son, but makes about ninety terrible decisions regarding him. and there are emotions between her, jacen, and seth, but no one knows what to do with them. when i say there’s romance in this book, it’s the tiniest crumbs and at least 85% relegated to closet yearning and slight hand brushes. this definitely takes “you can’t love anyone else until you love yourself” to another level. but they try. and i love them for it.
i appreciate how flawlessly this book bridges the gap between epic fantasy, space opera, and cosmic horror. the worldbuilding is grandiose in scale but because the story is character driven, it feels so intimate. you go from demon-haunted canyons to starbound satellites, and you can feel the creeping dread on every page. aragon asks "what is a god?" and then answers it in the most visceral, terrifying way possible. the gods themselves are just sickening. i love how their presence is built up through the world and through anecdotes, especially turil. she was the scariest to me. i do wish we’d seen more of the gods just because they were so interesting! i’ve read a lot of science fantasy, but the way aragon handles religious trauma and the tyranny of faith is so incisive it actually left me staring at a wall for a good twenty minutes. i’m always sat for multilayered lore and history.
i also really loved how it stands alone while clearly having the potential for something massive (this is me begging jesse for more in this universe). the ending is satisfyingly unsatisfying, and leaves so much open for interpretation, especially with the structural change.
overall the demon star wrecked me in the best way. i feel like fans of dune, sun eater, and the locked tomb will enjoy this as much as i did. for anyone looking for eldritch gods, messy family bonds, body horror, and religious commentary, you need this on your shelf.
June 25, 2026
Thank you to DAW for the Arc!!
The Demon Star is an incredibly ambitious debut.
The book hooked me immediately and never really let go. Jesse Aragon crafts a fascinating world filled with faith, political intrigue, and difficult moral questions. I am always a sucker for stories that blur the lines between right and wrong, and this book leans heavily into that.
I also loved the influences on display. I got strong Dune, The Matrix, and even Stargate vibes throughout, all wrapped in a world that still manages to feel distinctly its own.
My biggest criticism is pacing. The first half was incredibly hard to put down, but the middle slows considerably with exposition that occasionally stalls the momentum. Because of this, some later moments did not land with quite the impact they could have. This is a very ambitious story for 400 pages, and I honestly think it may have benefited from being split into two books.
Even with those issues, I came away impressed. Aragon tackles big ideas with confidence, and the ambition on display here is undeniable.
Jesse Aragon is an author I’m excited to watch.
The Demon Star is an incredibly ambitious debut.
The book hooked me immediately and never really let go. Jesse Aragon crafts a fascinating world filled with faith, political intrigue, and difficult moral questions. I am always a sucker for stories that blur the lines between right and wrong, and this book leans heavily into that.
I also loved the influences on display. I got strong Dune, The Matrix, and even Stargate vibes throughout, all wrapped in a world that still manages to feel distinctly its own.
My biggest criticism is pacing. The first half was incredibly hard to put down, but the middle slows considerably with exposition that occasionally stalls the momentum. Because of this, some later moments did not land with quite the impact they could have. This is a very ambitious story for 400 pages, and I honestly think it may have benefited from being split into two books.
Even with those issues, I came away impressed. Aragon tackles big ideas with confidence, and the ambition on display here is undeniable.
Jesse Aragon is an author I’m excited to watch.
May 23, 2026
Telepathy, theology, and exorcisms combine to form a dark, cosmic sci-fantasy horror mashup in Jesse Aragorn’s The Demon Star.
Jacen, a depressed, drunk exorcist, Ysira, a demon-possessed mother, and Neri, a boy who is chosen to be the channel for a power that can decimate civilization, are thrust together to save the world—or destroy it. Their choices are completely their own, but all of them lead to one question. Will they destroy the gods… or serve them?
There will no doubt be a wealth of people approaching The Demon Star hot off the back of reading Sun Eater, hoping to dive into the pages and find their replacement for Hadrian Marlowe. It would be hard to blame them when so many parallels between the stories exist. The science-fantasy, space opera, and horror elements. The self-serving characters. The theological postulates. The two even share the same cover artist, Kieran Yanner, who so effortlessly seems to capture tone and subject with his compositions. In a market where comps are so important, it can be hard to shed the weight of the stories you’re so often thrown in with. So perhaps the biggest compliment I can pay to Jesse Aragorn is to say this: The Demon Star stands completely on its own, and I have no doubt it will have its own (completely deserved) fandom in due time.
Wildly inventive, deliciously twisted, and deeply philosophical, I think I will be hard pressed to find another debut this year that strikes so many story elements that I love with such fervor. Plot. Character. Action. Drama. Morality. It is all so deeply woven together.
Every character in The Demon Star is charged with faults. Jacen is a depressed addict. Ysira is a disaster mom that (literally) can’t die. Neri is hopelessly looking for approval from anyone. Every decision they make is so justified by the carefully crafted motivations Aragon weaves into their psyches. This is not a book for those who love clearly defined, happy relationships. This is a novel for people who love messy, who aren’t afraid of characters that will be toxic, even to themselves.
In the realm of space-opera, we often see series that explore the lust and greed for power across a galactic scope. Indeed, The Demon Star has a similar penchant, but the book is not spread out across lightyears. It’s honed in to the individual characters of Zivora’s dunes. You come to know exactly who they are far faster than seems likely. And the eerie part is, you actually root for them, despite the wealth of amorality that spills through the pages.
Well… not Ged. If you root for Ged… yeah. Anyway…
This isn’t a novel that is bleak, but it does cast its light towards things that are. Theocracy, the corruption of religion, the sacrifice of people to sate the appetite of gods… there is a heaviness in the pages that only one adept with the pen can create. It settles over the reader like a blanket. You cannot shed it, and yet it makes the world feel like home. You grow comfortable in it. So much so that the twists really do make you question what is going to happen next.
Indeed, the second half of this book is a barrage of constant gut-punches and haymakers, all delivered at the same time, and you are likely to feel the weight of the strikes as much as the characters do.
Combine it all with a deviously twisted system of magic/tech that weaves gods, bugs, telepathy, and exorcisms together, and prepare for a thrillride through sci-fantasy’s next big genre-blend.
Jacen, a depressed, drunk exorcist, Ysira, a demon-possessed mother, and Neri, a boy who is chosen to be the channel for a power that can decimate civilization, are thrust together to save the world—or destroy it. Their choices are completely their own, but all of them lead to one question. Will they destroy the gods… or serve them?
There will no doubt be a wealth of people approaching The Demon Star hot off the back of reading Sun Eater, hoping to dive into the pages and find their replacement for Hadrian Marlowe. It would be hard to blame them when so many parallels between the stories exist. The science-fantasy, space opera, and horror elements. The self-serving characters. The theological postulates. The two even share the same cover artist, Kieran Yanner, who so effortlessly seems to capture tone and subject with his compositions. In a market where comps are so important, it can be hard to shed the weight of the stories you’re so often thrown in with. So perhaps the biggest compliment I can pay to Jesse Aragorn is to say this: The Demon Star stands completely on its own, and I have no doubt it will have its own (completely deserved) fandom in due time.
Wildly inventive, deliciously twisted, and deeply philosophical, I think I will be hard pressed to find another debut this year that strikes so many story elements that I love with such fervor. Plot. Character. Action. Drama. Morality. It is all so deeply woven together.
Every character in The Demon Star is charged with faults. Jacen is a depressed addict. Ysira is a disaster mom that (literally) can’t die. Neri is hopelessly looking for approval from anyone. Every decision they make is so justified by the carefully crafted motivations Aragon weaves into their psyches. This is not a book for those who love clearly defined, happy relationships. This is a novel for people who love messy, who aren’t afraid of characters that will be toxic, even to themselves.
In the realm of space-opera, we often see series that explore the lust and greed for power across a galactic scope. Indeed, The Demon Star has a similar penchant, but the book is not spread out across lightyears. It’s honed in to the individual characters of Zivora’s dunes. You come to know exactly who they are far faster than seems likely. And the eerie part is, you actually root for them, despite the wealth of amorality that spills through the pages.
Well… not Ged. If you root for Ged… yeah. Anyway…
This isn’t a novel that is bleak, but it does cast its light towards things that are. Theocracy, the corruption of religion, the sacrifice of people to sate the appetite of gods… there is a heaviness in the pages that only one adept with the pen can create. It settles over the reader like a blanket. You cannot shed it, and yet it makes the world feel like home. You grow comfortable in it. So much so that the twists really do make you question what is going to happen next.
Indeed, the second half of this book is a barrage of constant gut-punches and haymakers, all delivered at the same time, and you are likely to feel the weight of the strikes as much as the characters do.
Combine it all with a deviously twisted system of magic/tech that weaves gods, bugs, telepathy, and exorcisms together, and prepare for a thrillride through sci-fantasy’s next big genre-blend.
June 3, 2026
Thank you to DAW and NetGalley for an eARC to read and review before publishing.
What. A. Debut! I will forever be grateful that I was influenced by Pierce Brown's blurb and took a chance on requesting an ARC of The Demon Star.
I didn't know what to expect when I started The Demon Star, and I love that I was open to whatever journey Jesse Aragon was about to take me on. I was intrigued by the concept of demons vs. gods and the role that humans would play in the galaxy spanning war between the two. And I was definitely not disappointed with the world and universe that Jesse has created to explore the complexity of humanity, religion, politics, and how individual character decisions can not only impact their world but the universe at large as well.
The Demon Star has a dynamic cast of characters that are layered in their desires, fears, convictions, and beliefs. Each character believes that they are truly doing what is best for their world and humanity as they know it which blurs the lines between allies and foes. And although you will find yourself drawn to specific characters, Jesse does a phenomenal job of ensuring that her villains are relatable and sympathetic.
If you are a fan of Fantasy and Science Fiction, then The Demon Star is a must read. It's my favorite SciFi read of the year, and I am BEGGING DAW to allow Jesse Aragon to continue bringing us stories set in this universe!
What. A. Debut! I will forever be grateful that I was influenced by Pierce Brown's blurb and took a chance on requesting an ARC of The Demon Star.
I didn't know what to expect when I started The Demon Star, and I love that I was open to whatever journey Jesse Aragon was about to take me on. I was intrigued by the concept of demons vs. gods and the role that humans would play in the galaxy spanning war between the two. And I was definitely not disappointed with the world and universe that Jesse has created to explore the complexity of humanity, religion, politics, and how individual character decisions can not only impact their world but the universe at large as well.
The Demon Star has a dynamic cast of characters that are layered in their desires, fears, convictions, and beliefs. Each character believes that they are truly doing what is best for their world and humanity as they know it which blurs the lines between allies and foes. And although you will find yourself drawn to specific characters, Jesse does a phenomenal job of ensuring that her villains are relatable and sympathetic.
If you are a fan of Fantasy and Science Fiction, then The Demon Star is a must read. It's my favorite SciFi read of the year, and I am BEGGING DAW to allow Jesse Aragon to continue bringing us stories set in this universe!
March 8, 2026
Checking in at 40%. Stars may change (go up), not likely to go down.
Aragon is a master at setting and action. A lot is packed into the first 200 pages. Ramps up the viscera (literal viscera) and the (necessary, not gratuitous) violence. What I would really have liked more of is the initial layup. We have a very brief encounter with a villain that kind of kicks off the main plot. The motivations and interactions there go by so fast it's a bit opaque. As other revelations do come later, so might this, so I reserve a final judgment.
The two protagonists are compelling, with intriguing pasts. There's more than a little element of a class reunion going on: nearly everyone in the story has a painful and interconnected past that gradually comes to light. (I am trying to be vague to avoid spoilerizing).
I am blown away by the scope and scale of the world building, intrigued by the originality of the fantasy-science, and thrilled to see this book finally nearly out in the wild.
I received an ARC from Netgalley. This post will be updated.
Update: book finished.
Five stars for some seriously bold choices that suspend traditional heroics... I loved the ending, and its choice of narrator.There is a revolution and an epic battle that doesn't shy away from sacrifice. There are some deep questions asked here, and I appreciate the non didactic no easy answers aspect. More than a bit of Dune in some of this, which isn't a bad thing. My biggest point of critique is I would have liked a little more internality that was felt and shown, rather than told. That might be a personal taste thing; to do more would have lengthened the narrative and perhaps slowed down the action. I did find everyone believably flawed and very human. Or well, human-ish ) There is plenty of room for a sequel here, and a lot of questions raised by the ending (although it's a satisfying conclusion, in its own way.) This is not a traditional heroic journey... And that's what I love about it the most.
Aragon is a master at setting and action. A lot is packed into the first 200 pages. Ramps up the viscera (literal viscera) and the (necessary, not gratuitous) violence. What I would really have liked more of is the initial layup. We have a very brief encounter with a villain that kind of kicks off the main plot. The motivations and interactions there go by so fast it's a bit opaque. As other revelations do come later, so might this, so I reserve a final judgment.
The two protagonists are compelling, with intriguing pasts. There's more than a little element of a class reunion going on: nearly everyone in the story has a painful and interconnected past that gradually comes to light. (I am trying to be vague to avoid spoilerizing).
I am blown away by the scope and scale of the world building, intrigued by the originality of the fantasy-science, and thrilled to see this book finally nearly out in the wild.
I received an ARC from Netgalley. This post will be updated.
Update: book finished.
Five stars for some seriously bold choices that suspend traditional heroics... I loved the ending, and its choice of narrator.There is a revolution and an epic battle that doesn't shy away from sacrifice. There are some deep questions asked here, and I appreciate the non didactic no easy answers aspect. More than a bit of Dune in some of this, which isn't a bad thing. My biggest point of critique is I would have liked a little more internality that was felt and shown, rather than told. That might be a personal taste thing; to do more would have lengthened the narrative and perhaps slowed down the action. I did find everyone believably flawed and very human. Or well, human-ish ) There is plenty of room for a sequel here, and a lot of questions raised by the ending (although it's a satisfying conclusion, in its own way.) This is not a traditional heroic journey... And that's what I love about it the most.
March 31, 2026
How to even begin to review this BOOK!? It’s been 24hours since I finished and I’m still slack-jawed with wonder, with devastation, and that kind of buzzing excitement that happens when you’re really reminded why you LOVE to read. The Demon Star is a brilliant amalgamation of epic fantasy, space opera, and horror, melding all together into a story that is so immersive and finely-wrought I found myself essentially addicted to this book from the first chapter. Aragorn’s delivers compelling and INCREDIBLY nuanced characters I couldn’t help but ache for even as they slipped, tumbled, or catapulted themselves toward the shadier side of the morally gray spectrum. This saga features intense family relationships, religious trauma and dogma, addiction, evil alien overlords, demons, telepathy, violence galore, and even some cats! I really cannot emphasize enough how hard I plan to recommend this book to anyone who will listen. It has achieved “One of Bookseller Sarah’s ULTIMATE recs” and I cannot wait to see a final copy of it on my shelf!
July 9, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and DAW for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
A lot of fantasy I’ve read likes to use religion as an entry point into the world, but few are brave enough to dissect how faith works and the power faith can have over groups of people. Jesse Aragon is, though. Religion in The Demon Star is so brilliantly wielded by the author to create the conflict, the characters, and the entire world. The twists and breaks in the characters’ faith throughout the book are so brilliantly done I was shocked and devastated at the end of each act. Jacen, my gorgeous alcoholic priest…what a well-written character. His journey through his faith was so compelling to follow, though of course Ysira was a great POV character as well.
I was just so pleasantly surprised the entire time I read this, and it’s definitely in the top ten of the fifty books I’ve read this year. This is a book that does not shy away from any of the subjects it involves. And isn’t afraid to take familiar fantasy tropes then bend and break them. And the world Aragon has created!!! I wish I’d thought of it! Just brilliant! The priests and demons and gods and belief systems and demon priests and just everything. If you are a fan of dark fantasy, sci-fi, or horror, I implore you to read this. Aragon has taken all the hallmarks of each genre and melded them into something I haven’t felt so consumed by while reading in a long time.
The Demon Star should be read by everyone who is able, especially fans of Jeff Vandermeer, Joe Abercrombie, and most importantly Tamsyn Muir. Read this while you’re waiting for Alecto the Ninth. Just read this. I can say with one hundred percent certainty Jesse Aragon will be mentioned alongside these names in no time, and I’m so shocked this is a debut. 5/5 stars
A lot of fantasy I’ve read likes to use religion as an entry point into the world, but few are brave enough to dissect how faith works and the power faith can have over groups of people. Jesse Aragon is, though. Religion in The Demon Star is so brilliantly wielded by the author to create the conflict, the characters, and the entire world. The twists and breaks in the characters’ faith throughout the book are so brilliantly done I was shocked and devastated at the end of each act. Jacen, my gorgeous alcoholic priest…what a well-written character. His journey through his faith was so compelling to follow, though of course Ysira was a great POV character as well.
I was just so pleasantly surprised the entire time I read this, and it’s definitely in the top ten of the fifty books I’ve read this year. This is a book that does not shy away from any of the subjects it involves. And isn’t afraid to take familiar fantasy tropes then bend and break them. And the world Aragon has created!!! I wish I’d thought of it! Just brilliant! The priests and demons and gods and belief systems and demon priests and just everything. If you are a fan of dark fantasy, sci-fi, or horror, I implore you to read this. Aragon has taken all the hallmarks of each genre and melded them into something I haven’t felt so consumed by while reading in a long time.
The Demon Star should be read by everyone who is able, especially fans of Jeff Vandermeer, Joe Abercrombie, and most importantly Tamsyn Muir. Read this while you’re waiting for Alecto the Ninth. Just read this. I can say with one hundred percent certainty Jesse Aragon will be mentioned alongside these names in no time, and I’m so shocked this is a debut. 5/5 stars
Currently Reading
April 7, 2026Jacen's hair is that white because the universe was trying tell y'all something
May 18, 2026
What is it with debut books this year?? I’ve read some crazy impressive ones, and ‘The Demon Star’ is yet another.
I don’t usually reach for sci-fi, but this blew me away and has me completely re-thinking how I looked at sci-fi previously. This definitely had fantasy roots interwoven in it, which probably played a part in why I enjoyed ‘The Demon Star’ so much, as there wasn’t a lot of technical science content. The horror aspects of this book comes from the brutal violence, gore, and slight body horror within that I also enjoyed.
The worldbuilding was elaborate and it was dark, there’s this sense of dread throughout as you learn all the book’s dark secrets. But the characters (for me) were the real stars here. The entire cast was unique, original in their own ways with differing personalities, morals and reasons why they behaved the way they did. There’s characters you love and others you hate, even some you’ll waver on how you feel. From the get-go, Jacen and the plot immersed me from the first chapter and I could barely put it down.
Even though this epic sci-fi book could seem like there’s a lot crammed in, it never felt bloated. This author was masterful in how we were given information while being enmeshed in the story, I never felt that confusion from info-dumping that could leave one more annoyed than curious. And the prose in general deserves praise because the characters get things done, there’s no constant monologues with the characters or pointless info, there’s actual action that compels the story forward.
‘The Demon Star’ is complex, I think its horror aspects is even more apparent from its ending alone. A choking realization that upheaval of the status quo might have been for nothing, that a greater evil has been let happily through the door. The dread I felt and my love for the characters kept me glued to the pages, I am so impressed with this book and will be recommending it.
*ARC courtesy of netgalley*
I don’t usually reach for sci-fi, but this blew me away and has me completely re-thinking how I looked at sci-fi previously. This definitely had fantasy roots interwoven in it, which probably played a part in why I enjoyed ‘The Demon Star’ so much, as there wasn’t a lot of technical science content. The horror aspects of this book comes from the brutal violence, gore, and slight body horror within that I also enjoyed.
The worldbuilding was elaborate and it was dark, there’s this sense of dread throughout as you learn all the book’s dark secrets. But the characters (for me) were the real stars here. The entire cast was unique, original in their own ways with differing personalities, morals and reasons why they behaved the way they did. There’s characters you love and others you hate, even some you’ll waver on how you feel. From the get-go, Jacen and the plot immersed me from the first chapter and I could barely put it down.
Even though this epic sci-fi book could seem like there’s a lot crammed in, it never felt bloated. This author was masterful in how we were given information while being enmeshed in the story, I never felt that confusion from info-dumping that could leave one more annoyed than curious. And the prose in general deserves praise because the characters get things done, there’s no constant monologues with the characters or pointless info, there’s actual action that compels the story forward.
‘The Demon Star’ is complex, I think its horror aspects is even more apparent from its ending alone. A choking realization that upheaval of the status quo might have been for nothing, that a greater evil has been let happily through the door. The dread I felt and my love for the characters kept me glued to the pages, I am so impressed with this book and will be recommending it.
*ARC courtesy of netgalley*
May 1, 2026
The fact that this is a debut novel is kind of insane. 5 stars and will now be picking up everything she writes. ❤️🔥🩸🏜️
I loved every second of this book. It was gruesome, jaw dropping, and incredibly well-written. I can tell you with a definitive fact that this is absolutely going to blow up when it releases to the public.
The Demon Star is set in a desert world ruled by gods and also, somehow, terrorized by demons?? The Church in this book has to carry out human sacrifices through a thing called the harvest to please the gods. A lot of times, the sacrifices are identified when healing those overtaken by demons. In the first instance, it is a family member of one being healed.
The story kicks off with us meeting our main character, an exorcist priest with a severe drinking problem. Then we quickly meet a woman who survived being chosen as one of the sacrifices. Throughout the book they come to trust and rely on one other to discover the truth of the gods and demons ultimately leading to fueling the flames of rebellion.
Anyone can read this, no matter your experience with the sci-fi/fantasy genre; because it is meant to be easy to read. I feel like you don’t see that often anymore. This book was the perfect amount of pacing, world-building, and plot. Ya’ll know I am a sucker for world building and I felt so connected to the desert lands almost immediately. Which anyone that knows me also knows I would never in a million years go near a hot ass desert. It reminded me a ton of Dune (movies because I haven’t read those yet) or setting of Aladdin.
I HIGHLY recommend you pick this one up when it hits the market in July 2026.
I loved every second of this book. It was gruesome, jaw dropping, and incredibly well-written. I can tell you with a definitive fact that this is absolutely going to blow up when it releases to the public.
The Demon Star is set in a desert world ruled by gods and also, somehow, terrorized by demons?? The Church in this book has to carry out human sacrifices through a thing called the harvest to please the gods. A lot of times, the sacrifices are identified when healing those overtaken by demons. In the first instance, it is a family member of one being healed.
The story kicks off with us meeting our main character, an exorcist priest with a severe drinking problem. Then we quickly meet a woman who survived being chosen as one of the sacrifices. Throughout the book they come to trust and rely on one other to discover the truth of the gods and demons ultimately leading to fueling the flames of rebellion.
Anyone can read this, no matter your experience with the sci-fi/fantasy genre; because it is meant to be easy to read. I feel like you don’t see that often anymore. This book was the perfect amount of pacing, world-building, and plot. Ya’ll know I am a sucker for world building and I felt so connected to the desert lands almost immediately. Which anyone that knows me also knows I would never in a million years go near a hot ass desert. It reminded me a ton of Dune (movies because I haven’t read those yet) or setting of Aladdin.
I HIGHLY recommend you pick this one up when it hits the market in July 2026.
April 27, 2026
Really solid debut! The world and Mythos is so rich and developed, which kept me quite engrossed. Could be the makings of a very solid Sci-Fi horror saga, if that’s where the author intends for it to go. Really great cosmic horror as well.
I also really appreciate the main set of characters developments, everyone changes A LOT which can be rare for sweeping epics like this. If Dune, FromSoft games (Elden ring, dark souls), and Lovecraft had a baby!
My only minor gripe is I feel the character of Nines is underdeveloped, we just don’t spend enough time with her, but I can see that changing in a potential sequel.
I also really appreciate the main set of characters developments, everyone changes A LOT which can be rare for sweeping epics like this. If Dune, FromSoft games (Elden ring, dark souls), and Lovecraft had a baby!
My only minor gripe is I feel the character of Nines is underdeveloped, we just don’t spend enough time with her, but I can see that changing in a potential sequel.
May 2, 2026
A unique crafted blend of science fiction and fantasy from Jesse Argon. This debut novel is full of complex characters and relationships. The central conflict takes place in a world where demons choose human hosts and must be exorcised by those born with telepathic abilities. The world building is unique while still feeling familiar. Definitely check this one out when it releases in July.
May 31, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and DAW for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book!
The Demon Star is a really ambitious sci-fi debut. The cast of characters is large, there’s a lot of world-building undertaken, and the scale of the destruction is this story is vast. However, that may have been the reason this one didn’t entirely land for me. It was a lot to try and cram into about 400 pages, perhaps too much.
I was really enjoying the beginning of this book. Ysira is a very interesting character. Jacen’s alcoholism was difficult for me to read through, but I enjoyed his acolyte Nines. I never really connected with Seth. There were some definite horror elements, and more disturbing details/gore than I was expecting.
The first bit of this story felt nicely fleshed out, and I felt like I understood everything that was happening. My trouble started in the latter half. Big reveals started piling up, so they all sort of mattered less. There were so many characters that some deaths didn’t really hit very hard because I barely knew who they were. I started to get confused by how things actually worked, because descriptions got more flowery and vague as we went on. My final straw was a hasty romance thrown in at the end that really felt out of place and forced.
Overall I enjoyed this book, but there were elements I didn’t love and I think the pacing could have used some more work.
The Demon Star is a really ambitious sci-fi debut. The cast of characters is large, there’s a lot of world-building undertaken, and the scale of the destruction is this story is vast. However, that may have been the reason this one didn’t entirely land for me. It was a lot to try and cram into about 400 pages, perhaps too much.
I was really enjoying the beginning of this book. Ysira is a very interesting character. Jacen’s alcoholism was difficult for me to read through, but I enjoyed his acolyte Nines. I never really connected with Seth. There were some definite horror elements, and more disturbing details/gore than I was expecting.
The first bit of this story felt nicely fleshed out, and I felt like I understood everything that was happening. My trouble started in the latter half. Big reveals started piling up, so they all sort of mattered less. There were so many characters that some deaths didn’t really hit very hard because I barely knew who they were. I started to get confused by how things actually worked, because descriptions got more flowery and vague as we went on. My final straw was a hasty romance thrown in at the end that really felt out of place and forced.
Overall I enjoyed this book, but there were elements I didn’t love and I think the pacing could have used some more work.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rtc
March 26, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a really solid mix of sci-fi and fantasy, and the world building is easily the standout.
There’s a lot going on at the start with the magic system, history, and a fairly big cast, but I never felt lost. I actually really appreciated how the author kept naturally reminding you of key details through dialogue and character interactions, instead of just info-dumping everything at the beginning and moving on. It made it easy to stay immersed without needing to flip back and double check things.
By around 16%, everything felt very clear. I understood the plot, what the characters were working towards, how they were all connected, and why they were part of this journey. The world itself has depth, with its own hierarchy and history, but it never felt overly complicated or bogged down in heavy political intrigue.
The characters were another highlight. There’s a culturally diverse cast with really distinct appearances and beautiful, unique names, and I loved that there’s also fluidity in identity and sexuality woven in. Everyone has a strong, clear personality, so it’s easy to see where they fit in the bigger picture.
My only real issue was the pacing. It did feel a bit long in places, and I found myself checking my Kindle percentage a few times. Some sections could have been tightened to keep things moving.
I can see this doing really well on BookTok once it’s out, especially for readers who love detailed fantasy with a sci-fi edge. Definitely one to keep on your radar and add to your TBR.
This is a really solid mix of sci-fi and fantasy, and the world building is easily the standout.
There’s a lot going on at the start with the magic system, history, and a fairly big cast, but I never felt lost. I actually really appreciated how the author kept naturally reminding you of key details through dialogue and character interactions, instead of just info-dumping everything at the beginning and moving on. It made it easy to stay immersed without needing to flip back and double check things.
By around 16%, everything felt very clear. I understood the plot, what the characters were working towards, how they were all connected, and why they were part of this journey. The world itself has depth, with its own hierarchy and history, but it never felt overly complicated or bogged down in heavy political intrigue.
The characters were another highlight. There’s a culturally diverse cast with really distinct appearances and beautiful, unique names, and I loved that there’s also fluidity in identity and sexuality woven in. Everyone has a strong, clear personality, so it’s easy to see where they fit in the bigger picture.
My only real issue was the pacing. It did feel a bit long in places, and I found myself checking my Kindle percentage a few times. Some sections could have been tightened to keep things moving.
I can see this doing really well on BookTok once it’s out, especially for readers who love detailed fantasy with a sci-fi edge. Definitely one to keep on your radar and add to your TBR.
July 2, 2026
4.5 stars! The Demon Star is such an impressive debut. I really enjoyed this book! It was incredibly fast-paced. I honestly thought it could have used a few moments to breathe and develop some of the characters a bit more, but it's always nice not to have to deal with lulls. I loved the whole demon concept, I found the world-building incredibly interesting.
There were basically no "good" characters - maybe Nines, she's my favorite! All of them were forced to choose between bad and worse decisions. And in the end, we still don't know if they chose the better option. Ugh, so relevant to real life. Luckily, we don't have to make these specific decisions or live in this awful world!!
I was wondering how all of the storylines would be tied up in such a short book - alas, that was the one disappointment I had. I'm not much of a creative/imaginative person, so I'm always sad when the ending is more open-ended, because I just want to know!! I do appreciate though, that the ending made me actually feel horrified.... I love a strong feeling from a book, that's how you know it really impacted you.
I will also say... the first intimate scene (not graphic) felt like it made sense with the story and added some relationship development, but the second one - not so much. I felt like it happened just to happen, and felt kind of awkward. Like there were a couple of moments were we caught a tiny bit of premonition it would happen, but in between those hints there was just no interaction between the characters. It felt forced and it didn't feel necessary... I didn't think it added anything to the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and DAW for the e-ARC! I definitely look forward to reading anything Aragon writes in the future :)
There were basically no "good" characters - maybe Nines, she's my favorite! All of them were forced to choose between bad and worse decisions. And in the end, we still don't know if they chose the better option. Ugh, so relevant to real life. Luckily, we don't have to make these specific decisions or live in this awful world!!
I was wondering how all of the storylines would be tied up in such a short book - alas, that was the one disappointment I had. I'm not much of a creative/imaginative person, so I'm always sad when the ending is more open-ended, because I just want to know!! I do appreciate though, that the ending made me actually feel horrified.... I love a strong feeling from a book, that's how you know it really impacted you.
I will also say... the first intimate scene (not graphic) felt like it made sense with the story and added some relationship development, but the second one - not so much. I felt like it happened just to happen, and felt kind of awkward. Like there were a couple of moments were we caught a tiny bit of premonition it would happen, but in between those hints there was just no interaction between the characters. It felt forced and it didn't feel necessary... I didn't think it added anything to the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and DAW for the e-ARC! I definitely look forward to reading anything Aragon writes in the future :)
June 2, 2026
Gods, demons, telepaths, and deeply flawed characters - what more could you want? The Demon Star was an excellent debut and unlike anything else I’ve read.
This book was brutal. Our two main POV characters are morally gray and continuously make poor decisions, but I couldn't help loving them anyway. The last few chapters switch to a different POV character, and I really enjoyed seeing our main characters from the outside looking in.
The worldbuilding was fantastic. Several reveals throughout the story completely changed what I thought I knew about the world. Going into this book, I wasn't sure whether it was a standalone or the start of a series. I'm happy to report that it can absolutely be read as a standalone (which is apparently how it has been marketed), but there's also plenty of room to expand the story and world if the author chooses to continue it.
If you're looking for a dark, brutal sci-fantasy filled with morally gray, often unlikable characters, you should definitely give The Demon Star a read!
This book was brutal. Our two main POV characters are morally gray and continuously make poor decisions, but I couldn't help loving them anyway. The last few chapters switch to a different POV character, and I really enjoyed seeing our main characters from the outside looking in.
The worldbuilding was fantastic. Several reveals throughout the story completely changed what I thought I knew about the world. Going into this book, I wasn't sure whether it was a standalone or the start of a series. I'm happy to report that it can absolutely be read as a standalone (which is apparently how it has been marketed), but there's also plenty of room to expand the story and world if the author chooses to continue it.
If you're looking for a dark, brutal sci-fantasy filled with morally gray, often unlikable characters, you should definitely give The Demon Star a read!
May 16, 2026
Just wow. This book questions what makes a god and what is faith, but through a horrific sci-fi-fantasy setting. The author did a fantastic job answering these questions through flawed morally grey characters. Everything felt so raw and violent, but it was also philosophical. I really enjoyed the pace of the book, and I liked the contrast between the POVs of Jacen and Ysira. I also liked how the author chose which POV to write the ending, as I think it gave a great perspective of the outcome of the main character’s choices. Also. The ending. I really loved it, I feel like it brought everything full circle.
Although from the beginning I felt like I knew what was happening in the book, the author did a fantastic job bringing me through the story. I also really enjoyed the character development through Ysira interacting with her estranged son, and with Jacen rekindling his feelings with Seth while also battling his revelations of his faith.
I’m going to be thinking about this book for a while.
Thank you to Netgalley and DAW for the ARC!
Although from the beginning I felt like I knew what was happening in the book, the author did a fantastic job bringing me through the story. I also really enjoyed the character development through Ysira interacting with her estranged son, and with Jacen rekindling his feelings with Seth while also battling his revelations of his faith.
I’m going to be thinking about this book for a while.
Thank you to Netgalley and DAW for the ARC!
May 9, 2026
I think that The Demon Star is a really solid debut novel. The premise is really what drew me to the book, I liked the take on gods and demons. The writing was also really well done.
I do think there were a few pacing issues particularly in part two. There was a chunk of chapters where we only read from one character’s perspective and to me it felt like that choice really slowed things down.
Overall, I think that this is a great book and highly recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this as an ARC
I do think there were a few pacing issues particularly in part two. There was a chunk of chapters where we only read from one character’s perspective and to me it felt like that choice really slowed things down.
Overall, I think that this is a great book and highly recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this as an ARC
July 8, 2026
A huge thank you to The Broken Binding for an e-arc of this book!
4.5 stars well deserved for this debut! This story about a repressed society finding out about the truth behind their gods follows a cast of morally gray characters you're not sure you should be rooting for. I enjoyed the action and the frustration while reading this story. I left it wanting more. It leaves you with the question "how to you rebuild, and can you build a just future on the blood of others?"
Definitely recommend for those who like stories with both elements of sci fi and fantasy mixed.
4.5 stars well deserved for this debut! This story about a repressed society finding out about the truth behind their gods follows a cast of morally gray characters you're not sure you should be rooting for. I enjoyed the action and the frustration while reading this story. I left it wanting more. It leaves you with the question "how to you rebuild, and can you build a just future on the blood of others?"
Definitely recommend for those who like stories with both elements of sci fi and fantasy mixed.
Want to Read
June 3, 2026religion?? red rising?? cosmic horror?? DUNE???
kiss me rfn
kiss me rfn
April 18, 2026
Extremely great sci-fi and fantasy novel. Great world building and amazing characters. Amazing action and immersive world. Will definitely do a re-read soon.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I read it as an eARC provided by NetGalley.
Calling it a space fantasy doesn’t cover its full scope. It’s so much more. I would call it epic space sci-fi (fantasy).
It is very good for a debut novel. It is also perfect for a book club discussion because it has so many layered morally grey weighted decisions and a large scope of topics: power, religion, manipulation, misplaced faith and the need to keep believing, guilt and self-destruction, forbidden love, control over a large number of population, small society versus large empire, an existential crisis of faith, morality of experiments on living beings for the greater good of a superior species, and the main questions: how much sacrifice is too much when the freedom of the planet is on the stake? And what if to get rid of monsters demands creating a new, even more powerful, monster?
It is a story of a small human civilisation ruled by the Church of the Black Sun which warships 6 gods who actually come to communicate with them. The gods provide technology, yet punish severely for insubordination. During every solar eclipse that lasts for 40 days, they come to collect - to Harvest, gifted people. No one knows where they go or what’s done to them.
Only one person managed to come back alive. Yet she doesn’t remember what happened to her.
The Church is responsible for performing exorcism - for removing demons, the actual parasitic beings, from infected people and delivering these demons to the gods.
One day a regular human became a witness to an impossible: one of the gods was destroyed by something and a demon emerged from its skull.
This prompted a quest to harness this something that can destroy the gods and wield it as a weapon. In order to achieve it, a weak telepath is sent to retrieve this new demon. An 11-year-old boy, Neri. Can Neri do it? Or more importantly, should he? Does anyone have a right to ask him to risk his life to save the planet?
In my review, I will retain the terminology used in the book even though I would prefer using different names for gods and especially for parasitic demons who are not demons at all. But the book uses these names as it is common for the culture of these people. So I will refer to them as such - gods and demons.
I liked it, especially the expansion and the questionable morality of all these hard decisions. Yet not all of it worked for me as a lot of things in this book don’t add up.
Blooper in Chapter 11. A character lost her foot with only a stump of the leg remaining. But in several minutes she “lurched to her feet”. I don’t see how this is possible with only 1 foot remaining and a mere stump for the second leg.
A nagging question:
If Ysira is not a telepath, why was she harvested?
I don’t understand and couldn’t connect with Ysira’s choice. Even when I read her reasoning, I still had a remaining question: why did Ysira insist it was Neri? Why not ask for the exorcist ritual to remove the demon and to move it into a stronger, older vessel? He didn’t have to be the only one. He could be only a temporary method of transportation. Why did she care if it was a hundred of disposable ready-for-the-job volunteers instead of a child? Why risk him? Even if she believed he had a higher tolerance for radiation, he was still a weak telepath, a child, and he didn’t want to integrate with the demon in the first place. Power could be achieved by other routes than using a kid. She saw his struggle yet she kept insisting it should be him.
If you read it, I would really like to hear your thoughts about Ysira’s choice. Do you agree with it? Was she right to use her role in Neri’s life to steer him in this direction?
Another question. The characters operate on the assumption that the specific god, one of the six, was obliterated. Yet this assumption is based on a testimony of a witness who had never seen any of the gods in person. Thus the question: how could he know which one that was?
If it was indeed that god, where is his own demon now? And how could the one that obliterated him do it without a host?
Later, Ysira was in a bad situation when, from an impact, her tissue all across her body was burned to the bone. She was healed by her demon, per usual. Yet she remained wearing tattered clothes. The demon could not have restored the fabric in addition to her muscles. How did her clothes survive if she suffered burns to the bones? They should have burned or melted completely.
Chapters 34-35 have confusing switches of gender when describing the same person. Within the same sentence, it was “she” next to “his” about the same character and their item. I hope it would be fixed in the published version.
The same Chapter 34 mentioned the event at the clinic that was not present in that scene. In addition, it has a confusing timeline of who might be the host first.
Chapter 38 blooper. Earlier in Chapter 35, a character’s hand had been sliced off. Yet in Chapter 38, two of the same character’s wrists were chained. I mean: what’s the point in putting a chain on a stump?
Chapter 40: How did Urien step through the gate? He doesn’t have a demon, does he? And he would not be able to add a new one with his full protective costume and all.
Speaking of Uriel: he needs this pressurised costume at all times to protect him from the planet’s atmosphere. How did he eat and use the toilet all these thirty years while staying on this planet if a tiny crack in the costume will cost him his life?
The number of perished demons according to Jasen doesn’t match the facts.
The relationship triangle was only brushed on the surface. With no history provided, it felt out of place and not deserved, underwhelming.
I wish it were either just Jasen and Seth, or there would be more background between Yasira and these two men to warrant this strange for me development.
Also, I doubt this trio scene at the end was even possible with one of the characters suffering after a very severe recent injury.
If you love epic space sci-fi or fantasy with morally grey characters and a multi-layered structure, and you don’t really focus on the forementioned details, give it a try. One thing is for sure: it is thought-provoking.
Calling it a space fantasy doesn’t cover its full scope. It’s so much more. I would call it epic space sci-fi (fantasy).
It is very good for a debut novel. It is also perfect for a book club discussion because it has so many layered morally grey weighted decisions and a large scope of topics: power, religion, manipulation, misplaced faith and the need to keep believing, guilt and self-destruction, forbidden love, control over a large number of population, small society versus large empire, an existential crisis of faith, morality of experiments on living beings for the greater good of a superior species, and the main questions: how much sacrifice is too much when the freedom of the planet is on the stake? And what if to get rid of monsters demands creating a new, even more powerful, monster?
It is a story of a small human civilisation ruled by the Church of the Black Sun which warships 6 gods who actually come to communicate with them. The gods provide technology, yet punish severely for insubordination. During every solar eclipse that lasts for 40 days, they come to collect - to Harvest, gifted people. No one knows where they go or what’s done to them.
Only one person managed to come back alive. Yet she doesn’t remember what happened to her.
The Church is responsible for performing exorcism - for removing demons, the actual parasitic beings, from infected people and delivering these demons to the gods.
One day a regular human became a witness to an impossible: one of the gods was destroyed by something and a demon emerged from its skull.
This prompted a quest to harness this something that can destroy the gods and wield it as a weapon. In order to achieve it, a weak telepath is sent to retrieve this new demon. An 11-year-old boy, Neri. Can Neri do it? Or more importantly, should he? Does anyone have a right to ask him to risk his life to save the planet?
In my review, I will retain the terminology used in the book even though I would prefer using different names for gods and especially for parasitic demons who are not demons at all. But the book uses these names as it is common for the culture of these people. So I will refer to them as such - gods and demons.
I liked it, especially the expansion and the questionable morality of all these hard decisions. Yet not all of it worked for me as a lot of things in this book don’t add up.
Blooper in Chapter 11. A character lost her foot with only a stump of the leg remaining. But in several minutes she “lurched to her feet”. I don’t see how this is possible with only 1 foot remaining and a mere stump for the second leg.
A nagging question:
If Ysira is not a telepath, why was she harvested?
I don’t understand and couldn’t connect with Ysira’s choice. Even when I read her reasoning, I still had a remaining question: why did Ysira insist it was Neri? Why not ask for the exorcist ritual to remove the demon and to move it into a stronger, older vessel? He didn’t have to be the only one. He could be only a temporary method of transportation. Why did she care if it was a hundred of disposable ready-for-the-job volunteers instead of a child? Why risk him? Even if she believed he had a higher tolerance for radiation, he was still a weak telepath, a child, and he didn’t want to integrate with the demon in the first place. Power could be achieved by other routes than using a kid. She saw his struggle yet she kept insisting it should be him.
If you read it, I would really like to hear your thoughts about Ysira’s choice. Do you agree with it? Was she right to use her role in Neri’s life to steer him in this direction?
Another question. The characters operate on the assumption that the specific god, one of the six, was obliterated. Yet this assumption is based on a testimony of a witness who had never seen any of the gods in person. Thus the question: how could he know which one that was?
If it was indeed that god, where is his own demon now? And how could the one that obliterated him do it without a host?
Later, Ysira was in a bad situation when, from an impact, her tissue all across her body was burned to the bone. She was healed by her demon, per usual. Yet she remained wearing tattered clothes. The demon could not have restored the fabric in addition to her muscles. How did her clothes survive if she suffered burns to the bones? They should have burned or melted completely.
Chapters 34-35 have confusing switches of gender when describing the same person. Within the same sentence, it was “she” next to “his” about the same character and their item. I hope it would be fixed in the published version.
The same Chapter 34 mentioned the event at the clinic that was not present in that scene. In addition, it has a confusing timeline of who might be the host first.
Chapter 38 blooper. Earlier in Chapter 35, a character’s hand had been sliced off. Yet in Chapter 38, two of the same character’s wrists were chained. I mean: what’s the point in putting a chain on a stump?
Chapter 40: How did Urien step through the gate? He doesn’t have a demon, does he? And he would not be able to add a new one with his full protective costume and all.
Speaking of Uriel: he needs this pressurised costume at all times to protect him from the planet’s atmosphere. How did he eat and use the toilet all these thirty years while staying on this planet if a tiny crack in the costume will cost him his life?
The number of perished demons according to Jasen doesn’t match the facts.
The relationship triangle was only brushed on the surface. With no history provided, it felt out of place and not deserved, underwhelming.
I wish it were either just Jasen and Seth, or there would be more background between Yasira and these two men to warrant this strange for me development.
Also, I doubt this trio scene at the end was even possible with one of the characters suffering after a very severe recent injury.
If you love epic space sci-fi or fantasy with morally grey characters and a multi-layered structure, and you don’t really focus on the forementioned details, give it a try. One thing is for sure: it is thought-provoking.
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