A world of half-demons and the boys who love them await in this epic queer romance by creator Mari Costa (Belle of the Ball)! A half-demon socialite-turned-exorcist and his disgruntled bodyguard have no trouble facing down the hordes of darkness—but facing their feelings for each other? Well now, that’s a whole different story . . . Helianthes is a Cambion—a child born touched by demons. Horned, clawed, and tailed, Helianthes—Hell for short—is a devil-may-care exorcist whose devil-may-care attitude has succeeded in alienating those closest to him—all save for his long-suffering bodyguard, Elias, who sees him as less a strange, mythical being and more just a . . . nuisance. Together, the two venture into the streets of a psuedo-remix Victorian London to exorcise demons (and maybe cause a little mischief along the way). But as Hell becomes increasingly drawn to his enigmatic bodyguard—and as Elias becomes increasingly aware of his feelings for his trouble of a charge—they find themselves faced with a growing, chaotic dark that might threaten everything they’ve been working toward . . .
Mari Costa is a luso-brazilian cartoonist and 2D animator. Her works include comics such as Peritale, Life of Melody and The Well by the House on the Hill. She specializes in lighthearted fantasy stories with LGBT themes.
This is a graphic novel comic and I enjoyed it tremendously. I loved the illustrations and art style and I absolutely adored the characters. This is about a half human, half demon and the bodyguard who falls for him. Hell, our demon, is kicked out of the house after he’s done some pretty shit things to his family and his dad hired a bodyguard, Elias, to look after him. Elias and Hell go on some exorcism quests meeting weird people along the way and all “hell” breaks loose. This was super entertaining and so cute. This is supposed to be on the darker side and I’m pretty sure I’m supposed to hate Hell but I could never!
My favorite part was all the bonus clips at the end. I’d totally read more by this author so thank you netgalley for the arc. I loved it.
The Demon Of Beausoleil was a fun, flirty and adventure-filled read. I love a crazy mischievous character, and half-demon exorcist Helianthes, Hell for short, was just so fun to follow around.
“You know I need to be told I’m pretty by older men!” “I’m four years older.” “I know, but you’re such a daddy!” “No money is worth this.”
I loved the dynamic between Elias and Hell, flirty vs stoic, lots of protectiveness, banter, a touch of jealousy.
A cute art style, a quasi-Victorian setting, dangerous missions and a sweet romance — I want more of all of this.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
A graphic novel that dares to answer the question, "What if a magical girl could be a half-demon ex-socialite turned exorcist who falls in love with his bodyguard?"
Costa's art is wildly expressive with delightful character designs. The slow-burn romance between Helianthes and Elias becomes an inferno by the volume's end, and is beautifully capped off by a bundle of bonus stories. It's funny, it's fresh, it's a feast for the eyes. For your reading needs, consider The Demon of Beausoleil.
this was a fun and sometimes freaky time haha. i didn't think this was gonna be as sexual as it was.
the characters were funny at times, especially helianthes! he made me giggle quite a few times with his sarcasm and wit. the romance was also adorable 🖤
the world building wasn't too intricate or anything unique cos i feel like i've read a story like this before, but it's definitely perfect to read in october for halloween. a quick and spooky read is always fun!
Helianthes was a rare demon-touched child, sometimes born in human families, but usually discarded at birth. After a posh boarding school education and a bad breakup, Helianthes turns to a career in exorcisms. His reckless and slutty rebound behavior have alienated almost everyone in his life except his trusty bodyguard, Elias. Together, Helianthes and Elias face increasingly difficult and sexy demonic challenges, teasing and supporting other, but refusing to acknowledge their growing feelings. Will an evil ex and a monstrous curse get in the way of them ever finding a happy ending? Originally published as a webcomic this story is a quick, fun read in print. I really appreciated that Hell finally shows his softer side towards the end and the family connections he rebuilds in the final chapters.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!
This started off strong and just kept going from there. Hell is someone you are supposed to hate. But I never did. It’s obvious there was pain and resentment in his actions. He is a messy character who I just wanted to hug. There was trauma in his life that he didn’t know what to do. He and Elias were obviously dancing around each other and they were so freaking cute! I also really loved the art. Hell is so expressive. Being a half demon and being called Hell must be really weird, though. But honestly that ending made me tear up. And I loved how Hell was able to reconnect with his family!! Elias was the force of good he needed in his life. I loved this story and hope the creator has more on the way!
Received an arc from NetGalley in exchange for honest opinion, thanks!
A cute and engaging story of romance and healing path from abuse between a half-demon exorcist and his bodyguard. As a long-time follower of Mari Costa over social media, I could recognise their style anywhere: soft and simple, but eye-catching. This also allowed me to recognise the forever beloved tropes of hers, which was nice to spot in the comic as well. I did enjoy the story of Helianthes and Ella's, although personally I think Costa works best in casual, slice-of-life type of scenarios, as proved with the extra chapters at the very end. As written in acknowledgements, it was supposed to be dark, sexy, a bit violent and nasty, and it lived to the expectations.
This was so fun! I'm currently in my Graphic Novel/Comic Era, and I'm especially reading queer ones. So I was very excited to get approved for this one on Netgalley, thank you!
First of all, I loved the illustrations and the drawing style! The story and characters also captured my heart. I think Hell is supposed to be a bit unlikely, but I think you quickly realize that there is more to him and his actions under the surface. In combination with Elias, I just loved their dynamic and also Elias is like a big Teddy Bear.
The story also had me, it has action, but also it's quiet moments. I just love reading about demon stuff, and the concept of the book was really interesting. Hell is a Cambion, a demon born child and it's very rare to see grown-up ones, cause they are said to bring bad luck, so you kind of know what happens to them. He is up to some mischief but I still had sympathy with him, it's witty and I had alot to laugh!
I can only recommend it and hope you will have as much fun as I did reading it!
I really liked this. I almost lost it because I had it downloaded on netgalley and had like one day to read it and I flew through it. finished it in an hour or so and just had a blast reading it. there are not enough adult graphic novels in the world and I really appreciated it. I think that this is funny and flirty and loved especially all of the ending stories that were added on. it really made it feel complete. I have read another book by this author and I love that as well so I look forward to reading more of their books.
୨୧ The Demon of Beausoleil ୨୧ ╰┈➤ [5 out of 5 ☆’s.]
❝𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮.❞
ʚɞ ⁺˖ ⸝⸝
I want to thank Oni Press & NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review! :)
ʚɞ ⁺˖ ⸝⸝
I LOVED this! 10/10 would recommend to others! I’m a big fan of graphic novels & there’s no better feeling than finding a great one that attaches itself to your soul (which The Demon of Beausoleil did effortlessly)! :’)
The art was gorgeous & I loved the color palate that was used throughout the novel. It helped to set the tone of things!
ʚɞ ⁺˖ ⸝⸝
Helianthes + Elias’ story is one that will stay with me for a longgg time. I finished TDOB a couple of hours ago and am already in the process of rereading it! I need more!
I hope that there’s a series in store for these characters (fingers crossed)! I would love to read more about their adventures (as well as their romantic — and personal — growth)! ~~
This is a delightful graphic novel about the adventures of Helianthes, a demonic changeling child of the wealthy Beausoleil family, and his bodyguard Elias. This really was just an absolute joy to read. The story strikes just the right mix of funny and heartfelt that makes for a compelling story. Helianthes is an absolute prick and just overall unpleasant person, yet you’ll still be left rooting for him (and his bodyguard ✨with benefits✨) by the end. The art is lovely and does a great job of telling the story. I especially loved how expressive the characters’ faces are. I just loved this, 10/10 no notes. ---- Many thanks to Oni Press for the ARC!
This was such a fun read! The art style is amazing and fits the story perfectly. I loved the dynamic between Hell and Elias and their banter was so good. They play off each other really well, which made the story even more enjoyable. The pacing kept things moving, and I never got bored.
Oh and the bonus chapters were stunning!
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Pre-reading: She's lookin’ spooky. She’s lookin’ gay. Sign me up.
(obviously potential spoilers from here on) Thick of it: Oh, already obsessed with the art. It’s a little Hazbin.
This IS so Hazbin. I'm in love!
This is a disaster! Full Esteban Julio Ricardo Montoya de la Rosa Ramírez. Put some respect on his name.
“You know I need to be told I’m pretty by older men!” Girl, me too.
YOUR HONOR, I LOVE THEM.
I like all the body diversity.
“Your grand scheme is that you're horny and you hate men?” Preach. Oh, this book is so funny.
I'm obsessed with this.
He’s clearly saving his sister from a marriage she doesn’t want, but I love this. I’m obsessed. (He was not.)
I love the gender swapped parental roles it's so good.
Is this some weeping angel shit? Because down.
Oh no, he's hot. (Eh, hotter before he had eyeballs tbh.)
I AM OBSESSED WITH THIS.
A ME!
Okay, Hans. Okay, Ali Hazelwood.
Oh, I fear I’m obsessed with this. Put it on TV and give it to me right now.
I would die for the dog. The tongue blep!
YOUR HONOR, I LOVE THEM.
Requisite fantasy masquerade ball.
Incredible with people and clothes. Terrible with horses.
KITTY!
YOUR HONOR, I LOVE THEM. I AM GIDDY.
I hate that this is apparently gonna be a standalone because I would read 900 of these.
Ma'am, I will read anything you write.
Post-reading: Obsessed is an understatement. They are so cutie. It is so funny. It is so well balanced with the main plot and family drama subplots. It’s got weightier issues neatly slotted in for you to read into. The art’s so charming. There’s excellent movement and expression to it. I think if you’re a fan of Hazbin, you'll love this. I'm only sad that it’s a standalone. I would read 100 more of these. I will definitely be picking up more of the author’s work!
Who should read this: Hazbin Hotel fans Disney fans Queer romance fans
Ideal reading time: Anytime
Do I want to reread this: YES.
Would I buy this: INSTANTANEOUSLY.
Similar books: * The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Deya Muniz-graphic novel, historical, queer romance, camp * Masters of Death by Olivie Blake-urban fantasy, queer romance, ensemble cast * Hotblood! By Toril Orlesky-historical, urban fantasy, queer romance * Mercy by Mirka Andolfo-historical, gothic, paranormal * Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faedies by Heather Fawcett-light academia, historical, fantasy, romance * The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love by India Holton-campy, light academia, historical, fantasy, romance * Voidwalker by S. A. MacLean-campy, urban fantasy, queer, monster romance * Nimona by N. D. Stevenson-graphic novel, historical, urban fantasy * Third Shift Society by Meredith Moriarty-graphic novel, urban fantasy, mystery * The Entanglement of Rival Wizards by Sara Raasch-urban fantasy, light academia, family drama, queer romance * The Library at Hellebore by Cassandra Khaw-dark academia, urban fantasy, horror, queer * The Secret Romantic’s Book of Magic by various-short story collection, urban fantasy, romance, light academia, queer * The God and the Gumiho by Sophie Kim-myth retelling, urban fantasy, mystery, romance * A Fragile Enchantment by Allison Saft-historical, urban fantasy, queer romance, mystery
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
How does Mari Costa do it? Every one of her books are so different and distinct and yet, they could be sisters or cousins, because they have her artistic touch to make them family. I hope that makes sense. I can just tell a book is written by her, not only by the art, but by her very clear voice throughout the story.
The Demon of Beausoleil may actually be my favorite of her books to date. Born into a noble family, Helianthes is a half demon. He’s wild, unruly, and the rumors about him are true (sort of). His charm and charisma draws the men in, but it isn’t a curse that beds them. That’s just the lies they make up to find excuses for why they’ve slept with an “abomination.”
When he’s caught sleeping with his sister’s fiancé, his family finally says enough and disowns him. Telling him to get his belongings, get a job, and get out. But before he leaves, they assign him a new bodyguard, Elias. (His “curse” scared away all of the others)
So now this ex-noble half-demon and his stoic and silent bodyguard go on mini adventures sending demons back to hell. Which for someone who comes off frivolous and cavalier seems pretty admirable to me.
I loved that the slowburn between Hel and Elias took almost the entire book. It had to for it make sense, because prior to him, Helianthes was sleeping with every man within a stones throw. It also built up the friendship to be more withstanding than just a one night stand and once they finally declared their love for each other, his playboy socialite attitude all but went away. It was all for the plot, baby!!!
I know I can expect another Mari Costa book in a year, but that’s like really far away. I want more neowwwwwww!!! Please and thank you!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my eARC.
I'm quite surprised by what I've read. At first (and given how it starts), I thought to myself, “Where am I going with this?” But as time goes on, you realize certain things, you understand the place of the characters in the story, and a plot develops that becomes increasingly important and tragic.
I really enjoyed discovering this because it's vague at first, a little disappointing even, but then it becomes very interesting! You become attached to the characters, who are completely different but who have certain things in common.
Reading this graphic novel is quite emotional, and the highlight is the ending, with “bonus” scenes about what happens next, which allow the story to be concluded properly. The questions are answered, the minor family issues are resolved, so you can really close the book.
Be warned, this is still an adult graphic novel that is quite explicit. In short, I really liked the drawings too, with the color palette that further enhances the impression of Gothic nobility. I will definitely read other works by this illustrator, as I loved the style so much.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to discover this title in preview.
High school me loved demon stories (READ: angsty yaoi). High school me would still have hated this. This felt like someone’s hyper personal dnd game turned risque webcomic with blonde and brown hair big small yaoi and one of them is from BRASIL which was so fucking funny cause the world building was non existent LMAO.
Elias has no character. The demon was annoying and, also! had no character. They had no chemistry together. The plot was paper thin and went as follows: boring banter. mission. mission goes wrong. Sex? mission goes good. Banter. Repeat.
Artistically lazy. Repetitive panels. Everytime someone said smth to HELI-sunflower-ANTHES (dnd name) there would be three panel of shock. confusion. laugh. Legit rinse repeat like 10 times.
All this makes sense when you realize this is Hazbin fan fic. I’m sorry to my irmã here but this was so ass. I got it for free and that’s about what it’s worth.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
I really really enjoyed this! The art style is really nice, and I loved the relationship between the two main characters, as well as between them and the people around them. There's a lot that can be read into Hell's experience, whether that be queerness, disability, or other forms of marginalisation - his experience is likely to resonate with anyone who has ever been outcast for an inherent part of who they are. As a queer, disabled person, I definitely relate to the "born wrong" feeling Hell experiences and continues to have pushed upon him by his environment, as well as the desire to just "give up" and be (what is perceived by the majority public to be) bad. Quite a relatable, and somewhat touching, aspect that I didn't originally expect from a mutual simping gay demon graphic novel, especially as it started with a sex scene, which I thought would set the tone for this work (but didn't).
Definitely recommend this to anyone who doesn't mind seeing a butt every now and then.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
This was so cute, despite the so many demons. It reminded me of that Wangxian meme with WWX standing above LWJ who is lying in a circle and is willing to do anything for his husband. That's the kind of dynamic this little half-demon and his bodyguard had. Helianthes was just doing anything to annoy Elias (and keep his attention on himself). I liked their adventures, their excercist quest, how they fought demons. It was so obvious they were into each other, but denying their feeling, because of their insecurities. I loved the love confession scene and that their dynamic didn't change after that much, Heli was still a brat and Elias was juts smitten with his antics. I really liked the art style and the designs of the charachters.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via Netgalley for review purposes; this in no way influences my review.
I don’t think I’ve read any of Mari Costa’s work before, but the cover was intriguing and I’m so glad I gave it a chance. This is a very interesting world and I really liked Elias and Yanthe’s relationship. There’s some really good mutual pining and like mutual obliviousness. I especially loved the extra stories and Yanthe’s reconciliation with his sister. All in all a really great graphic novel with fantastic, interesting art.
This was pretty tropey and predictable, but I was not bothered by that at all. It's chaotic gremlin with stalwart bodyguard navigating through demons and family drama. The story is pretty fast-paced, with flashbacks into earlier events.
I wish the book was longer. It's not terribly rushed now, but it could've been even more of a slow burn, and the demon cases definitely could have been more fleshed out.
The art is great, I love the expressions on the characters and the brown colour scheme is atmospheric.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
One of my favorite character dynamics is "absurd-chaos-goblin teams up with unimpressed-but-devoted friend." I don't care if it's platonic (like Sevro and Darrow in Red Rising) or romantic (like Hell and Elias in this adorable graphic novel)...I just enjoy it.
This story was funny and sweet and I adore both Hell and Elias so much--I was rooting for them from the beginning. I would read so many more of their adventures.
The art is beautiful, the story is layered and funny, the characters are flawed but well rounded and believable. It is so tender at times and at others violent yet weirdly hilarious. I definitely shed some happy tears at the end. Definitely reccomend.
4.5 stars. Mischievous and playful, this supernatural M/M romance felt very original. Illustrations are rendered in shades of brown (and red) and exhibit a noteworthy skill set in conveying distinctive facial expressions.
LOOOOOVED the style of this graphic novel. The characters were funny, the dialogue witty and I read the whole thing in one sitting. It's been a while since I liked a graphic novel this much. Hell is really charming and I absolutely loved Elias' pining, they were both so cute for one another. The setting is also uite unique and I liked the magic system, even if I had trouble understanding it at first. I loved the extras a lot, it really helped with the character development of Hell I'd say. Although I still wish that the plotline with Ash had been a little longer. Hence, 4.5/5 rounded up!
This book is about a demon that is raised by humans, because, well, he’s their son, and they don’t want to kill him. They are hoping, being raised correctly, that he won’t be evil.
And he isn’t so much evil, but he has his own ways of doing things, such as sleeping with his sister’s fiance, hoping that he will be caught by said sister, rather than telling the sister that he doesn't think her fiance is a good man for her.
His parents send him out into the world, to get a job, and he decides he is going to exorcise demons. His parents hire a body guard for him, to keep him safe, and they go out into the world, hunting demons.
The closest I could come with a comparison book, would be “Real Hero S**t,” by Kendra Wells. In that book too, the main character looked like a demon, though he was born of and raised by humans.
The thing about being part demon is that you don’t really care what the humans think. And Helianthes, Hell for short, just thinks of most humans as a means to an end. Nothing wrong with that. Hell is also in love with his bodyguard, which he is loath to admit, as is his body guard. This is not so much a fun story, because there is a lot of bore, and fighting, and sex. The sex isn’t graphic, but it is often. And Hell prefers the men, as he put it.
I enjoyed this book. I’m sure having a demon run rampant is not everyone's idea of a good time, but it is a quick book, and we see, at some point, that he does have scruples, even if he doesn’t want anyone to know.
Thanks to Netgalley and Oni Press for making this book available for an honest review. This book will be published on the 27th of January 2026.
I absolutely adored this graphic novel! let me try to explain why
the art is beautiful, with detailed and gothic character designs and a minimal palette style that utilises colour contrast for clarity and effect. its a very easy reading experience, and their expressions and mannerism were SO good - the kind that's can convey more than words.
all the characters have brilliant depth, even the supporting cast. the chemistry between the main two characters had me squealing, and their banter and dialogue was sublime. you're in for a treat if you like the chaotic little gremlin and big buff stoic counterpart dynamic. my only other note here is that its a little sexual (not explicit), so I would be reluctant to recommend to a very young audience.
the plot is interesting and more complex than expected, yet flowed organically. a shunned part-demon exorcist and his bodyguard exorcises demons and maybe catches feels?? what's not to love? plus, it's one of those LGBTQIA+ stories where being queer isn't a plot device or the issue - thank you Costa for that. the extra stories and art at the end where we get to see the daily lives of the main characters after the conflict of the story is over was the cherry on the top.
I would recommend to anyone who likes fantasy, LGBTQ+, drama and romance. very cute
reading this felt like a real treat, I'm so grateful to NetGalley, Oni Press and Mari Costa for this eArc for my honest review
When I finished The Demon of Beausoleil, I walked away giving it a solid 3/5. What really made the whole graphic novel work was the main couple. Helianthes ("Hell"), the dramatic half-demon exorcist, and Elias, his long-suffering bodyguard, are just fantastic. Their romantic chemistry is the absolute best part of the whole book, it's this great slow-burn (Get it? Burn...cause demons?) where Hell is a fabulous mess and Elias is just trying to keep him alive. Seriously, the story works because of these two characters. On top of that, the art style is a huge win. Mari Costa uses a style that's simple but incredibly effective, giving the whole pseudo-Victorian London setting a great, distinct, moody tone that looks awesome.
The only reason it didn't score higher for me was the actual action side of things. I felt like the supernatural plotting was pretty meandering and often lagged, so I wasn't super invested in where the big mystery was headed. The humor, which mainly comes from Hell’s constant snark, was also pretty hit-or-miss, some jokes landed perfectly, but others just felt a little flat. Ultimately, while the plotting might not have been the strongest point, the fantastic dynamic between Hell and Elias, combined with the solid artwork, definitely make it a worthwhile read for more light hearted devlish adventure. .