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The Demon Star
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.
445 pages, Hardcover
First published 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):
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the debut that will ruin you for every other debuts.
What I loved:
- I had never read this mix of fantasy, scifi, and horror before. I loved the unforgiving nature of some details.
- Everyone in the book is morally grey, at best, in the most realistic way possible.
- Lowkey unromanticised romance and it features a comfort throuple? So fresh!
- Our hero is a “cripple” and all his problems don’t magically disappear once he becomes a powerhouse
- I’d like to assign extra points to the author, as she rightfully mentioned her cat in the acknowledgments first of all.
Conclusions:
I can’t wrap my head around how this deep, unique, complex, well-built book is a debut.
I’m forever ruined.
If you are not particularly squeamish you should defo check it out!
I’ll surely add this author to my watch list!
PS: I think this is a standalone, but it could be a series. The ending leaves room to go both ways.
CHECK OUT MY IG CAROUSEL WITH GIFS
Pre-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 🧐
What I loved:
- I had never read this mix of fantasy, scifi, and horror before. I loved the unforgiving nature of some details.
- Everyone in the book is morally grey, at best, in the most realistic way possible.
- Lowkey unromanticised romance and it features a comfort throuple? So fresh!
- Our hero is a “cripple” and all his problems don’t magically disappear once he becomes a powerhouse
- I’d like to assign extra points to the author, as she rightfully mentioned her cat in the acknowledgments first of all.
Conclusions:
I can’t wrap my head around how this deep, unique, complex, well-built book is a debut.
I’m forever ruined.
If you are not particularly squeamish you should defo check it out!
I’ll surely add this author to my watch list!
PS: I think this is a standalone, but it could be a series. The ending leaves room to go both ways.
CHECK OUT MY IG CAROUSEL WITH GIFS
Pre-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 🧐
July 24, 2026
This book has it all: brainworm demons, human sacrifices, manipulative church, manipulative gods, a throuple, telepathy, Big Bad Demons, negligent parenting, and eyeball horror. I loved every single word.
August 5, 2026
oh she's goooood. rtc
July 15, 2026
An epic science fantasy with a bit of horror. The start of this was amazing and fully pulled me into this story. I enjoyed the world building that the author was crafting as well as the dynamics between the characters.
My main problem while reading this is that I just didn’t care about our characters that much or where the story went. I was still impressed with this debut and would be interested in what else the author has to write.
3.75⭐️
My main problem while reading this is that I just didn’t care about our characters that much or where the story went. I was still impressed with this debut and would be interested in what else the author has to write.
3.75⭐️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
EPIC ! A fantasy adventure that brings back memories of the first time I read Dune, I was enthralled.This story, it’s characters, it’s villains and the world are so well written. Gods so unique and twisted, yet that’s not all they were. Everyone here is multidimensional. I really can’t tell you about the story it will ruin it. If you like a good fantasy with believable characters, lots of action and twists, read this, trust me. The ending was satisfying leaving an opening to continue
I give this 6 out of 5 stars.
I give this 6 out of 5 stars.
May 28, 2026
4.5 stars! RTC
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 27, 2026
Thank you to DAW and NetGalley for providing access to this ebook. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
Elements of horror, science fiction and fantasy blend together in The Demon Star and create a captivating tale of faith, morality and freedom. One of my most anticipated releases of the year, I was ecstatic to read an immersive and excellently-crafted novel that left me both reluctant to finish and yearning to read more.
Told mainly from dual perspectives and set on a desert planet that some may view slightly remsicient of Arrakis, The Demon Star depicts a complex world where insect-like demons with a desire for possession lurk, telepathic members of a powerful religious order seek out and exorcise them and the eldritch gods exact their control over civilization with their customary sacrifices every year.
Ysira Naktis-a human sacrifice who survived the unthinkable-and Jacen Kheris-a telepathic priest awash in addiction and searching for a purpose-are the protagonists and two of many deeply-flawed, complicated and morally gray characters whose decisions impact not only their own fates, but the very fabric of their society.
The minor characters are intriguing-particularly Ogden the physician and “Nines” the Novitiate-and it was wonderful to gain insight into their backstories and motivations.
I had so much sympathy for Neri and how his parents’ decisions coupled with his desire to prove himself upended his life forever.
The gods are absolutely horrific, completely inhuman and utterly irredeemable and the inevitable consequences of their actions were wholly deserved.
Religious trauma and themes pertaining to: power, morality, oppression, motherhood, rebellion and sacrifice are present within The Demon Star. There is also queer longing and chronic illness representation, which I especially appreciated as someone who has asthma.
Is the soul of a child worth the end of tyrany? Is the continued sacrifice of thousands worth the illusion of order?
What truly is a god?
I would recommend The Demon Star to readers who enjoy cosmic/sci-fi horror, a dark story where there are no easy choices and characters you can emphasize with and question on a moral level.
Elements of horror, science fiction and fantasy blend together in The Demon Star and create a captivating tale of faith, morality and freedom. One of my most anticipated releases of the year, I was ecstatic to read an immersive and excellently-crafted novel that left me both reluctant to finish and yearning to read more.
Told mainly from dual perspectives and set on a desert planet that some may view slightly remsicient of Arrakis, The Demon Star depicts a complex world where insect-like demons with a desire for possession lurk, telepathic members of a powerful religious order seek out and exorcise them and the eldritch gods exact their control over civilization with their customary sacrifices every year.
Ysira Naktis-a human sacrifice who survived the unthinkable-and Jacen Kheris-a telepathic priest awash in addiction and searching for a purpose-are the protagonists and two of many deeply-flawed, complicated and morally gray characters whose decisions impact not only their own fates, but the very fabric of their society.
The minor characters are intriguing-particularly Ogden the physician and “Nines” the Novitiate-and it was wonderful to gain insight into their backstories and motivations.
I had so much sympathy for Neri and how his parents’ decisions coupled with his desire to prove himself upended his life forever.
The gods are absolutely horrific, completely inhuman and utterly irredeemable and the inevitable consequences of their actions were wholly deserved.
Religious trauma and themes pertaining to: power, morality, oppression, motherhood, rebellion and sacrifice are present within The Demon Star. There is also queer longing and chronic illness representation, which I especially appreciated as someone who has asthma.
Is the soul of a child worth the end of tyrany? Is the continued sacrifice of thousands worth the illusion of order?
What truly is a god?
I would recommend The Demon Star to readers who enjoy cosmic/sci-fi horror, a dark story where there are no easy choices and characters you can emphasize with and question on a moral level.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wow what a debut by Jesse Aragon! If I didn't know I was going into a debut novel I wouldn't have known. The writing, plot, characters, themes, world, and subversions of the tropes kept me hooked.
The main characters are so human with relatable flaws. I'm a sucker for great characterization.
One is Brother Jacen, who is such a strong telepath his main task is exorcising demons. Yet he is disillusioned and has turned to alcohol to cope.
And the the other main character is Ysira, a mother who survives the Harvest with a demon in her head which is unheard of.
Just describing the main characters is making the story a tailormade fantasy x horror story, but suddenly your head is spinning when scifi hits you like a truck. I did not see that plot twist coming.
Prepare for a story with incredible and relatable characters, fantasy x scifi x horror tropes, found family, and societal foundational earthquakes and how different humans cope with this change!
4.25 stars
Thank you to DAW and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The main characters are so human with relatable flaws. I'm a sucker for great characterization.
One is Brother Jacen, who is such a strong telepath his main task is exorcising demons. Yet he is disillusioned and has turned to alcohol to cope.
And the the other main character is Ysira, a mother who survives the Harvest with a demon in her head which is unheard of.
Just describing the main characters is making the story a tailormade fantasy x horror story, but suddenly your head is spinning when scifi hits you like a truck. I did not see that plot twist coming.
Prepare for a story with incredible and relatable characters, fantasy x scifi x horror tropes, found family, and societal foundational earthquakes and how different humans cope with this change!
4.25 stars
Thank you to DAW and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 30, 2026
Review originally on JamReads
The Demon Star is a science fantasy novel written by Jesse Aragon, published by The Broken Binding Publishing. An extremely ambitious debut full of promises, and that somehow manages to not only fulfill all of them but went a step further, delivering a story that refuses to stay in a single organized box, simultaneously threading multiple storylines with well-fleshed characters, all to firmly position Aragon as one of the debuts of the year.
A planet ruled by Gods, where people are harvested at the dim and wits of them, all to keep them happy until the next Harvest season starts; demons roam the cannons of this planet, and in them there might be the opportunity to change the established order. An opportunity that appears when Neri, a weak telepath, is sent to the Desert to be imprinted by a demon powerful enough to destroy Gods, the catalyst of change; we will be mainly following those around him, people whose decisions will shape his future and that will irremediably shatter the established order.
How those characters are shaped and developed is part of what makes Aragon's debut so memorable: not only we have an incredible opportunity to appreciate how their backstory is affecting their present, but they feel so human, flawed but still trying to defend what they believe in. I think it's particularly interesting to see the journey of Brother Jacen, not only because it's a flawless execution in many aspects, such as the struggle of an addiction and how it happened, but also to see how faith crumbles but something is built over; he's trying to do good for the world. And the best part? Most of the characters are equally compelling, each one with their own vision and their motivations to act; a marvelous cast to make this story work.
Worldbuilding is on par with the character work: it's complex, but Aragon doesn't unveil all at the start; instead, you start getting answers together with the characters, slowly developing new ideas about what's happening in this planet, about the nature of the Gods and Demons and what needs to be done. There's already a past, and religion, or more adequately named, faith, and how each character conceptualizes it plays an important role in the own story.
Aragon's writing is quite cinematic, embracing this mash-up between horror, fantasy and sci-fi that this novel is; the imagery is quite rich, the action scenes are superb portrayed, and in particular, I loved how precise is the language regarding physical/mental injuries/conditions.
The pacing is relentless, keeping you on the edge of the seat from the start, and not letting you take a breath until the end.
The Demon Star is a superb novel, a remarkable tour de force that effortlessly blurs the line between genres choosing to be an unique thing; if you are into expansive worldbuildings that are the setting of really ambitious plots, this is a book that you should totally pick (and remember to check the content warnings first). Jesse Aragon is a name to keep an eye on the future!
The Demon Star is a science fantasy novel written by Jesse Aragon, published by The Broken Binding Publishing. An extremely ambitious debut full of promises, and that somehow manages to not only fulfill all of them but went a step further, delivering a story that refuses to stay in a single organized box, simultaneously threading multiple storylines with well-fleshed characters, all to firmly position Aragon as one of the debuts of the year.
A planet ruled by Gods, where people are harvested at the dim and wits of them, all to keep them happy until the next Harvest season starts; demons roam the cannons of this planet, and in them there might be the opportunity to change the established order. An opportunity that appears when Neri, a weak telepath, is sent to the Desert to be imprinted by a demon powerful enough to destroy Gods, the catalyst of change; we will be mainly following those around him, people whose decisions will shape his future and that will irremediably shatter the established order.
How those characters are shaped and developed is part of what makes Aragon's debut so memorable: not only we have an incredible opportunity to appreciate how their backstory is affecting their present, but they feel so human, flawed but still trying to defend what they believe in. I think it's particularly interesting to see the journey of Brother Jacen, not only because it's a flawless execution in many aspects, such as the struggle of an addiction and how it happened, but also to see how faith crumbles but something is built over; he's trying to do good for the world. And the best part? Most of the characters are equally compelling, each one with their own vision and their motivations to act; a marvelous cast to make this story work.
Worldbuilding is on par with the character work: it's complex, but Aragon doesn't unveil all at the start; instead, you start getting answers together with the characters, slowly developing new ideas about what's happening in this planet, about the nature of the Gods and Demons and what needs to be done. There's already a past, and religion, or more adequately named, faith, and how each character conceptualizes it plays an important role in the own story.
Aragon's writing is quite cinematic, embracing this mash-up between horror, fantasy and sci-fi that this novel is; the imagery is quite rich, the action scenes are superb portrayed, and in particular, I loved how precise is the language regarding physical/mental injuries/conditions.
The pacing is relentless, keeping you on the edge of the seat from the start, and not letting you take a breath until the end.
The Demon Star is a superb novel, a remarkable tour de force that effortlessly blurs the line between genres choosing to be an unique thing; if you are into expansive worldbuildings that are the setting of really ambitious plots, this is a book that you should totally pick (and remember to check the content warnings first). Jesse Aragon is a name to keep an eye on the future!
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!
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.
July 10, 2026
I was lucky enough to be granted an ARC of The Demon Star by Jesse Aragon last minute. I loved this book! The fact that this is a debut still blows my mind!
Jesse Aragon has done a fantastic job at creating a world that feels real, characters that feel human that are imperfect and are driven by complex emotions and priorities. As soon as I read the synopsis, I knew I needed to read this book! Family, faith, and where your loyalties lie, are all up in the air.
We follow a reluctant mother, a faithless priest, and a child that wants to prove himself worthy. Let me tell you, it’s hard to tell who’s in the right sometimes due to some of the questionable actions of these characters. I really enjoyed being immersed in this world of fantasy, grimdark, scifi, and horror all blended with perfect ease!
Sometimes life doesn’t go as planned and it’s what you do with those moments and decisions that shape you.
Thank you so much to @jva_writes @dawbooks and @astrapublishinghouse for the ARC of this spectacular debut! It comes out 7/28 (Happy Birthday to me 😂) and everyone should try it out!
Jesse Aragon has done a fantastic job at creating a world that feels real, characters that feel human that are imperfect and are driven by complex emotions and priorities. As soon as I read the synopsis, I knew I needed to read this book! Family, faith, and where your loyalties lie, are all up in the air.
We follow a reluctant mother, a faithless priest, and a child that wants to prove himself worthy. Let me tell you, it’s hard to tell who’s in the right sometimes due to some of the questionable actions of these characters. I really enjoyed being immersed in this world of fantasy, grimdark, scifi, and horror all blended with perfect ease!
Sometimes life doesn’t go as planned and it’s what you do with those moments and decisions that shape you.
Thank you so much to @jva_writes @dawbooks and @astrapublishinghouse for the ARC of this spectacular debut! It comes out 7/28 (Happy Birthday to me 😂) and everyone should try it out!
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.
Want to Read
August 24, 2025LET'S GO!!!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5⭐️
Although it’s a bit of a slow start in the beginning, once the story jumps deep into the action, it remains action packed until the very end. The world building is immense and detailed; however, it would have benefited more in giving more lore for the Source and the demons that call it home. This book is very fantasy heavy, with a very slight romantic subplot, which honestly…I’m glad it happened because I saw it coming 👀. The action is Game of Thrones-esque in that you cannot have a favorite character because it is likely they won’t live long, but the plot and politics are very Dune inspired. However, this story can stand on its own two feet with complex and diverse characters, immense world building, and a unique and interesting plot.
The key characters, Jacen, Ysira, Neri, Seth, and Nines are all complex and interesting characters that make you want to root for them as they fight their way to freedom against supposedly powerful and immortal gods. Throughout the story, they make choices that force them to essentially change who they are, while they also continue to try and keep their humanity. The ending to the story is sad but beautifully done and in my opinion, a great ending to an amazing debut story. Jesse Aragon, you have a new fan, and I look forward to seeing more from you.
Thank you Jesse Aragon, NetGalley, and DAW publishing for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Although it’s a bit of a slow start in the beginning, once the story jumps deep into the action, it remains action packed until the very end. The world building is immense and detailed; however, it would have benefited more in giving more lore for the Source and the demons that call it home. This book is very fantasy heavy, with a very slight romantic subplot, which honestly…I’m glad it happened because I saw it coming 👀. The action is Game of Thrones-esque in that you cannot have a favorite character because it is likely they won’t live long, but the plot and politics are very Dune inspired. However, this story can stand on its own two feet with complex and diverse characters, immense world building, and a unique and interesting plot.
The key characters, Jacen, Ysira, Neri, Seth, and Nines are all complex and interesting characters that make you want to root for them as they fight their way to freedom against supposedly powerful and immortal gods. Throughout the story, they make choices that force them to essentially change who they are, while they also continue to try and keep their humanity. The ending to the story is sad but beautifully done and in my opinion, a great ending to an amazing debut story. Jesse Aragon, you have a new fan, and I look forward to seeing more from you.
Thank you Jesse Aragon, NetGalley, and DAW publishing for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2026
3.25 ⭐️
This one was a hard one to rate because I think the parts I really disliked were intentional decisions made by the author. I actually had a three page rant written about how much I hated the characters in this book and their decisions, but then I realized that was doing too much 😭 Everyone except Seth and Nines
This was by no means a bad book, it was actually quite impressive for a debut, but unfortunately wasn’t an enjoyable reading experience for me. I did enjoy the first half of the book but I felt like the second half lacked the momentum of the first. Once the mystery behind the gods was revealed, the story kind of lost the tension/suspense and started to feel a little derivative. By the end, I was racing to finish it. Not because I was interested in where the story was going but because I just wanted to get to the end.
This one was a hard one to rate because I think the parts I really disliked were intentional decisions made by the author. I actually had a three page rant written about how much I hated the characters in this book and their decisions, but then I realized that was doing too much 😭 Everyone except Seth and Nines
This was by no means a bad book, it was actually quite impressive for a debut, but unfortunately wasn’t an enjoyable reading experience for me. I did enjoy the first half of the book but I felt like the second half lacked the momentum of the first. Once the mystery behind the gods was revealed, the story kind of lost the tension/suspense and started to feel a little derivative. By the end, I was racing to finish it. Not because I was interested in where the story was going but because I just wanted to get to the end.
zzz-books-not-for-me
August 7, 2026DNF:25% , 4+ hours of the audiobook
This book just wasn't for me. It's a well-written story with compelling characters and interesting world-building, but I just wasn't having any fun, even after 4 hours... I am definitely in the minority though. :)
This book just wasn't for me. It's a well-written story with compelling characters and interesting world-building, but I just wasn't having any fun, even after 4 hours... I am definitely in the minority though. :)
August 6, 2026
4.5/5 stars
Holy moly. Come for the demon possession, stay for the intense world building and high stakes. What a debut novel!
Holy moly. Come for the demon possession, stay for the intense world building and high stakes. What a debut novel!
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!
July 29, 2026
3.5 stars
For the most part, this one didn’t work for me, but it’s not the book’s fault. I knew going into it that there was a chance it wouldn’t work because I’m very hit and miss with science-fantasy, which this is. Regardless, it sounded interesting, and plenty of it was. It did take me a little while to get into a couple of the characters though, especially the one we spend most of the first few chapters following, which led to me having a bit of a slow start.
The writing was solid, with mostly good pacing, so once I did get into it, the pages turned pretty quickly. There was plenty of action, although one character trait did sometimes feel a little overdone, meaning the stakes never really felt too high – at least where that character was involved. It’s a slight twist on a trope that I’m not really a fan of, but at least here it did have that twist, and I thought it was explained well and fit the story well.
There was a good bit of lore here, which was expanded upon throughout the story. My only real issue with that is that some of it felt a bit too convenient, most notably the introduction of gates that allowed fast travel, and led to a bit of a jumpy portion of the book.
Overall, I think it was a decent enough read, if not really for me. If you enjoy science-fantasy, then chances are you’ll have a good time with this one.
For the most part, this one didn’t work for me, but it’s not the book’s fault. I knew going into it that there was a chance it wouldn’t work because I’m very hit and miss with science-fantasy, which this is. Regardless, it sounded interesting, and plenty of it was. It did take me a little while to get into a couple of the characters though, especially the one we spend most of the first few chapters following, which led to me having a bit of a slow start.
The writing was solid, with mostly good pacing, so once I did get into it, the pages turned pretty quickly. There was plenty of action, although one character trait did sometimes feel a little overdone, meaning the stakes never really felt too high – at least where that character was involved. It’s a slight twist on a trope that I’m not really a fan of, but at least here it did have that twist, and I thought it was explained well and fit the story well.
There was a good bit of lore here, which was expanded upon throughout the story. My only real issue with that is that some of it felt a bit too convenient, most notably the introduction of gates that allowed fast travel, and led to a bit of a jumpy portion of the book.
Overall, I think it was a decent enough read, if not really for me. If you enjoy science-fantasy, then chances are you’ll have a good time with this one.
August 5, 2026
When I first saw that this book would be in my The Broken Binding subscription I was in such doubt if I would skip it. The blurb did not really do it for me and I did not expect that I would like the book. Never would I have guessed this would be a 5 star read for me.
When it arrived at my house, I re-read the blurb and decided to start this right away. I think the only reason I did not finish it in one go is because I really did not have the time for it.
I love a book where there is this theme of very devoted priests falling off of their faith. Jacen was a very flawed character but that just worked for this book. I enjoyed the story and that it was written from two different perspectives, who eventually worked towards the same goal. Gradually during the book you feel everything just going sideways. Like watching a trainwreck happening but you cannot do anything to stop it. I think the choice of the pov in the last couple of chapters just brought home that very sinking feeling of: What just happened?
I left this book with a very uncomfortable feeling and I just love that for me. Enjoyed every minute of this book.
When it arrived at my house, I re-read the blurb and decided to start this right away. I think the only reason I did not finish it in one go is because I really did not have the time for it.
I love a book where there is this theme of very devoted priests falling off of their faith. Jacen was a very flawed character but that just worked for this book. I enjoyed the story and that it was written from two different perspectives, who eventually worked towards the same goal. Gradually during the book you feel everything just going sideways. Like watching a trainwreck happening but you cannot do anything to stop it. I think the choice of the pov in the last couple of chapters just brought home that very sinking feeling of: What just happened?
I left this book with a very uncomfortable feeling and I just love that for me. Enjoyed every minute of this book.
August 5, 2026
I was excited to start this book the day it came out. Gods, demons, exorcists, sacrifices - sounds great! The first of 3 parts in this book was incredible. Great world building and very interesting characters. I loved the environment and all of the religious things that were going on. I couldn't stop reading and listening. Once I hit the 2nd part, most of what I loved fell apart. Without giving everything away, each part of this book continues the story, but kind of undoes the part before it. Once it got far enough into the 3rd part, I was bored. Lots of battle plans, and chaotic fighting. At the very end, I just couldn't wait to be done. I still liked the story, and I'm sure many people will like it, but I just kind of wanted the story to live more in the first part of the book.
July 18, 2026
4.25 ⭐️
What an incredible debut. Jesse Aragon has such a strong ability to draw you into a world, and for a standalone of just over 440 pages, the sheer scale of this story is seriously impressive.
This is a true blend of science fantasy and horror, with graphic body horror and gore that genuinely made me wince at times. It also gave me strong Fifth Season vibes, particularly in its atmosphere, ambition and writing style.
The strongest part of this book is absolutely the cast. Jesse creates a world full of morally grey characters where almost nobody feels entirely trustworthy. Faith plays a huge role in the decisions they make, particularly the ways it can be used as both comfort and control.
“But faith, as a means of control, is volatile. If it breaks… the breaking is violent. And you’ll only know it’s taken root when you’ve lost all control.”
The pacing does dip slightly in places, although never to the point where nothing is happening. My main issue was that the final 100 pages contained so much information and action that I occasionally found it difficult to keep track of everything.
There were also a few elements, including the romance, that felt slightly unnecessary and added very little to the wider story.
But that ending… well. It is easily one of the most thought-provoking endings I have read in a very long time.
An ambitious, brutal and deeply atmospheric debut that proves just how much can be achieved within a standalone novel.
Thank you to The Broken Binding Publishing for providing me with a proof copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
What an incredible debut. Jesse Aragon has such a strong ability to draw you into a world, and for a standalone of just over 440 pages, the sheer scale of this story is seriously impressive.
This is a true blend of science fantasy and horror, with graphic body horror and gore that genuinely made me wince at times. It also gave me strong Fifth Season vibes, particularly in its atmosphere, ambition and writing style.
The strongest part of this book is absolutely the cast. Jesse creates a world full of morally grey characters where almost nobody feels entirely trustworthy. Faith plays a huge role in the decisions they make, particularly the ways it can be used as both comfort and control.
“But faith, as a means of control, is volatile. If it breaks… the breaking is violent. And you’ll only know it’s taken root when you’ve lost all control.”
The pacing does dip slightly in places, although never to the point where nothing is happening. My main issue was that the final 100 pages contained so much information and action that I occasionally found it difficult to keep track of everything.
There were also a few elements, including the romance, that felt slightly unnecessary and added very little to the wider story.
But that ending… well. It is easily one of the most thought-provoking endings I have read in a very long time.
An ambitious, brutal and deeply atmospheric debut that proves just how much can be achieved within a standalone novel.
Thank you to The Broken Binding Publishing for providing me with a proof copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 28, 2026
Sci-fi at its absolute best.
The Demon Star throws you into a brutal, relentless universe filled with rebellion, cosmic terror, and some of the most unsettling body horror I’ve read in a long time. Every page raises the stakes, and no one is safe.
Forget morally grey characters, everyone is downright dastardly. Cruel, manipulative, and genuinely terrifying. Yet, when they do shine, they make every victory feel earned.
If you’re looking for a dark, uncompromising sci-fi story with unforgettable horror elements, this is one to pick up.
Just one warning…
Prepare to be harvested.
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read the ARC
The Demon Star throws you into a brutal, relentless universe filled with rebellion, cosmic terror, and some of the most unsettling body horror I’ve read in a long time. Every page raises the stakes, and no one is safe.
Forget morally grey characters, everyone is downright dastardly. Cruel, manipulative, and genuinely terrifying. Yet, when they do shine, they make every victory feel earned.
If you’re looking for a dark, uncompromising sci-fi story with unforgettable horror elements, this is one to pick up.
Just one warning…
Prepare to be harvested.
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read the ARC
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
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