Demon Bound: The Battle for Anastasia Aaronson

The Realm of False Gods #6

by Steve Higgs

They underestimated her. It will cost them more than they can conceive. Hounded by the police, trying to learn a new job in a new town, and constantly picking up after her slob of a flat mate, Anastasia has all she needs on her plate … … add being hunted by demons to the mix won’t help then. Whatever it is that makes her special, it’s attracting a lot of heat. The demons all seem to want her, but the ancient secret driving them to her might also hold the key to her survival. Trained to kill, naturally aggressive, and angrier than a bear with no breakfast, Anastasia is looking for a way to turn the tables on her captors. Trick her into being a demon’s slave … … big mistake. ‘This urban fantasy series has everything! You can count on Steve Higgs to deliver suspense-filled stories that steal your sleep.

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Fiction

181 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2020

About the author

Let's start this off with an invitation to get some FREE books. No, you didn't read that wrong, we are talking about multiple free books. I love giving away free books because once people delve into the fast-paced mystery thrills I write, they go on to buy lots more.

All I need from you is an email address to send them to. Here's the link you need - https://mailchi.mp/fd47a6eb4ae5/patri...

When I wrote my first novel, Paranormal Nonsense, I was a Captain in the British Army. I would love to pretend that I had one of those careers that has to be redacted and in general denied by the government and that I have had to change my name and continually move about because I am still on the watch list in several countries. In truth though, I started out as a mechanic. Not like Jason Statham, sneaking about as a contract killer, more like one of those greasy gits that charge you a fortune and keep your car for a week when all you went in for was a squeaky door hinge.

At school, I was mostly disinterested in every subject except creative writing, for which, at age ten, I won my first award. However, calling it my first award suggests that there have been more, which there have not. Accolades may come but, in the meantime, I am having a ball writing mystery stories and crime thrillers and will claim to have more than a hundred books forming an unruly queue in my head as they clamor to get out.

Now retired from the military, I live in the south-east corner of England with a pair of lazy sausage dogs. Surrounded by rolling hills, brooding castles, and vineyards, I doubt I will ever leave, the beer is just too good.

Links:
Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Higgs/...
Website: https://stevehiggsbooks.wordpress.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stevehiggsau...

Reviews

[Martha R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book five of The Realm of False Gods series.  I do love this series.  And I give this book four stars. The concept is fascinating, the sense of place is well defined, and the characters are varied and engaging.  But (you could see the "but" coming, couldn't you), there does seem to be a continuity issue with these books.  For example, some characters seem to be unaware of abilities they were able to wield in previous books.  It may be that the timeline has overlapped, but that is unclear in the storyline.

The author acknowledges in the author notes that he did not write these books in order.  This novel is the one he wrote first, so the previous novels had to be fitted in, and that, I believe, is where the problem begins. (Five prequels?) For example, in this novel the mortal and immortal realms are well defined and known by the characters.  In the previous novels, they're only hinted at, which would be fine, except that there is no transition or explanation as to how or why the characters came to their knowledge. Just as Mr. Higgs has needed proofreaders to check spelling and grammar, in this series he needs a continuity person to check that the story flows without fits and starts.

All of that being said, I still recommend this series.  It's a great story, even if the presentation is uneven.  (Maybe it will be better in the film version?)

[Alfred Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

DISCLAIMER: At this point in the series, I consider it pointless to try and make a review of the book without spoiling at least some part of the previous books. So I will try and put a spoiler tag for things that would be spoiling the story in this book, but if you haven't read the preceding books and hope to get a review of BOOK SIX without any spoiler for the previous books, then you're deluding yourself.

Book 6 (yes, Goodreads title got it wrong this is actually book #6 unless the third book is considered spinoff and is not part of the main arc) of The Realm of False Gods only confirms my suspicion / dread. I don't like Anastasia Aaronson's arc and I don't like the character.

To put it bluntly, she's driven by her pants not her brain. In "Damaged but Powerful" (Book 5), time and again she decided to give the demons a chance all while presuming the worst for the angels. This book only emphasize that character flaw. And why did she keep getting into the demon's trap? Because she thinks that Daniel is cute. Yeah right...


This book also has more plot holes and continuity error than the previous books. The first can be seen in a thought by Anastasia on page 101:

"The sun was getting lower which just made the camera flashes brighter and I knew I was being livestreamed to YouTube"

What seemed innocuous to modern eye fall apart when you realize that the book is supposed to take place in 2013 and YouTube doesn't allow mobile live streaming until early 2017. Before that, people who want to stream on YouTube must do it on their computer and that'd be the last thing people would lug around and set up while supernatural events are happening all around them..

The second is that this book made clear that the immortals (the angels and the demons) can't enter a "holy ground" because it will drain them. But that means when Otto were able to rescue the familiars in book 4, he could just drop them in a church and they'd be safe and sound. Also, there was no rule (yet) as to what constitute a "holy grond". For all the reader knows as of book 6, a city can declare its entire area a "church" and be safe from demonic incursion.

The third couldn't really be called a continuity error or plot holes but it relates to Daniel's explanation bout their houses:

The two realms occupy the same space. This is a real house that someone lives in back on Earth.

This statement create many problematic follow up question:

- It implies that buildings made in the real world automatically appears in the parallel world. But what happens when the building in the parallel world is destroyed (like Otto did when he destroyed Nathaniel's house in book 1)? Would the real world's building also destroyed? What if the reverse happen and the real world building got demolished?

- Does it only apply to building? What about road infrastructure and other material goods? The books never mentioned anything about vehicle and roads.

- What about clothings? The demons and angels are never described as wearing a 4000-year old fashion. Does that mean that they also get updated clothing style? The way Sean McGuire was described implied that his style was stuck to the era from which he was taken so if they can get new clothings for some reason, why can't Sean got one?

- I think it was book 4 that mentioned about portal can only travel from one world to another and not within the same world and that was why Otto made sure to transport himself to the middle of a desert in the parallel world when he wanted to go any place on earth. Basically a teleport with a short layover. But in this book, it's clear that angels and demons can transport themselves within the same world. It could be the limitation of shilt-created portal but the issue was never addressed.


Overall, I still think the book is quite alright but the fast pace really carries the burden of salvaging my reading enjoyment here. Story-wise, this book didn't really live up to the expectation that I had after reading the first 4 books.

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

She’s got a magical hand cannon and is carrying God’s sword. That makes her tough to beat, but when the devil himself sends the four horsemen of the actual impending apocalypse after her …
… let’s just say all bets are off.
With a demon at her side, who she’s not crazy enough to trust, Anastasia is going after the missing armour of God.
It would be an easier task if anyone on Earth knew where the angels hid it.
She’ll recruit help, but can she get to the armour before the horsemen get to her?
Be ready for a wild-assed ride!

This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Ross Ramey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second of the series starring Anastasia Aaronson, the former British officer injured during UN peacekeeping service. She lost a hand, a leg, and memory (with a piece of shrapnel lodged in her brain). Recently returned to Britain, she finds a new job, living situation, and discovered powers she didn't know she had (again, granted she has no memory of her life prior to her injury!) And her powers have led her to discovering the world of Immortals and Demons. She needs to find how to survive against these Immortals and their thralls, without becoming one herself, or allowing the humans to become subservient to them.
Believable dialog, characters and actions, the book is fast-paced and demands finishing. Elements of wry and ironic humor spice up the difficult situations.
My review is based on an Advance Reader Copy, except for an occasional typo, I expect that it will be reflective of the final published version of the book. Enjoy!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Demon Bound: The Battle for Anastasia Aaronson by Steve Higgs is Book 5 in The Realm of False Gods series. This is a well written, fast paced, action packed, page turning adventure with great world building, an interesting storyline, and well developed characters. Anastasia Aaronson (MFC) was a British Officer who lost a leg, a hand, memory, and has a piece of shrapnel lodged in her brain during UN Peacekeeping activities. She has discovered she now has powers and can see angels and demons. Both the angels and demons what to get hold of her so they can use her powers. Will Anastasia be able to stay alive and neutral? Ayla Stevenson, narrator, brought the story to live. Her voice was calm and made for easy listening. Received an audiobook ARC and this is my voluntary review.

[Anastasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Demon Bound: The Battle for Anastasia Aaronson by Steve Higgs is the 6th book in The Realm of False Gods series but we are told by the author at the end that it is the first book he wrote in the series. The various demons from all sides are trying to capture Anastasia to be able to use her powers to help them defeat the others especially when the barrier between the realms falls. I liked that this book explained the concept of the series and we learn about the demon realms along with Anastasia. It was interesting and entertaining, just not my preferred genre.

[Heather W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Demon Bound is the second book in "The Battle for Anastasia Aaronson" subseries and the fifth book in "The Realm of False Gods" series.

Anastasia Aaronson is a fabulous character who can anything that is thrown at her... even against the devil and the four horsemen of the apocalypse.

I am loving this series and find it to be well written and compelling, keeping me on the edge of my seat as Anastasia carries out her search for the missing armour of God. The book is fast-paced and action-packed, with danger, drama, and great world-building.

I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
I read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book with no obligation.

[Kim Boutillier · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing unique urban fantasy!!!

The Realm of False Gods series is an amazing series with tons of surprises! Book 1 started out slow, but there were enough intriguing new ideas about the supernatural that I stayed with it, and damn am I glad I did! The book just continued to pick up and by the climax I was completely hooked! A new concept of how magic is used, yet based on the elements, as so much magic theory is. New races and a new realm, all very unique. Great dialogue, and relatable characters, hey who can't relate to a 2 and half meter tall werewolf, right?!?!? (that's 8 1/4 feet to us Americans...). Highly recommend this series!!

[Lynall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just WOW ! Angels and demons, and a woman who can throw magic. I LOVE this story, the first book was so good, but this is better! Who are the good guys? What is going on? Is it a battle between good and evil, with an ex-army vet in the middle?This story is totally engaging and almost impossible to put down once you start. I NEED the next book in the series, and then I need them all in an anthology to binge read.
Definitely 5 star awesome

[Margarita Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This character has many obstacles put in her path by her physical injuries. She is able to overcome and adapt. She has a mind that is always trying to think ahead. Faced with Demons and Angels she has to decide who is truly telling her the truth. She has been bound to a demon deceitfully and is quickly learning who calls the shots. This is a fight not just for her freedom but for the salvation of the whole human race. I am excited to see where this road will lead.

[Thomas Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anastasia turns out to be the one who took the mentality change that I had hoped for! With the further discovery of her new and unique powers, I enjoyed the entire read. Especially the sudden twist near the end.

I am curious if Daniel's shift in mentality is him considering Anastasia as more of his equal than a wizard like Otto, or if he is reconsidering his stance overall. Either way, I look forward to reading the next book and seeing where Anastasia's arc in the overall saga takes her!

[Angel Ballard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story continues in a world that is becoming increasingly precarious. Excellent world and character building. The author keeps the story moving and interesting. The thought required to create these stories is just wonderful! What an incredible imagination! Can't wait to see where the series goes from here!

[Nicnotnicola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another terrific read

Absolutely brilliant from start to finish. Really fantastic story line and it's action packed from beginning to end and each book gets better! That it's set in Rochester is an added wow factor for me. I'm tempted to drive there tonight and see if there is any damage! Lol. Thank you.

[Amy R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Write faster

Wow! This book was read in about 6 hours( only because I fell asleep last night), and I was on the edge of my seat/bed the whole time. Every book Mr. Higgs writes is like this, so I know the next book will be even better. Thank you for keeping my mind occupied during this unsettling time.

[Judi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Higgs keeps getting better; I'm glad I started this series. I also love Anastasia! I suspect she's the descendant of an angel; probably a warrior like Gabriel (or perhaps Michael, although we haven't seen him in this series). She gets better at the magic thing and by the end of this one, has friends and allies. Can't say more or I'll be making spoilers. Recommended.

[David Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learn from the school of hard knocks

Anastasia is left on her own by Otto. Why is he so wrapped up in himself that he can't be bothered to train an ally? Anastasia keeps getting partial answers before being thrown into life or death decisions, so what is the truth and when will Anastasia get time and rest to figure it out?

[Debbiebooknerdyoung · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book!
Every book has you wanting to read the next in the series, and this one was just as good.
Anastasia is a take charge gal, and has a few supernatural powers that help her out when needed.
Fast paced with lots of action!

[Tim Putney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woo Hoo, what a fun ride. Best book in the series so far! Each new book gets better than the previous. I love this series and look forward to reading many more. Tons of action, mystery, magic, mythology and mayhem. This is exactly what an urban fantasy series should be.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best

I have enjoyed the realm of false gods so far but didn’t enjoy this book nearly as much. Otto did things he wouldn’t do. Phrases were repeated constantly, the main character wasn’t as likeable.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Reading

This author ranks up with Shayne Silvers. Mr. Higgs books are full of action but don't have the cursing.
I really urge you to to give it a go.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love how the characters show the ways ego can be used. The heroin is complex and interesting. Add plenty of action and suspense and you will enjoy this book.

[Rita Whinfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

The end is drawing near!

Ana lives to fight another day. She is feisty and seems to be getting her army skills back, planning instead of reacting. Great story.

[Sue Podolinsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story I enjoyed it! Hope to read about more escapades of the crew!!

[Gerdi Rossouw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read.

[James Learman · Rating 4 out of 5]

a good book, gonna be some abuse triggers and such in it. the main character is always a fighter

[Steve Short · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great UF

We’re well into the Realm of False Gods series here and it’s keeping me entertained. Can’t wait to move onto the next book.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*

Again Anastasia is the star of the show. And in my opinion it’s the best book so far.

[Lisa Welch · Rating 5 out of 5]

this series is fantastic and what they go through in each book just keeps building, its fast paced and keepings you turning the pages what out for the burns on your fingers - just amazing

[Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still going strong!

Book 6 is just as good as the first! Love the storyline! Looking forward to the next book !! Steve Higgs does a great job keeping you wanting more!

[Erica Lane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could be more sensible

Anastasia didn't utilize her resources very well. She could be safe in a church. But continued to think she could fight just made no sense.