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The Demon's Librarian
Alternate cover edition of ISBN 9781933417448
Demons are preying on schoolchildren in her city, so Francesca Barnes does what any red-blooded librarian would do-she does some research and goes hunting. But the books she finds in a secret cache don’t tell her the whole story. Chess has no idea what she’s just stepped into or just how special she is.
Orion (Ryan) is Drakul, part demon, and a loyal servant of the Order. He doesn’t expect a motorcycle-riding librarian to be messing around with demonic forces, and he doesn’t expect her to smell so damn good. But Ryan’s got bigger problems. His partner has disappeared, and the forces of Darkness are rising.
Now Chess is Ryan’s only hope of finding his partner, and Ryan is Chess’s only hope of survival because the demons now know Chess exists and that she is the heir to a long-lost power that could push back their dark tide. If Ryan can keep her alive long enough, she just might be the key to destroying the demons completely.
But Ryan doesn’t know he’s been betrayed by the very Order he serves. And if Chess does, by some miracle survive, he won’t ever be able to touch her again. . .
Demons are preying on schoolchildren in her city, so Francesca Barnes does what any red-blooded librarian would do-she does some research and goes hunting. But the books she finds in a secret cache don’t tell her the whole story. Chess has no idea what she’s just stepped into or just how special she is.
Orion (Ryan) is Drakul, part demon, and a loyal servant of the Order. He doesn’t expect a motorcycle-riding librarian to be messing around with demonic forces, and he doesn’t expect her to smell so damn good. But Ryan’s got bigger problems. His partner has disappeared, and the forces of Darkness are rising.
Now Chess is Ryan’s only hope of finding his partner, and Ryan is Chess’s only hope of survival because the demons now know Chess exists and that she is the heir to a long-lost power that could push back their dark tide. If Ryan can keep her alive long enough, she just might be the key to destroying the demons completely.
But Ryan doesn’t know he’s been betrayed by the very Order he serves. And if Chess does, by some miracle survive, he won’t ever be able to touch her again. . .
218 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2009
79 people are currently reading
1696 people want to read
About the author
Lilith Saintcrow
132 books4,512 followersLilith Saintcrow was born in New Mexico, bounced around the world as a child, and fell in love with writing stories when she was ten years old. She and her library co-habitate in Vancouver, Washington.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
October 29, 2010
I have to admit, the main reason I picked this book up was that it was about a librarian. Nine times out of ten, most books aren't about librarians & when they are, they're usually not the type of books I like to read. This is one of the few urban fiction books you'll see where the main character is a librarian.
The plotline follows a librarian (Chess) as she discovers a hidden room in the back of her library filled with occult books. Curious, she experiments with many of the spells & discovers that she has a bit of a talent for it. Meanwhile Orion (Ryan), a supernatural hybrid, is bent on discovering who is killing the city's monsters... only to discover that Chess is the unlikely fighter. Swearing to protect her, Ryan soon finds that protecting Chess is easier said than done- especially when she's showing signs of having a power thought gone forever.
I really enjoyed this book. It sort of makes me think of those pulp fictions or penny dreadfuls from the past. This book isn't the slickest & most sophisticated thing out there, but it is pretty darn good. Fans of Kim Harrison & Armstrong will enjoy this book, especially since the main character is a pretty strong person considering the situation. She's not as kick butt as Elena (Armstrong) or Rachel Morgan (Harrison), but you've got to remember that the character in this book is just starting out in her demon hunting career. I'd really like to see a short story or a sequel to this book- the universe is pretty promising.
The plotline follows a librarian (Chess) as she discovers a hidden room in the back of her library filled with occult books. Curious, she experiments with many of the spells & discovers that she has a bit of a talent for it. Meanwhile Orion (Ryan), a supernatural hybrid, is bent on discovering who is killing the city's monsters... only to discover that Chess is the unlikely fighter. Swearing to protect her, Ryan soon finds that protecting Chess is easier said than done- especially when she's showing signs of having a power thought gone forever.
I really enjoyed this book. It sort of makes me think of those pulp fictions or penny dreadfuls from the past. This book isn't the slickest & most sophisticated thing out there, but it is pretty darn good. Fans of Kim Harrison & Armstrong will enjoy this book, especially since the main character is a pretty strong person considering the situation. She's not as kick butt as Elena (Armstrong) or Rachel Morgan (Harrison), but you've got to remember that the character in this book is just starting out in her demon hunting career. I'd really like to see a short story or a sequel to this book- the universe is pretty promising.
October 7, 2015
How is it that there is no follow up book to this book? From page one, I'm spellbound. Francesca Barnes is a mousy looking librarian who loves her books. Her library may not be the most modern, but it contains something special. There is a hidden chamber with magic spells. It's a laboratory which Francesca stumbles over. This helps her greatly as she notices the things that go bump in the night are becoming more deadly. With each spell she performs, she sees more of the paranormal world. More of the monsters in the stories come alive for her to confront. She needs hazard pay for these demon slayings. Oh wait, she doesn't get paid.
Those who loved Buffy the Vampire slayer will enjoy this book. Instead of a cheerleader, think of a female Giles kicking demon butt and picking up the slack for the Order. The characters in this story are fun. Francesca is cute and spunky. Orion is like Angel. He's part demon and kind of has a soul. The world building includes a secret order run by men. Thre exists a class system where half breeds are second class citizens. Let's not even discuss the lack of standing women experience in this demon fighting world. I like Francesca because she's smart and she breaks all the rules. When the "authority" want to force her into their predetermined mold, she smashes it to pieces. She is the underdog with powers. She uses it responsibly and genuinely cares for others.
This book pulls the reader in and moves at a good pace. As it picks up and more secrets are revealed, the climax hits hard and fast. At the end of this book, I'm left shaking from the adrenaline rush. Then I look around wondering, where is the rest of the story? This seems to be a standalone book which is so frustrating. It comes across similar to the Watcher Series. One can only hope there is another book to this world. Recommended to paranormal romance readers who like their librarians sexy and smart.
*provided by NetGalley
Those who loved Buffy the Vampire slayer will enjoy this book. Instead of a cheerleader, think of a female Giles kicking demon butt and picking up the slack for the Order. The characters in this story are fun. Francesca is cute and spunky. Orion is like Angel. He's part demon and kind of has a soul. The world building includes a secret order run by men. Thre exists a class system where half breeds are second class citizens. Let's not even discuss the lack of standing women experience in this demon fighting world. I like Francesca because she's smart and she breaks all the rules. When the "authority" want to force her into their predetermined mold, she smashes it to pieces. She is the underdog with powers. She uses it responsibly and genuinely cares for others.
This book pulls the reader in and moves at a good pace. As it picks up and more secrets are revealed, the climax hits hard and fast. At the end of this book, I'm left shaking from the adrenaline rush. Then I look around wondering, where is the rest of the story? This seems to be a standalone book which is so frustrating. It comes across similar to the Watcher Series. One can only hope there is another book to this world. Recommended to paranormal romance readers who like their librarians sexy and smart.
*provided by NetGalley
June 30, 2018
I wish she'd write a sequel! I want to know if her sister develops 'potential, and how bringing the Malik into the current century goes. You know that won't be pretty.
Still love the set-up of the universe, as there isn't a sequel -- I usually move onto her Watcher series. Similar demon touched heroes but instead of golden -- there are witches "lightbringers" that by their nature are generally pacifists types (teacher/healers/etc). That did tweak my inner 12 year old -- but it does make sense as to how the magic is set-up & Elise (third book) does satisfy my need for a kick but heroine --even if she is too stubborn for her own good. :P
Still love the set-up of the universe, as there isn't a sequel -- I usually move onto her Watcher series. Similar demon touched heroes but instead of golden -- there are witches "lightbringers" that by their nature are generally pacifists types (teacher/healers/etc). That did tweak my inner 12 year old -- but it does make sense as to how the magic is set-up & Elise (third book) does satisfy my need for a kick but heroine --even if she is too stubborn for her own good. :P
February 2, 2017
One of those books that could have been good but the main characters were super duper stunted and incapable of having a conversation. I skimmed most of it and figured this was not a good example of the author's ability.
October 4, 2015
Okay, so I chose The Demon's Librarian on Netgalley expecting a quick, hopefully light and fun read, and probably filled with sex and violence, probably with a Mary Sue heroine. Honestly, my expectations for the sex and violence were stronger than those for the light and fun – and honestly, I couldn't have been more wrong. It was so much fun, and such a quick and enjoyable read – and while yes, it was violent ("He’d broken the floor, he’d hit it so hard"), I was surprised that while there was a huge amount of chemistry and sexual tension, of actual sex scenes there were none.
The book is far from perfect. There are mistakes, in formatting and whatnot, which will hopefully be/hopefully was dealt with before final publication. But where in a lot of cases that can overwhelm the writing, here the writing more than held its own and made reading more than worthwhile. "The shipwrecked, rollicking oaken monstrosity of the bar itself" – nice.
And Chess (short for Francesca, and I love that) is no Mary Sue. Is she special, smart and lovely and physically intimidating and the whole package? Yep. But she reacts to the things that happen to her in a realistic manner. She's a librarian, and a good one, loving her books and occasionally loathing her patrons: "She could feel her cheeks freezing into what Charlie called the Dealing-With-Idiots-Smile. It almost hurt." And terrible things happen around her and to her, things that most of us reading (and writing) this will never, ever, ever remotely experience, and Lilith Saintcrow managed to make her someone who would both respond heroically and then melt down. As one does, when suddenly confronted with almost unstoppable demons taking the forms of people one knows.
I loved her constant self-reassurance: "I am doing really well with this. Don’t get cocky." "I am dealing with this really well, she thought for the fiftieth time, and felt like it might actually be true." She's confident, but not so certain of herself or the new and wildly bizarre and dangerous circumstances she's plunged into. I found it a nice touch that this rather amazing woman uses a technique I've been known to try ("it's ok – you're ok – you can do this") and is occasionally overwhelmed by tears.
And I kind of love that one of the first things our hero, Ryan, falls for in her is that he saw her weeping.
He's a very interesting character. I've seen criticism of how he behaves and how he treats Chess, but I had no problem with it. He's not just some guy; he's not human, quite. There are reasons for his behavior, reasons in keeping with the unique and skillful worldbuilding that's gone on for this book. I look forward to more from this author, hopefully with these characters. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for introducing me to a new author to follow.
The book is far from perfect. There are mistakes, in formatting and whatnot, which will hopefully be/hopefully was dealt with before final publication. But where in a lot of cases that can overwhelm the writing, here the writing more than held its own and made reading more than worthwhile. "The shipwrecked, rollicking oaken monstrosity of the bar itself" – nice.
And Chess (short for Francesca, and I love that) is no Mary Sue. Is she special, smart and lovely and physically intimidating and the whole package? Yep. But she reacts to the things that happen to her in a realistic manner. She's a librarian, and a good one, loving her books and occasionally loathing her patrons: "She could feel her cheeks freezing into what Charlie called the Dealing-With-Idiots-Smile. It almost hurt." And terrible things happen around her and to her, things that most of us reading (and writing) this will never, ever, ever remotely experience, and Lilith Saintcrow managed to make her someone who would both respond heroically and then melt down. As one does, when suddenly confronted with almost unstoppable demons taking the forms of people one knows.
I loved her constant self-reassurance: "I am doing really well with this. Don’t get cocky." "I am dealing with this really well, she thought for the fiftieth time, and felt like it might actually be true." She's confident, but not so certain of herself or the new and wildly bizarre and dangerous circumstances she's plunged into. I found it a nice touch that this rather amazing woman uses a technique I've been known to try ("it's ok – you're ok – you can do this") and is occasionally overwhelmed by tears.
And I kind of love that one of the first things our hero, Ryan, falls for in her is that he saw her weeping.
He's a very interesting character. I've seen criticism of how he behaves and how he treats Chess, but I had no problem with it. He's not just some guy; he's not human, quite. There are reasons for his behavior, reasons in keeping with the unique and skillful worldbuilding that's gone on for this book. I look forward to more from this author, hopefully with these characters. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for introducing me to a new author to follow.
January 8, 2010
Since it isn't clear from the blurb...
The interesting bit about the schoolchildren being eaten, finding the stash of books and reading them, gathering/creating weapons, and actually fighting the monster that is eating the schoolchildren all happens before the story even begins. The first scene is her coming home from killing the monster.
It reads more like the 2nd book in a trilogy than it does a stand-alone novel. I actually put the book down and went to check online to make sure it wasn't the sequel to some other book.
Also, being a possessive caveman does NOT equal romance. Nor is it fun to have a heroine that faints all the time. (Ok, I'm exaggerating. It was only 3 times.) I was sorely tempted to go round up some feminists and camp out on Saintcrow's lawn.
The interesting bit about the schoolchildren being eaten, finding the stash of books and reading them, gathering/creating weapons, and actually fighting the monster that is eating the schoolchildren all happens before the story even begins. The first scene is her coming home from killing the monster.
It reads more like the 2nd book in a trilogy than it does a stand-alone novel. I actually put the book down and went to check online to make sure it wasn't the sequel to some other book.
Also, being a possessive caveman does NOT equal romance. Nor is it fun to have a heroine that faints all the time. (Ok, I'm exaggerating. It was only 3 times.) I was sorely tempted to go round up some feminists and camp out on Saintcrow's lawn.
June 16, 2017
***** 3.5 Almost Stars *****
I absolutely loved the plot. The main character? Not so much.
There were moments when I wanted to strangle Chess because she wouldn't listen. She also tended to over think things. My favorite character was Ryan. He is your over protective sexy guardian. He will lay down his life for Chess.
I just want more of him. He is a hard core half-demon. Unfortunately, in his world, he is treated like a 2nd class citizen. But Chess will change it all. She tells it like it is and fights for him in her own way. He is a person. He is loyal. And he deserves to be treated fairly.
The romance between them is there... but it's mostly one way throughout the book. Ryan is yearning to be close to her, but he fights his urges. I wish it was a bit more steamy, but oh well.
I absolutely loved the plot. The main character? Not so much.
There were moments when I wanted to strangle Chess because she wouldn't listen. She also tended to over think things. My favorite character was Ryan. He is your over protective sexy guardian. He will lay down his life for Chess.
I just want more of him. He is a hard core half-demon. Unfortunately, in his world, he is treated like a 2nd class citizen. But Chess will change it all. She tells it like it is and fights for him in her own way. He is a person. He is loyal. And he deserves to be treated fairly.
The romance between them is there... but it's mostly one way throughout the book. Ryan is yearning to be close to her, but he fights his urges. I wish it was a bit more steamy, but oh well.
August 5, 2015
Great book, but the new cover from 2015 Reeks! The original cover, from the edition published February 1, 2009, (the one you see here) is a much more appropriate cover based on the story. The silly paranormal romance style cover of the new edition, published July 31, 2015 is completely inappropriate to the strength of the storyline. So, ignore the new cover, ignore the Paranormal-Romance style blurb, and read the review instead. Then read the book - it's really good! Also, if you have this title in your library, see if it updates. This is the same book!“Keep it secret. Keep it safe.” – Gandalf, Lord of The Rings: The Hobbit
“The books always make this stuff sound so goddamn easy. They don’t mention the smell. Or the way getting hit in the face with a tentacle as big around as your thigh hurts.” – Francesca “Chess” Barnes, The Demon’s LibrarianIt is hard enough being a librarian when “the ‘good citizens’ of Jericho City would pay thousands yearly for plastic surgery and to pad the pockets of the mayor’s friends, they simply would not vote a couple of measly bucks onto their property taxes to take care of her library.” Nope. That is minor compared to having to track down a skornac in the sewers and kill it with a knife. Bloody tentacled demon was eating kids – what else was she supposed to do?!But killing a skornac demon draws attention – attention that could very well make her a bloody librarian smudge on the ground.I read Lilith Saintcrow’s Jill Kismet series several years ago. (Wow. Hard to believe 2008 was ‘several years ago’!), back before I started writing reviews, but I rated them four and five stars. Then? I just wandered away. So many books, so little time! So, when I had the opportunity to read The Demon’s Librarian, I was well pleased. It is nice to greet an old friend.This book didn’t disappoint. Chess is one tough librarian. Since finding (or being found by) a sorcerous library hidden behind a magical wall in the basement of the Jericho City library, life has been, well, interesting. Interesting in the Chinese, “May you live in interesting times” sort of interesting. Interesting enough that she spends a lot of the time in the fight gym learning how to protect herself, and a lot of time in the basement learning sorcery. Then, things get truly, well, ‘interesting’ in a very bloody, very painful way.When a tall, handsome, tweed-jacketed fellow comes into the library one day, walks straight to Chess, and asks for Delmonico’s “Demons and Hellspawn” – and when the Phoenicis Fang at her hip, the magical knife she created herself, goes hot and vibrates - she knows she has problems. What sort of creature is this? Certainly not human – he smells too much like demon for that. But what is he? Then, a demon tries to break into her apartment through her wards – and another creature attacks the demon, taking it out in a smelly, messy manner - all Hades breaks loose. Because it isn’t just demons she has to worry about. The Order of Dragons has their own knife to grind. And Chess is not only a newly-minted demon hunter. She could very well be more. And everyone suddenly has way too much interest in using Chess for their own purposes.“I’m lost in a fairy tale. Why do they call them fairy tales, when there aren’t any fairies in them? Troll tales. Giant tales. Witches and gingerbread tales.”I like Chess a lot. Her character is strong and tough – but not too tough. She is genuine. She holds her own against some really nasty creatures, but she also has the occasional “break down into a crying, quivering mess” moments that make her real. Yep, sometimes I wanted to shake her, but in her place? Uh. I wouldn’t be as brave as she is!If you like Urban Fantasy with lots of blood, a creative storyline, interesting characters, and a solid storyline, this is one to pick up and enjoy.I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a realistic review. All thoughts are my own. If you enjoy my reviews, please let me know by “Liking” my reviews on GoodReads and Amazon. Thank you so much!Oh. The new cover. Well, see what I mean? Pft. The book is about the Librarian! Yeah, yeah. There is 'romance' in a way - but the story is much stronger than a PR. No sex included in this one, just a couple kisses. Goodie - Great UF! Not putting them down, just saying that this is More than that . . . the poor reviews seem to be from people who expected hot sex and PR instead of UF.The Demon's LibrarianPublished Jul 31, 2015
“The books always make this stuff sound so goddamn easy. They don’t mention the smell. Or the way getting hit in the face with a tentacle as big around as your thigh hurts.” – Francesca “Chess” Barnes, The Demon’s LibrarianIt is hard enough being a librarian when “the ‘good citizens’ of Jericho City would pay thousands yearly for plastic surgery and to pad the pockets of the mayor’s friends, they simply would not vote a couple of measly bucks onto their property taxes to take care of her library.” Nope. That is minor compared to having to track down a skornac in the sewers and kill it with a knife. Bloody tentacled demon was eating kids – what else was she supposed to do?!But killing a skornac demon draws attention – attention that could very well make her a bloody librarian smudge on the ground.I read Lilith Saintcrow’s Jill Kismet series several years ago. (Wow. Hard to believe 2008 was ‘several years ago’!), back before I started writing reviews, but I rated them four and five stars. Then? I just wandered away. So many books, so little time! So, when I had the opportunity to read The Demon’s Librarian, I was well pleased. It is nice to greet an old friend.This book didn’t disappoint. Chess is one tough librarian. Since finding (or being found by) a sorcerous library hidden behind a magical wall in the basement of the Jericho City library, life has been, well, interesting. Interesting in the Chinese, “May you live in interesting times” sort of interesting. Interesting enough that she spends a lot of the time in the fight gym learning how to protect herself, and a lot of time in the basement learning sorcery. Then, things get truly, well, ‘interesting’ in a very bloody, very painful way.When a tall, handsome, tweed-jacketed fellow comes into the library one day, walks straight to Chess, and asks for Delmonico’s “Demons and Hellspawn” – and when the Phoenicis Fang at her hip, the magical knife she created herself, goes hot and vibrates - she knows she has problems. What sort of creature is this? Certainly not human – he smells too much like demon for that. But what is he? Then, a demon tries to break into her apartment through her wards – and another creature attacks the demon, taking it out in a smelly, messy manner - all Hades breaks loose. Because it isn’t just demons she has to worry about. The Order of Dragons has their own knife to grind. And Chess is not only a newly-minted demon hunter. She could very well be more. And everyone suddenly has way too much interest in using Chess for their own purposes.“I’m lost in a fairy tale. Why do they call them fairy tales, when there aren’t any fairies in them? Troll tales. Giant tales. Witches and gingerbread tales.”I like Chess a lot. Her character is strong and tough – but not too tough. She is genuine. She holds her own against some really nasty creatures, but she also has the occasional “break down into a crying, quivering mess” moments that make her real. Yep, sometimes I wanted to shake her, but in her place? Uh. I wouldn’t be as brave as she is!If you like Urban Fantasy with lots of blood, a creative storyline, interesting characters, and a solid storyline, this is one to pick up and enjoy.I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a realistic review. All thoughts are my own. If you enjoy my reviews, please let me know by “Liking” my reviews on GoodReads and Amazon. Thank you so much!Oh. The new cover. Well, see what I mean? Pft. The book is about the Librarian! Yeah, yeah. There is 'romance' in a way - but the story is much stronger than a PR. No sex included in this one, just a couple kisses. Goodie - Great UF! Not putting them down, just saying that this is More than that . . . the poor reviews seem to be from people who expected hot sex and PR instead of UF.The Demon's LibrarianPublished Jul 31, 2015
unfinished
September 2, 2009I read about a quarter of the book (52 pages, through chapter 4) but decided that I have too many other books I want to read and there are 7 holds on it at the library so it's time to release it back to someone who might appreciate it more.
I had trouble getting into the book from the very beginning. The lines that were supposed to be witty just felt flat and cliche.
I was annoyed that there were a lot of terms and a whole social order that's not explained. I'm quite sure they would eventually be explained, probably in an infodump.
It's fine if those things are explained to a newcomer early in the book, but it doesn't work if you have POV written from a character who already knows everything so nothing is explained (until presumably later in the book).
Minor pet peeve, if you're going to do something about library censorship, pick a book where a good percentage of Americans haven't read it in jr. high or high school and don't already know the history of censorship for that particular volume. (It was the use of the N word in Huckleberry Fin.
The thing that really killed it for me was the relationship with the Drakul, Ryan. After following her around for a few days he's already imprinted on her (at least there's a reason for the fierce protectiveness, I guess). I'm not a fan of "overprotective love at first sight." He spends a bunch of time being amazed by how strong she is "for a human" then treats her like she's utterly incapable of taking care of herself. As soon as he put a hand on her throat (even though he didn't choke her) I was done. Jeph, from Saintcrow's Dante series, got a one book pass on that kind of crap because I already knew a lot about him so although he was also way over the line, he was slightly less way over the line and I'm giving her one book to stop doing that kind of thing. She'd met Ryan less than an hour before and his behavior was inexcusable. There's a line between being protective and being controlling and he was definitely way over the controlling line. That's not even remotely sexy to me.
I had trouble getting into the book from the very beginning. The lines that were supposed to be witty just felt flat and cliche.
I was annoyed that there were a lot of terms and a whole social order that's not explained. I'm quite sure they would eventually be explained, probably in an infodump.
It's fine if those things are explained to a newcomer early in the book, but it doesn't work if you have POV written from a character who already knows everything so nothing is explained (until presumably later in the book).
Minor pet peeve, if you're going to do something about library censorship, pick a book where a good percentage of Americans haven't read it in jr. high or high school and don't already know the history of censorship for that particular volume. (It was the use of the N word in Huckleberry Fin.
The thing that really killed it for me was the relationship with the Drakul, Ryan. After following her around for a few days he's already imprinted on her (at least there's a reason for the fierce protectiveness, I guess). I'm not a fan of "overprotective love at first sight." He spends a bunch of time being amazed by how strong she is "for a human" then treats her like she's utterly incapable of taking care of herself. As soon as he put a hand on her throat (even though he didn't choke her) I was done. Jeph, from Saintcrow's Dante series, got a one book pass on that kind of crap because I already knew a lot about him so although he was also way over the line, he was slightly less way over the line and I'm giving her one book to stop doing that kind of thing. She'd met Ryan less than an hour before and his behavior was inexcusable. There's a line between being protective and being controlling and he was definitely way over the controlling line. That's not even remotely sexy to me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2016
This standalone reads as part of a series but it isn’t. The local librarian is hunting down demons that are chowing down on some kids. With no training other than kickboxing and the magic from books she found in a secret room in the basement of her local library she is doing a decent job of hunting them down that it attracts the attention of the Order. The duo from the Order come looking for the magic user and find out what is going on in town. Lots of personality clashes and fights with the demons trying to take over her town. Lots of chemistry between the leads and also lots of culture clashing since Orion is part demon and he is fighting part of his natural responses to her. A fun quick light read and I wish there was more to the universe.
June 26, 2016
This book started off great. Chess was a kick-a$$ heroine who had just taken out her first demon. But as soon as Ryan shows up, she turned into a heroine in distress who makes stupid decisions. Seriously, all of the sudden she is fainting or unable to move or deciding to hang out with her sister after she's told she is being hunted. It was just too big of a shift and took away everything Ryan claimed to like about her.
The world was interesting, although I never got a total clear picture of it. And as I said, the beginning was great.
The world was interesting, although I never got a total clear picture of it. And as I said, the beginning was great.
April 6, 2011
Fun but predictable. Think of Buffy, if she was a well-read librarian from a family of iron-willed women.
November 4, 2018
I loved this!!
This is great parnormal fiction. Lots of action, lots of monsters [good and bad!] and a kick-ass main female character . . . who's a LIBRARIAN!! This is pretty much THE PERFECT BOOK for me!!
I absolutely adored Chess! She is pretty much perfect as the protagonist in this story. I love that she appreciated the lunacy of what was happening to, and around her, and that she dealt with that via a combination of graveyard humour and profanity - definitely a woman after my own heart!
This is is a great action story, and there is plenty of action, some of it fairly bloody, so if that's not your thing, this may not be for you. But if you don't mind that, this is a great paranormal action story.
The romance is a minor thing here, and although there is absolutely chemistry between Chess and Ryan, there's no sex in this book. They come to care for one another, but we don't get to see that turn into anything physical in this book. Still their relationship is fun to watch as they figure out how to deal with one another.
This was just a super-fun, entertaining paranormal story. I loved every minute of it, and would highly recommend this to others who enjoy seeing unexpected kick-ass female characters take on the monsters.
This is great parnormal fiction. Lots of action, lots of monsters [good and bad!] and a kick-ass main female character . . . who's a LIBRARIAN!! This is pretty much THE PERFECT BOOK for me!!
I absolutely adored Chess! She is pretty much perfect as the protagonist in this story. I love that she appreciated the lunacy of what was happening to, and around her, and that she dealt with that via a combination of graveyard humour and profanity - definitely a woman after my own heart!
This is is a great action story, and there is plenty of action, some of it fairly bloody, so if that's not your thing, this may not be for you. But if you don't mind that, this is a great paranormal action story.
The romance is a minor thing here, and although there is absolutely chemistry between Chess and Ryan, there's no sex in this book. They come to care for one another, but we don't get to see that turn into anything physical in this book. Still their relationship is fun to watch as they figure out how to deal with one another.
This was just a super-fun, entertaining paranormal story. I loved every minute of it, and would highly recommend this to others who enjoy seeing unexpected kick-ass female characters take on the monsters.
August 6, 2022
Loved this book. Thanks for recommending it my Bookclub pals.
September 6, 2025
Fun, new paranormal idea
It's a fun, fast read with likable characters and new paranormal characters. Highly enjoyable! I hope she expands the universe.
It's a fun, fast read with likable characters and new paranormal characters. Highly enjoyable! I hope she expands the universe.
August 5, 2015
This is the original cover, from the edition published February 1, 2009. It is a much more appropriate cover based on the story. The silly paranormal romance style cover of the new edition, published July 31, 2015 is completely inappropriate to the strength of the storyline. So, ignore the new cover, ignore the PR style blurb, and read the review. Then read the book - it's really good!
“Keep it secret. Keep it safe.” – Gandalf, Lord of The Rings: The Hobbit
“The books always make this stuff sound so goddamn easy. They don’t mention the smell. Or the way getting hit in the face with a tentacle as big around as your thigh hurts.” – Francesca “Chess” Barnes, The Demon’s Librarian
(Note: Ignore the cover. It reeks. The cover of the edition Published February 28th 2009 by ImaJinn Books is much more appropriate for the story. Also, if you have that book in your library, this seems to be the same book in republished form.)
It is hard enough being a librarian when “the ‘good citizens’ of Jericho City would pay thousands yearly for plastic surgery and to pad the pockets of the mayor’s friends, they simply would not vote a couple of measly bucks onto their property taxes to take care of her library.” Nope. That is minor compared to having to track down a skornac in the sewers and kill it with a knife. Bloody tentacled demon was eating kids – what else was she supposed to do?!
But killing a skornac demon draws attention – attention that could very well make her a bloody librarian smudge on the ground.
I read Lilith Saintcrow’s Jill Kismet series several years ago. (Wow. Hard to believe 2008 was ‘several years ago’!), back before I started writing reviews, but I rated them four and five stars. Then? I just wandered away. So many books, so little time! So, when I had the opportunity to read The Demon’s Librarian, I was well pleased. It is nice to greet an old friend.
This book didn’t disappoint. Chess is one tough librarian. Since finding (or being found by) a sorcerous library hidden behind a magical wall in the basement of the Jericho City library, life has been, well, interesting. Interesting in the Chinese, “May you live in interesting times” sort of interesting. Interesting enough that she spends a lot of the time in the fight gym learning how to protect herself, and a lot of time in the basement learning sorcery. Then, things get truly, well, ‘interesting’ in a very bloody, very painful way.
When a tall, handsome, tweed-jacketed fellow comes into the library one day, walks straight to Chess, and asks for Delmonico’s “Demons and Hellspawn” – and when the Phoenicis Fang at her hip, the magical knife she created herself, goes hot and vibrates - she knows she has problems. What sort of creature is this? Certainly not human – he smells too much like demon for that. But what is he? Then, a demon tries to break into her apartment through her wards – and another creature attacks the demon, taking it out in a smelly, messy manner - all Hades breaks loose. Because it isn’t just demons she has to worry about. The Order of Dragons has their own knife to grind. And Chess is not only a newly-minted demon hunter. She could very well be more. And everyone suddenly has way too much interest in using Chess for their own purposes.
“I’m lost in a fairy tale. Why do they call them fairy tales, when there aren’t any fairies in them? Troll tales. Giant tales. Witches and gingerbread tales.”
I like Chess a lot. Her character is strong and tough – but not too tough. She is genuine. She holds her own against some really nasty creatures, but she also has the occasional “break down into a crying, quivering mess” moments that make her real. Yep, sometimes I wanted to shake her, but in her place? Uh. I wouldn’t be as brave as she is!
If you like Urban Fantasy with lots of blood, a creative storyline, interesting characters, and a solid storyline, this is one to pick up and enjoy.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a realistic review. All thoughts are my own. If you enjoy my reviews, please let me know by “Liking” my reviews on GoodReads and Amazon. Thank you so much!
Oh. The new cover: (Photo)
See what I mean? Pft. The book is about the Librarian! Yeah, yeah. There is 'romance' in a way - but the story is much stronger than a PR. Not putting them down, just saying that this is More than that . . .
The Demon's Librarian
Published Jul 31, 2015
“Keep it secret. Keep it safe.” – Gandalf, Lord of The Rings: The Hobbit
“The books always make this stuff sound so goddamn easy. They don’t mention the smell. Or the way getting hit in the face with a tentacle as big around as your thigh hurts.” – Francesca “Chess” Barnes, The Demon’s Librarian
(Note: Ignore the cover. It reeks. The cover of the edition Published February 28th 2009 by ImaJinn Books is much more appropriate for the story. Also, if you have that book in your library, this seems to be the same book in republished form.)
It is hard enough being a librarian when “the ‘good citizens’ of Jericho City would pay thousands yearly for plastic surgery and to pad the pockets of the mayor’s friends, they simply would not vote a couple of measly bucks onto their property taxes to take care of her library.” Nope. That is minor compared to having to track down a skornac in the sewers and kill it with a knife. Bloody tentacled demon was eating kids – what else was she supposed to do?!
But killing a skornac demon draws attention – attention that could very well make her a bloody librarian smudge on the ground.
I read Lilith Saintcrow’s Jill Kismet series several years ago. (Wow. Hard to believe 2008 was ‘several years ago’!), back before I started writing reviews, but I rated them four and five stars. Then? I just wandered away. So many books, so little time! So, when I had the opportunity to read The Demon’s Librarian, I was well pleased. It is nice to greet an old friend.
This book didn’t disappoint. Chess is one tough librarian. Since finding (or being found by) a sorcerous library hidden behind a magical wall in the basement of the Jericho City library, life has been, well, interesting. Interesting in the Chinese, “May you live in interesting times” sort of interesting. Interesting enough that she spends a lot of the time in the fight gym learning how to protect herself, and a lot of time in the basement learning sorcery. Then, things get truly, well, ‘interesting’ in a very bloody, very painful way.
When a tall, handsome, tweed-jacketed fellow comes into the library one day, walks straight to Chess, and asks for Delmonico’s “Demons and Hellspawn” – and when the Phoenicis Fang at her hip, the magical knife she created herself, goes hot and vibrates - she knows she has problems. What sort of creature is this? Certainly not human – he smells too much like demon for that. But what is he? Then, a demon tries to break into her apartment through her wards – and another creature attacks the demon, taking it out in a smelly, messy manner - all Hades breaks loose. Because it isn’t just demons she has to worry about. The Order of Dragons has their own knife to grind. And Chess is not only a newly-minted demon hunter. She could very well be more. And everyone suddenly has way too much interest in using Chess for their own purposes.
“I’m lost in a fairy tale. Why do they call them fairy tales, when there aren’t any fairies in them? Troll tales. Giant tales. Witches and gingerbread tales.”
I like Chess a lot. Her character is strong and tough – but not too tough. She is genuine. She holds her own against some really nasty creatures, but she also has the occasional “break down into a crying, quivering mess” moments that make her real. Yep, sometimes I wanted to shake her, but in her place? Uh. I wouldn’t be as brave as she is!
If you like Urban Fantasy with lots of blood, a creative storyline, interesting characters, and a solid storyline, this is one to pick up and enjoy.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a realistic review. All thoughts are my own. If you enjoy my reviews, please let me know by “Liking” my reviews on GoodReads and Amazon. Thank you so much!
Oh. The new cover: (Photo)
See what I mean? Pft. The book is about the Librarian! Yeah, yeah. There is 'romance' in a way - but the story is much stronger than a PR. Not putting them down, just saying that this is More than that . . .
The Demon's Librarian
Published Jul 31, 2015
July 29, 2015
Once again this is another great book by Lilith Saintcrow. This was a fun read. Let me start by pointing out the things I liked about this story.
The concept was a great one. I mean really, a demon hunting librarian how badass is that? I could picture the library in my head and thought it would be a pretty cool place, especially with Chess' hidden library in the basement where her collection of books containing magic and demon hunting tips were hidden. There was also some fast paced action, so you can't go wrong there either.
Now, let's talk about the characters a bit. Chess or Francesca is the librarian that hunts demons. While I liked her, I didn't love her and here's why. In my opinion, she contradicted herself a lot of the time. In the beginning, she made a magic knife that alerted her when demons were near and she used it to slay a demon on her own in the sewers of the city. Then a few scenes later she rushed out in her pajamas to defend Ryan whom she didn't know yet from a demon. I was thinking at that time that she was a heroine that was pretty tough and brave. However, she disappointed me from time to time in later scenes where demons were involved. She fainted, cried and just plain went into hysterics when she should have been showing the courage she had initially. It was also annoying when she seemed to take Ryan at his word then suddenly she didn't. I was also left with questions about why she was a "potential". I wanted to know where she inherited that from. Was it from her mother who perhaps didn't know that she herself was more than human or did she inherit from her father? I think I would have liked that explained a bit more. But, I was happy to see that she finally grew a pair and stood up to the head of the Order where Ryan was concerned. I just wish she would have reached her potential a bit sooner in the story.
This brings me to Ryan. For the most part, I really liked him a lot. I thought he was a great male protagonist. Although, he seemed slightly contradictory as well. His protective instincts were kind of questionable at times. I wasn't sure how having thoughts of throwing Chess on her bed and taking what he wanted was protective. But, that is my only complaint regarding him. Thankfully, he only mentioned that once or twice and never voiced it out loud, so his other qualities made it easier to overlook that bit, especially since he never acted on it.
All in all, I thought it was a fast fun read and I enjoyed it a lot. I would have liked to read more but unfortunately, this was a stand alone novel. It would make a good series and one that I would definitely read. I am giving this book four stars, though, because the contradictions in Chess annoyed enough that I can't really give it five.
This review can be found on Word Gurgle at www.wordgurgle.blogspot.com
The concept was a great one. I mean really, a demon hunting librarian how badass is that? I could picture the library in my head and thought it would be a pretty cool place, especially with Chess' hidden library in the basement where her collection of books containing magic and demon hunting tips were hidden. There was also some fast paced action, so you can't go wrong there either.
Now, let's talk about the characters a bit. Chess or Francesca is the librarian that hunts demons. While I liked her, I didn't love her and here's why. In my opinion, she contradicted herself a lot of the time. In the beginning, she made a magic knife that alerted her when demons were near and she used it to slay a demon on her own in the sewers of the city. Then a few scenes later she rushed out in her pajamas to defend Ryan whom she didn't know yet from a demon. I was thinking at that time that she was a heroine that was pretty tough and brave. However, she disappointed me from time to time in later scenes where demons were involved. She fainted, cried and just plain went into hysterics when she should have been showing the courage she had initially. It was also annoying when she seemed to take Ryan at his word then suddenly she didn't. I was also left with questions about why she was a "potential". I wanted to know where she inherited that from. Was it from her mother who perhaps didn't know that she herself was more than human or did she inherit from her father? I think I would have liked that explained a bit more. But, I was happy to see that she finally grew a pair and stood up to the head of the Order where Ryan was concerned. I just wish she would have reached her potential a bit sooner in the story.
This brings me to Ryan. For the most part, I really liked him a lot. I thought he was a great male protagonist. Although, he seemed slightly contradictory as well. His protective instincts were kind of questionable at times. I wasn't sure how having thoughts of throwing Chess on her bed and taking what he wanted was protective. But, that is my only complaint regarding him. Thankfully, he only mentioned that once or twice and never voiced it out loud, so his other qualities made it easier to overlook that bit, especially since he never acted on it.
All in all, I thought it was a fast fun read and I enjoyed it a lot. I would have liked to read more but unfortunately, this was a stand alone novel. It would make a good series and one that I would definitely read. I am giving this book four stars, though, because the contradictions in Chess annoyed enough that I can't really give it five.
This review can be found on Word Gurgle at www.wordgurgle.blogspot.com
August 19, 2021
So! Librarians, secret books, demon hunters, mysterious order protecting us poor little humans, a little romance; everything about this story sounds awesome, right? Well, not quite. It’s good but never quite makes the leap into amazing. Chess is a likeable protagonist, she’s smart (a librarian!), she’s feisty (but not that absurd-feisty that too many UF lady-protagonists tend towards), she’s pretty brave, she’s independent. Although sometimes she’s a little too independent for someone who’s only killed one demon and who now has a certified demon-hunter at her beck and call.
Ryan sounds super foxy and he’s definitely a good guy to have in your corner, what with the super strength and healing abilities, but I am not a fan of the mate-instinct that we got to deal with when Ryan’s POV was at the forefront. I got a little tired of the but she’s so pretty and she smells so nice! This must be Twue Wuv! Also, things could be a little scary from his perspective because he was fighting his instincts (read: major boner) all the time. And he goes from “You give me a boner” to “I love you forever” really damn quickly.
On the other hand, the romance was almost totally undeveloped on Chess’ side, because she spent most of the book going “Fuck, demons! This is scary, run, no, fight, wait, I have a knife!” and passing out and only very occasionally “That Ryan guy is a little scary, but he’s kinda good looking”.
There isn’t much in the way of world-building since it’s basically just real world + demons but there’s enough to make it convincing. It’s a bit of a shame because Lilith Saintcrow is a master world-builder (seriously, the world-building aspect of her Dante Valentine series is mind-blowing).
I would have liked it better if there were a couple of follow-ups (or even just one) because the epilogue was kind of ridiculous. It reads like a first entry in a series, right up until the epilogue, where things get wrapped way too neatly, but it’s a stand-alone. It’s kind of hard to categorize too, since it’s PNR from Ryan’s POV and UF from Chess’ POV. It was at least worth the 7 bucks I paid.
Ryan sounds super foxy and he’s definitely a good guy to have in your corner, what with the super strength and healing abilities, but I am not a fan of the mate-instinct that we got to deal with when Ryan’s POV was at the forefront. I got a little tired of the but she’s so pretty and she smells so nice! This must be Twue Wuv! Also, things could be a little scary from his perspective because he was fighting his instincts (read: major boner) all the time. And he goes from “You give me a boner” to “I love you forever” really damn quickly.
On the other hand, the romance was almost totally undeveloped on Chess’ side, because she spent most of the book going “Fuck, demons! This is scary, run, no, fight, wait, I have a knife!” and passing out and only very occasionally “That Ryan guy is a little scary, but he’s kinda good looking”.
There isn’t much in the way of world-building since it’s basically just real world + demons but there’s enough to make it convincing. It’s a bit of a shame because Lilith Saintcrow is a master world-builder (seriously, the world-building aspect of her Dante Valentine series is mind-blowing).
I would have liked it better if there were a couple of follow-ups (or even just one) because the epilogue was kind of ridiculous. It reads like a first entry in a series, right up until the epilogue, where things get wrapped way too neatly, but it’s a stand-alone. It’s kind of hard to categorize too, since it’s PNR from Ryan’s POV and UF from Chess’ POV. It was at least worth the 7 bucks I paid.
October 7, 2013
As a librarian I felt compelled to read this one, and I was not disappointed.
The heroine, Chess, is a kickass self taught demon slayer, but also a vulnerable woman on the verge of becoming the first Golden in 500 years. Wanted by the demons for a ritual that will open a portal to the demon dimension, it is up to another demon slayer to help her. The drawback: He is a half demon himself, seen as a beast, forbidden to form relationships with women because of his demonic instincts.
This is a fairly typical Saintcrow novel. Readers of her Dante Valentine series will immediately discover similarities between Ryan-Japhrimel and Dante-Chess. Both men are powerfully drawn to their heroines, willing to protect them at all costs. I liked Ryan's inner struggle to tame his demon's mating fantasies and attraction, his stubbornness. Chess' willingness to treat him as an equal for the first time in his life and the way she defies old prejudices, is heartwarming.
As usual, Saintcrow's book is full of action, supernatural creatures and betrayal and danger. Despite Chess and Ryan's attraction, all they share is one kiss, though. And I agree with other reviewers, this could easily have been turned into a series. Chess wants to change the order, their leader is less than pleased... What will happens to the order and the status of the Draculein next, isn't fully addressed. But nevertheless, the ending is satisfactory, though less than perfect...
The heroine, Chess, is a kickass self taught demon slayer, but also a vulnerable woman on the verge of becoming the first Golden in 500 years. Wanted by the demons for a ritual that will open a portal to the demon dimension, it is up to another demon slayer to help her. The drawback: He is a half demon himself, seen as a beast, forbidden to form relationships with women because of his demonic instincts.
This is a fairly typical Saintcrow novel. Readers of her Dante Valentine series will immediately discover similarities between Ryan-Japhrimel and Dante-Chess. Both men are powerfully drawn to their heroines, willing to protect them at all costs. I liked Ryan's inner struggle to tame his demon's mating fantasies and attraction, his stubbornness. Chess' willingness to treat him as an equal for the first time in his life and the way she defies old prejudices, is heartwarming.
As usual, Saintcrow's book is full of action, supernatural creatures and betrayal and danger. Despite Chess and Ryan's attraction, all they share is one kiss, though. And I agree with other reviewers, this could easily have been turned into a series. Chess wants to change the order, their leader is less than pleased... What will happens to the order and the status of the Draculein next, isn't fully addressed. But nevertheless, the ending is satisfactory, though less than perfect...
January 4, 2021
I totally agree that being human means being full of contradictions, sometimes massive ones, and fear and being pushed beyond what you can cope with often pressures the fault lines in those contradictions to the breaking point. Still I grew beyond irritated with our heroine Chess Barnes. For a character whose most innate drives are curiosity, learning and the need to protect, the utter prideful, selfish stupidity Chess displays in the latter half of the novel not only annoyed me but just didn't ring true. Even when I find myself pushed to places where I wonder who is this stranger living in my skin, I am aware of the reality I am reacting so irrationally to. Chess Barnes, librarian and researcher extraordinaire, comes face to face with the fact that the world she's stumbled into is far more dangerous and deadly than she'd imagined. Yet confronted with an expert in Ryan and overwhelming evidence of the danger and more personally the threat to herself, she fights him at every turn, refusing to acknowledge her changed situation and his superior understanding. It beggars belief, and her disregard of how her choices affect Ryan border on cruelty. If I was supposed to admire and sympathize with a plucky heroine, that lasted only through a third of the novel and the ending did not redeem it. My first intro to Saintcrow was short fiction. Her novels so far do not live up to the promise.
August 4, 2011
This is a great short novel (218 pages) about demons and a demon hunting librarian. And just what does constitute humanity.
The underbelly of our world is populated by demons, lots of different kinds and Maliks, humans who defend us, the skins. To do that they have the muscle, Drakul, humans with part demon blood. Maliks use the Drakul to do the dirty work and treat them like animals, even though they are just like you and me only faster and deadlier.
Francesca Barnes (Chess) is the Head Librarian of Jericho City and stumbles upon a secret cache of ancient books in the basement of the library. She starts reading and practicising magic. She is becoming a Golden, even though she has no idea what that is.
Ryan, a drakul, and Paul his malik are searching for the cache of books and come across Chess and realise pretty quickly that all hell is about to be let loose. For the high demons love a potential Golden so they can sacrifice her.
All in all I enjoyed this book, there was only one major TSTL moment, and then all was redeemed.
Not sure if this is meant to be a YA book, but the closest this one gets to sex is a kiss.
The underbelly of our world is populated by demons, lots of different kinds and Maliks, humans who defend us, the skins. To do that they have the muscle, Drakul, humans with part demon blood. Maliks use the Drakul to do the dirty work and treat them like animals, even though they are just like you and me only faster and deadlier.
Francesca Barnes (Chess) is the Head Librarian of Jericho City and stumbles upon a secret cache of ancient books in the basement of the library. She starts reading and practicising magic. She is becoming a Golden, even though she has no idea what that is.
Ryan, a drakul, and Paul his malik are searching for the cache of books and come across Chess and realise pretty quickly that all hell is about to be let loose. For the high demons love a potential Golden so they can sacrifice her.
All in all I enjoyed this book, there was only one major TSTL moment, and then all was redeemed.
Not sure if this is meant to be a YA book, but the closest this one gets to sex is a kiss.
June 3, 2016
I snagged this one from my public library last week and was instantly in love.
The whole primal attraction thing, a librarian who is both incredibly badass while still having moments of normal human stupidity and hysterics, the sexual tension, the action and adventure, and the underlying plot of forces far greater than our protagonists -- I loved it all.
Except...why they no do the do? The tension was there in spades. The promise (or occasionally threat) of some incredibly hot Drakul-on-librarian action was present from the very start... and yet.. nothing.
I freely admit I was quite disappointed by the lack of smut, especially since the author was so fantastic at building sexual tension between the two.
It also appears that there is no sequel to this book, which is strange and disappointing, since it truly does feel like part of a series, even though it isn't.
Ah well. C'est la vie.
3.5/5
The whole primal attraction thing, a librarian who is both incredibly badass while still having moments of normal human stupidity and hysterics, the sexual tension, the action and adventure, and the underlying plot of forces far greater than our protagonists -- I loved it all.
Except...why they no do the do? The tension was there in spades. The promise (or occasionally threat) of some incredibly hot Drakul-on-librarian action was present from the very start... and yet.. nothing.
I freely admit I was quite disappointed by the lack of smut, especially since the author was so fantastic at building sexual tension between the two.
It also appears that there is no sequel to this book, which is strange and disappointing, since it truly does feel like part of a series, even though it isn't.
Ah well. C'est la vie.
3.5/5
November 17, 2010
Very nearly abandoned due to thump-you-over-the-head misogyny on the part of the two male characters. Even more nearly abandoned due to repeated rape threats in the head of the male love interest. Of course then there is soulbonding and his "protectiveness" is totally sweet and just means that he loves her forever, right? Ugh.
This reads like an early novel. Not a patch on the Valentine or Kismet books.
Two stars because I only give one-star reviews to books that bore me stupid as well as piss me off. This did not bore me stupid because magic systems are interesting to me, and also because I was waiting in vain for the two "ass-kicking" female characters to come to their senses and dump Mr. My Hormones Make Me Need to Rape You off a building. Alas, instead there is dinner with the parents. Sadface.
This reads like an early novel. Not a patch on the Valentine or Kismet books.
Two stars because I only give one-star reviews to books that bore me stupid as well as piss me off. This did not bore me stupid because magic systems are interesting to me, and also because I was waiting in vain for the two "ass-kicking" female characters to come to their senses and dump Mr. My Hormones Make Me Need to Rape You off a building. Alas, instead there is dinner with the parents. Sadface.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2009
This was a great read. Chess is a librarian who discovers a cache of magical books in the basement of her library. The cache unleashes the potential in Chess to become a Golden, a mythical creature (even among the other mythical creatures) capable of tipping the balance of good and evil in the world. Ryan (a Drakul) must keep her safe for the good of the Order but he is faced with opposition at all time, even from within their allies.
Chess is one of the best librarian characters I have read in a long time. She is tough, smart, a little bossy and funny. Unlike most of the librarians I have read about in books, she has a real personality and isn't just a meek little know it all.
Chess is one of the best librarian characters I have read in a long time. She is tough, smart, a little bossy and funny. Unlike most of the librarians I have read about in books, she has a real personality and isn't just a meek little know it all.
August 13, 2015
I love a woman with gumption and Francesca certainly has that. Who else would do some research and go into the sewers hunting whatever supernatural woo-woo was snatching up kiddies? A librarian who discovered a secret library, created a weapon that hadn't been seen in ages, and armed herself with that and a flashlight, that's who. She doesn't really realize what she is...but Orion does and he's intrigued, even though it's a bit of a challenge to protect her, since she's not totally into the whole "I need protection" thing. She's an independent chick. Loved the librarian, enjoyed the romance but, again, needed a bit more worldbuilding.
May 23, 2012
I found it rather boring through the first half, often repetitive and kinda confusing at times. Liked much better the last half.
And I confess I kinda fell in love with Ryan.
What? He's hot! And sexy. And his possessiveness was just... sweet. And, again, sexy. A killer mix, if you ask me. Couldn't resist that. A total turn-on.
I liked Chess too, though often times I just wanted to strangle her.
Charlie..... well, for those few minutes we've known her, she seemed a kickass, but she also sort of annoyed me too.
Paul, I didn't like him from the beginning. No wonder it ended up that way.
And I confess I kinda fell in love with Ryan.
What? He's hot! And sexy. And his possessiveness was just... sweet. And, again, sexy. A killer mix, if you ask me. Couldn't resist that. A total turn-on.
I liked Chess too, though often times I just wanted to strangle her.
Charlie..... well, for those few minutes we've known her, she seemed a kickass, but she also sort of annoyed me too.
Paul, I didn't like him from the beginning. No wonder it ended up that way.
April 22, 2009
Wow. Just finished this book and I have to say, I *loved* it! Loved the world build, loved the heroine, loved the hero. Really liked the fact that it didn't have graphic heaving throbbing and undulating (sorry.. i like good smut as well as the next person, but when the smut doesn't drive the plot, i just find it distracting)
This book makes me wish *I* could be a librarian.
This book makes me wish *I* could be a librarian.
October 20, 2010
What a great story and oh so sweet. I wish there was more to it as I think M. Saintcrow could have made several sequals. I love the characters, though the heroine could have been stronger. Again, I think that would carry over into other books. Sigh.
I recommend this book to those who like a good, simple story with lot of action. A very fun book to read.
I recommend this book to those who like a good, simple story with lot of action. A very fun book to read.
January 18, 2016
It's about a librarian, of course it's wonderful! Although marked as romance, this is really fantasy. I don't understand the categorization (help me oh librarians, you're my only hope)' but suspect it's a reflection of the publisher rather than the content. No bodice ripping, no bare chests, but something Cassandra Clare might have written if her demon hunters had the good sense to be librarians.
July 15, 2022
One of my favourite books ever.
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