Demon (The Fallen #2) – Improved from the first, but I’m actually confused as to if I even like this book

Demon the fallen #2 Kristina DouglasSo going by my usual pattern I’ve decided to read Kristina Douglas’s angel series back to back.  While the first book, Raziel, wasn’t the best, I thought the world was fairly interesting and I was willing to give the second book a go.  On the plus side, Demon (The Fallen #2) definitely provided me with an unexpected experience.

While book 1 focuses on Raziel and Allie, in typical paranormal romance fashion its sequel switches to Azazel, the former leader of the Fallen who has relinquished that title after the demise of his wife.  But there’s no true rest for a Fallen; he must prevent the prophecy from being fulfilled that would bring the demon, Lilith, to his arms. Throughout times she has proven herself to be the siren of sirens and defines what it means to be a man eater.  This coupling could prove to be the end of the world as they know it, and its up to Azazel to end her before it begins.

Reincarnated as innocent and unassuming Rachel Fitzpatrick, Azazel attempts to lead her to the slaughter, though it becomes increasingly difficult as Rachel has no memories of her past life as the Queen of Demons. He faces a test of character and will.  Will he pass? How will his ever growing feelings for her factor into the equation? Can he truly love a demon, his kind’s most hated enemy?

All of that and then some are explored in this book, which is already more than I could say for Raziel.  There is certainly more action than in the prior novel and the world expands to new territory.  We’re introduced to new and interesting characters that aren’t two-dimensional, which I liked.  There were moments when I was emotionally invested in what was going on.

So while that’s a sign of a good book I found that my biggest issue involved the love story itself, which is really the heart of the book considering its genre. I’m a fan of a slow build more than anyone else when it comes to couples that start out as enemies and then become lovers (ie: The Hollows and my favorite ship), but this pairing’s interactions are so unappealing and he treats her so badly (even if he has feelings inside that he tries to deny), that I found it hard to actually root for them.  The dynamic didn’t work for me at all since the development was far from an endearing.  I just feel like this would have needed a series of books to be a natural and acceptable evolution.

While I had that issue, I do have to admit that it wasn’t a boring read. There are definitely plenty of steamy scenes, too.  Angels are hott, especially ones with fangs.  And no, they are still not “vampires” (though you could have fooled me).  This series isn’t the best but it has a certain quality and uniqueness about it that makes me want to keep reading.  Adult angel series are hard to come by, but this adequately fills the quota for me for now.  So at this point, I plan to keep up with the series.  Oh, and the cover is lovely! Better than the first there, too.

This article has 6 Comments

    1. I’m almost done with book 3. It’s about on this level but the love story is one you can actually support this time. I can’t help but like these angels because they have fangs, so it’s like a combo of the best stuff, lol.

  1. Hm the fangs do sound cool, but sometimes I wonder, if all these YA books had no cover, just a blank page if people liked some more than others, I feel like the cover sucks you in and later you’re not even sure you really liked it haha.

    1. Yeah, I experienced that with Everneath myself. I really don’t like deceptive book covers. This series is definitely not YA though by any stretch of the imagination.

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