by E.M. MacCallum
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Just released: June 17, 2015
Publisher: National Library & Archives of Canada
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Paperback: 434 pages
Rating: 3.5
Series:
Demon's Grave
Midnight Ruling
First sentence(s):
Each syllable of her practiced incantation was perfect to her ears.
When strange shadows and messages plague Nora's daily life she fears for her sanity. To escape questions from her family, Nora joins her friends on a weekend getaway. Despite not liking Aidan Birket, Nora finds his remote, Victorian house charming. Until they discover the marble doorway on the third floor and, against Nora's better judgment, they open it.
Trespassing into an unfamiliar world called the Demon's Grave, the group face a charismatic demon and six nightmarish Challenges as punishment. Those that make it to the end can go home, but those that don't will be his forever. Friendships are tested, secrets revealed and sacrifices will be made.
Nora battles zombies, doppelgängers, eyeless bikers, and the demon—whose interests are more than just a game of cat and mouse. If it's all in her head, then it should be easy. But, if not, it means the demon knows about her sticky past, and the death of her twin sister.
Zombie sighting:
I did a zombie shuffle to my bedroom for clothes.
-chapter 2, page 18
My two-bits:
Perfect for the Halloween season with lots of paranormal action (zombie fighting, too) which keeps this story hopping.
The story starts out with a visit to an old Victorian house that gives off a haunted house vibe. But, quickly turns into something else more disturbing and creepy.
There is an ensemble cast of characters, but the focus in this book was on Nora and Aidan. A little of their backstories slowly get revealed as they accomplish their demon challenges.
And a touch of romance is introduced amidst the chaos.
* review copy courtesy of author
* part of the R.I.P. X challenge (here)