A Review of The Demon’s Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan

Normally I don’t read young adult novels, but when Sarah Rees Brennan sent me an autographed copy of her novel, The Demon’s Lexicon (The Demon’s Lexicon Trilogy), I decided to give it a look. This is her very first book is print. I had heard of this author before, through an online interview, but had never read her. I was pleasantly surprised. It wasn’t at all what I was expecting. Sarah has a writing style that not only relates to the teenagers, but also is interesting enough to keep adults from being bored with it. I found it to be as full of action and intensity as a typical adult urban fantasy. The drama begins right away with an attack by both a demon and a magician.

The story is basically about two brothers, Nick and Alan, being hunted their whole lives by magicians, due to a stolen talisman and the pair of siblings they try to save, one of which bears a demon’s mark, which means he is marked for death. Only the blood of a magician, which means, of course, that the brothers must face head on what they have run from for as long as they can remember, can erase it.

It is a fast paced read, which will keep teens on the edge of their seats and coming back for more. Mild humor throughout makes the characters easy to relate to as well as endearing. I’m particularly intrigued by the relationship between Nick and Alan. It is very believable and you find yourself rooting for them to work out all their issues and save the day. Their relationship with their mother though is a different story. I found it strange and tense. The siblings they help, Jamie and Mae, have an understandable relationship; she is very protective of her little brother.

This is the first in a trilogy of novels; the next one is The Devil’s Covenant. This story is full of plot twists and suspense. There is mild language but nothing risqué or questionable. I won’t give away the ending, but let me just say you will never see it coming. I was completely thrown. As in any trilogy, The Demon’s Lexicon leaves itself ready for the next installment full of loose ends and unending fragments of storylines and relationships. I actually think this would make an interesting movie series. This writer has tremendous potential for becoming the next J.K. Rowling. I am sure the series will be a big hit. Thank you Sarah for the gift. I will cherish it always.