Title: Mark of the Demon
Author: Diana Rowland
First published June 23, 2009
370 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9780553592351 (ISBN10: 0553592351)
Rating: 3.82
Overview
Kara Gillian is a detective and a demon summoner, but when she accidentally conjures an angelic creature named Rhyzkahl during a routine summoning, she finds herself in over her head. Rhyzkahl is beautiful and powerful, and his touch ignites new dimensions of pleasure in Kara.
But can she trust him to help her catch a serial killer who’s already claimed thirteen lives? And with a handsome yet disapproving FBI agent on her tail, and Rhyzkahl haunting her dreams, Kara may be in more danger than she realizes.
The Symbol Man is back, and Kara is the only one who can stop him, but at what cost?
About the Author
Diana Rowland has held a variety of interesting jobs throughout her career, including working as a bartender, blackjack dealer, pit boss, street cop, detective, computer forensics specialist, crime scene investigator, and morgue assistant. As a result, she has been exposed to a multitude of bizarre situations.
She was even recognized for her sharpshooting abilities in her Police Academy class and is highly skilled in Hapkido, a form of martial arts. Additionally, she has had ample experience dealing with deceased bodies in various stages of decay.
However, one thing she hasn’t quite mastered is rollerblading – it’s just not her forte.
Editoral Review
Mark of the Demon by Diana Rowland is a paranormal thriller published on June 23, 2009. Rowland, a former police officer, is known for her urban fantasy novels featuring strong female leads and intricate worldbuilding.
Mark of the Demon is the first installment in the Kara Gillian series, which has since expanded to nine books. The novel follows detective Kara Gillian, who is also a summoner, able to call demons from another dimension to do her bidding.
Her abilities come in handy when she stumbles upon a string of mysterious deaths that seem to have a supernatural element. As she delves deeper into the case, however, she realizes that her own life might be in danger.
Rowland’s writing style is fast-paced and engaging, with plenty of action and suspense to keep readers on the edge of their seats. The worldbuilding is rich and complex, with detailed descriptions of the demon realm and the various creatures that inhabit it.
Rowland doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of the genre, exploring themes of death, betrayal, and corruption. The characters in Mark of the Demon are well-developed and memorable, particularly Kara herself, who is equal parts tough and vulnerable.
The secondary characters, including other summoners, demons, and police officers, are also well-crafted, with their own distinct personalities and motivations. The setting, a small town in Louisiana, adds to the eerie atmosphere of the novel, with its swampy landscape and superstitious locals.
It’s worth noting that while the novel does have some supernatural elements, Rowland ensures that the police procedural aspects are believable and researched. The novel’s blend of genres is seamless, and Rowland’s background as a police officer undoubtedly helps to add authenticity to the investigation scenes.
Overall, Mark of the Demon is a thrilling and well-executed debut novel. Its mixture of urban fantasy and police procedural will appeal to fans of both genres, and the strong female lead and intricate worldbuilding make for a satisfying read.
The novel does have some flaws, namely in its pacing, which can feel a bit uneven at times. However, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise enjoyable novel.
Readers who enjoy urban fantasy, paranormal thrillers, and police procedurals are sure to find something to love in Mark of the Demon. Rowland’s skillful writing and attention to detail make this a standout debut novel, and one worth picking up.
Score: 4/5 stars.
