Spoiler Alert!
Han Allister and Dancer from the Clan confront three underage wizards setting fire to the mountain which results in Hans gaining possession of a powerful amulet. Han spends time each year with the Clan as well as in the city Fellsmarch. In Fellsmarch Han is known on the street as Cuffs, because of the mysterious silver bracelets he’s worn since birth, and as being the leader of the Raggers, a street gang. Han has decided to reform himself and has retired from the Raggers, however, the honest way of life has proven to be very difficult.
The Bayers, who are the most powerful wizards, are now searching for the lost amulet that Han has hidden away. Later Han learns it belonged to the Demon King, who was held responsible for nearly destroying the entire world. There are mysterious beings killing rival gang members while in search for the missing amulet. Han is blamed for the deaths and his own life is in danger. Due to the pressures and misunderstanding Han is put in a compromising situation and he kidnaps the princess heir, though he does not know her identity.
The princess heir, Raisa, is nothing like her mother, the weak willed Queen Marianna. Showing great strains of resourcefulness and courage Raisa begins to discover the secrets of the city, the poverty of the general populace, the growing power of the wizards and the concerns of the Clan. She hopes to emulate the great warrior Queen Hannalea, who saved the world during the time of the Demon King.
Adult Point of View
I enjoy the characters who have a lot of depth in The Demon King. Raisa is in the mold of new female characters who are self-reliant, strong willed and still retain their humanity. Chima has also developed a complex world with three primary forces at work, the Clan with natural magic who keep the wizards in check, the Wizards with higher magic and more political clout, and the political forces within the kingdom ruled by Queen Marianna and the surrounding kingdoms. There are scenes with violence, though not overly graphic. There are also a few scenes with earthy sensuality, though again, not overly graphic.
An example of a sensual scene, p.361 “He lowered her down to the rock, kissing her nose, her eyelids, every part he could reach, and she slid her hands under his shirt, pressing him closer, her hands warm and rough against his back.”
I would classify this novel as being for pleasure reading, and I found it very enjoyable. It doesn’t have the weighty moral dilemmas found in “literature”. I chose to edit the book for my 13 year old to read. Without it being edited it would be appropriate for about 15 year olds. I would give it 3.5 stars.
- the Mother
Teen Point of View
I absolutely loved it. All the romance was wonderful, a little too much at times but still on the great side. Lots of action and always wonderful magic. I thought the plot was great, lots of twists and detail. I loved all the characters, good and bad. The story pulled me in real fast. I think this is a fun read for all teenage people, it is not life changing but very enjoyable. I also loved the second, The Exiled Queen, for the same reasons. The Demon King is a fun read for everyone. Everyone will enjoy this book!
- the Daughter
