pages_of_devin's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
hans_cosy_corner's review
1.0
DNF
I’m sorry, I tried. I can see why people loved this book, but for me, it was a flop. There’s so much going on that nothing lands, you don’t have time to take it in. It’s action after action, a la the final season of game of thrones, or the final Star Wars film. You don’t ever worry for the characters, or laugh with them, before you’re being ushered to the next plot point.
There’s also something I can’t avoid talking about here, and the reason I won’t be posting a true review to my Instagram - because I know how this is going to sound, and I know how it would be taken. This book was too reminiscent of other books. I had just come from a Percy Jackson read when I started this, and there’s a line really early on about how mrs D, who has hooves for feet but at this point he doesn’t know, walks like she’s in pain; but you’ve never seen anyone move faster when X happens. This is almost word for word a line from the first Percy Jackson about Grover - a character there to protect our half god MC who hides his hoof feet behind a disability.
There’s a vampire family who live in the town because it’s shaded, and cloudy. The dad is a dr at the local hospital; who saved the mum from dying of an awful illness by turning her. Sounds a little familiar.
Now, I love a good Easter egg, and I truly think that’s what this is. I am not, in any way shape or form, accusing this author of plagiarism, because that’s really serious and is not what I think is happening here - the book is really original, and you can tell it’s come from the heart. I do believe it’s Easter eggs for readers of similar books. But personally, I didn’t love it. Instead of being like ‘oh look the character is reading Percy Jackson, and is commenting that Grover really makes him think of mrs D’ I instead was left with furrowed eyebrows thinking ‘I…I know that line’ or like ‘ohh like the Cullen’s’
I’m sorry, I tried. I can see why people loved this book, but for me, it was a flop. There’s so much going on that nothing lands, you don’t have time to take it in. It’s action after action, a la the final season of game of thrones, or the final Star Wars film. You don’t ever worry for the characters, or laugh with them, before you’re being ushered to the next plot point.
There’s also something I can’t avoid talking about here, and the reason I won’t be posting a true review to my Instagram - because I know how this is going to sound, and I know how it would be taken. This book was too reminiscent of other books. I had just come from a Percy Jackson read when I started this, and there’s a line really early on about how mrs D, who has hooves for feet but at this point he doesn’t know, walks like she’s in pain; but you’ve never seen anyone move faster when X happens. This is almost word for word a line from the first Percy Jackson about Grover - a character there to protect our half god MC who hides his hoof feet behind a disability.
There’s a vampire family who live in the town because it’s shaded, and cloudy. The dad is a dr at the local hospital; who saved the mum from dying of an awful illness by turning her. Sounds a little familiar.
Now, I love a good Easter egg, and I truly think that’s what this is. I am not, in any way shape or form, accusing this author of plagiarism, because that’s really serious and is not what I think is happening here - the book is really original, and you can tell it’s come from the heart. I do believe it’s Easter eggs for readers of similar books. But personally, I didn’t love it. Instead of being like ‘oh look the character is reading Percy Jackson, and is commenting that Grover really makes him think of mrs D’ I instead was left with furrowed eyebrows thinking ‘I…I know that line’ or like ‘ohh like the Cullen’s’
sugaplumfairy28's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I really enjoyed this book. You are thrown straight in by being informed that Quinn is a half-demon. The whole book is mainly from Quinn’s POV. It is about his journey on finding out he is a half-demon and what is expected of him. Also navigating his new powers as well as normal teenage life which he does struggle with from time to time. He has a team by his side that you find out about throughout the book and have a great name ‘Spook Crew’. There is a lot of character development and relationships formed. They are all unique and bring something to the table. Fast paced and gripping, I wanted to know what was going to happen. There is quite a lot going on with characters popping in and out throughout the story. Gave me Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Twilight vibes with all the supernatural beings and elements of it all. Also nods to Charmed with the Book of Shadows. It doesn’t end on a huge cliffhanger but on questions and mysteries that need to be delved into further. Amazing start to the series.
dunfermlinereads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Book 1 of what looks to be an amazing series by Helena M Craggs and if this story is anything to go by then I know I’m going to love the others.
The first book introduces us to Quinn Carter, a half demon, and follows his journey upon learning of his new powers and heritage.
The story involves bonding with new friends who form The Keepers, a group of individuals who have been foretold to be protectors, bonding with his dad who he has never known, and learning to cope with his new powers and growing aggression.
Over the course of the book they become involved in a number of incidents making new friends and new enemies along the way.
A must read for YA fantasy lovers.
nic_readsbooks's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was such an entertaining read
I loved that we had a male main character and heard the story through his point of view. It made me realise that it is not often I read a book with a MMC POV throughout.
The narration from Quinn’s perspective was really interesting and pretty funny. It definitely helped bring the story along.
Aimed at young adults, it is an easy read with a captivating plot. I liked the characters and loved the inclusion of all the paranormal creatures.
I am definitely not the target audience for this book and it is definitely suited to a much younger age group but I still really enjoyed it and would recommend for younger readers
lilbookishdragon's review
The writing is in need of some serious editing and development. The story could be really interesting but it’s execution is just far too juvenile for me.
life_onthe_shelf's review
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
4.0
I looked forward to reading the next chapter of this book every time I picked it up. There are loads of different fantasy characters like demons, angels, and ghosts (and more!). I'm a big fan of the romance subplot and kept rooting for Quinn to get the girl of his dreams, but I also really enjoyed how each member of the group helped to fight off different antagonists and how they used their powers. If you like something fun and fast-paced, you must pick up this book!
katkinney's review
5.0
This was such a fun young adult paranormal fantasy! I found myself completely sucked in and couldn’t put the book down. Easy to read and flows really well. Quinn Carter finds out in high school that (surprise!) he’s half demon. His best friend Eve is half angel. Quinn’s father (a powerful demon) has had him watched over by Mrs. D (who was one of my favorite characters) who may be more than she seems. Now Quinn is aware of his demon side, and begins to make friends with other supernatural teens at his school. Together they form a team that works together to fight supernatural problems. I LOVE the group cast of characters… Eve, Eloise, Millie, Leo, Harry. This had all the fun stuff I love in a YA novel, parties and high school drama, plus supernatural battles, kidnappings, and drama as various members of the group work out their feelings for each other. They have to work together to figure out who the demon is that is responsible for a series of killings, and later save people they love before it’s too late. This book has TONS of action. Some of my favorite scenes were between Quinn and his father, who he gets to know over the course of the book. I loved the demon horses and the hellhounds. Very excited to see what happens in book 2!
shelves_by_sim's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.0
Quinn Carter and his best friend, Eve, are just regular, unpopular teens going about life. But Quinn knows there's something wrong with him, because the things that he can do - like seeing auras or running extremely fast - well, that's not normal.
Quinn's dad left when he was only a few months old and it's been sixteen years that he hasn't seen him. Until one day, when he shows up and let's Quinn know that he's a Demon and therefore, Quinn is half Demon. Not only that, but Eve was brought into this world to balance out his creation, as she is half Angel.
The two are meant for great things, but first, they need to build their team of Younglings. They are joined by a dhampir, a ghost, a shifter, a witch, a human and a vampire - all under the care of their Demon nanny. They have one mission - to protect and help the innocents. But Eve's extraordinary Angel blood has healing properties and makes her a constant target. The team must work together to solve mysteries and protect each other from whatever evils lurk in the dark.
My thoughts:
I am really enjoying this series. I've just started the third book! The first two books are really sweet. It kind of has the feels of a series - where there is one major plot but they still have alot of smaller plots to work around. I love the team, they work so well together. The story takes you back into that magical fantasy world you wished you were apart of growing up. I love that there is LGBTQIA+ representation too and of course, the author @craggshm is the SWEETEST person and I have enjoyed our chats over this series🖤
Quinn's dad left when he was only a few months old and it's been sixteen years that he hasn't seen him. Until one day, when he shows up and let's Quinn know that he's a Demon and therefore, Quinn is half Demon. Not only that, but Eve was brought into this world to balance out his creation, as she is half Angel.
The two are meant for great things, but first, they need to build their team of Younglings. They are joined by a dhampir, a ghost, a shifter, a witch, a human and a vampire - all under the care of their Demon nanny. They have one mission - to protect and help the innocents. But Eve's extraordinary Angel blood has healing properties and makes her a constant target. The team must work together to solve mysteries and protect each other from whatever evils lurk in the dark.
My thoughts:
I am really enjoying this series. I've just started the third book! The first two books are really sweet. It kind of has the feels of a series - where there is one major plot but they still have alot of smaller plots to work around. I love the team, they work so well together. The story takes you back into that magical fantasy world you wished you were apart of growing up. I love that there is LGBTQIA+ representation too and of course, the author @craggshm is the SWEETEST person and I have enjoyed our chats over this series🖤