Book Review: The Stone Demon – Karen Mahoney

The Stone Demon – Karen Mahoney

After being tricked into opening the doorway to the Demon Realm by Aliette, the Wood Queen, Donna Underwood is faced with a terrible ultimatum from the newly released demon hordes.  They demand that the alchemists deliver the Philosopher’s Stone, or their reaper storm will plunge the world into a devastating modern-day Dark Age.

Donna is sent to London, England, where she must complete her alchemist’s training and learn how to recreate the Stone.  But time is running out.  Between facing the vengeful demon king, Demian, and collecting the Stone’s elements, Donna realizes she must give her own life in order to succeed.  And this time, even braving death may not be enough to save the world.

2/5 stars (it was OK)

I did not really remember what has happened in the previous books and so I had trouble with the beginning.  I did not like that there really wasn’t enough Xan in the story.  Also I found the story a little boring.  Overall by the end of the book I did not care too much if the characters lived or died.

Book Review: The Lost Boy - Karen Mahoney

The Lost Boy - Karen Mahoney

‘The Lost Boy’ started life as a story written for an anthology of urban faery tales. The anthology was eventually cancelled (although I’d withdrawn my story long before that happened) leaving me with a homeless story. It’s about half-fey Xan from The Iron Witch, and is set several months before that novel – before Donna even meets him – so there are no major spoilers for the trilogy. But the story does of course give some insight into Xan himself, as it’s written from his POV and we’re in his head for the duration.

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4/5 stars (really liked it)

Xan, who we know from The Iron Witch Series is part Fae.  I really enjoyed seeing Xan and finding out part of his story and his relationship with Ivy (a changeling).  I think Xan needs his own book, maybe some kind of prequel about what it was like growing up and having his powers emerge.  Xan's world is a world that we don't get to see too much in the series.   

Book Review: The Wood Queen - Karen Mahoney

The Wood Queen - Karen Mahoney

 

Donna Underwood is in deep trouble.An ancient alchemical order is holding her accountable for destroying the last precious drops of the elixer of life. Never mind the fact that Donna was acting to free her friend, Navin, from the dangerous clutches of the Wood Queen at the time. But what the alchemists have in store is nothing compared to the wrath of the fey. The Wood Queen has been tricked and Donna must pay. Get ready for all hell - quite literally - to break loose...

4/5 stars (really liked it)

The book begins right where the last one left off.  Donna is on trial for stealing the Elixir of Life, which she did to save the life or her best friend Navin and her teacher Maker when they were taken by the Wood Queen.  In this book we learn more about Xan (the half-fey guy), Aunt Page and even her mother Rachel.  Donna also learns more about herself and powers that she possess.  I'm am looking forward to reading the next book and finding out how Donna's life will change.