Book Review: Practical Demonology by Clare Rees

  • Source: I received an advance copy of this book on NetGalley

  • My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (see my review on Goodreads)

What an interesting adventure this book was! Practical Demonology was one of the most unique books I’ve read in a while. Right from the beginning, you’re dropped into a world of plague and demon attacks and quarantine. The danger is so prevalent in their lives that kids are taught from a young age how to defend themselves against demons with crossbows and spears. I found the entire setting well crafted; three castles/villages set in a valley that have to send their teens off to a long abandoned castle to quarantine until the plague is under control.

Look, I really don’t want to give too much away, but I think this entire story was so well crafted and the world building was expertly done. The teens from each castle came from different cultures that felt rich and different and like they fit into the world. Their entire experience in quarantine felt palpable and dangerous and mysterious. There were moments of weirdness, connection, trauma, confusion, revelation, and so much more. The demons were absolutely a point of strong curiosity for me, right along with our main character Non. I enjoyed the unique take on these monsters, from their origins to their life cycle to their fighting style. Certainly, aspects were drawn from other creatures in fiction, but I really love the way this combination came together create something that felt very fresh and new and intriguing. I would absolutely love to read another book set in this world. Give it to me!!!

book reviewKelleyfiction, ya