Book Review: The Demon’s Due: An Enemies-to-Lovers Urban Fantasy (Bedeviled Book 5) by Deborah Wilde
From the moment I stumbled upon The Demon’s Due, I knew I was in for a wild ride. As a fan of urban fantasy, particularly tales that blend dark magic with snarky humor, the premise of a half-demon operative embroiled in an impending apocalypse caught my eye. Deborah Wilde’s reputation for crafting vibrant characters and witty dialogue preceded her, and this fifth installment of the Bedeviled series certainly did not disappoint.
At the heart of this story is Aviva, our fiercely intelligent and unapologetically relatable heroine. The plot dives headfirst into chaos when an ancient healing ritual goes spectacularly awry, leading to vampires quite literally short-circuiting. Talk about a dramatic opening! What really elevates this narrative is Aviva’s journey, which is interwoven with her desperate choice to forge a magical bond with her boyfriend, Ezra. This decision complicates their relationship and layers the narrative with tension. The processes of exploration and connection amidst such turmoil reflect a richly woven theme of self-discovery and belonging that resonated deeply with me.
Wilde’s writing style is sharp and peppered with humor — a delightful combination that kept me turning pages late into the night. The banter between Aviva and Ezra is particularly memorable, providing much-needed levity even as the stakes continue to rise. Wilde’s talent for dialogue shines brightest in these exchanges, making you root for the couple despite their tumultuous history. One of Aviva’s quips had me chuckling long after I had closed the book: “Time to fight fire with fire. Or, you know, with a demon named Cherry Bomb.”
The pacing of the novel is brisk, making it the perfect binge-read for those who, like me, thrive on gripping narratives. Each twist and turn had me on the edge of my seat, and as Aviva confronts both external threats and her inner demons (pun intended), her character development is profound and satisfying. The author expertly builds tension while giving space for emotional moments, which allows the reader to invest deeply in the characters.
I was particularly enthralled by the exploration of family dynamics within the supernatural realm. Aviva’s journey towards embracing her dual heritage and confronting her father is both painful and cathartic. It adds an emotional depth that elevates this story far beyond standard urban fantasy fare.
In conclusion, The Demon’s Due is a must-read for fans of urban fantasy, romance, and those who enjoy a dash of humor along with their action. If you’ve followed Aviva’s journey from the start, this finale will give you a poignant and thrilling resolution that will both satisfy and tug at your heartstrings. For new readers, fear not; Wilde provides enough background for you to dive right in. Overall, this book left me energized and reflective, proving yet again that embracing one’s true self, imperfections and all, is the ultimate magic we can wield.
You can find The Demon’s Due: An Enemies-to-Lovers Urban Fantasy (Bedeviled Book 5) here >>