Review: Valiant Light - Jana Oliver

With her wedding fast approaching, as well as her fiancé's investiture as grand master, Master Demon Trapper Riley Blackthorne is just trying to keep Atlanta safe from Hellspawn. When she meets a high-level fiend who claims to be free of Lucifer's control, and allows him to remain at large, she knows there will be consequences.

Denver Beck is facing two major events: taking his vows as a grand master and then as a husband. He's as nervous about committing his life to the fight against Darkness as he's excited to say, "I do". All his worries about the future are confirmed when a city is buried in brimstone, killing every single inhabitant. Was this Hell's doing, or is some other entity at work? It's Beck's job to find out.

After more cities are destroyed, Riley is summoned to Rome to answer for her actions. If they want a future as man and wife, she and Beck will have to take a stand. But will they be strong enough to stop this new threat, a killer that even the angels fear?

The Demon Trappers Series:
Retro Demonology (Free Short Story)
Forsaken (Released in the US as The Demon Trapper's Daughter)
Forbidden (Released in the US as Soul Thief)
Forgiven
Foretold
Grave Matters (Novella)
Mind Games
Valiant Light

Visit Jana Oliver's website for more information

Review:
Beck has finally finished all his studies to become a Grand Master, all that's left now is the official ceremony and then he can return to Atlanta to help Riley with the final preparations for their wedding. Riley has been given official recognition as a Master Trapper and she's continuing her magic studies with both the witches and the necromancers alongside training her apprentices so for once in their lives things are going pretty smoothly for the couple. Of course nothing stays that way for too long in this world and when entire cities start being destroyed the Vatican call on Riley for help thanks to her unusual link to both heaven and hell. The church doesn't trust her but they're out of other options so it's up to Riley and Beck to try and figure out exactly what is going on and they need to do it fast if they don't want to put their wedding plans on hold.

I've loved the Demon Trappers series since I read the first book back in 2011 so I've waited a long time for Riley and Beck to finally reach this point of their relationship. I've loved the journey they've taken and I really love that they're both such kickass characters who will do anything to protect each other. They both have their strengths and skills and working together they're a pretty unstoppable team, more importantly they can rely on each other to always have their backs.

I'm sad that this series has reached the end but I've enjoyed every minute of the journey, it was great to catch up with some of the previous characters and see some surprising appearances of characters I thought we'd seen the last of. A lot of the side characters have gone through just as interesting journeys as Riley and Beck have so it was great to see some of them earn redemption along the way. It's always upsetting to leave a world after you've spent so much time in it but I'm looking forward to seeing what Jana Oliver comes up with next.

Source: Purchased

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Review: Mind Games - Jana Oliver

Riley Blackthorn's life as a Demon Trapper is about to hit the wall. Knowing she will always be a target for those who want to exploit her "connections" with Hell, she's learning defensive magic. It seems the only way to ensure she and her fiancé, Denver Beck, have a future together. But not everyone in Atlanta, or at the Vatican, is pleased by the news. In fact, some want to ban the use of all magic, and Riley would make the perfect scapegoat.

As a new demonic enemy stalks her, Guild politics roil the city, throwing trappers into chaos. To protect herself and the man she loves, Riley will be forced to choose: continue in her legendary father's footsteps, or carve her own path. A path that may well lead to her losing everything she so desperately seeks to protect.

The Demon Trappers Series:
Retro Demonology (Free Short Story)
Forsaken (Released in the US as The Demon Trapper's Daughter)
Forbidden (Released in the US as Soul Thief)
Forgiven
Foretold
Grave Matters (Novella)
Mind Games
Valiant Light

Visit Jana Oliver's website for more information

Review:
I absolutely love Jana Oliver's Demon Trappers series and I was really sad when it came to an end so I'm thrilled that the author decided to revisit it and give us a chance to see how the characters are getting along. Mind Games picks up not long after the Grave Matters novella, Beck is still living in Scotland while he finishes his training to become a Grand Master while Riley is back in Atlanta. It's hard being so far away from the man she loves but Riley has plenty to keep her busy: she's helping train new apprentices, she's put in her application to become a Master Trapper and as if that wasn't enough she is also studying magic with both the witches and the necromancers so that she'll be able to protect herself properly.

Riley has always struggled to get the respect she deserves from some of the Guild members, there are those who just don't want a female trapper around and others who don't trust her because of her father's actions even though he was a legend in his own right before his mistakes became public knowledge. Anyway, the fact that she is now studying magic has given the people who are against her even more ammunition to throw at her but Riley isn't one to back down easily and she knows that she's following the correct path. As Riley faces off against the outspoken few who fear her the entire Atlanta chapter of the Guild are facing even bigger problems and it's going to take all of Riley's skill to try and talk them out of it.

Mind Games is a great addition to the series, I love seeing how confident Riley has become and it was great seeing her start to pass on her knowledge to a whole new generation of Trappers. I'm so sick of seeing people look down on her though and it really made me mad that she doesn't get the respect she has earned from all of the Guild. Luckily her enemies are few and she has far more allies these days, ones who will have her back no matter what. It was interesting getting the chance to catch up with Simon, after everything that happened with him in the earlier books there was a point where I felt I'd never be able to forgive him for his actions but he's really come a long way and totally redeemed himself. Of course the best part was Beck, he's always been one of my favourite YA heroes and nothing has changed there! When Riley is in trouble Beck is the first person to stand at her side and when he finds out what is going on in Atlanta he jumps straight on the next plane home. I will never get bored of reading about him and Riley and I just love seeing them so happy together. There are some really sweet moments between them in this book and I hope we haven't seen the last of them.

Source: Purchased

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Review: Grave Matters - Jana Oliver

A legendary Demon Trapper, Riley Blackthorne frequently battles with Hell's minions. So when she travels to Scotland to meet up with her hunky boyfriend, and celebrate her eighteenth birthday, she's thrilled at the chance to leave Atlanta and it's troubles behind.

Denver Beck, who has been studying for months to become a Grand Master - a rare and highly dangerous job - is just as eager to see his girl. He's anticipating a romantic reunion, keen to take their relationship to the next level.

Riley's twisted history with Hell has garnered unwelcome interest by people willing to use her for their own purposes. Trouble is brewing in the land of the heather, the kind that will drive a wedge between her and Beck, and prove the ultimate test of their love . . . and their survival skills.

The Demon Trappers Series:
Retro Demonology (Free Short Story)
Forsaken (Released in the US as The Demon Trapper's Daughter)
Forbidden (Released in the US as Soul Thief)
Forgiven
Foretold
Grave Matters (Novella)
Mind Games
Valiant Light

Visit Jana Oliver's website for more information

Review:
Riley and Beck have been apart for months while Beck is in Scotland studying to become a Grand Master but they're finally about to see each other again now that Riley is travelling to join him to celebrate her eighteenth birthday. Unfortunately their reunion doesn't go smoothly thanks to a shocking betrayal by one of the other demon trappers.

I absolutely loved this series so I was excited to get the chance to spend more time with Riley and Beck. It was also nice to see the couple outside of their usual hunting ground in Atlanta spending time together in Scotland. I'll admit that I didn't like seeing their relationship on rocky ground though, they've been through so much together that I had hoped they would be stronger than that. Thankfully they soon work through their differences and band together to stop their enemies though.

Grave Matters is a fairly short novella but I enjoyed every minute of it and my main complaint was just that I wanted more. The book also includes four illustrations by Mark Helwig of some of the different demons we've encountered throughout the series and two other demon trappers short stories written by Jana Oliver. You may have already read Retro Demonology which is a story about Riley's first solo attempt at trapping a demon and is already available as a free ebook but it's nice to now have this story available in print for the first time. The other story is called Personal Demons and it's another prequel to the series this time from Beck's point of view when he's hunting with Riley's father. Both of these short stories give us glimpses into younger versions of the characters we know and love from the series and were a great addition to the book.

This book isn't a good starting point for people who are new to the series but I'm sure Demon Trappers fans will love Grave Matters as much as I did. I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that Jana Oliver decides to revisit these characters again in the future but in the meantime I feel a series reread coming on.

Source: Purchased

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Review: Retro Demonology - Jana Oliver

A Demon Trapper’s bonus story.

Before Riley Blackthorne can take on Grade Five demons, she has to trap her very first. Her debut solo trapping experience should be a breeze, just a harmless Grade One after all. But throw in some dippy hippies (whose peace signs and Patchouli really aren’t driving any demons away), one mischievous demon, and a run-in with the police, and Riley might not be able to pull it off...

The Demon Trappers Series:
Retro Demonology (Free Short Story)
Forsaken (Released in the US as The Demon Trapper's Daughter)
Forbidden (Released in the US as Soul Thief)
Forgiven
Foretold
Grave Matters (Novella)
Mind Games
Valiant Light

Visit Jana Oliver's website for more information

Review:
Retro Demonology is a free short story that can be read online HERE. It is a prequel to Jana Oliver's Demon Trapper's series but it is only a few pages long so don't expect too much detail. I absolutely love this series so it's one I'd highly recommend but if you're not sure about whether to start it or not then this should give you enough of a taster to decide whether you want to try Forsaken (that's the UK name, it was released as The Demon Trapper's Daughter in the US) or not.

This short introduces us to Riley Blackthorn, she is the daughter of a master demon trapper and also his apprentice. This is the first time she has been send out to trap a demon on her own without her father there as back up so she is nervous but determined to do a good job. I'm not going to go into any more detail than that so you'll have to read the story for yourself but there are plenty of giggles along the way and watch out for the clever use of a child's sippy cup.

Obviously Jana Oliver goes into a lot more detail with her world building in the full length novels, Riley is one of my favourite YA heroines and if you read the series you'll meet the absolutely delicious Denver Beck who I may have more than a little crush on! Retro Demonology is a fab little freebie from one of my favourite series and reading it has made me want to pick up Forsaken and start a re-read!

Source: This free short story can be read online HERE

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Kindle:

Review: Foretold - Jana Oliver

The end is most definitely nigh . . . 

Riley Blackthorne has always known that fellow Demon Trapper Denver Beck had a chequered history, but she's not prepared for what it means to be in love with a guy with this many dark secrets. Now that he's finally admitted to himself that he's in love with her too, there's no more hiding the truth about his past. And as it turns out, fending off a demon apocalypse is nothing compared with what's to come . . .

The Demon Trappers Series:
Retro Demonology (Free Short Story)
Forsaken (Released in the US as The Demon Trapper's Daughter)
Forbidden (Released in the US as Soul Thief)
Forgiven
Foretold
Grave Matters (Novella)
Mind Games
Valiant Light

Visit Jana Oliver's website for more information

Review:
It is always hard to say goodbye to a series, particularly if it's one of your favourites. I have been crazy about Jana Oliver's Demon Trappers series ever since I read the first book and with each instalment I have come to love the characters and the world she has created more and more. So I was both excited and terrified to pick up the last book Foretold. Excited to spend more time with Riley and my favourite YA hottie Beck but terrified that I wouldn't like the way things ended and that the book wouldn't live up to my crazy high expectations.

Well I'm happy to say that Jana Oliver has done her Demon Trappers proud and this was the best book in the series. I don't want to say too much about what happens because I would hate to give spoilers but you should prepare yourself for an action packed thrill ride. Learn Beck's secrets, find out if he and Riley will ever be able to put the past behind them and build a future together, watch the ultimate battle between heaven and hell and find out what the future has in store for Atlanta.

I loved the way all of our favourite characters have their part to play. Not just Riley and Beck but also Peter, Simon, Masters Stewart and Harper, even Ori and Justine have important roles that may surprise you. As usual nothing is quite what it seems and you will be shocked by some of the events that take place. Friends may become enemies but can previous enemies ever become friends or allies?

Fans of the series will love Foretold but if you're new to the series then I would highly recommend starting with the first book Forsaken (released as The Demon Trapper's Daughter in the US). This is one of my favourite YA series and I only wish there were another 10 books to come. Having said that I would rather see things end on a high note and leaving me wanting more than have the story dragged out until I'm bored with it. Jana has mastered the art of leaving her readers satisfied but wishing for more and I know whatever book she writes next will be at the top of my wish list!

Source: Received from Macmillan in exchange for an honest review

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Paperback / Kindle:

Review: Forgiven - Jana Oliver

The stakes are high when you bet on your soul . . .

Hell's finest are ruling the streets and it seems that Armageddon might be even closer than Riley Blackthorne imagined.  But with her soul and her heart in play it's all she can do to keep herself alive, let alone save the world. Riley's not afraid of kicking some major demon butt, but when it comes to a battle between Heaven and Hell, she might need a little help . . .

The Demon Trappers Series:
Retro Demonology (Free Short Story)
Forsaken (Released in the US as The Demon Trapper's Daughter)
Forbidden (Released in the US as Soul Thief)
Forgiven
Foretold
Grave Matters (Novella)
Mind Games
Valiant Light

Visit Jana Oliver's website for more information

Review:
Poor Riley hasn't had the easiest time of things recently and as both Heaven and Hell seem to have their sights set on her it doesn't look like it's going to get better any time soon. She is struggling to cope with the betrayals of both her ex-boyfriend Simon and Ori who lied to her about everything so she doesn't know who she can trust or where to turn. At least her father is safe with Mort and her best friend Peter is there when she needs him. As she comes under investigation from the Church Hunter's who think she has allied herself with Hell Riley is determined to solve the mystery of the fake Holy water to help prove her innocence. With Armageddon just around the corner can Riley work out just what she needs to do to prevent the end of the world?

If you've read my reviews for Forsaken (US title: The Demon Trapper's Daughter) or Forbidden (US title: Soul Thief) then you'll already know how much I love this series. It's by far one of the best YA paranormal series that I've read so I couldn't wait to get started on Forgiven. Thankfully Jana Oliver didn't disappoint me and this was the best book yet! There is literally so much going on in this series that the books are almost impossible to put down when you've started them. I don't know how I'm going to survive the wait until August for the final book Foretold!

Riley is a fantastic heroine and a character that I love. She isn't perfect and makes mistakes (I think most of us were shouting at the pages telling her not to do what she did with Ori at the end of the second book!) but that just makes her easier to relate to. She has done a lot of growing up since the series began and it's good to see her gaining confidence in her abilities. There are some absolutely heart breaking scenes with Riley and her Dad in this book and they really showed just how far she has come in the last couple of months.

I love the fact that Riley has a strong and supportive friendship with Peter but that there is no hint of a romance between them. I'm sick to death of the best friend who is madly in love with the heroine while she doesn't notice him that way so it's good to find a series that breaks away from that. Riley is currently caught between good and evil owing a favour to both Heaven and Hell but everyone is keeping secrets from her. The more she uncovers the more everything changes from black and white and into shades of grey and the harder it is to decide who really has her best interests at heart. I really don't know if I should be routing for the angels or the demons at this point!

I've said before how much I adore Beck and I'm going to say it again! I can't get enough of his character and love that we get to see part of the story from his point of view. The developments in his relationship with Riley had me jumping for joy - they make such a cute couple and I need to see them end up together. We learn a few shocking things about Beck's past in Forgiven but at the moment we have been left with more questions than answers about what he is hiding. I'm desperate to see how things play out - especially now we've started to see Justine's true colours (I did try to warn you Beck!).

This really is a series that I can't get enough of and one that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for an action packed story with a kick ass heroine, a hero to swoon over and a plot with more twists and turns than a roller coaster. I can't wait to get my hands on Foretold!

Source: Received from Macmillan in exchange for an honest review

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Review: Forbidden - Jana Oliver

Hell has a plan for Riley Blackthorne . . .

Riley's beginning to think being a demon trapper isn't all it's cracked up to be. Her dad's been stolen by a necromancer, her boyfriend's gone all weird and she's getting warm and fuzzy feelings for someone who's got more secrets than the CIA. It's tempting to give it all up and try to be normal, but that's not an option with Hell watching her every move.

One mistake will cost her everything - and that's the one she's about to make . . .

The Demon Trappers Series:
Retro Demonology (Free Short Story)
Forsaken (Released in the US as The Demon Trapper's Daughter)
Forbidden (Released in the US as Soul Thief)
Forgiven
Foretold
Grave Matters (Novella)
Mind Games
Valiant Light

Visit Jana Oliver's website for more information

Review:
While this review won't contain spoilers for Forbidden please be aware that this is the second book in the Demon Trappers series and my review will contain spoilers for the first book. The story picks up just after the ending of Forsaken with the demon trappers having to regroup after their major battle and trying to work out what caused their holy water circle to fail. Some blame Riley's reanimated father while others prefer to believe that it is Riley who is working for the devil. Riley is desperate to prove her innocence and also to track down the necromancer who reanimated her father so she can have his body returned to the grave. She is also worried about Simon who may be recovering physically but who is acting very strangely. The city are no longer sure they can rely on the demon trappers to keep the city safe so they have called in the Vatican's demon hunters which is just going to make things even more complicated for Riley and the other trappers.

I really enjoyed Forsaken (released in the US as The Demon Trapper's Daughter) but I absolutely loved Forbidden (released in the US as Soul Thief). Jana Oliver managed to take everything I enjoyed in the first book and multiply it creating a story that I didn't want to end. I absolutely can't wait to get my hands on the final instalment in the series, Forgiven, so I'm relieved that I only have just over a month to wait! If you enjoyed Forsaken then you need to pick up Forbidden NOW and if you haven't started reading this series yet then what are you waiting for? This is one of the most unique and gripping YA urban fantasy series that I've come across in a long time and I can't recommend it highly enough.

Riley is a fantastic character, she has been through so much that my heart goes out to her but no matter what the world throws at her she just keeps on going. She may have the occasional moment where things get too much for her but in general she doesn't sit around complaining, she is proactive and is prepared to go down fighting. She doesn't have supernatural abilities so she has to rely on her brains and her training to get her through, that and a little help from her friends. She has to face some difficult betrayals in this book and she is going to learn just who her friends really are, she may even discover a couple of surprising allies.

In my review of Forsaken I mentioned how much I loved Beck, well that definitely hasn't changed - apart from the fact that I now love him even more. He is absolutely one of my favourite male characters and I love watching him and Riley together. He can be infuriating because he tries too hard to protect her but you can't really begrudge him for wanting her safe, I did wish he would spend more time helping her train rather than trying to send her away from danger though. In the first book he was a bit less smothering but it was only after coming so close to losing her that he realised how much she means to him and he is still trying to come to terms with his feelings. I have to admit that his actions with a certain reporter made me want to shake him but I'm convinced he will redeem himself so I'm not too worried.

The plot was fast paced and has some fantastic twists to it, there was so much going on that I just couldn't put it down. Jana Oliver manages to weave multiple threads together in a way that makes sure you don't tie everything together until the last minute so you're always kept guessing at how things will turn out. This is a fantastic series that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a good story, if you're an urban fantasy fan then this will definitely appeal to you but it also has a dystopian feel to it with the post-apocalyptic setting. I for one can't wait to see how the series ends!

Source: Received from Macmillan in exchange for an honest review

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Review: Forsaken - Jana Oliver

Riley Blackthorne.
Kicking hell's ass one demon at a time . . .

Riley has always wanted to be a Demon Trapper like her father, and she's already following in his footsteps as one of the best.  But it's tough being the only girl in an all-guy world, especially when three of those guys start making her life more complicated:

Simon, the angelic apprentice who has heaven on his side; Beck, the tough trapper who thinks he's God's gift, and Ori, the strikingly sexy stranger who keeps turning up to save her life.

One thing's for sure - if she doesn't keep her wits about her there'll be hell to pay . . .

The Demon Trappers Series:
Retro Demonology (Free Short Story)
Forsaken (Released in the US as The Demon Trapper's Daughter)
Forbidden (Released in the US as Soul Thief)
Forgiven
Foretold
Grave Matters (Novella)
Mind Games
Valiant Light

Visit Jana Oliver's website for more information

Review:
Riley is the only female apprentice Demon Trapper and was only accepted because her father is one of the best.  There is still a lot of resentment amongst the other Trappers who don't think a female should be allowed to join them but Riley is determined to prove she can be just as good as they are.  When her father is killed by a demon Riley must combine her training with protecting his body from the necromancers who wish to raise him from the dead to bring him back as a servant.  Is there anyone she can rely on to help her?

Forsaken (released in the US as The Demon Trapper's Daughter) is a fantastic debut from Jana Oliver that will have you hooked from the very first page.  Set in the near future where demons are roaming the earth the only thing protecting us are the Trappers who catch them or the church Hunters who kill them.  The action is fast paced, the world Jana has created is interesting and populated with all kinds of demonic creatures and I loved the main characters.

Riley and the rest of the Trappers don't have any supernatural abilities, they are all normal humans and have to train hard to fight the demons that are causing chaos in the world.  They do have some pretty cool weapons to play with but it is their training that will keep them alive - if they're lucky.  It is easy to like Riley, she is a girl who has to work twice as hard to be seen as an equal in the man's world of trapping.  Although a lot of the other Trappers don't think she should be allowed to be an apprentice she does have a few allies amongst them, mainly her father's closest friends and his previous apprentice Beck. 

I have to say right now I love Beck!  Riley doesn't have the best relationship with him - she is too embarrassed that he discovered she had a crush on him a few years earlier and knocked her back - but when it comes down to it she knows he is someone she can turn to.  Beck can be snarky and sarcastic but he cares for Riley and has her back against the other Trappers.  I loved the fact that although he is protective of her he doesn't try to smother her - he knows she is capable and works with her to strengthen her abilities so she can look after herself rather than try to keep her hidden away from danger.

The one thing I wasn't too keen on was the triangle, in case you haven't already guessed I'm on team Beck so it isn't hard to guess who I'm routing for.  I didn't really connect with Simon at all, he didn't hold my interest and there is something about him that makes me wary, I just don't trust him.  It remains to be seen if there is any reason for my feelings towards him but I'm looking forward to continuing the series to find out.  I'm also not too sure what to make of Ori who we aren't really introduced to until near the end of the book.  I have my suspicions about him too but I can't really say what they are without giving spoilers.

I've already said what a fantastic debut Forsaken is and I'm incredibly excited to see where Jana Oliver takes the series next.  This is a book I'd highly recommend to urban fantasy and dystopian fans and one I'm really looking forward to continuing.

Source: Purchased

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.