Fantasy Dreamer's Ramblings

Why me? Why now? That’s what Beaulac, Louisiana, detective Kara Gillian was asking herself when an angelic creature named Rhyzkahl unexpectedly appeared during a routine summoning. Kara was hoping to use her occult skills to catch a serial killer, but never had she conjured anything like this unearthly beautiful and unspeakably powerful being whose very touch set off exquisite new dimensions of pleasure. But can she enlist his aid in helping her stop a killer who’s already claimed the lives—and souls—of thirteen people? And should she? The Symbol Man is a nightmare that the city thought had ended three years ago. Now he’s back for an encore and leaving every indication on the flesh of his victims that he, too, is well versed in demonic lore.

Kara may be the only cop on Beaulac’s small force able to stop the killer, but it is her first homicide case. Yet with Rhyzkahl haunting her dreams, and a handsome yet disapproving FBI agent dogging her waking footsteps, she may be in way over her head...

Kara Gillian just had two major milestones in her adult life occur, one she has just become a full fledged summoner of demons, after training for over 10 years under her mentor, who is also her aunt. Summoners are born with the ability to summon demons, it is not something that just anyone can pick up and start practicing. The other major milestone, Kara has recently been promoted to homicide detective, after working her way up the ladder at the Beaulac Police Department, in Beaulac, Louisiana.

Kara has only been a homicide detective for a few weeks, when the infamous Symbol Man makes a reappearance. Three years ago the Symbol Man had murdered 13 people, marking all of his victims with an unknown symbol, then he just disappeared as if he didn't exist. Since getting promoted to a homicide detective, Kara had been studying the the Symbol Man case files because she suspects a connection to the realm of demons. Kara is surprised when she is made the lead detective in the Symbol Man case by her captain, his reasoning to her, she is the only one familiar enough with case, the previous detectives having retired since the case went cold. But unbeknownst to Kara's captain she is the perfect person for the job because of her knowledge in arcane practice of demon summoning.

A task force is formed for the Symbol Man case, and one of the team members is, nice on the eyes but standoffish, FBI Special Agent Ryan Kristoff, who Kara immediately gets off on the wrong foot with. She doesn't know if he will help or hinder her work on the serial killer case. In the meanwhile, the sexy and dangerous Demonic Lord Rhyzkahl, who Kara had accidentally summoned, is invading Kara's dreams in a very sensual and distracting way. Kara has her work cut out for her as she tries to figure who the Symbol Man is and prevent anyone else from becoming his next victim.

I've been wanting to read this book since I first found out about it, and I went to great lengths to my hands on a copy of Mark of the Demon as soon as I possibly could. I was not disappointed. If I could have, I would've read this book from start to finish in one sitting but silly, mundane things like work and family got in the way. [impish grin]

Diana Rowland did an excellent job setting up her paranormal world of demons, which is a very different from what I have seen so far in the Urban Fantasy genre. The demons in this world can be both beautiful and scary, physically and in personality. They are bound by a very strict code of honor, that you don't dare disregard, not even for one moment. And if you do, you won't live to regret it. These demons are also very ambitious and in constant battle with each other in their realm. The lines between right and wrong are far different for them compared to what a human's ideas of the same.

She has made Kara, a flawed, witty character that you can sympathize with, she is not perfect by any means. Kara has insecurities, that I think any woman would have trying to work in male dominant work force and the personality traits of a person who grew up with a somewhat reclusive and eccentric aunt. But she doesn't let her doubts get in her way, Kara can give as good as she gets with plenty of sass to boot.

Mark of the Demon is Diana Rowland's debut novel as a published author. Throughout the story you can see evidence of author's real life experience as a detective and a morgue assistant, she weaves these truths into her story with vivid details. She had me guessing with each new clue and just when I thought I had it all figured out, I found out I was wrong. By the end of the book a lot questions are answered but she leaves you with enough enticement that you need want to read the next book. I would describe this book as CSI meets the paranormal in gritty, passionate detail with a sizzling, suspenseful outcome. I will pursue the next book Blood of the Demon, as doggedly as I did Mark of the Demon.

1. Mark of the Demon
2. Blood of the Demon - February 23, 2010

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