The Desert Spear (The Demon Cycle, Book 2) Reviews

I must admit that I liked very much. "Desert Spear" hasn’t done on me such a great impression as "The Painted Man," but the world created by the author is really interesting and engaging.

Humanity constantly struggling with the plague of demons, arising after dark from planet’s core. In the first part of the book we get to know closer the residents of Krasia, their customs, tribal divisions, their faith, and in particular Jardir’s history from his youngest years. We are members of his training as a warrior, and his first and subsequent meetings with Arlen, and all the facts which led to event, that Jardir in "The Painted Man" has decided to pick up Arlen’s spear and call themselves the Deliverer. This part was the hardest for me to assimilate. Much Krasia naming, which was difficult, but over time has created a unique atmosphere and it was definitely worth to know the Jardir’s history, which I hated, for what he did, and now I hate him equally strongly, but at least I understand :) Later we go back to Arlen and his friends. There is also a Renna thread, which made me very happy. Her subsequent history was probably the most shocking part of the book for me.

In the second half of the book to the villages in the North is coming more and more refugees from areas occupied by men of Krasia, finally confronted the people of the desert with the people of the North, which results in more interesting complexities. Renna thread is still interesting continue and lead to a great finish. I also enjoyed the more frequent occurrence of the Mind demons and Mimic demons, which certainly has introduced a breath of fresh air to the whole story, and a bit of concern that despite the powerful war runes, the fight against demons will not be so simple and obvious. If previously men of Krasia and people from North not kill each other... There were also more Arlen, and I must admit that this is my favorite character in this story.

I really like, that in this whole story, we don’t get everything at once, there are many threads are jumps in time, we very accurately know the main characters, it all makes us look forward with bated breath on the course of events. Also, a world that is very accurately described, makes me feel a participant, every appearance of demons was scary, every single event was very lively and almost real. What can I write more... I like this story, puts me in a really unusual world, and that I expect from the book.

Does not disappoint. I really enjoy the world the writer has created with this series and eagerly awaiting the next installment.

*SPOILER*
This book picks up with Jadir's past as well as a look at his foreign cuture. It was a big change (and unexpected) from the first book but was great to read. After they author gives you a detailed look on Jadir it falls back into place with the group of protagonists and Jadir becomes a major character that some chapters revolve around.

The Warded Man is really fleshed out in this book and you get a good look on just who he is. The author doesn't really dive too deep into The Warded Man's mind but this isn't done with any of the characters, really.

*Bigger Spoiler*
The book leaves me wanting to read the third installment simply because it seemed it was leading up to a conflict that didn't happen. I am very curious to see what happens but dread having to wait for 3 more books to come out.