The Demon's Librarian

I have liked this author since her Dante books. I was excited to receive this book free from Netgalley for honest review. I love strong female leads and the opening was exciting and full of action which is normal for this author. I love dark elements in my reading and the challenges that were faced. I do sometimes get frustrated with her female leads pattern of stubbornness and refusing to accept help from others at times. Destructive things happen because of this. If you like her previous books you will likely enjoy this one.

I love this author

I love a woman with gumption and Francesca certainly has that. Who else would do some research and go into the sewers hunting whatever supernatural woo-woo was snatching up kiddies? A librarian who discovered a secret library, created a weapon that hadn’t been seen in ages, and armed herself with that and a flashlight, that’s who. She doesn’t really realize what she is…but Orion does and he’s intrigued, even though it’s a bit of a challenge to protect her, since she’s not totally into the whole “I need protection” thing. She’s an independent chick. Loved the librarian, enjoyed the romance but, again, needed a bit more worldbuilding. (God-awful cover. *shudders*)

The Demon's Librarian by Lilith Saintcrow Imajinn Books, 2009 Romance (Paranormal); 218 pgs Source: Net Galley

First Sentence: She ended up knee-deep in slick rotting garbage with one hell of a shiner and a stitch gripping her side, holding a glowing blue knife while something with tentacles thrashed toward her in the foul stinking water.

You can imagine why this book appealed to me from the title alone. In The Demon's Librarian, librarian, Francesca "Chess" Barnes, takes matters into her own hands when she notices children in the area going missing. Realizing the culprit isn't human, she studies magic books she's found in the library's basement, arms herself, and goes after the demon. No one is more surprised to discover just who took out the demon than Ryan, who is half-demon himself. It just isn't possible.

As a Drakul, Ryan is assigned to assist and guide a wizard, and, in this case, his wizard has gone missing. He knows he cannot leave Chess alone or unprotected, especially now that she has proven herself to be a threat to some very powerful demons.

I loved Chess. I think other readers will too. She's not exactly the kick butt heroine you might expect as she still is a bit unsure of herself and just beginning to realize what she's gotten herself into, but she can certainly hold her own. I was less impressed with Ryan, if I'm honest. I tend to like my heroes to be more than just brawn. Maybe it was Ryan's own insecurities that kept me from completely falling for him--but then, there have been other characters in other books with similar issues I fall for right away. Do not get me wrong, I liked Ryan. Throughout the book, I wanted him to see himself as Chess saw him--not as a servant, but as an equal. I certainly would want him on my side if I ever found myself surrounded by demons.

While I think I liked The Society more than I liked this one, The Demon's Librarian was an entertaining book to read. There is action and plenty of humor. The romance is more of a slow cooker one, but that never bothers me. I often prefer them that way as they tend to be more believable--even in a novel about demons and magic.

I enjoyed this book very much can't wait for the next one in the series

Okay, so I chose The Demon's Librarian on Netgalley expecting a quick, hopefully light and fun read, and probably filled with sex and violence, probably with a Mary Sue heroine. Honestly, my expectations for the sex and violence were stronger than those for the light and fun – and honestly, I couldn't have been more wrong. It was so much fun, and such a quick and enjoyable read – and while yes, it was violent ("He’d broken the floor, he’d hit it so hard"), I was surprised that while there was a huge amount of chemistry and sexual tension, of actual sex scenes there were none.

The book is far from perfect. There are mistakes, in formatting and whatnot, which will hopefully be/hopefully was dealt with before final publication. But where in a lot of cases that can overwhelm the writing, here the writing more than held its own and made reading more than worthwhile. "The shipwrecked, rollicking oaken monstrosity of the bar itself" – nice.

And Chess (short for Francesca, and I love that) is no Mary Sue. Is she special, smart and lovely and physically intimidating and the whole package? Yep. But she reacts to the things that happen to her in a realistic manner. She's a librarian, and a good one, loving her books and occasionally loathing her patrons: "She could feel her cheeks freezing into what Charlie called the Dealing-With-Idiots-Smile. It almost hurt." And terrible things happen around her and to her, things that most of us reading (and writing) this will never, ever, ever remotely experience, and Lilith Saintcrow managed to make her someone who would both respond heroically and then melt down. As one does, when suddenly confronted with almost unstoppable demons taking the forms of people one knows.

I loved her constant self-reassurance: "I am doing really well with this. Don’t get cocky." "I am dealing with this really well, she thought for the fiftieth time, and felt like it might actually be true." She's confident, but not so certain of herself or the new and wildly bizarre and dangerous circumstances she's plunged into. I found it a nice touch that this rather amazing woman uses a technique I've been known to try ("it's ok – you're ok – you can do this") and is occasionally overwhelmed by tears.

And I kind of love that one of the first things our hero, Ryan, falls for in her is that he saw her weeping.

He's a very interesting character. I've seen criticism of how he behaves and how he treats Chess, but I had no problem with it. He's not just some guy; he's not human, quite. There are reasons for his behavior, reasons in keeping with the unique and skillful worldbuilding that's gone on for this book. I look forward to more from this author, hopefully with these characters. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for introducing me to a new author to follow.

I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK..

I was intrigued by the title, but in truth the librarian part wasn't as big of an element as I assumed it would be. The main characters are strong and I enjoyed their banter, and their relationship.

I gave it 4 stars because I felt like the author skipped the relationship part and it left me wishing I got to see that firsthand, and also I was left wondering how she would end up fitting into the society.

I personally think Ryan's demon side has some good qualities, “like when I ask you to stay still, it’s because it helps me stay calm. If you’re frightened or hurt, it may make me unmanageable. If you stay calm, move slowly, it will calm me down. If I hold you still, it’s because I want to make sure I don’t hurt you. It . . . reassures me.” When it comes to her man and his safety, Chess isn't afraid to go all wild cat, “you listen, and you listen good. You’re going to take me to Ryan right now, posthaste, young man.” I sound like Charlie . “And you’d better pray he gets better. Because if you let him die, I am going to be all over you like white on rice . And believe me, after the week I’ve had, I am one librarian you do not want to mess with.” I really enjoyed this book, it was action packed not a slow scene in sight.

Ignore the book cover on either version; it's a complete turn-off. One cover is an amateurish witchy creature with Word Art font, and the other is a beefcake. Neither represent this book. This is actually an engaging story - it's fun, urban fantasy with decently written characters. I can't imagine who designed this terrible cover.

Chess is a tough librarian (love it) and Ryan is a hybrid (not so in love with that). Read this - just slap a book cover over the top so it doesn't ruin the story.

I _like_. Good story, excellent characters, fascinating universe. This is the first of hers I've read - I hope there are others in this universe, I find the Dracul and Malik very interesting, and the various forms of Others are neat. In this case, as in very few paranormal romances, the wild attraction makes sense in context. And despite said attraction, both Chess and Ryan manage to learn about each other and deal with everything else - y'know, minor stuff like a demon invasion - without falling into bed together. One kiss in the whole book, but no lack of - if I say erotic moments it sounds like I mean sex. It's nothing that ordinary. Excellent characterization - even the minor characters are solid. A real shock when the traitor is revealed, followed by 'of course, that explains it perfectly'. And like that. Want to read more by her.
Rereading, many years and several rereads later, an ebook received from Netgalley - unfortunately this _isn't_ a series, because it's still my favorite of her books. Delighted to see it being reissued.

I could not resist this title by this author. This is a Fantasy and Adventure tale with some romance thrown in. The Demon's Librarian starts in the sewers and made me really feel for the Librarian right from the start. This is a fast paced book. Background information is interspersed with the action and keeps you informed about the world. I would read again and look forward to any possible sequels.

Chess is the head librarian and tasked with an unbelievable secret. She has access to a library of books that deal with what one thought were only dreams...or more accurately, nightmares. She then faces down the unbelievable and enters a world of demons, hunters and magic that she never knew existed. Then enters Ryan, a Drakul--part demon--tasked with fighting his demonic nature and protecting those who can save the human race. Together Chess and Ryan face down a city of evil demons while fighting and facing their attraction to one another.

This story is a fantastic tale that had me from page one. Chess is a strong lead that takes no crap from a man that only lives to protect her. She proves page after page that she is strong enough to stand on her own feet and face down any demon that dares stalk her city. Ryan becomes a new adventure and she flies into danger to not only save herself, but also her city and finds true love along the way.

I hope this story continues because it is well worth the read.

One of my new favorite authors! A fun and Thrilling book!

interesting story concept. Good overall.

I loved this! I pretty much love Lilith Saintcrow's stuff. I know it's not the greatest writing, and the writing style may irritate some people, but I love her plots. And plus, her heroines are pretty sassy and their love interests are alpha males who manage to not be too domineering, and the women tend to get the upper hand by the end. Always love that.

As usual, Saintcrow's book is full of action, supernatural creatures and betrayal and danger. Despite Chess and Ryan's attraction, all they share is one kiss. I personally think that there could have been more intimacy. And I also think that this could easily have been turned into a series. Chess wants to change the order, their leader is less than pleased... What will happen to the order and the status of the Draculein next, isn't fully addressed. But nevertheless, the ending is decent, though less than perfect.

*I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review.*

I loved this book. The concept was great and the world-building outstanding. Packed with action and a great storyline, the only thing I really didn't like was that the heroine started out very kick-ass and understandably scared. But throughout most of the book she seemed to turn into a useless, whimpering girl until the end of the book. I would have liked to see her gradually come into her "golden ness". All in all a good book, wish there were more.

I loved this book as would any librarian! Chess is a dedicated librarian who turns out to be a demon slayer and more. Ryan is her part demon bodyguard. You don't mess with this librarian or her "man". Great blend of romance, sci fi, and fantasy!

Once again this is another great book by Lilith Saintcrow. This was a fun read. Let me start by pointing out the things I liked about this story.

The concept was a great one. I mean really, a demon hunting librarian how badass is that? I could picture the library in my head and thought it would be a pretty cool place, especially with Chess' hidden library in the basement where her collection of books containing magic and demon hunting tips were hidden. There was also some fast paced action, so you can't go wrong there either.

Now, let's talk about the characters a bit. Chess or Francesca is the librarian that hunts demons. While I liked her, I didn't love her and here's why. In my opinion, she contradicted herself a lot of the time. In the beginning, she made a magic knife that alerted her when demons were near and she used it to slay a demon on her own in the sewers of the city. Then a few scenes later she rushed out in her pajamas to defend Ryan whom she didn't know yet from a demon. I was thinking at that time that she was a heroine that was pretty tough and brave. However, she disappointed me from time to time in later scenes where demons were involved. She fainted, cried and just plain went into hysterics when she should have been showing the courage she had initially. It was also annoying when she seemed to take Ryan at his word then suddenly she didn't. I was also left with questions about why she was a "potential". I wanted to know where she inherited that from. Was it from her mother who perhaps didn't know that she herself was more than human or did she inherit from her father? I think I would have liked that explained a bit more. But, I was happy to see that she finally grew a pair and stood up to the head of the Order where Ryan was concerned. I just wish she would have reached her potential a bit sooner in the story.

This brings me to Ryan. For the most part, I really liked him a lot. I thought he was a great male protagonist. Although, he seemed slightly contradictory as well. His protective instincts were kind of questionable at times. I wasn't sure how having thoughts of throwing Chess on her bed and taking what he wanted was protective. But, that is my only complaint regarding him. Thankfully, he only mentioned that once or twice and never voiced it out loud, so his other qualities made it easier to overlook that bit, especially since he never acted on it.

All in all, I thought it was a fast fun read and I enjoyed it a lot. I would have liked to read more but unfortunately, this was a stand alone novel. It would make a good series and one that I would definitely read.

Lilith Saintcrow's "The Demon's Librarian" was a fast read.
The heroine, Francesca "Chess", the head librarian finds a secret cache of books in the basement of her library left there by the designer of the library and the original protector of the city she lives in. The books are imbued with their creator's force which starts changing Chess into a Golden one, able to weld sorcery and hunt demons.
As the hero "Ryan" and his partner come to town looking for the books and whoever killed a particularly nasty demon events heat up as more demons come to town.
Chess and Ryan must become partners whose relationship must overcome doubts and betrayal to defeat the coming evil before all is lost.

Francesca “Chess” Barnes is a librarian in Jericho City who has discovered a demon living in her city and killing children. To combat the demon, she uses the esoteric books she found hidden in her library. Soon, she realizes she is in over her head when Orion “Ryan” shows up with his partner Paul. They are part of the Order of the Dragon with Ryan being a Drakul, part demon, and Paul a regular skin, or human, who protect cities from unauthorized demons. When Paul disappears, Ryan enlists Chess’ help to find him, and realizes she is a special sorcerer who hasn’t been seen in 500 years, making her a target of both his Order and the demons. Will his Order destroy them, or will the demons in the city get to them first?
First of all, I have been a fan of Lilith Saintcrow for years, and when this book came up, I jumped at the chance to read it. It was just what I expect from Ms. Saintcrow’s novels: good characterizations, a little romance, and wonderful action. The pacing was great and I didn’t really want to put it down; I wanted to gobble it up in one sitting. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As far as some negative things about the book, I didn’t get a good feel for Paul. He was more a cardboard character; I understood Chess’ employee better than him. And, one thing I’ve noticed about Ms. Saintcrow’s book is a tendency for the jargon and backstory to be a little murky. There are still some questions about the Order I’m not quite clear on. However, these things were easily ignored to completely immerse yourself in the plot. Don’t delay, get yourself this book, and her other books as well. You won’t regret it!
Thanks to NetGalley and Belle Books/ImaJinn Books for the free copy in exchange for an honest review. This review will also be posted on Goodreads.

What a fun story!!!! A real IndieAnna, self taught, lady butt kicker who is just being herself and doing what needs to be done. She makes smart really sexy and powerful and she found a hero that appreciates that. Hope to see a LOT more of the Demon's Librarian's adventures. I'm a fan of the Librarian TV series, Warehouse 13, and, of course, Indiana Jones. This librarian is the right lady to take on the male genre and show them how it's done!

The Demon's Librarian, Lilith Saintcrow Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews Genre: Romance, Sci-fi and fantasy I adored the Dante Valentine series, so wanted to see what this early novel was like. Its much, much lighter in feel, both in plot and characters. I liked Chess, and of course Ryan, so this made for a fun read but its not one I’d reread. It’s a little puzzling to begin as the schoolchildren being killed blurb description is pre the beginning of the book. Chess has already done her research and is out killing a demon right at the start. The terms too can be a little confusing, its not hard to pick up but they’re just there – no real explanation of what they mean, and that happens too with some of ( not all) the demon/troll creatures language. Its a book I really enjoyed, and I think would have developed into an interesting trilogy/series but I’m assuming that, as with the original read, its a stand alone. Some fast acting plots with danger and betrayal, though at times I could beat Chess and her sister over the head with a Sabatier frying pan for their plain stupidity....yes, you have just escaped death by Demon, and they’re still after you for painful and bloodthirsty sacrifice, and of course its sensible to ditch the paranormal protectives and just play at being “normal “ for a day...Doh...bits like that in a read really make me want to poke my eyeballs out with a rusty spoon. For a better read and for the cost I’d say its better to spend a bit more and get the whole Dante Valentine series in a collection – just £12.99 and a terrific escape into a dark and detailed fantasy world. Stars: four, its a decent one off read but Dante beats Chess easily!
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers

Loved this one. Definitely recommend reading it.