I recently finished a wonderful book and wanted to talk about it. We all know that there are TONS of young adult paranormal, emo, sparkly books available these days. Many are aimed at teen girls – they have love triangles, an awkward female main character who couldn’t possibly be the center of a cute guy’s attention – but wait, there are multiple boys stalking wanting her, and it all goes on and on for at least three books.

And what’s with all the book covers with black strapless prom dresses? Why are these girls out on the moors in formalwear?

Sigh.

We want gutsier, tougher reads! Where's the meat? What are non-hormonal readers supposed to pick up? There is an entire group of young readers who want action without the angst.

I offer you – Lord Loss and the Demonata Series.

Description:

Grubbs Grady has stiff red hair and is a little big for his age, which means he can get into R-rated movies. He hates history and loves bacon, rats, and playing tricks on his squeamish older sister. When he opts out of a family weekend trip, he never guesses that he is about to take a terrifying journey into darkness. Hungry demons and howling werewolves haunt his waking nightmares... and threaten his life.

Review:

This particular book is suggested for grades 10 and up – I sooooo agree with this. There are a few bloody scenes that made me cringe. But I loved it. This is a perfect steppingstone from fluffier teen reads, into adult fiction. Teens who roll their eyes at Twilight and toss it down in disgust need to try the Demonata Series.

Darren Shan is a spectacular author. He gives us action, drama, a wonderful building of tension, humor, and so much more. I’ve read a couple of his Cirque du Freak/Vampire’s Assistant books and liked those as well. Demonata takes it up a notch.

So if you’re looking for a wonderful read about teens dealing with the paranormal, but do not want sparkles, boarding schools, or clumsy girls – then pick up Lord Loss, book one of the Demonata series. Or try any of Shan’s books. You’ll be happy you did.