Of Demons Within is book one in the Of Demons Within Duology by Akira Varma.
This story was truly phenomenal.
I was hooked from the very beginning.
The world-building is amazing and done so well.

So I’m m not going to lie, but this book needs a lot of help. It had the potential to be really good, but it felt so rushed. There wasn’t a whole lot of world building and not enough character development for me to be like yes! I couldn’t even tell you how old the main characters were, but they sounded like they were 15 or 16. Granted this is in a setting with an Institute but I was thinking the characters were a lot older. That wasn’t the case I think.

Im giving this 3 stars because I want to the author to see that there is more potential for this book, but would love if she could maybe go back and reexamine. Again it felt rushed and I’m hoping she will be able to add more depth to certain parts and give us a heavier background to things. Would love to have the world building as well so I can also picture what she is trying to show us!

Love the cover and interior art! It looks amazing, and suits the themes of the book. The author's notes/summary of the previous book are a bit long. I'd rather get to what's going on in THIS book. Raina is a great character. The combination of small-town naivety, a good heart, and great bravery and determination to fulfill her dream make me admire her and root for her success. I teared up a few times while reading her chapters. Xavier's early chapters are frustrating to get through because, even though he's older, his thinking is immature and sometimes even nonsensical by comparison. He does a lot of growing. More detail could've been added to them getting to know each other. I feel like they only interacted a few times, and we're told that they're close friends now without actually seeing that develop. This world is very interesting with its mysterious portal over the town, the human-like monsters who come out of it, and the associated religious beliefs that have grown up around it. The assassination plot was less interesting at first, but once secrets start to be revealed, it sucked me in. I felt for all the characters, who find themselves entangled in this tragedy because of the actions of their families. The book had a strong and satifying ending. I'm not sure what's left for the next book besides Raina's digging into more mysteries. I hope all the characters are reconciled by the final ending. There are many errors of spelling, grammar, wrong word choice, missing words, etc. that should've been cleaned up in editing. This is the biggest thing dragging the book down.

Oh my God, I can’t wait for the next book in this duet!
This was actually such an addictive breed, and I could not put the book down, it had some repetitive themes but overall it was very enjoyable and binge worthy

Of Demons Within is a compelling story laced with strands of friendship, treachery, and revenge, transporting the reader to a world where loyalty is tested and the quest of justice can have unexpected repercussions.

The story follows the intertwined journeys of Raina, a determined runaway seeking knowledge, Xavier, an elite Hunter dealing with a sinister plot against his life, and Lucas, a Hunter shrouded in mystery, as they navigate a web of deception and uncover a conspiracy that threatens to topple the Institute itself. The author skillfully weaves a gripping story, bringing the reader into the book's complicated world. The characters are wonderfully depicted, each with unique reasons and complexities. Raina's unyielding pursuit of information, Xavier's unwavering sense of duty, and Lucas' enigmatic background form a dynamic trio whose distinct journeys intersect in a fascinating hunt for truth.

The plot moves at a steady pace, increasing suspense with each revelation. The author expertly mixes scenes of action and intrigue with introspective character development, allowing the reader to relate with the characters on a deeper level. The themes of devotion, treachery, and the implications of seeking vengeance are addressed with delicacy and depth, inviting contemplation on our decisions and the sacrifices we are ready to make.

Of Demons Within is a riveting read that will leave an indelible effect on the reader. It's a narrative that will linger in your mind long after you've finished reading it, prompting you to consider the complexity of human nature and the lasting power of friendship.

Of Demons Within by Akira Varma is a haunting exploration of the complexities of the human psyche intertwined with supernatural elements. The story follows [Protagonist's Name], who faces both external threats and the darker aspects of their own mind. Varma skillfully navigates themes of trauma, guilt, and the quest for redemption.

The character development is exceptional; [Protagonist's Name] is portrayed with depth, making their struggles feel authentic and relatable. As the plot unfolds, readers are taken on a journey through their fears and insecurities, mirrored by the malevolent forces at play.

Varma’s writing is both lyrical and gripping, creating an atmospheric tension that pulls you in from the first page. The blend of psychological intrigue with fantasy elements adds a unique layer to the narrative, keeping readers guessing about what is real and what is a manifestation of the protagonist’s inner turmoil.

The pacing is well-structured, with twists that are both surprising and satisfying. Varma's ability to evoke emotion makes this a compelling read that resonates long after the final page.

Overall, Of Demons Within is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that invites readers to confront their own inner demons. It’s a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and fantasy alike.