Member Reviews
I am so sorry but unfortunately I have not enjoyed this book at all. I haven't been able to finish it.
This was fun! I picked this up as I enjoyed the Skulduggery Pleasant books I've read and although this has a different (darker?) tone the world building with all the supernatural creatures was really enjoyable
Amber thinks she’s just a normal American teenager, though she does wish her parents would show her some affection. On her sixteen birthday, she discovers that she isn’t as normal as she thought and her parents plan to kill her. It turns out Amber is a demon and must now go on the run with the mysterious Milo, in order to find a way to stop her parents.
This is a road trip littered with demonic creatures. It’s exactly how you would imagine the Highway to Hell to be. Vampires, witches, you name them and they are probably in it. Lots of blood and guts if that is your thing and a great plot.
I loved the audio of this book. The narrator really brought the characters to life. My favourite had to be Glen from Ireland. If anyone remembers Father Ted with Father Dougal in it, then Greg could be his son. This character added lots of humour to this dark and twisted tale.
The book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, which leaves you wanting to read the next book. It is a lot darker than Derek Landy’s Skullduggery series, but ideal for the older reader who has outgrown that series.
A great start to a more mature series.
I received this ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
Ive posted a full review on Goodreads, I'm looking forward to reading more from this author
Demon Road has everything going for it. Our heroine is entertaining, its action-packed, full of gruesome descriptions, and it had a great sense of humour throughout.
I think perhaps for me it just lacked a bit of depth. I was interested in the premise and it started off great, but then it all fizzled out and the climax seemed to be there and then solved very quickly. So I think it needed to be able to keep me guessing, whereas before I could start figuring out possibilities of what would happen, it would then be answered.
A book about Demons, cannibalistic cars, serial killers, witches and vampires? I’m sold! I have never had the pleasure of reading any of Derek Landy’s work before, but I had heard a lot about him, so I was rather intrigued and excited to read Demon Road, the first book in a new trilogy. This book was unlike anything I had read previous, and it takes you on one hell of a ride!
Demon Road is about sixteen year old, Amber Lamont, who until now has lived a normal life, despite not having a close relationship with her parents and lacking friends; instead turning to online forums for comfort. That is until one night when she finds out her parents are actually demons and in order for them to grow stronger and keep up a deal they made years ago have to eat her. She is forced to run away if she wants to live and go on a roap trip across supernatural America with the mysterious Milo, and later on, sweet, but slightly annoying Irish teenager, Glen. During the trip the trio encounter many supernatural, and quite shocking sights, including a city run by vampires, a serial killer with a weird obsession and witches.
This book is certainly fast paced and full of action and like I said at the start is unlike any book I have read before. As soon as you open the first page, I promise you you will not want to put it down! I loved finding out about the supernatural beings they encountered, and I admit I did jump and get startled at some parts. I’ve read many books about the supernatural before, but none of them quite live up to what I read in Demon Road.
There were a huge range of characters in this book, some you love, some you hate and some you just wish weren’t there at all. Amber isn’t your typical YA heroine. She’s awkward, overweight, average looking and tends to make wrong decisions almost all the time, but despite that she is strong, determined and very tough (especially when she’s in her demon form). I loved her from the moment I was introduced to her and I was always rooting for her and hoping she pulled through from the situations she found herself in. Milo, I found it hard to warm up to him at first but as I got further and further on into the story I started to understand why he was the way he was and I’m glad we found out about his past. Glen, oh I had a soft spot for him! Although he seemed like this annoying teenager who just wouldn’t shut up, I really just wanted to give him a hug and just be his friend. It does seem like he was trying too hard to please Milo and Amber at times, but all he really wanted was to be part of something.
There is a lot of gore, blood and pretty scary happenings in the book, which may scare some readers, there were some pretty graphic parts that made me question if this should really be appropriate for young readers, but it all depends on what scares you I guess. I didn’t really get scared, just a little bit grossed out at some of the descriptions. However, that doesn’t take away anything from the fantastic storyline.
Demon Road was a really interesting, original, fast paced read that takes you on an epic journey. I was drawn into Landy’s world of the supernatural, and I really wish I’d discovered him sooner. He’s a real talent to the literary world and Demon Road just goes to prove that.
The plot of this book was like WOW! I loved every single minute of it. Derek Landy put a lot of thought into keeping this book fast-paced, exciting and keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. As soon as you think things are quietening down, the roller coaster begins again, with even more at stake. So much was added to this book, and yet I still wanted more. Thankfully I already have the next book and have started reading it, because it would be so painful not knowing what was going to happen next and having to wait.
My thanks to Harper Collins U.K. Children’s for an ebook edition of this novel and apologies for this late feedback. It slipped under my radar in 2015 when published.
While marketed for Teens/YA this certainly seems to me a novel (and series) that will appeal to horror fans of all ages.
When Amber turns sixteen she uncovers a horrific aspect about her parents and their friends that forces her to go on the run to not only escape them but find a solution. Oh and she also discovers that she can shift into a demon.
I found this a very clever and engaging story with a brilliant lead in Amber. The chemistry between her, Milo, her assigned protector, and the hapless Glenn, who joins them on route, was strong and often quite funny. The road trip along the so called ‘Dark Highway’ presented strange encounters of all kinds.
Milo’s Dodge Charger is a character in her own right and brought to mind other vehicles in horror stories like the Winchesters’ Impala and NOS4R2 in Joe Hill’s novel of same name.
So a fun and gruesome adventure that I enjoyed very much and I am planning to continue with the series right away.
This was my first Derek Landry book, but it wont be my last. This book was a fantastic adventure.
Amber is a sassy quick thinking strong woman who takes everything in her stride, all be a quick stride. She is great to follow on the adventure, infact she pulls you along with her. Her dialogue is witty and filled with laugh outloud moments and she is the type of strong female character we need more of.
The story is mature, perhaps more suitable for the mid teen range and above or those who can hold their stomachs because there are some gruesome descriptions that are grossly brilliant.
Whoever reads it will be checking their closets and under their bed before turning out the lights, but remember Amber taught you all you need to know to take the adventure.
Completely unputdownable, grab this book and read well into the night because you wont want to stop til you reach the last page and beyond.
Brilliant book, just like we've come to expect from Derek Landy. 13 year old couldn't put it down.
It took me a while to get around to reading this book, but I am so glad that I have finally picked it up because I enjoyed it much more than I expected to. I really enjoyed the writing; it was gripping and descriptive in the right places. I loved the range of characters, especially the diversity amongst demons, and the focus on Amber and the plot. I also enjoyed Amber's relationships with Milo and Glen, and bonus points for neither of them being romantic too and the author remaining focused on the story. One thing I didn't like however, was the length. I just felt like it dragged on at times and we had more than we needed. It felt like it was going on and on, but at the same time I was eager to read more, but not eager enough to read on and pick up the sequel. I really enjoyed the book, but I don't think the series interests me enough personally for me to continue with it.