This was a good story, fairly well-written, but seemed to be missing a bit of an oomph. I like the overall feel, style, and tone - but the story didn't quite move along as fast as I would have preferred.

If I could give it a 3.5 I would, but on this one I'd rather vote lower than higher. The next book will be released in a few weeks, and my husband *insisted* we pre-order it - as this book was a 4-star compelling read for him.

Go figure. I'll probably read the next book, but I don't feel an overwhelming need to... ( )

"Forsaken" is centred around a rare thing, an original idea. The world Jana Oliver creates is fresh, plausible and intriguing. Her main character is engaging, her writing skillfully moves the reader through the compleities of plot and place with an admirable ability to achieve focus with a light touch. Her dialogue is witty without sounding false and she packs in just the right amount of teen angst and anticipation to keep the novel grounded and accessible.

By the way, "Forsaken" was launched in the US with the much better title of "The Demon Trapper's Daughter" but re-christened for the UK market to look like a "House of Night" clone. I can imagine the conversation at the Brit publisher: "Well, darling, the American title sounds like the first line in a limerick and "House of Night" made us SO much money and they're both supernatural fantasies aimed at teen girls - frankly the simpler the marketing message the better."

This is book 1 in a series that I'm sure will prove popular. I've already pre-ordered "Forbidden" which comes out in August. ( )

This is a book that manages to transcend many of the traps that YA urban fantasy type books get into. A smart heroine who is sensible, but still sits in the sweet spot of growing up, dating, but without going overboard.

The story is fairly predictable, but its well written. I haven't seen a world like this before - where demons abound, but I don't think the world would be this much like ours.

But, the story is a fun, easy read. Its a great way to spend an afternoon, but don't be expecting great literature. ( )

It took me, what, three or four days to read this? It wasn't EPIC enough, you know? The plot was intricate, but the pacing was slow.
( )

Okay, I am not usually much for urban fantasy, and I've certainly not read a lot of YA fiction, so I found The Demon Trapper's Daughter quite a surprise.

Don't be fooled by the comic, almost bathetic tone of the opening. The book soon takes a darker turn and gathers momentum like a runaway truck.

And the reader is given quite a ride: horror, satire, mystery, romance; strong and quirky characters to cheer for; believable (but sympathetic) teen angst; and (toughest of all for a genre novelist to deliver) passionate, believable human relationships served up by the gallon.

Jana Oliver is one hell of a good writer. ( )