Touch of the Demon

Kara Gillian, Book 5

By: Diana Rowland

Narrated by: Liv Anderson

Kara Gillian is in some seriously deep trouble.

She’s used to summoning supernatural creatures from the demon realm to our world, but now the tables have been turned and she’s the one who’s been summoned. Kara is the prisoner of yet another demonic lord, but she quickly discovers that she’s far more than a mere hostage. Yet waiting for rescue has never been her style, and Kara has no intention of being a pawn in someone else’s game.

There’s intrigue to spare as she digs into the origin of the demonic lords and discovers the machinations of humans and demons alike. Kara is shocked to discover that she has her own history in the demon realm, and that the ties between her and the demonic lords Rhyzkahl and Szerain go back farther than she could have ever imagined. But treachery runs rampant among all the lords, and she’s going to have to stay sharp in order to keep from being used to further their own agendas. The lords have a secret that dates back to earth’s ancient history, and it could have devastating repercussions for both worlds.

Yet more than anything else, Kara’s abilities as a homicide detective will be put to the test - because this time the murder she has to solve is her own.

©2013 Diana Rowland (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Why do you have to be so mean?

If you could sum up Touch of the Demon in three words, what would they be?

Intense, enthralling, heartbreaking

What did you like best about this story?

I love, love, love the complexity of not only the world building but, each and every character brought into the story. The story is fluid and always moving forward. Some of my favorite moments are when things from the previous books come into play and I have a serious "ah ha" moment.

What does Liv Anderson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She IS Kara Gillian ! She never falters or pauses in weird places, her characters come to life and you know immediately who is speaking. I think she does a fantastic job.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The ritual with Rhyskal..it just broke me. It was like feeling everything Kara felt in that moment..the betrayal, the heartache, the anger. Like a big ol' slap in the face.

Any additional comments?

Each book gets better and better and this one is my favorite ! The introduction to the Demon Realm is just amazing. The new characters, the relationships forming and breaking. Diana Rowland is a spectacular author. Worth every single penny/credit.

Awesome

Another must read more story. Looking forward to more.
Demon Lords abound in this one.

Stunning

What did you love best about Touch of the Demon?

This novel reads like a woodchipper on jet fuel. Battle, betrayal, torture, plot twists, sex, suspense, it's all in here.

What other book might you compare Touch of the Demon to and why?

I would only compare this book to the first four in this unique and remarkable series. Readers should start with Mark of the Demon, and walk with Kara Gillian on her fraught path.

What about Liv Anderson’s performance did you like?

Pitch perfect performance, not a word or a nuance out of place to interfere with our enjoyment of the story.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

If I had to sum up my reaction to this book, it would be one word: Impressed. It made me want to reread the series from the beginning to track the clues that Ms. Rowland planted and which bloomed into one big gaudy demon jungle in this one.

Any additional comments?

I understand that this series has nine books planned. *Kara Gillian fan swoons*. Brava, Diana Rowland.

I loved it!

I know a lot of people didn't like that this book went in a new direction with the character of Kara Gillian and shook things up, but I think this is exactly what needed to happen to give us more info and move the story along. It was great!

Evolved....

I haven't written a review on this serious because it was rather average. But I must say this book has evolved the series. It has gone from a okay read while you wait on something else it a must have series. this book goes deeper than the others. I like that she went outside the norm with the Sexy Lords. very inpressed.

Not as good as previous books in the series

I went into this story wanting a mystery book similar to those previously written by the author in this series. I came away with a pseudo-high fantasy novel. I also did not like how the main character seemed to immediately fall for a new person. It seemed... Odd given the characters (both Kara and the new character).

Unexpected

This book was a surprise to me, and I know from browsing other reviews that a lot of people were disappointed by it. However, that disappointment seems to stem from the shift in setting, and less from a change in the ability of the author.

First, the setting of this book is like a classic fantasy novel, with little to no relation to the settings of the previous novels (urban fantasy vs high fantasy). If you hold extreme dislike for high fantasy, you may not like this book.

Second, as with most high fantasy novels, there is a lot of world building, which accounts for the length of this novel. It is more than twice the length of the previous books.

Third, a lot of character development takes place in this book. Characters make choices that have a permanent effect on their place in Kara's life, as well as affecting her behavior and feelings. Many of these changes are negative, and a lot of people appear to dislike the betrayals, newfound friends, etc.

Fourth, there is only an abstract mystery versus the normal "examine the clues to catch the killer." Everything about the world she is in is a mystery, with no clear resolution to be had.

Normally, I would not enjoy a book like this. However, the characters are what make the books so awesome for me, and it is why I spent all of my free time enjoying this audiobook. Rowland does not lose her touch with the realistic portrayal of emotional reaction, and she never forgets to question things in the right places or address sticky situations. Despite all of the world building, there is still a lot of time devoted to dialogue, and the plot is never allowed to grow stale or stagnate. I felt what Kara felt, and it is why I loved this book.

As always, the narrator is excellent. In fact, if I read this book instead of listened to it, I may have had more trouble with the transition from urban to high fantasy. If you're on the fence about this one, I recommend trying it out. You can always return it if it's not for you!

Great Book for Sci-Fi Readers

What made the experience of listening to Touch of the Demon the most enjoyable?

The narrator did a great job. Her voice is very smooth and believable. Very pleasant to listen to.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Kara was my favorite character. She is a strong woman who deals well with demon drama.

What about Liv Anderson’s performance did you like?

Loved her tone, characters, quality of voice, and interpretation.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No, I just enjoyed it for leisure.

Any additional comments?

I hope more books come out, and I am a little disappointed with the ending love interest.

Worth the wait!!

This is so far the best book in the series!
twists and turns I never saw! Completely blown away by the depth of the book!

a very compeling story and a great reader.

Where does Touch of the Demon rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It is a well written book but I like to go in order. This was the last book in the series so, going back will be a hassle but I will. Diana, has proven that she can write and create a world different from the belief systems of the masses and make them believable. The characters are firmly steeped in habits that make there characters real. Sometimes I listen and yell at the characters stupidity just to catch myself the instant later by gawkers. Its funny. My first book came out last year and I had a similar lead character. So, yep, I can relate.

What did you like best about this story?

The wholesomeness of the main character even when she curses like a sailor.

What about Liv Anderson’s performance did you like?

Anderson's performance well delivered and made the story and characters world believable.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Sometimes what you believe isn't necessarily the truth they taught you on Sundays.

Any additional comments?

Yep. please write another book while I go back and listen through the first books please? I kind 'a know what's coming up next. I'm waiting for the release dates of the earlier books. But overall they are pretty hot books.