Rating:3⭐️
I enjoy author Jenny Schwartz’ work, especially her recent series. But Demon Hunter is an example of how the age of a novel can date the story and how certain aspects of society can change our perspectives on how we view a story.
This was written in 2014. How readers look at diversity and women in particular has certainly changed. While the majority of Schwartz’s main female characters tend towards white, blonde and powerful, magically, not all have fit within that tight box.
However, Fay Olwen, the MFC here does. While there’s an ever so brief mention of a great great grandmother being of color, that’s dropped afterwards. And her jaguar shifter boyfriend/future husband/partner is said to look like having Arabian influences, that’s it. He’s based in Cyprus for what that’s worth.
The bigger issues are with accountability, responsibility and how women are treated and perceived here as opposed to the men in this world and their lives.
Spoilers ahead. This is a novella so not all aspects of the story and world as well developed as you might expect from a longer version.
But her father, the head of the Collegium and one who has been directing the events of the past and current storyline, one that includes some devastating moments, is at the end, not really held totally accountable. For her traumatic upbringing, her current situation, the attacks against her etc. He says his version of “ my bad “ but then goes on to place the blame his secretary. It’s her fault! Bad secretary!
Yes, indeed. His power hungry, sex driven secretary. Poor little(big power hungry ruthless) guy. She did all number of bad things and deeds. Which she acknowledges her part. However,she didn’t raise Fay, keep her from her mother. Or any of the other heinous acts. Turns out it really doesn’t matter, because now everything is alright between father and daughter. It’s the secretary’s fault. She just wants to be powerful. Oh no. Just like the father. But it’s worse when the secretary wants it.
Doesn’t seem to matter the abuse he put his daughter through, that he was going to turn her into a demon. All’s well.
And the last? After she had sacrificed herself , then tada! It worked out, she, the most powerful mage ever, is going to become the “little woman “ standing next to Leopard shifter Steve Jekyll, the next in line ruler to be. That’s extremely frustrating to see that her storyline is playing out in this manner. Both story threads are much in keeping with a patriarchal narrative with father and boyfriend’s role. Very 2014.
When i read this, there weren’t any additional stories and no “series “. So I have no idea if this character or the dynamics evolved from this basic plot and foundation.
It does appear that not seven books are about this couple. Only book 2, which has husband shifter Steve getting a mission, and needing help from his wife/mate. So nope.
The last was written in 2016 with different characters. I don’t think so.
Sometimes the year a book was written in dates a story and sometimes it doesn’t. Here it definitely does.
For me, it diminishes it. It might not for everyone.
Cover design by Lou Harper Designs
The Collegium – 7 books
Demon Hunter #1 2014
Buy link
Blurb
The most powerful mage in the world has been betrayed. So where is she hiding? What happens when she returns?
You can bleed and die banishing a demon, but Fay Olwen discovers there are worse hurts. Betrayed by the Collegium and by her father, she must build a new life away from New York.
Leopard shifter Steve Jekyll would have her build it with him. But loyalties are never simple and new love never easy.
When demons are unleashed, Fay tracks the evil back to the Collegium, and now all hell will break loose because Fay fights for the innocent, and Steve will protect what is his.
Jenny Schwartz
Publication date
December 15, 2014
Language
English
Print length
141 pages
Book 1 of 7
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 