Meljean Brook, Demon Angel

Demon Angel

Meljean Brook

Berkley, January 2007, $7.99

ISBN: 0425213471

In 1217, Hugh escorts Lady Isabel to the castle of her husband Baron Robert after both were away for two years to keep her safe. Hugh's mentor Sir George sends him in to check some activity near the Roman ruins. There he sees the naked seneschal William Mandeville tied up by Lilith, who will keep his identity secret in exchange for a future favor.

Lilith pretends to be Isabel as she knows Hugh desires her. He instead offers her a bargain she accepts. Why look like a hag when she can be anyone. She replies it'd easier to hide as men only want young breasts. He kisses her in her hag form, shocking Lilith. Later she watches Isabel come to Hugh who thinks she is Lilith. He kisses her as Robert and Mandeville arrive. Shocking Lilith, he takes full responsibility for the incident, but Lilith intercedes just before he was to have his head cut off. Hugh becomes a guardian.

In 2007 San Francisco Hugh is no longer a guardian, having voluntarily Fallen following his killing Lilith in 1991 Seattle. However, now he is involved in murders, Lucifer, and the return of his beloved Lilith.

This a fascinating romantic fantasy with obvious religious overtones. The lead couple is a delightful pairing of star-crossed lovers, while the war between the minions of heaven and hell is set up with several different enthralling spins beyond the typical religious dogma. Though the tale would have been better suited to eliminate the centuries between the opening encounter and the modern saga, sub-genre readers will appreciate this delightful saga.