Jaci Burton, Surviving Demon Island

Surviving Demon Island

Jaci Burton

Dell, January 2007, $6.99

ISBN: 0440243351

Action adventure movie star Gina Bliss has just completed her latest movie, and is always doing her own stunts, when her agent informs her she has been invited to compete on a reality TV show, SURVIVING DEMON ISLAND, which she accepts. On a boat in the middle of the ocean heading to an isolated island, Gina meets the producer Lou, her five opponents and obnoxious technical advisor Derek, who makes it plain he expects the actress to go home first.

On the isle, Derek and Gina bet on physical conditioning, in which they trek through the jungle; near the finish line, Gina trips Derek to win the contest. On a trek in the jungle, they are attacked by stuntmen pretending to be demons; Gina and two team mates defeat their opponents.

On the second day, real demons attack Gina's team. She leads the counter attack just before Derek arrives at the scene. They win the fight, but know this was real. Lou explains that there is no survivor show, demons are real, and he, as the Keeper of the Realm of Light, is seeking new recruits. Lou further explains that demons evolve and live in major cities, but not sure why they are here on this remote island. As they struggle to survive, Derek and Gina fall in love, but a shocker awaits both of them.

This is a wild paranormal romantic thriller that has enough tongue in cheek to make for a fine action adventure tale. The relationship between the lead couple is terrific and complex, while the strong support cast, including the team mates and the demons enhance the thrills and chills of a fun storyline with a terrific surprising final twist. Though why Lou selected a celebrity like Gina, even if he knows she is skilled when he avoids publicity, seems odd. Jaci Burton provides a delightful Beauty vs. the Beast tale, with the hero's brother up next.