Bec (The Demonata Series #4) by Darren Shan

From the Publisher

As demonic Fomorii ravage their land, Bec and a band of warrior companions leave their devastated rath to answer a plea for help. An orphaned priestess-in-training, Bec hopes the journey will help her solve the mysteries of her birth. But fighting demons has a steep price...

Children's Literature

Bec is the fourth book in the “Demonata” series. Bec is an orphaned apprentice priestess. Her teacher died leaving her to care for her village. The village struggles to defend itself from nightly demon attacks, where every night more villagers are injured or killed. Other villages in the area are being destroyed. Survivors come to Bec’s village for sanctuary. When things seem hopeless, Bec is offered an opportunity to save her village. She is frightened, but a vision encourages her to leave the relative safety of her childhood home. She and several of the village’s warriors strike out on the epic adventure. Along the way, Bec discovers why her mother abandoned her. Will this new information jeopardize her mission? She is terrified her friends will no longer accept her. She also gains great power in working men’s magic. As she continues on her journey, she comes across a demon who begins to stalk the group. He is a little too interested in Bec’s magical development and the group’s destination. Although the adventurers get the information to defeat the demon hordes, they discover they will not reach their destination in time. Even if they could get there in time, Bec questions whether she will have the courage and strength needed. This book is a great read for reluctant readers. It is quick paced. It addresses the topics of choices and consequences and bonds of friendship. It is a great book to examine for character development. Reviewer: Jennifer Mitchell

VOYA

Gentle orphan and child of magic, Bec journeys across ancient Ireland with her companions on a quest to banish the demon Fomorii and save the Earth. In his trademark fragmentary style, Shan moves the plot of this thriller forward at racing speeds, but with a uniqueness that contrasts with the earlier novels in the Demonota series. The use of well-researched Irish mythology and folklore weaves throughout, lending an air of the fantasy genre to Shan's traditionally ghoulish fare. The novel skillfully answers many questions put forth in earlier books in the series through the mild, magical protagonist Bec and a mysterious druid, Drust, who seeks redemption for secret transgressions. The two are surrounded by Bec's faithful, warring companions who embody the ideals of loyalty and fight not only for their lives, but against time and evil as the Fomorii demons summon strength to open a mysterious tunnel for the Demon Master, Lord Loss. Yet unbeknownst to Bec's companions, they are doubly cursed. During their travels, Bec learns a shocking secret from her ancestry that threatens to destroy them from within. Gruesome battles, demons with Siren-like abilities to lure the warriors, an endearing young character dubbed "Run Fast," and a traitorous twist build toward a climax that will leave readers stunned. Book four is by far the best in the series; fans most certainly will run fast to snatch up this latest installment-a classic illustration of how everyone fights against evil-especially the evil that lies within.

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Product Details

• ISBN: 0316013897
  
• ISBN-13: 9780316013895
• Format: Hardcover, 256pp
• Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers
• Pub. Date: May 2007
• Sales Rank: 26,989
• Age Range: Young Adult
• Series: Demonata Series, #4