Book Synopsis: The Demonata: Demon Thief

Title: The Demonata: Demon Thief
Author: Darren Shan
Publication Date: June 2006
Page Count: 243
Type: Fiction
Started On: September 1, 2007
Finished On: September 4, 2007

My Grade: A

1. Why did I decided to read this book?
The main reason i started reading the Demonata book series is that I loved Darren Shan's previous series Cirque du Freak. After finishing all of the thrillers in the Cirque du Freak series, I thought I'd never again get to experience the pulse pounding world of Darren Shan's mind. Luckily, I stopped at a bookstore one fateful day, and found out Darren had begun publishing a new series, The Demonata. I bought the first 3 books immediately, with this being the 2nd book. I would've published a synopsis of the first book, however, I previously did in 8th grade.

2. Plot Summary (avoiding major spoilers when possible!)
Kernel Fleck has always been different. He sees lights. Multi-colored, transparent, geometric shapes that float innocently in the air for only him to see. All is well in Kernel's world, until a window opens. A window into a world of demons, death, and hell. Kernel's only brother, the one true friend he has, is stolen by a demon and taken back to the demon world, the Demonata. Kernel knows he must pursue the demon to save his brother, no matter how dangerous the journey may be. He must find the one who stole his brother, the Demon Thief. Once in the Demonata, Kernel finds that he's blessed with extraordinary powers, but, will they be enough to fight unthinkable terrors, defeat a demon master, and unmask the Demon Thief? Will Kernel be able to face the ghastly truth of the Demon Thief's identity?

3. What is the setting and why is it important to the novel?
The story takes place in a little village somewhere, it seems, in the midwest. A small peaceful town whose happiness is abruptly ended by the entrance of a demon. The story also transcends between the Demonata (the demon world), and our world. Time does not pass in the Demonata as it does in our world, which is a very significant aspect of Kernel's travels between the two worlds. The Demonata, where magic is thick in the air, is also very important for Kernel, who only needs a little assistance to tap into powers beyond his belief.

4. Describe the main characters and what roles they play in the novel.
Cornelius "Kernel" Fleck is the main character in the story. He is a young boy in his early teens, with shaved hair and a lean figure. He has always been different because he sees "lights", which has caused people to fear him, leaving him a lonely and depressed young man. His only true friend is his little brother, Art, a small baby of maybe a year who has a habit of biting anything that comes close to his face. Other main characters in the story are Beranabus (an ancient magician), Cadaver (a demon), and Lord Loss (a Demon Master, also featured in book 1).

5. What is/are the main conflict(s) in the novel?
The main conflict in the story is Kernel trying to retrieve his stolen brother Art from the demon world. Other conflicts in the story are Kernel trying to cope with magical powers he recieved upon entereing the Demonata. Kernel also is always trying to deal with his mentor in the demon world, Beranabus. Another serious conflict in the novel is the difference in time passing in the Demonata, and time passing in our world. Throw all that together and you have quite the confliction!

6. Describe the climax of the novel.
Kernel has finally tracked down the demon who stole his brother. However, the demon is under the safekeeping of a Demon Master, Lord Loss. To save his brother, Kernel must play a twisted game for Lord Loss's amusement. Kernel is thrown into a different reality (created by Lord Loss) and is told to track down the true thief of his brother, the Demon Thief. He is only given 3 chances, however, and if he names the wrong demon three times, his soul is Lord Loss's...forever.

7. What is the significance in the book's title? Is the title appropriate or would I change it to something else?
The book's title is what the whole book revolves around, Kernel trying to catch the Demon Thief who stole his brother. I think the title is very appropriate for the book. The title, Demon Thief, is actually quite catchy. One of the main reasons I even started reading the works of Darren Shan is the quality of his titles. They really draw you in.

8. What is my opinion of this book? Why (give specifics)?
I was quite pleased with this book. I didn't know if Darren could follow up the first book in the series with another heart pounder, but he definately rose above my expectations. I love how his books' plots are so twisty, taking you up and down an emotional roller coaster. How he can squeeze every emotion into 243 pages is truly marvelous. Which is why I awarded this book with my highly coveted, 5 star rating.