Demon Moon is the first of several books in the Professor Croft urban fantasy series by Brad Magnarella. I was reluctant to get into it after several disappointing urban fantasy novels, and a little turned off from the wizard/professor idea after the Alastair Stone series by R. L. King. I’m glad I took a chance as Demon Moon has potential.
Negative Points
- Harry Dresden similarities.
- Resolution with the New York policewoman was obvious
- Inconsistent pacing and emotional/action ups and downs.
- Prof Croft needs more personality.
Demon Moon’s set up is very close to Butcher’s books: Wizard protects the big city with no help and some obstruction from his group, sword cane, Latin invocations, police involvement. However the plot and character work out differently and it did not feel to me that much of a a Harry Dresden redo; I expect the author will create his own voice and character as we go along in further novels.
Much as I enjoy the first dozen Dresden novels, I don’t care for the Butcher’s new direction with Harry in the Winter Court. I was glad to read something like the first few Dresden stories but a new character and a fresh start.
Positive Points
- Everson Croft is passionate about protecting people, whether innocent bystanders or inept conjurers.
- Croft admits he’s a relative novice in magic skills. It’s refreshing to see a humble main character!
- No sex, minimal foul language or blasphemy
- Secondary characters have potential.
- Menacing backdrop and setting with New York in a state of near anarchy after a Crash
I am a bit torn on rating this. Demon Moon is better than blah, not quite as good as solid 4 star novels. Let’s go with 3 Stars, mainly because the main character needs some work. It’s a good start to what could be an entertaining series, but we’re not there yet.
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