Review by Scrubs -- Demon Heart by David Crane

[Scrubs]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Demon Heart" by David Crane.]

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2 out of 4 stars

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Demon Heart by David Crane is an engaging fantasy novel revolving around the protagonist, Naoko Kitamura.

Naoko is a young Japanese girl born into a lineage of demon-hybrid women who possess exceptional strength, courage and devotion to their motherland. Her mother is not only a protector of the country but also her teacher through all of the difficult times. The book takes us through Naoko's fight against all the evil facing Japan.

The inherited nature of Naoko’s superpowers comes as a refreshing change to all other superhero books and movies, where it is usually an accidental acquisition. Here, the protagonist is aware of her strengths and weaknesses way before venturing out into the evil world. Her mother trains her to fly and to choose her battles wisely. She is also portrayed as someone who is very headstrong early on in life. She knows to control her inner demon, be cautious of her acquaintances and to maintain her secret. Knowing what she’s capable of, she trains in martial arts and joins the Osaka Police in order to carry on her mother’s legacy. She is relatable in many ways; in her failures, sorrows and in her redemption.

The book failed for me in many ways. It felt like I read an autobiography of a superhero. It had all the right ingredients but being written in the first-person narrative, Naoko came across as a snobbish person. “Showing” her superpowers would have been an amazing experience rather than being repeatedly “told” that she possesses them. Also, since the book takes us through her life right from her childhood, it would have only been appropriate to add a few details of her normal childhood, instead of the many subplots that didn't add up to the story.

It is also noteworthy to mention that there is nothing “demon-like” about Naoko except for her appearance when she turns into one. She fights the evil, cares for her people and feels all the emotions like any normal person of her age would.

I rate this book 2 out of 4 stars as it failed to make me connect with the protagonist despite having an interesting plot. It also requires good editing as there were several errors, albeit typos. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading strong female-driven “good over evil” fantasies. There is no major romantic angle or eroticism. But I restrict it to an age of at least 13 years and over, as there is use of strong language, violence and gory descriptions in some parts.

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Demon Heart
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