The second book in the series follows last year’s BRICK DUST AND BONES.
Anxious readers could jump right into DARKNESS AND DEMON SONG without reading the first. Just be prepared for some missing pieces as to how young Marius (an established monster hunter) returned his mother from the dead after she spent two years with the devil. Now the plot shifts because Mom is not doing well at all. She’s quite ill and has bouts of confusion as to what is going on.
Marius and his mother live in a mausoleum but he can transport himself to different cemeteries when needed. An interesting way to travel and one crucial to the story. With his mother getting worse, Marius vows to get back the mom he remembers with the help of friends. There’s a monster mermaid who adores Marius. Dialog between the two will either have you cringing or smiling like this exchange midway through the story:
"All right, so what do we do? Eat him or just drown him?"
"What?"
Marius gaped at his friend, but then realized, yet again, that she was a flesh eating mermaid.
"What? That's the only way my kind deal with stuff like this.You drown the dangerous thing and then, if they don't look too tough, you eat them."
"Rhia! We aren't eating Papa Harold."
Another friend is Lynna, a classmate with some helpful magic. She is there when needed and their friendship grows throughout the tale.
DARKNESS AND DEMON SONG takes place in New Orleans, a perfect setting for a bit of horror. The story is intended for middle grade. Just be ready for some demon chasing and a climatic visit to Hell. I’m not kidding.
PAGE COUNT: 352 BOOK BIRTHDAY: JUNE 18, 2024
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: DARKNESS AND DEMON SONG by M.R. Fournet
- Despite the length, the plot moves along at a quick pace. Those who love horror will be transfixed with the events unfolding.
- Marius captures monsters by opening up his monster book and reciting a spell. It’s unique in a fun, non violent way.
- Losing one’s mom is horrible for anyone. What Marius does in an attempt to get his back will have young readers solidly behind the difficult choices he makes.
- I was often re-reading superb pieces of writing as the author does her own bit of magic in the way she brings this tale to life. The world building is excellent.
- The ending is satisfying, but an epilogue hints there may be more story to come. A good thing indeed.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
M.R. Fournet’s ties to New Orleans are part of her own origin story. As a kid, she would go fishing in South Louisiana and eat crawfish with her family in Houma. Luckily, her cajun family forgives her Texas accent.
Even though M.R. Fournet grew up in West Texas, she has always been fascinated by the myths and legends of New Orleans. She fell in love with horror as a kid reading books like Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. What better way to pass on those interests along than to write new tales to scare everyone else?
When not writing, she is a professional artist, belly dancer, and autism mom. She now lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband, son, and ungrateful cats.
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Always in the Middle... 
I like middle grade horror, and this sounds a fun story that requires checking out! Thanks for the recommendation 🙂
I’m glad this was such a good second book in the series. It’s already on my TBR list and you’ve got me more motivated to get to it. Thanks.
Always great when the second book in a series is just as exciting as the first. Glad to hear the plot moved long nicely and it sounds like an interesting series! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
As always, an excellent review. I’m not a fan of horror (even MG!) but I know lots of kids are.
Great review! I think the monster book component is really cool, too. I hope the next book is as good as the first two have been. 🙂