Book Review - Thrall

Title: Thrall
Author: Jennifer Quintenz
Series: Daughters of Lilith (book 1)
Publisher: Secret Tree Press
Release Date: 16 May 2012
ISBN-13: 978-0615655765

 Synopsis
Braedyn is a normal girl just trying to survive high school with her two devoted friends, Royal and Cassie. Together they’re doing a pretty good job of shrugging off the slings and arrows cast their way by the popular crowd when a new boy, Lucas, moves into the house next door. Suddenly Braedyn finds herself falling in love for the first time.

But as her sixteenth birthday approaches, Braedyn discovers humankind is at war with the Lilitu, an ancient race of enticing demons that prey on human souls. Her father is a member of the Guard fighting against the Lilitu - and so are the new neighbors, including her crush, Lucas.
As her world starts to unravel at the seams, Braedyn learns the right answers aren’t always clear or easy. And as for “good” and “evil” – it all depends on how we choose to act.
Inspired by the ancient Mesopotamian myths of Lilith and her offspring, Thrall explores first love, strong friendships, and taking on adult responsibilities against the backdrop of powerful supernatural forces and life-and-death stakes.

My Review
I was sent an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Shockingly I've had this for the best part of the year, I don't know how but it got lost in the list of review books I've got and forgotten about. Sorry about that. I like to be prompt with my reviews, I know it's not always possible but this was way too long.
Anyway, I came across it last Sunday evening and read the first 150 pages in one sitting before I had to put it down, I was really enjoying it and getting into the story. It's been a hectic week and tonight (Thurs) was the first time I got to pick it up again, but I sat and finished the rest of it.
Braedyn thinks she is an ordinary girl until her 16th Birthday, when she suddenly becomes more attractive and starts to discover hidden powers. Her dad confesses that she is actually a Lilitu, a demon that prays on humans - particularly men. She discovers a whole world surrounding her including the 'Guard' a group pf people who spend their lives hunting down and killing the Lilitu, but Braedyn is on the inside and may just be what the Guard needs to achieve a final victory, but not everyone trusts her. How long before her Demon side emerges and takes over?

Braedyn is quite a spunky character, she's quite opinionated but also tries to think about others and what they need first, she's been brought up to be kind and considerate, but her emotions and demon nature try to take over. I love that she tries to fight it, the love she has been raised with really gives her strength and compassion. I love the connection she has with her two best friends, and her father, she has a real strong unit around her which influences her a lot in the book. I also like the connection with the new guy Lucas. I like that they build up their relationship - it's not instant or anything, they become friends first. Part of that may be because they are forbidden to be together but it read nicely and you can't help but want them to be together. 
Lucas is also actually a really nice guy, he's determined to do the right thing and has a great inner strength. He doesn't come across as particularly tough and he's not at all arrogant, he has more of a quiet strength. He can defend himself if needed but doesn't make a big thing of his skills.
Gretchen is one of the Guard members and has some serious attitude, she's an awesome fighter and very hard to please, she doesn't trust easily, but you see her grow throughout the book and discover more about her and I actually started to like her.
The plot is fast and exciting and the writing really builds up the world around you, carrying you on a journey. You get a good insight into Braedyn's life and the life of those around her. The Lilitu are threatening and creepy, enough to keep you on the edge of your seat wondering where they will show up again.
I'm looking forward to reading more from this series now, excited to see what Quintenz will bring us next.

My Rating