Demon Ex Machina: Tales of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom

I just love the Kate Connors series by Julie Kenner. The books keep getting better and better an dthe most recent addition, Demon Ex-Machina, was no exception. Once again Demon-hunter, Kate Connors finds herself battling more demons. I don't want to give away any of the plot,but secrets are unveiled and Kate faces lots of challenges. I can't wait for the next book in this series!

This series of books, by Julie Kenner, are undoubtedly aimed at young teen females, but I am a male in my 60s and have enjoyed each of the so-far 5 novels in the series and am looking forward to future books. My two daughters, both well out of their teens, are enjoying them just as much. Well written and lots of fun. Just be sure to read them in order, as it's a continuing story.

Though this book starts out a bit choppy with too much rehashing of previous relationships and storylines, Kenner finally settles down and once again the reader is vicariously enjoying Kate's life as a wife, mom and demon hunter. Now that Stuart knows Kate's part time job, he has decided to give up his run for political office and is now training to help Kate in her nightly forays into demon hunting. Unfortunately, this time it gets a bit too close to home and Kate's family is in real danger. You don't threaten a demon hunters family, so Kate kicks this one up a notch only to find out that the danger is closer then ever and she now must make a choice. Is Eric, her first husband, really who he claims to be or is he too keeping a secret deep inside. Decisions are never easy for this demon hunting soccer mom, but now that her past is revealed, she must make choices. She isn't who she thought she was, her history has been opened and now she must move forward and it's up to Stuart if he wants to join her.

Kate is a busy housewife and mom, to say the least. Forced out of retirement, she has picked up her prior demon-hunting job since San Diablo has become a hub of demonic activity. Kate has also begun teaching self-defense classes and grudgingly allowing her daughter to follow in her demon-hunting footsteps. Her husband Stuart has returned. And so has her formerly dead husband Eric, who happens to have a demon inside of him. Time is running out for Eric. Kate, her family, and friends must find a way to free Eric from the evil demon without killing him (again) in the process. Though this is a stand-alone story and past circumstances are explained well, it is helpful to have read the previous books in the series. Kate is a kick-butt heroine, who has her priorities in order. She always seems to find just enough time to slay her demons, throw an impromptu dinner party, and still have time enough for her kids. She's a great mom, with slightly spoiled kids, and still maintains a decent relationship with her husband. Even when her former one still lingers. This installment isn't as action-packed as former ones. Though, there is no lack of suspense and excitement. The story revolves more around Kate's relationships, and trying to free Eric from the demon that is bound to him. The overlying mystery in the story is complex and culminates to a climactic and satisfying ending. I can't praise this series enough. Kenner is a talented and proficient storyteller. Combining urban fantasy, zombie-like demons, real-life situations, and just enough humor; the Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom series is one of which I can't get enough. And I love each episode no less than the previous. The series is fun and addictive. Don't miss it.

It has been three weeks since Kate Connor learned about the demon dwelling within the new body of her late husband, Eric Crowe. Kate is trying to focus on how to terminate the demon without killing Eric - again. You see, Kate is a Demon-Hunter. Married to her Hunter partner, Eric, until his first death, Kate finished grieving and now has a new family. This means Kate is torn between her late husband and her current husband, Stuart. Stuart Connor is up-to-date on Kate's secret life as a Demon-Hunter. He has even stop running for county attorney and begun renovating old homes to resale. In his spare time, Stuart helps care for their toddler son. At night, Stuart trains to fight demons with Kate and their fourteen-year-old daughter, Allie Crowe. After all, Stuart has a family to protect. Even though Kate has learned about the bound demon, Odayne, Eric has still been keeping vital secrets. He must break down and reveal how Odayne got within him if Kate has any hope of saving Eric's soul. There is not much time left either, because Odayne has become strong enough to start taking temporary control of Eric. To make matters worse, Odayne's ancient demon-lover shows up to help the demon merge and become one with Eric. Life in San Diablo has always been interesting, but lately it has become ... well, Hell. ***** FIVE STARS! Author Julie Kenner is famous for creating intriguing characters, pitting them against overwhelming odds, and then tossing in more than just a few pot holes along the road to cause chaos. This is the fifth book in the series and the story has yet to slow down or begin to bore. New readers will not find themselves totally lost; however, they may be confused a time or two. No matter. I have no doubt that they will be fascinated and rush out to pick up all the previous titles. This is an outstanding series that continues to be a winner! ***** Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.