"The Daemon Device" By Jeri Westerson: Review/Giveaway

by Lorie Lewis Ham

Details at the end of this review on how to win either an ebook or print copy of this book and a link to purchase it from Amazon.

Jeri Westerson writes across many genres. I’ve always been in love with her Medieval Noir books featuring trapper Crispin Guest, I really enjoyed her Booke of the Hidden fantasy series, and now she has tried her hand at steampunk with her new novel The Daemon Device.

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This book is set in 1891, but it is not 1891 as we know it from our history books. Steampunk is a genre of science fiction that has a historical setting and typically features steam-powered machinery. Adding daemons and magic to the mix, this book is a bit fantasy as well. The main character, Leopold Kazsmer, is a magician-the difference though is that his magic is actually real. He summons a daemon at each performance to give him more powers—which makes his tricks spectacular. However, at the beginning of this story, things go all wrong with his act and he loses his spot at the theatre. Before Leopold can figure out how to save his magic career, he is summoned by his friend Inspector Thacker to help him solve a case. Someone is killing women and gutting them for their body parts and one of those victims is someone Leopold knew. Could Jack the Ripper be back?

With the help of Eurnomos, the shrewd Jewish daemon who helped Leopold through his tragic childhood, and through whom he gets his powers, and Raj, a tarot reading automated man, they try to figure out what is going on. The investigation forces Leopold to face his Gypsy past, which he has tried hard to escape, when the investigation leads them to a Gypsy encampment. Leopold is also approached by a scientist who claims to have known his father, and who convinces him that Leopold must help him create a device that will stop a villain from releasing hell upon the world.

When another tragedy occurs, Special Inspector Mingli Zhao comes into the story to take over the investigation. It is very unusual for a woman to be in charge at Scotland Yard, and especially one of her nationality. Leopold isn’t sure whether she is really there to help, or instead to stop him.

This book is filled with so many twists and turns it will keep you guessing until the end, and keep you turning the pages in anticipation. Jeri is not only an excellent writer, but she creates complex and interesting characters that bring the story to life. I absolutely loved all of the wonderful characters that live in Leopold’s world. This is book one in the series and I can’t wait for the next one! It is a perfect blend of mystery, fantasy, and science fiction!

To enter to win either an ebook or print copy of The Daemon Device, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line "device,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen December 28, 2019. U.S. residents only and you must be 18 or older to enter. BE SURE TO STATE IF YOU WANT PRINT OR EBOOK. If entering via email please include your mailing address if you want a print copy so we can get the book right out to you if you win-the emails will be deleted once the contest is over. You can read our privacy statement here if you like. We delete all emails after the contest is over.

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Lorie Lewis Ham is our Editor-in-Chief and an enthusiastic contributor to various sections, coupling her journalism experience with her connection to the literary and entertainment worlds. Explore Lorie's mystery writing at Mysteryrat's Closet.

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.