Darren Shan: 'Bec'

Demon-hunting in an ancient world... Bec is a 12th century Celtic priestess-in-training when otherworldly demons invade, killing her teacher and thrusting her clan into terror-filled nightly attacks. A vision leads her to a druid who knows where the demons have come from and how to stop them, but requires her and a small group of warriors to guide his journey across Ireland. The race is on as the demons, stitched from pieces of the dead, pursue and pick them off, one by one.

Part Beowulf, part Lord of the Rings, part Call of Cthulhu, Bec is a mix of historical horror with a large dash of adventure. The demons are described in lovingly nasty detail, the warrior’s code of honor is remarkably different from our own, and the psychology of the group as it dwindles is horrifyingly believable. As a teen and a priestess, however, Bec is a little too self-sacrificing.

Having a few more qualms about laying down her life, even for the good of mankind, would make her a more sympathetic character - it may be another example of the different time periods and beliefs about dying honorably. Their quest, against powers far stronger and more frightening than they can imagine, is an exhilarating teen read, and even though Bec is the fourth book of Darren Shan’s modern Demonata series, it stands out to be enjoyed without having read the rest of the series.

Published on 4th June 2007 by HarperCollins Childrens Books.

Written by W. L. Clark.