Changeling: Demon Games [Paperback]

Picking up immediately from where CHANGELING: BLOOD WOLF left off, Philippa Tipsbury has been kidnapped by the Demon Lord Molok. Alexa, aided by the Ashnon who took Philippa's form, is already in the Netherworld to try and rescue her, but Trey knows that they'll need him if they're to succeed. Helped by the Fire Imp, Dreck, he makes his own way to the Netherworld where he finds himself caught up in the Demon Games, a brutal battle to the death between the various champions of the Netherworld's Demon Lords. The fate and lives of Alexa, Philippa and Trey himself rest on his ability to win, but not even a seven foot werewolf can hope to defeat the range of demonic forces stacked against him ...

The fourth in Steve Feasey's CHANGELING series is another fast-paced, action packed story that gets straight into the over-riding story arc and to get the most from it, you do need to have read all three previous books.

Trey really comes into his abilities in this book - he's more confident and certain about his powers as a wolf and he's determined to help his friends with a ruthlessness that hasn't been present in the previous books. More than that though, he knows how he feels about Alexa and part of the reason for his mission is so that he can tell her. The Demon Games themselves felt overhyped, given that Trey doesn't fight too many demons (although those he does fight are suitably brutal).

The story also develops Lucien's storyline as he investigates the physical changes he's been going through and tries to track down Caliban and his plans. There's a set-up feel to this storyline, although it also contains some deliciously nasty scenes - particularly those involving Caliban's plans to find a new necromancer. I especially liked the introduction of Hag, the witch who helped cure Lucien of his vampiric urges and the scenes with her mandragore protector made me smile and the return of the battle angel, Moriel, was welcome.

Some of the twists in the story were telegraphed a little too early, but the interweaving storylines come together nicely and promise a thrilling finale for the final book in the series, which I will definitely be buying.

There's plenty of reason to sink your teeth into Steve Feasey's Changeling series these days. The author continues his trend of writing a fun, believable dark fantasy story for teens and also maintains his ability to develop both his characters and overall plot. Demon Games symbolises yet another major turning point in the Changeling saga, and while it doesn't have the same impact as the previous book Blood Wolf, it's nevertheless gripping stuff that I just couldn't put down.

Teenage werewolf Trey Laporte has recently returned from Canada after discovering the truth about his Uncle Frank and the LG78. The whole experience changed him forever, leaving the boy badly scarred and hardened in a way we never thought possible. But this all becomes quickly irrelevant. A demonic ruler of the Netherworld called Molok has captured Alexa Charron and Phillipa Tipsbury, and is using them as live bait. Trey has no other choice, he has to rescue his friends. But has he become tough enough to triumph over what lies ahead?

The thing I admire about Steve Feasey as a writer is that he knows how to change gears. He likes to avoid repetition as much as possible and that's what makes Demon Games just as fresh as its predecessors. Whereas Blood Wolf was mostly character-driven, Demon Games is driven by the plot, which is fine. Because it allows us yet another deeper dive into the fantasy world that Feasey has created, focusing this time on the horrors of the Netherworld.

There's a lot going on in Demon Games, perhaps more so than any other volume of the series. Yet it's all so intricately woven and very coherent. All the sub-plots and character spotlights get an equal amount of focus and are all written with the same level of devotion. You can expect a lot of great things from Demon Games, such as Trey and Alexa's relationship taking a plausible twist, Phillipa's ongoing struggle to adjust and adapt to the world around her, Alexa and Phillipa's ongoing friendship, Trey uncovering startling new truths about his father, Lucien and Caliban Charron undergoing interesting changes of their own...it's all very good indeed.

All this nice depth is balanced out with some wonderful imagery that the writing provides. Feasey describes the Netherworld as a true hellish wasteland, the inhabitants as nightmarish creatures and the action of the Demon Games contests is exciting. The continuity of the series comes into play at great times, and there's also some real emotion nailed here, specifically the scenes between Trey and Alexa. I nearly came close to tears at one point.

And yes that's not something I'm afraid to admit.

But I'd say the writer's proudest accomplishment with his saga...is how he's wonderfully developed his main protagonist Trey Laporte throughout the series, from an unsure, scared teenager into a capable, strong and resourceful warrior. The loss of his innocence and loved ones, his growing confidence and battle prowess and new character changes have really moulded the character into a fascinating one. And the author has definitely achieved success with the series by creating such a strong central character that readers can get behind.

Admittedly though, Demon Games doesn't quite match the excellence of the previous book, Blood Wolf, and when critiquing the battle competition itself - although it's very enjoyable - it feels inferior when compared to Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games books. And the series itself has yet to transcend from `recommended' to `essential'. Which I know is being picky, yet it nags at me knowing that the Changeling Series could be so much more.

Still, Demon Games is yet another solid addition in this very solid fantasy series. Fans will enjoy this every bit as much as the previous books. For those who've yet to immerse themselves in Steve Feasey's world, I would highly recommend it once again. How much longer am I going to have to wait for Book 5?

Excellent book for boys in all ages (I'am 40) :) If you like vampires, werewolves and demons then you should read the Changeling-books, very recommendable!