Nyx’s father struck a bargain with the demon lord that if his wife conceives, he will give one daughter to the demon lord as his bride. The wife dies during the birth of twin daughters. The father decides to keep the daughter who looks like the wife, sacrificing the other daughter to the demon lord. She spends her childhood training to kill her future husband. When she comes of age, she is delivered to the castle on her wedding night. She is resolved in her duty to kill the demon lord and free the people under the demon lord’s rule. Written with a Beauty and the Beast theme, the reader knows in advance Nyx will come to love the demon lord and help solve his curse.

This mix of Greek mythology and Beauty and the Beast is curious. I got a bit tired of Nyx continually analyzing her feelings towards her family. Understandable since she is offered up so easily as a sacrifice, but it grew a bit tiresome. It took me a while to get into the book, but once I did I was curious and kept reading. I can’t see teens having enough patience to finish this one. However if they keep reading, the end is very good – well delivered.

eGalley review   Publication date 1.28.14