I received this book for free from the library in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Source: the library
The Devil's Playground
by
Jenna Black
paranormal fantasy in a paperback edition that was published by Dell Books on March 23, 2010 and has 384 pages.
Explore it on Goodreads or Amazon
Other books by this author which I have reviewed include Chicks Kick Butt, The Devil Inside, The Devil You Know, Speak of the Devil, The Devil's Due, Dark Descendant, Deadly Descendant, Rogue Descendant, Nightstruck
Fifth and end of the Morgan Kingsley urban-fantasy series set in an alternate Philadelphia.
My Take
Bummer! I am so going to miss Adam and Lugh! Domenic’s meals are going to be missed even more — he takes such delight in creating incredible food! Even Morgan seems to have learned something during Lugh’s residence, even if she is merely boring now instead of incredibly irritating.
Black does a lovely ending even as she leaves us in some suspense for Adam’s job.
My reason for the “3” is that this was rather tame and a touch boring. There was some tension in the lead up to the duel between Lugh and Dougal with a bit of the snarkiness I do love from Adam, but I think Black was more interested in tidying everything up before she shut the door on the series.
The Story
Shae, the illegal demon who owns the Seven Deadlies, comes to Morgan with some disturbing news. Seems she’s seeing a lot of new demons coming into her club who aren’t the usual gorgeous beauties. Instead they seem to be addicts and beggars. Since no demon wants to be in anything less than a gorgeous body, the news is disturbing enough that Lugh’s Council realizes they’ll have to push Dougal into a confrontation.
The Characters
Morgan Kingsley is a pain-in-the-ass albeit extremely strong exorcist, although she’s only doing one to two exorcisms a month these days compared to the four or more per week she used to do. Seems she can’t leave Philly until Lugh’s problems are solved, after all, Lugh is possessing her body. Brian is a corporate lawyer and Morgan’s boyfriend. He’s also incredibly patient in putting up with Morgan’s issues although he’s not too happy to find out that Lugh is “listening in” when they make love nor that Lugh is attracted to him! Eeek!!
Lugh is the Demon King fighting against a coup attempt by his brother, Dougal. The brothers have a conflict of opinion as to the proper method of possession. He’s also rather intent on seducing Morgan…and, if he can get away with it, Brian.
Adam White is demon-possessed and the head of the Special Forces branch of the police force which, ahem, polices demons while Domenic, his lover, finally gets to open his Italian restaurant. Seems Adam may be in some trouble as he’s been caught one too many times covering up for Lugh/Morgan.
Andrew is Morgan’s brother and used to be Raphael’s host. He’s the reason we now know why some hosts are damaged after a demon is exorcised. Yet, even though his demon-hosting experience was traumatic, Andrew steps up when it’s needed.
Raphael is Lugh’s youngest brother. From being part of Dougal’s conspiracy to fully supporting Lugh, Raphael seems to have learned some new ways of thinking…who knew!!?
Saul is Raphael’s son with absolutely no love lost on his side; he’s also Lugh’s heir. Barbara Paget is a private investigator who has fallen in love with Saul. All the above characters — except Dougal — are on Lugh’s Royal Council.
The Cover and Title
The cover is rather odd. I like the black fanciful scroll that borders the bottom with its green and blue feathery smoke that rises up around the intense woman glaring out at us whom I assume is Morgan.
The title, The Devil’s Playground, refers [I’m guessing] to the Mortal Realm where the demons like to come and play in and amongst the humans.
