A Devil in The Details by K.A. Stewart (Jesse James Dawson #1)
Urban Fantasy
July 6, 2010
Paperback, 307 Pages
Roc

Why I read: Author asked for a review

Favorite Quote: “Come out, come out, little slayer.”

I resented that. “I’m just wiry!” Never let it be said that I didn’t go down a smart-ass to the end.

Jesse James Dawson misspent his juvenile years in trouble. But after being introduced to the bushido, a Japanese code of honor, his life took a turn for the good. As an adult he is a modern day samurai and his goal in life is to be honorable. To be a good husband to his Wiccan wife Mira, and an upstanding father to his five year old daughter Annabelle. His other goal in life, is to stay alive.

Jesse works at the hip clothing store, It, but that job doesn’t pay the big bills. He also is a champion – he fights demons. Most champions have a little magic to help them along the way – except Jesse. He can feel when magic is present, but otherwise, he is on his own. Demons can take on many forms and they also love to make bargains with people. People who are desperate for better luck in life. Take his newest client Nelson Kidd for example. Kidd’s professional baseball career  was in the dumps, but after he traded his soul to the demon, he became a superstar again. But it is not all rainbows and glitter. After you trade your soul, you lose part of yourself. Children start to fear you and the tattoo that comes along with the trade is an apt reminder you did something awful. Jesse comes into the picture to trade back. He offers his soul to get Kidd’s back, and hopes that in the end, he can fight the demon to death, keeping his soul firmly intact.

Preparing to fight Kidd’s demon is not the only trouble Jesse finds himself in. Two of his colleagues have gone missing.

A Devil in the Details is told in the point of view of Jesse and I really enjoyed his voice. Although he fights demons and is extremely skilled in martial arts, he doesn’t come across as alpha. He is tall, and really thin, wears a ponytail and although can curse up a storm, he is very much a quiet hero. This book actually has a quieter tone than most urban fantasy books. It kind of bumps along at it’s own little pace, never in your face. I liked it for that reason, but there were also times I wanted more excitement.

Jesse comes across very real and mature. I adored his relationship with his wife and daughter. So many times throughout the book he mentions the fact that he probably won’t live to an old age. Fighting demons is tricky and dangerous and death is easily come by – but with his training, death is also not feared. He has a very realistic outlook on his life, and cherishes his family because of that. I also like the contrast that Jesse runs off to do these heroic deeds (the books starts with him fighting off a demon for the President of the United States) but he also has to work in a clothing store to help pay the bills. Demon fighting doesn’t come with great health insurance.

I wanted something a little more at the end. There is a big action scene, and eventually all of Jesse’s different problems tie together. I think I expected more evilness, or something on a bigger scale. However, as I mentioned before, this book is more learning about Jesse’s life and his skills, and the action is muted.

A Devil in the Details is not a book that is going to make your heart race or have you biting your nails, but it gives you a hero that will make you smile and it is an enjoyable read.

Rating: 3.5/5

Recent Reviews:
The Book Lush – 3/5

K.A. Stewart will be back later today with a guest post!