A review by josiah17
Demon in White by Christopher Ruocchio

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

"'Are all the stories they tell about you true?'
The stories, I thought, and in my mind a bloody fountain splashed against a stone wall as darkness swallowed the world. Though he did not ask the question like so many others had done, I heard it all the same.
Is it true you can't be killed?
Still not looking back, I answered, 'I'm afraid so.'"

What a book. The best entry in the series by far and simply one of the best sci-fi novels I'll ever read. It's the first in the series to captivate me entirely from page one and maintain such tremendous quality all the way through. And I'm happy to say I quickly no longer found myself bothered by the massive time jumps considering how well Howling Dark was crafted. I'll say parts of the ending were a little messy and started feeling slightly exhaustive, but that was also due to the overwhelming science fiction contraptions and phrases being thrown at you in the midst of an intense battle. By no means did that diminish my experience. In fact, some of the best moments take place during the final 100 pages of intense warfare.

"The Cielcin were not the angels I had prayed for, though humankind had proved herself the devil I knew."

In particular, I enjoyed this so book so much thanks to Ruocchio's spectacular character development with Hadrian Marlowe. He's come so far from book one, experienced so much. I love his narration and the introspective, thought provoking perspective on this galactic conflict and greater mystery he's at the center of. I must also admit I quite enjoy his melodramatics, both in the prose and his actions.

"As a child, we believe the world enchanted because age has not killed the magic we are born with. As we grow, the simple spells of new sights and far-off places no longer work on us, and we grow cynical and cold. But I was old even then, a young man of one hundred ten-one hundred fifteen years? I no longer recall. But in age once more the magic returns, if you are willing and open to it. Though young wood does not burn for the moisture in it, as a lonely cinder may catch in old, dry wood and spark a great burning, so do such small things kindle the hearts of those with eyes and time to see."

I adore Valka as well, and her relationship with Hadrian. She's just so awesome, capable, intelligent, and I love her personality. She's really just a fantastically written female character, she's the best(yes I'm down bad too).
Although I'm 99.9% sure their relationship won't end well and I'll be jumping off the nearest bridge whenever that happens. And I swear if she isn't okay after getting that virus uploaded to her brain...you will pay Ruocchio if she doesn't fully recover.
The introduction of Lorian Aristedes was a pleasant surprise too as he turned out to be one of my favorite characters. The side characters overall felt more compelling in this book which was great because I think that's been perhaps Ruocchio's biggest weakness with this series thus far. And oh man did I get emotional with a certain reunion...

"Every place is the center of the universe. Everything matters. Every one of our actions, every decision, every sacrifice. Nothing is without meaning, because nothing is without consequence."

There's just so much that happens in this book. Flawless political intrigue, amazing fight sequences, unsettling science fiction horror. So many mysteries, big plot twists, and revelations. Moments that got my hyped up and gave me goosebumps (the Colosso scene oh my goodness), along with heartwarming and tender scenes that made me smile or tear up. The scope of the series became infinitely larger and I enjoyed every second of it. Demon in White is one wild emotional ride. A masterpiece by Christopher Ruocchio. I've really come to love his writing, and the Sun Eater is now most definitely up there for my favorite series of all time. Hail the Halfmortal.

"No sword can cut the Devil down..."
Expand filter menu Content Warnings