Forsaken (Demon Trappers book #1) by Jana Oliver

 Title: Forsaken

                                                      Author: Jana Oliver

                                                      Pages: 422

                                                      Published: February 2011, Macmillan Children's Books

                                                      Genre: YA, urban dystopian fanstasy

                                                      Stars: 4/5

Riley Blackthorne just needs a chance to prove herself—and that’s exactly what the demons are counting on...

Seventeen-year-old Riley, the only daughter of legendary Demon Trapper, Paul Blackthorne, has always dreamed of following in her father's footsteps. The good news is, with human society seriously disrupted by economic upheaval and Lucifer increasing the number of demons in all major cities, Atlanta’s local Trappers’ Guild needs all the help they can get—even from a girl. When she’s not keeping up with her homework or trying to manage her growing crush on fellow apprentice, Simon, Riley’s out saving distressed citizens from foul-mouthed little devils – Grade One Hellspawn only, of course, per the strict rules of the Guild. Life’s about as normal as can be for the average demon-trapping teen.

But then a Grade Five Geo-Fiend crashes Riley’s routine assignment at a library, jeopardizing her life and her chosen livelihood. And, as if that wasn’t bad enough, sudden tragedy strikes the Trappers’ Guild, spinning Riley down a more dangerous path than she ever could have imagined. As her whole world crashes down around her, who can Riley trust with her heart—and her life?

Forsaken was a great read. It’s one of the most underrated supernatural creatures.

The future world Oliver created felt authentic. It was set in an urban, desolate place set in the future, where it is filled with a variety of creatures from demons to witches to angels.  

The main female character is Riley and she most certainly does not play a damsel in distress. She is an old tough boot, she likes to do things her own way. She wants to prove that any girl can be good as a boy trapper. There are some sexist Council members who do not like Riley, due to the fact that she is purely a girl. I liked Riley sticking up for herself (and not to mention in an indirect way to all girls).  However, beneath the tough exterior, she's still just a girl who has to deal with more heartbreak than any seventeen-year-old should, but this does  mature her as a character.

Another character I really liked was Beck. At first he just seems like an over protective big brother, but there is a lot of things going on with him that Riley is not aware of, especially his actual feelings towards her. Riley no doubt finds him annoying and stubborn and literally hates him, but there are instances where she tends to look deeper and is surprised about her feelings towards Beck. His relationship with Riley’s dad was quite complex,  he really looked up to Paul Blackthorne, who was like a father-figure, and much like Riley, he was trying to be the best Trapper he could. I think it really showed his determination and also helped explain why he cared so much for Riley. I really want something more to happen with Beck and Riley and I hope things start to heat up between them in the next books.

The other love interest in Riley’s life is Simon. He is also a Trapper in training and while not my favourite character, there were aspects that I liked of him. He showed true passion and care for Riley. He used his belief in God to help him with his training. However, he was too much of a softy and he was too dull and wimpy for my liking, not to mention he was predictable. He lacks the passion and fire that a relationship needs. Actually, thinking about it, I have my suspicions whether Simon was actually a villain within the book (I mean who could be THAT good and kind hearted, without an alternative motive?). But that quickly diminished after reading the second book ‘Forbidden’ (review to come). 

The last guy named on the blurb is Ori. There's not really much to be said about this guy as he literally appeared in the last couple of pages (but his character is certainly developed in the next book). But from what I can tell in this book, is that he is going to be a major love interest for Riley, adding more tension to the ever growing love triangle.....or square....or maybe even a pentagon!   

The plot was full of action and there was never a dull moment. Not much I can say about it but that is kept my dancing from toe to toe, especially in the somewhat epic fight scene with the Demon Trappers and the demons who suddenly had the ability to step over holy ground. The part that actually got me sweating was when the angels appeared to provide aid to the dying Trappers. Woop woop! 

The writing was also good, very simple and easy to read. However, Beck’s colloquial language did take time to get used to however, it adds to his authenticity of his character and it demonstrates the area that they live in. 

Notable quotes/passages:

“Ozymandias controls not only the dead, but the living. He works the dark magics, and it is said he knows the paths between the worlds and walks them without fear. He wields the-"
"Stop! In English, okay?""
"In English?" she asked, throwing the empty wineglass into the picnic basket. Riley nodded.
"You're in serious shit.”