3.5 stars
If I have to describe this book in one work, I’d say that it is strange.
The Demon Catchers of Milan has one of the most original storylines I’ve ever encountered. I really like the fact that the story is set in Italy too because it’s such a beautiful place. Because of the phrases and the different culture, sometimes I feel like reading a historical story. Given that the characters in the story lead a traditional, peaceful life, it’s easy to think that the story is set in different period. Another thing that makes it easy to forget about 21st century is the main character of this story, Mia, who doesn’t go to school anymore after living with her grandparents.
Mia, the main character of this story, is possessed by a very powerful demon. She is then saved by her grandfather from her father’s side and her distant cousin, Emilio. It turns out that the demon has been haunting the family since a very long time. It’s very dangerous for Mia to stay in the US, so she moves in to Italy to live with her father’s family. The rest of the story takes place in Italy, and Mia’s struggle to fight her demon.
I personally think that the chapters in this book seem dragged. I feel like we are given a chunk of Mia’s life and we have to be satisfied with it. As much as I adore the details about Italian culture, I would have liked to have my questions answered too. The character development is too slow for my taste, but I really how genuine it is. It would be great if the pace of this book can be quicker.
Mia is a character I can’t help but sympathize with. Away in a foreign land with family she has never met, it’s not hard to understand her loneliness. Mia is innocent in such a way that somehow doesn’t bug me. As for Emilio, the kind-of love interest in this story, I don’t feel very much attached to him. He’s too beautiful, too perfect. His perfection makes him feel distanced and I can’t work out any strong emotion toward him. I’d like to see more flaws and secrets about Emilio, because it seems like he’s good in everything. I’m sure no one, not even fictional character, is supposed to be that perfect.
Although The Demon Catchers of Milan can’t be said as one of my favorite reads this year, I still hope that there would be a sequel because there are too many loose ties in the story. This is a very strange story and I’d recommend you to read this while curling up in a blanket in cool, windy autumn night. The demon part of the story can be a bit scary, so it’s best to have warm fireplace near you and a hot chocolate to calm down the nerves!
Eventually we started bouncing over cobblestones, and I will always remember the first time I heard that sound, the sound of a foreign street. Then I was led up into a dark apartment walled with books. Somebody steered me into a small room, filled with more books, and pointed me to a soft, white bed.
I tried to remember what to say. At last it came. “Grazie mille,” I said to the blurry face, and fell down and went to sleep.
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Three cups of tea. I like it. Recommended to read in spare time.
Great review Hilda. I need to be picking this one up soon myself, but with a slow pace and an unappealing love interest, I'm not sure I'll be rushing into it.
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds completely freaky. I adore Italian culture but I don't now if I could handle the demon possession bits!
ReplyDeleteWow this does sound super creepy Hilda, I think it will be a great pick for the month of Halloween, so some parts didn't work out for you, but at least it hasn't put you completely off the chance of a sequel! Lovely review hun! :)
ReplyDeleteYour right this book does sound strange! It's cool that the majority of the story took place in Italy, I love when books are set in another country and we get to learn about its culture. Emilio definitely sounds too perfect! I like my characters to be flawed it's more realistic that way. Great review as always Hilda! Miss you around here! <3 Hope your feeling better!!! =)
ReplyDeleteI don't mind slow paced novels, as long as it isn't boring. This sounds pretty interesting. A lot of reviewers have mentioned the originality, which makes me quite curious. Great review, Hilda! :)
ReplyDeleteOh! I got a copy of this from Netgalley but still haven't read it. I'm so behind my review copies. Anyhoo, I've heard that this one is indeed strange but maybe the originality could make up for it. And I'm all for creepy books! Haha! Great review, Hilda. :)
ReplyDeleteI've read so many mixed reviews of this one, so I've been on the fence about picking it up, but you've definitely piqued my curiosity about this one. I have to agree that demon possession sounds extremely original and I actually prefer slow paced novels sometimes since I like my world-building and character-development more than anything else. I think I'll have to check this one out for sure, so thanks for the recommendation, Hilda! Fantastic review, dear! :D
ReplyDeleteI love that it's set in Italy! Although you had some issues, I'm glad you enjoyed it overall. It does sound pretty amazing and I like that Mia is easy to sympathize with. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI love the premise...it sounds quite interesting in that regard, but I'm also a huge character person so I don't know if I'd like it or not if that aspect is slow going. The setting of Italy is pretty great though, since I've never left the U.S....fun to read about other countries for not.
ReplyDeleteSlow pacing usually puts me off too but I'm glad that you could at least relate to Mia! That itself is enough to have me interested since characters are the most important thing for me. Plus, it's set in Italy! I think I'd absolutely looove reading about the Italian culture :3 I'm not so sure I'd like Emilio because I find perfect guys to be a little boring but still, the story itself sounds really interesting and unique. Anyway, I'm glad you still managed to enjoy this, Hilda! Fabulous review x)
ReplyDeleteIt's always so much fun when a book has an original storyline. And Italy is such a beautiful country. I must admit that I can't come up with another book that as a possessed main character.
ReplyDeleteI love the fact that this book almost feels like a historical story. I'm not such a fan of slow pacings, but sometimes it can work out. At least you could connect with Mia, that's also very important :)
Great review Hilda!
Italy is a beautiful country, Hilda! Milan, Rome, Florence... I've been to them all and the sights are gorgeous. But anyways, to the book itself. ;) The concept of this book is wonderful and I have a love for strange, disturbing, different, etc. books, so I think I'll read this one. :) I'm pleased you enjoyed it and such a nice review, darling!
ReplyDeleteVivian the Spirit says: Wow, I've never seen this one before but it sure seems intriguing! Strange isn't necessarily a bad thing 100% of the time ^_^ though it's too bad that you weren't as completely satisfied with it. Still have to read more books set in Italy! I agree, it is definitely a fantastic place! Love the scenario that you recommended for us to read this book in! <3 Lovely review, Hilda!! POOF!
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of this book before but the setting sounds perfect ;) I would love to go to Italy! The quote you shared in your review really intrigues me. I might need to check this book out!
ReplyDeleteAwesome review, Hilda ♥
This book definitely piqued my interest when I saw it on netgalley, but from what I've heard, the title's a lot more exciting than the actual story itself... I love the fact that this is set in Italy though! YA needs some more european settings! <33
ReplyDeleteGreat review, Hilda! I loved the quote you ended with :)
This seem so interesting, and I really want to read it because of the setting. Too bad you found it a slow paced, but I think I will put it on my too be read list just in case I really feel like reading something like this one day :-D
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