The Devil You Know

I love it when a book exceeds my expectations.

I came across this as a recommendation for Urban Fantasy/Supernatural Thriller. I'd put it closer to Supernatural Thriller as it's not terribly “out there” in terms of fantasy elements. It's actually pretty grounded with subtle and believable touches.

The plot is an excellent crime thriller with plenty of exciting scenes and tension and nothing too predictable. There were also a lot of thoughtful moments. Even things I did see coming, I was fine with because of the storytelling.

Every character was well developed but the big selling point is the exorcist himself, Felix Castor. Since other reviewers are comparing him to famous Urban Fantasy protagonists, I'll go ahead and say he's more convincing than Harry Dresden and warmer than Peter Grant. Castor has charm and empathy, audacity and courage, flaws, weaknesses, cynicism, and personal issues.

I also enjoyed the deeper elements of the story and character, the existential and spiritual questions as well as the moral ones.