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Running with the Demon

Book 1 in the series:Word & Void

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Running with the Demon by Terry Brooks is a contemporary urban fantasy novel that delves into the eternal struggle between good and evil, represented by the Word and the Void, respectively. The story follows Nest Freemark, a young girl with magical abilities, as she battles shadowy creatures and a demon intent on bringing about the end of the world. Set in a community facing turmoil and destabilization, the book captures the essence of a world where ordinary people are unknowingly influenced by the forces of chaos, resonating with the troubles of today's society. Through vivid storytelling and relatable characters like Nest and John Ross, Brooks weaves a tale of magic, monsters, mystery, and the eternal fight between order and chaos.

Running with the Demon stands out as a departure from traditional fantasy, offering a unique urban setting and a gripping narrative that keeps readers engaged. The book's exploration of the struggle between the Word and the Void, and the idea that ordinary individuals can be pushed to do extraordinary things under the influence of chaos, adds depth to the storyline. With a focus on character development and a compelling plot, Terry Brooks creates a world that is both familiar and fantastical, drawing readers into a modern-day setting where magic and evil collide in a battle for the fate of humanity.

Characters:

Characters are relatable and diverse, including the young heroine Nest Freemark and supporting figures like the knight John Ross.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style employs vivid imagination and intricate detail, balancing fantasy with relatable contemporary life.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around a conflict of good versus evil in a contemporary world, featuring a young girl named Nest who engages with magical elements amidst societal struggles.

Setting:

The setting is a small Midwestern town that blends everyday life with magical elements, evoking a sense of both the modern and the past.

Pacing:

The pacing starts slow, focusing on character development before accelerating as the plot unfolds.
Nest Freemark pushed the sheet away and forced herself into an upright position, legs dangling off the side of the bed. The night air was hot and sticky in spite of the efforts of the big floor fan th...

Notes:

The author, Terry Brooks, is well-known for his Shannara series, which many readers have enjoyed for years.
Running with the Demon is the first book in the Word and Void trilogy, which connects to the Shannara universe.
The protagonist, Nest Freemark, is a teenager with magical abilities inherited from her family.
Nest has unusual companions including a Sylvan named Pick, a barn owl named Daniel, and a guardian dog named Wraith.
The story explores themes of good versus evil, represented by the Word (order) and the Void (chaos).
Readers find the book relatable due to its contemporary nature and real-life scenarios.
The book is different in tone and setting from earlier Shannara books, focusing more on urban fantasy.
One character, John Ross, is a Knight of the Word who aids Nest in her struggles against dark forces.
The story touches on societal issues and human struggles in a seemingly normal community where evil lurks.
Many readers are eager to read all of Brooks’ works based on their love for his storytelling style.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of violence, the presence of a demon, and emotional struggles such as chaos in communities and personal trauma.

From The Publisher:

In a sleepy steel-mill town, the ultimate battle between Good and Evil is about to begin . . .

Sinnissippi Park, in Hopewell, Illinois, has long hidden a mysterious evil, locked away from humankind by powers greater than most could even imagine. But now the malevolent creatures that normally skulk in the shadows of the park grow bolder, and old secrets hint at a violent explosion.

The brewing conflict draws John Ross to Hopewell. A Knight of the Word, Ross is plagued by nightmares that tell him someone evil is coming to unleash an ancient horror upon the world. Caught between them is fourteen-year-old Nest Freemark, who senses that something is terribly wrong but has not yet learned to wield the budding power that sets her apart from her friends.

Now the future of humanity depends upon a man haunted by his dreams and a gifted young girl-two souls who will discover what survives when hope and innocence are shattered forever . . .

Ratings (7)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (4)
It Was OK (2)

Reader Stats (11):

Read It (8)
Want To Read (3)

About the Author:

Terry Brooks has thrilled readers for decades with his powers of imagination and storytelling. He is the author of more than thirty books, most of which have been New York Times bestsellers. He lives with his wife, Judine, in the…

 
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