Chase the Dark Review: Piper

Book: Chase the Dark
Author: Annette Marie
Series: Steel and Stone
Genre: YA fantasy
Source: Netgallery
Pages: 302
Release: October 17th, 2014

Goodreads

Piper Griffiths wants one thing in life: To become a Consul, a keeper of the peace between humans and daemons. There are three obstacles in her way.

The first is Lyre. Incubus. Hotter than hell and with a wicked streak to match. His greatest mission in life is to get Piper into bed and otherwise annoy the crap out of her. The second is Ash. Draconian. Powerful. Dangerous. He knows too much and reveals nothing. Also, disturbingly attractive — and scary. Did she mention scary?

The third is the Sahar Stone. Top secret magical weapon of mass destruction. Previously hidden in her Consulate until thieves broke in, went on a murder spree, and disappeared with the weapon.

And they left Piper to take the fall for their crimes.

Now she’s on the run, her dreams of becoming a Consul shattered and every daemon in the city gunning to kill her. She’s dead on her own, but there’s no one she can trust — no one except two entirely untrustworthy daemons ... See problems one and two.

A extremely fiery and action-packed read!

Piper has one dream: to become to a Consul, someone who protects both daemons and humans from each other. This includes keeping herself and other daemons in line, and as an apprentice, it means doing so without getting physical, even if Piper is trained in numerous weapons and battle skills. But when a secret object is stolen, her home destroyed, nine people murdered, and her father missing, Piper is left to take the blame for crimes she didn't commit, with her father framed. Now on the run with two daemons, she must try to find a way to both set her name and her father's name free before she's killed.

Piper was absolutely amazing. Her wit, snark, and brains combined with her kick-ass skills made the novel entertaining and exciting. She may have a wit and will of iron, but she wasn't without her vulnerabilities. Piper remained painfully aware of what she stood to lose, and her shortcomings. Regardless, she never let them get the best of her, and channels her emotions into her work. Piper was tougher than nails, able to hold herself up against a daemon, and often was the one saving others.

And then we have Ash. Oh, Ash. He's the main reason why I read this novel in the first place, since a friend of mine was fangirling like crazy over him (hi Cody)! I finally understand what she meant, and god, Ash is HOT. But good looks aside, he's an absolutely amazing character. As a Draconian, he's powerful, dangerous, and scary. And he uses those traits extremely well. There were numerous moments where he gave the I don't care and you're not in my level vibe to other daemons as a way to taunt them, and I ate it all right up. His forever unimpressed and unemotional face left me guessing at what he really was feeling, since it was obvious it was more than simply nonchalance. However, as insanely powerful as he is, he wasn't without weaknesses. His abilities were limited by very human things like fear and other emotions, and we were reminded again and again that no matter how powerful he may be, he wasn't invincible. He has a good heart, helping Piper and demanding nothing in return, and you can't help but love him.

Lyre was hilarious to read about, especially his attempts to seduce Piper. I originally thought he would become one of those annoying characters who couldn't be taken serious since all they thought about was sleeping, but I thankfully was proven wrong. Lyre had a very clear sense of when it was and was not appropriate. He provided comic relief, and I loved his friendship and loyalty with Ash. Lyre stood up for Ash whenever Piper began doubting him, telling her that she doesn't know half of Ash's story. Similarly, as an incubus, Lyre isn't really a fighter, but he still tried his best to help Piper. He really shows his loyalty to both!

The story was action-filled, plot was unpredictably, the characters snarky, fun, and powerful in their own ways. I was not disappointed, and loved how well magic and daemons were integrated seamlessly into the world. The romance is just budding, but it's one of those where you know will become something so much more. The stakes have risen for the next book, and I'm no doubt going to be up all night reading the next one!