The Demon Equilibrium by Cathy Pegau is a historical fantasy about demon hunters with super powers.
The book opens with Grace Carter about to find the woman she has been searching for, Maggie Mulvaney. From the beginning we know that Maggie is important to Grace and as the story unfolds we come to realise that not only did they have a romantic relationship but Maggie is also crucial to Grace’s ability to use magic.
Pegau built a fascinating world where demon hunters are teams of two people, the source and the catalyst. The source has the big power but the catalyst lends their ability to the source so that the power can be focused and maximised.
So when Grace lost Maggie she lost her ability to do magic properly. And when she finally manages to track down her catalyst she discovers that Maggie has no memory of a life before. She doesn’t remember her training or the life they had together in the Order of Saint Teresa as demon hunters.
But they don’t have time to catch up because the demon Horde are on their trail and one close call after another spurs them on to try and remember what happened.
However, things are not quite as simple as they seem. Memories start to resurface and leave bigger and bigger questions about who they can trust.
Will this duo be able to regain their powers and once again become the strongest demon slayers the world has seen or will they never be the same again?
Pros And My Favourite Parts
This was a fun romp. I enjoyed the imagination that Pegau brought. The lore and idea behind magic was unique and interesting to see it played out.
I also loved the mystery element as the main characters were regaining their memories. I loved how each new piece of the puzzle made no sense until right at the end. That’s always a fun ride.
Cons And Heads Up
*This is a very mild spoiler*
When we first meet Maggie in the book she is married to a demon and they make it quite clear that she had sex with him. This was a bit of an iffy point for me. Not because of the sex but because it didn’t seem entirely consensual, especially as we get to know her character more. It was a bit of an ick factor for me which I didn’t feel was ever actually addressed properly. I don’t think it had to be in the story, I don’t think it added much other than making my skin crawl.
Having said all that it’s not a big part of the story. It is mentioned perhaps three times in passing and most of the story keeps you occupied with other things, like saving the world.
The Conclusion
If you enjoy books that have fun historical settings combined with magic and mystery then this is a great read for you.
Pegau’s writing style is fairly easy to read, the world building is interesting without being bogged down by overly detailed descriptions and there is a ton of awesome women power in this story.
A good read for folks looking for something a little different and exciting.
Excerpt from The Demon Equilibrium by Cathy Pegau
With no idea of where the Order of Saint Teresa’s might have hidden Maggie, Grace went in search of her catalyst, the one person in the world who could help her control and amplify her magic. The one person in the world who truly knew her. Without Maggie, Grace was as lost as a rudderless ship in a storm.
Now here she stood, before the solid door of the Amberly, wood and pale green paint the only things between her and the most important person in her life. She hoped.
Grace let the saddlebags drop to the walk, catching the worn leather between them as they thudded at her feet, catching her breath. She wiped her other hand on the stained canvas of her trousers. Sweat trickled between her breasts despite the cool October day. Her racing heart thrummed in her ears.
Please be here. Please, oh, please, oh please.
She turned the latch and went in. The lobby of the Amberly reminded her of the parlor at the Order’s house on Long Island, with its striped upholstery on the padded benches and lace doilies under vases of wildflowers on the tables. Dappled light through filmy curtains warmed the linseed oil-scented room. The aroma of baking bread wafted from the back of the hotel, another reminder of the house back East. She half expected to hear Nan’s off-key singing accompanied by clanging pots.
“Good afternoon. May I help you?”
The voice to her right sent a familiar thrill through her. Grace immediately recognized it as Maggie’s, the lightness and sweetness of her Irish lilt unmistakable.
She’s here. She’s really here!
Grace turned, her smile growing and her body tingling as she set eyes on one of the few people who’d been able to see past all the flaws and accept Grace for who she was. Because she was from the same mold herself.
Maggie stood behind a carved mahogany desk, her dark auburn hair pinned up in a bun rather than in the braid or tail she’d sometimes sport, though Grace liked it best when loose about her shoulders. A few tendrils curled around her ears and at the nape of her neck, framing her oval face. Her bright, coffee-brown eyes fixed on Grace, mouth turned up in a slight smile. Her blue floral print dress flared out over voluptuous hips, with long sleeves and a high collar that covered all but her face and hands.
Not the fashionable frock she normally would have worn, or the functional riding skirt and blouse she’d often donned for their hunting sessions, but Maggie could have been wearing a flour sack for all Grace cared.
Grace pushed the door closed, letting the saddlebags drop to the polished hardwood, and swept the hat off her head. “It’s me, Mags. I look a sight, I know.” Her voice tangled around the emotions that filled her—joy, relief, love—and the rest of her words came out in a rough whisper. “I can’t believe I’ve found you.”
Maggie tilted her head, and the smile turned bemused. “I’m sorry. Do I know you?”
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Bits and Bobs
ISBN number: 9781612942179
Publisher: Bywater Books
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