num_pages: 222
description:  The Barnes &amp; Noble Review Demons. They're written of exhaustively and often badly in supernatural horror yarns and duplicitous comics. But in this brand-new novel by Lucy Taylor we find a brilliant study of demons of a far more human likeness: weakness addiction guilt. Real consequences in a real world propel this very real and terrifying novel. There are no horns on these demons no evocations no arcane occult texts and no monsters rising from flaming pentagrams. What rises instead in this relentless modern-day thriller is a far more allegorical demon: lust. Jessie Tauber a recovering alcoholic/sex addict slowly finds herself being tortured by her own self-doubt. Her addictions have caused her to lose custody of her son Henry and this tragedy constantly tempts her back to the liquor store to drown her sorrows. Now Henry lives with Jessie's father an evangelical preacher and to make matters (and Jessie's guilt) worse Henry's already started drinking and he's only 13 years old. Just when Jessie's plight couldn't seem darker the handsome and charismatic Simon enters her life like a beacon of bright light. There's an instant common bond: Simon is a recovering alcoholic himself. And he seems to understand Jessie and all the hardships she's experiencing. Indeed after a string of relationships with men who turned out to be abusive half-crazy heels Simon appears to be what Jessie's never had before: Mr. Right. But Jessie soon finds out she couldn't be more wrong and she finds out the hard way. The suitors of her past don't know what crazy is compared to Simon....In Lucy Taylor's ten-year track record of preeminent storytelling she clearly outdoes herself in this grim terrifying and all-too-real novel. Taylor's mastery of plot characterization and sheer modern realism explode in this brilliant tale of taboos betrayal scorching sex and outright insanity. Taylor is also in my opinion a writer who weaves dark eroticism into the workings of a breakneck thriller better than any author out there. Her prose shines crackles and summons images that not only entertain but disturb the reader as well. Taylor's stories make us think; they make us see more of the real world and the human condition within the covers of a book than we might have the courage to look at outside of it. Portions of this novel will shock you some will arouse you while others will haunt you for some time to come. In Dancing with Demons  Taylor puts one foot boldly past the line that has yet to be crossed by the name-brand pop thriller authors. And she dares you to cross that line with her. This is a powerful and serious work and the author's deft literate style delivers a novel as unique as it is unforgettable. Be sure though to brace yourself before delving into this keg-of-dynamite thriller. Demons come in all shapes and sizes and you just might find yourself dancing with one yourself. Edward Lee 
language: English
title: Dancing With Demons
publisher: Obsidian Books