The Demon’s Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan

I’ve been waiting for this to come out for a long time and maharetr made the last few hours more tantalising by SMSing me a picture of her holding it when she picked it up for me.

I loved it!

Young adult dark fantasy featuring magicians, demons and a fearless sword wielding hero. Nick is all young and broody which he can be forgiven for, what with being on the run, having a crazy mom and being made to go to school by his fabulous older brother Alan. Said brother Alan does everything he can to care for for Nick, protecting his small family from malnutrition and demonically possessed ravens (but not plumbing). This is a first novel and young writing but has creative world building, passionate, interesting relationships and some delightful irreverent snark. I’m not sure which brother I adore the most :)

( some of the first chapter )