In BAND OF DEMONS we saw Kate and Quinn defend their title of The Prince of Sanheim against Elyssa and Sawyer. There was also a defining moment for Kate when she learned she could harness the power of the dead as a banshee. All the while, Kate and Quinn’s love for one another remained strong–even as Quinn was killed.
Now, GIVE THE DEVIL HIS DUE brings us what we never get to see from here in this world–a glimpse into hell and what lies beyond. Just because Quinn is technically dead and Kate is still alive, doesn’t mean their connection is lost. In fact, Kate not only has Quinn, the Headless Horseman and a banshee in her head, but also is mentally connected to Lord Halloween. Therefore it’s no surprise that when we meet her again, she has suffered a complete mental break.
However, Kate is not one to be messed with in any form she chooses to take. A brief stint in an institution can’t stop Kate Tassel. On the side of the living, Kate, Kieran (who is responsible for Quinn’s death but doesn’t stop his quest to make amends) and Tim, trusted friend and editor, have their hands full. They must plan to find some way to get to Quinn who is out there somewhere.
Quinn is indeed out there in what he thinks is hell and is actually the kingdom of Sanheim himself. He is scooped up from a fiery pit by his long-time friend Janus (also dead) and must make his way through a horrific landscape of challenging ghouls. Along the way, Quinn and Janus face many rivals: all scary, some familiar. As they fight Lord Halloween they begin to see that there may be others who can help them in this other world. Never does Quinn lose faith that he will see Kate again.
As Quinn’s growing crew assembles on the other side, Kate battles internally and externally as she tries to find a way to Quinn. When she manages to settle into her body again and gains some clarity, harnessing her powers makes her a force to be reckoned with. All the while, she knows that she will find a way to be with Quinn again. They will beat Sanheim together–they have to.
As we watch the journey that Quinn takes, first through a part of the other world created by Lord Halloween, (complete with animated killer scarecrows–creepy!) and later through the landscape of Ancient Ireland that Sanheim has sculpted as his domain, there is never a dull moment. As characters begin to surface that we have met before, we see a startling tale unfold.
When Kate and her group finally get to the portal they must open to be where Quinn now exists, an epic battle must take place between the evil Sanheim and the Prince of Sanheim (Kate and Quinn) with all their armies in tow. All the while, more and more shocking details are revealed that will keep readers turning pages in excited disbelief.
This third book in THE SANHEIM CHRONICLES is a masterfully crafted story that ties in all the pieces from the first two parts. Not only are Sanheim and his followers finally confronted face to face by Quinn and Kate, they are seen in a whole new light… or darkness depending on which side you are watching from.
GIVE THE DEVIL HIS DUE is a nonstop roller-coaster ride through a creepy world where the underlying theme of the chronicles becomes clearer on each page: You are what you fear. Thinking about this in real life may give us the heebie-jeebies but for Kate and Quinn it will be the key to their salvation. Now they just have to take out Sanheim and his legion of evil. Can they do it? Read on and see–you will not be disappointed!
Reviewed by Keri English for Indie Reader.