THE STONE DEMON

"And then there's Demian. He may be a demon—the king of the demons—but at least he's true to his nature." Donna Underwood's final journal entry indicates a sneaking respect for the enemy she faces in the exciting finish of the Iron Witch trilogy.

Donna starts out in London. She doesn't stay there long: The Demon King is on the move to remake the universe, and it's her job to stop him by questing for the ingredients needed to produce the Philosopher's Stone. Donna, her wisenheimer friend Navin and the half-fey Xan stand out as three-dimensional characters; others mostly exist to advance the complicated plot. Straight-talking Donna is largely on her own for this adventure, with Xan and comic-relief Navin working more or less together as a support team. In a poignant subplot, would-be boyfriend Xan pursues magic that will restore his partially remembered ability to fly. Nonstop action, cliffhangers and constantly building tension will keep readers engaged in the story. The climax is rousing, and the resolution, while bittersweet, will satisfy fans of the series. Well-integrated back story should enable readers new to the series to enjoy the story, but they would be better off beginning with the first book. This engrossing series conclusion does justice to its kick-ass heroine, her funny sidekick and a vulnerable romantic interest. (Urban fantasy. 13-16)