Demon Princess: Reign or Shine

I finished this book a couple days ago, but then I got into Nevermore and put reviewing it on the back burner. Anyways:


Demon Princess: Reign or Shine
Michelle Rowen

As if trying to fit in at a new school isn't stressful enough, sixteen-year-old Nikki Donovan just found out that her long-lost father is, in fact, the demon king of the Shadowlands—the world that separates and protects us from the Underworld. When she is brought there by the mysterious—and surprisingly cute—messenger Michael, she learns that her father is dying, and he wants her to assume the throne. To complicate matters, a war is brewing between the Shadowlands and the Underworld, her half-demon qualities are manifesting, and her growing feelings for Michael are completely forbidden. Ruling a kingdom, navigating a secret crush, and still making it home by curfew—what's a teenage demon princess to do?

Alright, well, you know how in my In My Mailbox I'd said that it looked very teen girly? I was right. I mean, really, it was all supernatural & junk, but is was still largely about Nikki dating. I mean this one guy she hardly knows asks her out and he kisses her immediately in the hallway at school & she's cool with it?! Dude. Come on. Okay, sorry ranting. I'll review it now:


The plot wasn't terrible. I didn't have any trouble following it, but there was a lot that was extremely predictable. It just... wasn't for me. It was full of high school drama and it wasn't the good kind. It focused a lot on who she was dating and going to the dance with and who she couldn't date. I mean, that's fine and all, because it was balanced out by some interesting demon stuff. I liked the way the Shadowlands were described, but I didn't like that they were next to the Fairy Realm. That felt like a little too much mythology crammed into one book. I'm cool with demons. And I love fairies. But, uh, together? Not so much. 


I did, however, really like Nikki as a character. (Aside from her lack of discernment between who to kiss and when to kiss them) She was really funny and brave and kinda loveable. I liked her friend Melinda, but I wish the author could have gone more in detail into her self-esteem issues and just let us get to know her better. And I really did adore Michael. Minus the boring name, he was like ever book dude I love. He protected Nikki and he was cute and sweet and caring and all that jazz. 


I kinda don't really like the cover. It's about demons. Not being prom queen.


Anyways... I'll give it 3 out of 5 stars, since it was enjoyable to read. The writing was funny and the demons were interesting and Nikki was mostly pretty cool, but I struggled to get over the other stuff I didn't like.


So, yeah.


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