Where Demons Fear to Tread by Stephanie Chong **Review**

Where Demons Fear to Tread by Stephanie Chong

Series: The Company of Angels #1
Pages: 358
Publisher: MIRA
Release date: 30th August 2011
Buy: Book Depository | Amazon UK | Waterstone's | Amazon US

Goodreads synopsis:
Fledging guardian angel and yoga teacher Serena St. Clair dares enter Devil's Paradise nightclub on a mission—to retrieve the wayward Hollywood "It Boy" she's assigned to protect. But she's ambushed by the club's owner, arch demon Julian Ascher. The most powerful demonic entity in Los Angeles, Julian is handsome as sin, a master of temptation who loves nothing more than corrupting pleasure–seeking humans. He won't release the lost soul Serena is supposed to guard. Unless she accepts his dangerous wager…
After the disastrous way his human life ended, Julian vowed that no woman would get the better of him again. Yet this sexy–sweet angel, smelling of fresh ocean air and happiness, triggers centuries–old feelings. Now, their high–stakes game of seduction, where angels fall from grace and where demons fear to tread, will lead them either to an eternity in hell.or a deliciously hot heaven.

I feel the first thing I need to mention about this novel, is that it is definitely an adult read. I'm in no way a prude, but I think I would call this one up as a 14+ in the very least. I suppose it depends on your view of such things. This is isn't in any way a suitable read for younger readers though. That shall be my only warning, and I shall not mention it again! Promise :)

I think this is a novel that you have to take not as a serious fantasy novel, but as a bit of fun. I've read a couple of others reviews that moan on and on about the predictability of the good v.s. evil 'with overlapping qualities' and the predictability of the romance - and yes, these things are true - but if the novel is viewed as a 'fun read' then I don't think these things particularly matter. There are very few truly unique story paradigms around now anyway. All stories, to some extent, have an air of predictability. I don't think this removes much from the novel at all.

I'm not usually the biggest reader of what is definitely present in this novel - 'erotic romance'. I feel that most of the time, a little subtlety in the intimate scenes does a lot more for a book than the raunchy language used in books like this. Unfortunately, for me, this is what knocked a star off the rating. I'm definitely in the opinion that a little softening of such scenes would improve the novel - I felt like a little too much attention was paid to the depth of these scenes, when more attention could have been paid to refining the story.
Though this is a minor point, I suppose, as I did still enjoy the rest of the story, and the romance was still compelling between these scenes.

Serena was a wonderful character - despite her angelic demeanor, she still has the sparks of unangelic passion within her, and a strength of character to match that. Once she'd decided on what she wanted, she fought for it with every ounce of herself, and this is something I always admire in female protagonists.

I found the dual narrative really interesting as well. Instead of just understanding Serena's character in full, we are also able to explore Julian's character, understand his motives, and watch his character evolve into nearly an entirely different being. I will say no more about his character though - I'd want you to experience this for yourselves.
The dual narrative worked well between them though - it provided a much more rounded and equal view of the plot and characters, and definitely a deeper view into the relationship between Serena and Julian.

Overall I did enjoy the novel. I don't think it's going to be one that sticks with me for very long (as other novels I've read recently have), but it is still a fun read that I would recommend to anyone with an interest in romance, fantasy or of course (if you must) erotic fiction.