This third volume in
the “Diabolist” series focuses on a family of diabolists – magic workers who
draw their power from pact-bound demons. There is, of course, always a catch
and always a price. To minimize the danger, diabloists through the centuries
have kept meticulous notes on the names, temperaments, and histories of the
known demons. Nancy Blackwood is one of a lineage of librarians guarding these
and other critical documents. While her sister, Edith, engages in the larger
world (in this case, the end of World War II), Nancy lives in a remote British
village, along with her Hollywood-obsessed daughter, Jane, and her ward, Jewish
refugee Miriam, both student diabolists about to embark upon the “Test” that
will lead to full privileges and their own demons. After passing their Tests,
each embarks upon perilous paths in violation of the rules: Jane, eager to hide
that she has in reality failed her Test, creates a familiar by placing a
demonic spirit into her pet cat, but lacks the experience to truly bind it to
obedience; and Miriam goes searching for her parents, captives of the Nazis, by
taking over the bodies of animals and then people, at a terrible cost to her
own spiritual self. What could possibly go wrong?
Tanzer perfectly
captures life in a secluded, rambling house in a small British village toward
the end of the Second World War, weaving in a story of brash youth, tested
friendships, treacherous demons, and consequences. If this is truly the last of
the series, I will be sad to see it end.
Creatures of Will and Temper reviewed here.
Creatures of Want and Ruin reviewed here.
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