The Demon Inside: The Zone War Trilogy, Book 1

Terry Cloutier
BookSurge Publishing (2006)
ISBN 9781419641442
Reviewed by Deb Shunamon for Reader Views (12/06)


My first reaction on finishing “The Demon Inside: The Zone War Trilogy” was a resounding “Wow! That was brilliant!” followed closely by extreme guilt as this great world and story wouldn’t exist if not for the sickening, violent abuse of a 12 year old boy. A young Edward Fox creates The Zone in his mind as a place of escape and empowerment, where he is revered and respected by magicians, rulers, religious orders, and the common people.  Known as “The Creator,” Edward is in control of this world until he returns to it during adulthood and finds that somehow the rules have changed.
           
The author answers the pressing questions right away and immediately sets up the format of the book:  flashbacks and the life of Edward Fox in this world, alternating with the world of Edward Fox and The Zone. The flow between these settings is wonderful, picking up former story lines at just the right time to maintain interest, and introducing new characters and plots without disruption. What I really liked was the sparing use of implausible rescues - some notable characters actually die. I also felt an immediate connection with the inhabitants and action of the fantasy world, and more than once felt like diving into a rousing Warhammer battle. This is also an emotionally difficult story to read at times, though, as the author doesn’t let you forget the violence in Edward’s past. There’s more going on than you think, however, and the constant, weird occurrences in the stories led me to continually question many of my conclusions, right through to the terrifying, cliffhanger end.
           
At over six hundred pages this book can be intimidating at first glance, but it doesn’t take long to become totally involved in the dual worlds of Edward Fox, and be glad that there are lots of pages to read. The story has elements of good fantasy, blood and gore horror, suspense, and epic action and adventure, and while “The Demon Inside” owes a lot to other great fantasy stories, it remains an original work. Terry Cloutier’s simple, good writing serves up some great action scenes and characters as he skillfully manipulates the emotions of the reader, and while it is perhaps too uncomfortable in places for younger teens, this adult reader can’t wait for the second book of the trilogy. I hope the author is busy working on it as Terry Cloutier is sure to earn himself some faithful fans with “The Demon Inside: The Zone War Trilogy.” It really is a great book.

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