The Demon of Stonewood: Book II of the Stonewood Trilogy

In Hayes's (The Thieves of Stonewood) second installment in the Stonewood Trilogy, Harcourt, the civic-minded and humane leader of the Thieves Guild, squares off with sinister Chief Magistrate Krommel, who, as High Priest Sarvin, covertly leads the traitorous Demon Cult. Krommel and sultry assistant Devi-Lynn plot to restore demon Lord Lucivenus to power, but need certain types of human hearts to accomplish this. Odd alliances, devious plots, and colorful characters, such as court wizard Fezzdin and luscious former pirate Evonne, keep the story moving at a quick pace. And if Hayes's breathless plot lacks the brooding historical atmosphere or drawn-out conflict of Tolkien, his picaresque heroes not only oppose evil, but offer a rollicking good time in so doing.