Author: Terry Cloutier

ISBN: 1419641441

This sizeable fantasy fiction begins in present day Northern Ontario with an
adult male named Edward Fox.  Similar to a doorway that opens up in his mind, he
finds solitude in another world he created called The Zone.  While in his youth,
during his horror at the hands of a child molester, his new world becomes his
refuge.  When he is overcome with anxiety or suffering from the inability to
cope with the memories of his childhood, he escapes into The Zone.
Unfortunately for Edward, the last time he enters his safe haven it has changed.
This time he has no control over it and he is immersed in a place now foreign to
him.  He spirals into a land wrought with turmoil where he must use his wits to
stay alive.  Edward Fox must familiarize himself with this new Zone and learn to
regain control before all is lost.

The title depicts the essence of the story.  With Edward falling into his own
mind’s creation, the reader discovers his dilemma and the demon within.  This
first book in the series, in some way, emulates The Talisman in which the story
is based on a young boy who has the ability to travel to a parallel universe
while being pursued by an evil member of the family.  Although The Demon Inside
does not have the same thrilling intensity, Terry Cloutier is able to bring to
the surface the conflict between Edward and the Empire.  He begins with a strong
foundation, allowing the reader to delve into the distraught life of Edward Fox
and how he has never been able to cope with his problem.  Faced with unknown and
malicious characters from The Zone, Edward thrives to come to terms with his
life.

At times throughout the story, the author breaks away from the main character to
either highlight Edward’s childhood ordeal or to give additional insight into
The Zone.  This seems to impede the momentum of the story but once the focus is
back on Edward, he stands out from the rest of the fictional characters.  His
identity shines through and the reader starts to see his development.  Readers
will be compelled to discover how he grows in the second book.

This is a good traditional fantasy story that places a normal human in abnormal,
mystical circumstances and it is amusing to read the outcome.  The first
instalment is packed with such a variety of minor characters, the reader
sometimes feels drawn away from the main players.  This makes it a little hard
to feel empathy for them, especially Edward Fox; however, this makes for an
interesting selection of clashing personalities that will take us into the rest
of the series.

This simply crafted tale by Terry Cloutier can only get better.  I recommend The
Demon Inside – The Zone War to mature readers who are discovering the fantasy
genre.

The above review was contributed by: Jennifer, (J.C.) Andrew -Freelance Writer and Reviewer