Step into the spellbinding world of Kara Gillian, where a Louisiana detective juggles crime scenes and demon summoning with a sassy flair! Diana Rowland’s Kara Gillian series blends urban fantasy, police procedural, and a dash of romance, following Kara, a homicide detective with a knack for summoning demons. From battling serial killers to navigating demonic politics, her adventures are a thrilling ride for fans of gritty heroines and arcane mysteries.
Kara’s dual life as a cop and summoner sets her apart in the urban fantasy genre. Whether she’s chasing the Symbol Man or tangling with the seductive demon lord Rhyzkahl, her story hooks you with its mix of heart-pounding action and personal stakes. Ready to dive into a world where demons and detectives collide?
How Kara Gillian Began
Diana Rowland, a former street cop and crime scene investigator, crafted the Kara Gillian series from her love of urban fantasy and real-world law enforcement. Launched in 2009 with Mark of the Demon, the series draws on Rowland’s diverse experiences, including her marksmanship award from the Police Academy and a black belt in Hapkido. Her goal? To create a heroine who’s tough yet relatable, with a supernatural twist that keeps readers guessing.
Inspired by the gritty realism of police work and the allure of demon mythology, Rowland set the series in Beaulac, Louisiana, a small town with big secrets. The idea of a detective summoning demons in her basement sparked a unique narrative that blends arcane lore with investigative drama, earning praise for its fresh take on urban fantasy.
The Heart of Kara Gillian
The series kicks off with Mark of the Demon (2009), where Kara, a newly promoted detective, investigates murders linked to the Symbol Man, a serial killer with demonic ties. Her accidental summoning of Rhyzkahl, a powerful demon lord, complicates her case and her love life. Blood of the Demon (2010) sees Kara grappling with her aunt’s coma and a murder-suicide case tied to arcane forces. In Secrets of the Demon (2011), she tackles murders involving rock music and mud, questioning her FBI partners’ true nature. Rise of the Demon (2022), the ninth and final book, wraps up with Kara racing to stop an apocalypse, facing sacrifices that test her resolve.
Themes of identity, trust, and power weave through the series. Kara’s growth from a rookie detective to a confident summoner mirrors her struggle to balance her human and supernatural worlds. The demon realm, with its intricate politics and 12 demon species, adds depth, while Beaulac’s humid, small-town vibe grounds the story. Rowland’s first-person narrative keeps the tone intimate, blending snarky humor with high-stakes drama, perfect for fans of Kim Harrison or Ilona Andrews.
The series’ strength lies in its character-driven storytelling. Kara’s vulnerabilities—doubts about her skills, tangled relationships with Rhyzkahl and FBI agent Ryan Kristoff—make her relatable. Her kickass yet flawed nature, paired with Rowland’s knack for suspense, creates a world where every summoning could spell disaster or salvation.
Why Kara Gillian Resonates
The Kara Gillian series has carved a niche in urban fantasy for its blend of police procedural and demonic intrigue. Fans on Goodreads praise its world-building and Kara’s evolution, with some calling it a hidden gem for its realistic heroine and unpredictable plot twists. Though not as mainstream as other fantasy series, its cult following appreciates Rowland’s ability to merge gritty crime-solving with otherworldly stakes.
The series’ impact lies in its empowering portrayal of a woman navigating male-dominated fields—both in law enforcement and the demon realm. Kara’s resilience and wit have inspired readers, while Rowland’s background adds authenticity that elevates the genre. Its 2012 RT Reviewer’s Choice nomination for Touch of the Demon underscores its critical acclaim.
- Publication Years: 2009–2022
- Number of Books: 9
- Notable Award: 2012 RT Reviewer’s Choice nomination for Touch of the Demon
Grab Mark of the Demon and dive into Kara Gillian’s thrilling urban fantasy world, where every case is a dance with danger!