Demon Gates by May Freighter is the second book in the Helena Hawthorn Series. Helena struggles to protect those she loves as the threat of the demon Lazarus continues to grow. Her best friend, Andrew, hasn't spoken to her since he became a vampire. Her parents have no idea what's really going on with her. Her guardian angel has disappeared. To top it all off, her attraction to Lucious continues to grow, but she can't be certain that it's not due to their soul-bond. She will do whatever it takes to stop Lazarus, even if it means entering the demon realm and facing the demon haunting her nightmares. Helena and Lucious face unexpected situations as they both struggle through individual journeys and the growing bond between them.
Demon Gates focuses more on hunters, exploring the tension between them and the vampires, with both sides referring to the other as monsters. Helena is still navigating this supernatural world, so she's constantly in the middle, forced to determine on a situational basis who she can trust and what motivations are behind their actions. May Freighter fully explores the complexity of this world as neither side is wholly innocent or guilty, with both reflecting the same prejudices. Helena and Lucious have a complicated relationship, one that's grown into something stronger, more than just a flirty attraction. They're starting to not only trust each other but respect each other, while not veering away from their usual snarky banter and chemistry.
Lucious has grown since he was first introduced, going from planning to use Helena to confronting his growing feelings for her. These feelings are slowly changing his cynical ways and brusque temperament. His relationship with Alexander is delightful, with their long history clearly showing that as much as they bicker they still have a brotherly connection. Freighter brings in new characters that are just as complex as the others, with secrets, flaws, tragic pasts, and the belief that what they do is for the ultimate good of their people. Demon Gates is a dazzling sequel with dangerous vampires, a sharp wit, humor, betrayal, and romance.
