A Dusk of Demons
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 First edition cover | |
| Author | John Christopher |
|---|---|
| Cover artist | Stephen Player |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Science fiction |
| Publisher | Hamish Hamilton |
Publication date | 1993 |
| Publication place | United Kingdom |
| Media type | |
| ISBN | 0-241-13378-5 |
A Dusk of Demons is a young adult science fiction novel written by the British author John Christopher and published in 1993.[1] The story is set in a post-apocalyptic future in England where it is believed that demons rule Earth.
Ben is a fourteen-year-old boy living a simple life on Old Isle, where the Master rules. Ben lives a carefree life with Mother Ryan and her two daughters, Antonia and Paddy, until the Master dies and leaves Ben a substantial inheritance. Not long after, the Master's house is burned to the ground. People whisper among themselves that it was the work of demons, as they believe that the demons are displeased with the Master. The Sheriff takes Ben into custody until the matter is resolved, sending Paddy's family away. Paddy warns Ben that the villagers are planning to harm him and they flee with the help of a fisherman named Joe. After journeying to the Mainland, they are reunited with Mother Ryan and Antonia in the villa of the General. The Sheriff soon arrives, apologizes, and contests with the General for the care of Ben.
Meanwhile, Antonia's relationship with the Governor's son, Ralph, causes her to be exiled. She and her family are to be sent to Ireland, while Ben is to stay and receive his inheritance. Paddy, however, comes back for Ben and they escape together once more. They travel with gypsies for a time and are shocked to learn that these travelers do not fear demons or the will of the "Dark One". They part with the gypsies and continue to try and catch up with Mother Ryan but are taken captive by an enemy general who sacrifices criminals to the demons. Paddy is sentenced but Ben saves her by shooting the demons' "nest". They are pursued until a fire bursts, which renders them unconscious. Ben wakes up on an airplane where his rescuer tells him that the demons were fabricated by a secretive group in an attempt to keep people from becoming violent.
The Master had been a member of this group but was exiled for speaking out against the terror caused by the pretended demons. After his death, a revolution was organized for helping people recover from the chaos and become educated. Ben, as the Master's son, is expected to help.[2]
