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perfectlymisaligned's review against another edition
2.0
While there were a few aspects of this addition to the Dark Hunter series that i enjoyed (revelations about Nick's powers, the return of the trademark DH snarkiness after the overwhelming seriousness of the previous book, "Acheron"), i still had quite a few major problems with the book, which made me feel more than a little disappointed in the end.
1. Having read this in about 2 hours, the story felt like something that should have been included in an anthology, rather than released as a stand alone novel. Coming after the mammoth "Acheron", OSN feels rather hastily, and sloppily put together.
2. I could be in the minority in this, but i found it hard to truly care about Stryker as a lead. He's the bad guy, and therefore i didn't really care if he got his HEA.
3. I hate to say this...i really do. But, Ash in this book...was a shadow of the bad-ass warrior i have come to know and love. Granted, he wasn't the main focus of the story, but that has never stopped him from blowing my mind in the majority of the previous DH books. I truly hope that, considering this book is the start of the new "ark" of the series, that SK isn't planning on letting such an amazing character as Ash, fade into the background.
1. Having read this in about 2 hours, the story felt like something that should have been included in an anthology, rather than released as a stand alone novel. Coming after the mammoth "Acheron", OSN feels rather hastily, and sloppily put together.
2. I could be in the minority in this, but i found it hard to truly care about Stryker as a lead. He's the bad guy, and therefore i didn't really care if he got his HEA.
3. I hate to say this...i really do. But, Ash in this book...was a shadow of the bad-ass warrior i have come to know and love. Granted, he wasn't the main focus of the story, but that has never stopped him from blowing my mind in the majority of the previous DH books. I truly hope that, considering this book is the start of the new "ark" of the series, that SK isn't planning on letting such an amazing character as Ash, fade into the background.
anzuk's review against another edition
2.0
First of all I MUST comment about the number of pages this book has. 166 – magic number. Cmon Stryker should get more than that! Make it a short story then if you’re out of ideas. What should I call this? Medium story? Sounds like crap. I don’t like medium stuff. I either like it huge, long or short. And for all you pervs out there STFU!!
I have to tell you from now that I won’t be giving this a good score. I am so damn disappointed in Stryker because I was expecting his story to be more wild, dangerous or interesting. It is just plain boring!
Since the previous book had Acheron as a main character I wanted something flashier but maybe I’m just getting bored with the whole Dark-Hunter series. I mean seriously book 16. Repetitive much?
My main problem here was Stryker. I will pick on him a lot. The story is mediocre so I won’t even bother with it.
Ok so let me pick on him a bit more. He is supposed to be the ultimate villain or something right? He’s supposed to make you shit your pants. But guess what? He’s a f*cking pansy in this book. Pussy-whipped also… What’s up with that Mrs. Kenyon? I wanted him to be more like Zarek: a total badass! What did I get? A guy who’s all muscle and few brain. Boring!!! Skimming in…3….2….1……
I guess I shouldn’t even pick on Zephyra. She’s a total annoying bitch and I simply hated her. Won’t approach that subject anymore. I am in a really harsh mood and I needed a good book. Perfect excuse to trash this one up.
Another problem I had. Is it just me or Mrs. Kenyon is trying to create another Ash? What is this Jared dude all dark and mysterious, tortured and suicidal? He also has a steampunk demon that rests on his skin and acts really similar to simi. Not. Cool.
What I liked? It’s actually the reason I’m giving this two starfish than one. The Ash-Nick-Jared triangle. It wasn’t the best story but it gave some answers (that Mrs. Kenyon made out in order to expand her series) that twisted the whole plot a bit. Aaah who am I kidding? It’s all cuz of Ash. He’s my weakness so couldn’t stand hurting him *sniff*
zZzZzZzZz
Aaaah sorry I feel a sleep… this book is just too much for my tiny brain to handle…
Guess what? I have another problem. Why do I feel like Zephyra and Stryker have no chemistry? Probably because Mrs. Kenyon didn’t build their relationship enough (or at all) so there are no feelings there. I was actually skimming through the sex scene(s). Can you imagine that?!?! Skimming a sex scene?!?! THE HORROR!!!!
In the end when Nick, Ash and Stryker were supposed to go to that cemetery alone. Wasn’t it better not to enter like the three coolies they are but separately so they wouldn’t make them suspect they made a plan together or something? Of course War will figure they joined forces against him. And if he didn’t then for shame! What use are you then?
The ending was ok but still bullsh*t sooo I really don’t know what to make of this. Did fangirls ask Mrs. Kenyon for this? Her BFF wanted more of Stryker so she had to publish a sh*tty book in order to gain her trust? Or maybe she hates me and planned this all along: boring me to death. Close Mrs. Kenyon, but not close enough!
Same category as this book: a joke.
So the good:
*Ash
*War
*Nick
*Jared
*Savitar
The bad:
*Everything else
Ah and excuse the quotes I know they’re not the best but it’s all I’ve got!
Top 5 quotes
#5 "Your father's an asshole, honey. Take it from someone who used to sleep with him. You're not missing anything, and if you don't let me kill him now, you'll only do it yourself later."
#4 "Have you any idea of what you've unleashed?"
Stryker was ambivalent to his condemnation. "Cruelty, pestilence, wrath, violence, ultimate suffering . . . what other gifts did the gods bestow on him?"
#3 "What are you doing here?"
She answered his question with a stroke of her dagger that narrowly missed his throat. "I thought we'd catch up on old times. Maybe play Parcheesi."
#2 "You're a sick man to love a woman who hates you."
"If I am, then I want no cure."
#1 She spat on the ground at his feet. "I'll abide by my word, but you will never win me back. Believe me, in two weeks I will slice open your throat, drink from your blood, and then pierce your heart and laugh while your body explodes into dust."
"Beautiful imagery. You should write for Hallmark."
Read this review on ZombieHazard.
I have to tell you from now that I won’t be giving this a good score. I am so damn disappointed in Stryker because I was expecting his story to be more wild, dangerous or interesting. It is just plain boring!
Since the previous book had Acheron as a main character I wanted something flashier but maybe I’m just getting bored with the whole Dark-Hunter series. I mean seriously book 16. Repetitive much?
My main problem here was Stryker. I will pick on him a lot. The story is mediocre so I won’t even bother with it.
Ok so let me pick on him a bit more. He is supposed to be the ultimate villain or something right? He’s supposed to make you shit your pants. But guess what? He’s a f*cking pansy in this book. Pussy-whipped also… What’s up with that Mrs. Kenyon? I wanted him to be more like Zarek: a total badass! What did I get? A guy who’s all muscle and few brain. Boring!!! Skimming in…3….2….1……
I guess I shouldn’t even pick on Zephyra. She’s a total annoying bitch and I simply hated her. Won’t approach that subject anymore. I am in a really harsh mood and I needed a good book. Perfect excuse to trash this one up.
Another problem I had. Is it just me or Mrs. Kenyon is trying to create another Ash? What is this Jared dude all dark and mysterious, tortured and suicidal? He also has a steampunk demon that rests on his skin and acts really similar to simi. Not. Cool.
What I liked? It’s actually the reason I’m giving this two starfish than one. The Ash-Nick-Jared triangle. It wasn’t the best story but it gave some answers (that Mrs. Kenyon made out in order to expand her series) that twisted the whole plot a bit. Aaah who am I kidding? It’s all cuz of Ash. He’s my weakness so couldn’t stand hurting him *sniff*
zZzZzZzZz
Aaaah sorry I feel a sleep… this book is just too much for my tiny brain to handle…
Guess what? I have another problem. Why do I feel like Zephyra and Stryker have no chemistry? Probably because Mrs. Kenyon didn’t build their relationship enough (or at all) so there are no feelings there. I was actually skimming through the sex scene(s). Can you imagine that?!?! Skimming a sex scene?!?! THE HORROR!!!!
In the end when Nick, Ash and Stryker were supposed to go to that cemetery alone. Wasn’t it better not to enter like the three coolies they are but separately so they wouldn’t make them suspect they made a plan together or something? Of course War will figure they joined forces against him. And if he didn’t then for shame! What use are you then?
The ending was ok but still bullsh*t sooo I really don’t know what to make of this. Did fangirls ask Mrs. Kenyon for this? Her BFF wanted more of Stryker so she had to publish a sh*tty book in order to gain her trust? Or maybe she hates me and planned this all along: boring me to death. Close Mrs. Kenyon, but not close enough!
Same category as this book: a joke.
So the good:
*Ash
*War
*Nick
*Jared
*Savitar
The bad:
*Everything else
Ah and excuse the quotes I know they’re not the best but it’s all I’ve got!
Top 5 quotes
#5 "Your father's an asshole, honey. Take it from someone who used to sleep with him. You're not missing anything, and if you don't let me kill him now, you'll only do it yourself later."
#4 "Have you any idea of what you've unleashed?"
Stryker was ambivalent to his condemnation. "Cruelty, pestilence, wrath, violence, ultimate suffering . . . what other gifts did the gods bestow on him?"
#3 "What are you doing here?"
She answered his question with a stroke of her dagger that narrowly missed his throat. "I thought we'd catch up on old times. Maybe play Parcheesi."
#2 "You're a sick man to love a woman who hates you."
"If I am, then I want no cure."
#1 She spat on the ground at his feet. "I'll abide by my word, but you will never win me back. Believe me, in two weeks I will slice open your throat, drink from your blood, and then pierce your heart and laugh while your body explodes into dust."
"Beautiful imagery. You should write for Hallmark."
Read this review on ZombieHazard.
onthebrookeshelf's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
sandylovesbooks's review against another edition
4.0
It was a good book but I had trouble following who was who in this vast universe of gods, demons, and etc.
salene27's review against another edition
5.0
While the world carries on unawares, Stryker, who leads an army of demons and vampires, is plotting an all out onslaught against his enemies—which, unfortunately for us, includes the entire human race.
To avenge his sister, Stryker prepares to annihilate the Dark-Hunters. But things go awry when his oldest enemy returns. Enter his ex-wife. Zephyra. Just when he thought nothing could stop him, he’s now embroiled in a centuries old war with a shrew who gives new meaning to pain.
Loved this book, as always SK is amazing.
To avenge his sister, Stryker prepares to annihilate the Dark-Hunters. But things go awry when his oldest enemy returns. Enter his ex-wife. Zephyra. Just when he thought nothing could stop him, he’s now embroiled in a centuries old war with a shrew who gives new meaning to pain.
Loved this book, as always SK is amazing.
ria_mhrj's review against another edition
3.0
Quite enjoyable - although I sometimes wish the endings had a bit more tension!
tkat's review against another edition
4.0
So here we finally get Stryker's story, and he finally finds a woman. Will this make him a better man or a worse Daimon, only time will tell.
His current Daimon crew learns a new trick that threatens the rest of the world, and I'm curious to see what the Dark Hunter's are going to do when they find out about it. Frankly I'm curious if there's anything they CAN do...
This has that short story feel to it again. Like Kenyon didn't really have a whole heck of a lot to say about Stryker this time round, despite to doozy of a left hook she presents.
His current Daimon crew learns a new trick that threatens the rest of the world, and I'm curious to see what the Dark Hunter's are going to do when they find out about it. Frankly I'm curious if there's anything they CAN do...
This has that short story feel to it again. Like Kenyon didn't really have a whole heck of a lot to say about Stryker this time round, despite to doozy of a left hook she presents.
auntblh's review against another edition
4.0
One of the bad guys has his story. I guess they deserve to have love too. It was nice to see the bad guys and the good guys working together.
leahkarge's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely loved this book. I thought that maybe I might not like it because it was completely about Stryker and, while I love him, he and I have a love-hate relationship, particularly when he tries to kill my Acheron. However, I believe this might be one of the best Dark-Hunter books.
As I said, I love Stryker. I hated seeing him try to kill Ash, and almost succeeding until Savitar's intervention. I loved seeing a softer side to him, though: he can't stand torture, everlasting love, really loves and cares about his children. This book made him more..."human" to me. It made me understand him better because I got to see his side of the story and understand where he was coming from. I think this book made him sexy to me, because before I just loved him as an awesome bad guy but now I love him because he's him. His memories and flashbacks just about broke my poor heart.
At first, I didn't like Zephyra. She pissed me off, particularly when she continually tried to kill Stryker, but I actually do like her. She's an interesting woman. I was teary-eyed when Zephyra found Stryker's "memory drawer". My biggest issue with her, though, is that she owns and brutally tortures Jared.
I absolutely loved having Ash nad Tory in this book quite a bit. I loved Kat, Sin, Alexion, Danger, Urian, and Simi's cameos in the book.
I actually liked Madea quite a bit. She was funny and sarcastic. I'm interested to see how she and Urian will react to each other when they finally meet.
Nim was completely and utterly adorable, and he reminded me of Simi. I loved when Simi gave him a teddy bear to replace his pink bunny.
I love Jared and it broke my heart to see him being tortured. And I hate that he was sent to kill Ash and Nick.
Nick...ohhhh, Nick. I still love him, but like with Stryker, he and I have a love-hate relationship. I hate that he still hates Ash, and I found a perverse sense of satisfaction when Nick learned that Ash was the only one who could help train him in his Malachai powers, which he came into in this book.
I thought it was really interesting to see more of the interworkings of the Daimons. Granted, I wouldn't want a bunch more books that in depth in the Daimon world, but it was cool to learn more about them and see more from their perspective.
I got highly emotional when Ryssa, Cherise, and Tannis showed up. Well, their souls showed up. Broke my heart to see Ash, Nick, and Stryker be hurt like that.
SAVITAR! Anyone who knows me and has talked to me about this series knows how I feel about Savitar. And that would be that I love him to freaking death. He's so sarcastic and funny, smart, loyal to Ash. I totally loved Sav and Apollymi's banter when he was watching her in Kalosis.
I liked seeing Apollymi opening up to Stryker and being honest with him.
The Daimons found a way to absorb gallu demon powers. Now they can walk in the sun. Oh. Shit.
I found it completely hilarious that Acheron, Stryker, and Nick all had to suck it up and work together. I got great satisfaction out of their misery in this instance.
I absolutely love Hades. I'm glad he was in this book. He is my favorite Greek god in the whole series. He's totally badass while being totally un-badass at the same time.
As I said, I love Stryker. I hated seeing him try to kill Ash, and almost succeeding until Savitar's intervention. I loved seeing a softer side to him, though: he can't stand torture, everlasting love, really loves and cares about his children. This book made him more..."human" to me. It made me understand him better because I got to see his side of the story and understand where he was coming from. I think this book made him sexy to me, because before I just loved him as an awesome bad guy but now I love him because he's him. His memories and flashbacks just about broke my poor heart.
At first, I didn't like Zephyra. She pissed me off, particularly when she continually tried to kill Stryker, but I actually do like her. She's an interesting woman. I was teary-eyed when Zephyra found Stryker's "memory drawer". My biggest issue with her, though, is that she owns and brutally tortures Jared.
I absolutely loved having Ash nad Tory in this book quite a bit. I loved Kat, Sin, Alexion, Danger, Urian, and Simi's cameos in the book.
I actually liked Madea quite a bit. She was funny and sarcastic. I'm interested to see how she and Urian will react to each other when they finally meet.
Nim was completely and utterly adorable, and he reminded me of Simi. I loved when Simi gave him a teddy bear to replace his pink bunny.
I love Jared and it broke my heart to see him being tortured. And I hate that he was sent to kill Ash and Nick.
Nick...ohhhh, Nick. I still love him, but like with Stryker, he and I have a love-hate relationship. I hate that he still hates Ash, and I found a perverse sense of satisfaction when Nick learned that Ash was the only one who could help train him in his Malachai powers, which he came into in this book.
I thought it was really interesting to see more of the interworkings of the Daimons. Granted, I wouldn't want a bunch more books that in depth in the Daimon world, but it was cool to learn more about them and see more from their perspective.
I got highly emotional when Ryssa, Cherise, and Tannis showed up. Well, their souls showed up. Broke my heart to see Ash, Nick, and Stryker be hurt like that.
SAVITAR! Anyone who knows me and has talked to me about this series knows how I feel about Savitar. And that would be that I love him to freaking death. He's so sarcastic and funny, smart, loyal to Ash. I totally loved Sav and Apollymi's banter when he was watching her in Kalosis.
I liked seeing Apollymi opening up to Stryker and being honest with him.
The Daimons found a way to absorb gallu demon powers. Now they can walk in the sun. Oh. Shit.
I found it completely hilarious that Acheron, Stryker, and Nick all had to suck it up and work together. I got great satisfaction out of their misery in this instance.
I absolutely love Hades. I'm glad he was in this book. He is my favorite Greek god in the whole series. He's totally badass while being totally un-badass at the same time.
milicasbookshelf's review against another edition
4.0
Stryker... I didn't expect that I would like him. Ever. The author really has that gift to tell everyone's story. And those stories never leave you indifferent.