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megsslibrary's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
divapitbull's review against another edition
5.0
I feel like a little bit of a hypocrite giving When Death Frees the Devil 5 stars. I recently downgraded another book to 4 stars because the proportion of action, adventure and suspense; and romance and relationship building were split 50 – 50. The same can be said for When Death Frees the Devil. Actually, Jack and Ethan weren’t even in the same frame until 48% on my kindle. But what can I say; This is Jack and Ethan; and they rock. The plot was also very well - edge of your seat - done. It picks up right where Why the Devil Stalks Death left off. Jack and Ethan have just spent some glorious time together, when in post-coital bliss , Ethan’s neural-implant goes Ping.
Of course, it’s the Cabal, who never really set Ethan free despite what they allowed him to believe. Now there’s only one course of action to not only keep Jack safe, secure his freedom and avenge his sugarbaby brothers and sisters - experimental boys and girls 0 – 12. Ethan must take out the Cabal leaders and destroy the organization once and for all. Obviously, that’s not going to go smoothly. The Cabal’s threatening of Jack’s sister and niece paves the way for a family reunion of sorts. Then it’s only a matter of time before Jack has commandeered Victoria and is off to lend an assist to his wayward boyfriend.
The story is told in the same wonky timeline the author favors; but this time I only got confused once and had to go back for a re-read. From 50% on we seem to be mostly in the present tense. The story also alternates between Ethan and Jack’s point of view. Despite the fast pace and story driven plot; Jack and Ethan do get some sexy and snuggly times; and they get their very firm HEA. And SHEILA!!!! This was a perfect ending for an amazing trilogy. However given the number of novellas in this trilogy, I think it would be seriously remiss on the author’s part to not a put a final cherry on top with a wedding novella.
Of course, it’s the Cabal, who never really set Ethan free despite what they allowed him to believe. Now there’s only one course of action to not only keep Jack safe, secure his freedom and avenge his sugarbaby brothers and sisters - experimental boys and girls 0 – 12. Ethan must take out the Cabal leaders and destroy the organization once and for all. Obviously, that’s not going to go smoothly. The Cabal’s threatening of Jack’s sister and niece paves the way for a family reunion of sorts. Then it’s only a matter of time before Jack has commandeered Victoria and is off to lend an assist to his wayward boyfriend.
The story is told in the same wonky timeline the author favors; but this time I only got confused once and had to go back for a re-read. From 50% on we seem to be mostly in the present tense. The story also alternates between Ethan and Jack’s point of view. Despite the fast pace and story driven plot; Jack and Ethan do get some sexy and snuggly times; and they get their very firm HEA. And SHEILA!!!! This was a perfect ending for an amazing trilogy. However given the number of novellas in this trilogy, I think it would be seriously remiss on the author’s part to not a put a final cherry on top with a wedding novella.
ladysky's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
marlobo's review
3.0
3.5 stars
The best is the final, predictable but adorable.
The rhythm is irregular; at times, I had the urge to skim, although I managed to contain it. A more frugal prose would have helped.
The handler and his change of heart constitute a weak point in the plot. Either the choice of such a person as a handler is a structural error, or his change of heart is implausible.
The best is the final, predictable but adorable.
The rhythm is irregular; at times, I had the urge to skim, although I managed to contain it. A more frugal prose would have helped.
The handler and his change of heart constitute a weak point in the plot. Either the choice of such a person as a handler is a structural error, or his change of heart is implausible.
downtown_kb's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is the conclusion to the series, we pick up with Ethan captured and being tortured and are then told the events leading up to this.
So this book returns to the “before” and “now” timeline; however, Hayward gives the sections a title to help reference the place in time. I appreciated this more but it still jumped around and I once again found myself a little lost as to what the hell was going on. Was I entertained? Yes. Was I invested in the story? Yes. But I had just a general feeling of being along for the ride and not knowing what was going on which at times is frustrating. I did feel this in general was a bit long and I was ready to just reach the HEA. The details of Ethan’s past were again the most interesting to learn about. These two do get their HEA and and the epilogue was actually super sweet. I’m glad Sheila returned! I recommend this series and I will miss Ethan & Jack.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Child abuse and Violence
Minor: Grief
jacqueleenthereadingqueen's review against another edition
5.0
This series has been amazing from start to finish. Its rare for me to find a series where every book just blew me away, but L.J Hayward has done what many have tried and failed to do. The suspense is killer and always kept me guessing. Little tidbits dropped here and there always leading to me spending hours at night trying to figure them out instead of much needed sleeping. Case in point: when a set of cold blue eyes stared at Ethan, recognition enough to make him stop struggling. That's all we get folks. That little crumb of a description is all we get to rack around in our brains until almost the END of the book where we find out who this person is.
We also get much more information of the horrific things the Cabal did to those 13 children in their care. It's a wonder any of them made it out alive, let alone six. It was sick and twisted and oh so heartbreaking to hear more of Ethan's time with them as a child. Our Ethan, such a strong force we have read about, fought hard as a child in their care. He truly did fight, but in the end like all the others, they still broke him.
Paul St. Clair took his last, sobbing breath and One-three let it out.
Experimental Boy 1-3. Ethan Blade 13. EB13. These are the names Ethan grew up with. It took Jack to show him that is not all he is. As Ethan spends the first half of this book chasing the Cabal on his own, Jack spends it chasing after him. Where Ethan goes, Jack follows. Being used to carrying out "missions" on his own, Ethan is evasive. " old habits die hard" and all that. Jack catches up to him just in time and teaches Ethan a lesson he keeps seeming to forget. He is not alone anymore
He just wanted Ethan safe. He wanted him happy and content. He wanted Ethan with him. He also knew he would get none of that until Ethan had satisfied himself with his vengeance. So he would keep Ethan as safe as he could while he did it. He would do it to make him happy. He would follow him anywhere, just to be with him.
The romance between Jack and Ethan is a big reason I keep coming back. It was hard won. It was never perfect. There was always something, even large gaps of separation working against them. I never doubted them. They may not be great with words, but they always figured out a way to show the other how they felt even with a simple brush across ones back as they moved around the room.
We did however get hit in the feels with some spoken words in this book and man it hit me straight in the heart. I devoured every single morsel when they were speaking from the heart, and then went back and read the words again because I loved it so much.
“You deserve me. You deserve this. You deserve everything and anything you ever want.”
The ending, oh that ending, was a gift. Jack finally getting bits of his family back, while Ethan finally gets a glimpse of actually having a real one for the first time in his life. It was a completely satisfying ending which even included an old friend with a penchant for biting. The book ends on somewhat snarky parting shot from Ethan which is just so him.
On a side note: It has been stated this is the last book for now by the author. I'm happy where it ended, but of course L.J did leave us with a single loose thread. I can't imagine it never being unraveled at some later date. So fear not Ethan and Jack lovers, I'm betting there will be more to come.
We also get much more information of the horrific things the Cabal did to those 13 children in their care. It's a wonder any of them made it out alive, let alone six. It was sick and twisted and oh so heartbreaking to hear more of Ethan's time with them as a child. Our Ethan, such a strong force we have read about, fought hard as a child in their care. He truly did fight, but in the end like all the others, they still broke him.
Paul St. Clair took his last, sobbing breath and One-three let it out.
Experimental Boy 1-3. Ethan Blade 13. EB13. These are the names Ethan grew up with. It took Jack to show him that is not all he is. As Ethan spends the first half of this book chasing the Cabal on his own, Jack spends it chasing after him. Where Ethan goes, Jack follows. Being used to carrying out "missions" on his own, Ethan is evasive. " old habits die hard" and all that. Jack catches up to him just in time and teaches Ethan a lesson he keeps seeming to forget. He is not alone anymore
He just wanted Ethan safe. He wanted him happy and content. He wanted Ethan with him. He also knew he would get none of that until Ethan had satisfied himself with his vengeance. So he would keep Ethan as safe as he could while he did it. He would do it to make him happy. He would follow him anywhere, just to be with him.
The romance between Jack and Ethan is a big reason I keep coming back. It was hard won. It was never perfect. There was always something, even large gaps of separation working against them. I never doubted them. They may not be great with words, but they always figured out a way to show the other how they felt even with a simple brush across ones back as they moved around the room.
We did however get hit in the feels with some spoken words in this book and man it hit me straight in the heart. I devoured every single morsel when they were speaking from the heart, and then went back and read the words again because I loved it so much.
“You deserve me. You deserve this. You deserve everything and anything you ever want.”
The ending, oh that ending, was a gift. Jack finally getting bits of his family back, while Ethan finally gets a glimpse of actually having a real one for the first time in his life. It was a completely satisfying ending which even included an old friend with a penchant for biting. The book ends on somewhat snarky parting shot from Ethan which is just so him.
On a side note: It has been stated this is the last book for now by the author. I'm happy where it ended, but of course L.J did leave us with a single loose thread. I can't imagine it never being unraveled at some later date. So fear not Ethan and Jack lovers, I'm betting there will be more to come.
missawn's review against another edition
5.0
This book and this series surprised me in the best possible way. I have not had much success this year but this book stands out for how much I enjoyed it and how well written this entire, very original series has been. The only thing I didn't like is that apparently this is the last book in the series ... so no more Jack and Ethan ... and that makes me sad. However, I eagerly wait for whatever new books this author releases. I am a fan and ... really, really loves this fast-paced and super fun series.
mcintmac's review against another edition
5.0
I have been reading MM romance for years and I’ve covered all the biggies. I absolutely cannot believe this isn’t a cult classic with thousands upon thousands of reddit threads proclaiming its genius. Jake and Ethan deserve rightful spots alongside our beloved classic couples like Whyborne & Griffin or Adrien English & Jake Riordan.
In fact, I’d argue this series is even closer to perfection than comparable MM series out there. The characters are diverse (our MC is a POC!), there is no subtle misogyny, and the violence feels necessary and not excessive. I cried and laughed freely. I hardly ever guessed the plot. And am so darn happy that Ethan’s abusive backstory was complex and relevant, and not trauma porn.
GOD this series is phenomenal. There isn’t a single page I regret reading.
Also, L.J. Hayward has achieved the impossible: I not only read the novellas, but might love them more than any of the full length books. Normally novellas are so pesky!
In fact, I’d argue this series is even closer to perfection than comparable MM series out there. The characters are diverse (our MC is a POC!), there is no subtle misogyny, and the violence feels necessary and not excessive. I cried and laughed freely. I hardly ever guessed the plot. And am so darn happy that Ethan’s abusive backstory was complex and relevant, and not trauma porn.
GOD this series is phenomenal. There isn’t a single page I regret reading.
Also, L.J. Hayward has achieved the impossible: I not only read the novellas, but might love them more than any of the full length books. Normally novellas are so pesky!
oliviak_31's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25