gasoline_allie's review
3.0
More "okay" than "great," which is disappointing for a Larissa Ione book.
I'm not sure why Reaver didn't gel for me. Maybe it was too dependent on the rest of the series, and I would have enjoyed it more if I had re-read the entire "Demonica" and "Lords of Deliverance" back catalogue first. Maybe I thought the Lucifer subplot was convoluted and boring. Maybe Harvester struck me as too cold and detached, and I didn't feel the passion I expected between her and Reaver. Maybe it was all these things plus an ending that made me roll my eyes (hard) more than once.
In the end, I liked Reaver more for the appearances of the Horsemen and the UGH crew than for anything Reaver and Harvester did, so it was not a satisfying romance for me. Reaver deserved a better story.
I'm not sure why Reaver didn't gel for me. Maybe it was too dependent on the rest of the series, and I would have enjoyed it more if I had re-read the entire "Demonica" and "Lords of Deliverance" back catalogue first. Maybe I thought the Lucifer subplot was convoluted and boring. Maybe Harvester struck me as too cold and detached, and I didn't feel the passion I expected between her and Reaver. Maybe it was all these things plus an ending that made me roll my eyes (hard) more than once.
Spoiler
I hated the 11th-hour power up that turned Reaver into the uber-ange. It felt like a cheap trick.In the end, I liked Reaver more for the appearances of the Horsemen and the UGH crew than for anything Reaver and Harvester did, so it was not a satisfying romance for me. Reaver deserved a better story.
lindaunconventionalbookworms's review
5.0
What can I say? Reaver was an amazing story, with a long trek through Sheoul, lots of innuendos, some nasty angels, good demons and so much intrigue my head was spinning.
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
laurenjodi's review
4.0
Reaver
4 Stars
Series Note: Reaver is book #5 in the Lords of Deliverance and book #10 in Demonica. It is impossible to fully appreciate Reaver and Harvester’s book story without reading both of these series in order.
***Warning***: This review may contain spoilers.
Harvester, the Sheolic Watcher of The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse has been exposed as a double agent for Heaven and her opposite number, Reaver, sets out on a suicide mission to rescue her from Satan’s clutches. Unfortunately, various forces both Angelic and Demonic are set against Harvester and Reaver being reunited and discovering the truth about their mutual pasts. Now these two unlikely allies must work together if they are to survive the coming battle between Heaven and Hell.
Ione’s research into Judeo/Christian lore is excellent as indicated by the allusions to both angels and demons with rich biblical associations, such as Lucifer and Caim or Raphael and Metatron. The ambiguous dichotomy of good and evil is another compelling element for characters and events are never simply black and white. There are demons capable of acts of goodness and self-sacrifice co-existing alongside humans (or angels) capable of performing the most heinous atrocities.
Nevertheless, one problematic issue in the series as a whole and in this book in particular is the excessive violence, which has a desensitizing effect. It is difficult to feel horror and disgust at the pain and suffering Harvester endures because her experiences are written in an off-hand manner (and she heals in no time) meaning that there is no emotional impact to the descriptions.
The plot is intriguing with numerous twists and turns to keep you guessing and the big secret (i.e.,) is not too drawn out. This is often a distracting trope as I'm always waiting for the other shoe to drop and it takes some of the enjoyment out of reading. Thankfully, Ione handles it well and the big reveal comes quite early on.
The characterization is first class as always. Reaver is a captivating hero - an angel not afraid to break the rules and defy authority, and Harvester is kick-ass, spirited and feisty but with a core of gentleness and honor that makes it easier to identify with her despite her questionable actions in the past. The love/hate relationship is sensual and steamy although it is their emotional bond that makes it truly wonderful.
We also get glimpses of characters from previous books including the Seminus brothers whose banter is as hilarious as usual, as well as Revenant & Blaspheme who are developing into an interesting couple.
All in all, Reaver lives up to expectations and I’m pleased with the direction that the series has taken.
4 Stars
Series Note: Reaver is book #5 in the Lords of Deliverance and book #10 in Demonica. It is impossible to fully appreciate Reaver and Harvester’s book story without reading both of these series in order.
***Warning***: This review may contain spoilers.
Harvester, the Sheolic Watcher of The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse has been exposed as a double agent for Heaven and her opposite number, Reaver, sets out on a suicide mission to rescue her from Satan’s clutches. Unfortunately, various forces both Angelic and Demonic are set against Harvester and Reaver being reunited and discovering the truth about their mutual pasts. Now these two unlikely allies must work together if they are to survive the coming battle between Heaven and Hell.
Ione’s research into Judeo/Christian lore is excellent as indicated by the allusions to both angels and demons with rich biblical associations, such as Lucifer and Caim or Raphael and Metatron. The ambiguous dichotomy of good and evil is another compelling element for characters and events are never simply black and white. There are demons capable of acts of goodness and self-sacrifice co-existing alongside humans (or angels) capable of performing the most heinous atrocities.
Nevertheless, one problematic issue in the series as a whole and in this book in particular is the excessive violence, which has a desensitizing effect. It is difficult to feel horror and disgust at the pain and suffering Harvester endures because her experiences are written in an off-hand manner (and she heals in no time) meaning that there is no emotional impact to the descriptions.
The plot is intriguing with numerous twists and turns to keep you guessing and the big secret (i.e.,
Spoiler
that Reaver and Yenrieth are one and the sameThe characterization is first class as always. Reaver is a captivating hero - an angel not afraid to break the rules and defy authority, and Harvester is kick-ass, spirited and feisty but with a core of gentleness and honor that makes it easier to identify with her despite her questionable actions in the past. The love/hate relationship is sensual and steamy although it is their emotional bond that makes it truly wonderful.
We also get glimpses of characters from previous books including the Seminus brothers whose banter is as hilarious as usual, as well as Revenant & Blaspheme who are developing into an interesting couple.
All in all, Reaver lives up to expectations and I’m pleased with the direction that the series has taken.
thegeekyblogger's review
5.0
Read for fun (Physical Copy)
Overall Rating: 5.00
Story Rating: 5.00
Character Rating: 5.00
First Thought when Finished: Reaver was freaking Amazing and now begins the countdown to the next book!
Story Thoughts: Holy Kick Ass trip way down under (and I am not talking Australia)! I had so much "fun" (seems wrong after all the things Reaver/Harvester/and a few others went through) going on the "Rescue Harvester even though it is possibly the worst thought out plan EVER" journey! Seriously, remind me to always hire the assassins he did but never let Reaver do the planning. The best part of the story was how Larissa took me from "loving to hate" Harvester to "loving to root" for her. That character growth through the storyline arc was most impressive. I wanted a little "smack upside the head" to Reaver from her. Hey they guy deserved it even if he wasn't the same person anymore. We all grow and change but in this case, a little bit of kick ass is sometimes needed to make the harmed feel better. I didn't say I was rooting for a knock-down drag out just a few well placed "you ass" moments :) I got that and some action, suspense, and story-arc that made me roar!
Character Thoughts: I should have never doubted that Larissa could make me love Harvester (though I did have my doubts). However, I never expected to love and root for Harvester more than Reaver. That's right people, in the end I just had one hope for them: That Reaver would continue to prove that he was worthy of Harvester. That really floored me. However, let's talk about Dr. Blaspheme: BEST.CHARACTER.EVER! I would have used her quote that ended with "toodles" for the quote jar but this is Reaver/Harvester's story.
Final Thoughts: The wait for the next one is likely to kill me *sigh*
Conversation between Wraith and Reaver:
"So," he said, "you really think having archangels string you up by your halo is worth saving this Harvester chick?"
Yes. "Even if stopping Lucifer's reincarnation isn't a good enough reason to rescue her, she still deserves it," he said. "She saved the world."
Wraith shrugged. "So did I, but I don't see you offering up your holy ass to save me."
"Are you suffering unspeakable horrors at the hands of Satan?"
"No," Wraith said, "but sometimes I have to eat hospital cafeteria food."
Overall Rating: 5.00
Story Rating: 5.00
Character Rating: 5.00
First Thought when Finished: Reaver was freaking Amazing and now begins the countdown to the next book!
Story Thoughts: Holy Kick Ass trip way down under (and I am not talking Australia)! I had so much "fun" (seems wrong after all the things Reaver/Harvester/and a few others went through) going on the "Rescue Harvester even though it is possibly the worst thought out plan EVER" journey! Seriously, remind me to always hire the assassins he did but never let Reaver do the planning. The best part of the story was how Larissa took me from "loving to hate" Harvester to "loving to root" for her. That character growth through the storyline arc was most impressive. I wanted a little "smack upside the head" to Reaver from her. Hey they guy deserved it even if he wasn't the same person anymore. We all grow and change but in this case, a little bit of kick ass is sometimes needed to make the harmed feel better. I didn't say I was rooting for a knock-down drag out just a few well placed "you ass" moments :) I got that and some action, suspense, and story-arc that made me roar!
Character Thoughts: I should have never doubted that Larissa could make me love Harvester (though I did have my doubts). However, I never expected to love and root for Harvester more than Reaver. That's right people, in the end I just had one hope for them: That Reaver would continue to prove that he was worthy of Harvester. That really floored me. However, let's talk about Dr. Blaspheme: BEST.CHARACTER.EVER! I would have used her quote that ended with "toodles" for the quote jar but this is Reaver/Harvester's story.
Final Thoughts: The wait for the next one is likely to kill me *sigh*
Quote Jar (everything above a 4.75 gets a quote):
Conversation between Wraith and Reaver:
"So," he said, "you really think having archangels string you up by your halo is worth saving this Harvester chick?"
Yes. "Even if stopping Lucifer's reincarnation isn't a good enough reason to rescue her, she still deserves it," he said. "She saved the world."
Wraith shrugged. "So did I, but I don't see you offering up your holy ass to save me."
"Are you suffering unspeakable horrors at the hands of Satan?"
"No," Wraith said, "but sometimes I have to eat hospital cafeteria food."
birdbonez's review against another edition
5.0
This is what I've been waiting for! The best book in the series by far. Both characters are worth caring about, nothing out of character happens with them. My only confusion is that no angelic presence seems to mind that an archangel is pretty terrible.
totally a great read
totally a great read
seffra's review
5.0
Loved learning more about Yenrieth and Verrine as well as their love story expanding as Reaver and Harvester! It was really endearing but along with the love story comes this whole new range of problems that I can't wait to see more of in the next ones! I can't wait for Revenant and Blaspheme's story!
jynx66's review
5.0
My Rating: 5 out of 5 *
Heat Rating: 4.5 out of 5 <3
Posted At: Riverina Romantics
Harvester and Reaver have such explosive chemistry that is scorches the pages and singes your fingers. Their love-hate relationship is so deeply rooted in who they are, it makes every moment they spend together tense, passionate, and explosive.
I honestly loved Harvester. I knew from the beginning I would, but delving into her story like this made her amazing. She was the perfect balance between who she used to be and who she was now. Her life as the Horsemen’s’ sheoulic watcher really and truly changed her. It forced her to wake up and toughen up fast. She learned a lot of things the hard way, some even brutally. But those lessons ended up serving her to their greatest potential. The events of this book open up wounds that never truly healed, left her raw and angry and alone. But most of all, confused. She had to deal with the changes she went through, things she wasn’t used to, and things she wasn’t used to thinking. She had to relearn and quickly figure out what she felt and wanted in this upheaval of her life…and what she was willing to fight for.
As much as I loved Harvester and her transformation, I loved Reaver just as much. We learn quickly that he is not all that we thought him to be. For as good as we know him to be, he is equally as dark. He struggles with figuring out all the pieces in his head and in his life. Most of it is rough and ugly, but he deals with it and makes mistakes. But he also creates a beauty out of it and a passion that is explosive. To learn that he’s not as pure as we believed really made his growth and development mean that much more. It made his feelings and actions and words that much more meaningful. He was full of love and protection and determination. He was beautiful and I really loved him.
Both of these characters grew so much in this book that they truly became something incredible. Learning their individual stories and watching them overcome all the pain and devastation in their lives really made their story so incredibly powerful. They are, without a doubt, my favorite.
These two characters and their story was nothing short of powerful. It was perfect and raw and absolutely everything I could have hoped for.
Heat Rating: 4.5 out of 5 <3
Posted At: Riverina Romantics
Harvester and Reaver have such explosive chemistry that is scorches the pages and singes your fingers. Their love-hate relationship is so deeply rooted in who they are, it makes every moment they spend together tense, passionate, and explosive.
I honestly loved Harvester. I knew from the beginning I would, but delving into her story like this made her amazing. She was the perfect balance between who she used to be and who she was now. Her life as the Horsemen’s’ sheoulic watcher really and truly changed her. It forced her to wake up and toughen up fast. She learned a lot of things the hard way, some even brutally. But those lessons ended up serving her to their greatest potential. The events of this book open up wounds that never truly healed, left her raw and angry and alone. But most of all, confused. She had to deal with the changes she went through, things she wasn’t used to, and things she wasn’t used to thinking. She had to relearn and quickly figure out what she felt and wanted in this upheaval of her life…and what she was willing to fight for.
As much as I loved Harvester and her transformation, I loved Reaver just as much. We learn quickly that he is not all that we thought him to be. For as good as we know him to be, he is equally as dark. He struggles with figuring out all the pieces in his head and in his life. Most of it is rough and ugly, but he deals with it and makes mistakes. But he also creates a beauty out of it and a passion that is explosive. To learn that he’s not as pure as we believed really made his growth and development mean that much more. It made his feelings and actions and words that much more meaningful. He was full of love and protection and determination. He was beautiful and I really loved him.
Both of these characters grew so much in this book that they truly became something incredible. Learning their individual stories and watching them overcome all the pain and devastation in their lives really made their story so incredibly powerful. They are, without a doubt, my favorite.
These two characters and their story was nothing short of powerful. It was perfect and raw and absolutely everything I could have hoped for.
duchessicefire's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
katkinney's review
4.0
This was another great book in the Demonica series. Larissa Ione is incredibly versatile in her writing and world-building. I am continually impressed by the breadth of her world and characters as she spins wild and creative tales to enjoy. In REAVER, we move from Horsemen to Angels, focusing on Reaver, a formerly fallen, now redeemed angel who is going after Harvester (a currently fallen angel) who has been condemned to hell for trying to save the world (essentially.) He knows he’ll get in big trouble with the snooty angel council for this but goes anyway. There’s this great magnetic pull between Harvester and Reaver, a love hate thing that has been going on for several books, and in this one we find out the source of their connection, and the degree to which their star-crossed lover plight extends. It’s a great backstory and I love the way they eventually come around to each other. Another great addition to the series.
ankaashp's review
5.0
Por favor ¡QUE LIBRO! ¡QUE PERSONAJES! Y ¡QUE HISTORIA!
Me encantan los libros de Larissa, es una de las mejores. Y no nos ha defraudado con la historia de Reaver. ¡Tenéis que leerlo! Vais a descubrir cosas que nunca nunca os las habríais imaginado.
Espero con ansias el libro de Revenant ♥_♥
Me encantan los libros de Larissa, es una de las mejores. Y no nos ha defraudado con la historia de Reaver. ¡Tenéis que leerlo! Vais a descubrir cosas que nunca nunca os las habríais imaginado.
Espero con ansias el libro de Revenant ♥_♥