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dragon_lion64's review against another edition
3.0
Human meets vampure
This was different from what I'm used to with Gena Showalter stories but that is probably because this is a collaborative effort with other writers.
I'll have to read the next book to see how the series goes.
This was different from what I'm used to with Gena Showalter stories but that is probably because this is a collaborative effort with other writers.
I'll have to read the next book to see how the series goes.
foreverbeautifulbooks's review against another edition
5.0
I received a copy of this for early review from netgalley.com
Oh, Gena.
I have to say, that even though I loved Gena from the very first book I read of her. I do believe she has gotten even better. I think her brain has gone deep into a whole new world with this one. It is like a sexy, more understandable version of Lord of the Rings. It has magic galore and I actually understood it all.
At first I wasn’t sure how I was going to take our little heroine Jane. She almost seemed like this boring little meek mess. I should have known that Gena doesn’t know how to write unlikable heroines. Jane is one of those women you least expect, and then they throw you for a loop and you are giggling along with their wit. You are rooting for her to win at every turn. Jane was someone that could be anyone, with a recent past that is the stuff of human nightmares. The hero in the book is a powerful, dominant, and flat out roar worthy alpha male. I just love when men say MINE! I’m such a slut for a man that is that possessive of a woman, while still being respectful of their independence and their own strength. Jane wasn’t above fighting and she wasn’t above screaming when she knew that she was out of her league in trouble. For the most part Jane had a brain, she had logical reason even when it came to the man that she loved; a drop dead gorgeous vampire.
The story was for me a flawless effort on Showalters part. It was so different than anything she had ever written, yet it followed her general formula. However, it was a lot more complicated. I am so used to her Lords of the Underworld, and this was so fresh, so raw, and brand new. I seem to love everything that Showalter writes, so it is kind of unfair of me to write a review properly. I can only judge her on the fact that no matter what Gena is thrown, she always satisfies the senses, give us a great battle for love till the bitter end.
Great start to a series that I will for sure be continuing. If you love Gena Showalter, this is for sure a must read in her vastly growing collection of greatness!
Oh, Gena.
I have to say, that even though I loved Gena from the very first book I read of her. I do believe she has gotten even better. I think her brain has gone deep into a whole new world with this one. It is like a sexy, more understandable version of Lord of the Rings. It has magic galore and I actually understood it all.
At first I wasn’t sure how I was going to take our little heroine Jane. She almost seemed like this boring little meek mess. I should have known that Gena doesn’t know how to write unlikable heroines. Jane is one of those women you least expect, and then they throw you for a loop and you are giggling along with their wit. You are rooting for her to win at every turn. Jane was someone that could be anyone, with a recent past that is the stuff of human nightmares. The hero in the book is a powerful, dominant, and flat out roar worthy alpha male. I just love when men say MINE! I’m such a slut for a man that is that possessive of a woman, while still being respectful of their independence and their own strength. Jane wasn’t above fighting and she wasn’t above screaming when she knew that she was out of her league in trouble. For the most part Jane had a brain, she had logical reason even when it came to the man that she loved; a drop dead gorgeous vampire.
The story was for me a flawless effort on Showalters part. It was so different than anything she had ever written, yet it followed her general formula. However, it was a lot more complicated. I am so used to her Lords of the Underworld, and this was so fresh, so raw, and brand new. I seem to love everything that Showalter writes, so it is kind of unfair of me to write a review properly. I can only judge her on the fact that no matter what Gena is thrown, she always satisfies the senses, give us a great battle for love till the bitter end.
Great start to a series that I will for sure be continuing. If you love Gena Showalter, this is for sure a must read in her vastly growing collection of greatness!
hoping4more's review against another edition
5.0
My first Gena Showalter book, and now I see what all the fuss is about. I loved her writing style and character development. The plot was seamless and kept me riveted. This is the first book in a multi-author series that is fast becoming a new favourite of mine.
One of my favourite things about Lord of the Vampires was Jane. Finally a strong smart female lead! It was a breath of fresh air to not once have to ask "how can't she see this?" There was the element of self-doubt when it came to Jane and Nicolai's future, but they were believable and not overdone.
Nicolai was a fantastic hero in this one. He was strong and powerful, but bound by his captors. Like waiting for a bomb to explode you could feel the anticipation of what he would be able to do once he was released. He killed without qualms and the possessive drive to protect was perfect for the alpha male.
The villains of the story were painted perfectly so that you wanted them to be destroyed. The "Queen of Hearts" and her daughters are revolting and powerful, giving a worthy opponent to the powerful duo that Jane and Nicolai have the potential to become.
I loved the references to Alice and Wonderland, and the undertones of fairy tale that were laced through the framework of the story. I can't wait to start Lord of Rage and see Jill Monroe's continuation from Breena's side of the story.
One of my favourite things about Lord of the Vampires was Jane. Finally a strong smart female lead! It was a breath of fresh air to not once have to ask "how can't she see this?" There was the element of self-doubt when it came to Jane and Nicolai's future, but they were believable and not overdone.
Nicolai was a fantastic hero in this one. He was strong and powerful, but bound by his captors. Like waiting for a bomb to explode you could feel the anticipation of what he would be able to do once he was released. He killed without qualms and the possessive drive to protect was perfect for the alpha male.
The villains of the story were painted perfectly so that you wanted them to be destroyed. The "Queen of Hearts" and her daughters are revolting and powerful, giving a worthy opponent to the powerful duo that Jane and Nicolai have the potential to become.
I loved the references to Alice and Wonderland, and the undertones of fairy tale that were laced through the framework of the story. I can't wait to start Lord of Rage and see Jill Monroe's continuation from Breena's side of the story.
bibliostorian's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
This was a fast read, but didn't have much to it. I did like Nikolai. But the villains were all cartoonish and the stakes were at times nonsensical. There's sexual slavery and manipulation throughout from the main AND minor villains. Overall it was... fine? I did finish it, so there's something.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Sexual violence
Moderate: Slavery
raven168's review against another edition
3.0
I've actually had this series for a few years now and read this book way back when I got them. But as I just finished reading the last three, I kept wanting to go back and read about the hot crown prince vampire that is Nikolai. So I did.
3.5 stars
Nikolai has always been quite the lady's man. He was seducing a new woman every night and when that got boring would bring two or three to his bed. He never wanted to settle down with just one person. Until he was to meet Jane. The night the castle is attacked he was with a woman one minute and the next he had landed in a slave market where he was captured by a disgusting princess of Delfina.
Jane has a very quiet, lonely life. After a car accident took away all of her family and she pushed away her boyfriend, she went thru months of brutal rehab and surgeries just to be able to walk again. She doesn't have to work because she's got more than enough money so she moves to a cabin in the middle of nowhere. She's had dreams of a vampire and one day when she returns from her jog she finds a book on her doorstep and it makes her think of him. Falling asleep with it in her arms she's transported to a different world where she appears with the facade of a horrible princess. One that Nikolai had actually just killed. Stripped of his memories with his powers sealed, he only knows he has to get back to Elden and kill the king there. But his powers are coming back to him as he's the one who summoned Jane to his world and cast her in a glamor of the dead princess. Waking up in an unknown place, Jane is thoroughly confused but is determined to figure out what's going on. When she first goes to him in his cell, Nikolai is overwhelmed with his need to have her but still only sees her as a means to his freedom. Jane deals with the role she must play in order to survive and Nikolai does what he can to protect her after something in him snaps at witnessing an act against her that he is powerless to prevent. But it doesn't always go well for him. As his memories break thru he can't always control where he goes or even remain standing because of the pain. Despite that, Nikolai truly is a fearsome man and slays anyone who dares harm Jane (it really is totally hot). Which is good because they not only have to deal with the guards from the castle and the other evil princess, but they get attacked by ogres as well. He knows he must reclaim his home but chooses Jane above all else. But that's fine because together they defeat their immediate enemy and go off to get Nikolai his crown and kingdom back.
I loved most of the book. But things at the end I just didn't. Like how she got back to him. And what happened to her. I'm also not sure how I feel about what her job was. It kind of made sense to add it, but it seemed to be just so out of place and ...off. I don't know.
3.5 stars
Nikolai has always been quite the lady's man. He was seducing a new woman every night and when that got boring would bring two or three to his bed. He never wanted to settle down with just one person. Until he was to meet Jane. The night the castle is attacked he was with a woman one minute and the next he had landed in a slave market where he was captured by a disgusting princess of Delfina.
Jane has a very quiet, lonely life. After a car accident took away all of her family and she pushed away her boyfriend, she went thru months of brutal rehab and surgeries just to be able to walk again. She doesn't have to work because she's got more than enough money so she moves to a cabin in the middle of nowhere. She's had dreams of a vampire and one day when she returns from her jog she finds a book on her doorstep and it makes her think of him. Falling asleep with it in her arms she's transported to a different world where she appears with the facade of a horrible princess. One that Nikolai had actually just killed. Stripped of his memories with his powers sealed, he only knows he has to get back to Elden and kill the king there. But his powers are coming back to him as he's the one who summoned Jane to his world and cast her in a glamor of the dead princess. Waking up in an unknown place, Jane is thoroughly confused but is determined to figure out what's going on. When she first goes to him in his cell, Nikolai is overwhelmed with his need to have her but still only sees her as a means to his freedom. Jane deals with the role she must play in order to survive and Nikolai does what he can to protect her after something in him snaps at witnessing an act against her that he is powerless to prevent. But it doesn't always go well for him. As his memories break thru he can't always control where he goes or even remain standing because of the pain. Despite that, Nikolai truly is a fearsome man and slays anyone who dares harm Jane (it really is totally hot). Which is good because they not only have to deal with the guards from the castle and the other evil princess, but they get attacked by ogres as well. He knows he must reclaim his home but chooses Jane above all else. But that's fine because together they defeat their immediate enemy and go off to get Nikolai his crown and kingdom back.
I loved most of the book. But things at the end I just didn't. Like how she got back to him.
Spoiler
Scrounging up necessary materials to literally transport her to his realm when it's never worked before except with plastic....really?Spoiler
Normally I am all about being transformed into a vampire. I mean, how freakin' cool would that be!? But for some reason, and I really can't say why, it REALLY bugged me here.renpuspita's review against another edition
4.0
e-ARC provided by netgalley.com
Edited rating : 3,5 stars
The first book of Royal House of Shadows series. The story about the crown prince of Elden, Nicolai, who turned to sex slave and need this woman, Jane Parker, to save him.
Nicolai, once a crown prince of Elden, the magical Kingdom. Knowing as Dark Seducer, he seduced many women as he want, never bother to search his queen. But when Blood Sorcerer took over his kingdom, the king and the queen was killed but before their last breath, they send their child out of kingdom. To vengeance, say the king, and to the safety, said the queen who love her children.
Next time when he awake, Nicolai discovered he had become a sex slave. Stripped from his memory and his magic, helpless to resist his captor, the princess of Deflina, the ageless kingdom, to use his body as they please. Soon, he use his magic that left a little, to summon a mortal woman, to save him.
After the accident, Jane Parker's life change drastically. But little she know, when she found a strange book in front of her house, that book will change her life forever. Jane then summoned to Deflina. As Odette, their princess,who assumed dead. Jane then realized she "appeared" as Odette, while the real Odette already dead, and her appearance is one of Nicolai's work. In order to save his kingdom, first Jane must rescue Nicolai from Deflina, then retrieve his memory and his magic. The journey so hard, difficult, many obstacles in front of them, while Nicolai and Jane attrach to each other. Together they must face their enemy and try to make their relationship work.
I'm a proud Gena Showalter fans! I read almost all of her books (maybe just her YA books that I don't read it yet) and when I know Gena Showalter write for Harlequin Nocturne, together with another 3 author, I'm so excited and more excited when NetGalley have this title. Glad they approve my request.
I want to give this 3 stars, despite this book written by my author goddess, Gena Showalter, seems like it's not write by her, but its change after a few chapter, I can recognize her writing style, so that's why I give one star more.
The story good, the plot good, some twist, some action, steamy, but not fans of the character, even I like Jane Parker , the heroine, a bit nearly the end of story. Nicolai, not so much. One more I hear he said "mine", I'll kick his ass. I don't mind an alpha hero, but too alpha, is not good. Some things that bothered me.. where's the humor? I expect to see Gena humor sense here, but just found a few. This book too serious for me, but I still enjoy this. There so many things the author want to tell us. It's a little bit overwhelming, and some part make me confused
If you are Gena Showalter hardcore fans, you don't want to miss this.
Do I want to buy the paperback edition even I already read the ARC version? Well, yes!
Looking forward to read another Nikolai's sibling, Dayn, Breena and Micah in the next installment of this series. Next is Breena's story in Lord of The Rage by Jill Monroe
Edited rating : 3,5 stars
The first book of Royal House of Shadows series. The story about the crown prince of Elden, Nicolai, who turned to sex slave and need this woman, Jane Parker, to save him.
Nicolai, once a crown prince of Elden, the magical Kingdom. Knowing as Dark Seducer, he seduced many women as he want, never bother to search his queen. But when Blood Sorcerer took over his kingdom, the king and the queen was killed but before their last breath, they send their child out of kingdom. To vengeance, say the king, and to the safety, said the queen who love her children.
Next time when he awake, Nicolai discovered he had become a sex slave. Stripped from his memory and his magic, helpless to resist his captor, the princess of Deflina, the ageless kingdom, to use his body as they please. Soon, he use his magic that left a little, to summon a mortal woman, to save him.
After the accident, Jane Parker's life change drastically. But little she know, when she found a strange book in front of her house, that book will change her life forever. Jane then summoned to Deflina. As Odette, their princess,who assumed dead. Jane then realized she "appeared" as Odette, while the real Odette already dead, and her appearance is one of Nicolai's work. In order to save his kingdom, first Jane must rescue Nicolai from Deflina, then retrieve his memory and his magic. The journey so hard, difficult, many obstacles in front of them, while Nicolai and Jane attrach to each other. Together they must face their enemy and try to make their relationship work.
I'm a proud Gena Showalter fans! I read almost all of her books (maybe just her YA books that I don't read it yet) and when I know Gena Showalter write for Harlequin Nocturne, together with another 3 author, I'm so excited and more excited when NetGalley have this title. Glad they approve my request.
I want to give this 3 stars, despite this book written by my author goddess, Gena Showalter, seems like it's not write by her, but its change after a few chapter, I can recognize her writing style, so that's why I give one star more.
The story good, the plot good, some twist, some action, steamy, but not fans of the character, even I like Jane Parker , the heroine, a bit nearly the end of story. Nicolai, not so much. One more I hear he said "mine", I'll kick his ass. I don't mind an alpha hero, but too alpha, is not good. Some things that bothered me.. where's the humor? I expect to see Gena humor sense here, but just found a few. This book too serious for me, but I still enjoy this. There so many things the author want to tell us. It's a little bit overwhelming, and some part make me confused
If you are Gena Showalter hardcore fans, you don't want to miss this.
Do I want to buy the paperback edition even I already read the ARC version? Well, yes!
Looking forward to read another Nikolai's sibling, Dayn, Breena and Micah in the next installment of this series. Next is Breena's story in Lord of The Rage by Jill Monroe
b303tilly's review against another edition
2.0
I really like the back story, and will read the rest of the series because of it. However, the romance was too... I don't know. Short on content and on depth of feeling?