Take a photo of a barcode or cover
This one is so unnecessarily slow. Everything is repeated again and again and again.
Every two pages there are recaps from 3 pages before.
I feel like this book is meant for people suffering from dementia.
The basic template is bdb but there are even more MINEs going around as well as a lot of unnecessary melodrama.
In essence, just take all the old pnr tropes and multiply them by 3.
Sadly more doesn't equal better.
Oh, and true love trumps everything. Yea, it gets THAT cringy.
I believe the same plot and characters, just written less poorly with a few adjustments to the end could have easily been a high 3 star. Instead, it's a low 2 stars. Pitty.
Every two pages there are recaps from 3 pages before.
I feel like this book is meant for people suffering from dementia.
The basic template is bdb but there are even more MINEs going around as well as a lot of unnecessary melodrama.
In essence, just take all the old pnr tropes and multiply them by 3.
Sadly more doesn't equal better.
Oh, and true love trumps everything. Yea, it gets THAT cringy.
I believe the same plot and characters, just written less poorly with a few adjustments to the end could have easily been a high 3 star. Instead, it's a low 2 stars. Pitty.
This is scraping 2 stars ONLY because I like the bare bones of the premise. I love Greek mythology and I liked the imaginative elements of that.
I had to skip large parts of this though because despite some decent writing, the Insta-EVERYTHING made me want to pull my eyes out. I literally gagged every time Maddox said ‘mine’ and his demon went all Bunny Boiler. Sorry but no. Demons that crave the mindless death and suffering of others…don’t roll like that. He literally can’t even be around other people and his brothers walk on eggshells around him??? I actually only kept reading because the demons that Reyes and Lucien have to live with interested me.
It’s 2023, can we stop with the Mary Sue/TSTL/Fiesty Virgin tropes? It’s actually a disgrace to see a woman write other women like this even if it is fiction. WHO ARE YOU TRYING TO IMPRESS??? If a god/demon/man who has literally been alive for centuries is fascinated by virginity, THAT IS FUCKING WEIRD AND PERVY. And no one wants to read that, thank you. I was praying for Ashlyn to fall from that balcony and snap her neck. And then I wanted her to die from the plague. I just wanted her to die full stop. Her nipples are so active?? I’m confused? Do human bodies work like that? Mine certainly doesn’t. I’m not sure Maddox’s body should work like that either - even as a demon thing?
The ending was terrible. Torin’s plague being the thing that took out the Hunters and that veryyyyyy cringy demi-goddess?? Deus ex machina much??? What was the point of bringing in Sabin’s group? What was the point of having the Hunters even take Ashlyn? AND WHY FOR THE LOVE OF GOD ARE THEY IN LOVE AFTER 2 DAYS???
This book made me so angry and I really want to know more about Reyes but I’m scared I’ll have to drag myself through more insta-shit to do so. Stressful read but God I’m tempted to read on by Lucien and Reyes.
I had to skip large parts of this though because despite some decent writing, the Insta-EVERYTHING made me want to pull my eyes out. I literally gagged every time Maddox said ‘mine’ and his demon went all Bunny Boiler. Sorry but no. Demons that crave the mindless death and suffering of others…don’t roll like that. He literally can’t even be around other people and his brothers walk on eggshells around him??? I actually only kept reading because the demons that Reyes and Lucien have to live with interested me.
It’s 2023, can we stop with the Mary Sue/TSTL/Fiesty Virgin tropes? It’s actually a disgrace to see a woman write other women like this even if it is fiction. WHO ARE YOU TRYING TO IMPRESS??? If a god/demon/man who has literally been alive for centuries is fascinated by virginity, THAT IS FUCKING WEIRD AND PERVY. And no one wants to read that, thank you. I was praying for Ashlyn to fall from that balcony and snap her neck. And then I wanted her to die from the plague. I just wanted her to die full stop. Her nipples are so active?? I’m confused? Do human bodies work like that? Mine certainly doesn’t. I’m not sure Maddox’s body should work like that either - even as a demon thing?
The ending was terrible. Torin’s plague being the thing that took out the Hunters and that veryyyyyy cringy demi-goddess?? Deus ex machina much??? What was the point of bringing in Sabin’s group? What was the point of having the Hunters even take Ashlyn? AND WHY FOR THE LOVE OF GOD ARE THEY IN LOVE AFTER 2 DAYS???
This book made me so angry and I really want to know more about Reyes but I’m scared I’ll have to drag myself through more insta-shit to do so. Stressful read but God I’m tempted to read on by Lucien and Reyes.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was okay.
It was a little shaky, but for the first book in a series, it wasn't bad. I am curious to see how Greek mythology will be woven in through the rest of the books. I'm also curious about the various demons that are infecting the Lords and how things are going to work with that. I did wish we'd spent a little more time on the past and how Maddox and the others came to be cursed. Yeah, we are told that it's because they were pissed that Pandora was chosen to guard the box, so they tried to one up her and FUBAR'd everything, but I feel like there's a lot more to that story than basically jealousy.
Overall, Maddox was pretty great although I wished there'd been a little more time for his character development/exploration. Yes, this is PNR and everything but still...he went from "she's Bait so I won't do anything" to "she might be Bait but I'll get everything I can out of her/have some sex while I'm at it" to "I can't live without her" at almost lightspeed. Granted, you did get to see the progression but it was still super fast. I didn't like the fact that everyone decided that Maddox was just bewitched and Ashlyn was Bait so they'd use her as such and then got ticked off that he objected. I mean, I kind of get it but also, it was stupid (and yes technically Ashlyn was Bait but it was not by choice).
Ashlyn was okay but similar to Maddox, I wished there'd been more time on her character development. She flip-flopped too much between timid/wary and Sassy McSassypants and even the sassy wasn't all that present up until the end and just didn't feel like it fit, IMO. I did like that she pushed a little with Maddox when he tried to tell her what to do. I was surprised she didn't put the Institute together with what Maddox had told her sooner though. Granted, McIntosh flat out told her they'd basically gone out of their way to make sure she didn't realize what they were doing but every time Maddox said something that had her going "I wonder...", then she'd remind herself that McIntosh read fairytales to her so couldn't possibly be doing anything wrong. But when she finally got smacked between the eyes with it, she was all in on "how dare you" indignation. Not that it wasn't deserved but I guess I was hoping there'd have been a bit more of a gradual "wait".
Aeron's order is curious and I definitely want to know why they want Danika/her family taken out. And why they ordered Aeron to do it. The relationship between Danika/Reyes is going to be interesting when that finally explodes.
It was a little shaky, but for the first book in a series, it wasn't bad. I am curious to see how Greek mythology will be woven in through the rest of the books. I'm also curious about the various demons that are infecting the Lords and how things are going to work with that. I did wish we'd spent a little more time on the past and how Maddox and the others came to be cursed. Yeah, we are told that it's because they were pissed that Pandora was chosen to guard the box, so they tried to one up her and FUBAR'd everything, but I feel like there's a lot more to that story than basically jealousy.
Overall, Maddox was pretty great although I wished there'd been a little more time for his character development/exploration. Yes, this is PNR and everything but still...he went from "she's Bait so I won't do anything" to "she might be Bait but I'll get everything I can out of her/have some sex while I'm at it" to "I can't live without her" at almost lightspeed. Granted, you did get to see the progression but it was still super fast. I didn't like the fact that everyone decided that Maddox was just bewitched and Ashlyn was Bait so they'd use her as such and then got ticked off that he objected. I mean, I kind of get it but also, it was stupid (and yes technically Ashlyn was Bait but it was not by choice).
Ashlyn was okay but similar to Maddox, I wished there'd been more time on her character development. She flip-flopped too much between timid/wary and Sassy McSassypants and even the sassy wasn't all that present up until the end and just didn't feel like it fit, IMO. I did like that she pushed a little with Maddox when he tried to tell her what to do. I was surprised she didn't put the Institute together with what Maddox had told her sooner though. Granted, McIntosh flat out told her they'd basically gone out of their way to make sure she didn't realize what they were doing but every time Maddox said something that had her going "I wonder...", then she'd remind herself that McIntosh read fairytales to her so couldn't possibly be doing anything wrong. But when she finally got smacked between the eyes with it, she was all in on "how dare you" indignation. Not that it wasn't deserved but I guess I was hoping there'd have been a bit more of a gradual "wait".
Aeron's order is curious and I definitely want to know why they want Danika/her family taken out. And why they ordered Aeron to do it. The relationship between Danika/Reyes is going to be interesting when that finally explodes.
3.5 stars. I find it hard to believe that a fierce warrior with the demon of Violence can go all lovey-dovey when he meets 'his woman'.
Review to come.
Review to come.
I don't understand what was putting me off on reading these books. They are so awesome. I am going to have to buy the rest of them, because I can't get enough of Kitty.
I really enjoyed this story. It took its time introducing us to the characters and making the world interesting while still providing a great story.
I found that I had several characters I liked and am already looking forward to reading their stories.
I found that I had several characters I liked and am already looking forward to reading their stories.
Also known as Eternal Rider, The Darkest Night is the first in the Lords of the Underworld dark, dark, dark mythic fantasy series about guards for the Greek gods whose pride was hurt when the gods chose Pandora to guard a box of demons.
My Take
Well, this makes the third of Showalter's novels, which I've read. And, so far, she's been fairly consistent. I've not been impressed.
In this story, Showalter depicts the Lords as haunted men in a bad situation. Showalter's emphasis on the punishments wreaked on the men are absolutely brutal — I don't know how Showalter managed to think these atrocities up!
Yes, they are trying to make the best of it and, obviously, the start of this series is intended as the start of the men finding peace with their soulmates. I do like that the Lords do what they can to make life easier for the people in Budapest and that their depredations amongst the populace are limited to those who are wicked.
Seems there were quite a few more demons in Pandora's box than in any of the myths I've read . . . guess they had some good PR back in the day . . .
The Story
As their punishment for releasing the demons from the dimOuniak, the gods have cursed the prideful warriors to an eternity of housing the demons they released with a few extras thrown in just for laughs . . . the gods' laughs that is and "so the Lords of the Underworld were born".
Today, Ashlyn Darrow is in Budapest with the World Institute of Parapsychology to listen to conversations with/about demons. And in the streets of Budapest, Ashlyn has heard contradictory stories about the inhabitants of the castle . . . mostly that they are angels known for their not-so-secret donations to help the citizens of the city.
She fully intends to reach the castle and its occupants to ask for help in blocking the voices she cannot escape or, even better, destroying her ability.
Unfortunately for Ashlyn, she doesn't know that to enter the castle means death for humans. Fortunately for Ashlyn, it is her very humanity that will save her.
The Characters
Ashlyn Darrow is psychic. She hears every conversation that has ever occurred in the world in the history of mankind. She was given up by her overwhelmed parents when she was extremely young to the World Institute of Parapsychology.
Each Lord is half man-half demon; neither can exist alone and each fights their other half. For thousands of years, they have fought their demons and each other. For hundreds of years, they have resided in a castle outside Budapest, each has his chores to contribute to their domestic and mental survival.
A falling-out some thousands of years ago broke them initial group of warriors into two. Those in the beginning of this story are in Budapest.
Maddox / Violence dies every night at midnight at Reyes' hands after which Lucien takes him to Hell where he spends every night burning alive. He is responsible for repairs to the castle.
Torin / Disease has not been able to touch another living thing skin to skin. His responsibility is the juggling of stocks and bonds to keep them moneyed.
Lucien / Death's chore is the collection of souls and taking care of all the paperwork.
Reyes / Pain is doomed to kill Maddox every night at midnight. Six precise strokes through Maddox' stomach, exactly as Maddox's demon had forced him to kill Pandora. His personal crisis is cutting himself to relieve his Pain demon. His task is to keep them supplied with weapons . . . for they did have enemies. And they could be killed.
Aeron / Wrath's demon sometimes got away with him and rained vengeance down upon anyone he perceived as sinners.
Paris / Promiscuity must be seduce a new woman every time never revisiting an old lover; if he cannot find a new lover, he is reduced to "doing things . . . that left [him] . . . hunched over a toilet". His task is to do the grocery shopping.
Hunters are humans who have been tracking and attempting to kill the Lords of the Underworld since the warriors first were cursed. Unable to control their demons, the Lords wreaked havoc upon the world and the Hunters were formed to save it.
We know the dimOuniak as Pandora's box
The Title
The title, The Darkest Night, refers to Maddox's ordeal of dying each night at midnight and suffering through the fires of Hell before returning to life during the day.
My Take
Well, this makes the third of Showalter's novels, which I've read. And, so far, she's been fairly consistent. I've not been impressed.
In this story, Showalter depicts the Lords as haunted men in a bad situation. Showalter's emphasis on the punishments wreaked on the men are absolutely brutal — I don't know how Showalter managed to think these atrocities up!
Yes, they are trying to make the best of it and, obviously, the start of this series is intended as the start of the men finding peace with their soulmates. I do like that the Lords do what they can to make life easier for the people in Budapest and that their depredations amongst the populace are limited to those who are wicked.
Seems there were quite a few more demons in Pandora's box than in any of the myths I've read . . . guess they had some good PR back in the day . . .
The Story
As their punishment for releasing the demons from the dimOuniak, the gods have cursed the prideful warriors to an eternity of housing the demons they released with a few extras thrown in just for laughs . . . the gods' laughs that is and "so the Lords of the Underworld were born".
Today, Ashlyn Darrow is in Budapest with the World Institute of Parapsychology to listen to conversations with/about demons. And in the streets of Budapest, Ashlyn has heard contradictory stories about the inhabitants of the castle . . . mostly that they are angels known for their not-so-secret donations to help the citizens of the city.
She fully intends to reach the castle and its occupants to ask for help in blocking the voices she cannot escape or, even better, destroying her ability.
Unfortunately for Ashlyn, she doesn't know that to enter the castle means death for humans. Fortunately for Ashlyn, it is her very humanity that will save her.
The Characters
Ashlyn Darrow is psychic. She hears every conversation that has ever occurred in the world in the history of mankind. She was given up by her overwhelmed parents when she was extremely young to the World Institute of Parapsychology.
Each Lord is half man-half demon; neither can exist alone and each fights their other half. For thousands of years, they have fought their demons and each other. For hundreds of years, they have resided in a castle outside Budapest, each has his chores to contribute to their domestic and mental survival.
A falling-out some thousands of years ago broke them initial group of warriors into two. Those in the beginning of this story are in Budapest.
Maddox / Violence dies every night at midnight at Reyes' hands after which Lucien takes him to Hell where he spends every night burning alive. He is responsible for repairs to the castle.
Torin / Disease has not been able to touch another living thing skin to skin. His responsibility is the juggling of stocks and bonds to keep them moneyed.
Lucien / Death's chore is the collection of souls and taking care of all the paperwork.
Reyes / Pain is doomed to kill Maddox every night at midnight. Six precise strokes through Maddox' stomach, exactly as Maddox's demon had forced him to kill Pandora. His personal crisis is cutting himself to relieve his Pain demon. His task is to keep them supplied with weapons . . . for they did have enemies. And they could be killed.
Aeron / Wrath's demon sometimes got away with him and rained vengeance down upon anyone he perceived as sinners.
Paris / Promiscuity must be seduce a new woman every time never revisiting an old lover; if he cannot find a new lover, he is reduced to "doing things . . . that left [him] . . . hunched over a toilet". His task is to do the grocery shopping.
Hunters are humans who have been tracking and attempting to kill the Lords of the Underworld since the warriors first were cursed. Unable to control their demons, the Lords wreaked havoc upon the world and the Hunters were formed to save it.
We know the dimOuniak as Pandora's box
The Title
The title, The Darkest Night, refers to Maddox's ordeal of dying each night at midnight and suffering through the fires of Hell before returning to life during the day.
It feels like a watered down version of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. I did not get drawn into the story as I did with BDB. The characters did not make me want more
This was good, it took me awhile to get into the Lords and their demons, but I want to hear more about them now!
This is definitely an interesting take on Greek mythology. Complex with plenty of action. Quite excited to read Lucien's story in the next book.