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3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
I like this book but the insta love made it a little hard for me to give this book 4 stars.
I just started this series and I love it so far! The paranormal genre isn't really new to me but the romance genre is so I'm still getting used to it. It's hard not to find some of the over-the-top dialogue a little cheesy but I guess that comes with the territory that is a romance novel. Also new to me is the change in focus of the characters with each new book. I like to keep reading about characters I've come to really enjoy so I'm used to the same main characters throughout a series. But with these types of series, I've noticed you have a previously supporting character move into the role of main character and it changes with each new book. I couldn't really get into that change in the Psy/Changeling series by Nalini Singh but I find I don't mind it so much in this series. In fact, I'm on the 3rd book right now and find the story just as interesting as the previous books and I'm not getting bored with the series either.
Anyway, on to this book. This book sets the tone for the series. We are introduced to a set of immortal warriors who were once protectors of the Greek Gods only to find themselves cursed after opening pandora's box, releasing demons into the world. With the box missing and the demons wreaking havoc on earth, the God's punish the warriors by making each one of them house a demon in their bodies, therefore entwining demon and man. Being kicked out of the heavens and forced to live on earth with no control over their demons, the warriors cause disease, violence, death and distruction with the humans. After hundreds of years they manage to control their demons to an extent and live a fairly peaceful existence. This book focuses on Maddox (Violence). He is, for obvious reasons, a violent man who not only is cursed with the demon known as Violence, but also an additional curse caused by an act he committed when he had no control over his demon. He tries to keep everyone at a safe distance since his demon can erupt at the drop of a hat and can become uncontrollable causing harm to those around him. That is until he meets Ashlyn Darrow. Ashlyn is a young woman who has her own curse, so to speak, and seeks out the rumored group of men with extrordinary powers that live in a castle in Budapest. She hopes in finding them, they can help her learn to control her own special ability. Maddox and Ashlyn compliment each other in that Ashlyn provides Maddox with a sense of calm between both man and demon, making them feel as one instead of man and demon at constant odds with each other. Maddox gives Ashlyn the peace she's been so desperate for her entire life. Of course, there's that desperate, I'll die if I don't have you love and lots of passionate sex. I guess I found some of their sex a bit awkward and pushy lol. Maybe that's the way of romance novels but it just seemed weird to me. Once you get to the first sex encounter, you'll see what I mean. I guess it's a bit more straightforward for my taste. And although I loved Ashlyn and thought she was really sweet, she seemed a bit easy. Especially for as innocent and inexperienced as she was supposed to be. And it seemed all Maddox thought about was sex, sex and more sex with Ashlyn. There was no getting to know you or even the usual I hate you but I'm drawn to you scenario. It was literally love (or lust) at first sight. I still really liked them as a couple so the rest was easy to ignore.
The whole concept of this series is really interesting to me and not something I've read before. The series plays off Greek mythology. Besides Maddox and Ashlyn's story, you also have the overthrow of the Greeks by the Titans (who have apparently ruled for thousands of years), an order to the warrior Aeron (Wrath) to murder a group of innocent people by the new management, and his fellow warrior's reluctance to follow said orders. They spend their time trying to find a way out for their friend since fulfilling such an order would completely destroy any good left in him. We are also introduced to the hunters, which are a group of fanatics who make it their sole mission to rid the world of evil. That means our group of smokin' hot warriors since their bodies allow the evil to still exist. I can't wait to find out the other character's stories and find out exactly what the Titans are up to. So if you're looking for a series with super hot guys, steamy sex and a very interesting storyline, look no further! I seriously recommend.
Anyway, on to this book. This book sets the tone for the series. We are introduced to a set of immortal warriors who were once protectors of the Greek Gods only to find themselves cursed after opening pandora's box, releasing demons into the world. With the box missing and the demons wreaking havoc on earth, the God's punish the warriors by making each one of them house a demon in their bodies, therefore entwining demon and man. Being kicked out of the heavens and forced to live on earth with no control over their demons, the warriors cause disease, violence, death and distruction with the humans. After hundreds of years they manage to control their demons to an extent and live a fairly peaceful existence. This book focuses on Maddox (Violence). He is, for obvious reasons, a violent man who not only is cursed with the demon known as Violence, but also an additional curse caused by an act he committed when he had no control over his demon. He tries to keep everyone at a safe distance since his demon can erupt at the drop of a hat and can become uncontrollable causing harm to those around him. That is until he meets Ashlyn Darrow. Ashlyn is a young woman who has her own curse, so to speak, and seeks out the rumored group of men with extrordinary powers that live in a castle in Budapest. She hopes in finding them, they can help her learn to control her own special ability. Maddox and Ashlyn compliment each other in that Ashlyn provides Maddox with a sense of calm between both man and demon, making them feel as one instead of man and demon at constant odds with each other. Maddox gives Ashlyn the peace she's been so desperate for her entire life. Of course, there's that desperate, I'll die if I don't have you love and lots of passionate sex. I guess I found some of their sex a bit awkward and pushy lol. Maybe that's the way of romance novels but it just seemed weird to me. Once you get to the first sex encounter, you'll see what I mean. I guess it's a bit more straightforward for my taste. And although I loved Ashlyn and thought she was really sweet, she seemed a bit easy. Especially for as innocent and inexperienced as she was supposed to be. And it seemed all Maddox thought about was sex, sex and more sex with Ashlyn. There was no getting to know you or even the usual I hate you but I'm drawn to you scenario. It was literally love (or lust) at first sight. I still really liked them as a couple so the rest was easy to ignore.
The whole concept of this series is really interesting to me and not something I've read before. The series plays off Greek mythology. Besides Maddox and Ashlyn's story, you also have the overthrow of the Greeks by the Titans (who have apparently ruled for thousands of years), an order to the warrior Aeron (Wrath) to murder a group of innocent people by the new management, and his fellow warrior's reluctance to follow said orders. They spend their time trying to find a way out for their friend since fulfilling such an order would completely destroy any good left in him. We are also introduced to the hunters, which are a group of fanatics who make it their sole mission to rid the world of evil. That means our group of smokin' hot warriors since their bodies allow the evil to still exist. I can't wait to find out the other character's stories and find out exactly what the Titans are up to. So if you're looking for a series with super hot guys, steamy sex and a very interesting storyline, look no further! I seriously recommend.
This series has an interesting premise, however, I didn't really think the rest of the story quite lived up to it. The beginning was solid and the ending dramatic, but everything really dragged along in the middle. I also found it difficult to keep track of all of the "lords", perhaps because of their unusual names. Trying to remember who was who kept pulling me out of the story. (I listened to the audio version--if I had had the physical book in my hands, I would have spent a lot of time paging back going, "Now which one was he again?" As it was, I just kept going and hoped the text itself would refresh my memory. Sometimes it did...) I will probably give the next book in the series a chance--I'm not going to abandon the series yet--but later. There are definitely other fantasy series I've enjoyed more.
This is book one of the Lords of the Underworld series. I had trouble getting into this book. The characters were fine and the plot sounded interesting, but I realized around page 200 felt like I was still waiting for the story to begin and wondering how much of this world worked.
My main problems are:
The story moved very slow in the first half of the book, nothing really happens besides the building of Ashlyn and Maddox’s relationship or bond.
Who is the bad guy? It took until page 220 for us to even meet them, and not talking about the hunters which are little more than cannon fodder. The real bad guys don’t come out until the very end of the book and then are taken out with no fanfare at all, very anticlimactic.
The chemistry between this band of brothers felt off for much of the first half of the book. That could be just that this is a first in series and sometimes it takes a bit to work those relationships out.
At times it felt like the author was trying to weave humor into the story, but it didn’t work. These are serious men, very serious and plagued with nasty demons some of the lighter elements she tried just didn’t work for me.
That being said I did enjoy the ending. The last 100 pages were my favorite of the book, still felt like I was waiting for it to end, but the story picked up and started moving at a better pace. I liked the two leads and think they are a good pairing, she stand up to him and he is able to find peace through her. I really liked Maddox once he started getting a better hold on his demon, but some of the other men in the house (…castle?) I think might be more interesting. I enjoyed the fun character that was introduced to Ashlyn at the very end and look forward to learning more about her. Yep, I continuing on. I own book three and can get book two from the library so I will give the series three shots on hooking me. I hope it does, I enjoy a good series and this one has a lot of titles to keep me going for a while…if I can get into it. Several of my friends have given it high ratings, so maybe I am just missing something. This author has written many books and this is my first one, perhaps some of her other titles would appeal to me more.
Thought of one other thing that bothered me after posting. We never do get an explanation as to why Ashlyn is hearing voices from the past. Is she part some mythical being, creature or something else?
My main problems are:
The story moved very slow in the first half of the book, nothing really happens besides the building of Ashlyn and Maddox’s relationship or bond.
Who is the bad guy? It took until page 220 for us to even meet them, and not talking about the hunters which are little more than cannon fodder. The real bad guys don’t come out until the very end of the book and then are taken out with no fanfare at all, very anticlimactic.
The chemistry between this band of brothers felt off for much of the first half of the book. That could be just that this is a first in series and sometimes it takes a bit to work those relationships out.
At times it felt like the author was trying to weave humor into the story, but it didn’t work. These are serious men, very serious and plagued with nasty demons some of the lighter elements she tried just didn’t work for me.
That being said I did enjoy the ending. The last 100 pages were my favorite of the book, still felt like I was waiting for it to end, but the story picked up and started moving at a better pace. I liked the two leads and think they are a good pairing, she stand up to him and he is able to find peace through her. I really liked Maddox once he started getting a better hold on his demon, but some of the other men in the house (…castle?) I think might be more interesting. I enjoyed the fun character that was introduced to Ashlyn at the very end and look forward to learning more about her. Yep, I continuing on. I own book three and can get book two from the library so I will give the series three shots on hooking me. I hope it does, I enjoy a good series and this one has a lot of titles to keep me going for a while…if I can get into it. Several of my friends have given it high ratings, so maybe I am just missing something. This author has written many books and this is my first one, perhaps some of her other titles would appeal to me more.
Thought of one other thing that bothered me after posting. We never do get an explanation as to why Ashlyn is hearing voices from the past. Is she part some mythical being, creature or something else?
It was an OK read, but couldn't really captivate me.
I already noted that Gena's storytelling is very variable in quality to me. I also didn't like most of her Alien Huntress Books.
The first 2 Books of the LOTU are much better, but not as good as the Atlantis Books.
I didn't like the 1st Otherworld Assassin book but LOVED the second one.
I started the LOTU-Series with the second book and rated it with 3 stars. But now I have to say it was much better than the 1st book and will change my rating to 4 stars.
So I hope the series will get better with each book.
I already noted that Gena's storytelling is very variable in quality to me. I also didn't like most of her Alien Huntress Books.
The first 2 Books of the LOTU are much better, but not as good as the Atlantis Books.
I didn't like the 1st Otherworld Assassin book but LOVED the second one.
I started the LOTU-Series with the second book and rated it with 3 stars. But now I have to say it was much better than the 1st book and will change my rating to 4 stars.
So I hope the series will get better with each book.
personagens são rasos, estereotipados. As maldições não são explicadas ou fazem sentido nem no próprio mundo deles. O enredo é previsível e maçante, mas não é inteiramente chato. Se o que você quer é ler um romance água com açúcar com aparência de um enredo é uma boa.
This one surprise me. I wasn't expecting to be as invested as I was with the story. Another solid PNR.
I started reading this book because my best friend told me how great this series was. So I decided to get my hands on the first book and start reading it. And she wasn’t lying, it’s a great book and I loved the story and the Lords. They all have their own story and I want to know all of them.
The story just sucks you in, you want to know what’s going to happen, who they are going to meet and which role everyone will play in the story. So I just couldn’t stop reading and I found myself locked up in this book a lot!
Great book and I can’t wait until I recieve the rest of the series from the mailman!
The story just sucks you in, you want to know what’s going to happen, who they are going to meet and which role everyone will play in the story. So I just couldn’t stop reading and I found myself locked up in this book a lot!
Great book and I can’t wait until I recieve the rest of the series from the mailman!
This is crack. Has to be. How else could I devour a book with so many tropes I don't like? First, a quick synopsis:
When Pandora's box was opened a whole bunch of demons (Wrath, Violence, Pain, Malice, Promiscuity, and more) were unleashed. Each took up residence in an immortal guard of the gods, cursing them for eternity. Promiscuity has to bed a different woman every day, Wrath kill those who have done egregious wrongs, and so on. Our hero Maddox holds the demon of Violence.
In semi-Sookie Stackhouse style, Ashlyn hears voices. But instead of tuning in to people's thoughts she can hear every conversation that took place in a particular spot, ever, with the mental equivalent of a babel fish. A government agency found out about her gift and uses her ability to their advantage, sending her on intelligence gathering missions all over the world. This time she's in Budapest, where the locals whisper about Angels that live up on a hill. She makes the trek hoping they'll make the voices stop, but when she meets Violence all hell breaks loose.
And now the tropes:
- Instalove. As soon as our pair meets his demon backs off the carnage and the voices in her head disappear. This is the basis for a true, deep, instant love. *~gag~*
- Mythology. I've never had much luck with paranormals that draw from gods and goddesses and feuds and things, mostly because I have no interest or memory for them.
- Girl as bait. Granted, it was the "maybe she'd make good bait," not "please use me as bait!" TSTL variety, but still.
- Ending via deus ex machina. They seem to pop up in every Greek Mythology romance. "I know, I'll rip their hearts out... then reverse the whole thing with the help of a god! All better!" -_-
The tropes aside the book was a quick, fun read. Showalter's writing is solid, though her lack of subjects in heated moments got on my nerves. ("Can't." "Hurt..." "Won't." An actual exchange.) Like the Black Dagger Brotherhood books, the idea of damaged men finding women who love them is appealing. Unlike Black Dagger Brotherhood, these guys have their demons right on the surface. Reyes, keeper of Pain, cuts himself constantly. Promiscuity has to bed a different woman every night. Disease cannot touch anyone or a horrific plague will be unleashed. I'm not sure if I like this direct approach or BDB's more subtle handling of damaged souls, but both are interesting.
The main conflict feels a little disjointed but it still drew me through the story. Solid but not amazing sex scenes round out the book.
If you're looking for a quick, sexy, paranormal read The Darkest Night could be just the thing. Just watch out for the crack.
When Pandora's box was opened a whole bunch of demons (Wrath, Violence, Pain, Malice, Promiscuity, and more) were unleashed. Each took up residence in an immortal guard of the gods, cursing them for eternity. Promiscuity has to bed a different woman every day, Wrath kill those who have done egregious wrongs, and so on. Our hero Maddox holds the demon of Violence.
In semi-Sookie Stackhouse style, Ashlyn hears voices. But instead of tuning in to people's thoughts she can hear every conversation that took place in a particular spot, ever, with the mental equivalent of a babel fish. A government agency found out about her gift and uses her ability to their advantage, sending her on intelligence gathering missions all over the world. This time she's in Budapest, where the locals whisper about Angels that live up on a hill. She makes the trek hoping they'll make the voices stop, but when she meets Violence all hell breaks loose.
And now the tropes:
- Instalove. As soon as our pair meets his demon backs off the carnage and the voices in her head disappear. This is the basis for a true, deep, instant love. *~gag~*
- Mythology. I've never had much luck with paranormals that draw from gods and goddesses and feuds and things, mostly because I have no interest or memory for them.
- Girl as bait. Granted, it was the "maybe she'd make good bait," not "please use me as bait!" TSTL variety, but still.
- Ending via deus ex machina. They seem to pop up in every Greek Mythology romance. "I know, I'll rip their hearts out... then reverse the whole thing with the help of a god! All better!" -_-
The tropes aside the book was a quick, fun read. Showalter's writing is solid, though her lack of subjects in heated moments got on my nerves. ("Can't." "Hurt..." "Won't." An actual exchange.) Like the Black Dagger Brotherhood books, the idea of damaged men finding women who love them is appealing. Unlike Black Dagger Brotherhood, these guys have their demons right on the surface. Reyes, keeper of Pain, cuts himself constantly. Promiscuity has to bed a different woman every night. Disease cannot touch anyone or a horrific plague will be unleashed. I'm not sure if I like this direct approach or BDB's more subtle handling of damaged souls, but both are interesting.
The main conflict feels a little disjointed but it still drew me through the story. Solid but not amazing sex scenes round out the book.
If you're looking for a quick, sexy, paranormal read The Darkest Night could be just the thing. Just watch out for the crack.
Great start to a PNR Series!! I'm super excited to see Paris' and Cameo's books xD