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renpuspita's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
It's so good to be back to the Demonica world again!!
One word that come to mind when I read Larissa Ione's introduction in the early pages is "nostalgia". I had read and follow Demonica series for more than 10 years. I will always thanks my friend that sadly I never communicate again with her, for recommend Pleasure Unbound for me. Who knows that in the years that follows, Demonica become one of my favorite series? I lost count when re-read Pleasure Unbound and Revenant back then. While I'm devastated in the end of Sin Undone, I'm glad Larissa expand the Demonica world, adding Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and the Grim Reaper, but somehow can manage to make the OGs Seminus brothers (Eidolon, Shade & Wraith) still relevant.
Maybe Larissa write Legacy of Temptation as a first book of the Demonica Birthright series, but I definitely think that this book can't be read as a standalone. I know that Demonica series itself have 22 books (!) and it's kinda a chore to read all the books, but with the ever-growing and complex world building I can't really blame Larissa, lol! Legacy of Temptation happen 30 years after the event of Reaper, and since I read Reaper like 4 years ago, ofc I don't remember some of the events, lol. Although, I'm already familiar with Logan, and also Logan's parents, Thanatos and Regan. The first part kinda make me confused to see who and who, since the child of the OGs characters are now already grown-up and become a person in their own right BUT, the parents still meddling. From what I gather, the book introduce Sabre (Eidolon & Tayla's son); Mace (Lore & Idess's son, but his biological father is Wraith), the triplet Stryke, Blade and Rade also Crux (Shade and Runa's sons), Talon (Wraith's son), Aleka and Scotland (Ares & Cara's daughters), Laelani (Limos & Arik's daughter), Amber (Thanatos & Regan's daughter, also Regan is pregnant with the third child) and then Raika (Azagoth & Liliana's daughter). Fyuh, I think I got them all covered, right, hahaha. For Reseph & Jillian, they don't have child and I don't really remember why.
While Logan is already in his 33-ish, I still feel that he's young and that an understatement because many Demonica characters that I read is basically hundred to thousand years even though their partner is young (and then, bam, turn to immortal or part demon or angel or something). Basically, the story have a huge ensemble of cast so it can be overwhelming to read at first. But, the story also fast paced, full of high octane action and like usual Larissa didn't hesitant to kill some characters, therefore make things more complicated. The main problem is because of Azagoth's action to destroy Sheoul-gra, a very bad succubus named Lilith, known as the mother of the Four Horsemen (so, that's make her as Logan's grandma and the scene when she seduce him is EWWW) escaped and now plan her revenges. Also, The Aegis is on their propaganda again that all demon are BAD, BAD and WORST. As if there's not enough, problem also brewing in Heaven, make Reaver and Harvester's hands tied. Larissa really mean it that some of the character's actions from the past books will come with consequences.
I think Logan and Eva's relationship is okay. Remind me with some of the past characters's relationship, although the enemy to lovers trope can be polished more. I know that Eva is not Tayla despite their hatred of the demon in the first place, but I like the fact Larissa make her different with portrayed Eva as a journalist and also virtual game aficionado. Logan is...Logan, I think. Just your usual Larissa's alpha hero, lol. For me Logan didn't really make a distinguished characteristic, although I love his banter with Eva, his tight relationship with the Seminus's children and his reactions when knowing the fact behind his birth that I admit, I FORGOT. It's been so MANY YEARS after I read Lethal Rider, guys!! The steamy parts are of course still hawt. It's Larissa's signature after all, although while I appreciate the shower sex, I don't really recommend the sex on the beach scene. Imagine the sands that will go everywhere, phew!
The next book, Legacy of Chaos, will tell the story of Stryke, the estranged brother from Runa's triplet and Cyan, one of DART agency. Stryke is brooding and saddled with difficult past and Cyan still grieving her friend's death because of Stryke's company (long story, must read this book) so I predict the book will FULL of ANGST. Some of the big problems is not finish yet, but I see that Larissa already set the ground with some of pairing. I'm pretty much curious with some of the pairing (Sabre & Aleka; Talon & Amber), so I hope I won't waiting that long, since Chaos will be released in Dec 2024. If you like Legacy of Temptation but didn't have a chance to read from the start of the Demonica series, I suggest to read Pleasure Unbound. It's have so many element of old skool paranormal romances element, but I'm glad that back then I give it a chance so I can meet with so many wonderful characters from the Demonica world!
PS: Also boy, the epilogue. Revenant will be very PISSED OFF, and I can't wait to read how he will wreaking havoc. Must be very entertaining *smirk*
One word that come to mind when I read Larissa Ione's introduction in the early pages is "nostalgia". I had read and follow Demonica series for more than 10 years. I will always thanks my friend that sadly I never communicate again with her, for recommend Pleasure Unbound for me. Who knows that in the years that follows, Demonica become one of my favorite series? I lost count when re-read Pleasure Unbound and Revenant back then. While I'm devastated in the end of Sin Undone, I'm glad Larissa expand the Demonica world, adding Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and the Grim Reaper, but somehow can manage to make the OGs Seminus brothers (Eidolon, Shade & Wraith) still relevant.
Maybe Larissa write Legacy of Temptation as a first book of the Demonica Birthright series, but I definitely think that this book can't be read as a standalone. I know that Demonica series itself have 22 books (!) and it's kinda a chore to read all the books, but with the ever-growing and complex world building I can't really blame Larissa, lol! Legacy of Temptation happen 30 years after the event of Reaper, and since I read Reaper like 4 years ago, ofc I don't remember some of the events, lol. Although, I'm already familiar with Logan, and also Logan's parents, Thanatos and Regan. The first part kinda make me confused to see who and who, since the child of the OGs characters are now already grown-up and become a person in their own right BUT, the parents still meddling. From what I gather, the book introduce Sabre (Eidolon & Tayla's son); Mace (Lore & Idess's son, but his biological father is Wraith), the triplet Stryke, Blade and Rade also Crux (Shade and Runa's sons), Talon (Wraith's son), Aleka and Scotland (Ares & Cara's daughters), Laelani (Limos & Arik's daughter), Amber (Thanatos & Regan's daughter, also Regan is pregnant with the third child) and then Raika (Azagoth & Liliana's daughter). Fyuh, I think I got them all covered, right, hahaha. For Reseph & Jillian, they don't have child and I don't really remember why.
While Logan is already in his 33-ish, I still feel that he's young and that an understatement because many Demonica characters that I read is basically hundred to thousand years even though their partner is young (and then, bam, turn to immortal or part demon or angel or something). Basically, the story have a huge ensemble of cast so it can be overwhelming to read at first. But, the story also fast paced, full of high octane action and like usual Larissa didn't hesitant to kill some characters, therefore make things more complicated. The main problem is because of Azagoth's action to destroy Sheoul-gra, a very bad succubus named Lilith, known as the mother of the Four Horsemen (so, that's make her as Logan's grandma and the scene when she seduce him is EWWW) escaped and now plan her revenges. Also, The Aegis is on their propaganda again that all demon are BAD, BAD and WORST. As if there's not enough, problem also brewing in Heaven, make Reaver and Harvester's hands tied. Larissa really mean it that some of the character's actions from the past books will come with consequences.
I think Logan and Eva's relationship is okay. Remind me with some of the past characters's relationship, although the enemy to lovers trope can be polished more. I know that Eva is not Tayla despite their hatred of the demon in the first place, but I like the fact Larissa make her different with portrayed Eva as a journalist and also virtual game aficionado. Logan is...Logan, I think. Just your usual Larissa's alpha hero, lol. For me Logan didn't really make a distinguished characteristic, although I love his banter with Eva, his tight relationship with the Seminus's children and his reactions when knowing the fact behind his birth that I admit, I FORGOT. It's been so MANY YEARS after I read Lethal Rider, guys!! The steamy parts are of course still hawt. It's Larissa's signature after all, although while I appreciate the shower sex, I don't really recommend the sex on the beach scene. Imagine the sands that will go everywhere, phew!
The next book, Legacy of Chaos, will tell the story of Stryke, the estranged brother from Runa's triplet and Cyan, one of DART agency. Stryke is brooding and saddled with difficult past and Cyan still grieving her friend's death because of Stryke's company (long story, must read this book) so I predict the book will FULL of ANGST. Some of the big problems is not finish yet, but I see that Larissa already set the ground with some of pairing. I'm pretty much curious with some of the pairing (Sabre & Aleka; Talon & Amber), so I hope I won't waiting that long, since Chaos will be released in Dec 2024. If you like Legacy of Temptation but didn't have a chance to read from the start of the Demonica series, I suggest to read Pleasure Unbound. It's have so many element of old skool paranormal romances element, but I'm glad that back then I give it a chance so I can meet with so many wonderful characters from the Demonica world!
PS: Also boy, the epilogue. Revenant will be very PISSED OFF, and I can't wait to read how he will wreaking havoc. Must be very entertaining *smirk*
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Torture, Gun violence, Death, Violence, Blood, and Sexual content
Moderate: Medical content and Pregnancy
Minor: Grief, Miscarriage, Child death, and Vomit
redhairedashreads's review against another edition
4.5
4.5 stars
It’s been 30 years since the events in Reaper and the world has changed, the world now knows about demons, and the kids are all grown up. Logan, son of the Horseman of the Apocalypse known as Death, has dedicated his life to fighting demons alongside his colleagues at DART. He hates The Aegis, whose leadership attempted to kill him at birth, and who continue to cause problems for DART. When he is tasked with protecting an Aegis Guardian who is responsible for his friend's death, he would rather feed her to Cujo but instead as he finds himself falling for her as they find themselves battling a bigger evil.
I was so excited when I saw the announcement that Ione was going to be doing a spin-off series of the Demonica series that would be with the children because this was one of the first paranormal worlds that I fell in love with when I was about 20 and I have been keeping up with it since then. This felt like coming home to a favorite world, but not, because everything is different now and so it was also all new and exciting, and also a bit sad at times.
My favorite thing about this book was seeing all the previous couples again, even if some of them were hurting, grieving or struggling in some way. Ione does point out in the beginning of this book that happily ever after doesn’t mean happily easy after and the consequence of these couples actions have rippled out, impacting their futures and their children’s futures, which we are starting to see or hearing about in this series. There are references to some very heartbreaking losses that have affected everyone, so while this book is kicking off some of the major consequences, some things have already happened that are referenced.
Logan, who was the first child born of the Horsemen, has taken after his father and aunt and doesn’t shy away from danger and conflict. Logan was a skilled fighter and a protective man who tried to save everyone he could, even Aegis Guardians. Eve was a strong, capable woman who has worked her way up in the Aegis PR department and is known for her anti-demon journalism. While these two had great chemistry and worked well together, their relationship started out with a lot of tension because they were two rival organizations with different ideologies. This did get a bit frustrating at times, but made their enemies to lovers story more accurate as they had to work through their issues and learn the truth about each side of their organizations and the past.
“I’d rather be with you in hell than without you in paradise.”
The plot of this book was action packed, full of plot-twists and unexpected revelations that I never expected. Ione really isn’t holding back with this series or on the consequence the actions of the past had. No one feels safe anymore and there are a couple of close calls for some main characters in this world. I am very anxious to read the next book to find out what is going to happen next with Heaven, Lilith, Stryker, and the rivalry between DART and the Aegis.
TW: death of family and friends; death; violence; miscarriage; one Harry Potter reference;
*ARC provided by Blue Box Press in exchange for an honest review.*
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Miscarriage, and Violence
cressida's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Before I begin, I want to say that I got an eARC from Netgalley for this book and I appreciate being entrusted with that responsibility.
This book is the beginning of a spinoff series where we follow the previous series' children. I did not know this when I requested the novel, and I have not read that series. I am very happy to report that you can enter the world through this novel, and while things are referenced from past stories you will not be lost.
This novel specifically follows Eva, a human working for Aegis -a supernatural hunting company that is very antidemon - and Logan, the son of Regan and one of our four Housemen. Within the first few chapters I worried that this book was not going to be what I had hoped, but I kept coming back to it and choosing it over the other novels I am reading. Very. Bingeable. I enjoyed a lot of the side characters and can see a book in the future with some of these as main characters and would pick those up too. It was fast paced, had a lot of action and some spice and kept me turning pages.
Which brings me to why this rating isn't higher: the plotline (this will be spoiler free) involving heaven did not make as much sense to me as I hoped, and is the only part of the novel that makes me think perhaps I needed to read the other series prior to this. Mostly this subplot felt unnecessary right up until the end. The near ending was not as satisfying to me as I had hoped, as it felt like a deus ex machina in order to force the HEA. It was still a good read despite this, but it does prevent me from rating it higher.
This book is the beginning of a spinoff series where we follow the previous series' children. I did not know this when I requested the novel, and I have not read that series. I am very happy to report that you can enter the world through this novel, and while things are referenced from past stories you will not be lost.
This novel specifically follows Eva, a human working for Aegis -a supernatural hunting company that is very antidemon - and Logan, the son of Regan and one of our four Housemen. Within the first few chapters I worried that this book was not going to be what I had hoped, but I kept coming back to it and choosing it over the other novels I am reading. Very. Bingeable. I enjoyed a lot of the side characters and can see a book in the future with some of these as main characters and would pick those up too. It was fast paced, had a lot of action and some spice and kept me turning pages.
Which brings me to why this rating isn't higher: the plotline (this will be spoiler free) involving heaven did not make as much sense to me as I hoped, and is the only part of the novel that makes me think perhaps I needed to read the other series prior to this. Mostly this subplot felt unnecessary right up until the end. The near ending was not as satisfying to me as I had hoped, as it felt like a deus ex machina in order to force the HEA. It was still a good read despite this, but it does prevent me from rating it higher.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Violence
Minor: Child death and Vomit
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