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The Collective #1

Higher Demon

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No matter the demon, the hunter's role is clear…

A thousand years ago, my great-something uncle founded the Collective, a secret organization dedicated to protecting humanity from demons. The hunter tradition has been passed down over the generations, from parent to child, secure in the knowledge that the Collective is a community of safety and knowledge.

But betrayal sucks, and six years ago, it turned my world—and the Collective—upside down. After generations of deception, the hunters left behind are picking up the pieces and trying something we’ve never done before—working side by side with our enemy.

Demons, just to be clear. They’re apparently “misunderstood,” but the jury is still out on that. And I—a twentysomething archivist with an addiction to hoodies—somehow ended up as liaison to the demon ambassador.

If it sounds like a nightmare, that’s because it is. The demon ambassador is a stuck-up, pretentious twat... not to mention he could kill me with a thought. Worst of all, he’s getting under my skin in ways I never expected. But I’m the only hunter who doesn’t actively want to kill him, so… tag, I’m it.

I’ve already been betrayed by those I should have been able to trust the most. How hard can hanging out with a higher demon be?


The author recommends reading the Ghostly Guardian series for full background on what happened six years ago, though it's not essential.

246 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 11, 2024

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About the author

Louisa Masters

69 books1,389 followers
LOUISA MASTERS started reading romance much earlier than her mother thought she should. While other teenagers were sneaking out of the house, Louisa was sneaking romance novels in and working out how to read them without being discovered. She’s spent most of her life feeling sorry for people who don’t read, convinced that books are the solution to every problem. As an adult, she feeds her addiction in every spare second, only occasionally tearing herself away to do things like answer the phone and pay bills. She spent years trying to build a “sensible” career, working in bookstores, recruitment, resource management, administration, and as a travel agent, before finally conceding defeat and devoting herself to the world of romance novels. Louisa has a long list of places first discovered in books that she wants to visit, and every so often she overcomes her loathing of jet lag and takes a trip that charges her imagination. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, where she whines about the weather for most of the year while secretly admitting she’ll probably never move.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews
Profile Image for Reem .
287 reviews
August 28, 2024
reread before the second book comes out in a few hours. I STILL LIKE IT!!!!!

description


from the first chapter, I was squealing and giggling, it’s so funny and I love it so much and never want it to end. I feel like this is going to be my favorite book of the series, just like Ian’s brother’s book was in the original, I’m already looking forward to the many rereads. how much they kind of disliked each other at first, their personalities and bantering and Marc falling for the grubby human, them being vers and the overall plot were very enjoyable and perfect. I’m glad we finally meet Dylan and I wonder if he’s Matt’s man or if he gets his own book, I don’t mind either way and can’t wait for the next one. I am also very happy we got to see the mannix estate family again, no matter how small their part was.

thing I didn’t much like was the slang in the narrative, I don’t care if it’s in his pov and makes it relatable or whatever. I was also disappointed it wasn’t narrated by Nick J Russo, like the original series but honestly, Greg Boudreaux did a good job.
Profile Image for Dani.
1,134 reviews151 followers
April 29, 2024
I want Marc as my best friend. The end.
Profile Image for Cadiva.
3,808 reviews392 followers
March 17, 2024
Utterly brilliant.

Six years have passed since the events at the end of

Gateway Catastrophe (Ghostly Guardians, #4) by Louisa Masters

and snarky Higher Demon Marc is still on Earth and still doing his best to get back to his home demonic universe.

Unfortunately, the powers that be that he left in charge there aren't playing ball and he's stuck as Earth's Ambassador to The Collective, where he has to deal with the equally snarky Ian, younger brother of Connor, the hunter Marc tried to kill (but only in a kind of accidentally not to blow his cover way in

Vortex Conundrum (Ghostly Guardians, #2) by Louisa Masters

Now, you could read this book as a standalone, Louisa does enough to give you a grounding for this narrative on its own, but you'd be missing out on a lot of the nuance that comes from having read the Ghostly Guardians series, so I'd definitely advise you to pick that up first.

Here we get the same brilliant mix of humour, as the smart-mouthed and brattish Ian gets to verbally spar with the totally snobbish, technically human hating higher demon. Until one moment both of them realise they're getting off on the arguing more than they're getting annoyed!

I loved this frenemies to lovers romance, it really has everything I want in a contemporary set paranormal/urban fantasy book. The world building is excellent, the characters are compelling, the humour fits my own perfectly, and there's a great blend between the intimate actions of the two MCs and the action going on around them.

Of course, things aren't always as they seem and I found the plotline in this one to be really intriguing, I couldn't see a need for what had been going on at first until, suddenly, bam the sneaky, double-dealing nature of the villain of the piece, became clear.

This is book one of this spin-off and I'm dying to find out who Matty's love interest is going to be because there's zero clues given here!

#ARC kindly received from the author via GiveMeBooks. I am voluntarily leaving a review
December 13, 2024
Tropes: enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, hunter/demon, secret relationship
Feels: 3/5
Steam*: 3/5
Kinks: n/a
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: violence

3.75 Stars

Ian is 27 and he's a human with hunter powers. He's part of a family of hunters that tracks back centuries. I haven't read the other books in the series or prequel series or whatever so I don't understand really the full premise. But essentially there's some crossover with another world of demons and there was some big attempt at war and take over a while back that was thwarted, largely in part due to the demon Marc, who has been alive for millennia and is super powerful. Now Ian and Marc both are among a team that is trying to cultivate peace and cooperation between their worlds.

Marc is a stuck up unlikable a****** who gets along with no one and doesn't have a lot of interest in humans, he thinks he's above everybody. He's known Ian since he was 12, because Marc was trying to kill Ian's brother Connor at the time and Ian interrupted. That ended up being a misunderstanding / awful circumstances. But Connor and Marc hate each other something fierce. For the last 6 years Marc and Ian have been working pretty close together. When Marc realizes he's going to have to stay as an ambassador on Earth for much longer than he expected to, he decides he needs to be more friendly and build alliances and Ian agrees to help him. As they're spending more time together, they both start to like each other and be sexually attracted to each other. They start a f*** buddy relationship. But they slip into having feelings and it turns into boyfriends. But their relationship would not go over well with the people around them so they keep it secret. But there's something big going down that threatens the peace and each other so they have to deal with that as well.

I enjoyed the humor in this book. I love a lot of humor with my romance novels and there was such great banter and sarcasm and snarkiness in this. I loved the character of Marc, he was such an aloof grump who literally cared about nobody until Ian. His mannerisms and personality led to a lot of humor. I love that a whole team of people had to work on trying to make him likeable, he was universally hated. The moment people saw him they hated him. It made the connection between Ian and Marc all the more sweet when they both naturally found each other so unlikable to start. And I loved that Marc ended up affectionately calling Ian his grubby little human. Even with affection they couldn't help but insult each other. Honestly, trading insults is one of my love languages. Relatable!

I wasn't a huge fan of the first 50% of this book, it had almost no notable relationship development and no building sexual tension, it came off as very platonic and not very romance novelish. It's too bad that over the last 6 years there had been like no sexual tension between them, it felt like a wasted opportunity. But then the sexual tension snapped between them after that and all of a sudden their relationship was on the romance track and they were a lot more enjoyable to read about after that. I know they were secretly hooking up for months, but it did feel a little abrupt them switching from f*** buddies to boyfriends, I kind of wanted a few more bread crumbs where you could read the emotional depth of their growing feelings for each other before all of a sudden they were very committed in a relationship and exchanging I love yous.

The plot of the book was good, there was good world building. But I would say that this book isn't really standalone, the author needed to give us a few more details to fill in some blanks if they really wanted this to be more standalone. The humor in this book I would rate really high. But the romance of the book and relationship development I would rate a little lower.


Some notable moments:

"“So, listen,” he starts, and I hold in a sigh. I can already tell I’m not going to like this. “I’m going to do you a favor.” “Oh, really?” He smiles happily. “Yep! I’m going to let you tell a roomful of people how stupid they are.” That’s… not what I was expecting him to say. It does sound appealing, though. “Go on.”"

Omg, this scene where Marc was critiquing a manuscript was so freaking relatable. I feel like this is me when I'm reviewing books that I hated. "I pick up the pages on my lap and start to read. Your pride in this work is extremely evident, and you clearly believe you’ve made a great achievement. Here are all the reasons you’re wrong."

It was hilarious how much Connor and Marc hated each other. "Con perks up. “He was in pain? Was that what it was? Did he die?”"


*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.

**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jewel.
1,880 reviews274 followers
April 15, 2024
4.5 Stars

Ok, now that was fun. Marc, an absolute asshole of a higher demon, and Ian, a demon hunter, catch some feelings. And... there is no stupid manufactured melodrama, no martyrdom, no making decisions for other people 'for their own good'. My god, it was refreshing.

That isn't to say there weren't relationship challenges. A demon and a demon hunter? Yeah, there are enough challenges with the pairing itself that extra bullshit really didn't need to be added.

Suffice it to say that Higher Demon was a highly enjoyable read. I enjoyed the way Marc and Ian played off one another and their chemistry worked for me, too. Looking forward to book 2!
Profile Image for Kaity.
1,736 reviews25 followers
May 10, 2024
Audio: 5 stars, Greg B kills this narration!

Book: 4 stars

This can be read as a standalone.

I read most of the “Ghostly Guardians” series but found it kinda boring to be honest… so I was hesitant to pick this up. But I am glad I did! This was addictive from page one!

I loved Marc and Ian they definitely gave, Alice Winters “Demon Magic” series vibes! So if you like that then you’ll enjoy this!

I can’t wait for Matt’s book, I think I saw it was him and Dylan next!
Profile Image for Kristel (hungryandhappy).
1,604 reviews84 followers
September 11, 2024
Oh how much I loved seeing these two fall in love. It was delightful! From not really enemies but unwilling acquaintances to lover was funny, sweet and sexy. Who can resist a demon who wears suits and has a delectable butt? I sure couldn't. And who can resist a human with a questionable style with a smile that melts your soul? Marc definitely couldn't.
I already loved Ian in Mr. Romance, then we met him again during the battle of the barrier and I knew he was going to be the next to fall...in love. I really enjoyed watching how they both saw there was mutual attraction so the solution was to add benefits to their relationship. And of course no matter how you say there are no strings, in the blink of an eye you are entangled in all the strings and you are in love. It was sweet and funny with so much banter. Chemistry galore. The ending? Perfection!
440 reviews23 followers
April 12, 2024
Marc, the higher demon, was hilarious. Loved his perception of humans and banter with Ian. Their interactions were effortlessly funny. From frenemies to lovers felt organic and fit their dynamics. Power imbalance was handled really well.
I haven't read the original series and had no issues understanding what happened six years ago. The current mystery was interesting, the resolution unpredictable.
My only issue is that while I would happily read more books about the higher demons, I'm not sure if I'm that interested in the Collective. And I wish we spend more time in the Otherworld with Marc. I felt like we missed a lot by not seeing him sorting out the mess there.
Profile Image for Dan.
1,524 reviews42 followers
May 3, 2024
Part of me expected to struggle with this book because I don't love enemies to lovers and I don't love asshole characters. But Marc, once you get to know him, comes less like an asshole and more of a person whose emotional range is limited to disgust but isn't actually hateful. Ian goes through a complex reconciliation with his feelings. Marc goes through a "help, I'm feeling!" sort of moment, like the grinch does.
All of this actually makes it seem like "I got to know them and I actually like them" and not like "they're hot so I can overlook everything I dislike of them", which is a hole enemies to lovers tends to sink to. I actually liked it after all
Profile Image for Chloe (ChloeInBooksland).
901 reviews11 followers
April 27, 2024
3,25-3,5/5
I listened to the audiobook.

The book left me wanting more-more of the characters and relationship development. I also had a little problem with the pace where the beginning was kinda slow and the end was a bit rushed. Either the book needed to be longer-especially more developed towards the end-or have a much better pace.
But I still very much enjoyed it!
Profile Image for ✰  BJ's Book Blog ✰Janeane ✰.
2,924 reviews12 followers
March 25, 2024
ARC received for an honest review

I am newer to Louisa Master's stories, and I have not yet read the Ghostly Guardians series.

But that did not affect my reading of Higher Demon at all.

What a hoot did I find this book. A hunter and a demon? Oh the fun that that could occur. It is kind of like Buffy and Spike - it shouldn't happen, but man we loved it when it did!

I love the snark between Ian and Marc. Ian is bold and brattish, Marc is snobbish and looking down on humans, but also has a soft spot for them too.

And as they say.. fighting is foreplay!

And I am not sure if the villain has been in the previous series, but as a newby to The Collective, but the double dealing will have you guessing.

I really liked (most of) the side characters, and look forward to their stories.

 
 
 
 
ARC received from author for an honest review. 



Profile Image for Bookloversofantastic.
517 reviews15 followers
April 8, 2024
I just loved that book so much, I was really curious to see how the story between Ian and Marc would be brought to life - and it was just amazing. I loved their interactions, the build-up between and how they talk back and forth full of sass, it was a slow burn and damn I couldn’t wait to see them just give in, especially Marc (because of his snobbish attitude).

Six years have passed since they realised something was wrong with the Collective, Ian is now an archivist and works to correct their knowledge - when he’s asked to teach young hunters about the Otherworld, he relatives that he has the best tool for this - Marc the higher demon/ambassador who’s not really friendly but what does it cost to try. While putting his plan in motion, Ian realises that Marc should try to integrate more and make friends, and it’s easier to say than to do 😆 but from that Ian’s perspective on Marc starts to change.
Marc hates humans, he’s here only because he already has connections with the Collective, he just wishes to go home but the truce must be protected at all costs and now he’s the only one who can trusted around humans. When Ian decided to barge into his life - well let’s say that he doesn’t like it very much, until he realises the tension lingering between them, but should they act on it ?

Truly loved it, I like the first series but this one is my fav, I was just immersed in their story. Love the cameos, and Matt and OMG Connor’s reaction was priceless. Can’t wait for more.

I received an ARC Copy of this book from the author, this review is from my own thoughts 😍
Profile Image for Aricka Decker.
434 reviews16 followers
October 17, 2024
“Easily fixed. Now fuck me until the only thing I can think of is you.”

3.5 ⭐
I dont know what it is about today but I ended up reading two books that are way too short for their own good. Higher Demon is a book in a series, that has a series before it that I did not read. Which is fine, because I totally understood everything and I have 0 interest in reading the before series. Anyways this was a super short and super fun and interesting book about demons and gay men. Fun times. There isn't anything really big and dramatic in this book and half the time its about Ian and Matt having 1 brain cell between the two of them, which was kind of annoying. However Marc is the shinning star in this book because he literally is the light of my life. I love a snarky man and one who dresses well (Ian I'm sorry your sweatshirt and jeans dont make you a style icon or expert.). My only complaint, is that its too short and shit happened too fast and I wanted to be invested in this relationship and the story more because I was super into it but then it just ends and then the next book isnt about Marc and Ian that just bums me out. Like bro, I like series with the same characters over and over again, sue me. But anyways, for what it was and if Im not being a meany I suppose this is a 4 star book because it was a pretty great time. Just vibes, no thought needed and works as a stand alone, without any other books to really get into it. No emotional moments, no getting to see characters grow mentally or emotionally, just straight paranormal romance with some insignificant mysterious plot that gets solved far too easily. Recommend for Marc.
** SPOILER BELOW*









Now, I was surprised that Higher Demon is about Ian and Marc who are two side characters from Franklin U's Mr Romance, which literally had me gaging. I was like cracking up and shit. I forgot this author wrote 2 Franklin U books but like I haven't heard anyone mention Franklin U in their universe outside of Saxon James and Eden Finley
Profile Image for Molly Otto.
1,072 reviews20 followers
April 12, 2024
What can you really say? Oh my god, I love the banter between Marc & Ian it was pure snarky perfection. Their dynamic was just so much fun! And absolutely adored Marc did everything in his power to make sure Ian knew this was all his choice even if he was the one with more power in the relationship. It showed an understanding that was needed. Just ugh absolutely adored this book and can not wait to see Matt find his happiness. This family's dynamics are one you want to have and can understand how they all love each other, even while passing the other off. And we get a Connor cameo in all his surly gloriness!
Profile Image for Jacqueleen the Reading Queen♡.
1,411 reviews94 followers
November 3, 2024
"I will never give you cause to regret this, whatever happens."

I have to start off this review by saying I absolutely love Marc. Yes he is an absolute prick of a higher demon, but he's a loveable one. I swear. Especially when it comes to Ian. Both these knuckleheads were so convinced that they could do the whole no strings hook up without feelings ever getting into the mix. Boy were they wrong! Once the intimacy began, both of our clueless MCs headed straight to feelings land pretty quickly. And I adored them for it.

"Later I'll need him. I'll always need him. That terrifies me."

The whole plotline of Marc trying to make human "friends" was hilarious. The man cannot go one minute in a human's presence without insulting them. But it was also really sweet when he realized that Ian was different. That despite Ian's terrible fashion sense, Marc still wanted him. He enjoyed their banter and Ian's ability to be honest and himself. The vast majority of hunters were still super leery around Marc so it was a nice change of pace for him.

Being a higher demon also gives Marc some special gifts, one of which is pretty major in regards to his and Ian's relationship. I really loved that aspect of the story, though I did think it was odd Ian never told his brother the whole truth about it. It has me wondering if the truth will come to play in his bestie Matt's book. I'm also crossing my fingers Matt will be getting himself a higher demon of his own. I'm guessing you'll agree once you finish this book too.
Profile Image for Sus Would Rather Be Reading.
178 reviews7 followers
May 31, 2024
Marc is a suit-wearing assh*le and we love him for it. I wish I too had the confidence to tell someone that “the oxygen he breathes would be more useful for a being with higher intelligence than him—like an amoeba.” Marc is goals.

Other things happen and other characters exist in this story. Don’t ask me about the details. I don’t remember. Marc is taking up all the space.

This was hilarious and snarky and perfect. Not a single thought. All vibes. 5 stars.
Profile Image for IAASA.
399 reviews2 followers
April 13, 2024
I was looking forward to this book, but I’m slightly disappointed. It just didn’t flow well for me. Not something I can pin point, but I just didn’t get it. It finished just so suddenly, there was no risk.

Connor just pissed me off with the over protective brother thing. I don’t know, I just didn’t feel connected.
Profile Image for Lindsey Middlemiss.
310 reviews6 followers
April 15, 2024
Really enjoyable PNR

4.5⭐️ rounded up. A really enjoyable read!

When you were once the tween who scared off a higher demon about to kill your brother. And then that demon comes back to help save Earth and his own world. Which needed saving because your parents were traitors, so you kiss the Demon to make a point to your parents. And then he gets stuck as the Demon Ambassador to Earth. You’re practically the only Hunter who doesn't actively want to kill him, so you get assigned as his liaison. And now you need to help him make friends. Plus, you've realised he's really hot.

Yeah, that's Ian's life.

Ian and Marc were just brilliant. I was so glad their snarking at each other continued into their relationship. The banter is brilliant.

Although this is the start of a new series and it can be read as a first book, there isn't a lot of detail on the history of Ian (and his brother, Connor's) interactions with Marc, so reading the Ghostly Guardians series first definitely adds a bit extra. And Ian and Matt first showed up in their Franklin University years in Mr Romance, the MCs of which - Liam and Charlie - have cameos in this.

This was a FAST read. It felt a bit short, partly because I was just loving Ian and Marc's dynamic, and their dynamics with Connor, so much. I could easily have read another 100 pages without thinking it was long. Not having that and more of the back story kept it from being a 5⭐️ read for me.

But I can’t wait for book 2 and hope to see a lot more of Ian, Marc and Connor in that one.

In this, you'll find:
✨️MM Paranormal romance
✨️A millenia old Demon, now Ambassador to Earth
✨️A human Demon Hunter, now a teacher & liaison to the Demon Ambassador
✨️Plots to uncover
✨️Secret relationship
✨️Hookup to lovers
✨️Lots of snark and banter
✨️Family, both found and blood
✨️Some violence
✨️A HEA
Profile Image for Bernice Reads.
154 reviews11 followers
April 9, 2024
I Love Marc and Ian,they are both so funny,I know Marc will not like me saying he’s funny but he is.Marc beef with humans was the highlight of this book for me😭🤣.The joy it brings him to insult or see humans suffer is so funny to me.The book had every,amazing friendship and family dynamic,funny moments,hot moments,Demons,ghosts and spirits,forbidden love,What more can I ask for.

If you love Paranormal romance,then this book is definitely for you.

- [ ] Demon X Demon Hunter
- [ ] Enemies to lovers
- [ ] Secret relationship
- [ ] Forced Proximity
- [ ] Opposite Attracts
- [ ] Age Gap
- [ ] Forbidden Romance
- [ ] Grumpy X Sunshine
- [ ] I Hate Everyone But You
Profile Image for Leigh Gaskill.
684 reviews18 followers
August 19, 2024
Didn’t hit the Marc

I’ve been intrigued with Ian and Marc’s story since the end of Conduit Crisis when Marc showed up and I guessed Ian may be involved with him in some way, so I was excited to read their book.

I loved their snarkiness and banter with one another. They are really funny with each other and Marc has this dry humor that goes over most people’s heads or isn’t meant to be funny but is.

Unfortunately I wasn’t sold on the romance. It didn’t progress organically for me, and once it started (which was so hot btw) the next chapter was 2 months later I think. I really don’t like to be ‘told’ what’s going on, I like to be ‘shown’ what’s going on. So in this case, it fell flat for me.

Also, I was really fed up about the 800th time someone accused Marc of mind controlling Ian or Con flew off the handle about something. It was kinda funny in the last series but super annoying in this book.
Profile Image for Lisa.
3,206 reviews127 followers
June 2, 2024
I liked the 2 MCs together but I am not sure what I was expecting from this series. I think I probably wanted some humor ( does that sound strange- yes, ok I guess it does).
The threat was quickly dealt with and I will read the next book in the series.
Profile Image for LauraSt.
1,507 reviews47 followers
May 28, 2024
a little disappointed in the romance

Nice story. I must warn you, heat level is at 2/10 -not what I was expecting from a demon honestly-
Apart from that, WAY too much background info from other series for such a short book. We got more information than actual romance so that was a big miss for me.
Had potential but it fell flat honestly.
Marc and Ian were actually super cute together, which is why it’s so sad we didn’t get more of them.
2,503 reviews3 followers
April 13, 2024
a good start to a new series

Rating: 4.25🌈

Higher Demon begins a new a sequel series to the fantastic Ghostly Guardians, called The Collective. That’s the ancient hidden agency started to protect humanity from demons, including the hunters who tracked and killed them.

The book and series begins after the tumultuous and violent events of the previous Ghostly Guardians finale, where corruption was uncovered in the Collective and a plot to bring both the earth and the demonic realm into the same plane , which culminated in a vicious battle.

All those characters now migrate into this new series, either as main characters or as supporting but equally important players. So having the knowledge of their stories and the background is a necessity here.

The Higher Demon of the title is, of course, Marc, the higher demon we met books ago. What a fascinating character he’s been from the beginning.

Marc started as an enigma, moves into semi-villainous status, and then keeps evolving as more about him and his role is revealed. His demonic nature, however, is pleasingly unique and Marc’s. Ancient, arrogant, definitely not human, Masters’ is able to both show an evolution in his thinking and capacity to change while keeping his essence intact. I adore Marc.

Then there’s the brothers we have meet many times before, mostly when they were both younger and with their older brother, Con. There is Matty, who will be featured in book 2, and Ian, who is the main character here. Ian is a great character too. Snarky, hilarious, tempered by his years as a hunter and now teacher.

Ian has always had main character energy from the time he was 12 and used flowers to protect his older brother from Marc, a story that has it’s origins in the first series and gets retold here, multiple times . Now 6 years later, Ian is older and the strange wonderful dynamic that pulls him and Marc together gets stronger.

The relationship that builds between them is built on snark, history, appreciation of each other’s intelligence and respect, however unacknowledged.

Masters has created additional threats to the tenuous peace treaty that requires investigation from both sides, a romance between Ian and Marc that has huge implications for both species as well as both characters, and for Ian’s relationship with his family.

Masters is packing a lot of elements into this first book, so for me it feels as though some aspects weren’t as developed as they could have been. The investigation is one. It ends on a “as told by “ explanation after an intriguing start.

Another element is the character of Con, Ian’s older brother. This character has had 6 years to adapt and mature as an individual. Here, he comes perilously close to being a bully and hothead, he’s riding the line that could make him a negative narrative force rather than a positive one. It’s understandable in that ancient ghost of a relative. Him? Not so much.

Higher Demon (The Collective Book 1) by Louisa Masters is a good read. I love the main characters of Marc and Ian, and look forward to seeing them as well as Matty’s story.

I thought that there were a few things that needed more attention to detail, more development in the narrative. Also, anyone coming to this story needs to read the first series for the characters and foundation knowledge it brings here. While the author does some explaining on the backstory, it’s far too complicated with regard to the characters and plots not to read the series itself.

Both are recommended! Happy reading.

Ghostly Guardians:
- [x] Spirited Situation #1
- [x] Vortex Conundrum #2
- [x] Conduit Crisis #3
- [x] Gateway Catastrophe #4 -finale

The Collective, sequel series:
- [x] Higher Demon #1
- [ ] Demon Hunter #2-Aug 29,2024
Profile Image for Kate Reads.
674 reviews29 followers
April 16, 2024
Humorous, Demonic Romeo & Juliet with a Happy Ending and an HEA

A couple of years ago, a character named Connor told a story about a (then unnamed) demon who nearly killed him and his younger brother. We readers learned that one of the most terrifying entities in the “Ghostly Guardians” universe let two humans live because twelve-year-old Ian attacked the demon with flowers and insults. I wanted to know more. I didn’t want that one tiny story to be the end of Ian and the demon’s interactions.

At first, I assumed I’d have to just get over it, but in “Conduit Conundrum,” that unnamed demon returned in a big way. My passing interest turned into something deeper. Then Marc and Ian had a lightning strike moment in “Gateway Catastrophe.” I lost any calm I still had.

If someone said that I’ve been looking forward to “Higher Demon” for a while, it would be a whopper of an understatement. I was desperate for Marc and Ian’s story. I’m so glad I finally got to read it and listen to it! The story is so much fun, I’ve already read it twice. First, I read it the ebook, and then I listened to the audiobook. The incredibly talented Greg Boudreaux narrates the audiobook version, and it is outstanding.

Part of what made this book so much fun to read was because of how Marc and Ian love to get under each other's skin. They love to rib each other and insult each other and snipe. Marc is condescending and snobby. In some ways, Marc shouldn’t be likeable, and yet I love him. Ian is purposefully irritating and often conniving, but in ways that make me laugh and I love him too.

Even though they spend half their time making snarky comments to or at each other, it’s clear that they have a grudging respect and appreciation for each other. Those feelings start to grow and evolve right under their noses. At first, neither of them realizes that all that sniping is flirting until lightning strikes again.

While this book is the first in the new series, it picks up about six years after “Gateway Catastrophe.” It heavily references the characters and plot of the “Ghostly Guardians” series and the FU universe book, “Mr. Romance.” Masters did write it in such a way that readers can start with it. I don’t think it would be as fun to start with this book, but then I have been vibrating with excitement over this pair for more than a year. Readers should probably take my suggestion to start at the beginning of “Ghostly Guardians” with a grain of salt!

It’s not a super-steamy read. There are a couple of good smut moments, but this book focused more on the banter and the plot points than lengthy intimate scenes. It’s also not as angsty as it could have been. There is some angst, but Masters spotlights humor far more than angst. Both the angst and steam levels are just high enough to make for a satisfying book.

Long story short, the book lived up to the hype I had built up for it in my head, and it was so much fun to read.
Profile Image for Raven and Chris.
2,795 reviews24 followers
March 24, 2024
I was already a fan of Louisa Masters’s Ghostly Guardians series so I was excited to hear about this book. This starts several years after the events in the last book. Marc may be the demon ambassador with the humans but he doesn’t have to actually like them. One in particular enjoys getting under his skin. Ian figures if he has to be the one to work with the demon, he may as well enjoy himself. But someone is working to upend the fragile peace building between the humans and the demons and has spies within the ranks. It is up to Ian and Marc to figure out who it is. This is a highly enjoyable read and definitely worth picking up. Please make sure you have read the Ghostly Guardians series first though or you won’t know who some of these characters are.
Profile Image for LateciaJ.
2,111 reviews9 followers
April 22, 2024
**Audiobook Review**

I absolutely enjoyed this and was so excited for this spinoff of the Ghostly Guardians. Ian and Marc...I didn't see it coming...Seem like a very lost cause but the attraction was there...just a very very very slow burn that went explosive towards the end. A very satisfying ending tho and I can't wait til the next book in the series comes out. As always, the narrator did a wonderful job...he kept it so entertaining...I LOVED IT!
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