The story starts in ancient Greece: Thanos, warrior of Stageira, enrages Ligia, a soothsayer and sorceress. Ligia is a gorgon and in her rage she turnThe story starts in ancient Greece: Thanos, warrior of Stageira, enrages Ligia, a soothsayer and sorceress. Ligia is a gorgon and in her rage she turns Thanos into stone.
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Somehow Thanos remains alive inside the statue. He observes everything around him, but he is not able to move, and though he can speak, nobody hears him.
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After a hundred lonely years, a little boy finally is able to hear him and talk to him. This boy is Eryx, (view spoiler)[son of Ligia (hide spoiler)], and he vows to free Thanos from the curse, from the stone. They have become friends, later develop romantic feelings for each other. Eryx grows into a spectacular young man and a powerful sorcerer. Still, no matter how many times and how many different ways he tries, his spells don’t work.
And so it went for centuries, for over a thousand years. Eryx came, he tried to free me, he failed. We spoke of alchemy and black magic, of new gods and new crimes. He brought me modern inventions to marvel at, things he found in distant lands or objects that he himself had created. When he told me the world was actually round, I laughed and called him senile. When he proved it to me with an astrolabe, delighting in the science that he had always craved, the smug look on his face made me laugh all over again.
But Eryx never gives up. He is almost too late, but thousands of years later he finally finds the solution.
The story is narrated by Thanos, in first person. His voice is very enticing and amusing. I loved his positive attitude and humor, and Eryx’s perseverance was admirable.
Frieze Frame is such an extraordinary and wonderfully surprising story: it spans over millennia, one of the main characters is a stone statue most of the time, almost nothing happens, but the story remains consistent and exciting. Sadly, it ends abruptly - I’d love to read more about Thanos and Eryx, and their life together.
Night Embrace has a perfect and smoothly-built storyline. It is not only a pretty frame sto
“So there’s hope?” “Honey, there’s always hope.”
Night Embrace has a perfect and smoothly-built storyline. It is not only a pretty frame story for the romance, but a vibrant, thrilling action line with powerful and serious antagonists, a grandiose conspiracy, mystery, surprising twists, and important and significant secondary characters.
Talon’s backstory is unique, well-developed, and heartbreaking. It is filled with love, revenge, fate, sorrow, intrigue, and myth mixing with history. It's only a plus that he is stunning inside and out, he is naughty and amusing.
Sunshine’s heritage and family is extraordinary. I love her mother, she is so cool!
“I’m not a werewolf.” Starla looked really disappointed by the news. “What a pity. You know, when you live in New Orleans, you expect to meet the undead at least once in a while.” She looked back to Sunshine. “You think we should move? Maybe if we lived over by Anne Rice we might catch sight of a vampire or werewolf.”
In Night Embrace Ms. Kenyon reveals intriguing crumbs of information about the Dark-Hunterverse, about its characters and myth, making you eager to know more about it.
"So, what’s your style preference?" "For what I have in mind, nudity works best."
Fantasy Lover is an amazing prequel to the Dark-Hunter ser
"So, what’s your style preference?" "For what I have in mind, nudity works best."
Fantasy Lover is an amazing prequel to the Dark-Hunter series, based on Greek Mythology, the love story of Julian and Grace.
Julian, who was the most feared Macedonian general of his time, was betrayed and cursed to be a love slave for all time. Grace is the only one who is able to break this curse.
Grace is always rational, maybe too rational: she tries to find sense even in lust.
She couldn’t very well let him join her in bed like that. Sure you could. No I can’t. Please? Hush, self, let me think.
But eventually her steadiness saves Julian. She is honest, perceptive, and always gives regards to Julian’s feelings. She has a strong empathy for him, she understands him, sees him as himself, not only his perfect appearance.
She was the first woman to see him. Not his looks, not his body, not his warrior’s prowess. She saw inside his soul.
I love Julian, I feel so sorry for his sufferings both in his human life and in the immortal one. Despite his incredibly cruel childhood, and past, Julian managed to remain a gentle, caring man.
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Sherrilyn Kenyon has a special talent to write heart-wrenching lines. She doesn't simply give a description of emotions, but she is also able to make you feel them. Though there is no Dark-Hunter in this novel, Julian will appear in the following books, which is more than welcomed. Fantasy Lover is a really great start to the Dark-Hunter series. ...more
Kresley Cole is more and more merciless – with her characters and with her readers as well. So much
"Lass, I'm about to make you a widow--"
Kresley Cole is more and more merciless – with her characters and with her readers as well. So much blood, so much tension, pain, and death.
The first 16 chapters parallel the storyline of A Hunger Like No Other. The book starts with Lucia and Garreth’s first encounter, when Garreth realizes that Lucia is his mate, and ends when Lucia runs away from him, and Garreth vows he is going to have her back in two weeks.
We meet them one year later. Garreth spent that year chasing her all over the Earth, meanwhile Lucia tried to get rid of him, and also to get an unimaginably powerful weapon to kill the cause of her nightmares and stop an apocalypse. Garreth finally catches her, and they continue her quest together along the River Amazon.
Although the first half of the story is relatively slow, the second half is adventurous and full of fun. They face several dangers, such as giant caimans, new kinds of supernatural beings, mysteries, the legend of El Dorado, and really hot nights.
Garreth's perseverance is admirable; he is loyal, fierce, possessive, and never misses his aim. The portrayal of the beast inside him, the nature of the Lykae is very logical and consequent, till the very end. He would do anything for Lucia, never gives her up. He protects her “Lousha”, hunts down her enemies, saves her life several times, gives her precious and sweet gifts, including a gift that finally saves her life again! He stands by her side in every situation, despite the fact that he gets only rejection and distrust from her.
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I try to understand Lucia, but I’m afraid I'm failing. Okay, she had very, very bad experiences with a certain man, so it is pretty hard for her to trust in anybody. But it was thousands of years ago! With keeping important things back from Garreth, she rushes him into an almost fatal situation.
She is under pressure and seems to be running out of time, so it is understandable that she worries about her archer abilities. But I was really upset when (view spoiler)[she passes all the responsibility to Garreth after their first night, and ruins that beautiful, intimate moment. (hide spoiler)] I just couldn't believe her behavior. Poor Garreth...
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I’m not satisfied with the end, because I don’t feel (view spoiler)[having sex (hide spoiler)] is so big a deed or sacrifice from Lucia to save Garreth. I feel this part superficial. She does almost nothing for this love, while Garreth risks everything.
The new secondary characters, Damiãno, Chizabel, Travis, Schecter, Rossiter are intriguing, the old ones, such as Regin and Nïx never disappoint.
“Have you ever fought an opponent you had no defense against? Like a fire breather or an acid spitter?” “Once I faced a female with diamond skin,” Nïx said breathlessly. “I was transfixed—even as she was choking the life out of me.” “Really?” “No, I saw that character on X-Men. I just wanted to commiserate. Alas, I have no weaknesses.” “Except your insanity,” Lucia pointed out.
Pleasure of a Dark Prince is a real adventure, with lots of humor, and some really dark, horror scenes. I loved the setting, the luscious and dangerous River Amazon, with its amazing wildlife and vegetation, also loved that Cole mixed ancient legends with modern technology. The epilogue is really compelling and puzzling to make me eager to read the next book.
I have to admit that in the Immortals After Dark series I liked Kiss of a Demon King the least.
It has many positive aspects, but also many, many thingI have to admit that in the Immortals After Dark series I liked Kiss of a Demon King the least.
It has many positive aspects, but also many, many things I disliked about it.
First, I was forced to reread what I have already known about the world of the Lore. Although very important information was also offered, such as the story of Sabine and Melanthe, facts about the world of the Sorceri, and how Omort had taken over Castle Tornin, it is too long, too detailed, and descriptive. Nothing happens, and there is no action in this part.
Rydstrom is chained to the bed through almost 130 pages! There is no suspense as he is chewing over his lost crown, his relationship to his brother Cadeon – although it is nice to see how Rydstrom relates to him –, and whether Cade gets the sword or not. Since I’ve read the books of the series in order, I’ve already known that Cade succeeds. Before reading, I assumed this book starts at the point in time (or a little bit earlier) when Cadeon’s book ends. But no. I’ve waited for Cadeon and the sword’s arrival for 335 pages! I was a little bit disappointed in Rydstrom, I expected more humor, and less rigor. I didn’t feel his character close to me.
I sympathized with Sabine and Lanthe very much. Their life was so hard, and painful, and they are still living in continuous threat. Sabine’s behavior is understandable. I loved to follow her emotional journey. Lanthe has a great sense of humor, and I hope she has her own book as well.
Omort, as the antagonist, is perfectly drawn as well, because I hated him with all of my heart.
The highlight of the story is the appearance of Nïx and her friends – not a surprise.
“Kill me, Valkyrie?” Sabine scoffed. “I can make you see things that will turn your brain to soup.” “A-gain,” Nïx sighed, unfazed by the threat. Sabine probed the Valkyrie’s mind, finding easy access- With a stifled gasp, Sabine just as rapidly withdrew her probe. Chaos, utter chaos. “Welcome to my world!” Nïx said with an exaggerated wink.
The sibling story-lines are elaborated thoughtfully. I loved to see the strong bond and love between Sabine and Lanthe. Rydstrom and Cadeon’s relationship is also worth mentioning, as they finally realize and admit how important they are for each other.
The story action is stuffed with unnecessary episodes without excitement or dynamism, and the final battle in Castle Tornin is too short.
*After reread: it's still not among my favorites... :/
“You stabbed me,” he said, incredulous. “Feel free to keep the dagger as a souvenir.”
The Darkest Kiss is the second book of the Lords of
“You stabbed me,” he said, incredulous. “Feel free to keep the dagger as a souvenir.”
The Darkest Kiss is the second book of the Lords of the Underworld series, the story of Lucien, Keeper of Death, and Anya, goddess of Anarchy.
Lucien is resigned with his occupation as the escort of souls Heaven and Hell, composed, reserved, honorable and always stoic. As a warrior he is savage, as a lover he is passionate and tender. Having once lost his human lover, he never planned to fall in love again. Except he can’t resist Anya.
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“Nice to see you again, Flowers.” She didn’t waste another moment. Using all of her strength, she shoved him into the water. He could have grabbed hold of her to stop his fall, but he didn’t. He allowed himself to tumble backward, rather than risk taking her with him. How…sweet. Bastard! He had no right to be sweet now.
Anya is bold, playful, witty, tenacious, and uncontrollable. She is always ready to help, she is reflective, and her life is filled with secrets. Her background story is nicely created, and I loved the mechanics of the All-Key.
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Stomach suddenly grumbling, he bit into the pie. Succulent, perfectly prepared. “Did you make this?” He could not picture her slaving in a kitchen. “Gods, no. I stole it.” The disgust on her pixie face was comical, and he found himself grinning.
She was just so… captivating. A beautiful enigma.
The romance
First it seems only lust because of Anya’s provocative behavior, and Lucien’s physical reaction to Anya’s every word, touch, and glance. Though there is instant lust between Lucien and Anya, love slowly comes too. I loved that Lucien learns to read Anya so well: he is perceptive to her behavior and mood swings. He is unsure about her at the beginning, with all his insecurities, but once he believes her, he doesn’t let himself be deluded any more.
Anya is not that sweet, innocent heroine who needs to be protected with unsheathed sword all the time. At first she can’t understand Lucien’s insecurities, but realizes soon that she needs to reinforce him in his own attractiveness.
Did he truly have no idea of his attractiveness? He radiated strength and vitality. He exuded savage masculinity. Everything about him enthralled her.
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The story
The story is filled with action, fights, adventure, traveling by flash, verbal and situational comedy elements, magic, and fictitious mythology. The Lords are searching for the mystical artifacts that lead to Pandora’s box, which must be destroyed in order to save them. Obviously it can never fall into the hands of the enemy.
In The Darkest Kiss you get a glimpse of each Lord. Paris meets his destiny, Reyes can’t get Danika out of his head, and Aeron is dangerously consumed by bloodlust as he defies Cronus’ will.
All in all The Darkest Kiss is a sweet, nicely built romance, with an accurately built storyline which keeps you engaged, and alluring secondary characters who make sure you read their stories as well.
"We’ll wait there and let the Hunters come to us.” “That’s it? That is your plan?” “Well, that and kill them.” The fragrance
July 12, 2013
"We’ll wait there and let the Hunters come to us.” “That’s it? That is your plan?” “Well, that and kill them.” The fragrance of roses became stronger as Lucien’s eyes glittered menacingly. “It’s a good plan.”
The Darkest Night is a great opening book of the Lords of the Underworld series.
Smartly built alternative mythology, gradually measured tension and multiplying conflict.
Maddox is the least significant Lord for me, so the first book being his is really smart, because his personality doesn’t outshine the story and the characters of the other Lords. The Darkest Night successfully keys up the readers towards the rest of the characters and the series.
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He is the Keeper of Violence, not a surprise that he has violent urges to destroy, kill, maim, punch the wall, etc. Furthermore he is suffering a horrible extra curse every day. His protective instincts revive toward Ashlyn, so he also can be tender and caring.
Mine, mine, mine. She was more important than breathing, more necessary than food or water or shelter. In a thousand lifetimes of war and violence and rage, she gave him kindness. Serenity. Compassion. Trust.
Ashlyn’s character is more intriguing to me, I liked her very much. Sweet and insanely brave. Her ability of hearing every bygone conversation in a place, and understand it in every language is exceptional.
The love story
With Ashlyn, Violence was not truly violent. Instead, the spirit was made into something beautiful. Dark, yes. Always dark. But sensually so. Not evil, but needy. Not destructive, but possessive. Two days ago, he would not have thought such a thing was possible.
The basis of the affection is that they mutually calm each other: Ashlyn tames Maddox’s demon, and Maddox dissipate the voices Ashlyn hears. A bit hasty, but sweet.
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Secondary characters The Lords’ characters are so tempting that they surely make you continue reading the series. The reunion with the other group of warriors centuries after they had departed hopefully generates some further conflicts. Both Lucien and Anya’s and Reyes and Danika’s story is nicely prepared.
“I don’t understand how he can be this fierce over one woman,” he faintly heard Lucien say.
ha ha... yet!
“No woman should have to barter her body to escape a prison,” she said, angry at herself. The image of Reyes swam before her eyes again, and she found herself adding, “But I’ll think about it.”