Lila B’s Book Reviews
If there’s one thing I do a lot of besides writing, it’s reading. I love all genres of romance, but since I write paranormal, it’s a particular favorite. In my first blog at NN I reviewed the first full-length entry in Kresley Cole’s Immortals After Dark series. If I have a second favorite paranormal romance author, it’s Gene Showalter, author of the Lords of the Underworld Series as well as other paranormal tales and series.
Today I’m reviewing the 7th and newest entry in the Lords of the Underworld series, The Darkest Secret.
The official blurb:
Keeper of the demon of Secrets, Amun can manipulate the darkest thoughts of anyone nearby. But when new demons possess him, the immortal warrior must be chained and isolated to protect those he loves. Death is his only hope of release—until he meets Haidee, a fellow prisoner whose beauty and hidden vulnerability draw him into a reckless test of his loyalty…. Haidee is an infamous demon assassin, raised to despise Amun’s kind. Yet how can she hate the man whose touch sets her aflame? But to save him, she must give herself body and soul…and face the wrath of a powerful adversary sworn to destroy her.
After the 6th installment in this series, The Darkest Lie, I was disappointed that the next scheduled release was Amun’s story. Let’s face it, the guy never talks in the previous stories. He was a huge enigma. And Haidee was reviled among the Lords for bringing about the death of one of their brothers centuries ago. I was hoping Paris’s story would be next (Book 9, slated for release in April 2012! How am I going to be patient for that long?) but The Darkest Secret really delivered.
For those unfamiliar with this wonderful series the premise is this: Millennia ago, 12 immortal warriors created to serve and protect the gods (Zeus et al.) stole and opened Pandora’s box. The box, crafted from the bones of the goddess Oppression, contained a horde of demon lords, including Pain, Wrath, Violence, Disease, Disaster, Promiscuity, Lies, Violence, Death, Doubt, Misery and Secrets. For their crime, the warriors became the physical Keepers of these demons, their bodies the very prison to contain the evil that could not be unleashed upon the world.
Amun is the keeper of Secrets. He and his demon see straight to the heart of every being and know their innermost secrets. Because these secrets could tear lives apart, Amun rarely speaks. In a previous installment of the series, Amun travelled with Aeron to Hell to rescue his adopted daughter-demon Legion and returns suffering the torment of housing not just the demon of Secrets, but also a horde of others who’ve hitched a ride inside his body.
Haidee is a Hunter, a group of humans who believe the Lords are the source of all the world’s ills. Millennia ago, Haidee lost those she loved the most at the hands of demon lord possessed warriors and she helped the Hunters take the head of the Lord Baden. And she wants to take out the rest of the Lords in retribution for her losses. But the Keeper of Defeat, Strider, has captured Haidee. Imprisoned next to the room where Amun is recuperating, she hears his telepathic calls and answers, digging through the wall to get to his side. Haidee mistakes Amun for her boyfriend, a fellow Hunter, and is determined to rescue him from the Lords.
Haidee and Amun should be the worst of enemies and instead they find themselves helplessly drawn together. This pair goes through Hell together, literally. While the story does little to advance the overarching story that connects all the books, I loved the chemistry between Amun and Haidee.
If you haven’t devoured this series yet, I recommend starting at the beginning. This isn’t one of those series where you can jump in the middle and understand everything that’s going on.
Rating:
Rating Legend
1 Heart = Skip it
2 Hearts = Check it out if you can find a free copy and you’ve read the back of all your cereal boxes.
3 Hearts = I wouldn’t pay more than $4.99 for this read.
4 Hearts = Oh, yeah , that’s the stuff.
5 Hearts = OH, MY GOD, LOVE IT! Read it in one sitting, without eating, sleeping and with minimal potty breaks.
Next month: Delving into the world of paranormal-steampunk cross genre with Steam and Sorcery.
Cheers,
Lila B.
4 comments:
OMG! I am reading this one now. It is amazing! I am a big fan of this series. I felt the same way about Amun. He has always been the Lord in the background and easily forgotten but she blew it out of the water. The chemistry these two create could knock the planet off its axis. I am looking forward to Paris' story as well. But the one I can't wait to read would be Torren's story. Poor guy deserves to be happy. Being the keeper of decease he can't touch anyone. I hope she keeps him and Cameo together. I know they have a thing for each other. Great blog and I agree if you haven't read this series rush out and get it. I plow through them like they are nothing. Then I am sad it is over. I have read this one in three days and these are full novels.
Hi Lila ~ Tabby has been gushing to me about this series for a few months now.
Your review is excellent and I enjoyed it. For one thing, it didn't read like a friggin corporate report!
Great job. I'm sold :)
Thanks Tabby and Sheri! Gena is definitely one of my favorites. From a writer's prospective, she does a great job with deep POV. I agree, Tabby, I can't wait for Torren's story but I'm guessing he won't end up with Cameo.
Cheers,
Lila
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