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Title: Mountain of Black Glass

Subtitle: Otherland, Book 3

Author: Tad Williams

Narrator: George Newbern

Format: Unabridged

Length: 27 hrs and 17 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-17-15

Publisher: Penguin Group US

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 426 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Mountain of Black Glass is the third volume of Tad Williams's highly acclaimed four-book series, Otherland. A truly unique reading experience combining elements of science fiction, fantasy, and techno-thriller, it is a rich epic tale in which virtual reality could prove the key to a whole new universe of possibilities for the entire human race - or become the exclusive domain of the rich and the ruthless as they seek a technological pathway to immortality.

Members Reviews:

OK! Now we're getting somewhere!

Toward the end of Mountain of Black Glass, a few of the mysteries and problems of Otherland start to be resolved. But this comes at the cost of a couple more of the main characters. There is still a lot more that needs to be resolved, though. And nearly everybody is left in a precarious position.

In fact, most of them are on the edge of danger throughout most of the book. Orlando and Fredericks have some harrowing adventures in the Egypt simulation, where they meet up with the Wicked Tribe again and encounter some members of the Circle. Renie and her crew spend an excruciatingly long time in a world that is a single enormous house where John Wulgaru kidnaps Martine. They manage to kill at least his stolen sim, knocking him offline so they can rescue Martine, but this ultimately does them little good as he resolves to go back online in another form. And Paul Jonas travels all over the world of the Trojan War, tracing the story of Odysseus backward.

Eventually, they all meet up at Troy, where Orlando becomes Achilles, Fredricks assumes the role of Patroclus, T4B becomes Glaucus, and Martine becomes Cassandra. The others are various Trojan soldiers or women, and they must fight the end of the Trojan War again except that their version does not quite end the same as Homers version.

The people helping them on the outside are encountering various difficulties too. Most of them are still more or less in limbo, and it appears that (hopefully) they may be able to have some positive effect in the next book if they are not wiped out first.

Bad end...should have seen it coming!

Absolute crud...bad series, bad ending...very good narrator...a complete waste of his talent and my money.

some technical problems

story more visionary than it seemed 20 years ago, but interruptions in the sound in one of the last chapters.

just Wow!

this follow up to the otherland saga book 2 does the series justice. the voice acting is some of the best I've ever listened to. but what about the story? the story continues and rehashes very little from the previous story, leaning more on simply continuing where the first book left off. very few stories do this now a days and I find it both refreshing and respectful to the readers of the first book. I can't wait to finish the final volume!!

Great

This series continues to amaze. Thoroughly enjoying it and cannot wait for the conclusion. George's narration is stellar as always.

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Title: The Outcast

Subtitle: The Empire's Corps, Book 5

Author: Christopher G. Nuttall

Narrator: Jeffrey Kafer

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 52 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-17-15

Publisher: Podium Publishing

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 956 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

A new novel set in the universe of The Empire's Corps! When Sameena's brother accidentally annoys a religious leader on her home world, her entire family is targeted for elimination. Forced to flee to save her life, Sameena stows away on a trader starship and is eventually welcomed into the crew, embracing their very different culture and making a new life for herself amongst the stars. But the Galactic Empire is starting the final descent into chaos and her new home is on the verge of collapse, while secretive forces are maneuvering to take advantage of the Empire's collapse. If Sameena cannot find a way to keep some small part of civilization intact, the galaxy will crash into a new dark age that will last far longer than a thousand years.

Members Reviews:

takes the series in a new direction

different than the other books but will makes sense eventually. the battle against ignorance is very visible in this book.

Weaving the galactic sector together!

What do you get when the path of a girl running-away from a barbaric fundamentalist planet collides with space gypsies? This book. Right here.

The Empire's Corps series continues to delight with a story that takes place in a sector of space a small distance from Avalon and the characters we are already familiar with. The characters are rich, with believable happenings in the grander setting of the collapse of the empire, but prior knowledge of the series is not required -- this book stands completely on its own (until the epilogue, which only connects it to the rest of the series in a brief exchange, so no worries if you haven't listened to them).

I recommend this book to everyone (less those who can't stand solid writing and an equally solid performance). I've listened to everything in this series so far, and have all of the planned volumes pre-ordered at least two titles ahead. The Empire's Corps is simply outstanding!

The Trader Queen

This is book number five in the Empire series. In the prior four books we have watched the Empire collapse. We have been following a company of marines that were stationed on the planet Avalon on the rim of known space.

This book could be a standalone book as it has deviated from the prior books in the series and goes into a side story. This book focuses on a space trader struggling to survive as interstellar trade slowly grinds to a halt, threatening to bring down civilization once and for all.

Out protagonist Sameena was forced to flee her home planet because her brother accidentally annoyed a religious leader and her entire family was targeted for elimination. Women on this planet were not allowed an education, to be in public without a male escort and marriages were arranged. Technology was not allowed on the planet.

Sameena stows away on a trader starship and eventually becomes part of the crew. Sameena and the trader ship are trying to survive as the universe collapses into chaos. Sameena had a natural instinct for trade and foresaw trade potential in the collapse of the Empire. Sameena married James Cook an Imperial Navy Commander after the Empire abandons the Navy in the sector. I found the story of Sameena most interesting and It was great that Nuttall brought Sameena and her trader group together with Avalon and its people.

Nuttalls writing has improved with each book.

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Title: The Family Trade

Author: Charles Stross

Narrator: Kate Reading

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 53 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-10-15

Publisher: Macmillan Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 406 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Miriam Beckstein is happy in her life as a successful reporter. When she gets iron-clad evidence of a money-laundering scheme, Miriam thinks she's found the story of the year. But when she takes it to her editor, she's fired on the spot and gets a death threat from the criminals she's uncovered. Before the day is over, she's received a locket left by the mother she never knew - the mother who was murdered when she was an infant. The knotwork pattern within has a hypnotic effect on her. Before she knows it, she's transported herself to a parallel Earth, a world where knights on horseback chase their prey with automatic weapons and where her true family is in charge.

The six families of the Clan rule the kingdom of Gruinmarkt from behind the scenes, a mixture of nobility and criminal conspirators whose exclusive inherited power to walk between the worlds makes them rich in both. Her unexpected return will supercede the claims of other clan members to her mother's fortune and power, and whoever killed her mother will be happy to see her dead, too. But Miriam is no one's pawn, and is determined to conquer her new home on her own terms.

Blending the creativity and humor of Roger Zelazny, the adventure of H. Beam Piper and Philip Jose Farmer, Charles Stross has set a new standard for fantasy epics.

Members Reviews:

6 books - intriguing series

Any additional comments?

Charlie Stross creates a phenomenal/creative multiverse that really makes you think. Some of the things I wondered about are not developed until later books but he always out does my expectations. Charlie introduces lots of unexpected twists and turns through out the series. He may not be as hard on his characters as George Martin, but he can be ruthless. (He doesn't make death gruesome or revolting, but there is no doubt about the feeling of loss.) He doesn't seem to believe in everyone riding off into the sunset and living happily ever after. Life is hard and choices have consequences, but the series is adequately escapist. I did think it could be better if it was a little shorter, but it was certainly a fun romp and worth the investment. Finally, Kate Reading was a fantastic reader. She brought the characters to life and let the story develop. I recommend the entire series.

Could be really awesome.

First I want to say the author has great imagination and vision. There is a lot of deep thought in the storyline to make a saga.

That said I found that this book lacked a certain level of action and intrigue. The book will have your attention and then it just fizzles out. I feel that it is about to get interesting in the following books but I don't want to spend the money or time out of fear that I will be wrong.

The narrator wasn't bad. I detected a lot of the UK in the New England accents but for me it was amusing.

I think there may be some other genres by this author I should check out because I like the style that was being developed but this book in particular didn't do it for me.

I wanted to like this book

I have picked up Stross books in the past and have not been able to find the supposed redeeming qualities others reviewers do.

This is a strange story. I like strange stories. But this one has too many lethargic uninspired observations.

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Title: Secrets of a D-List Supervillain

Author: Jim Bernheimer

Narrator: Jeffrey Kafer

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 27 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-27-15

Publisher: Jim Bernheimer

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1296 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Cal Stringel may be dead to the world at large, but a select few know that he's still alive and in control of the most powerful suit of battle armor ever created. He's part of a rogue superteam taking the world by storm and changing the dynamic for both heroes and villains alike. With change comes resistance, and those holding control and power are not ready to just hand it over without a fight.

For the former D-list supervillain, it's time to break out the spare synthmuscle, charge the massive railgun pistol, and bring the pain. With his new team, he thinks he can take on the world, but is Cal biting off more than he can chew? He must deal with sanctioned hero teams and power-mad bureaucrats on one side and the major supervillains of his world on the other.

As Cal and his allies ready themselves to face friend and foe, he will also have to deal with his relationship with Stacy Mitchell, also known as the Olympian, Aphrodite. Separated for more than a year, they've only just reunited and are faced with the prospect of being on opposite sides of the coming conflict. Can they find enough common ground between the secrets and half truths to sustain their fledgling relationship, or are they doomed like the last time to crash and burn?

Find out in Secrets of a D-List Supervillain.

Members Reviews:

Reads like a clip-show

This book comes across as a cheap and quick way to throw out something new in this series without actually putting anything NEW out. It's basically about an hour of "new story" in between lots of flashback to "Confessions", which while revealing and entertaining, doesn't really do much to move the series along.

After all of that, we're left with a cliffhanger obviously setting up for the book that actually moves this series along.

So, not a bad listen, just be prepared to hear the same tale from different angles.

A Good Listen but Not Quite Equal to the Original

Enjoyed this book, and the structure--'present' Cal and the 'present Cal' revisiting what happened in the past by story snippets told to Aphrodite.

Why not quite equal? I think it didn't break much new ground, which this being the third book (the 2nd being a prequel) seems like only dog paddling forward. Better than treading water.

Still, the story is quite entertaining and Cal Stringel is his usual entertaining self.

The narration is excellent in this series, as usual. I was disappointed with Wendy's voice change. I understand the reason, but she sounds more like a foul-mouthed man than anything else. That's my only disappointment in the area. Everything else is strong.

I'd recommend reading/listening to at least Confessions of a D-List Supervillain (the first novel) prior to giving this one a listen.

Great as usual

What made the experience of listening to Secrets of a D-List Supervillain the most enjoyable?

The combination of a well thought out storyline and humorous dialogue. I like the creative engineering perspective as well.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yep

Any additional comments?

My only complaint is that the next book in the series can't come along quickly enough. Love these books!

Scattered

The story was good, but hard to follow. It kept feeling like I missed a book. The story is just not very well put together.

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Title: The Last Ship

Subtitle: A Novel

Author: William Brinkley

Narrator: Christopher Lane

Format: Unabridged

Length: 29 hrs and 58 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-18-15

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 750 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Hailed "an extraordinary novel of men at war" (Washington Post), The Last Ship is the book that inspired the TNT mini series starring Eric Dane, Rhona Mitra, and Adam Baldwin, with Michael Bay as executive producer.

The unimaginable has happened: The world has been plunged into all-out nuclear war. Sailing near the Arctic Circle, the USS Nathan James is relatively unscathed, but the future is grim and Captain Thomas is facing mutiny from the tattered remnants of his crew. With civilization in ruins, he urges those that remain - 152 men and 26 women - to pull together in search of land. Once they reach safety, however, the men and women on board realize that they are the earth's last remaining survivors - and they've all been exposed to radiation. When none of the women seems able to conceive, fear sets in. Will this be the end of humankind?

This thrilling tale of post apocalyptic suspense is perfect for readers of Going Home by A. American, Lights Out by DavidCrawford, The End and The Long Road by G. Michael Hopf, and One Second After by William Forstchen.

Members Reviews:

Don't confuse this with the TV series

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

Character development, a plot, a narrator that didn't remind me of Jon Lovitz "Acting! Brilliant! Thank you! Thank you!"

What was most disappointing about William Brinkleys story?

I'm already a third way through this tome and I still have only the foggiest idea of what the book is about. The Big One has happened. Land masses are radioactive. There are some survivors who are apparently terminally ill and beyond help. American warship Nathan James and it's crew are cruising the Atlantic looking for - what? I don't know. What I do know is that the skipper is a victim of excessive introspection and the bulk of what I've read is him soliloquizing about the glories of the sea and the inherent nobility of the seaman.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Christopher Lane?

I don't know that anybody could make this palatable.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Anger that I feel committed to finishing it. It's like playing hide and seek with a ghost. Every time you round a corner you think you're going to find it, but you never do....

Any additional comments?

So many long and pretentious words. Save some money. Get a Roget's Thesaurus and just look up a lot of supercillious synonyms. This book's in there somewhere.

Sailor Beware

This is one of the books in which I both loved and hated. The loved the premise of the book. However, at times the style of writing drove me to the point of going postal! Strangely, at other times I found it like a drug which left me wanting more. At times it felt like the author was using words for the sake of using words! At other times the descriptive nature of the language was like sweet music to my ears.

I couldn't help but think about the author. What sort of person was/is he? Did he really speak and think like this in real life? I bet he would be the life of a party. I imagine he could insult me in 15 different languages.

I would like you to imagine me saying this in the voice of Forrest Gump; Im not a smart man, but I know what it takes to finish this book. It takes commitment. It takes a certain type of mood.

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Title: Extinction Horizon

Subtitle: The Extinction Cycle, Book 1

Author: Nicholas Sansbury Smith

Narrator: Bronson Pinchot

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 8 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-10-15

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 2588 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

The worst of nature and the worst of science will bring the human race to the brink of extinction.

Master Sergeant Reed Beckham has led his Delta Force Team, codenamed Ghost, through every kind of hell imaginable and never lost a man. When a top-secret Medical Corps research facility goes dark, Team Ghost is called in to face their deadliest enemy yet - a variant strain of Ebola that turns men into monsters.

After barely escaping with his life, Beckham returns to Fort Bragg in the midst of a new type of war. The virus is already spreading. As cities fall, Team Ghost is ordered to keep CDC virologist Dr. Kate Lovato alive long enough to find a cure. What she uncovers will change everything.

Total extinction is just on the horizon, but will the cure be worse than the virus?

Members Reviews:

Great listening experience

This audiobook seriously made me feel like I was listening to a movie. Bronson turned Smith's breakthrough novel into a living, breathing story. I can't recommend this one highly enough. If you like post-apocalyptic/science fiction thrillers then this is for you. Probably the best audiobook I've listened to besides The Martian.

Finally! Great Journey

Characters are believable with human emotions - not just the brave "hero." Storyline is captivating with just enough science mixed in. Different take on the normal zombie using bio weapons as we all really think they are being used now. Story moves very fast but author knows how to make you connect with each one.

I want to see what happens next.

Intense and Gripping Action Scenes Packed with Suspense

I have listened to and read well over 100 books in the Post-Apocalyptic and Zombie genres and by far have to say this is one of the best. A thrilling and suspenseful mix of horrifying zombies with an excellent plot and story line that builds a relationship and depth with each character. Add to that the realistic and superbly painted scenes you can see, touch, and smell. Nicholas knows his stuff and it shows in this book - Pinchot knocked it out of the park - an excellent combination of writing and narration - don't miss this one! Highly recommended.

Good Fix For Your Zombie Addiction

A lot of the zombie books, I have listened to recently, haven't really focused on the zombies. They have been more about how horrible human nature is and how horrible we would all act in a crisis. This book did have the evil human being. That wasn't the focus of the book. Refreshingly it was actually about ZOMBIES! I don't need a book to remind me of how horrible human nature is. We can get a flavor of horrible human behavior by turning on the TV. The main characters were strong and likable. The narrator did a great job of portraying the different characters. The author's descriptions of the zombies and their carnage was vivid but would not be offensive to even the mildest of listeners. I enjoyed this book so much I purchased the second one while waiting in traffic on the way home.

Humans: Our Own Worst Enemies

Who was your favorite character and why?

Beckham and Dr. Lovato

Any additional comments?

Nicholas Sansbury Smith really knows his creepy. He really knows what would make his readers' skin crawl. Clicking joints will make me even more queasy from now on. The "zombies" were described so well and written so believably.

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Title: Abaddon's Gate

Subtitle: Expanse, Book 3

Author: James S. A. Corey

Narrator: Jefferson Mays

Format: Unabridged

Length: 18 hrs and 24 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-05-15

Publisher: Hachette Audio UK

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 260 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

For generations the solar system--Mars, the moon, the asteroid belt--was humanity's great frontier. Until now. The alien artefact working through its program under the clouds of Venus has emerged to build a massive structure outside the orbit of Uranus: a gate that leads into a starless dark.

Jim Holden and the crew of the Rocinante are part of a vast flotilla of scientific and military ships going out to examine the artefact. But behind the scenes, a complex plot is unfolding, with the destruction of Holden at its core. As the emissaries of the human race try to find whether the gate is an opportunity or a threat, the greatest danger is the one they brought with them.

Critic Reviews:

"Great characters, excellent dialogue, memorable fights, freakish experiments and twisty-turny mysteries" (Wired.com)

Members Reviews:

really good

Nice entry to the series. Still enjoying the characters. Enjoying the new characters each book. looking forward to the next instalment.

loved it

I am so glad that the TV show made me aware of this series, they are both really great and the science parts are really interesting.

Another enjoyable romp

Another enjoyable romp from Coreys Expanse series. Our heroes, Jim Holden and the crew of the Rocinante, have new problems as if the proto-molecule and all it has been creating werent enough already! This 3rd novel of the series sometimes lacked the break-neck pace of the earlier books, but there are nice plot developments, new characters to introduce and of course lots of action sequences. Same narrator, Jefferson Mays, as 1st two books he does a good job.

The Expanse Series Continues to Impress.

Any additional comments?

Although, in my opinion, it is not as good as the first two books, Abaddon's Gate is great continuation of the series. The Authors continue to flesh out their universe and developed well thought out characters. I eagerly await the next installment.

Could not stop listening .

Loved the story, some overtones of space odyssey with Miller character, but overall excellent and well narrated . I would recommend.

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Title: Strands of Sorrow

Subtitle: Black Tide Rising, Book 4

Author: John Ringo

Narrator: Tristan Morris

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 16 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-06-15

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1145 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

A hardened group of survivors fight back against a zombie plague that has brought down civilization. With the world consumed by a devastating plague that drives humans violently insane, what was once a band of desperate survivors bobbing on a dark Atlantic ocean has now become Wolf Squadron, the only hope for the salvation of the human race. Banding together with what remains of the U.S. Navy, Wolf Squadron, and its leader Steve Smith, not only plans to survive - he plans to retake the mainland from the infected, starting with North America. Smith's teenage daughters have become zombie hunters of unparalleled skill, both at land and on the sea, and they may hold the key to the rebirth of civilization on a devastated planet.

Members Reviews:

Good ending to the series.

I wish they would of added more on spots they skipped and less on operations. I was hoping for how they would Intergrate with another large force and what you would you do with people that didn't want the new world to go back.

A good place end

I'm hoping John Ringo ends here. While the book is not bad for what it is. Parts of it at time felt contrived. It really seemed as if the author was trying to force the story to a conclusion. As a fan of many John Ringo books that may not have been a bad thing.

Sierra Hotel!

Any additional comments?

Fun, cool, interesting, action-packed, and unique take on zombie apocalypse. I'm a big fan of John Ringo's books. He writes in a very comfortable style.. he's a good writer.. but he also knows how to throw in great humor mixed with technical detail and hardcore military concepts. Mix Neal Stephenson, Steve Martin, Tom Clancy, and Richard Marcinco... while drinking Scotch and listening to Crux Shadows. He's at the top of my novel watch list.

Great ZA story.

My greatest dream realized in fiction.

I hope there are many more books in this series. This story has to be far from over.

Great end to the series, but is it just me or....

Did it feel rushed? This series had characters that I really liked and maybe Ringo felt he didn't want to write this series anymore... I personally liked it and felt that book one and two were great. I would say grab this and enjoy it for what it is, an ending.

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Title: Champion for Hire

Subtitle: Portals of Infinity: Book One

Author: John Van Stry

Narrator: Rob Shamblin

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 40 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-10-14

Publisher: John Van Stry

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 258 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

William is just your typical engineer fresh out of college with a stressful job, a boring life, and not a lot of prospects of anything better in the future.

Until one weekend while hiking in the woods he stumbles across a portal to another time, or perhaps another place. The more he investigates this new world, the more he realizes that it may just be able to offer him a lot more than the one he's been living in.

However, there are forces at work beyond anything that Will has ever come across before and the local Goddess seems to have taken a liking to him. Will may soon find himself getting an offer and cannot afford to refuse.

Members Reviews:

Champion for hire

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I enjoyed listening to this audiobook, A great companion while driving to work

I will definitely be following this author. Narrator is good too.

Great Underlying premise.

Would you consider the audio edition of Champion for Hire to be better than the print version?

Probably not. Quite frankly the storage issues with buying books is too great. Even if I liked the series. I do have the Kindle version of the book.

What did you like best about this story?

The Underlying premise is very good. The fact that there are hidden portals throughout the world where you can travel, and the gods of the various realms in their sphere's of influence, does make a good story. The only issue is there is a little too much "fantasy harem" stuff. I like it as much as any other, but honestly I wish it were tuned down a little

Which scene was your favorite?

"The war" scene was my favorite. I like the idea of using historical tactics in a "new world".

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The are infinite dimensions, but where will you find home...

Any additional comments?

I honestly liked the book a lot. I like the premise, and the narrator is quite good.

A fun pulp Fantasy adventure romp.

I was given a copy of this book by the author, in return for an unbiased review. OK, that being said, I really enjoyed the book. It has got a nice pulp sensibility to it, Like something an early Roger Zelazny or Jack Chalker would have written. unabashedly unpolitically correct, it is as subtle as a dagger to the ribs, in a good way. in a genre that has gotten so PC, the author has decided to write a fantasy that Doc Smith or RE Howard would have been proud to call their own. The story involves, Will, a young engineer on vacation with his friends when he stumbles through a portal to another world. The natives are human, and society seems to resemble the middle ages. He quickly assimilates, and determines on a course he can make money on, by transporting bows of each world to the other, where the handcrafted bows of the fantasy world sell for big money here, while fiberglass bows sell for high prices in the fantasy world. He meets a woman in the Inn he stays in, and starts a relationship with her. He starts taking sword lessons from a local swordsman, and keeps traveling between the worlds, until one day he comes back to earth and can't get back. He ends up at a Ren Faire as a performer, learning different skills, until he is called upon to fulfill his true Purpose.

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Title: Beyond the Veil

Subtitle: The Veil Series, Book 1

Author: Pippa DaCosta

Narrator: Hollie Jackson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 2 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-05-14

Publisher: Pippa DaCosta Author

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 334 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

"They say I'm half demon, but I like to think of myself as half human, especially as the demons want me dead."

Charlie Henderson is living a lie. Her real name is Muse and her attempt at a normal life is about to go up in smoke. When a half-demon assassin walks into her life, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake, Muse must return to the one man she hoped never to see again and ask for help. The Prince of Greed isn't known for his charity. The price is high, but the cost could tear her apart.

Trapped between the malevolent intentions of a Prince of Hell, an assassin with ulterior motives, and her bloodthirsty demon-kin, Muse must embrace the lure of chaos at her core; the demon inside her, in order to survive. When your ex is the Prince of Greed, you'd better be ready to raise hell.

Members Reviews:

interesting demon UF with awkward romance overlaid

There was so many great things about this book, and some disappointments.

First of all, the world of the story is good and unusual. The idea of a world with demons and humans separated by a Veil, where there are no angels to balance out the demons, is solid. I appreciate that there is no Heaven/Hell morality laid over the world. Our main characters are half human and half demon, and their differing views on their identity in the world were interesting. I do love a good misfit tale. The Institute is a great concept and makes a nice foil to the demons as villains. They offer Muse a way to improve her skills and while keeping her safe from the demons while doing it. I liked the demon magic system being based on elemental forces (fire/heat, ice/cold) and look forward to meeting characters in future books with powers in other elements.

Muse/Charlie is a good protagonist. She was imprisoned and abused, and is coming into her own now. We want her to find her power and to find her place in her world. She has a metalworking aptitude, which I'd love to see her work more with. She has fire elemental magic. She gets thrown into and situation after situation without much ability to do more than react, but by the end of the book we see her getting her feet under her and starting to plan her own destiny finally. She waffles a bit too much about who to trust and love, but her abusive backstory makes that believable (for now). Now that she is getting some clarity and training, I expect her to be much stronger in the second book.

Some things were frustrating to me. The sex scenes in this book seemed awkwardly thrown in. There is a "love triangle" of sorts, but poor Muse is choosing between two men that have treated her badly and broken her trust, and with all the twists and turns of the plot, I was left thinking she should have thrown them both away and went on with her life.

I felt that the demons were a little underwritten (thought that may be rectified more in coming books). We are told there are seven Princes in Hell, and that Akil is the Prince of Greed (so I assume they are the seven Deadly Sins), but that is not explored in any way that I could see. I'd like to know more about the origin of the demons and what their world and motivations are. I am very intrigued about the role/powers of the half-demons and look forward to more revelations about them.