Master of the Game (Demons of Elysium #3) by Jane Kindred-Review and Blog Tour

Master of the Game (Demons of Elysium #3) by Jane Kindred-Review and Blog Tour

Masters of the Game

Master of The Game
Demons of Elysium #3
by Jane Kindred
Release Date: August 5, 2014
Genre:paranormal, M/M, fantasy, BDSM, erotic romance

Master of the Game Aug 14jpg

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 5, 2014

Love is the ultimate game changer…and this time it’s winner take all.

Demons of Elysium, Book 3

Now that his lover is back in his arms, Belphagor is taking his own sweet time to say the words Vasily longs to hear: “You’re my boy.” And savoring the sweet torture of driving the firespirit into a frenzy of unfulfilled need.

As the undisputed master of Heaven’s gaming tables, Belphagor never plays unless he’s certain of winning. But this time, political machinations send the game—and Vasily—tumbling to the brink of even his formidable control.

Vasily can’t deny enjoying their delightfully edgy play—until the airspirit auctions him off for a night to the one demon with a gift for taking things too far. Seductive Silk, tight-lipped about the end of his relationship with the sweet submissive Phaleg, may also be involved with a new faction threatening the pregnant queen of Heaven.

Belphagor couldn’t be less interested in the games angels play, but when angelic and demonic intrigues overlap, he’s drawn in against his will. And forced to break his one inviolable rule: Never gamble what you can’t afford to lose.

Warning: Contains more than a mouthful of m/m ménage, with intense D/s situations featuring intricate rope work, balaklavas, and a flurry of snow.

••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: MASTER OF THE GAME is the third instalment in Jane Kindred’s erotic M/M fantasy series-Demons of Elysium-a prequel spin off series from her House of Arkhangel’sk Trilogy -focusing on airspirit demon and Dominant Belphagor, and the love of his life firespirit demon Vasily. MASTER OF THE GAME and the Demons of Elysium series is a sexually graphic, M/M series where nothing is off limits as long as all of the acts are consensual between all parties involved-and sometimes, consent is questionable.

The focus of the storyline finds Heaven on the verge of a revolution. Similar to the early twentieth century Russian uprising against Czar Nicholas and his family, Heaven’s angels and demons are at odds when it comes to the ruling political party. Enter Belphagor and Vasily who will be caught up in a game of ‘spy vs spy’ when Heaven’s ruling family are targeted for destruction.

The relationship between Belphagor and Vasily is one of domination and submission although Vasily is not one to consider himself submissive. Throughout the storyline our couple is involved in numerous sexual situations –together, with others, and in precariously dangerous situations. There were times when humiliation and degradation were a means to an end, and in this a fine line was crossed as to whether consent had been given. Belphagor is a demon whose love for Vasily is beyond measure but his actions are questionable –time and again. The secondary storyline finds former rentboy Silk and General Phaleg’s relationship easily crossing the line on several occasions. Phaleg’s need for Silk finds the Angel fighting his urges and his position within the Royal army; and Silk’s need to dominate pushes the boundaries of control.

I found this particular storyline more sexually graphic and disturbing due to the indignity and condescension of some of the acts. MASTER OF THE GAME (and the series) is a storyline where D/s is the overriding theme throughout –not just between our leading couple-but also between angels and demons; the haves and the have nots. The upcoming rebellion and revolution took a back seat to the sexual exploits of the demons and angels.

Jane Kindred has a talent for pulling the reader into a world that crosses between fantasy and reality. Many of the events in the world of the Arkhangel’sk parallel a number of similar events during the Russian Revolution and the Demons of Elysium series is the build up to the fall of Heaven’s Royal family.

MASTER OF THE GAME is an imaginative and infinitely detailed storyline that is both sexually graphic and staggeringly intense. Jane Kindred’s characters are sensual, emotional, heartbreakingly passionate but in the end are as fallible and idealistic as any human (or demon) can be. Heaven’s political system is incredibly abrasive, provocatively abusive, and intensely corrupt such that espionage, abuse and murder are part of the political system and hierarchy.

Copy supplied by the tour promoter.

Reviewed by Sandy

Series Spotlight

Prince of Tricks
Demons of Elysium #1
by Jane Kindred
Release Date: January 7, 2014
Genre: adult, fantasy, erotic, M/M

Prince of TricksABOUT THE BOOK: Release January 7, 2014

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

Over the past century, Belphagor has made a name for himself in Heaven’s Demon District as a cardsharp, thief, and charming rogue.

Though the airspirit is content with his own company, he enjoys applying the sweet sting of discipline to a willing backside. Angel, demon, even the occasional human. He’s not particular. Until a hotheaded young firespirit steals his purse—and his heart. Now he’s not sure who owns whom.

A former rent boy and cutpurse from the streets of Raqia, Vasily has never felt safer than in the arms—and at the feet—of the Prince of Tricks. He’s just not sure if Belphagor returns those feelings. There’s only one way to find out, but using a handsome, angelic duke to stir Belphagor’s jealousy backfires on them both.

When the duke frames Vasily for an attempted assassination as part of a revolutionary conspiracy, Belphagor will do whatever it takes to clear his boy’s name and expose the real traitor. Because for the first time in his life, the Prince of Tricks has something to lose.

Product Warnings
Contains erotic sex: m/m, m/m/m, m/m/m/m…oh hell. Let’s just say “mmmmmm!” and be done with it. Also one m/f scene. Smart discipline meted out with a great deal of love and charm. Erotic sex acts requiring copious amounts of elbow grease.

________________

King of Thieves
Demons of Elysium #2
by Jane Kindred
Release Date: April 29, 2014
Genre: adult, fantasy, erotic, M/M

Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Cover by: Kanaxa

King of ThievesABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 29, 2014

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

“There are worse things to lose than one s good name. “

“Demons of Elysium, Book 2”

Belphagor can seduce demons with a look and bring angels to their knees with a single motion, but when it comes to being in love, the Prince of Tricks is out of his element.

At every turn, Vasily rebels against the discipline he claims to want, even refusing to use his safe word. But when Belphagor uses a scheme to shut down an underage brothel to test Vasily s limits, he loses Vasily s trust along with the boys he intended to set free.

Uncovering a smuggling ring that spans two worlds, Belphagor calls on a team of Nephilim mercenaries to rescue the Lost Boys from earthly gangsters. But his relationship seems beyond repair and a heartbroken Vasily beyond his reach in the arms of a sensual demon named Silk.

Belphagor has more than enough grand schemes up his sleeve to bring down the smuggling ring for good. But when it comes to putting things right with Vasily, his bag of tricks is empty. Except for trust and a plan to teach his boy a lesson neither will soon forget.

Warning: Contains two strong-willed lovers who will test the theory that without air, there can be no fire. Expect plenty of smoke, more than a few mirrors, and an old-fashioned Russian duel. You may need a shot of vodka when you re done reading this one!

Guest Post

The Heart of a Demon

If you’ve read the first two books in the series, you know that in Demons of Elysium, the traditional expectation of demons=evil and angels=good goes right out the window. The hero of the series, Belphagor, is a tattooed, pierced, leather-daddy demon. He’s also a gambler, a conman, a thief, a brothel owner, and a member of the Russian mob. Like the word demon, none of these things scream “hero.”

But what Belphagor has is a good heart. And it’s another demon, his “boy” Vasily, who brings it out in him. Before Vasily came along, Belphagor was accustomed to looking out for himself and no one else. He’s had to; being a demon in Elysium—where the pure-blooded angels are considered the superior race of Host, while those of mixed-blood belong to the peasant class of the Fallen—isn’t easy.

Starting out as a rent boy in Heaven’s Demon District, he fell to the world of Man for the first time when he was still in his teens, where he encountered the mad monk Rasputin and fell in love with a Russian prince. Unfortunately, this first love was in Petrograd (St. Petersburg) in autumn 1917, just weeks before the Bolshevik Revolution.

Belphagor spent the next few months in a Russian prison for soliciting. Then, as now, being a man who loved men in Russia wasn’t something one wanted to advertise, and being one in the Russian prison system made him a target. In and out of Russian gulags over the next several years, Belphagor managed to fight his way from downcast to respected thief, which his tattoos can attest to—except for the ones he received involuntarily before earning the fear and respect of others in the system.

For the better part of a century, between adventures in the world of Man, Belphagor honed his skills at the wingcasting table in Elysium, using his airspirit tricks to keep the other players on their toes, never certain if they were playing a master gambler or a consummate cheat. He made a name for himself in two worlds and shared the beds of demons, men, and angels without ever needing anyone. Until a young firespirit rent boy with a chip on his shoulder tried to pick his pocket, and instead, stole his heart.

Read about Belphagor’s “boy” elsewhere on the tour, along with the other boys of Elysium, and enter my giveaway at each stop to win a diamond accent winged demon heart necklace and a $25 gift card.

Excerpt

The angel had been avoiding his eyes, but he met them now, and his blue ones—the color of the supernal celestine stone in the signet rings the nobles wore etched with the symbols of their houses—were full of heartache. “You said we were not to see one another again…after. And I accepted that. I understood your reasons. It was wise counsel. But then you summoned me and brought me back into your world, and I came. For you. You must have known I could never refuse you.”
“Phaleg—”
“I don’t regret it. It may not have been wise, my agreeing to be the front man in your enterprises, but I accepted with full knowledge of the risk. The Celestial Silk Road had to be closed. The fletchers needed to be stopped and brought to justice. But it was very difficult seeing you again.”
Belphagor rose and came close to the table. “I’m sorry. I’m a selfish demon. I thought perhaps I could keep you near without doing you harm so long as there was no intimacy between us. But I saw how cut off you were from what you needed and desired, and I thought perhaps Silk could give that to you. I made a mistake.”
“No.” Phaleg gave him a sad smile. “Nyet, ser. It wasn’t a mistake. It’s not your fault things didn’t work out between us. But I thought it meant…” The charming blush had risen once more in his cheeks. “I thought you wanted him to use me.”
“You went to him to please me?” He’d never wanted that. Damn, he’d screwed this up.
“No. No, not that exactly.” The blush deepened, and Phaleg looked down at the table with the bashfulness of a young ingénue. “Though I would. If you told me to let anyone use me, demon or angel, because it pleased you…I would. But I desired Silk. He’s—he’s beautiful and complicated. And a bit cruel. Like you. I couldn’t help but desire him. It’s just that I thought it was your way of telling me you…released me.”
Belphagor reached his hand across the table, and Phaleg took it, his own trembling. “It was, sweet boy. I had to release you. You deserve to be free. To love and be loved by someone who desires to make you suffer because you desire to be made to suffer by him. Someone who will cherish that suffering and that hunger for it. Someone who needs to use you just as desperately as you need to be used by him. You deserve what Vasily and I have, and I can’t give it to you.”
“And yet you speak of a bond.”
“Of course there’s a bond.” He closed his fingers tightly around Phaleg’s hand until the angel made a soft, involuntary sound of pain.
“Heaven help me,” the angel moaned, the very words he’d uttered in his desperation while Belphagor had sundered him. He knew if he ordered the angel to, right here and now, Phaleg would strip and climb onto the table to be used and degraded in whatever fashion Belphagor took a fancy to, regardless of the fear of discovery. He was sorely tempted. But even he wasn’t that much of a bastard.
He loosened his grip. “There will always be a bond,” he said in a gentler tone. “But I will do my best never to abuse it.”
Phaleg nodded as Belphagor released his hand, his throat working for a moment as if he couldn’t get any air through it. “Then you’ll help me?” he managed at last.
“Of course I’ll help. All you had to do was ask.” He tried to remember exactly what Phaleg had asked him. His imagined violation of the angel had given him a rather distracting erection. “You said you want me to stop the principality from signing the Liberation Decree.”
“I don’t want you to, but someone must, or this next attempt upon the principality’s life will succeed. Heaven isn’t ready for liberation, as much as it pains me to admit. It’s not the right time. And the only way Helison will see that is if he understands the extent of demonic sedition going on right under his nose.”
“Even if it implicates Silk.”
Phaleg paled. “That isn’t what I want. But if he’s plotting against my principality…Belphagor…I cannot ignore it.” And there was the difference between them. Belphagor hadn’t given a fig whether the beautiful Russian prince he’d spied upon had been plotting against the tsar.

 

About The author

Jane-Kindred-200x300Jane Kindred is the author of The House of Arkhangel’sk trilogy, the Demons of Elysium series, and The Devil’s Garden. Born in Billings, Montana, she spent her formative years ruining her eyes reading romance novels in the Tucson sun and watching Star Trek marathons in the dark. She now writes to the sound of San Francisco foghorns while two cats slowly but surely edge her off the side of the bed.

FOLLOW: Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Pinterest/ Tumblr / Twitter  / Google+ /  Blog

 

 

giveaway

Jane is giving away a Diamond Accent Devil Heart with Wings Pendant in Sterling Silver and a $25.00 Amazon Gift Card at the end of the tour.

NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the giveaway. If you have any questions, please contact the tour promoter.

Share

King of Thieves (Demons of Elysium 2) by Jane Kindred-Reviews and Blog Tour

Prince of Tricks / King of Thieves (Demons of Elysium 1 & 2) by Jane Kindred-Reviews and Blog Tour

King of Thieves Banner

King of Thieves
Demons of Elysium #2
by Jane Kindred
Release Date: April 29, 2014
Genre: adult, fantasy, erotic, M/M

Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Cover by: Kanaxa

King of ThievesABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 29, 2014

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

“There are worse things to lose than one s good name. “

“Demons of Elysium, Book 2”

Belphagor can seduce demons with a look and bring angels to their knees with a single motion, but when it comes to being in love, the Prince of Tricks is out of his element.

At every turn, Vasily rebels against the discipline he claims to want, even refusing to use his safe word. But when Belphagor uses a scheme to shut down an underage brothel to test Vasily s limits, he loses Vasily s trust along with the boys he intended to set free.

Uncovering a smuggling ring that spans two worlds, Belphagor calls on a team of Nephilim mercenaries to rescue the Lost Boys from earthly gangsters. But his relationship seems beyond repair and a heartbroken Vasily beyond his reach in the arms of a sensual demon named Silk.

Belphagor has more than enough grand schemes up his sleeve to bring down the smuggling ring for good. But when it comes to putting things right with Vasily, his bag of tricks is empty. Except for trust and a plan to teach his boy a lesson neither will soon forget.

Warning: Contains two strong-willed lovers who will test the theory that without air, there can be no fire. Expect plenty of smoke, more than a few mirrors, and an old-fashioned Russian duel. You may need a shot of vodka when you re done reading this one!

••••••••••••••••••••••••

NOTE: Contains erotic M/M graphic imagery.

REVIEW: KING OF THIEVES is the second instalment in Jane Kindred’s ‘Demons of Elysium’ erotic, fantasy series-a spin off from her House of Arkhangel’sk Trilogy. This is the continuing story of airspirit demon Belphagor and the love of his life firespirit demon Vasily. The Demons of Elysium is a sexually graphic M/M series where nothing and no one is off limits. KING OF THIEVES follows Belphagor as he attempts to close down a child prostitution and pedophilia ring in Heaven but in doing so will lose the only man that he has ever loved. The storyline advances the series about eighteen months.

The focus of the King of Thieves finds Belphagor involved in a sting to take down a child prostitution ring but using demon children (known as the Lost Boys) is not high on the list of Heaven’s problems. When Belphagor sets a plan into action, Vasily will unknowingly be used to aid in Belphagor’s scheme but in doing so will pull the demon lovers apart-possibly for the final time. A rescue attempt will find Vasily harboring a former Lost Boy and Belphagor , once again, caught in the center of a controversy involving Heaven’s angels and under aged teens.

Jane Kindred has written another graphically detailed and sexually explicit storyline. The reader is pulled into a fantasy storyline about Heaven’s missing and exploited children; where pedophilia is rampant amongst the Nephilum; and one man risks everything to protect the innocent from harm.

Once again, the world building continues from the previous storyline wherein Heaven’s landscape is reminiscent of early twentieth century Russia. There is a destructive chasm between the rich and the poor; between Heaven and the World of Man; and a proclivity to use the most innocent when sexual perversions are at the helm. Many of the previous storyline characters play a secondary role giving King of Thieves a familiar edge.

KING OF THIEVES is not a story for everyone. It is, at times, difficult to understand the needs and wants of our leading characters. Belphagor is a Dominant male who has fallen in love with a man who needs to be dominated but is not a submissive. Vasily is a man/boy-barely twenty years old-who has fallen in love with Belphagor. He is naïve, at times, a little slow on the uptake and is oblivious to the little nuances that make Belphagor the man that he is. The relationship between our leading couple is sensual, sexual, graphic and bordering on abusive. Belphagor is a demon who does not know how to love and in doing so pushes Vasily further away-every time.

KING OF THIEVES is a story of suspense, betrayal, mystery and love. This is not a romantic storyline but a story of love between two men who must learn to accept one another; open up about their pasts; and forgive. Jane Kindred’s stories are not about God and spirituality but about two worlds-Heaven and the World of Man-that are more similar than they are different.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

_________________________

Prince of Tricks
Demons of Elysium #1
by Jane Kindred
Release Date: January 7, 2014
Genre: adult, fantasy, erotic, M/M

Prince of TricksABOUT THE BOOK: Release January 7, 2014

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

Over the past century, Belphagor has made a name for himself in Heaven’s Demon District as a cardsharp, thief, and charming rogue.

Though the airspirit is content with his own company, he enjoys applying the sweet sting of discipline to a willing backside. Angel, demon, even the occasional human. He’s not particular. Until a hotheaded young firespirit steals his purse—and his heart. Now he’s not sure who owns whom.

A former rent boy and cutpurse from the streets of Raqia, Vasily has never felt safer than in the arms—and at the feet—of the Prince of Tricks. He’s just not sure if Belphagor returns those feelings. There’s only one way to find out, but using a handsome, angelic duke to stir Belphagor’s jealousy backfires on them both.

When the duke frames Vasily for an attempted assassination as part of a revolutionary conspiracy, Belphagor will do whatever it takes to clear his boy’s name and expose the real traitor. Because for the first time in his life, the Prince of Tricks has something to lose.

Product Warnings
Contains erotic sex: m/m, m/m/m, m/m/m/m…oh hell. Let’s just say “mmmmmm!” and be done with it. Also one m/f scene. Smart discipline meted out with a great deal of love and charm. Erotic sex acts requiring copious amounts of elbow grease.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: PRINCE OF TRICKS is the first instalment in Jane Kindred’s adult,fantasy ‘Demons of Elysium’ erotic, M/M spin off series from her House of Arkhangel’sk trilogy. Demons of Elysium is (so far) a prequel series focusing on airspirit demon Belphagor and firespirit demon Vasily. Like the House of Arkhangel’sk series there runs a parallel theme between Heaven and Earth (World of Man) where Heaven’s political infrastructure closely matches that of the early twentieth century Russia. The similarities and familiarity blend two worlds from the modern day Russian homeland and that of an earlier time.

Belphagor is a dominant lover who has fallen madly in love with the high spirited, reckless firespirit demon and former rent-boy Vasily. When Vasily inadvertently puts his life at risk to please his dominant lover, Belphagor must use everything and everyone to ensure that Vasily survives the upcoming rebellion against the Royal House. When Vasily is targeted to take the fall in an assassination attempt on the Principality, Belphagor will use everything in his possession to free his young and naïve lover from the bonds of imprisonment and perhaps his execution.

PRINCE OF TRICKS is a sexually graphic and explicit M/M love story where nothing is off limits between consenting adults. Belphagor and Vasily use their sexuality and their bodies as commodities. They exchange sex for love, for fun, for dominance and control; sex between each other is passionate, aggressive, seductive and emotional; sex with others is a form of punishment, entertainment, and degradation. The Dom/sub relationship between Belphagor and Vasily is a mixture of discipline, humiliation and love. While Vasily is quick to acknowledge his love for Belphagor, Belphagor is unwilling to risk saying the words aloud knowing his heart maybe broken at any time. Their’s is a relationship that is forbidden on Earth but envied by the demons in Heaven.

The world building is stunningly detailed, controversial and profound. It is a social study in culture, economics, sexuality, health, politics, religion and industry. The secondary characters are colorful, abrasive, passionate and intense. The storyline never falters-there is always something happening whether in the World of Man or in Heaven. We learn a little more about some of the characters first introduced in Jane’s ‘House of Arkhangel’sk’ trilogy

Jane Kindred writes an intensely sexual storyline rich in Christian and religious overtones, the Russian revolution and the Romanov executions as well as the sociology of the impoverished and the powerfully rich. PRINCE OF TRICKS pulls the reader into a storyline that parallels much of the fabled royal Russian history as well as a fantasy where angels and demons are at war with one another. Jane Kindred’s Heaven is not the place of peace and understanding but a battleground between the have and have nots; angels and demons; Heaven and Earth.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

About The Author Black and Red

 

Jane-Kindred-200x300Jane Kindred is the author of The House of Arkhangel’sk trilogy, the Demons of Elysium series, and The Devil’s Garden. Born in Billings, Montana, she spent her formative years ruining her eyes reading romance novels in the Tucson sun and watching Star Trek marathons in the dark. She now writes to the sound of San Francisco foghorns while two cats slowly but surely edge her off the side of the bed.

FOLLOW: Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Pinterest/ Tumblr

 

_______________________

rafflecopter giveaway

NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the rafflecopter giveaway. If you have any questions, please contact the tour promoter.

Giveaway
Bath & Body Gift Set: Heavenly Spa Retreat valued at $50 and a $50 Amazon
Giveaway is US only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Share

The Armies of Heaven by Jane Kindred- A Review and Interview with the Author

The Armies of Heaven by Jane Kindred-A Review and Interview with the Author

The Armies of Heaven June 2013

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

THE ARMIES OF HEAVEN (The House of Arkhangel’sk #3) by Jane Kindred

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 25, 2013

Full-scale war has broken out in Heaven, and Anazakia must embrace her destiny, leading an army of Virtues into battle against a Host of enemies to restore the House of Arkhangel’sk. Furious with her for putting her trust in the angel who has done them all irreparable harm, Vasily tries to ignore his growing resentment, while Belphagor returns to the world of Man with a cadre of beautiful androgynous Virtues to restore the sundered alliance between the Fallen and the gypsy underground. Without their help in enlisting the terrestrial forces of Grigori and Nephilim, Anazakia’s Virtues are hopelessly outnumbered. But there are more things in Heaven and Earth than any of them have dreamt of, and those they cannot see will mean the difference between victory and losing everything.

••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: THE ARMIES OF HEAVEN is the third installment in Jane Kindred’s The House of Arkhangel’sk series. I cannot stress how highly I recommend you read this particular series in order as the character and world building are intricately detailed throughout the books, layering jeweled information, bitter rivalries and political infighting between the demons, angels and arkangels of Heaven. There is betrayal between friends and family; the powerful and the elite; the slave and master. To which I will also add, no one is safe from the pain, sorrow and heartbreaking death of those they love and hate.

Much of the storyline is a reflection and interpretation of the Russian Revolution and of the Russian Imperial House of Romanov that is applied to the political infrastructure of Heaven’s Royal House of Arkhangel’sk. The storyline vacillates between our heroine Anazakia’s POV and third person as many of the novel’s characters and plotlines occur simultaneously and in various parts of Heaven and the world between Heaven and Earth. Jane Kindred blends the beauty and power of the angel in a world that is embattled in a fight for the right to rule Heaven.

Anazakia is a strong heroine but one who knows sorrow and heartbreaking loss first hand. With her daughter still missing and in the hands of the woman hoping to destroy Heaven and its rulers, Anazakia sets out to command an army of Virtues whose only sin is to be loyal to the rightful Queen. Although strong, Anazakia is also a mother, a sister and a daughter who has lost much more than many and those losses fuel the fires and the burning push to claim what is hers; but finding her daughter may put everyone in jeopardy as those loyal to Anazakia will meet evil and betrayal at every turn. They will risk their lives for the rightful heir and the woman to whom they have pledged their loyalty and their love.

Many of the characters from the previous storylines have integral roles in The Armies of Heaven and at times the betrayer became the betrayee when the ultimate goal was hidden behind a mask of evil and revenge. Trust is an issue that is not gained lightly and in many cases is the ultimate act of betrayal.

The battle for Heaven’s throne is awash in political intrigue and betrayal, torture and mutilation, love and hate. And the overall residing drive for Anazakia is her determination to find her daughter before she is irrevocably lost forever. But a few unexpected revelations will force Anazakia to look more closely at what happened the night her entire life was destroyed and in doing so, will see that not is all is at is seems.

THE ARMIES OF HEAVENS is a fascinating and detailed storyline. Jane Kindred’s world of The House of Arkhangel’sk is a modern and colorful fantasy storyline adaptation blending the contemporary with the past and, the result is an amazing series that should not be passed up. Every nuance and minute detail of the story serves a purpose. Nothing and no one is safe in The House of Arkhangel’sk.

The House of Arkhangel’sk series is not a study in theology but a story that uses the power of Heaven and the angels blending fantasy with the reality of the 20th and 21st century world.

Reading Order-Click on the link for our review
1. The Fallen Queen
2. The Midnight Court
3. The Armies of Heaven

Copy supplied by the publicist.

Reviewed by Sandy

Interview beige

With the release of THE ARMIES OF HEAVEN, The Reading Cafe would like to welcome author JANE KINDRED.

Jane-Kindred-200x300TRC: Hi Jane and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the release of THE ARMIES OF HEAVEN, your final installment in The House of Arkhangel’sk series.

Jane: Thanks, Sandy, and thanks for having me on the blog today.

TRC: We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Jane: As my bio says on my website, I grew up as a bookworm and a sci-fi/fantasy nerd in Tucson, Arizona and I currently live in San Francisco with my son, two cats, and an evil cockatiel. I’ve been writing for most of my life (and I’m still a bookworm and a sci-fi/fantasy nerd).

FOLLOW: Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Pinterest/ Tumblr

TRC: The House of Arkhangel’sk series centers in and around Russia and has a very detailed theologian premise. What was the deciding factor to use such a mixture of characters, supernatural beings and anchor it all with the reality of war-torn/snow bound Russia?

House of Arkhangel'sk

Jane: I wish I could tell you I had some grand plan, but it’s just what happened. The story of the murder of the Romanovs had always seemed so tragic to me, and I could understand people wanting to believe one of them had have survived. I thought I’d write a fictional version using a similar premise and let my “Anastasia” actually survive. I honestly don’t remember what drew me to a celestial setting, but once I saw the name of the city of Arkhangel’sk while doing some research, it all came together.

The Armies of Heaven June 2013TRC: THE ARMIES of HEAVEN is the final book in The House of Arkhangle’sk series. Would you please tell us something about the premise?

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

Jane: The Heavens are on the brink of war as demon revolutionaries and a separate faction of angels are in rebellion against Queen Aeval. Grand Duchess Anazakia is preparing to lead her army of angels against both the demons and the queen’s army to take back the throne. The leader of the demons has also stolen Anazakia’s child, so she and Vasily and Belphagor are anxious to defeat the demon leader and take Ola back.

TRC: We have heard there is a spin-off series featuring Anazakia. Would you please tell us something about the premise and how many books do you plan in the series?

Jane: I’m sorry to say that the sequel trilogy, which features Anazakia’s daughter Ola, has been shelved for now. I’m currently working on some m/m erotic romance featuring Belphagor and Vasily.

TRC: Vasily and Belphagor storyline would be a welcome addition. 😉

TRC: The series is dark and the characters are emotional, raw and edgy. How do you keep the plot unpredictable without sacrificing content and believability?

Jane: I don’t think predictable plots are terribly believable. Life is unpredictable and messy, and more often than not, pretty dark, so it seems natural to me to throw twists and turns at my characters along the way.

TRC: How thoroughly do you plan out your characters and story before you begin the first draft?

Jane: I don’t outline. I’ve tried it and it just doesn’t work for me. I have to have a general idea of who the main characters are, where the relationships will go, who the antagonist is, and how things will end, so I do a bit of stream of consciousness writing to work out what I think is going to happen. Usually, the story is completely different by the time it’s done.

TRC: If you could virtually cast the lead characters of The House of Arkhangel’sk series, which actors and models would be represent your ideal image?

Jane: Emma Watson would make a good Anazakia, and I see Belphagor as Robert Downey, Jr., only a bit younger. I think Jason Momoa is probably the only one who could play Vasily.

Jane Kindred ideal images

TRC: What challenges (research, historical, theological) did you face writing this particular series?

Jane: I did a lot of research on Russian history and culture, including traveling to Russia to try to learn the language. I wanted it to be as authentic as possible. Creating my own hierarchy of angels and the seven heavens was also a challenge, as was inventing the game of wingcasting, but all of that was also a lot of fun as well.

TRC: Do your storyline characters speak to you and tell you the direction of the story or do you direct the characters?

Jane: They pretty much have their way no matter what I do. I have a general direction for the story, but how they get there is anybody’s guess until it’s done. And Belphagor is the biggest pain in butt. 😉

TRC: How do you deal with the stress and anxiety of writing deadlines?

Jane: I gave myself deadlines before I was published, so that part isn’t really much different. I find promotion much more stressful. It doesn’t come naturally to me, and trying to fit it in with my writing while working a full-time day job leaves me little time or energy for anything else. I don’t really have time to deal with stress in a healthy way, but I try to do little things that make me happy, like taking time out for afternoon tea and watching my favorite TV shows after I meet my daily word count quota. (And The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson is a must, no matter how many words I’ve written.)

TRC: What do you believe is the biggest misconception about yourself?

Jane: I think some people are surprised when they find out I was raised as an Evangelical Christian, given that my books have naughty leather demon heroes. On the other hand, some people are surprised that despite my conservative upbringing, I’m actually a bisexual atheist with pagan leanings, and that my books aren’t in any way religious even though they’re about angels and demons.

TRC: What five things would you like to accomplish in the next ten years?

Jane: I’d be happy with one thing: being able to write for a living without having to work another full-time job to pay the rent. I’d love to have a bestseller, but who wouldn’t? I try to keep my goals realistic: managing to write two or three books a year and get them published without having a complete breakdown seems reasonable.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Jane: The Belphagor/Vasily erotic romance project.

TRC: 😉

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Jane: I’d just like to repeat “Belphagor/Vasily erotic romance project.” 😉

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food
Chocolate cake.

Favorite Dessert
See above.

Favorite TV Show
Torchwood, but there aren’t any more of those, so Doctor Who (but only
with Matt Smith, and I’m going to have a tantrum and hold my breath when
the next Doctor shows up).

Last Move You Saw
Star Trek Into Darkness (I haven’t changed much over the years).

Dark or Milk Chocolate
Dark. Very, very dark.

Favorite Flower
Violet.

Last Vacation Destination
Disneyland.

TRC: Thank you Jane for taking the time to answer our questions.Congratulations on the release of THE ARMIES OF HEAVEN. We wish you all the best in your writing career.

Jane: Thanks so much for having me. 🙂

Share

Cover Reveals May 30, 2013

Cover Reveals-May 30, 2013

 

Cupcakes Trinkets etcjpg

 

TITLE: Cupcakes, Trinkets and Other Deadly Magic

AUTHOR: Meghan Ciana Doidge

SERIES: N/A

RELEASE DATE: June 21, 2013

Synopsis: If you’d asked me a week ago, I would have told you that the best cupcakes were dark chocolate with chocolate cream cheese icing, that dancing in a crowd of magic wielders — the Adept —  was better than sex, and that my life was peaceful and uneventful. Just the way I liked it. That’s what twenty-three years in the magical backwater of Vancouver will get you — a completely skewed sense of reality. Because when the dead werewolves started showing up, it all unraveled … except for the cupcake part. That’s a universal truth.

Genre: Urban Fantasy (Adult/New Adult)
Cover Artist: Irene Langholm (who has done all my other book covers as well.
Release date: June 21, 2013

Giveaways and goodies will be revealed via my blog all through June, including chances to win an eARC before the release date. http://www.madebymeghan.ca
 

 

Red Stone Security Box Set 1

 

TITLE: Red Stone Security Box Set #1 (1-3)

AUTHOR: Katie Reus

SERIES: Red Stone Security

RELEASE DATE: Available Now

 

 

 

Red Stone Security Box Set 2

 

TITLE: Red Stone Security Box Set #2 (4-6)

AUTHOR: Katie Reus

SERIES: Red Stone Security

RELEASE DATE: Available Now

 

 

 

Against the Ropes

 

TITLE: Against the Ropes

AUTHOR: Carly Fall

SERIES: N/A

RELEASE DATE: May 29, 2013

 

 

 

First Ink Aug 2013

 

TITLE: First Ink

AUTHOR: Laura Wright

SERIES: Wicked Ink Chronicles

RELEASE DATE: August 2013

 

 

 

One Steamed Night

 

TITLE:  One Steamed Night

AUTHOR:  Lara Nance

SERIES: 1 Night Stand

RELEASE DATE:  N/A

 

 

 

Promise May 2013

 

TITLE:  Promise

AUTHOR:  Susan Kaye Quinn

SERIES:  Debt Collector

RELEASE DATE: May 29, 2013

 

 

 

Becoming a Legend June 2013

 

TITLE:  Becoming a Legend

AUTHOR:  B.Kristen McMichael

SERIES: The Blue Eyes Trilogy

RELEASE DATE: June 2013

 

 

 

 

Prince of Shadows Dec 13

 

TITLE:  Prince of Shadows

AUTHOR: Tes Hilaire

SERIES:  Paladin Warriors

RELEASE DATE: December 2013

 

 

 

Forsaken jan 14

 

TITLE: Forsaken

AUTHOR: Jacquelyn Frank

SERIES: World of Nightwalkers #3

RELEASE DATE: January 2014

 

 

 

Silence of the Wolf Feb 14

 

TITLE: Silence of the Wolf

AUTHOR: Terry Spear

SERIES: Wolf Series #13

RELEASE DATE: February 2014

 

 

 

16 marsden Place June 13

 

TITLE: 16 Marsden Place

AUTHOR: Rachel Brimble

SERIES: N/A

RELEASE DATE: June 2013

 

 

 

Seducing Eve May 2013

 

TITLE: Seducing Eve

AUTHOR: Michelle Miles

SERIES: N/A

RELEASE DATE: May 2013

 

 

 

Heart of Stone Dec 13

 

TITLE: Heart of Stone

AUTHOR: Christine Warren

SERIES: N/A

RELEASE DATE: December 2013

 

 

 

Remember Me

 

TITLE: Remember Me

AUTHOR: Amaleen Ison

SERIES: N/A

RELEASE DATE:  2013

 

 

 

The Unbound Jan 14

 

TITLE: The Unbound

AUTHOR: Victoria Schwab

SERIES: An Archived Novel

RELEASE DATE: January 2014

 

 

 

The Water Witch Sept 13

 

TITLE: The Water Witch

AUTHOR: Juliet Dark

SERIES: Book 2- Fairwick Chronicles

RELEASE DATE: September 2013

 

 

 

Do or Die Feb 14

 

TITLE:  Do or Die

AUTHOR:  Suzanne Brockmann

SERIES:  Reluctant Heroes

RELEASE DATE: February 2014

 

 

 

Hearts in Darkness May 2013

 

TITLE:  Hearts in Darkness (re-release)

AUTHOR:  Laura Kaye

SERIES: N/A

RELEASE DATE: Available Now

 

 

 

The Day He Kiss Her apri 2014

 

TITLE: The Day He Kissed Her

AUTHOR: Juliana Stone

SERIES: Bad Boys of Crystal Lake

RELEASE DATE: April 2014

 

 

 

EmbraceMe aug 2013jpg

 

TITLE: Embrace Me

AUTHOR: Rebecca Turley

SERIES: Notice Me

RELEASE DATE: August 2013

 

 

 

Damaged June 2013

 

TITLE: Damaged 2

AUTHOR: H.M.Ward

SERIES: Damaged

RELEASE DATE: June 2013

 

 

 

AddictedToYouCover.June 2013jpg

 

TITLE: Addicted to You

AUTHOR: Colina Brennan

SERIES: N/A

RELEASE DATE: June 2013

 

 

 

Darker Days Aug 2013

 

TITLE: Darker Days

AUTHOR: Jus Accardo

SERIES: The Darker Agency

RELEASE DATE: August 2013

 

 

 

Kiss It Better July 2013

 

TITLE: Kiss it Better

AUTHOR: Linda Kage

SERIES: N/A

RELEASE DATE: July 2013

 

 

 

Off The Record June 2013

 

TITLE:  Off The Record

AUTHOR: Sawyer Bennett

SERIES: N/A

RELEASE DATE: June 2013

 

 

 

Eternal Sin Nov 13jpg

 

TITLE:  Eternal Sin

AUTHOR:  Laura Wright

SERIES:  Mark of the Vampire

RELEASE DATE: November 2013

 

 

 

To Dance With the Devil Nov 13

 

TITLE: To Dance with the Devil

AUTHOR: Cat Adams

SERIES: Blood Singer #6

RELEASE DATE: November 2013

 

 

 

The Armies of Heaven June 2013

 

TITLE: The Armies of Heaven

AUTHOR: Jane Kindred

SERIES: House of Arkangel’sk

RELEASE DATE: June 2013

 

 

 

Malicious Mischief

 

TITLE: Malicious Mischief

AUTHOR: Marianne Harden

SERIES: Rylie Keyes Mystery

RELEASE DATE: October 2013

Share

THE MIDNIGHT COURT (House of Arkhangel’sk #2) by Jane Kindred-a review

THE MIDNIGHT COURT (House of Arkhangel’sk #2) by Jane Kindred- a review

THE MIDNIGHT COURT is the second storyline (August 2012 release) in Jane Kindred’s House of Arkhangel’sk. The storyline, once again, facilitates between first person POV through a series of memoirs and third person accounting of what happens when Anazakia is not involved. The novel begins several months after the exiled Grand Duchess Anazakia and her demon companions are rescued from the self-proclaimed- Queen of Heaven-Aeval’s dungeons. We continue to travel between Heaven and Earth, and the many different realms in between. The world of the Unseen will play a major role in Anazakia’s hunt for her daughter, but the fae are not considered a friend by everyone who is witness to their aid. But it is Queen Aeval’s hunger for a pure Heaven that will place everyone in the world of Man under her control.

As the only surviving member of the House of Arkhangel’sk, Anazakia is now considered an enemy of the state, as the new Queen has declared her a murderer and charged her with treason. But word spreads of another royal heir, Anazakia and Vasily’s daughter, and Ola is now the target of the mad Queen’s rage. While their small family is slowly beginning to rebuild, they will soon be embroiled in a hunt to chase down the people responsible for the abduction of their 14 month old daughter- but-there is more than one faction of in the Houses of Heaven looking for the rightful heir to the throne- and each one wants the child for a different reason.

The storyline reads like a political history lesson from revolutionary Russia in the times before it became the USSR. Insane monks, long cold winters, even longer train rides and horse drawn carriages: Social Liberation Party vs the Ruling House of Arkhangels’ka are blended with a futuristic storyline in the Urban Fantasy vein. Intrigue, self-proclaimed rulers, missing and imprisoned citizens, and slavery with the addition of elementals, magic, fae, mage, angels, demons and power all add to the mix when Anazakia and her friends willingly risk their lives to recover the missing child.

As the months pass, the animosity between the remaining family members begins to affect the mental health of everyone concerned. Blame is placed for the loss of a child, the loss of companionship, the loss of a relationship and the loss of love. The trio, as committed as they are to finding young Ola, is enmeshed in a triangle where everyone is suffering because of sins of the past. Belphagor and Vasily’s relationship appears to be beyond repair, yet their love for Ola is the one constant in their lives. Jealousy between lovers will be blamed when Ola is abducted. And Anazakia will endeavor, by herself, to find her only daughter when sorrow and pain threaten to tear the family further apart. But Anazakia, Vasily and Belphagor will be reunited again and again, as their paths cross looking for the child who unites them together.

We are witness to prejudice and confinement, abuse and rape, graphic violence and death, in a regime ruled by tyranny, threats and control all wrapped up in a cold Siberian winter. Citizens are labeled, imprisoned and anyone supporting the Grand Duchess Anazakia will be sentenced to die.

A few surprises will reveal when Vasily discovers his true heritage and Anazakia’s refusal to let go of the past will put everyone in harm’s way.

This is a story about a political nightmare and the murderous dealings to ascend to the throne in the Royal House of Arkhangel’sk. Anazakia must fight for what is rightfully hers but when her child becomes a pawn in a political war, her only concern is for the welfare of said child.

THE MIDNIGHT COURT is an amazingly detailed novel. The love between Vasily, Belphagor and Anazakia is so pure and yet so different. By the end of the book I was tired. There is so much energy required to read the fascinating and varied portions of the storyline. I found myself pulled into the battles, the tears and the betrayal. At any one time you never knew who would betray whom in the fight for the throne. And in the end, the rightful Queen of Heaven knows whom she needs at her side to help her find the daughter she loves and claim the House of Arkhangel’sk once again.

And please-get a new cover. The Fallen Queen had an amazing cover, but The Midnight Court doesn’t pay homage to the men in the storyline. Sam Bond’s fake dreads detract the reader. It is not a good representation.

Reading Order
1. The Fallen Queen
2. The Midnight Court

Click HERE for our review of Book #1- THE FALLEN QUEEN

LINKS TO ORDER: Amazon / B&N Nook and Paper books / KOBO / The Book Depository / Books a Million /

Copy supplied by the publisher.

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

THE FALLEN QUEEN (House of Arkhangel’sk #1) by Jane Kindred-a review

THE FALLEN QUEEN (House of Arkhangel’sk #1) by Jane Kindred-a review

THE FALLEN QUEEN (The House of Arkhangel’sk #1) by Jane Kindred

THE FALLEN QUEEN is the first storyline in Jane Kindred’s new House of Arkhangel’sk’s series. The storyline follows Grand Duchess Anazakia, of the House of Arkhangel’sk and two demons-Belphagor and Vasily who have been commissioned to help Anazakia escape –to live in the world of Man-and away from those who meant to cause her harm. Anazakia’s spirit and body, her shade and shadow had been previously separated but when the demons accidently released her shade, Anazakia found herself mortally wounded and awash in blood with the memories of a horrific attack. The last thing she remembered was playing wingcasting- a game of chance- in Heaven and the next she didn’t recognize herself or her surroundings.

The storyline vacillates between first person POV (Anazakia) and third person, as well as from present to past using memoirs, recollections and stories. There is an enormous amount of reference to Christianity in the form of angelic definitions and pronouncements such as Seraphim and Ophanim, as well as looking at The Fallen and The Virtues, demons and angels. The reader is taken on a ride between Heaven, Hell and Earth and all places in between: different levels Angels, and demons, Houses and Kingdoms, elemental magic and power.

The world building and character development flow smoothly and yet on the surface the story outline is so very familiar and yet it is not. The reader is whisked into a fantasy world of angels and demons, and the plight of the lone survivor of an attack against the Royal House of Arkhangel’sk. The further the story develops the familiarity of the scenario burns brightly until you discover the re-telling, albeit flavored in more fiction and fantasy than the original tale, of the Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna (Romanov) of Russia, the youngest daughter of Tsar Nicholas II.

Jane Kindred has blended the fantasy of angels and demons with the telling of a story that is still shrouded in mystery today. There is a ‘love story’ of sorts between the angel and her two demon companions.  Sacrifices will be made when Belphagor is imprisoned and is at the mercy of those in charge.  And his freedom will come at a cost. The storyline contains some graphic violence and abuse. An interesting spin on a story, whether fabled or true, and one that still has the historians scratching their heads and wondering. 

Copy supplied by publisher.

Reviewed by Sandy

Share