SIMI (Shadows of Fire 5/ Dark Hunters) by Sherrilyn Kenyon-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 25, 2025

Life as a demon is never an easy one. Orphaned as a child, Simi was left to make her own way in the world of humans. Bound to the Atlantean god who caused the death of her mother, she’s spent her life trying to make sense of a world that baffles her.

But as the gods vie for a power that leaves demons, Dark-Hunters and humans struggling to take sides, Simi can no longer rely on the god, Acheron, for protection. She must find her own way. Not just for herself, but to save the lives of her family and friends.

Only one entity holds the secret she needs to save Acheron’s life. But the price it demands is steep, and it will leave her at the mercy of a creature known for cruelty. Her choice should be easy. Save Acheron at all costs. Yet some prices are too high and by saving Acheron, she just might destroy everything.

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REVIEW: SIMI is the fifth instalment in Sherrilyn Kenyon’s adult SHADOWS OF FIRE paranormal, fantasy series set in the author’s cross over CHRONICLES OF NICK and DARK HUNTERS series.

NOTE: SIMI should not be read as a stand alone as the current instalment crosses over with most of the previous stories. A working knowledge of the series is highly recommended.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives, covering close to twelve thousand years in the life, SIMI focuses on some of the events in Simi’s life that will lead her to finding her own happily ever after. Simi is a Charonte demon, over ten thousand years old yet a mentality and naivete of someone just barely out of their teens- a demon who often speaks of herself in third person. The beloved and protected daughter of the heart to the Atlantean god Apostolos aka Acheron, Simi’s innocence, and ability to see beyond the surface is a testament to her capacity to love almost everyone she meets (but not the heifer goddess 😉 ).

Throughout the years, Simi will come under the protection of Acheron’s mother, the goddess Apollymi, Prince Leucious aka Thorn, Savitar, Shadow, and Jaden, as well as the large aggregation of Dark Hunters, Warriors, gods and goddess but saying that, a war is approaching, the gods and goddesses want more power, and in order to take control, the most powerful of gods and demons must be destroyed and consumed in the process. Throughout the story, the Malachai dies and is reborn, then dies and is reborn again, until the current Malachai, the most powerful of them all, comes into his powers and is feared by all.

SIMI is a story for fans of the Dark Hunter / Chronicles of Nick series as the current story cross over with most, if not all, of the previous story line instalments and interconnected series. Sherrilyn Kenyon barely touches the surface of Simkey’s life and experiences. As a child having suffered the loss of her mother and siblings, to her introduction and guardianship under Acheron, and her insatiable appetite for …everything covered in BBQ sauce… the reader is up close and personal with Simi’s childlike behavior, attitude and personality as she discovers love with a man who will lose himself to the darkness.

SIMI is a story about innocence and vulnerability, power and corruption, relationships, friendships and love. The premise is endearing, inviting and impassioned yet somewhat YA (young adult) in nature and delivery. Like many series with a favorite character whose story has yet to be told, the high anticipatory factor is often met with some disappointment as expectations are not always recognized, and in this, the childlike attributes and innocence of Simi must be delicately and carefully handled. The characters are numerous, familiar, animated and spirited-always a pleasure to get reacquainted with the wonderful cast. SIMI is not a romance story line but a story about love.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy