Tag Archives: Sherrilyn Kenyon

Deadmen Walking by Sherrilyn Kenyon – a Review

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Deadmen Walking by Sherrilyn Kenyon – a Review

 

Deadmen WalkingAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

Description:
Hell hath no fury as a demon caged . . .

To catch evil, takes evil.

Enter Devyl Bane—an ancient warlord who has absolutely no love of humanity.  Yet to return to the human realm as one of the most notorious pirates in the Spanish Main for the sake of vengeance, he makes a bitter bargain with Thorn—an immortal Hellchaser charged with battling the worst monsters the ancient gods ever released into our world. Monsters and demons Bane himself once commanded against Thorn and the humans.

For eons, those demons have been locked behind enchanted gates…which are starting to buckle. Now, Bane, with a vicious crew of Deadmen at his command, is humanity’s last hope to restore the gates and return the damned to their eternal prisons.

But things are never so simple. And one of his biggest vexations, aside from keeping his crew from killing each other before they have a chance to save humanity, is the very ship he sails upon. For Mara, the Sea Witch isn’t just a vessel, she’s also a woman born of an ancient race Bane helped to destroy. And sister to the possessed creature who is one of the worst of those trying to break through to claim his soul, and retake the world.

Mara’s innate hatred of him makes the very fires of hell look like a sauna—not that he blames her. Centuries of war and betrayal divide them. But if Mara can’t find the humanity inside the Devyl and the Devyl can’t teach Mara to embrace her darker side for the good of their crew and the world, the two of them will go down in flames and take us all with them.

 


Review;

Deadmen Walking is a new trilogy by Sherrilyn Kenyon.  The events of this trilogy take place well before the Dark Hunters, Chronicles of Nick, and the Hellchasers.  However, there are some characters in this trilogy that we’ve already met in both of her other series.  We learn more about Thorn and how he became the leader of the Hellchasers/Deadmen, as well as some very interesting information about him that I prefer not to spoil for anyone who hasn’t read this one yet.  As well, there are some spoilers/hints in regards to the Chronicles of Nick to which I will not spill as well.  Sorry folks but I don’t like spoilers so therefore I refuse to spoil plotlines for all of you.  😉  Since Deadmen Walking is a new trilogy for Kenyon there is a lot of world building going on in this one, which for me I liked because it’s setting the stage for the other two books in this trilogy, but I found much of it confusing to me.  I spent a lot of time trying to keep everything straight from new characters, new pantheons, realms, mythologies, etc.  My head was hurting a few times from this information overload. 

Being a Kenyon fan I can safely say I enjoyed this new addition to her Dark-Hunter/CON/Hellchaser universe, but I didn’t love it.  I think that’s a first for me.  It’s not that I didn’t like the origin of this one because I love Pirates, Mer-people, demons, sprites, you name it, that creature was probably in this one.  Heck the heroine, Marcelina is of an acient race that can shift into trees, or become one with wood.  She is basically the ship Devyl and his crew of Deadmen are sailing on.  Actually, for a second there I thought I was re-visting Middle Earth in the The Lord of the Rings when they encounter the Ents(Tree People), lol!!  Actually, Marcelina’s race and backstory was pretty interesting for me to read about.  I wound up liking her in the end.  As for Devly and his crew of Deadmen, they are under Thorn’s watch/control.  The Deadmen as they are called in the book are actually earlier versions of his Hellchasers, at least that’s my opinion and am thinking he must  eventually rename them later on at some point, but don’t quote me on this.  Devly’s backstory and how he becomes the Captain and leader of Thorn’s Deadmen is interesting and we see how his life and Marcelina’s are twined together.  Their story at times felt rush to me, but eventually it did start to fall into place about halfway through the book.  It took awhile, but eventually I started to connect the dots and the information overload started to make sense, and the rest of the story just fell into place for me and carried me along to the end of the book.  To which like previous Kenyon books she leaves us hanging as to what’s in story for characters in the next installment. Particularly, a very intriguing Merman who has given himself up to save the life of a two important characters.  Again I won’t give away anything….(evil laughter rings throughout the rafters of The Reading Café)

Deadmen Walking is an interesting installment in the Kenyon paranormal universe.  You just need to have some patience and a large pad of paper beside you for note taking to help keep everything in perspective and in order.  LOL!!  I’m looking forward to the continuation of this one and hopefully seeing how it will eventually weave into her current storylines. 

Reviewed by Marcie

 

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Born of Vengeance by Sherrilyn Kenyon – a Review

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Born of Vengeance by Sherrilyn Kenyon – a Review

 

Born of VengeanceAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

Description:
A fate worse than death . . .

Bastien Cabarro survived the brutal slaughter of his entire family only to have his wife pin their murders on him. Made Ravin by The League, he is now a target for their assassins-in-training to hunt and kill. The average life expectancy for such beings is six weeks. But defying the odds is what this Gyron Force officer does best, and Bastien won’t rest until he lays his betrayers in their graves.

Ten years later, he has one chance to balance the scales of justice, provided he relies on his former wingman— the very sister of the woman who testified against him.

Major Ember Wyldestarrin joined the outlaw Tavali the day Kirovar fell into the hands of a tyrant, and she and her sister-team were left on an outpost to die under the barrage of enemy fire. The last thing she wants is to be involved in politics again. But the one thing she wants more than anything is revenge on the tyrant who murdered her parents and forced her and her sisters into exile. Carrying a secret she knows Bastien will annihilate her over, she must find some way to trust her former wingman before he catches on and kills her. Even so, treachery doesn’t come easy to a woman who took a loyalty oath to protect her homeworld and comrades-in-arms, especially when Bastien is much more to her than just a former wingman.

Yet as she tries to do right for her family, she learns that Bastien doesn’t just hold the key to the fate of Kirovar, he is vital to The Sentella-League war, and to The Tavali. If she doesn’t ensure he survives this mission, three nations fall, and time for all of them is quickly running out.

 

 

Review;

I’m going to start off by saying that Sherrilyn Kenyon is one of my all time favourite authors and I have enjoyed all her stories to date. However, I seem to have mixed feelings over Born of Vengeance.  After reading Born of Legend I was hyped and ready for the next installment as I become quite intrigued by Bastien, and the position we found him in, in previous books.  Now after reading Bastien’s story I can’t help but feel a little cheated.  I was expecting more present day situation/events surrounding Bastien and Ember, but I felt like we got more back tracking and repetitive scenes/history from Hauk and Jullien(Dagger)’s books.  When we do finally get up to speed and join the present everything happens so fast that before I knew it I had the book read.  I was like, ‘that’s it, it can’t be, I want more, there needs to be more’.  Don’t get me wrong I did enjoy the book, just wish there was more present day events.

Bastien is everything I hoped he would be and then some.  He’s a warrior who’s been to hell and back but somehow managed to hold onto his soul and humanity thanks to the love he still holds for Ember.  It’s that love that sustains him through his years as a Ravin, a criminal placed on the run by the League to be hunted and killed.  Bastien winds up seeking refuge on the planet Oksana where it plays havoc with communication and transmission devices.  He’s planned to hide out and wait out his Ravin sentence so that he can return to his planet Kirovar and seek revenge on Uncle Barnie as he likes to call him, and ex-wife Alura(Ember’s sister) over everything that’s happened to him.  Mind you, through all the back tracking/history of Bastien’s time on Oksana we do learn more about him; how he becomes friendly with the Sentella and is offered a position with them should he ever want one, we see more of his relationship with Jullien and his family, as well as how he becomes friends with Thraix and Trejan.  In hindsight I guess you can say the back tracking wasn’t all that bad, and did serve a purpose for when we reach present day.

Once we do reach present day and Bastien is gunning for revenge, events from here on in do move fast.  Bastien and Ember are reunited and have a common goal, Bastien learns he has a son with Ember, Florian, whom he loves instantly upon meeting the boy.  Absolutely loved this scene, it was perfectly written and the interaction between Bastien and his son is priceless.  In this scene we see the true Bastien come to the forefront, the man with a heart of gold, who will die before he sees any harm done to those he loves and holds dear. He may be a warrior honed in the fires of hell, but underneath it all, he’s just a cuddly teddy bear.  We also see this side of Bastien whenever he’s with Ember.  He loves her so deeply that there is no Bastien without Ember.  His love for her, and Ember’s love for Bastien flows off the pages and makes you root for them to finally get their HEA.  Bastien and Ember are solid characters who match each other in everyway which makes them perfect for one another.  Even her sisters adore him and welcome him back with open arms, which was another cute scene that makes you want Bastien to succeed all the more.  Another fun scene is when Bastien meets Trajen once he’s finally rid of his Ravin tracking device. Upon introduction via  Jullien he uses Bastien’s royal title, to which Bastien quickly lets him know ‘it’s just Bastien, or Bas, asshole if you must’.  Trajen’s response is priceless; “Aw god, there are two of you in this universe.” As he shakes his head and walks away muttering under his breath.  I was LOL, at poor Trajen at this point. 

Of course it wouldn’t be a Kenyon book without her rag tag band of unique characters.  It was nice to see many of our old and current favourites return, along with some newbies to help Bastien, Ember and her sisters out.  The interactions between these characters is ROTFL’ing moments where you can’t help but think ‘my goodness how have they survived this long’.  Their antics and actions are off the wall and completely insane at the best of times.  It’s no wonder they all get along and have formed friendships, they’re all a little kooky.  It’s one of the reasons I love Kenyon’s books, her characters crack me up. 

Another highlight of the book was the little bonus story/chapter after Born of Vengeance.  It centers on Nyk and Jullien so we get to see how they’ve may in roads to being more brotherly with each other.  Nyk is entrusting his eldest daughter to Jullien to be trained in the Tavali ways.  Loved the interactions between these two and then watching Jullien with Nyk’s kids is simply adorable.  It’s a lovely written chapter, one that leaves you wanting more from these two brothers.  Here’s hoping we get more of these bonus chapters, or maybe, hopefully Thia’s story being told in the near future, with more brotherly interactions. 

After writing up this review I’ve come to the conclusion that yes I did indeed enjoy Born of Vengeance, even though I had some issues with the back tracking/history lessons.  It was full of the ingredients I’ve come to find in a Kenyon book and has me wanting more as I wait for the next installment.  Guess that’s why she’s the author and not me 😉  For any Kenyon fan this is a good addition to the series, now bring  on Mack and Ryn!!

Until next time my fellow Menyons, happy reading!! 

Reviewed by Marcie

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Dragonmark by Sherrilyn Kenyon – a Review

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Dragonmark by Sherrilyn Kenyon – a Review

 

DragonmarlAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
Centuries ago, Illarion was betrayed– a dragon made human against his will, then forced to serve humanity as a dragonmount in their army, and to fight for them in barbaric wars, even while he hated everything about them. Enslaved and separated from everyone he knew and from his own dragon brothers, he was forced into exile in a fey realm where he lost the only thing he ever really loved.

Now he has a chance to regain what’s been lost— to have the one thing he covets most. But only if he gives up his brothers and forsakes the oaths he holds most dear. Yet what terrifies him most isn’t the cost his happiness might incur, it’s the fact that there is just enough human in his dragon’s heart that he might actually be willing to pay it and betray everything and everyone– to see the entire world burn and the Were-Hunter clans fall– to sacrifice his own brothers– for his own selfish desire.

Long ago, Edilyn saved Illarion’s life and almost tamed the feral beast. Now she must stop him from fulfilling the Dragonmark prophecy or do what she was trained to do. Slay the dragon who spared her life to save the rest of humanity. Something that should be easy for a dragonslayer of her skills, yet nothing is ever as simple as it seems. And sometimes, just sometimes, the key to salvation lies not in the hands of your most trusted friends, but in those of your worst enemies.

 

Review;

First off, before I say anything about the book, here’s an explanation from Sherrilyn that was posted on her FB page as to why she wrote Dragonmark the way she did.

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSherrilynKenyon/posts/10153765866416444

I’ve added this link for anyone who is wondering why Sherrilyn wrote Illarion’s book with many ‘redundant’ scenes from Son of No One and Dragonbane. I was one of those fans, and at first didn’t catch on about the little difference in those scenes until I read Sherrilyn’s post, then it clicked.  These redundant scenes have been tweaked to give us Illarion’s point of view in each of these scenes in regards to his feelings and predicament. Am I happy this book was written this way?  Yes and no, and this is the first time in history where I can actually admit I was expecting more from a Kenyon book.  Did I enjoy Illarion and Edilyn’s story, yes, but I wanted more of them and less of the ‘redundant’ scenes.  I felt a little cheated out of a proper love story for our couple.  The beginning and last sections of the story where we see Edilyn and Illarion are well written and give us perspective into their views regarding the other’s species.  We also get to see how they fell in love and the lengths Illarion goes to, to make sure Edilyn stays his mate.  We get to see just how fierce and protective dragons are when it comes to what they treasure and hold dear. She’s a wonderful heroine, brave, spunky and well suited to be Illarion’s mate.  She teaches Illarion there is more to a dragon’s solitary life of just existing.  Watching Edilyn bring out another side of Illarion, a fun, light-hearted side where he actually doesn’t mind humans is charming and just downright sweet.  Edilyn and Illarion do steal the show when they are together.  Apart, Illarion is just miserable, pretty much hates life, and finds it hard to be around others who are happy.  You can’t help but feel bad for him and have your heart break for him.

Even though Kenyon does use many scenes from her previous two books in this series there are a few new fun facts that we learn in Dragonmark. For one, the term Dragonmark is significant, not just a fun title for a book.  Like Dragonbane has a specific meaning, so to does Dragonmark.  When Edilyn tries to prevent Illarion from fulfilling the Dragonmark prophecy we finally learn what the prophecy is and what the Dragonmark is.  What is it you ask?  Sorry if you want to know, you’ll have to read the book.  I will say that we learn Illarion and his sister Sarraxyn or Xyn for short are the last of their kind to have it and must be pretty important for Apollo to covet it so much.  On top of it being pretty important, it’s also a blessing for Illarion thanks to Edilyn but I can’t say how or I’ll ruin a good portion of the ending.  We also learn of Illarion’s parents and how it can be beneficial in their fight against Kessar and compamy, remember he’s a Gallu demon.  Aside from all the new info we learn about Illarion and the Dragonmark prophecy, we also learn that Sarraxyn, has been MIA for a long time now, so Illarion may just be the last of his kind.  Another tidbit I found interesting was during one of those repeat scenes with Karma and Thorn; Illarion makes mention about the looks that keep passing between the two.  Now I’m wondering if there’s some history there we don’t know about yet. 

One thing I will say that I found positive about these redundant scenes was the fact that it helped to refresh my memory and help me tie all these events and new characters together.  As well, it sets the groundwork for the next two books in the Dragon’s Rising Trilogy.  We get to see more of Falcyn from Illarion’s point of view and it’s left me salivating for his story to be told.  He’s one intriguing dragon and I can’t wait to see what Kenyon has in store for him and Medea.  Remember Medea, Stryker and Zephyra’s daughter.  Can I just say, a Falycn and Medea pairing will bring dysfunctional family to a whole new level.  LOL!!!  Bring on the fun of that storyline!! One last thing I have to say about Dragonmark is how much I enjoyed the repeat scene from Dragonbane where they are on Olympus with Ash and crew and Artemis is being Artemis and screwing up the English language and Thorn being his sarcastic best. LOL!!!  As much as I hate to agree with the ol’heifer goddess, Apollo needs to die and his powers absorbed.  When she actually yells at Ash and Styxx about this and the fact they’re both Chthonian’s had me ROFL!!!  Even though I still dislike Artie, she does make me laugh at times. 

For any Kenyon fan Dragonmark is a welcome addition to the Dark Hunter universe whether you agree with the way it was written or not. 

Until next time my fellow Menyons, happy reading!!

Reviewed by Marcie

 

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Born of Legend by Sherrilyn Kenyon – a Review

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Born of Legend by Sherrilyn Kenyon – a Review

 

Born of LegendAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
It is in the darkest hours of a universe’s past that their legends are born and their heroes rise…

No one knows exactly how much heart they have until their mettle is put to the hazard and they reach the lowest point of hell. There, they have only two choices. Lie down and die. Or find the strength to push themselves to their feet and fight back with everything they have.

In the words of Trajan Thaumarturgus:

Every great legend begins with one hero giving his finger to destiny and fate.

For those who have read Born of Betrayal, Dagger is the alias that is used by Ushara’s husband, and the father of the twins, who is on the run for his life. This is his story and shows how he became a member of the Tavali and what happens to them after Born of Betrayal ends.

“It’s official Take a Psycho to Work Day. Why else would I be here?”

Hunted. Hated. Betrayed. Dagger Ixur is on the run for his life. As one of the most recognizable members of his royal house, he has a bounty on his head that guarantees him no quarter from any friend or even family. But surrender isn’t in him. He will fight to the bitter end. A resolve that is sorely tested when he narrowly escapes a trap that leaves him severely wounded. With what he believes is his dying breath, he saves a boy born to an extinct race from a group out to enslave the kid for his legendary abilities.

Ushara Altaan has spent her entire life hating those born to nobility. After all, it was a royal house that drove her entire species into virtual extinction. As a rare Andarion Fyreblood, she is sworn to end the existence of any royal she finds. But when Dagger saves her son’s life, she is torn between her people and a debt that can never be repaid.

Yet worse than Dagger’s family that’s still out to end hers, are the League assassins after him who will stop at nothing to claim the lives of her Tavali family. The only hope she has to save them all is to put their future and her faith into the hands of  the very enemy whose grandmother personally extinguished Ushara’s legendary lineage. But how can she ever trust Dagger when he is a disinherited outlaw whose real name is synonymous with betrayal?

The story behind the story;

While writing Born of Betrayal, this was one of those characters and stories that grabbed a hold of me and threw me to the ground and said, “Hey, Sherri, you HAVE to tell my story. It’s time.” I fought it. I denied it. But in the end, I lost. The hero ripped my heart out and made me feel for him. Most of all, he made me root for him. It answers a lot of questions and I am so glad I lost my battle and gave in.

 

Review;

I for one couldn’t be happier that Ms. Kenyon lost that battle and wrote Jullien’s story.  I absolutely loved Born of Legend by Sherrilyn Kenyon and am so sad the book had to end it was that good.  Honestly I don’t where to start with this review because so much happened.  We learn everything about Jullien and why at first he’s a character we can’t stand and want to see dead, but by the first quarter of the book, I was falling fast for Jullien and didn’t want him dead.  In fact I too was rooting from him just like Ms. Kenyon was and I couldn’t be happier that he got a HEA. 

Jullien’s story is once again a gut wrenching emotional read, as Ms. Kenyon herself said, “the hero ripped my heart out and made me feel for him”, I echo those sentiments and then some.  How Ms. Kenyon manages to write such emotional stories that can rip our hearts out one minute, then in the next breath we’re howling with laughter over the dry wit and humour that our characters possess is mind boggling.  If it wasn’t for the dry wit, superior sarcasm and plain old Kenyon humour in this one I think my eyes would be permanently red and puffy over the tears I spilled while reading about the hell Jullien lived in.  How he managed to survive as long as he did, first with his family(who deserve a beat down for their treatment of him), and then on the run is beyond me, but he does and manages to wind up meeting the one person who could pull him out of the hell he’s been living in, his Darling Star Ushara.   Absolutely loved her character and am glad she’s Jullien’s mate.  Ms. Kenyon couldn’t have picked a better female for him. She alone manages to reach the part of Jullien he’s buried deep down inside himself so as not to hurt any more then he already does.  She brings him out of the dark and back in to the light and living, letting him see he’s someone special. She makes him see that what has happened to him all this time isn’t his fault, but of those who were suppose to be there for him and protect him, his family.  She teaches him what family truly means and gives him two things he never imagined he’d have; a loving family, and friends who will lay down their lives for him no matter what.

Jullien and Ushara have got to be one the cutest and memorable couples Kenyon has created, at least that’s how I feel right now.  Their love for each other is soul deep and pours off the pages.  It’s a beautifully crafted, yet emotional love story about finding your soul mate, learning to love, trust someone fully, and putting your life in their hands.  Every moment spent with Jullien and Ushara is adorable, sweet and just down right funny at times.  I love so many of their scenes together that I can’t list them all, but two that are most memorable are; the first time they make love and she teaches him what it means to really make love, and the birth of their daughters. Both grabbed me by the heart and wouldn’t let got.  Well done Ms. Kenyon, well done.

In Born of Legend we also are treated to learning about what it means to be Tavali and how the Tavali came to be.  We also get to meet a slew of other characters who helped advance the story and bring more depth to it.  I absolutely loved Ushara’s brother Davel, her best friend and boss Trajen another Trisani, and his friend Thraix, also Trisani.  These characters along with Jullien provided most of the much needed humour with their sarcasm and dry wit to balance out the raw emotion in this one. They definitely kept me in stiches numerous times.

Just when I think Ms. Kenyon can’t make the next League installment better then the last one, she goes and proves me wrong.  Born of Legend is a well crafted and thought out story that pulls the reader in and never lets you out.  It will tug at your heartstrings and have you hoping mad over the injustice done to an innocent for no other reason then being born a hybrid.  Ushara and Jullien’s romance will have you crying tears of happiness, and the rest of the cast of characters will have you howling with laughter as well. The action and drama in this one will have you sitting on the edge of your seat and chewing your fingernails.  For any Kenyon fan this is a must read.

Until next time my fellow Menyons, happy reading!

Reviewed by Marcie

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Dark Hunters by Sherrilyn Kenyon- Promotion and Giveaway

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Dark Hunters by Sherrilyn Kenyon- Promotion and Giveaway

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Click  Amazon.com to order your very own DARK HUNTERS Coloring Book Volume 1

Are you a fan of Sherrilyn Kenyon’s DARK HUNTERS? Have you ever wanted images of your favorite characters available for framing?

Dabel Brothers Publishing will be adapting Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Dark Hunter and League series in coloring book, graphic novel, and manga formats. The first volume of the Dark Hunter coloring book has already been published and the second volume is ready for preorder.

For a limited time Dabel Brothers Publishing is offering 5 full-color images of some of your favorite DARK HUNTER characters for FREE. All you have to do is click HERE and download one or all of the images then take (or send) to your favorite printer. Each printed image is 18 x 24. New images will be added monthly for your enjoyment.

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Dabel Brothers Publishing is offering Sherrilyn Kenyon’s DARK HUNTERS Coloring Book Volume 1 to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

Please POST your email address along with your comment

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

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7. Giveaway open INTERNATIONALLY.

8. Giveaway runs from May 15-20, 2016

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Invision by Sherrilyn Kenyon – a Review

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Invision by Sherrilyn Kenyon – a Review

 

InvisionAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
***Please note if you haven’t read Instinct, there could be spoilers in the synopsis below.

One boy . . .Many demons.

Think there’s a lot of pressure on your shoulders? Nick Gautier was born to bring about the end of the world . . . it’s not easy being the heir of a demon overlord.

But Nick is determined to thwart his destiny and get into a good college. To be more than his genetics and prophecy foretell. No one is ever going to tell this stubborn Cajun who and what he really is. Or how to live his life.

Not even the Fates of the Universe. But now that he and his team of ancient gods and demons have claimed the Eye of Ananke and he sees the missteps of the future, he has to battle the demons within that are far deadlier and more treacherous than any he’s battled before. All the while his arch nemesis is back and determined to reclaim his place as the harbinger for Armageddon. Even if it means killing Nick and barbecuing everyone he loves to do so.

 


Review:

OMG, my head is spinning, don’t know which way is up or down, I feel like I’m on some funky acid trip right now.  That is the only way I can sum up Invision by Sherrilyn Kenyon for you. It’s a wild, crazy, information overload adventure filled with our favourite characters and Kenyon’s overly imaginative mind.  My note taking skills were seriously put to task in this one.  In true Kenyon fashion she continues her CON series by answering questions from the past book, creating new questions and dropping bombs on us we don’t see coming. These bombs leave our head spinning, jaw hanging open, and in the words of Achmed the Dead Terrorist yelling out Holy Crap!!!  I don’t know how many times I said that, along with my other favourites I tend to shout out; ‘No way!, Oh come on, seriously???? I thought my jaw was going to come unhinged by books end from all the shock factor she generates in Invision.  However, as much as Kenyon drove me crazy and made me feel like this book should’ve been longer for all the information she tossed my way, I did love this addition to her CON series.  There was never a dull moment in this one. 

Speaking of which, the information comes at us fast and furious and there really are moments when you will find yourself re-reading a paragraph or page 2 or 3 times to make sure you read that right. The bombs Kenyon drops on us are mind-boggling and you’ll just have to read this one to find out what they are, because as you all know I don’t like to spoil plot lines and those types of reveals.  I prefer to let you experience those reveals as I did, and enjoy Kenyon’s gift for wowing the audience.  Some of these bomb drops include;

-learning more about Cherise and Kody and just what they mean to Nick and his Malachai
-the reveal of Xev and Caleb’s dad and their connection to Nick, yes Xev and Caleb are half siblings
-the reveal of who Jared’s parents are and his connection to Nick
-the reveal of Xev’s mom
-we finally learn just who and what Verlyn is
-Nick’s connection to M’adoc the Dream warrior, and what it would mean should Nick fall before having a son
-Apollymi’s brother is…thus connecting her to her Nick as well

These reveals left me shocked and sputtering and needing to remember to breath!!!!  One event Kenyon finally explains and I don’t feel I’m spoiling anything for you if I tell is how the first Malachai – Monakribos came into existence.  It’s no wonder the Malachai is one pissed off preternatural being.  Monakribos was in love with Rhubati, but he was tricked into killing her by Grimm and Laguerre because they drugged him.  Once the drugs wore off, he saw what he’d done and went crazy, took her blood and painted the Malachai symbols on his body and using magic damned all the world and everyone in it to hell until they fixed the wrong done to him.  Hell I’d be pissed too if that was done to me, and you can’t help but feel for the guy and see where he’s coming from.  We also learn that from Rhubati’s death Bathymaas springs forth from her body at the moment, but is a shell of Rhubati because she’s missing her heart.  It’s not until Bethany is reborn from Bathymaas, and Styxx falls in love with her giving her back her heart that Rhubati is finally complete. So this is why Kody has felt connected to Nick from the very beginning of the series.

We also learn more about the Eye of Ananke and just what it does.  It shows you the ‘why of the matter or person’ and it can’t lie or distort the truth.  What you see has either happened or will come into being.  Thanks to the eye Nick keeps having these visions of events past(Monakribos/Rhubati), and events to come.  With events to come Kenyon launches us into the far future where we meet everyone’s grown kids; Kyrian’s, Nick’s, Simi’s, etc, all doing battle against the Malachai Ciprian.  Ciprian has freed Noir and Azuza by opening the Gates to Azmodea, and we also learn that Simi’s son Lucien is in love with Nick’s daughter Charity, but never find out who the father of Simi’s kids are because Kody says it would’ve altered the future if Nick had learned that tidbit.  Now I really want to know that answer, but in true Kenyon form she doesn’t speak of it again, arrrrr, so frustrating!!!!  I guess we just keep reading the series.  By books end another bombshell is dropped as we learn Ciprian is Nick’s kid as well, but I was completely stunned and pissed off by the reveal of his mother.  There’s no way Nick would get together with this female if she were the last female standing.  I’m thinking he had to have been tricked like Monakribos was before becoming the Malachai.  I really wish the next book were released already. Why must Kenyon make me wait another year to find out more about this reveal and everything else she dropped on my head in Invision.  

Oops, before I forget, one little tidbit we find out that is funny, but answers a few questions about our zombie hunting fave Bubba, his dad is actually a former Hellchaser, but that part of Bubba’s blood is dormant and his father never told him about it, but feels guilty because one of his dad’s enemies is the one responsible for Bubba’s wife and son’s death.  His dad feels guilty over it and keeps a close watch on his son now.  No wonder Nick and Bubba hit it off so well and why Bubba is attracted to Nick’s mom.  Yes, once again the plot thickens.  No wonder the guy is a little cooky, but we love him all the same.  That part of the book had me howling with laughter along with many others parts of Invision.

As I said at the beginning of my review, I felt like I was on some crazy acid trip by the time I was finished this one.  Invision is everything you come to expect from a Kenyon novel; well developed characters you can’t help but come to love, humour and sarcasm in bundles, twists and turns you never see coming, and reveals about characters that leave you stunned speechless, or yelling like a loon at you Kobo e-reader. I don’t know how Kenyon plans to pull everything together past, present and future by the time this series ends, and we get Nick’s adult DH book, but one thing we can count on, we’ll be in for a wild ride to get there. For all you Menyon and CON fans out there Invision is a must read and great installment to the series.

Until next time my fellow Menyon fans, happy reading, and I’m off to try and find my  zen again, LOL!!!

Reviewed by Marcie

 

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Born of Betrayal by Sherrilyn Kenyon – a Review

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Born of Betrayal by Sherrilyn Kenyon – a Review

 

Born of BetrayalAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
Years ago, family loyalty caused Fain Hauk to give up everything he loved: His military career. His planet. His fiancée. Even his name.

Now decades later, everything has changed. He’s built a new life out of the ashes of his old, and he’s vowed to never let anything threaten his loved ones again.

But when old enemies align themselves with new ones, he’s caught in the middle of a brutal war. And when fate throws his former fiancée back into his world and she has her own agenda that includes taking his head for what he did to her years ago, more than just his life is at stake. The fate of the Ichidian universe and that of his brothers-in-arms hangs in the balance. Winner take all.

It’s kill or be killed, and never has the battle been more fierce…

Or more fun.

 

Review:

Holy Hanna, what a book!! The last line of the book synopsis couldn’t be more fitting. The battles in this one were fierce and at times deadly, you didn’t know who your could trust or not trust, but it was also a lot of fun to read. I absolutely loved Born of Betrayal. Finally learning about what happened to Fain and Galene all those years ago was worth the wait. What a story they had to tell, and I was on the edge of my seat every moment along the way.   Born of Betrayal had more twists/turns, ups/downs and surprises in it then a rollercoaster ride at Disneyland. I can’t count the times Ms. Kenyon managed to tie me up in knots over events and some of her surprises that took place in this book. Now when I say surprises, you’d think it be fun and happy right? Nooooo, she pulled some mean surprises on me, to the point where I couldn’t stop reading till I found out if it were true, or Ms. Kenyon was yanking my chain. I didn’t think I’d ever be able to untangle my nerves again after reading this one. Ms. Kenyon should have put a warning label on this book: “Warning, be prepared to be a nervous wreck, wanting to pull your hair out, feeling like you’ve been put through hell while crying your heart out!” That pretty much sums up my emotional journey as I read Born of Betrayal.

Speaking of the twists and surprises, I can’t elaborate on any of it or I’d spoil too much of the book and I hate spoiling plot line for people. Plus, if I did elaborate, you wouldn’t be able to enjoy the emotional journey that I experienced…evil laughter echo’s throughout our forum, LOL!! I’d hate for you not to experience all that is Fain and Galene’s story. Even though I did feel like I was being tormented at times while reading this one, there were also a lot of bright spots in Born of Betrayal. Thanks to Kenyon’s sick sense of humour and spot on sarcasm with her characters and their unique personalities. I especially enjoyed the courting scenes between Fain and Galene with their grown son Talyn as their chaperone. Poor Fain, and what his son put him through in this one. We met Talyn and learned his story in the previous installment Born of Defiance. The dynamics between Fain and his son were interesting to watch unfold. They went from barely speaking to each other, to having one of the best reunion/acceptance scenes I’ve ever read. Let me tell you, that scene was so touching and heart-wrenching to read that I had tears tracking down my face, and it’s a scene that will stay with me for a while yet.   Beautifully written, well done Ms. Kenyon. Another lovely and well written scene was Felicia and Talyn’s Unification(a wedding as we know them). It was emotional but in a good way, and seeing Fain’s family reunited for that event filled my heart with joy for Fain, Talyn and Galene. After being apart for so long, they finally had a family moment they could treasure for the rest of their lives.

I absolutely loved every minute of Born of Betrayal. It was emotional, funny, serious, suspenseful, and deadly. I also enjoyed seeing past characters return to reunite, support each other and do battle with their enemies. This series has a great cast of characters and they each bring something special and unique to each book.   Ms. Kenyon didn’t leave a stone unturned in this one. She brought it full throttle and I can’t wait to read Born of Legend. Based on the tidbits I’ve read online for that one, and it’s main couple, we are in for a bumpy ride, filled with much of what I’ve come to expect from Sherrilyn Kenyon. The ending to Born of Betrayal left me with more questions then answers, and wanting more information then what I was given. I’m not happy I have to wait 7 months to get to the next installment and find out what happened where this one ended.

Until next time my fellow Menyons, happy reading!!!

Reviewed by Marcie

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Dragonbane by Sherrilyn Kenyon – a Review

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Dragonbane by Sherrilyn Kenyon – a Review

 

Dragonbane
Dark-Hunter / Were-Hunter series
by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Release Date: August 4, 2015

DragonbaneAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

 

Description:
Out of all the mysterious boarders who call Sanctuary home, no one is more antisocial or withdrawn than Maxis Drago. But then, it’s hard to blend in with the modern world when you have a fifty-foot wingspan.

Centuries ago, he was cursed by an enemy who swore to see him fall. An enemy who took everything from him and left him forever secluded. But Fate is a bitch, with a wicked sense of humor. And when she throws old enemies together and threatens the wife he thought had died centuries ago, he comes back with a vengeance. Modern day New Orleans has become a battleground for the oldest of evils. And two dragons will hold the line, or go down in flames.

 

Review:

I absolutely loved Dragonbane by Sherrilyn Kenyon. Book 26, I can’t believe it, 26 books in this series and it hasn’t dulled once, nor is showing any signs of slowing down. There’s just something about Kenyon’s writing, storytelling ability and imagination that makes each of her books fresh and exciting. This one had everything but the kitchen sink thrown in, oh wait I think a sink could have come flying from the kitchen in one the battles in Santuary in this one, LOL!!! Just kidding, I don’t recall an airborne sink in any scene. 😉

Dragonbane picks up where Son of No One ends. Maxis’ brother Illarion is now living at Santuary with him and adjusting to life outside of the Fey realm. We are also introduced to their other brothers; Blaise who is also part Mandrake and lives in Avalon, and Falcyn, I wouldn’t want to get on his bad side, just saying, he’s one ornery dragon. Along with meeting Maxis’ other brothers, we also learn he has a wife, who happens to be an Arcadian dragon and Amazonian dragon slayer. She comes to town to ask for his help in rescuing their children, twin dragonets Haydn and Edena. Since Maxis walked away from Seraphina centuries ago, thanks to her tribe, he never knew she was pregnant and that she gave birth to twins. Now thanks to her leader Nala who’s in league with the gallu demon Kessar, yes he’s back and wanting revenge in the worst way against everyone who’s wronged him, they must find a way to mend fences and work together. Easier said then done in Maxis case thanks to everything he’s suffered at the hands of Seraphina and her Amazonian sisters.

Throughout the story we are bombarded with tons of information about the Dragon race, how Werer-Hunters came to be, who the first one’s were, the cause of the hatred between the Arcadian and Katagaria, the creation of the Omegrion and how Savitar came to be it’s leader. There was so much information in this one at times I felt like my head was spinning and I was on information overload, but in a good way. It helped to keep everything in perspective and helps to answer any unanswered questions us as the reader may have still had regarding the Were-Hunters. We are also privy to flashbacks of Max and Sera’s life together in her Amazon tribe, what happened to him at her sisters hands and why he left her. His story is rather heartbreaking at times and I did shed a few tears for him. There wasn’t a single thing about Max I didn’t like, Seraphina however had a lot of groveling and making up to do in my books. By the end of the book I approved of her as Maxis’ mate.

Along with all the information we learned in this one, it was also fast paced and non- stop action when the battles ensued. Nothing like a Kenyon battle scene to get the blood pumping and nail biting happening. There was also plenty of Kenyon humour and sarcasm flying about throughout the story that had me laughing out loud and snorting many times. What can I say, Dev, Fang, Fury, Thorn and Styxx have to be the best at letting the sarcasm fly and use it at the most inappropriate times possible. Love it. Heck Fang was even rubbing off on Seraphina at one point when she tells her Amazon sisters to ‘arm up bitches’, then turns to Max and says; “You left me in Fangs company too long.” LoL!!! We also get to see many of our faves from Santuary and New Orleans come together to help Max, and due battle against Kessar, Apollo and company on Olympus. There’s also a new little tidbit about Savitar that we learn, and get to see some intriguing interaction between him and Apollymi, and a very touching scene with her and Styxx. I think one of my fave scenes has to be when Thorn drops in on the Omegrion council to inform everyone about what’s going down on Mount Olympus. It was perfect Thorn, he hit all the sarcastic high-notes and no other character could have pulled that scene off. That’s one of the things I love about Kenyon’s characters. No two are remotely the same, or have similar personalities. Each one has their own distinct nuances that make each unique to the story and keep me coming back for more.

For anyone who’s a fan of Kenyon’s Dark Hunter series this one is a must read, and won’t disappoint. All I can say is I can’t wait for Dragonmark. If the way this one ended is any indication of what’s to come, then in the words of Seraphina; “arm of bitches” cause there’s going to be hell to pay for Apollo, Kessar and company. Man I hate waiting……..is it August 2016 yet????

Until next time, happy reading my fellow Menyons!

Reviewed by Marcie

 

 

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