sreberko's review
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I love Amanda's writing. It always has all the feels, diverse characters, sexy scenes, and some heartbreaking moments. It's like a perfect dish that just waits to be devoured.
The 'Son of the Arch Demon' doesn't disappoint. I was a little bit worried that it would be too close to a rom-com to my liking, but it actually never went there. While both POVs are hilarious to read, the weird humor that often comes in these types of stories was absent. Nothing made me cringe, and I deeply enjoyed how both MCs addressed us as readers.
I liked how romance progressed between Marc and Avi - starting from lust, but with so many moments showing how well they fit with each other. They clicked as humans, sharing their interests, helping each other grow, and having fun and pleasure with mundane things. They clicked as demons too, sinful and full of power, and when both sides found balance? it was just perfect.
This book made me think of another story from this author: 'The Bard and the Fairy Prince'. Both stories deal with heritage, the search for power beyond comprehension, wanting to change the world as well as one's destiny. Both of them toy with the idea of being (or becoming) a villain, and collecting power from outside to become The Ultimate King. And where 'The Bard and the Fairy Prince' failed, the 'Son of the Arch Demon' did amazingly. Both MCs make decisions that make sense and fight with their own selfish desires and the power that can consume them and make them lose everything they hold dear.
There were some plot twists and surprises, there was some kind of redemption arc, and there was love and possessiveness as promised on the cover. The 7 sins as Princes of Hell were a nice touch, making the story easy to follow without the need to add too many side characters that we would need to follow and remember their characteristics.
Why not give it 5 stars? Well, I have two small complaints.
First, I would prefer a slightly longer ending - I felt like the 'markings' and 'betrayal' needed more time on the page, as well as Avi's 'family' situation. Everything was mentioned and summarized, but it just left me feeling like too many things were left unspoken and just accepted in the respective POVs. I like to see characters not only suffering and mourning but also working through their problems, what can I say.
Secondly, the story used all already established tropes. It's something that most people will like, and I can safely recommend this book to everyone - both those new to the whole demon/antichrist romance and the ones who read every story in a similar setting; it's just that I personally wanted more. And yes, maybe it is greed :) on my part, but Amanda is one of my favorite authors and I always set the bar high, happy to dive into a new world and fall in love with new characters.
PS There is some dub-con in there. Light, I would say, and the character don't protest, but we not get clear consent and for some it may be something worth knowing before it happens on page.
I received the ARC from the author, and I'm leaving an honest and unbiased review.
The 'Son of the Arch Demon' doesn't disappoint. I was a little bit worried that it would be too close to a rom-com to my liking, but it actually never went there. While both POVs are hilarious to read, the weird humor that often comes in these types of stories was absent. Nothing made me cringe, and I deeply enjoyed how both MCs addressed us as readers.
I liked how romance progressed between Marc and Avi - starting from lust, but with so many moments showing how well they fit with each other. They clicked as humans, sharing their interests, helping each other grow, and having fun and pleasure with mundane things. They clicked as demons too, sinful and full of power, and when both sides found balance? it was just perfect.
This book made me think of another story from this author: 'The Bard and the Fairy Prince'. Both stories deal with heritage, the search for power beyond comprehension, wanting to change the world as well as one's destiny. Both of them toy with the idea of being (or becoming) a villain, and collecting power from outside to become The Ultimate King. And where 'The Bard and the Fairy Prince' failed, the 'Son of the Arch Demon' did amazingly. Both MCs make decisions that make sense and fight with their own selfish desires and the power that can consume them and make them lose everything they hold dear.
There were some plot twists and surprises, there was some kind of redemption arc, and there was love and possessiveness as promised on the cover. The 7 sins as Princes of Hell were a nice touch, making the story easy to follow without the need to add too many side characters that we would need to follow and remember their characteristics.
Why not give it 5 stars? Well, I have two small complaints.
First, I would prefer a slightly longer ending - I felt like the 'markings' and 'betrayal' needed more time on the page, as well as Avi's 'family' situation. Everything was mentioned and summarized, but it just left me feeling like too many things were left unspoken and just accepted in the respective POVs. I like to see characters not only suffering and mourning but also working through their problems, what can I say.
Secondly, the story used all already established tropes. It's something that most people will like, and I can safely recommend this book to everyone - both those new to the whole demon/antichrist romance and the ones who read every story in a similar setting; it's just that I personally wanted more. And yes, maybe it is greed :) on my part, but Amanda is one of my favorite authors and I always set the bar high, happy to dive into a new world and fall in love with new characters.
PS There is some dub-con in there. Light, I would say, and the character don't protest, but we not get clear consent and for some it may be something worth knowing before it happens on page.
I received the ARC from the author, and I'm leaving an honest and unbiased review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death, Gore, and Sexual content
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