Scan barcode
swiftie1977's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this little short story. Basically Vex is a magnet for souls. When they die they jump into her. She always sold them. But when she could no longer sell them, she makes a deal with someone else to release them from her. She meets Z, a guy who she feels some attraction to and he feels the same. He has spent a hundred years trying to find the love of his life. Vex doesn't seem to buy Z's wanting to find his love from his past life. Can they be together?
samie_k3's review
3.0
I want to give this 3 1/2 stars, because while I liked it, it still annoyed me. I share Z's belief that if two people are meant to be *Soul Mates* that they remain faithful to each other... Maybe having tried to have sexual relationships, but never going through with it, because it didn't feel right. Here, as we know from the book before this one, Z is a virgin who has been celibate for 150 freaking years, but Vex? Yeah, no. Far from it. I won't give specifics, but, it really pissed me off. Although kudos for having the Hero be the virgin for a change, you don't often find that in romance. (Or at least, *I* haven't found that very often in the books I read.)
kathydavie's review against another edition
4.0
A novella, and fourteenth in the Demonica paranormal romance series (third in the Demonica Underworld series and thirty-nine in 1001 Dark Nights), revolving around demons and angels. The couple focus is on Vex and Zhubaal.
My Take
Ione uses primarily a third person dual protagonist point-of-view with perspectives from Vex and Z, however, she also incorporates a third person point-of-view from some of the other characters in a lesser role.
Per usual, Ione delves into a male character who has appeared in previous stories, providing them with his own happily ever-after with a new female character — yes, Ione does reverse the gender roles in some stories.
It's cute with the tough Vex holding Laura's soul, the angel whom Z has been searching for, for decades. Z is so confused by what he feels from Vex. He knows Laura is in there, but this tough, sexually bold Vex is not her! They had a vow!
Oooh, Azagoth offers Vex a lousy deal. And it's slightly worse than the deal Z offers. Talk about conflict!
It's an intimate look into Azagoth's realm and business dealings. And, dang, if Azagoth's method of extracting souls isn't one heckuva nasty experience! I don't think that the dealers in souls do it that way! And the why of the ban on soul selling does reveal itself at the end. Who'd've thought? Certainly not Azagoth.
Whoa, who'd've thought the Archangels, Thrones, and Dominions were so power-hungry!? Or so mean and deceptive! It's not at all what we've been taught about Heaven and its occupants! And yet . . .
It's a question of Laura's love but Vex's identity, as well as her sexual past. So different from Laura and the vow she and Z had made. It's yet another conflict in that Laura is part of her, but Vex is so very different from Laura. Something Z must learn to accept.
Hmm, Ione is setting us up for some future issues what with the overcrowding in the Inner Sanctum. Oops.
There's action, but "Z" is primarily character-driven as Z and Vex have to resolve their different perspectives about the other. The pace does move along with the usual cursing, *grin*.
The Story
Those who buy and sell souls are being slaughtered, for Hell has changed its priorities. For Vex to survive, she must find another way to use her abilities . . . and stay alive.
The Characters
Vex is an emim, the offspring of two fallen angels, and daemani who's done some acting in porno films. Her father had been a lawyer at a demon-run law firm. Malice is also a daemani, a friend of the family, who helped Vex figure her life out. Super Evil is the soul still occupying Vex.
Zhubaal, an Ipsylum warrior, is Azagoth's second-in-command. He's been searching for his lost mate, Laura, another Ipsylum warrior, for a century.
Sheoul-gra is . . .
. . . Hell. Azagoth is the Grim Reaper. Lilliana is mated to Azagoth (Azagoth, 11). Razr is a fallen angel whom Azagoth has appointed to be his third-in-command. Cat is mated to Hades (Hades, 2 (DU), 13 D).
The Unfallen, fallen angels who haven't entered Sheoul, can still be redeemed. Memitim are a special class of earthbound angel born to protect certain humans and earn their wings. Both are Azagoth's children. Suman is a burly Memitim. Vane, an Unfallen, is susceptible to seduction.
"Jim Bob" and "Ricky Bobby" are snotty angels and spies for Revenant. Archangel Uriel. Revenant is the King of Hell (Revenant, LoD 6 & Dem 11) and uncle to the Four Horsemen's children. Lilith is the mother of the Horsemen. Harvester is a fallen angel who worked both sides (Reaver, 5 (10)).
Beverly Hills
Rowan Arch, a powerful fallen angel-turned-demon, appears as a rich, influential Hollywood producer. His guards include Ramreel and Silas demons.
Othog is a servant of the great and powerful Frank, a former buyer and seller of souls. Brad Fisher had been captain of the high school football team.
Daemanis are demon soul magnets. A Shadow Angel is the most powerful class of fallen angel. Orphmages and Charnel Apostles formed a coalition against Revenant. Griminions are ugly little freaks who collect souls when a demon or evil human dies. A dillyoon is a type of butterfly faerie found in Heaven. Ipsylum are a specialized class of warrior angels, think special ops.
The Cover and Title
The cover is deep blues and teals with the short story series publisher, 1001 Dark Nights, occupying the upper two-thirds of the cover in a gradient that is rotating back and forth through a color spectrum of a purplish blue to black. The first "0" is filled with a silhouetted profile of a angel lunging to the right with his wings fully open while the second "0" is a view of some of the dilapidated buildings in Sheoul-gra. The bottom third has teal filigrees fading in and out against a dark, dark blue background with the title in a golden orange; the series info immediately below it in the same color. Below that is a testimonial in a lighter teal with the author's name at the bottom in a rotating gradient of teals.
The title is all about Zhubaal, a.k.a. "Z".
My Take
Ione uses primarily a third person dual protagonist point-of-view with perspectives from Vex and Z, however, she also incorporates a third person point-of-view from some of the other characters in a lesser role.
Per usual, Ione delves into a male character who has appeared in previous stories, providing them with his own happily ever-after with a new female character — yes, Ione does reverse the gender roles in some stories.
It's cute with the tough Vex holding Laura's soul, the angel whom Z has been searching for, for decades. Z is so confused by what he feels from Vex. He knows Laura is in there, but this tough, sexually bold Vex is not her! They had a vow!
Oooh, Azagoth offers Vex a lousy deal. And it's slightly worse than the deal Z offers. Talk about conflict!
It's an intimate look into Azagoth's realm and business dealings. And, dang, if Azagoth's method of extracting souls isn't one heckuva nasty experience! I don't think that the dealers in souls do it that way! And the why of the ban on soul selling does reveal itself at the end. Who'd've thought? Certainly not Azagoth.
Whoa, who'd've thought the Archangels, Thrones, and Dominions were so power-hungry!? Or so mean and deceptive! It's not at all what we've been taught about Heaven and its occupants! And yet . . .
It's a question of Laura's love but Vex's identity, as well as her sexual past. So different from Laura and the vow she and Z had made. It's yet another conflict in that Laura is part of her, but Vex is so very different from Laura. Something Z must learn to accept.
Hmm, Ione is setting us up for some future issues what with the overcrowding in the Inner Sanctum. Oops.
There's action, but "Z" is primarily character-driven as Z and Vex have to resolve their different perspectives about the other. The pace does move along with the usual cursing, *grin*.
The Story
Those who buy and sell souls are being slaughtered, for Hell has changed its priorities. For Vex to survive, she must find another way to use her abilities . . . and stay alive.
The Characters
Vex is an emim, the offspring of two fallen angels, and daemani who's done some acting in porno films. Her father had been a lawyer at a demon-run law firm. Malice is also a daemani, a friend of the family, who helped Vex figure her life out. Super Evil is the soul still occupying Vex.
Zhubaal, an Ipsylum warrior, is Azagoth's second-in-command. He's been searching for his lost mate, Laura, another Ipsylum warrior, for a century.
Sheoul-gra is . . .
. . . Hell. Azagoth is the Grim Reaper. Lilliana is mated to Azagoth (Azagoth, 11). Razr is a fallen angel whom Azagoth has appointed to be his third-in-command. Cat is mated to Hades (Hades, 2 (DU), 13 D).
The Unfallen, fallen angels who haven't entered Sheoul, can still be redeemed. Memitim are a special class of earthbound angel born to protect certain humans and earn their wings. Both are Azagoth's children. Suman is a burly Memitim. Vane, an Unfallen, is susceptible to seduction.
"Jim Bob" and "Ricky Bobby" are snotty angels and spies for Revenant. Archangel Uriel. Revenant is the King of Hell (Revenant, LoD 6 & Dem 11) and uncle to the Four Horsemen's children. Lilith is the mother of the Horsemen. Harvester is a fallen angel who worked both sides (Reaver, 5 (10)).
Beverly Hills
Rowan Arch, a powerful fallen angel-turned-demon, appears as a rich, influential Hollywood producer. His guards include Ramreel and Silas demons.
Othog is a servant of the great and powerful Frank, a former buyer and seller of souls. Brad Fisher had been captain of the high school football team.
Daemanis are demon soul magnets. A Shadow Angel is the most powerful class of fallen angel. Orphmages and Charnel Apostles formed a coalition against Revenant. Griminions are ugly little freaks who collect souls when a demon or evil human dies. A dillyoon is a type of butterfly faerie found in Heaven. Ipsylum are a specialized class of warrior angels, think special ops.
The Cover and Title
The cover is deep blues and teals with the short story series publisher, 1001 Dark Nights, occupying the upper two-thirds of the cover in a gradient that is rotating back and forth through a color spectrum of a purplish blue to black. The first "0" is filled with a silhouetted profile of a angel lunging to the right with his wings fully open while the second "0" is a view of some of the dilapidated buildings in Sheoul-gra. The bottom third has teal filigrees fading in and out against a dark, dark blue background with the title in a golden orange; the series info immediately below it in the same color. Below that is a testimonial in a lighter teal with the author's name at the bottom in a rotating gradient of teals.
The title is all about Zhubaal, a.k.a. "Z".
ameserole's review
2.0
Ugh, I wanted to like it.. but didn't.
Thank god Z was freaking short. I know I don't say that about novellas often but this was just not for me. I wanted to like it because Z is a fallen angel and shit but nope - I just couldn't. Not even wine could help this little thing.
Other than that, the smut was steamy af BUT I just don't get why most MC's are virgins!! Can someone please explain that to me?
Thank god Z was freaking short. I know I don't say that about novellas often but this was just not for me. I wanted to like it because Z is a fallen angel and shit but nope - I just couldn't. Not even wine could help this little thing.
Other than that, the smut was steamy af BUT I just don't get why most MC's are virgins!! Can someone please explain that to me?
deanapotter's review
5.0
4.5 Stars
Vex is a spitfire of a woman. Strong, sassy cunning. She a magnet for demon’s souls. A Daemani. Until recently a very lucrative business for her. That has her seeking out the keeper of souls himself. I liked everything about Vex. She holds her ground, says what’s her mind and will go for broke.
Zhubaal is a fallen angel searching for is long love. His strength and will are remarkable, however the man is a bit prudish. A Virgin hero who has never wavered from the bond he made. When fate put the lost soul into a woman that is the polar opposite of his beloved, Z has to separate his pass love with Laura and realize a soul doesn’t make the person.
Larissa Ione gives reader a quick and hot read that rekindled my love of paranormal. Z and Vex made me laugh yet both of them could have used a good smack upside the head. Their chemistry was a bit different but worked for them. And their passion was explosive. A one sit, steamy and read.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
Vex is a spitfire of a woman. Strong, sassy cunning. She a magnet for demon’s souls. A Daemani. Until recently a very lucrative business for her. That has her seeking out the keeper of souls himself. I liked everything about Vex. She holds her ground, says what’s her mind and will go for broke.
Zhubaal is a fallen angel searching for is long love. His strength and will are remarkable, however the man is a bit prudish. A Virgin hero who has never wavered from the bond he made. When fate put the lost soul into a woman that is the polar opposite of his beloved, Z has to separate his pass love with Laura and realize a soul doesn’t make the person.
Larissa Ione gives reader a quick and hot read that rekindled my love of paranormal. Z and Vex made me laugh yet both of them could have used a good smack upside the head. Their chemistry was a bit different but worked for them. And their passion was explosive. A one sit, steamy and read.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
romancejunkie1025's review
5.0
FINALLY Z gets his HEA, though not in any way he expected to be sure. But even thought his Mate wasn't what he expected, she was definitely ALL that she needed. Love this series, and seriously enjoy the short stories that are keeping the series alive.
sonja_ahrb's review against another edition
5.0
I completely fell in love with the Demonica series after I read Revenant, so I can't tell you how excited I was to read Z! I did a little happy dance both when Z appeared on my kindle and when I opened it up to read - I am just a total, crazy fangirl when it comes to Larissa Ione and her books now. And what a fantastic book Z was - I fell in love with it almost as soon as I started reading it - it was so familiar, fun, and almost magnetic the way it pulled me in so fast!
Just like I fell in love with the book almost immediately, I also fell in love with Vex! Vex is sassy, playful, teasing, and a complete and utter bada*s chick. She's the kind of tough, strong woman who can take care of herself and handle everything that comes her way. Vex is confident, passionate, and bold, but she does have this soft, vulnerable side that endeared her to me even more. She knows who she is and she is just herself and that what I loved most about Vex - although, really, I loved everything about her!
Well, Revenant will always be my number one favorite, but I still loved Z! I mean, sometimes he really messes up and you just shake your head because you can't shake him, but other than that there's nothing not to love about him. He's protective, possessive, sweet, and he's devoted to keeping his oath to Laura. Even though I wanted him to love Vex wholly, I had to admire and appreciate that devotion and his patience. Don't worry, Z does come to his senses eventually though and there was no doubt in my mind that he loves Vex or that he'll be the best mate he can be for her. Z is an awesome hero and I fell more in love with the more I got to know him!
Z might be a short, fast read but it's full of heart. It's funny and entertaining, it has some heartache and action, and it definitely has heat. Z made me laugh a lot, it thrilled me, and I enjoyed every bit of it! It was absolutely wonderful and I wholeheartedly loved it!
Z is a standalone in the Demonica series, it's told from Z and Vex's POV, and they had one happily-ever-after ending that made me giddy and had me grinning like an idiot!
~ Sonja, 5 Stars
Just like I fell in love with the book almost immediately, I also fell in love with Vex! Vex is sassy, playful, teasing, and a complete and utter bada*s chick. She's the kind of tough, strong woman who can take care of herself and handle everything that comes her way. Vex is confident, passionate, and bold, but she does have this soft, vulnerable side that endeared her to me even more. She knows who she is and she is just herself and that what I loved most about Vex - although, really, I loved everything about her!
Well, Revenant will always be my number one favorite, but I still loved Z! I mean, sometimes he really messes up and you just shake your head because you can't shake him, but other than that there's nothing not to love about him. He's protective, possessive, sweet, and he's devoted to keeping his oath to Laura. Even though I wanted him to love Vex wholly, I had to admire and appreciate that devotion and his patience. Don't worry, Z does come to his senses eventually though and there was no doubt in my mind that he loves Vex or that he'll be the best mate he can be for her. Z is an awesome hero and I fell more in love with the more I got to know him!
Z might be a short, fast read but it's full of heart. It's funny and entertaining, it has some heartache and action, and it definitely has heat. Z made me laugh a lot, it thrilled me, and I enjoyed every bit of it! It was absolutely wonderful and I wholeheartedly loved it!
Z is a standalone in the Demonica series, it's told from Z and Vex's POV, and they had one happily-ever-after ending that made me giddy and had me grinning like an idiot!
~ Sonja, 5 Stars
tj_park's review against another edition
funny
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
leabookjoy's review against another edition
4.0
Finally, the long awaited story of Zhubaal =D
Working for the Grim Reaper, Zhubaal used his job to find her soul mate Laura or rather the person she was reincarnated into. But so far, he has no luck until he fell on Vex, a very sexy magnet for evil souls ...
Larissa Ione's books and I is a complicated story : I love the world she has created but I'm not a fan of her books (too rough characters, a style too "sex and violence only" ...) with the exception of her series "Lords of Deliverance" (and only from the book about Revenant) and her novella published in the 1001 Dark Nights collection x)
So, I was looking forward to learn more about Zhubaal and his vow of chastity which we discovered in the book about Hades and I was not disappointed : the universe is still fascinating, the writing style is great and I loved the plot (this novella appeared to be an in-between because with the disappearance of Satan and co for a looong time (hopefully), the new players need to find a new balance of power ...)
One downside: Vex was funny but Zhubaal wasn't exceptional and their story of love and reconciliation were a little too easy for me ...
Nevertheless, it's a great book to read for the fans (or not) of the Demonica series
PS: I don't know who exactly is that Rowan Arch guy but I hope we will see him again because he has a lot of sexy potential pfioulala ><
Working for the Grim Reaper, Zhubaal used his job to find her soul mate Laura or rather the person she was reincarnated into. But so far, he has no luck until he fell on Vex, a very sexy magnet for evil souls ...
Larissa Ione's books and I is a complicated story : I love the world she has created but I'm not a fan of her books (too rough characters, a style too "sex and violence only" ...) with the exception of her series "Lords of Deliverance" (and only from the book about Revenant) and her novella published in the 1001 Dark Nights collection x)
So, I was looking forward to learn more about Zhubaal and his vow of chastity which we discovered in the book about Hades and I was not disappointed : the universe is still fascinating, the writing style is great and I loved the plot (this novella appeared to be an in-between because with the disappearance of Satan and co for a looong time (hopefully), the new players need to find a new balance of power ...)
One downside: Vex was funny but Zhubaal wasn't exceptional and their story of love and reconciliation were a little too easy for me ...
Nevertheless, it's a great book to read for the fans (or not) of the Demonica series
PS: I don't know who exactly is that Rowan Arch guy but I hope we will see him again because he has a lot of sexy potential pfioulala ><