lindaunconventionalbookworms's review against another edition
4.0
it's totally official! I love this series. It's a little bit like another series by the same author, but I truly like the mythology a lot better here. The fluff is really fluffy, but there are times when fluff is just what I need ;)
laurenjodi's review against another edition
5.0
Dance with the Devil
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Zarek has been isolated for so long he doesn't know how to play nice with others and many view him as insane. Astrid is the justice nymph assigned to pass judgment on him, but she is actually the only one who sees past his dark façade to his underlying need for truth and love.
Review:
A fantastic read!
Zarek is the epitome of the tortured hero and is my favorite Dark Hunter so far. His tragic childhood and traumatic life experience are so sad and heart-wrenching that I found myself crying all over my Kindle – I really hope the thing is waterproof. One aspect of Zarek’s characterization that I do find troubling is the implication that he is borderline inhuman due to the cruelty to which he has been subjected. However, the descriptions of his actions clearly indicate that he has an abundance of humanity even more so than many of those around him. Astrid is also a particularly likeable heroine and I loved that fact that she is able to "see" beyond Zarek’s surface antagonism to the soft and caring heart beneath. Their relationship is steamy and sensual but also sweet and touching.
The secondary characters are also engaging, particularly Sasha, whose spiteful banter with Zarek is simply hilarious, and Simi, who is one of the most adorable character’s I’ve ever encountered. Her comments about Artemis are just to die for!
As in the previous installments, the romance takes center stage but the side story involving Thanatos’s desire for revenge and Acheron’s need to protect Zarek even from himself are engaging and provide a good backdrop to the romance. I am slowly working my way through the books but the more I read about Acheron and his love/hate relationship with Artemis, the more excited I am about getting to his book.
The story is well-written and the dialogue is excellent. The dream sequences are cleverly incorporated into the main plot, which is often one of the most difficult things to do but is accomplished quite successfully here. I never found myself questioning my suspension of disbelief.
In sum, Kenyon’s Dark Hunter series is exceedingly entertaining and Dance with the Devil is a prime example. Although the books do not really need to be read in order, I do recommend it so as not to miss out on the early appearances of characters who feature in later installments.
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Zarek has been isolated for so long he doesn't know how to play nice with others and many view him as insane. Astrid is the justice nymph assigned to pass judgment on him, but she is actually the only one who sees past his dark façade to his underlying need for truth and love.
Review:
A fantastic read!
Zarek is the epitome of the tortured hero and is my favorite Dark Hunter so far. His tragic childhood and traumatic life experience are so sad and heart-wrenching that I found myself crying all over my Kindle – I really hope the thing is waterproof. One aspect of Zarek’s characterization that I do find troubling is the implication that he is borderline inhuman due to the cruelty to which he has been subjected. However, the descriptions of his actions clearly indicate that he has an abundance of humanity even more so than many of those around him. Astrid is also a particularly likeable heroine and I loved that fact that she is able to "see" beyond Zarek’s surface antagonism to the soft and caring heart beneath. Their relationship is steamy and sensual but also sweet and touching.
The secondary characters are also engaging, particularly Sasha, whose spiteful banter with Zarek is simply hilarious, and Simi, who is one of the most adorable character’s I’ve ever encountered. Her comments about Artemis are just to die for!
As in the previous installments, the romance takes center stage but the side story involving Thanatos’s desire for revenge and Acheron’s need to protect Zarek even from himself are engaging and provide a good backdrop to the romance. I am slowly working my way through the books but the more I read about Acheron and his love/hate relationship with Artemis, the more excited I am about getting to his book.
The story is well-written and the dialogue is excellent. The dream sequences are cleverly incorporated into the main plot, which is often one of the most difficult things to do but is accomplished quite successfully here. I never found myself questioning my suspension of disbelief.
In sum, Kenyon’s Dark Hunter series is exceedingly entertaining and Dance with the Devil is a prime example. Although the books do not really need to be read in order, I do recommend it so as not to miss out on the early appearances of characters who feature in later installments.
geo_ix's review against another edition
5.0
Oh my fucking God. I didn't think after the last book that Artemis could get any worse. She did. Simi is adorable, and I don't want to talk too much about this because I'll gush and even though it's old now, it's too good to ruin for anyone who hasn't read it. So far this is my favourite! He's so sweet to people and no one notices it. His dreams are so depressing seeing him want to fit in and everything, and after it all, people banished him for a bullshit reason. Fucking Artemis. I want her death to literally be the most painful thing ever. God I hope she dies.
zookeepermel's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
meetmeinmalkovich's review against another edition
4.0
I appreciate that Sherrilyn Kenyon has managed to take this universe and make each story unique. Yes, they are about Dark Hunters finding their soulmates, but this one was sooo gooood.
Lots of action.
Lots of background information (especially on Acheron)
And of course I loved this romance.
Top. Notch.
Lots of action.
Lots of background information (especially on Acheron)
And of course I loved this romance.
Top. Notch.
violentends's review against another edition
4.0
I wasn't expecting just straight-up arctic tundra, so that was wild. After reading Dream Hunter, I went back to read this and needed to know Zarek/Astrid story. Some of it was hard to read, including his experiences being a Roman slave and his flow of thoughts regarding himself. It was heartbreaking and I'm glad Astrid was there to help him start to heal. Yuh.
thegeekyblogger's review against another edition
3.0
Dance With The Devil by Sherrilyn Kenyon: Here is the thing with this book—I actually really enjoyed all the Zarek, Astrid, “Dog”, and Simi sections (which should have been the main part of the book). However, too much time spent with Artemis—I really like her in small doses. I hope that we get more Jess in the future (though looking through her book list not yet) and Spawn is great! I like the pairing of Z and A—I think it was a great way to make him more likable! (though honestly I kind of like the humor his character has and how everyone is sure that he is bad LOL)
hoosgracie's review against another edition
4.0
Zarek hates everyone including himself. To top it off, he messed up in New Orleans and is facing certain death when he returns to Alaska. But, he has a chance at redemption when Astrid comes to judge him. Will he also find his true love? One of Kenyon’s better Dark-Hunter stories.
sandra12's review against another edition
4.0
Absolutely love Sherrilyn Kenyons books she does not disappoint