dragon_lion64's review against another edition
4.0
Larissa Ione never disappoints me with her stories. I love that her female characters are raw and flawed and have bad thoughts. I hate perfect Polly Pures who are so innocent and sweet that I just want to drown them in a bucket of honey. Her male characters are badass too.
Cipher was dragged into Hell or Sheoul and for seven months has been tortured, put in the ring to fight for his life just to entertain the demons and the evil overlord named Bael and he has been trying to watch off the evil that oozes into everyone in Bael's realm.
Lyre was put in charge of Cipher as his handler. She hates Bael but made a bargain with him that she now regrets so she's stuck in his realm. She tells herself she doesn't care what happens to Cipher yet she can't help but being attracted to him.
The main story was great but I always like the background story which is the fight for power and to keep Satan locked up and keep Armageddon from happening too soon.
I look forward to the next book.
Cipher was dragged into Hell or Sheoul and for seven months has been tortured, put in the ring to fight for his life just to entertain the demons and the evil overlord named Bael and he has been trying to watch off the evil that oozes into everyone in Bael's realm.
Lyre was put in charge of Cipher as his handler. She hates Bael but made a bargain with him that she now regrets so she's stuck in his realm. She tells herself she doesn't care what happens to Cipher yet she can't help but being attracted to him.
The main story was great but I always like the background story which is the fight for power and to keep Satan locked up and keep Armageddon from happening too soon.
I look forward to the next book.
renpuspita's review against another edition
4.0
4 stars
If you see my Goodreads feeds, it will shown that lately I'm Demonica series reading spree. Well, I read all the remaining Demonica Underworld novellas in order to read Reaper (actually when I write this review, I already in chapter 4 of Reaper, lol). While Ione stated that all her novellas can be read as a standalone, I don't recommend read Cipher as one because his story is continuation from "Her Guardian Angel". And also you will get to know more about him in "Hawkyn". While the title is Cipher, like "Hawkyn", this novella is not just about Cipher but Azagoth as well.
Is he still brooding? Yeees.
Is he still have anger management issues? Yep.
But, at last he has sort out the problem with Lilliana, and I'm happy they are back on the track!
The story of course still mainly tell about how Cipher deal with his new condition (become a true fallen angel) and also how he tried to escape from his captor. Speaking about abduction, there's some torture scene that not for the squeamish (but still tame) and also "almost" mind rape. I'm glad that Ione didn't write in further, because I will puke. And rage. Mostly rage, because I really like Cipher and it will upset me if that's happen to him. Rape is still a rape, even its happen to man, and boy, I share the same sentiment with Cipher about Flail, a fallen angel woman that try to rape him. Talk about a very nasty, skanky character!
But don't fret since Cipher's leading lady, Lyre is still a good person. Well, a fallen angel with apparently a good heart. I like that Ione didn't go to deus ex machinae route to explain why Lyre don't feel evil, although maybe the reason why Lyre is not evil despite she is a fallen angel still left opened. I also like Cipher and Lyre's blossoming relationship even the romance maybe not that plenty (since both are try to running from Lyre's fallen angel boss, Bael). They have no angst, so if you don't like angst too much, it can be refreshing to read. Also both Cipher and Lyre have awesome abilities as a fallen angel. Alas, it just not explained thoroughly.
The event in this novella mainly connected to what happen after 'REVENANT" (another my favorite Demonica book), with Satan being imprisoned and his "minions" want to release him. So glad to see Revenant and also Reaver, and well Revenant is still a jerk himself. An adorable jerk to be exact ;3. What happen in the end of Cipher open a plot that connected to Azagoth's first full length novel, "REAPER". I can't wait to read what will happen to Azagoth, Lilliana, and Sheoul-gra in particular. Also if Satan will be released (Revenant and Reaver will be VERY, VERY pissed off, though.). There was no Jim Bob, my favorite mysterious angel, but I kinda can guess who he is. Maybe we will get the answer in REAPER.
If you see my Goodreads feeds, it will shown that lately I'm Demonica series reading spree. Well, I read all the remaining Demonica Underworld novellas in order to read Reaper (actually when I write this review, I already in chapter 4 of Reaper, lol). While Ione stated that all her novellas can be read as a standalone, I don't recommend read Cipher as one because his story is continuation from "Her Guardian Angel". And also you will get to know more about him in "Hawkyn". While the title is Cipher, like "Hawkyn", this novella is not just about Cipher but Azagoth as well.
Is he still brooding? Yeees.
Is he still have anger management issues? Yep.
But, at last he has sort out the problem with Lilliana, and I'm happy they are back on the track!
The story of course still mainly tell about how Cipher deal with his new condition (become a true fallen angel) and also how he tried to escape from his captor. Speaking about abduction, there's some torture scene that not for the squeamish (but still tame) and also "almost" mind rape. I'm glad that Ione didn't write in further, because I will puke. And rage. Mostly rage, because I really like Cipher and it will upset me if that's happen to him. Rape is still a rape, even its happen to man, and boy, I share the same sentiment with Cipher about Flail, a fallen angel woman that try to rape him. Talk about a very nasty, skanky character!
But don't fret since Cipher's leading lady, Lyre is still a good person. Well, a fallen angel with apparently a good heart. I like that Ione didn't go to deus ex machinae route to explain why Lyre don't feel evil, although maybe the reason why Lyre is not evil despite she is a fallen angel still left opened. I also like Cipher and Lyre's blossoming relationship even the romance maybe not that plenty (since both are try to running from Lyre's fallen angel boss, Bael). They have no angst, so if you don't like angst too much, it can be refreshing to read. Also both Cipher and Lyre have awesome abilities as a fallen angel. Alas, it just not explained thoroughly.
The event in this novella mainly connected to what happen after 'REVENANT" (another my favorite Demonica book), with Satan being imprisoned and his "minions" want to release him. So glad to see Revenant and also Reaver, and well Revenant is still a jerk himself. An adorable jerk to be exact ;3. What happen in the end of Cipher open a plot that connected to Azagoth's first full length novel, "REAPER". I can't wait to read what will happen to Azagoth, Lilliana, and Sheoul-gra in particular. Also if Satan will be released (Revenant and Reaver will be VERY, VERY pissed off, though.). There was no Jim Bob, my favorite mysterious angel, but I kinda can guess who he is. Maybe we will get the answer in REAPER.
ikepauh's review against another edition
3.0
I liked that Lyre and Cipher were different. Their romance, I did not especially dig but the plot kept me reading on. Azagoth and Liliana are finally reunited and he is dealing with her pregnancy in this book. More Memitim were killed, Azagoth's brood can't catch a break.
cupofteabookblog's review against another edition
5.0
Cipher and Lyre have a story full of learning to trust, letting go of hate, steamy romance and trying to beat a monster at his own game!
debzemanlms's review against another edition
5.0
A fun romp in hell!
Nice to be back in Azagoths world and to see some “old friends”. Fell right into the story and couldn’t put the book down. Loved the story of Cipher and Lyre. Nasty twist to Ciphers wings! Forgot all about that character! Now to wait for the next one!
Nice to be back in Azagoths world and to see some “old friends”. Fell right into the story and couldn’t put the book down. Loved the story of Cipher and Lyre. Nasty twist to Ciphers wings! Forgot all about that character! Now to wait for the next one!
deanie's review against another edition
In the previous book, Her Guardian Angel, Unfallen angel Cipher is dragged to Hell to become one of the evil True Fallen angels. Months later, Cipher is still basically himself, fighting against his new instincts and against the torture he faces under the demon overlords. Lyre is his overseer, an angel who fell to get revenge on the angelic family who killed her true love and had her stripped of her wings. However, on the grand scale of things, she's not really evil either. Can their love help them escape the hellish dimension they're trapped in before Cipher is forced to do things he can't take back?
This Demonica Underworld takes us into a brand new region of Hell. Unlike Sheoul-gra, where Azagoth watches over the souls of demons and evil humans, Cipher has ended up in the land of the True Fallen, where real, live evil dwells. The relationship between Lyre and Cipher is smart and entertaining, and his dilemmas are all too real in our modern world of danger and terrorism.
This Demonica Underworld takes us into a brand new region of Hell. Unlike Sheoul-gra, where Azagoth watches over the souls of demons and evil humans, Cipher has ended up in the land of the True Fallen, where real, live evil dwells. The relationship between Lyre and Cipher is smart and entertaining, and his dilemmas are all too real in our modern world of danger and terrorism.
beckiebookworm1974's review against another edition
4.0
Another lengthy novella and this one is about the formerly kidnapped and dragged to Sheoul Cipher and Lyle a newish fallen Angel currently in the employ of Lord Bael.
Lyle is Ciphers new handler in the hell realm here and she wants revenge on the people who caused her fall from above and killed her beloved hence entering sheoul willingly and falling.
Cipher himself is also now truly fallen as well as a prisoner after his former-lovers betrayal.
A captive of Lord Bael his jailor wants the list he has of Azagoths Memitim children and will use all at his disposal including torture to get this information.
There are definite changes going on with Cipher but what I liked about him most is his ability to retain his trademark sense of humour against such insurmountable odds.
I also thought for a fallen Lyle had managed to retain so much of herself she still has compassion and good in her heart despite her fallen status and Cipher soon realises she is not like the others here and begins to tentatively show trust in his sheoul handler.
She in turn also realises that he might just be her shot at a different future than the one she now has.
With Ciphers serious hacker skills and new abilities and Lyles assistance, the two join forces in an attempt to escape.
We also get more Lilliana and Azagoth which is always welcome.
Their reunion was everything I'd hoped and I adore these two just so much.
There is also a lot happening here to further unfolding agendas and I am looking forward to the culmination of all the groundwork that we will get to experience in the upcoming full-length novel Reaper.
One final question I am dying to know the identity of the mysterious Jim Bob.
Cipher is yet another great addition to the series.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
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tanyad74's review against another edition
4.0
I received this book for free from Tour Group in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I was so excited for another book in the Demonica World! I'm missing some of our main characters from the series as we concentrate on these new ones in the novellas. However, I am enjoying these characters as well.
Cipher is not the warrior that you see in most heroes. His specialty is computers and coding. Bael knows this and has planned to be able to take advantage of it once the evil from being a fallen angel starts to take over Cipher. He also needs something from Cipher and has assigned Lyre to be his handler and try and get the information from him.
I enjoyed seeing a lead male character who was not totally focused on hand to hand combat. Not saying he wasn't good at it when needed, but it was not his main skillset and that was refreshing. I knew Lyre didn't fit in from the beginning and her reasons for becoming a fallen and signing up with Bael were going to be regrettable. She was not going to be hard to turn onto Cipher's team.
With the worry of the evil taking control, and possibly alienating himself from Azagoth, Cipher needs to get out of Bael's realm ASAP. I enjoyed seeing Cipher as he discovered his fallen angel powers. When I found out why he was struggling with flying and control, I was surprised, but not surprised in a way about the cause of the problem. Nothing is too evil for this realm.
We also get a surprise on the Azagoth front which I loved. He is still the fearsome Grim Reaper, but Lilliana is such a calming factor in his life. He just needs to learn how to be in a relationship. It's going to be interesting to see how he fares with Lilliana's surprise. I'm so glad the next book will be back to him. He really seems to be struggling and I want to see him work it out.
I really enjoyed Cipher and the adventure we are taken on between the two competing realms. Bael is crazy to try and take on Azagoth. It's going to make for an interesting fight. The side characters from Cipher, mainly his friends from Sheoul-gra are a lot of fun and persistent in their intent to rescue Cipher and make sure he hasn't turned evil while in Sheoul. I thought we got to see a good family dynamic between those in Sheoul-gra. A safe haven in the Grim Reaper's realm. Who would of guessed?! I think I would definitely recommend this read before the upcoming release from the series. There is quite a bit of Azagoth and Lilliana in Cipher and I think the background is going to be good for reading the new book. I'm so glad Larissa Ione is going back to this series.
Excerpt
Lyre watched Cipher try to get his powers and wings under control for just over twenty-four human hours.
It hadn’t gone well. His wings seemed to have minds of their own and his fallen angel gifts were powerful but unpredictable, like natural disasters spawned by a child’s imagination.
Finally, after he exploded a tree with a superheated stream of blue light and nearly fried himself with the blowback, she called down to him.
“You hungry?” she yelled. “Because I could eat.”
He let out a frustrated shout accompanied by a stomp of his foot, and a crack appeared in the ground under the sole of his boot. A deafening boom and a slow rumble started up, and within seconds the crack lengthened and began to widen as the walls collapsed and chunks of earth tumbled into the fissure.
That couldn’t be good.
“Run!” she shouted
He sprinted toward her, away from the growing gap. And then, suddenly, he spun around and ran toward it.
“Cipher! No!” What the hell was he doing?
She extended her wings, ready to go after him as he leaped across the fissure. He wasn’t going to make it to the other side of the sheer cliff face. Not if his wings wouldn’t work—
His great wings flapped, lifting him easily skyward. He banked and soared in a glorious, elegant arc. A shout of pure joy rang out as he flew toward her, reminding her of the excitement she’d felt the first time she’d tried out her fallen angel wings. Hers had taken a year to grow, but it had taken only minutes to get them working. Cipher had to be thrilled to finally have his under control.
Folding her own black leather wings against her shoulders, she watched him come in for a landing, but as he did, one wing went rogue, freezing in a closed position. He clipped a tree and went into an unrecoverable spin before hitting the ground and tumbling to a stop next to her.
She coughed at the resulting cloud of dust. “That was graceful.”
He eyed her from where he lay sprawled in the dirt. “Tell me you got that on video.”
She didn’t want to be charmed, but she laughed anyway. Humor was something she missed since entering Sheoul. No one had a sense of humor here. And those who did seemed to have found it puddled on the floor of a torture chamber.
“No such luck,” she said.
“S’okay. But I’ll bet it would have gone viral.” Wincing, he shoved to his feet and tried to push his left wing into the retraction position. “I don’t get it. I can’t control these things. It’s like they’re fighting me. They don’t feel right.”
They didn’t look right, either. Marred by what seemed to be scars and ragged edges, they weren’t like any newbie wings she’d ever seen.
“Hmm. Maybe they were damaged by the restraints.” She moved around behind him, silently admiring his broad, muscular back. It would look even better with scratch marks from her fingernails after a long, sweaty round of sex.
Trailer
This review was originally posted on Rantings of a Reading Addict
redhairedashreads's review against another edition
4.0
4 stars - It was really good
After two books, we finally get Cipher's story. In Her Guardian Angel, Cipher was dragged to Hell by demons and turned into a fallen angel. It’s been months since that event and now we finally get to learn why he was taken and by whom.
Cipher has been a prisoner for months dealing with daily tortures and the constant seep of evil into him. His captures are trying to turn him to their cause or get information about Azagoth from him. I have liked Cipher since he was introduced and I loved him even more after this. He was strong, determined, and very stubborn. He doesn't give in and bends the situation in his favor to free himself. Also Cipher’s new fallen abilities are fascinating and I can’t wait to see how he applies them in future books.
Lyre is a fallen angel who is out for revenge. While overseeing Cipher’s captivity, she finds herself doubting everything about her goal for revenge. The more time she spends with Cipher the more she finds herself longing for more. Lyre was a strong, capable, and determined woman. She may have a weak power but wields it to her advantage, which I really liked. Lyre and Cipher were a great couple who worked together to escape a terrible situation.
Overall, this was another great novella for this series. I can’t wait to jump into the next one and see the continuation of Azagoth and Lilianna’s story.
Trigger warnings: torture; death of a child
lpcoolgirl's review against another edition
5.0
Such a great read! Really enjoyed having these two fallen angels, which is the first time we've had that, I'm pretty sure. Though I wish there'd been an explanation why she wasn't as evil or something.