A review by laurenvoice
Satan's Affair by H.D. Carlton

dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

Satan's Affair was intense. From the first page, it was violence, and the violence continued non-stop. There was no break from the violence in Sibil's life. Sibil's experiences are hard to read; however, H.D. Carlton noted a trigger warning list at the start of the book; take note of the warnings, as Satan's Affair was full of taboo topics and intense scenes.

The "twist" at the end of this novella was a tad disappointing; there were clues scattered across the novella indicating this twist.
However, the violent killer having a severe mental health disorder is overdone and adds to the misinformation about mental health. But to note, the author did include a scene in the epilogue that makes the reader question who are we to label someone's mental health if our experiences don't match theirs. As someone with a psychology background, that was an interesting question to pose.

Nonetheless, although there was some disappointment surrounding the ending of this novella, the introduction to Zade was compelling, but morally grey characters are always interesting. It was good to see Sibil's thought process about Zade; she sensed his danger; however, when she got to know him understood that he was the same as her. It is good to see Sibil finally feel accepted by someone other than her "henchmen".

I read Satan's Affair as it was suggested to read this novella before the Cat and Mouse Duet. I am intrigued to see how Satan's Affair has set up the introduction to the series and how the events at Satan's Affair impact Zade. 
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