A review by roadtripreader
The Dame & The Devil by Dalia Davies
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Talk about an opening. None of this damsel in innocence minding her own business and oops, falls on the devil's D. Nope, Keres is a woman on a mission and she grabbed me by the neck and dragged me on this whole journey with her.
You think your heart is wicked
This is the same author who managed to do some SICK worldbuilding in maybe three or four pages for Railed By The Easter Bunny. I've come to expect captivating writing, because yes we all know where it's heading but dang it I'm a sucker for some good prose. Davies has done it again to an extent.
Spice level: there was never any doubt this would be debaucherously hot.
Plot/Storyline: -1 Fast paced and sharp all the better to hook you with it. Also, how do I glean this location of Hellmouth - for science purposes. Do I need a grimoire, do I need to enlist the help of a hellhound? Shall I contact my local coven - I just want to ask for directions please.
I wanted it to be longer - I'd read a full length novel with this entire premise .
Characters: She wants what she wants and no white light or stairway to heaven is going to distract her. She is confident, laser focused, a whole force of nature. The Devil is a bit of a beefcake and not enough of that fallen angel - he's a bit two dimensional. Just a bit.
Favorite scene/quote: The Dance of the Devil sequence. All the "sinners yanked to hell. Between one blink and the next, I’m dragged to Hell and thrust into the arms of a sinner, twirling over the flames of the Devil’s ballroom. Hundreds of people in their funereal best spin around the dance floor beside me. All of us in the arms of false devils.
You think your heart is wicked
This is the same author who managed to do some SICK worldbuilding in maybe three or four pages for Railed By The Easter Bunny. I've come to expect captivating writing, because yes we all know where it's heading but dang it I'm a sucker for some good prose. Davies has done it again to an extent.
Spice level: there was never any doubt this would be debaucherously hot.
Plot/Storyline: -1 Fast paced and sharp all the better to hook you with it. Also, how do I glean this location of Hellmouth - for science purposes. Do I need a grimoire, do I need to enlist the help of a hellhound? Shall I contact my local coven - I just want to ask for directions please.
I wanted it to be longer - I'd read a full length novel with this entire premise .
Characters: She wants what she wants and no white light or stairway to heaven is going to distract her. She is confident, laser focused, a whole force of nature. The Devil is a bit of a beefcake and not enough of that fallen angel - he's a bit two dimensional. Just a bit.
Favorite scene/quote: The Dance of the Devil sequence. All the "sinners yanked to hell. Between one blink and the next, I’m dragged to Hell and thrust into the arms of a sinner, twirling over the flames of the Devil’s ballroom. Hundreds of people in their funereal best spin around the dance floor beside me. All of us in the arms of false devils.