A review by laurenjodi
The Darkest Night by Gena Showalter
3.0
The Darkest Night
3.5 Stars
Synopsis
Ashlyn Darrow is afflicted with the ability to hear the voices of past conversations. In an attempt to end her nightmare, she seeks out a group of men rumored to possess supernatural abilities. What she finds is the Lords of the Underworld, immortal warriors possessed by the demon spirits they willfully released from Pandora's box. Ashlyn is soon swept away by her attraction to Maddox, the warrior who holds Violence within, and must cope not only with the passion he ignites but with external forces bent on destroying the only family she has ever known.
Review
Disclaimer: Began this book a few month ago when I first started reading paranormal romance and couldn't get into it. So, this is my second attempt at reading the book and overall, I am pleased that I gave it another chance.
The Darkest Night suffers from first book syndrome - it is slow to start and there is an overabundance of exposition. Moreover, the details of the world building are forced rather than being allowed to unfold naturally. Nevertheless, the mythology meshes well within the plot and the take on Pandora's box is original and intriguing.
The focus of the book is the developing relationship between Maddox and Ashlyn. While they are a compelling couple with intense chemistry, it is only toward the end that the action heats up and a bigger story line begins to appear. Ashlyn is a likeable heroine - she definitely holds her own without being too kick ass and does not wait around to be rescued by her "tarnished prince". Maddox is tortured, sexy and possessive but never feels the need to walk all over the heroine (not that she would let him). The manner in which his personal curse is resolved and how he comes to terms with the demon inside him are highlights of the story.
Regarding the secondary characters, the other LOTUs are appealing in their own right, although the angst and aggression that characterizes their interaction is contrived and overdone. The villain is very one-dimensional and there is very little indication that he constitutes any real threat. Anya, the warriors dubious ally, is especially intriguing and I look forward to discovering her true motives.
Despite its problems, the basic concept of tormented warriors seeking forgiveness, redemption and love is very appealing and I will continue reading the series.
3.5 Stars
Synopsis
Ashlyn Darrow is afflicted with the ability to hear the voices of past conversations. In an attempt to end her nightmare, she seeks out a group of men rumored to possess supernatural abilities. What she finds is the Lords of the Underworld, immortal warriors possessed by the demon spirits they willfully released from Pandora's box. Ashlyn is soon swept away by her attraction to Maddox, the warrior who holds Violence within, and must cope not only with the passion he ignites but with external forces bent on destroying the only family she has ever known.
Review
Disclaimer: Began this book a few month ago when I first started reading paranormal romance and couldn't get into it. So, this is my second attempt at reading the book and overall, I am pleased that I gave it another chance.
The Darkest Night suffers from first book syndrome - it is slow to start and there is an overabundance of exposition. Moreover, the details of the world building are forced rather than being allowed to unfold naturally. Nevertheless, the mythology meshes well within the plot and the take on Pandora's box is original and intriguing.
The focus of the book is the developing relationship between Maddox and Ashlyn. While they are a compelling couple with intense chemistry, it is only toward the end that the action heats up and a bigger story line begins to appear. Ashlyn is a likeable heroine - she definitely holds her own without being too kick ass and does not wait around to be rescued by her "tarnished prince". Maddox is tortured, sexy and possessive but never feels the need to walk all over the heroine (not that she would let him). The manner in which his personal curse is resolved and how he comes to terms with the demon inside him are highlights of the story.
Regarding the secondary characters, the other LOTUs are appealing in their own right, although the angst and aggression that characterizes their interaction is contrived and overdone. The villain is very one-dimensional and there is very little indication that he constitutes any real threat. Anya, the warriors dubious ally, is especially intriguing and I look forward to discovering her true motives.
Despite its problems, the basic concept of tormented warriors seeking forgiveness, redemption and love is very appealing and I will continue reading the series.