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A review by laurenjodi
Eternal Rider by Larissa Ione
4.0
Eternal Rider
3.5 Stars
Series Note: Eternal Rider is book #1 in Lords of Deliverance the spin off of the Demonica series. There are numerous references in the book the characters and events from Demonica and it may be difficult for newcomers to fully grasp Ione's world without reading that series first - forewarned is forearmed!
The story has tremendous potential but unfortunately, the romance falls flat.
The emotional bond between Ares and Cara is non-existent and they have absolutely nothing in common. In fact, Cara is overly judgmental and holier than thou about Ares's past while Ares sees Cara as weak and ineffectual. Both are right and wrong, which makes it difficult to sympathize with either character. Cara eventually grows a backbone and gets over herself but her sudden acceptance of the darkness and violence in the world of the Horsemen is unrealistic. Ares gets in touch with his sensitive side and learns to accept Cara but it is all too little too late.
The prophecy surrounding Ares is problematic for two reasons. First, the syntax is ambiguous and there seems to be an error in word choice that the editor has failed to catch. This wouldn't be too bad if the prophecy didn't play such a pivotal role in the plot and make it difficult for the reader to wrap their head around certain events . Second, the resolution of the prophecy is contrived with the sudden and inexplicable appearance of heretofore unseen character .
So why the 3.5 stars? Ione's writing and world building are engrossing, and the premise of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse fighting their potential for evil while attempting to prevent the prophecy of Armageddon coming to pass is fascinating and well worth the effort of reading the book.
Moreover, the secondary characters are very compelling. Reseph AKA Pestilence is exceedingly complex and it will be interesting to see if and how Ione manages to redeem him. The other Horsemen (or persons) are fleshed out well, particularly Limos, whose secrets will be unveiled in the next installment.
3.5 Stars
Series Note: Eternal Rider is book #1 in Lords of Deliverance the spin off of the Demonica series. There are numerous references in the book the characters and events from Demonica and it may be difficult for newcomers to fully grasp Ione's world without reading that series first - forewarned is forearmed!
The story has tremendous potential but unfortunately, the romance falls flat.
The emotional bond between Ares and Cara is non-existent and they have absolutely nothing in common. In fact, Cara is overly judgmental and holier than thou about Ares's past while Ares sees Cara as weak and ineffectual. Both are right and wrong, which makes it difficult to sympathize with either character. Cara eventually grows a backbone and gets over herself but her sudden acceptance of the darkness and violence in the world of the Horsemen is unrealistic. Ares gets in touch with his sensitive side and learns to accept Cara but it is all too little too late.
The prophecy surrounding Ares is problematic for two reasons. First, the syntax is ambiguous and there seems to be an error in word choice
Spoiler
War's Seal is broken not his swordSpoiler
the wording implies that Cara is the angel and she dies - however, she is not an angel and she doesn't dieSpoiler
Cereberus makes Cara immortal with his Hell's KissSo why the 3.5 stars? Ione's writing and world building are engrossing, and the premise of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse fighting their potential for evil while attempting to prevent the prophecy of Armageddon coming to pass is fascinating and well worth the effort of reading the book.
Moreover, the secondary characters are very compelling. Reseph AKA Pestilence is exceedingly complex and it will be interesting to see if and how Ione manages to redeem him. The other Horsemen (or persons) are fleshed out well, particularly Limos, whose secrets will be unveiled in the next installment.