"Reaper is . . . Epic. Thrilling. Amazing. No one can suck me into a story like Larissa Ione." -- Donna Grant, New York Times bestselling author”
For love, he’ll watch the world burn.
For revenge, he’ll light the match.
New York Times bestselling author Larissa Ione returns to her fan favorite Demonica Series with REAPER, available now!
Author: Larissa Ione
Publication Date: 15 October 2019
Publisher: Evil Eye Concepts
Series: Demonica, book 19
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Age Recommendation: 17 and Up
Rating: 5 Stars
~ I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ~
Book Description:
THE DEMONICA SERIES RETURNS…
He is the Keeper of Souls. Judge, jury, and executioner. He is death personified.
He is the Grim Reaper.
A fallen angel who commands the respect of both Heaven and Hell, Azagoth has presided over his own underworld realm for thousands of years. As the overlord of evil souls, he maintains balance crucial to the existence of life on Earth and beyond. But as all the realms gear up for the prophesied End of Days, the ties that bind him to Sheoul-gra have begun to chafe.
Now, with his beloved mate and unborn child the target of an ancient enemy, Azagoth will stop at nothing to save them, even if it means breaking blood oaths and shattering age-old alliances.
Even if it means destroying himself and setting the world on fire…
My Review:
Where do I even start? Can I just tell you that this is a must read, trust that you will just listen and leave it at that? I wish in a way that that could be the entirety of my review, JUST READ THIS BOOK, because to try and tell you all the reasons that I loved this book could last way longer than you would be willing to listen, I am certain.
Alas, I can not leave you hanging with just a READ IT, so let me just tell you a few things that are my favorite points.
1. The world building. I think that I have shouted about this for ages but honestly you have to know that the world building in the Lords of Deliverance, Demonica, and Demonica Underworld (all related) series is some of the absolute best out there in the paranormal world. I know that isn't specific to this book itself but world building in a paranormal series and it's continuity through out a series is huge and Larissa brings it all together making the world almost as much of it's own character as Azagoth himself.
2. Character development. Wow, one of my favorite things about this book is the prologue. Going all the way back to the beginning of the Azagoth we now know, it puts a spin on things that you may not have seen coming. Poor Azagoth goes through so many changes, as you might expect from a character who was once an angel, then a guardian of souls, then a 'man' in love, a 'man' in pain, 'a man' in despair.....it goes on and on for this poor character but watching his evolution over the thousands upon thousands of years of his existence is amazing. It's even more pronounced because when you compare him up against the Angels that are basically holding him captive he is the only one that changes, they're all still the same a-holes they were at the dawn of time, haha. I love that we get to see some of the same in past characters as they pop up through out the story.
3. Suspense. This is huge in this book because this story isn't just a story about Azagoth and Lilliana, no, and don't think that it is, it is so much more. This is the story arc cumulation of the entire Demonica series, going all the way back to the Lords of Deliverance. So much happens, so many truths are told, so many lies uncovered, so many futures begun. While this story closes the chapter on one arc it opens up an entire new one and I am so ready for it.
4. Romance. Ah, the sweet sweet part of romance in paranormal romance. I loved how Larissa weaves the story of many of the ongoing relationships in this book. Again, this isn't just the story of Azagoth and Lilliana, it is so much more and that includes seeing not only their ups and downs and the ups and downs of the other couples. Watching Azagoth's, Eidolon's, Shade's, Serena's, etc hearts break is so devastating in those moments. But what you really want to know about is the 'steam' right? It's there and when it's steamy it is so steamy your windows will fog up, but know that it is only a side part of the story and in general it weaves seamlessly into the story. I will say there was one moment of romance that through me completely off because it came out of no where, but I am not one to turn my nose up at a bit of a tumble across a 'marshmallow floor' (you'll understand when you read it, ha) The most important romance in all of this (though see my point above about how it's not what the whole story is about) though is the story of Lilliana and Azagoth. The things that are set in motion when Azagoth's heart is broken is what fuels this story and watching this amazing character break over what happens with Lilliana will tear you up. The love that he (and she for him) has for her will set hell on fire, no pun intended. Their's is a passionate and sweet relationship, and they play beautifully off each other, bringing out each other's best.
5. Action. Holy baby hellions, there is so much action going on in this book. It will wrap you up right from the get go and stays strong through the entire book. It makes this a real page turner, one that you aren't going to want to put down until you are finished because you won't be able to stop thinking about what is about to happen when you step away.
6. Take Away. The lines are never truly black and white, there is a world of muddled color out there and while there are demons who are straight evil and angels who are glowingly good, there is a whole lot more of a mix out there so don't always take everything at face value.
Obviously if you are a fan of the series this is a must read, so much happens and so much more is begun in this book that you can't miss it, but trust me when I say more importantly, you don't want to miss it. If you have not read this series, DO NOT start here. This is the end (a beginning) to an entire story arc that began all the way back with Eidolon and Tayla, in Pleasure Unbound. If you don't want to go all the way back to book one, you could start at Azagoth, a novella that begins the story of Lilliana and Azagoth, but your enjoyment of the series will be so much higher if you take the plunge and start at the beginning. You know you are going to want to in the end anyway, lol.
Finally, I have so much more to say, there's just so much that happens and so much to come so I am going to need you to all go and read this and then you need to get in touch with me so we can talk, I mean I need something to hold me over until the story of the kids...the kids y'all, they are coming! <3 Back to my original thought... JUST READ THIS BOOK!
~ HAPPY READING ~
Excerpt:
“I have no doubt Azagoth will stop at nothing to save Lilliana,” Reaver admitted. “But he knows that if he releases Satan, Satan will kill Lilliana. He can’t risk it.”
“What do you suggest we do then?”
“I can talk to him,” Reaver said. “Hawkyn requested information about a fallen angel named Flail. I’ll use that as an excuse to get to Azagoth.”
A flock of gulls squawked as the birds circled the palace, looking for handouts from Caila’s guests, and Metatron had to raise his voice to be heard. “You said he sealed off Sheoul-gra.”
“Hawkyn will open it to me if I can convince him that I’m not there to destroy his father.”
It shouldn’t be a problem; Hawkyn wouldn’t have contacted Reaver at all if he weren’t sure Reaver could handle the situation without killing anyone.
“And if Azagoth is out of control?” Metatron asked. “Will you destroy him?”
“Isn’t it a little early to be discussing that?”
Metatron rolled his shoulders, probably not even aware he’d done it, but Reaver knew he was testing his wings and his powers, feeling them out at the thought that shit might get really fucking biblical real soon.
“He can’t be allowed to release Satan,” he said, fire in his tone. “And he can’t be allowed to escape Sheoul-gra.”
“Would escaping be such a bad thing?”
Reaver wasn’t Azagoth’s biggest fan, but the guy had been trapped for thousands of years. He’d proven that he was capable of wrangling souls and navigating the politics of both Sheoul and Heaven. He’d chilled out a lot since getting mated, too. Seemed like it wouldn’t be a big deal if he lived where he wanted and commuted to work.
Metatron appeared troubled that Reaver would even ask such an apparently insane question. “Yes, it could be bad.”
“Why?” Reaver asked. “I mean, I get that he’s an asshole, but a lot bigger assholes are running around loose.”
Like the fallen angels who had killed Wraith. He clenched his fists, wishing he was out hunting them right now.
“Azagoth signed contracts,” Metatron said. “Contracts sealed with the powers of Heaven and Sheoul. We don’t know what kind of damage we’d take if he made that big of a breach.”
Sounded kind of minor to Reaver, but he knew well how seriously Heaven took broken rules and breaches of contract. They also weren’t fond of Heaven being damaged, which was why Revenant, while technically welcome here, wasn’t…welcome. His presence destroyed everything around him.
“Okay,” Reaver said. “Let me grab the info on Flail and give Hawkyn a call. I’ll let you know what happens. And, Uncle?”
Metatron inclined his head.
“I want this to stay between us for now.”
Silence stretched. Not even the gulls called out, and Reaver started to sweat. Metatron had always been fair and by-the-book, which was probably part of why Reaver had been such a rule breaker as a youth. And beyond. Hell, he still was, he just wasn’t as reckless about it now.
Responsibility was a bitch.
About Larissa Ione:
Air Force veteran Larissa Ione traded in a career in meteorology to pursue her passion of writing. She has since published dozens of books, hit several bestseller lists, including the New York Times and USA Today, and has been nominated for a RITA award. She now spends her days in pajamas with her computer, strong coffee, and supernatural worlds. She believes in celebrating everything, and would never be caught without a bottle of Champagne chilling in the fridge…just in case. She currently lives in Wisconsin with her retired U.S. Coast Guard husband, her son, a rescue cat named Vegas, and her very own hellhounds, a King Shepherd named Hexe and a Belgian Malinois named Duvel.
Connect with Larissa:
USA Today bestselling and multi-award winning author Genevieve Jack writes wild, witty, and wicked-hot paranormal romance and fantasy. Coffee and wine are her biofuel. The love lives of witches, shifters, and vampires are her favorite topic of conversation. She harbors a passion for old cemeteries and ghost tours thanks to her years attending a high school rumored to be haunted. Her perfect day involves a heaping dose of nature and a dog.
