Search - The Darkest Lie (Lords of the Underworld, Bk 9)

I have to be straight-up honest. This book was hard to read. From the very start I knew it was going to be a lot different than the other novels simply because of Gideon’s wicked sense of humor and never-ending sarcasm. And I was okay with that, until the sarcasm became cheesy and redundant about two pages in. The only two things that snagged me and kept me trudging through were (1) Scarlet’s background and (2) Gideon’s blue hair. Gotta love a modern/mythological man who walks around with electric blue hair!

Further into the story, either I got used to the cheesiness or it ended, I’m not sure which, but the majority of the book flowed without many problems. I did find several typos, unusual mistakes for Showalter’s books.

I felt like the story itself didn’t have a lot of structure, it was just kind of one event after another with the usual mix of the other Lords coming and going, though to a lesser extent than in previous books. I did love that there were surprises—no, I’m not telling!—because when I first started reading, I thought I knew pretty much what was going on. But it’s a complete turn around in the middle of the story. I can appreciate Scarlet’s fears and insecurities that develop afterward, but how those came to dictate her got annoying. I was so relieved when Gideon was finally like, “Okay, tough love time” because it forced her back into the confident, kick-ass woman she is. The irony of almost everything Gideon said wasn’t lost on me though—I think I laughed more times reading this book than any other.

Now, as noted in my review of The Darkest Pleasure, I reserved judgment on Aeron until I could see how it ended with Legion. I admire that he ventured back into Hell, sans Wrath, to rescue her. I found it utterly stupid that only Amun and William accompanied him. I mean, I realize that not all of the warriors could have gone, but going into the most dangerous place known to humanity with three warriors just seemed lacking in common sense to me. But, the act of it puts Aeron in the “decent guy” category.

Oddly enough, I’ve kind of started to like Cronus, though I’m sure that’s a mistake. Even when he’s being self-serving, he has more depth of emotion in Lie than in any of the others. Consequently, my favorite scene in the whole book was when he sat down next to Gideon with a bowl of popcorn and goes, “This is what humans enjoy during spectator events, is it not?” NO! Or maybe my favorite scene was when Gideon discovered that his demon is— oh, sorry. Spoiler.

I wasn’t much on the end battle though… Even in Mnemosyne deserved it.

Anyho, I’m looking forward to Amun’s book, which is supposed to be next. According to my Which Lord of the Underworld do You Belong With quiz, he’s my man. Stay tuned, fans!

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The series is losing steam for me. Gideon and Scarlet were OK, side story about Aeron/William/Amun adventures OK, Strider/Haidee - zzzzzz. Nothing really stood out for me, not enough time with past favorites. I didn't like Anya that much in her book but she's the only female character who is remotely memorable in any of these stories. Every book needs more Anya.

In terms of the main couple, Gideon and Scarlet, they had an OK story. Trying to find their way together with their painful history was interesting. The plot twist toward the end almost seemed unnecessary to me. I was irritated with Showalter because early in the book there was a scene that suggested Scarlet is Cronus' daughter after all. I kept waiting for that to be resolved - just a red herring.

I've had Darkest Lie on my bookshelf for a few months now. I just couldn't pick it up. I was tired of the series and the feeling that nothing ever really happens. I really liked Aeron/Wrath (Olivia - meh) and the ending of that book ruined the entire thing for me. I thought it kind of detracted from who Aeron is at the end - you take away "half" of him and expect him to be the same?

There isn't enough progress in the overall mythology and the stories about the Lords aren't as fun anymore. I didn't really care much about Gideon, Strider, and the rest of the B-team lords, why do they keep getting their own books but we never hear about Paris or Torin? I think I'm done with the series for now. I do like William and might take up the series again if/when he gets his own book.

Darkest Lie wasn't a bad book, but I just think the series is running out of gas.

3 stars.

Continuing great series, each book has something new and exciting to look forward to. GS my new fav author.

Gideon speak done well. Both Scarlett and Gideon grow on you and wow- didn't see THAT development happening. I enjoyed the continuation of the overall storyline. A favorite quote, "My demon's a girl?!" Go Team Gidlet!

Once again another book in this series that I couldn't get enough of. Once I piked it up I couldn't put it down. Seriously I LOVE Gideon. Such a tough guy but in reality all he wants to be able to do is actually tell someone how he truly feels. Only problem is he can't. He can only Lie because of is demon.

Then there is Scarlet who is incredibly fierce. Talk about a woman that can kick some ass..without any help from a man. She was pretty awesome. At times I did get upset with her but she redeemed herself.

I was pretty stunned as well with the outcome of the memory loss. I wasn't expecting the situation to unfold the way it did. That was a twist for me. Way to go Gena for keeping me on my toes. I thought I had it all figured out and them wammo..thrown for a loop.

I loved Gideon and Scarlet together. The way she would tease him and get under his skin was pretty great. It was nice to see him confused and brought to his knees so to speak because he couldn't understand this woman.

Loved every page of the book and hope that you ladies read this series. It's not for everyone but I for one have really enjoyed it. What's not to like about Gideon. Tattoos, Piercings, Blue Hair, and muscles upon muscles. Delicious is what I call him

This was my favorite book of the series so far. I love the story of Gideon and Scarlet.
This book made my heart ache, sing and made me giggle and at times laugh out loud. I love the Gideon speak and the scene with Cronus and Gid watching the sporting event was hilarious!
Looking forward to the next book.