Search - The Darkest Seduction (Lords of the Underworld, Bk 11)

Unfortunately, my fellow reviewers are right and this is book can only be described as bloated, convoluted, and just bad. The plot desperately needed some tightening up and better editing. It was way too sloppy. The characters spend a lot of time running around needlessly, popping in and out of situations unnecessarily, and making half-baked decisions that of course blow up in their faces. Both Paris and Sienna make really dumb decisions and I have a hard time believing these are the people who will help rule a new order. Cronus and Rhea also make erratic and illogical decisions that just make me want to scream as I'm reading about them. I want my heroes and my villains to show a modicum of intelligence.

This book was particularly disappointing because one of the reasons I've continued to read The Lords of the Underworld series was because way back in book 2, I became enamored with Paris and Sienna's plight. I have to admit I lost some interest as the series progressed and I found their love story less and less intriguing. But by that time I'd already invested a lot of time in reading the other books, some of which I really found boring as heck (Aeron and Olivia!), and I thought The Darkest Seduction would be a return to Showalter at her best despite the series itself being overlong and having a spotty record with me. Now I'm not so sure I want to continue the series.

If one thing can make me actually keep going it is that I found Galen and Legion's story line compelling FOR NOW. But I fear that, like with Paris and Sienna, Galen and Legion's story will be excruciatingly drawn out through several more books and then culminate in a poorly constructed, padded book that is stuffed with everything and the kitchen sink. I will have to monitor the situation and see how things go, but I doubt I'll be buying anymore of Showalter's books. I'm not even sure they are worth a credit when it's obvious they aren't keepers.

Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick

I know I'm in the minority when it comes to my rating of this book which is 3 and a half stars, but it honestly did not live up to my expectations. I'm not sure if it was because I've been waiting for this book for what seems like forever or if it was something else. Honestly, I don't really even have anything bad to say about it. Just for some reason I wasn't able to connect with this book like I was able to with the others. For me this book just seemed to drag on and on.

I think I just had a harder time trying to connect with Paris. Throughout the series he has been one of my favorites of the Lords, but in this book there was just something about him. I'm not sure if it was his tendency to be slightly too possessive and controlling of Siena or what, but he came across too alpha for me at times. I found myself rolling my eyes more than once and putting the book down out of sheer frustration. I hated that he tries to forbid Siena to do anything. I understand, he just wants her safe but damn, give the girl a chance. Don't get me wrong, I love alpha males but I hate when they don't let the heroine think and act for themselves.

Siena was actually a surprise to me. She had more backbone and spunk then I was expecting. She continuously stands up for herself and the ones that she loves. I really admired that about her. She isn't some simpering heroine that sits back expecting everyone to fix everything for her. She finds her own solutions to her problems. Another thing I liked about Siena is her complete honesty with Paris. She doesn't lie or play games. She is real with him and I really enjoyed watching their relationship pan out.

There were also a lot twists and turns in this book that I did not see coming and they made me very anxious for the next book. Certain things have transpired and I'm dying to see what becomes of them and the Lords.

There is not one thing not to love about this series. Every book is excellent and never lets me down. I really honestly thought that book 1 would be the best in the series but I was wrong. I don't think I can choose and absolute favorite they have all been terrific.

Seriously finally a book about Paris. I am sure anyone who loves this series has been waiting patiently for his story and final Gena gives it to us. Boy oh Boy does she follow through and sure makes it a good one.

Paris goes through so much throughout the past few books after losing Sienna. He has so much to overcome. His addiction to Ambrosia and his darkness that he himself created. He is truly tormented without Sienna and will stop at nothing to get her back, Nothing.

This book had loads of action and I loved every minute of it. The part Sienna had with Cronus' end...didn't see that one coming. Seriously...who would have thought that's how it would have happened. Oh but it was so good and definitely deserved. Not only was there action but seriously Paris is the lord of sex so you know there was going to be some steaminess to it.

Now we have to wait until next year for Kane's book. I really hope he is able to recover from what happens to him this book. I am sure he is going to have some emotional damage to get over after what he suffered through. I hope that he truly doesn't bring the apocolypse. But I guess I must wait and see.

I seriously hope that Gena decides to write William and Gilly's story soon. I would love to see William and Gilly together and of coarse to truly find out exactly how all powerful he truly is. Afterall rumor is he his Lucifer's brother. Eitehr way he is a favorite and I would love to read his story

Eh.
This series has been stagnating for awhile.
The characters don't feel very unique anymore, almost all the women have the same "voice", and it feels like we go in circles with the Hunters but the story never really progresses.

The book was way too long. The Paris/Sienna story was rather a letdown. They reunited pretty quickly and barring a minor misunderstanding or two, not much really happened. Things seemed ominous with Cronus and Zacharel both giving Sienna ultimatums, but nothing ever really came of them. I mean it did but it just felt like a big happy accident rather than things being propelled by Sienna's strong personality or Paris's great love. Honestly their story was kind of boring.

On the other hand, Showalter did finally address some of my other complaints about the series. The good part of the book was the build up of interest in Zacharel, William, Kain, and Legion/Galen. There was a terrific denouement at the end and a lot of resolution to loose ends. Thank you Gena Showalter, while the stories of the Lords goes on, the Hunter stuff seems to be at an end (fingers crossed). But it was all tied up so neatly with Sienna at the center, it felt a little forced, like a Hallmark card.

Hopefully Showalter dives into the characters more in her next installment. It seems like she's trying to revitalize the series and hopefully that gives new life to her writing as well.

The book was a great end to Paris's struggles. I really like the introduction of new characters that may make some new appearances in future books, now that most of the current Lords all have significant others. The story was a bit hyped, but in all was a good one. Thought the fighting / intrigue with Galen and Chronus whould have lasted a bit loger. Seemed a bit rushed at the end. The way it all ended was way too easy for Sienna. Almost sounded like she is becoming a spoiled brat. Looking foward to William's, Torin's, and Zacharal's book. Great addition and read in the Lords of the Underworld series.