Book Reviews of The Darkest Night (Lords of the Underworld, Bk 1)

I loved this book..The plot was familar (little like JR Ward), but it was different too.
If your into paranormal romance, this is a must read

First off, I must say that I'm a picky reader and I LOVED this series. This was my first exposure to Gena Showalter and she's not only a great story-teller, but she is humorous and thoroughly entertaining. I couldn't put the book down and have recommended her to every reader I know.

While I am a fan of Gena Showalter, this once again is one of her fun to read but forgettable books. I get caught up in the moment while reading but a week or so later can't tell you what it is all about. This book is her take on the recent infatuation with immortals or otherworld beings. I enjoyed the premise of the book but I reccomend this only for a light and fun read. Seek out Sands, Ward or Joyce if you want a deeper reading experience. This book and from the excerpt for the next book is a 'beach' read.

A few good sex scenes surrounded by silliness. Plot and characters laughable.

I'm don't read paranormal romance very often. But I fell in love with the Main characters of this book. Wonderful story, I can't wait to read the rest of them. Gena Showalter writes an excellent book.

First time I've read Showalter. Overall it's a good read. What I did like? The dark brooding men - tortured literally. What I didn't like - how can you be an immortal warrior living in modern day Budapest and NOT know what Tylenol is - when you're stuck inside all day surely you watch a little daytime TV.

It's either hit or miss with Showalter's writing. This was way too close to JR Ward's series. This was a big miss for me - I didn't even finish the book.

I really enjoyed this book and I am looking so forward to reading the rest of these books. If you like paranormal books you should really like this one.

Starts a little slow getting all the information about the premise but once you get in a little ways it's a great book. Stick with it!

This is one of the best series EVER! I love Gena Showalter's imagination. The men are sexy as heck and just as passionate. This is one of those books you stay up all night reading b/c you have to know what happens on the next page.

Summary: All her life, Ashlyn Darrow has been tormented by voices from the past. To end the nightmare, she has come to Budapest seeking help from men rumored to have supernatural abilities, not knowing she'll be swept into the arms of Maddox, their most dangerous member—a man trapped in a hell of his own. Neither can resist the instant hunger that calms their torments…and ignites an irresistible passion. But every heated touch and burning kiss will edge them closer to destruction—and a soul-shattering test of love….

First let me say, just so that it is not mistaken or lost in translation somewhere else in this review, this book is HOT. It is so hot I had to take breaks and fan myself while reading, not really, but you get the idea. I love the characters in this book, and the story premise, I was surprised when I started reading since I had never read a book, romance or otherwise, that was based on the Pandora's Box legend. I enjoy the witty banter between the "Lords" as well as the interludes that explain each of the demons and a bit more about the guys. I am curious about Cameo...being the only women in the bunch...if her demon (sorrow) affects her any differently than it does the men. I can't wait to see her book...and I hope that Torin is in it. This story line is fresh and new and sure to be a crowd pleaser all the way through the series. I am wanting Amun (secrets) and Aeron's (Wrath) stories already...jeez...on to the next book.

For information or for purchasing visit Gena Showalter's webpage.

Also just as a blurb...you can get great deals on Gena Showalter's books through eharlequin.com

Also posted: http://www.bibliophilicbookblog.com/2009/10/book-review-darkest-night-by-gena.html

This is a good series for someone looking to read a different kind of paranormal romance, one thats hot and engaging.

That being said this is not the best of the bunch. It has wonderful portions...and really annoying ones.

The Lord of the Underworld are men cursed to house demons within themselves. Maddox is the keeper of violence. He is also cursed to die a painful death each night only to be resurrected each morning. Ashlyn is a woman with a psychic ability-she can her the conversations that took place in an area in the past. She works for an institution that studies paranormal creatures. But her gift causes her great pain-she cannot tune out the voices. Than she meets Maddox and finds that his touch can offer her much needed silence-and well as untold passion.

The plot, the ideas, and the world. The use of Greek mythology is clever and entertaining. The other characters that are introduced are also captivating.

I was not wholly in love with either main character, but their romance is hot. There are times when you really feel for them.

Ashlyn is a difficult character to relate to. She isn't at all strong or independent when the story begins, and not much about that changes.

Maddox is just flat out scary, and not always in a good way. I'm not actually sure at any point why Ashlyn loves him, though their feelings for one another are quite apparent.

I found this book alone to be average, but the series as a whole is well above average. I would recommend it to anyone who likes violence, fantasy, and unconventional romance.

I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by The Darkest Night. It was very good. Ashlyn works for a parapsychology institute; she can read the thoughts of beings (human and supernatural) from the past at any given place. In Budapest, she hears of "angels" that live in a castle that she hopes may be able to help her. In the course of searching for them, she runs into Maddox, whose demon is Violence. The voices instantly stop when he is around and she doesn't wish to leave his side. Not only does Maddox have to deal with his demon, he is cursed to die a violent death every night. He wants nothing to do with this human, but something about her compels him. I really liked Ashlyn and Maddox. Even though they fell for each other quickly, the feelings and passion rang true. I also liked the lore behind the Warriors and their different demons. It made for an fascinating and different read. I thought the mystery was quite suspenseful and even though I knew this was going to end HEA, I was on the edge of my seat wondering how the author was going to pull it off. I'm interested to see what's in store for the rest of the Warriors.

This book held my interest but I do have to say, after reading authors who utilize pretty graphic sexual relationships, like Sherrilyn Kenyon and JD Robb/Nora Roberts, Gena Showalter is WAY more dark and erotic in her sex. I was unprepared for that. I did enjoy the book and do have the other two to read but I am not sure that the over the top eroticism actually added anything to the book. If anything, it kept me from loving it.

All in all a good book and in interesting story. I do look forward to the other two but at least I will be prepared, as will you now... :)

Enjoy!

I loved this book...couldn't put it down. I loved Maddox & Ashyln's
romance. I also liked the fact that Ashyln was not some great beauty,
& was insecure with her looks, but Maddox thought she was beautiful.
I am looking forward to reading the other 2 books.

I am a fan of Gena Showalter books, Lords of the Underworld is a great series of books,but have found that it is best to start in the beginning with her books in order to understand her thread for writing this set of series. Great reading!

A great start to a series. These immortal men were once warriors for the Gods. After the warrior Pandora was entrusted to guard the infamous box (of demons), the warriors were jealous that they had not been chosen to guard the box. They attacked her and opened the box. As punishment the warriors were each given a demon to house within themselves for all eternity.

Maddox has the demon of violence within him. His constant struggle to keep the demon at bay is getting harder. Ashlyn is a woman who has an extraordinary ability that she is trying to control. She comes to Budapest in search of the men who might be able to help her control her abilities.

The story has it all - action, romantic tension, and a great plot - a wonderful start to a new series that will grab you from the beginning!

I enjoyed the book enough to finish it in one sitting; but I have to admit, I am very disappointed in the subject/story line. This is almost an exact "softer" version of J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood. There are just too many similarities: six brothers; in a remote castle; each with a "demon" of their own that allows them to not be close to women; yet they fall in love with their saviour. Not only that, but the "demons" are way to similar: Maddox with a beast that wants to kill everything, Aeron covered in tattoos, Lucien's face all scarred, Torin wears gloves because he can't touch anyone, Paris is so handsome women fall at his feet and he can't get enough sex, etc. The only difference that I could find, is that the "Lords" are not vampires. I will give the next book in the series a try, ONLY in hopes that it gets better or more original.

Loved this book as much as those of JR Ward's Brotherhood. I mean what's not to like if you are into paranormal. We have a group of Greek God's banished warriors, demons, battles for eternity, new gods, an institute for abnormal and a human with paranormal activities. I thought that the book was well written with interesting devolpments. I can't wait to read more... Hot, Hot, Hot!

This is the start of a fabulous series. Maddox took my breath away!

Loved this series!

The beginning was a little slow but then it picked up and went right along. Was an interesting book, I am reading the second in the series now and will post it soon.

TO MUCH INFORMATION, AND GOING NO WHERE.

Can't wait for the next one to become available!

Awesome read!

This is a great read! The author brings a whole new look into immortals. After getting themselves cursed by Zeus for opening Pandora's box those present now house demons. What follows is is an adventure into what the immortal men think is the perfect life and what truly is. There is a lot of action and romance to keep you reading until the very end!

enjoyed this one. good series of books.

I enjoyed the book and ready to read more in the series.

A little silly at times, but worth the read.

This book was hot! It was nice to have a story that was a little different than the average were, fae, or vampire story. I could not put this book down.

Well written story. Keeps you engaged throughout.

love it! can't wait to read book #2, i am getting ready to read it now.
glenna

My first romance novel - found it intriguing and really like the paranoraml twist - can't wait to see what is is store for Maddox and company....

great read. this is a keeper for the bookshelf for later times.

5 WORDS - COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! Great book! So looking forward to reading them all. And I have now requested more of Gena Showalters books.

Even though I loved this book, it is some what a rip off of the Black Dagger Brotherhood by J.R. Ward. If you are planning to read this book, I suggest you read J.R. Ward book first.

Loved the book it was a great read and a good start to a series.

Of the 3 Lords of the Underworld books, this one is my favorite. I liked the way Ashlyn and Maddox (Violence) interacted together. Ashlyn is a good match for violence because she seemed to come off as innocent and a little naive, which is the total opposite of violence.

Even though they are demons, you can't help but to like them. They don't seem like demons, but more like frat house. The only fault I could find with the story was that even though they are centuries old they could at least try to keep current with the world. Paris and Torin are the only ones who seem to know what is going on in this century. You would think if they didn't want to draw attention to themselves they would at least try to blend in. Overall I loved. I look forward to Paris' story.

I normally don't read Showalter, but this is a good one. Don't expect too much depth but there IS something about a dark and deadly paranormal type guy. If you like J.R. Ward, you'll probably enjoy this series.

loved this book, I have read the second too. I am working on the third. I like the black dagger brotherhood two. they both are suppose to be coming out with more!!!

can't wait to read both

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