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Kara Gillian #7
Vengeance of the Demon
Vengeance of the Demon is the seventh installment of the acclaimed Demon series.
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 7, 2015
63 people are currently reading
2169 people want to read
About the author
Diana Rowland
28 books2,851 followersDiana Rowland worked as a bartender, a blackjack dealer, a pit boss, a street cop, a detective, a computer forensics specialist, a crime scene investigator, and a morgue assistant, which means that she's seen a lot of weird crap. She won the marksmanship award in her Police Academy class, has a black belt in Hapkido, has handled numerous dead bodies in various states of decomposition, and can't rollerblade to save her life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
November 6, 2017
It's fascinating when what should have been a police procedural with demon summoning goes sideways.
This isn't a bad thing in my opinion. I mean, think about it. You get kidnapped to a demon dimension, learn a bunch of stuff about the arcane, and then come back many months later... should you really expect to keep your job after such a leave? Can you really hope to explain your experience, of being tortured, branded, of falling in love (again) with a demon lord, of coming into possession a massively powerful dimension-ripping tool, or even of being friends with so many demons? Or having so many enemies?
Just how should your cop buddies take this new you?
Um, where's the pitchfork?
Okay. So no. I like the new Kara Gillian still. And if she has to go a little renegade because you pitiful mortals just don't want to open your minds a little to see what's REALLY at stake, then so be it. Renegade it is.
Um. Even if the law is coming after you. And you can't even explain WHY you had to be a party to such a brutal murder or why it is vitally important to tear all your enemies to shreds.
Oh. Wait. You mean normal police procedurals can't get real? Ah, so be it. Well, that's why I like the direction this has taken. Events have consequences. We can't just go back to the same-ole routine. It simply doesn't make sense.
So again, bravo, Ms. Rowland! :) You're keeping it real. It's still very much a police procedural, but now we're getting into all the grey stuff. I'm really liking the characters and the changes, too, but you know what I'm really loving the most?
The magic system. I can't believe how detailed and workable it's getting. It's good enough to write a nice and long manual on. :) Perhaps a storytelling game. :) I'd love to play in this world. :)
This isn't a bad thing in my opinion. I mean, think about it. You get kidnapped to a demon dimension, learn a bunch of stuff about the arcane, and then come back many months later... should you really expect to keep your job after such a leave? Can you really hope to explain your experience, of being tortured, branded, of falling in love (again) with a demon lord, of coming into possession a massively powerful dimension-ripping tool, or even of being friends with so many demons? Or having so many enemies?
Just how should your cop buddies take this new you?
Um, where's the pitchfork?
Okay. So no. I like the new Kara Gillian still. And if she has to go a little renegade because you pitiful mortals just don't want to open your minds a little to see what's REALLY at stake, then so be it. Renegade it is.
Um. Even if the law is coming after you. And you can't even explain WHY you had to be a party to such a brutal murder or why it is vitally important to tear all your enemies to shreds.
Oh. Wait. You mean normal police procedurals can't get real? Ah, so be it. Well, that's why I like the direction this has taken. Events have consequences. We can't just go back to the same-ole routine. It simply doesn't make sense.
So again, bravo, Ms. Rowland! :) You're keeping it real. It's still very much a police procedural, but now we're getting into all the grey stuff. I'm really liking the characters and the changes, too, but you know what I'm really loving the most?
The magic system. I can't believe how detailed and workable it's getting. It's good enough to write a nice and long manual on. :) Perhaps a storytelling game. :) I'd love to play in this world. :)
March 16, 2015
This was a difficult book for me to review since I have read every book in this series. This was neither my least favorite nor was it the best in the series for me.
This book felt a bit incomplete since the overarching storyline did not see much movement it would seem in many ways. This felt like book 1 of a trilogy in that it had a firm beginning and ending while leaving you thirsting for more but I felt that in all the crushing revelations of these last few books that the story we bought those first 2-3 books to read has disappeared totally in what amounts to a reboot. The question I kept asking myself was "does this make for a better series?" and I don't think I got that question answered in this book. This progression that keeps knocking out the basis of the original plotlines seems to be heading into chaos, which might be ok if the reader was not left with so many questions that would not see any answers for another year.
This book while well written (since I never felt bored), never solved a ton of things that are going on around Kara. I have to wonder if we are seeing the series start to deteriorate under its own weight. Seven books is an impressive milestone in a series like this and it has been kept fresh by many startling revelations but even those are starting to feel like they are used for "shock value" rather than plot progression.
Our heroine and accompanying heroes are pulled from one emergency to another, we have horrible and puzzling revelations, we have a lot of self introspection, heartbreak and high emotion but some of it fell flat. I felt we had too many instances of people acting out of character......... but I could not put it down (hence the rating).
I am rambling here a bit but the fact is I enjoyed the book in spite of the various weaknesses I have mentioned, I am hoping we see some major resolution in the next book because at the end of the day I liked this book but it felt more akin to a "day-in-the-life" plot and left me with too many unanswered questions to say I loved it.
Bottom Line: I got to the end of the book and had way to many "What about " type questions. There were minor progressions, surprisingly there was almost no sex which I give the author major kudos for not trying to force needless sex into a story that really did not require it at this point. On the positive side I got to around the 50% mark and I could not put the book down, part of this might have been looking for revenge I don't think I got or waiting for the "big thing" I was expecting and instead got a really "big thing" I was not expecting (that might have been 2 big things).
This was an enjoyable but frustrating experience, but it was NOT a cliffhanger (yea!), there was just too much going on which I assume could not be resolved in this book but I am setting the bar very high for the next one. 4 Stars and wish it would have been 5 but at over 400 pages it had to end someplace. I had to work hard to avoid some major spoilers here but if I have to sum it up in one sentence "hugely enjoyable and ultimately frustrating" would have to be it. Thinking I have to wait a year to get answers just makes me grind my teeth a bit.
This book felt a bit incomplete since the overarching storyline did not see much movement it would seem in many ways. This felt like book 1 of a trilogy in that it had a firm beginning and ending while leaving you thirsting for more but I felt that in all the crushing revelations of these last few books that the story we bought those first 2-3 books to read has disappeared totally in what amounts to a reboot. The question I kept asking myself was "does this make for a better series?" and I don't think I got that question answered in this book. This progression that keeps knocking out the basis of the original plotlines seems to be heading into chaos, which might be ok if the reader was not left with so many questions that would not see any answers for another year.
This book while well written (since I never felt bored), never solved a ton of things that are going on around Kara. I have to wonder if we are seeing the series start to deteriorate under its own weight. Seven books is an impressive milestone in a series like this and it has been kept fresh by many startling revelations but even those are starting to feel like they are used for "shock value" rather than plot progression.
Our heroine and accompanying heroes are pulled from one emergency to another, we have horrible and puzzling revelations, we have a lot of self introspection, heartbreak and high emotion but some of it fell flat. I felt we had too many instances of people acting out of character......... but I could not put it down (hence the rating).
I am rambling here a bit but the fact is I enjoyed the book in spite of the various weaknesses I have mentioned, I am hoping we see some major resolution in the next book because at the end of the day I liked this book but it felt more akin to a "day-in-the-life" plot and left me with too many unanswered questions to say I loved it.
Bottom Line: I got to the end of the book and had way to many "What about " type questions. There were minor progressions, surprisingly there was almost no sex which I give the author major kudos for not trying to force needless sex into a story that really did not require it at this point. On the positive side I got to around the 50% mark and I could not put the book down, part of this might have been looking for revenge I don't think I got or waiting for the "big thing" I was expecting and instead got a really "big thing" I was not expecting (that might have been 2 big things).
This was an enjoyable but frustrating experience, but it was NOT a cliffhanger (yea!), there was just too much going on which I assume could not be resolved in this book but I am setting the bar very high for the next one. 4 Stars and wish it would have been 5 but at over 400 pages it had to end someplace. I had to work hard to avoid some major spoilers here but if I have to sum it up in one sentence "hugely enjoyable and ultimately frustrating" would have to be it. Thinking I have to wait a year to get answers just makes me grind my teeth a bit.
July 27, 2015
Ugh. I am growing more and more disheartened by the direction this series is going in. These books started as police procedurals with paranormal elements. Our heroine was a cop who also summoned demons. She was relatable. She liked donuts. She hated exercise. She was kind of lonely, with a sort of kooky aunt and mentor as her only family. Over the course of the first few books, she found her niche as a homicide detective. She made a few friends and fell in love. And then, really, what the hell happened?
The past few books --and this book especially-- have taken us to an unrecognizable place. I don't even know who Kara is any more. Diana Rowland keeps changing the game. Then she changes it again. Then she changes it again. The Rhyzkahl betrayal was shocking. Not that he was her knight in shining armor, but the depths of that betrayal can't be overstated. Then, I was heartbroken when we lost the possibility of an HEA with Ryan. But Rowland changed the game again and gave us Mzatal. Now, she changes things again.
She puts people and plans in Kara's life and then systematically blows them up one at a time. Have a friends-with-benefits demon lord? Boom! Turn that into a plan for her ritual sacrifice. Have promising almost-human boyfriend? Boom! He never really existed. A job at the PD? Boom! A new boyfriend? Boom! Family? Boom! Friends? Boom! Magic? Boom!
I'm just tired. This book blows up some of the last fragile, soft places that Kara has to land. And I am tired of it. I get working in one sharp turn in a series, but it seems like all that is left in this series are turns. And as the old circle moves out, new people work their way into the "posse." And I don't want new people, but the old people are ruined and that's not ok. IT'S NOT OK TO RUIN EVERYONE.
The book moves the series arc forward in as much as we see the bad guys are advancing their evil plans to make a direct gateway from the demon realm to earth. And more bad things happen to Kara. And we lose more people from the circle of trust. Oh and Jill's baby is born --not much a surprise there, what with a baby on the cover and all.
I'm just dangerously close to no longer giving a shit. Which is sad because 1) I was so very invested in the beginning and 2) there are only two books left in the series. But when it's over, who will be left standing with Kara? Anyone? Will I care?
I just don't know.
I realize this may be the worst review ever, but I am just really disappointed, y'all. I don't know what else to say.
The past few books --and this book especially-- have taken us to an unrecognizable place. I don't even know who Kara is any more. Diana Rowland keeps changing the game. Then she changes it again. Then she changes it again. The Rhyzkahl betrayal was shocking. Not that he was her knight in shining armor, but the depths of that betrayal can't be overstated. Then, I was heartbroken when we lost the possibility of an HEA with Ryan. But Rowland changed the game again and gave us Mzatal. Now, she changes things again.
She puts people and plans in Kara's life and then systematically blows them up one at a time. Have a friends-with-benefits demon lord? Boom! Turn that into a plan for her ritual sacrifice. Have promising almost-human boyfriend? Boom! He never really existed. A job at the PD? Boom! A new boyfriend? Boom! Family? Boom! Friends? Boom! Magic? Boom!
I'm just tired. This book blows up some of the last fragile, soft places that Kara has to land. And I am tired of it. I get working in one sharp turn in a series, but it seems like all that is left in this series are turns. And as the old circle moves out, new people work their way into the "posse." And I don't want new people, but the old people are ruined and that's not ok. IT'S NOT OK TO RUIN EVERYONE.
The book moves the series arc forward in as much as we see the bad guys are advancing their evil plans to make a direct gateway from the demon realm to earth. And more bad things happen to Kara. And we lose more people from the circle of trust. Oh and Jill's baby is born --not much a surprise there, what with a baby on the cover and all.
I'm just dangerously close to no longer giving a shit. Which is sad because 1) I was so very invested in the beginning and 2) there are only two books left in the series. But when it's over, who will be left standing with Kara? Anyone? Will I care?
I just don't know.
I realize this may be the worst review ever, but I am just really disappointed, y'all. I don't know what else to say.
April 15, 2015
YAWN. I miss the older storyline with Kara summoning demons and using them to solve mysteries and catch the bad guys.
This was disappointing. It felt very long and there isn’t plot or character development. Though big reveals of Zach and Ryan’s identities were made in the last book, they weren’t really dealt with. Ugly things are happening to them but again it wasn't explored, just touched on as an afterthought.
Meanwhile what I felt to be a huge reveal regarding Katashi was made early on and I felt it was brushed aside even though it means a huge betrayal. . Of course this reveal has huge consequences revealed in the later part of the book. All I could think was DUH.
Oh, and about the baby featured in the cover… yeah, I actually expected it to play a big role. Yes, there are big plot twists involving said child but not until the last 5 chapters.
Overall underwhelming and I’m bummed since I have no desire to continue this series.
This was disappointing. It felt very long and there isn’t plot or character development. Though big reveals of Zach and Ryan’s identities were made in the last book, they weren’t really dealt with. Ugly things are happening to them but again it wasn't explored, just touched on as an afterthought.
Meanwhile what I felt to be a huge reveal regarding Katashi was made early on and I felt it was brushed aside even though it means a huge betrayal. . Of course this reveal has huge consequences revealed in the later part of the book. All I could think was DUH.
Oh, and about the baby featured in the cover… yeah, I actually expected it to play a big role. Yes, there are big plot twists involving said child but not until the last 5 chapters.
Overall underwhelming and I’m bummed since I have no desire to continue this series.
April 19, 2015
Well, well, well, this book did NOT live up to my high expectations at all. Full review to come.
Update: OH.MY.GOD! That cover! Is it Kara's or is it Jill & Zack's? I'm salivating!
April 7th 2015? *Sigh* :-(
I'm ordering you to write and finish this book as soon as possible. 'Coz I'm tapping my feet impatiently here. But what can I do, it's not like I'm ready to torture this sequel out of you, right?
One request, though; more hot demon lovin' Pretty please? ;-)
Update: OH.MY.GOD! That cover! Is it Kara's or is it Jill & Zack's? I'm salivating!
April 7th 2015? *Sigh* :-(
One request, though; more hot demon lovin' Pretty please? ;-)
January 27, 2016
I missed Diana Rowland's writing - she puts genuinely laugh-out-loud funny lines in the middle of top-notch, nail biting action scenes. She does the unusual twist of taking a character you once liked and making you despise them the next book (or vice versa). This isn't a perfect book, but it's close to five star rating.
I dig Kara - she's great to friends, loyal, fair, doesn't pick on people for their differences, has a fun sense of humor and realistic self-esteem. On the negative side, she gets too cocky in the face of an enemy and irritates me with taking too much joy fawning when she gets the power - brings my opinion of her down. I didn't like a change in this book with her powers either, hope she returns to normal next book. To me that was a huge part of the main character - and since it's first person POV, if she can't do it anymore, *I* can't experience the uniqueness anymore either.
Surprising betrayal about a family member, but at least I never cared much about that person anyway. Mzatal blended into the background, barely there, and I'm over that. Really I thought the scene where he and Kara decided what he must do for the sake of saving the worlds was the worst written scene in the book - rang false, making them both seem one dimensional.
Rowland likes to get one attached to a potential relationship bubble and then pop it with a sudden jab of a freakishly sharp and huge needle the next book over. Since I go a year between reading these, I can emotionally disconnect a little but I can't imagine reading these books and getting that slap in the face book-back to book-back. You may need a swipe or two of shipping anesthesia.
But toss the previous demon lord intrigues aside, they're old news, I adored Pellini. He tugged on my heartstrings with his awkwardness, loyalty, and just....cute, unassuming charm. I never jumped on the other demon lord bandwagon anyway (it was oddly clinical), although I'm not saying that's over, for it certainly isn't for Kara. Not saying it's over in the books but my loyalties are stirred and shaken.
Ryan is sadly rarely around. Zack may end up less unlikeable than he actually was. There's a twist in the end, could go all sorts of directions.
As always lots of twist and turns - old things twisted to make surprises, new things popping up to bring forth further complication. The book progresses the story but I can see parts that were a little bit filler as well, for there's little progression in the main story arc. We instead get subtle bumps to existing players.
That said, Rowland's writing style is such fun that her words addict me. Kara's internal monologue is cleverly amusing. Some plot regression flaws aside, loved revisiting Kara's world and can't wait to revisit it again.
January 21, 2020
One of the things I really appreciate about this series is its unpredictableness (is that a word?)
this gif describes my feelings pretty accurately
The show must go on for Kara and her friends.
This series is worth reading if you have all the books; a lot of them end up in cliffhangers, so it's really annoying to wait for the next one (especially if you're like me and forget 80% of all plots, all the time).
Worth continuing the series? Yup, it's fun still (at least that's what I think, although many might not agree)
this gif describes my feelings pretty accurately
The show must go on for Kara and her friends.
This series is worth reading if you have all the books; a lot of them end up in cliffhangers, so it's really annoying to wait for the next one (especially if you're like me and forget 80% of all plots, all the time).
Worth continuing the series? Yup, it's fun still (at least that's what I think, although many might not agree)
June 4, 2017
I tried, but I simply never got interested in the story. At all. I skimmed to 90% and read to the end to see if it would revive my interest. Nothing. Nada. Not even Mzatal, Rhyzkahl getting his come-uppance, or the importance of Jill's baby piqued my interest to go back and read more. Oh, and apparently Ryan is gone for good now that Szerain is in control of his body and has squashed his essence out. Kara didn't even get to say goodbye to her friend/former lover.
I truly enjoyed this series in the early books, they were great reads. The last couple of books, about the time Kara got trapped in the demon realm, my interest started waning. This time around, I've found that I just don't care enough anymore about Kara and her world to keep on reading. The series seems stuck in a one-note demon rut.
I certainly hope other fans of the series have better luck with this book than I did; but I found it boring. I miss the Kara and the writing style of the early books in the series.
I truly enjoyed this series in the early books, they were great reads. The last couple of books, about the time Kara got trapped in the demon realm, my interest started waning. This time around, I've found that I just don't care enough anymore about Kara and her world to keep on reading. The series seems stuck in a one-note demon rut.
I certainly hope other fans of the series have better luck with this book than I did; but I found it boring. I miss the Kara and the writing style of the early books in the series.
May 9, 2022
This story was overly complicated & I had difficulties keeping things & characters straight. The protagonist seems to have changed from the first few books which is ok except the world has changed as well. The results of which make me feel this is not the same series I started. I purchased this book as an audible & even a great narrator couldn't persuade me to to continue listening till the end. This book became a chore & i was absolutely forcing myself to listen. My attention span kept wondering to the point I was compiling to do list in my head while listening to this book. If a book cannot retain my interest & I keep catching myself chapters ahead with no recall as to how the story progressed that is a negative. In the end I DNF'ed this book which is a real shame when you're 7 books into a series but after 17 days of attempts I just couldn't force myself to finish (4/17-4/24) & so *haughtily announced in a upper-class British accent "I bid you good day, sir."
April 8, 2015
3.5 Stars
Originally posted at The Bookaholic Cat
Vengeance of the Demon is the seventh book in the Kara Gillian series by Diana Rowland.
Vengeance of the Demon starts couple of days after the events in Fury of the Demon (book sixth). Kara is dealing with the legal aftermath of what happened at the Farouche's Plantation, while trying to stabilize the nodes with the help of Idris and Bryce and the unexpected assistance of Pellini. Kara’s circumstances also change dramatically in this book and she learns some hard truths that make her reconsider everything she thought she knew. New loyalties are formed and other ties are irreparably broken in this installment. The little romance from previous books is absent in Vengeance of the Demon, but there is plenty of heartache to go around.
Many things happened in Vengeance of the Demon, but at the same time nothing really happened. This book was more like a setup for the things that are to come than anything else. It’s also a book that even though it gives us many clues, it leaves us with more questions than answers.
Although not my favorite in the series, Vengeance of the Demon is a book that fans of this series need to read. I don’t recommend reading this book as a stand-alone.
Originally posted at The Bookaholic Cat
Vengeance of the Demon is the seventh book in the Kara Gillian series by Diana Rowland.
Vengeance of the Demon starts couple of days after the events in Fury of the Demon (book sixth). Kara is dealing with the legal aftermath of what happened at the Farouche's Plantation, while trying to stabilize the nodes with the help of Idris and Bryce and the unexpected assistance of Pellini. Kara’s circumstances also change dramatically in this book and she learns some hard truths that make her reconsider everything she thought she knew. New loyalties are formed and other ties are irreparably broken in this installment. The little romance from previous books is absent in Vengeance of the Demon, but there is plenty of heartache to go around.
Many things happened in Vengeance of the Demon, but at the same time nothing really happened. This book was more like a setup for the things that are to come than anything else. It’s also a book that even though it gives us many clues, it leaves us with more questions than answers.
Although not my favorite in the series, Vengeance of the Demon is a book that fans of this series need to read. I don’t recommend reading this book as a stand-alone.
August 22, 2015
I'm beginning to lose patience with this series. Diana Rowland is an excellent writer and where this story has gone is amazing, and Kara Gillian is a fascinating character.
But.
We're on book 7 now.
And the pace of the revelation of what's really going on is glacial.
A case in point that I can get away with talking about because it's on the covers: Kara's tattoos that were inflicted upon her in a horrible ritual several books ago. We still don't know what they're for. We don't know what they're for now after they were changed in the previous book.
These aren't small books. There could be a lot less domestic drudgery, working out who is brewing the coffee in the morning, or getting the pet updates, let alone the endlessly reactive action scenes. Oh, the summoners have been seen in the town. Oh, let's go fight them. Completely without plan, preparation or any discussion of how far they're willing to go to defeat them ...
I'm frustrated. I think Rowland has one more book before the story either picks up some pace or I'm done. Which is a huge shame for a series I've loved.
But.
We're on book 7 now.
And the pace of the revelation of what's really going on is glacial.
A case in point that I can get away with talking about because it's on the covers: Kara's tattoos that were inflicted upon her in a horrible ritual several books ago. We still don't know what they're for. We don't know what they're for now after they were changed in the previous book.
These aren't small books. There could be a lot less domestic drudgery, working out who is brewing the coffee in the morning, or getting the pet updates, let alone the endlessly reactive action scenes. Oh, the summoners have been seen in the town. Oh, let's go fight them. Completely without plan, preparation or any discussion of how far they're willing to go to defeat them ...
I'm frustrated. I think Rowland has one more book before the story either picks up some pace or I'm done. Which is a huge shame for a series I've loved.
April 9, 2015
Quick review:
Cover: Fitting
Rating: PG-13
Steaminess: NONE
Thumbs Up: 4
Overall: Entertained but not Satisfied
Characters: Well Written
Plot: Running around in circles
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont.? Yes
Recommend: Yes
Book Boyfriend: Bryce
SUMMARY (50 words or less)
Disappointed. I don’t know. I expected something I didn’t get. It wasn’t a bad book, it just didn’t deliver what I hoped. I feel like the entire book was centered around running in circles and accomplishing nothing.
For a full review and yummy pic, see my blog post at:
http://www.mybookboyfriend.net/2015/0...
Audio Review
Liv Anderson did a stellar job with the narration. I didn’t have a hard time following the characters. I’m not sure she used unique voices on every one, but never once did I question which character was speaking.
Cover: Fitting
Rating: PG-13
Steaminess: NONE
Thumbs Up: 4
Overall: Entertained but not Satisfied
Characters: Well Written
Plot: Running around in circles
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont.? Yes
Recommend: Yes
Book Boyfriend: Bryce
SUMMARY (50 words or less)
Disappointed. I don’t know. I expected something I didn’t get. It wasn’t a bad book, it just didn’t deliver what I hoped. I feel like the entire book was centered around running in circles and accomplishing nothing.
For a full review and yummy pic, see my blog post at:
http://www.mybookboyfriend.net/2015/0...
Audio Review
Liv Anderson did a stellar job with the narration. I didn’t have a hard time following the characters. I’m not sure she used unique voices on every one, but never once did I question which character was speaking.
July 15, 2015
I've hung on through the past 2 books when the series took over the top dramatic changes in direction. This was just UGH for me. I love this series so much, it used to be one of my FAVORITES, and this book just finally took it to places that I can't follow. I'm disappointed, and let down and my trust in the author is bruised. Not sure I'm going to continue. Sad.
April 7, 2015
Wow. This one is a tough one to review without spoilers, so if it seems I’m not saying a lot, that’s why. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. For anyone wondering, it a takes place on Earth. Also, there’s a glossary at the end which I wish I’d seen before I was halfway through the book! :) Though I’m pretty good at tracking names, it was helpful for some I needed a hint in order to remember.
Kara’s come a long way since the beginning. No more angsty ruminations about her love life. She has some tough choices to make and there’s maturity about her that’s come from all the crap she’s been through. Plus she gets more crap piled on in this book from several directions: personal, professional (summoning), family, friends, legal, and love.
To squash Katashi and the Mraztur’s plans to create on-demand access to Earth, Kara has to rely, not on her role as a summoner, but on the core of who she is without trappings. It’s a good ride.
She has some legal trouble brewing from past events. I wasn’t expecting that part, since so many times characters get away with murder and have no mundane consequences or it’s glossed over.
Support characters who’ve been around since the beginning of the series came out to play. Detectives Pellini, Boudreaux, and Knight. Interesting developments there, especially with Pellini. There were little hints at it since book 3 or 4, but his story comes out in this one.
Tessa flounced off to Colorado in the last book, and she’s back for this one. So many questions I had from earlier books about why Kara was clueless on key areas of demons and summoning came to light. I have more questions yet based on this book, and I’m waiting until the next book to make a final judgment on Tessa’s motivations since these characters tend to have lives and goals that don’t revolve around Kara. That depth makes it hard to predict a certain path.
Jill has her baby (the cover is the spoiler for that!) and though I saw some aspects coming from hints in previous books, I had plenty of surprises and can’t wait to see where it all leads as the series wraps up.
And Zack. Poor Zack. Seems like no good deed goes unpunished. And then. . . I’m not so sure.
Mzatal and Kara come to terms with their relationship, and Rhyzkahl suffers (yay!) from the bond Zack broke at the end of the last book. No sexytimes in this book, but honestly, with all that is going on, it would have felt out of place. Ryan/Szerain is following his own agenda, and I still don’t know what it is, but I got a glimpse.
In the end, I got answers to a lot of questions, and though there are still many unanswered I have a feeling are now primed to be answered in the next book. Overall this was a very satisfying read that I couldn’t put down. Kara came into her own in a new way, and OMG what is going to happen with Earth given the events at the end!? There’s no sweeping this one under the rug. :)
For me, the series gets better and better, with details or mentioned-in-passing bits from earlier books coming together as the world revelations expand. My regret is that the series is winding down. I think there are only 2 books left? I have a feeling the rest of the answers I’ve been salivating for will lie within the pages of the next book. Great read!
Kara’s come a long way since the beginning. No more angsty ruminations about her love life. She has some tough choices to make and there’s maturity about her that’s come from all the crap she’s been through. Plus she gets more crap piled on in this book from several directions: personal, professional (summoning), family, friends, legal, and love.
To squash Katashi and the Mraztur’s plans to create on-demand access to Earth, Kara has to rely, not on her role as a summoner, but on the core of who she is without trappings. It’s a good ride.
She has some legal trouble brewing from past events. I wasn’t expecting that part, since so many times characters get away with murder and have no mundane consequences or it’s glossed over.
Support characters who’ve been around since the beginning of the series came out to play. Detectives Pellini, Boudreaux, and Knight. Interesting developments there, especially with Pellini. There were little hints at it since book 3 or 4, but his story comes out in this one.
Tessa flounced off to Colorado in the last book, and she’s back for this one. So many questions I had from earlier books about why Kara was clueless on key areas of demons and summoning came to light. I have more questions yet based on this book, and I’m waiting until the next book to make a final judgment on Tessa’s motivations since these characters tend to have lives and goals that don’t revolve around Kara. That depth makes it hard to predict a certain path.
Jill has her baby (the cover is the spoiler for that!) and though I saw some aspects coming from hints in previous books, I had plenty of surprises and can’t wait to see where it all leads as the series wraps up.
And Zack. Poor Zack. Seems like no good deed goes unpunished. And then. . . I’m not so sure.
Mzatal and Kara come to terms with their relationship, and Rhyzkahl suffers (yay!) from the bond Zack broke at the end of the last book. No sexytimes in this book, but honestly, with all that is going on, it would have felt out of place. Ryan/Szerain is following his own agenda, and I still don’t know what it is, but I got a glimpse.
In the end, I got answers to a lot of questions, and though there are still many unanswered I have a feeling are now primed to be answered in the next book. Overall this was a very satisfying read that I couldn’t put down. Kara came into her own in a new way, and OMG what is going to happen with Earth given the events at the end!? There’s no sweeping this one under the rug. :)
For me, the series gets better and better, with details or mentioned-in-passing bits from earlier books coming together as the world revelations expand. My regret is that the series is winding down. I think there are only 2 books left? I have a feeling the rest of the answers I’ve been salivating for will lie within the pages of the next book. Great read!
December 20, 2019
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Paranormal / Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5
*Thoughts*
Vengeance of the Demon is the Seventh installment in author Diana Rowland's Kara Gillian series. This series has a modern urban fantasy feel and has all the elements readers want: supernatural danger, sex, a feisty heroine, and a familiar American setting (the outskirts of New Orleans). Each book in this series is a whole story with a beginning and an ending, however the plot of each book relies heavily on the prior books in the series. It is recommended that you read the books in the order they were published. I restarted reading this series knowing that the final book in this series will be releasing sometime early in 2020.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Paranormal / Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5
*Thoughts*
Vengeance of the Demon is the Seventh installment in author Diana Rowland's Kara Gillian series. This series has a modern urban fantasy feel and has all the elements readers want: supernatural danger, sex, a feisty heroine, and a familiar American setting (the outskirts of New Orleans). Each book in this series is a whole story with a beginning and an ending, however the plot of each book relies heavily on the prior books in the series. It is recommended that you read the books in the order they were published. I restarted reading this series knowing that the final book in this series will be releasing sometime early in 2020.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
April 10, 2015
There are some potentially major SPOILERS in this post depending on your POV. Also some profanity.
I read the book overnight (insomnia is good for some things) so this is mostly just first impressions/reactions that I’ve tried to make coherent.
I’ll also add that if this is a series you read for general leisure among your vast reading list, you really should go back and reread. Probably from the beginning. There is a glossary at the end, but the glossary covers terms, not previous plot points that got us to where we are today.
The rest I'll put under one solid spoiler tag. I tried to keep specifics vague but just in case...
I read the book overnight (insomnia is good for some things) so this is mostly just first impressions/reactions that I’ve tried to make coherent.
I’ll also add that if this is a series you read for general leisure among your vast reading list, you really should go back and reread. Probably from the beginning. There is a glossary at the end, but the glossary covers terms, not previous plot points that got us to where we are today.
The rest I'll put under one solid spoiler tag. I tried to keep specifics vague but just in case...
March 3, 2016
I have been on a paranormal reading spree, and the whole shebang was a bust. Maybe I have read all the good stuff that was available, and now I am just scraping the bottom of the barrel, trying to make something of the gunk. Maybe it’s the fact that all paranormal books tend to stretch in to lengthy series and authors get lost in their own ideas. I don’t know. But I also don’t care. Diana Rowland showed much promise, and I feel a bit betrayed with how this whole thing turned out.
The Kara Gillian series were very promising, and I liked the cop-paranormal dynamics. Sadly, with the progression of the story, the plot grew more and more complicated – and not in a good way. Every cliché and every possible twit was thrown in to the fry, and the only thing missing was the kitchen sink. I trust it will have a significant role, like all the other unconnected things.
Because the prime emotions this book evoked in me are confusion and despair, I don’t think I will be continuing the series. It is one thing to mourn the destruction of potential a series or an author had, an another to waste your time reading things that just don’t work for you.
I am unable to recommend this book to the people that have been reading the series and are on the fence about continuing. The sad fact is – it’s not worth it. The things, the characters, the development I fell in love with when I started reading the Kara Gillian series are either completely missing, or crippled beyond repair. I don’t know where the author is headed with her storylines, but I bid her good luck and farewell.
The Kara Gillian series were very promising, and I liked the cop-paranormal dynamics. Sadly, with the progression of the story, the plot grew more and more complicated – and not in a good way. Every cliché and every possible twit was thrown in to the fry, and the only thing missing was the kitchen sink. I trust it will have a significant role, like all the other unconnected things.
Because the prime emotions this book evoked in me are confusion and despair, I don’t think I will be continuing the series. It is one thing to mourn the destruction of potential a series or an author had, an another to waste your time reading things that just don’t work for you.
I am unable to recommend this book to the people that have been reading the series and are on the fence about continuing. The sad fact is – it’s not worth it. The things, the characters, the development I fell in love with when I started reading the Kara Gillian series are either completely missing, or crippled beyond repair. I don’t know where the author is headed with her storylines, but I bid her good luck and farewell.
May 12, 2015
Diana Rowland’s Kara Gillian series is a vastly underrated urban fantasy series in my opinion. She takes fantastical elements and makes them work in a sensible yet intriguing way. The main character, Kara Gillian – cop and demon summoner, has shown a fair amount of growth through the series but I think the strength of the writing really lies through the plotting and overall story arcs. There aren’t very many writers who have made me excited with such an about face turn of events when it comes to the general storyline. That being said, I think Vengeance of the Demon suffers from the “one step forward, two steps back” phenomenon. There’s a lot happening, but it doesn’t really to serve to move the story in a significant way. There’s way too much going on in these books for me to recommend starting anywhere else other than at the very beginning.. but I don’t think you’d be disappointed if you did. They’re definitely worth checking out.
Kara’s been dealing with some of the past events of the last couple of books and it wouldn’t be much of a book if something didn’t come back to bite her. Zack (the demon baby daddy of Jill’s) is out of commission pretty much literally and figuratively and Ryan (mostly Szerain now) does a bang up job of giving Kara non answers and avoiding her as much as possible. There’s a lot of characters like Pellini (a colleague of Kara’s) and her Aunt Tess that haven’t been around in previous books, but get some page time.. but it’s not really cohesive if that makes sense. There’s a lot going on, but it doesn’t move forward as much as you might think.
I did like how Kara got to interact with Rhyzkhal and how he seemed to get a little bit of just desserts but it wasn’t nearly enough for my liking. More is revealed about Kara’s Aunt Tess, but at this point, I’d rather not speculate because the storyline has turned on a dime before. I wasn’t expecting it, but this author takes no prisoners when it comes to twists and turns and that’s one of the best parts about these books.
Unlike past books, there’s not any smexy times to be had, but that’s probably for the best considering all that Kara has going on. The book keeps things going including a big reveal about Pellini, but most of what comes about in this book only gives me more questions and fewer answers. It was fun to read, but also frustrating. That’s probably what I disliked most about the book overall.
If you’ve been keeping up with the Kara Gillian books, Vengeance of the Demon is definitely worth the read, but just be warned that it could leave you hanging. If you haven’t, if you like intricate plotting, fun world building and characters that surprise you, Rowland’s books are worth giving them look.
- Readsalot81
Kara’s been dealing with some of the past events of the last couple of books and it wouldn’t be much of a book if something didn’t come back to bite her. Zack (the demon baby daddy of Jill’s) is out of commission pretty much literally and figuratively and Ryan (mostly Szerain now) does a bang up job of giving Kara non answers and avoiding her as much as possible. There’s a lot of characters like Pellini (a colleague of Kara’s) and her Aunt Tess that haven’t been around in previous books, but get some page time.. but it’s not really cohesive if that makes sense. There’s a lot going on, but it doesn’t move forward as much as you might think.
I did like how Kara got to interact with Rhyzkhal and how he seemed to get a little bit of just desserts but it wasn’t nearly enough for my liking. More is revealed about Kara’s Aunt Tess, but at this point, I’d rather not speculate because the storyline has turned on a dime before. I wasn’t expecting it, but this author takes no prisoners when it comes to twists and turns and that’s one of the best parts about these books.
Unlike past books, there’s not any smexy times to be had, but that’s probably for the best considering all that Kara has going on. The book keeps things going including a big reveal about Pellini, but most of what comes about in this book only gives me more questions and fewer answers. It was fun to read, but also frustrating. That’s probably what I disliked most about the book overall.
If you’ve been keeping up with the Kara Gillian books, Vengeance of the Demon is definitely worth the read, but just be warned that it could leave you hanging. If you haven’t, if you like intricate plotting, fun world building and characters that surprise you, Rowland’s books are worth giving them look.
- Readsalot81
February 20, 2018
Well that ended on a very exhilrating "Bitch, what the f*ck?!"
December 3, 2015
I can't wait ;^)
September 9, 2015
Reviewed for http://theereaderjunkie.wordpress.com
Instead of writing a review of that particular novel, I'm going to review how I feel about the whole series.
Really, it started out great : demons, action, mystery, good characters, interesting plots and all that. I was enthusiastic.
Then came book #5 and it threw me off : was it really written by the same author ? Why were the characters acting out of part ? I didn't really like it, but gave the series another chance. Book #6 sort of reassured me, it wasn't absolutely excellent, but it was better and it seemed to go back on track.
So I bought Vengeance of the demon, a little wary but hopeful. And it was terribly unequal. There were moments when I skipped the pages, then better moments, then I got bored again, then it felt better, I even considered DNFing it. Finally, there was more action toward the end, some facts made me curious about what could be happening next, so I hung on and felt rather satisfied. However, given the early enthusiasm I felt toward this series, I considered whether to finish it or not. There are so many other books I've got to read that are very promising, why persevere ? After some researches, I learned that Kara Gillian is programmed to end at the 9th book. I've already read 7... Some questions are left unanswered... Since I began, I'd really want to know how it turns out so I'll probably finish it. But it'd better be worth it !
Instead of writing a review of that particular novel, I'm going to review how I feel about the whole series.
Really, it started out great : demons, action, mystery, good characters, interesting plots and all that. I was enthusiastic.
Then came book #5 and it threw me off : was it really written by the same author ? Why were the characters acting out of part ? I didn't really like it, but gave the series another chance. Book #6 sort of reassured me, it wasn't absolutely excellent, but it was better and it seemed to go back on track.
So I bought Vengeance of the demon, a little wary but hopeful. And it was terribly unequal. There were moments when I skipped the pages, then better moments, then I got bored again, then it felt better, I even considered DNFing it. Finally, there was more action toward the end, some facts made me curious about what could be happening next, so I hung on and felt rather satisfied. However, given the early enthusiasm I felt toward this series, I considered whether to finish it or not. There are so many other books I've got to read that are very promising, why persevere ? After some researches, I learned that Kara Gillian is programmed to end at the 9th book. I've already read 7... Some questions are left unanswered... Since I began, I'd really want to know how it turns out so I'll probably finish it. But it'd better be worth it !
July 9, 2016
The seventh novel in the Kara Gillian series has proven to be my favorite; I stayed up to the wee hours of the night finishing it. The imagery is breathtaking; and even now as I find myself writing this review, my mind is still wrapped up in the world Diane Rowland has brilliantly weaved together. The entire novel evoked the emotional range from love to fear; and everything in-between, but when the people you love the most in your life are the ones who have betrayed you so thoroughly, where does that leave you? Bereft, heartbroken, angry, oh yeah, there were tears while reading this. I LOVED IT, if a story can actually bring me to tears, it’s just a big WOW for me.
I am left with many questions; the series is nowhere near done, that's OK for me because I LOVE this world, I love Kara and I cannot WAIT for more! Vengeance of the Demon: Kara Gillian, Book 7 gets a HUGE 5 Boundless Stars from me! I am breathlessly awaiting book 8, Legacy of the Demon; I just hope it releases in Audiobook!...Sara
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
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I am left with many questions; the series is nowhere near done, that's OK for me because I LOVE this world, I love Kara and I cannot WAIT for more! Vengeance of the Demon: Kara Gillian, Book 7 gets a HUGE 5 Boundless Stars from me! I am breathlessly awaiting book 8, Legacy of the Demon; I just hope it releases in Audiobook!...Sara
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
May 9, 2015
This one felt like another filler. Sure, it was still good, just, filler. The only thing happened is that Jill gives birth, no surprise there. After all there is a baby on the cover.
The bad peeps are still bad.
The good peeps are still good.
Kara is in trouble after the last book. Someone saw her and that is not good so she is under investigation.
Zach is hiding. Jill is soon to pop. Ryan is avoiding her. And I am all, hey where did all the man candy go? Suddenly she had no love life at all. Pooh!
But yes filler. Stuff happened. But nothing big truly happened. There are still a lot of questions. I still want soooo many answers. And I do look forward to the next book. I just hope, it will not be another filler.
The bad peeps are still bad.
The good peeps are still good.
Kara is in trouble after the last book. Someone saw her and that is not good so she is under investigation.
Zach is hiding. Jill is soon to pop. Ryan is avoiding her. And I am all, hey where did all the man candy go? Suddenly she had no love life at all. Pooh!
But yes filler. Stuff happened. But nothing big truly happened. There are still a lot of questions. I still want soooo many answers. And I do look forward to the next book. I just hope, it will not be another filler.
Want to read
March 14, 2015I'm going crazy that this book is taking a few extra months to be published this year.
All the previous came out in January, gahhhhh
All the previous came out in January, gahhhhh
July 31, 2017
First thought when I turned the page and found the glossary. That's it??!!?? That was like a non-ending. Wtf?!
Warning I can't spell their names worth shit
Alright seriously this book barely has any resolution and we really don't know all that is going on and who the other demon is that is backing the lords.
Zack is still down and out due to his breaking of ties to Rhyzakal (sp) and her friend Jill (right?) is pregnant and Zack isn't even there for her. Ryan as Szeraine is off doing things and keeping Kara out of the loop. Mhaztal Kara's demon lover is also still in the demon realm fixing all the rips and flares and stuff but he's closed down his bond with her. There's just a lot of little things going on.
Kara finds out a big betrayal and it's crazy, then she also this makes for an interesting second half of the book but also makes it kind of annoying. Kara has a lot of allies but I'm still unsure what the ultimate goal is. I just have more and more questions.
Jill ends up having her smart demon baby....and
Seriously there was a lot of investigating and all that but I still feel like I lacked answers, so much so when the last page happened I was disappointed the book was over as it had just started to pick up.
I'm not too thrilled with the end. I also read this a few days ago and forgot a lot. I think it's because again we don't learn nearly enough.
In essence this does drive the series arc forward but as far as subplot and endings, not much. No neat and tidy bow.
I will still read the next book to find out if and what gets resolved.
Warning I can't spell their names worth shit
Alright seriously this book barely has any resolution and we really don't know all that is going on and who the other demon is that is backing the lords.
Zack is still down and out due to his breaking of ties to Rhyzakal (sp) and her friend Jill (right?) is pregnant and Zack isn't even there for her. Ryan as Szeraine is off doing things and keeping Kara out of the loop. Mhaztal Kara's demon lover is also still in the demon realm fixing all the rips and flares and stuff but he's closed down his bond with her. There's just a lot of little things going on.
Kara finds out a big betrayal and it's crazy, then she also this makes for an interesting second half of the book but also makes it kind of annoying. Kara has a lot of allies but I'm still unsure what the ultimate goal is. I just have more and more questions.
Jill ends up having her smart demon baby....and
Seriously there was a lot of investigating and all that but I still feel like I lacked answers, so much so when the last page happened I was disappointed the book was over as it had just started to pick up.
I'm not too thrilled with the end. I also read this a few days ago and forgot a lot. I think it's because again we don't learn nearly enough.
In essence this does drive the series arc forward but as far as subplot and endings, not much. No neat and tidy bow.
I will still read the next book to find out if and what gets resolved.
April 26, 2015
Its clear to me now that Rowland really had no idea where she was headed with this series when she started it. Actually, maybe she had a very rough general idea but like so many authors of (too?) long running series, the extended book deal for more installments in a series has significantly altered her plan & now a great story has been drawn out into a bloated very jumped shark. Either way she has done such a poor transitional job with the overall plot line that none of it feels right anymore. I'm about to tear this series/book a new one so for the faint of heart or blind Rowland worshippers, I suggest you turn away now.
Rowland's first butchery of this series is the sidelining of once significant characters with very little effort. It has been happening for a few books now & I am beyond sickened by the great disservice to these characters & fellow readers like myself who had grown attached to the initial awesomeness of this series.
“The Ryan I’d laughed and cried with was gone forever. I never got the chance to say goodbye.”
I think I speak for a great number of us when I say: yea no shit, neither did we.
I figured early on in the series that Ryan wouldn't make it out 'alive' but because he would emerge as Szerain NOT completely no longer exist (eyeroll). Rowland has blatantly established a pattern of "nope I don't like these important main male characters anymore" in both her series & has replaced them. In Kara's world it feels very much like Mzatal took over Ryan/Szerain's initial role. Even the main supporting male character isn't immune to Rowland's chopping block. I don't even want to get started with the whole Zack thing, poor Jill. Sorry your creator got bored with your man, had him Though I'm sure it'll turn out to be for all the right boring reasons that conveniently require him to not be written about about for more than a few sentences (eyeroll + slow headshake),
Second act of series butchery comes in the form of lazy clichéd writing. If you haven't picked up this book yet, please be prepared to be assaulted with lots of stupid one liners at the end of just about every chapter, most of time absolutely ruining the scenes that came just before them. I literally would cringe after reading some of the garbage Rowland put on these pages. She then went on to basically obliterate her main character. Kara used to be one of my favorite heroines, she has now devolved into a sad joke, spouting clichéd potty-mouth dialogue or wistfully mourning over her estranged demon lord lover like a mooney-eyed tweenager:
“Fuck you, you piece of shit portal!” I yelled into the vortex. “That’s the way you want to play? You think this is my first rodeo?” Pausing, I watched the mad flailing of the flows then yanked hard to damp the resonance. “Yeah, that’s right, bitch. You can just calm your ass down.”
“I mentally reached for Mzatal. We shared a profound etheric connection beyond anything comparable on Earth—like a merging of essence beyond time, thought, and space. We still had plenty of disagreements, but we were good for each other.”
“Together we could rise above anything.
We stood thus for several pulse-pounding seconds, then he released me and took a step back, narrowed the crack to the width of a hair. “But we must both be denied,” he said.
I dragged in a breath as he withdrew. “Why, Boss? Why?” My head knew the answer, but I had to ask for the sake of my heart.”
With lines like these, the purchase of one of Rowland's books should include a little barf bucket & travel size mouth wash cause you're gonna need it.
This book on its own was severely lacking an actual story, all Kara & crew do is spend the duration running back & forth to valves all over the county trying to symmetrize them before Katashi & his goons mess shit up even more.
Only two things that are actually interesting & relevant to the overall series, that occur are very short lived. First, Kara discovers Its pretty clear that this information is EPICALLY IMPORTANT but then its just basically ignored for the remainder of the book.
Second, Jill's baby is born, does some pretty cool things & Kara puts some info together about who the baby might really be & what it has to do with pretty much everything. Again, EPICALLY IMPORTANT but Kara gets distracted & then the book is done. UGH!
I will finish this series because it holds just enough of my attention to mildly entertain me but Rowland won't be getting any of my money. Kara Gillian is nothing more than a void filler for me now while I await the releases of much better books, written by actual writers who give a crap about their craft.
Rowland's first butchery of this series is the sidelining of once significant characters with very little effort. It has been happening for a few books now & I am beyond sickened by the great disservice to these characters & fellow readers like myself who had grown attached to the initial awesomeness of this series.
“The Ryan I’d laughed and cried with was gone forever. I never got the chance to say goodbye.”
I think I speak for a great number of us when I say: yea no shit, neither did we.
I figured early on in the series that Ryan wouldn't make it out 'alive' but because he would emerge as Szerain NOT completely no longer exist (eyeroll). Rowland has blatantly established a pattern of "nope I don't like these important main male characters anymore" in both her series & has replaced them. In Kara's world it feels very much like Mzatal took over Ryan/Szerain's initial role. Even the main supporting male character isn't immune to Rowland's chopping block. I don't even want to get started with the whole Zack thing, poor Jill. Sorry your creator got bored with your man, had him Though I'm sure it'll turn out to be for all the right boring reasons that conveniently require him to not be written about about for more than a few sentences (eyeroll + slow headshake),
Second act of series butchery comes in the form of lazy clichéd writing. If you haven't picked up this book yet, please be prepared to be assaulted with lots of stupid one liners at the end of just about every chapter, most of time absolutely ruining the scenes that came just before them. I literally would cringe after reading some of the garbage Rowland put on these pages. She then went on to basically obliterate her main character. Kara used to be one of my favorite heroines, she has now devolved into a sad joke, spouting clichéd potty-mouth dialogue or wistfully mourning over her estranged demon lord lover like a mooney-eyed tweenager:
“Fuck you, you piece of shit portal!” I yelled into the vortex. “That’s the way you want to play? You think this is my first rodeo?” Pausing, I watched the mad flailing of the flows then yanked hard to damp the resonance. “Yeah, that’s right, bitch. You can just calm your ass down.”
“I mentally reached for Mzatal. We shared a profound etheric connection beyond anything comparable on Earth—like a merging of essence beyond time, thought, and space. We still had plenty of disagreements, but we were good for each other.”
“Together we could rise above anything.
We stood thus for several pulse-pounding seconds, then he released me and took a step back, narrowed the crack to the width of a hair. “But we must both be denied,” he said.
I dragged in a breath as he withdrew. “Why, Boss? Why?” My head knew the answer, but I had to ask for the sake of my heart.”
With lines like these, the purchase of one of Rowland's books should include a little barf bucket & travel size mouth wash cause you're gonna need it.
This book on its own was severely lacking an actual story, all Kara & crew do is spend the duration running back & forth to valves all over the county trying to symmetrize them before Katashi & his goons mess shit up even more.
Only two things that are actually interesting & relevant to the overall series, that occur are very short lived. First, Kara discovers Its pretty clear that this information is EPICALLY IMPORTANT but then its just basically ignored for the remainder of the book.
Second, Jill's baby is born, does some pretty cool things & Kara puts some info together about who the baby might really be & what it has to do with pretty much everything. Again, EPICALLY IMPORTANT but Kara gets distracted & then the book is done. UGH!
I will finish this series because it holds just enough of my attention to mildly entertain me but Rowland won't be getting any of my money. Kara Gillian is nothing more than a void filler for me now while I await the releases of much better books, written by actual writers who give a crap about their craft.
September 23, 2015
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: Kara is wrapped up into all kinds of craziness, all while trying to help her pregnant friend out.
Opening Sentence: Accessory after the fact.
Excerpt: Yes
The Review:
I am assuming this book picks up shortly after book 6, Fury of the Demon ends. Kara is trying to assist a detective looking into the murder of Farouche without giving away what she really knows about what happened. What actually happened was the taking down of Rhyzkahl, a demon who had used Kara and set her up in trap. Mzatal, Kara’s demon lover, marked her with his sigil and saved her life. Kara’s friend Jill is also close to giving birth to Zach’s baby, a demon who was closely tied to Ryzkahl.
Jill’s baby girl I have a feeling is tied into the series in a big way, especially after seeing the cover! She is born before the book ends, but I am getting ahead of myself. Kara goes through a lot in this book, betrayed by her Auntie, who is like a mother to her, a loss of her powers, a mutual breakup of sorts with her demon lover and getting arrested. The valves are not stabilized and the demon world is a chaos.
As you can see from my first paragraph I haven’t read the other six books. I really wish I had but I didn’t want to put off reviewing the book while I caught up. I sort of wish I had, but despite that I feel like I only missed out on some information. For the most part I was able to follow along all that was going on in this book with only minor confusion. It also didn’t stop me from liking the book and adding the first one to my TBR list!
I like Kara, she is sassy and willing to make hard choices even if she loses out. I don’t understand all that is going on in this world, but I am sure when I go back and read the first six books I will get my gaps filled in. I really enjoyed this book and I am really looking forward to reading the rest of them! If you are a fan of this series already then you will love this great addition.
Notable Scene:
“I knew without a whisper of doubt that he would never betray me with intent.”
“Twelve. The twelfth is a radical game changer. Spawned of fierce cunning. Beauty and power exemplified. Beware the twelfth.”
“Katashi has severed me from the arcane and my lover-a lover who needed me as much as I needed him.”
FTC Advisory: DAW/Penguin provided me with a copy of Vengeance of the Demon. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: Kara is wrapped up into all kinds of craziness, all while trying to help her pregnant friend out.
Opening Sentence: Accessory after the fact.
Excerpt: Yes
The Review:
I am assuming this book picks up shortly after book 6, Fury of the Demon ends. Kara is trying to assist a detective looking into the murder of Farouche without giving away what she really knows about what happened. What actually happened was the taking down of Rhyzkahl, a demon who had used Kara and set her up in trap. Mzatal, Kara’s demon lover, marked her with his sigil and saved her life. Kara’s friend Jill is also close to giving birth to Zach’s baby, a demon who was closely tied to Ryzkahl.
Jill’s baby girl I have a feeling is tied into the series in a big way, especially after seeing the cover! She is born before the book ends, but I am getting ahead of myself. Kara goes through a lot in this book, betrayed by her Auntie, who is like a mother to her, a loss of her powers, a mutual breakup of sorts with her demon lover and getting arrested. The valves are not stabilized and the demon world is a chaos.
As you can see from my first paragraph I haven’t read the other six books. I really wish I had but I didn’t want to put off reviewing the book while I caught up. I sort of wish I had, but despite that I feel like I only missed out on some information. For the most part I was able to follow along all that was going on in this book with only minor confusion. It also didn’t stop me from liking the book and adding the first one to my TBR list!
I like Kara, she is sassy and willing to make hard choices even if she loses out. I don’t understand all that is going on in this world, but I am sure when I go back and read the first six books I will get my gaps filled in. I really enjoyed this book and I am really looking forward to reading the rest of them! If you are a fan of this series already then you will love this great addition.
Notable Scene:
“I knew without a whisper of doubt that he would never betray me with intent.”
“Twelve. The twelfth is a radical game changer. Spawned of fierce cunning. Beauty and power exemplified. Beware the twelfth.”
“Katashi has severed me from the arcane and my lover-a lover who needed me as much as I needed him.”
FTC Advisory: DAW/Penguin provided me with a copy of Vengeance of the Demon. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
May 5, 2015
Review originally posted on my blog: A Book Obsession..
This one is going to be a bit difficult to review. While I never found myself losing interest, and was continually able to stay easily focused on the story, it just wasn't as engrossing as I would have liked. The book seemed to meander throughout a lot of different things to the point where there just didn't seem to be any focus. Don't get me wrong, it was an enjoyable read, I just don't feel like there was a clear plot or even resolution of much of anything by the end especially with that cliffhanger. Granted, she's written some pretty nasty cliffhangers in the past, but this time around I'm not sure it was necessary or really warranted. I just wasn't sucked in enough for the cliffhanger to have had that full sucker punch effect. Typically that leaves me desperate for the next book but this one just didn't have the momentum for that to work.
One thing the book did get really right for me was Kara. She's been through so much and I really enjoy seeing how much she's matured. While it's hard to watch her have to make the hard decisions, she's really become a power to be reckoned with. Then of course the rest of the cast of characters are pretty fabulous too, and they are all fully three dimensional throughout. That's more than a little impressive considering just how large the cast has become. In many series, I forget who the older characters are between books, but this time around I had no trouble jumping back in, which goes to show how real the characters seem. My only complaint in the character department is that there wasn't more time with Mzatal, but hopefully that will change in future books.
In the end, VENGEANCE OF THE DEMON was a decent read that kept me entertained, but I can't help hoping for the next installment to return to the engrossing style of the previous installments. This still is a great series that I'd love see more great reads from, so here's hoping.
This one is going to be a bit difficult to review. While I never found myself losing interest, and was continually able to stay easily focused on the story, it just wasn't as engrossing as I would have liked. The book seemed to meander throughout a lot of different things to the point where there just didn't seem to be any focus. Don't get me wrong, it was an enjoyable read, I just don't feel like there was a clear plot or even resolution of much of anything by the end especially with that cliffhanger. Granted, she's written some pretty nasty cliffhangers in the past, but this time around I'm not sure it was necessary or really warranted. I just wasn't sucked in enough for the cliffhanger to have had that full sucker punch effect. Typically that leaves me desperate for the next book but this one just didn't have the momentum for that to work.
One thing the book did get really right for me was Kara. She's been through so much and I really enjoy seeing how much she's matured. While it's hard to watch her have to make the hard decisions, she's really become a power to be reckoned with. Then of course the rest of the cast of characters are pretty fabulous too, and they are all fully three dimensional throughout. That's more than a little impressive considering just how large the cast has become. In many series, I forget who the older characters are between books, but this time around I had no trouble jumping back in, which goes to show how real the characters seem. My only complaint in the character department is that there wasn't more time with Mzatal, but hopefully that will change in future books.
In the end, VENGEANCE OF THE DEMON was a decent read that kept me entertained, but I can't help hoping for the next installment to return to the engrossing style of the previous installments. This still is a great series that I'd love see more great reads from, so here's hoping.
October 24, 2022
J'ai toujours autant de plaisir à retrouver l'univers de cette série et ses personnages, et chaque fois je passe un bon moment de lecture. Mais :
- il y a tellement de personnages et j'ai lu le tome précédent il y a si longtemps que j'ai eu du mal à me rappeler qui était qui. D'ailleurs, les rappels sont si succincts que pour certains perso j'ai laissé tombé.
- j'ai eu un mal de chien à replacer certains thermes démoniques. OK, il y a un glossaire, mais il est à la fin et j'ai pour habitude de commencer un livre par le début ! :P
- j'ai eu l'impression que l'auteur nous baladait pendant tout le tome sans vraiment donner une direction à son récit. L'intrigue n'est pas très claire et il faut vraiment attendre les 3-4 derniers chapitres pour comprendre où Rowland voulait en venir.
- thumb up pour Pellini que j'ai bien kiffé ! :D
Bref, pas déçu mais ce n'est pas facile de se replonger dans cet univers complexe et de ne pas se sentir perdu.
Relecture 2022 : je suis toujours d’accord avec mon 1er avis mais comme j’ai lu le tome 6 récemment j’avais encore en mémoire les événements qui s’y déroulent. Du coup, j’étais moins perdu et j’ai mieux compris où l’autrice voulait en venir.
Encore un tome riche de révélations et de retournements de situation, même si le tout est contrebalancé par des passages plus mous qui ne m’ont pour autant pas ennuyé. Le gros point fort de ce tome est à mon sens le personnage de Pellini qui devient un allié plus qu’inattendu et presque trop opportun. Mais j’aime trop le trope du méchant qui s’avère gentil pour donner un avis objectif.
Un bon tome qui s’inscrit dans un récit que l’on sent plus global et dont on a hâte de (re)lire la suite d’autant plus dans ces univers changeants auxquels l’héroïne va encore devoir s’adapter.
- il y a tellement de personnages et j'ai lu le tome précédent il y a si longtemps que j'ai eu du mal à me rappeler qui était qui. D'ailleurs, les rappels sont si succincts que pour certains perso j'ai laissé tombé.
- j'ai eu un mal de chien à replacer certains thermes démoniques. OK, il y a un glossaire, mais il est à la fin et j'ai pour habitude de commencer un livre par le début ! :P
- j'ai eu l'impression que l'auteur nous baladait pendant tout le tome sans vraiment donner une direction à son récit. L'intrigue n'est pas très claire et il faut vraiment attendre les 3-4 derniers chapitres pour comprendre où Rowland voulait en venir.
- thumb up pour Pellini que j'ai bien kiffé ! :D
Bref, pas déçu mais ce n'est pas facile de se replonger dans cet univers complexe et de ne pas se sentir perdu.
Relecture 2022 : je suis toujours d’accord avec mon 1er avis mais comme j’ai lu le tome 6 récemment j’avais encore en mémoire les événements qui s’y déroulent. Du coup, j’étais moins perdu et j’ai mieux compris où l’autrice voulait en venir.
Encore un tome riche de révélations et de retournements de situation, même si le tout est contrebalancé par des passages plus mous qui ne m’ont pour autant pas ennuyé. Le gros point fort de ce tome est à mon sens le personnage de Pellini qui devient un allié plus qu’inattendu et presque trop opportun. Mais j’aime trop le trope du méchant qui s’avère gentil pour donner un avis objectif.
Un bon tome qui s’inscrit dans un récit que l’on sent plus global et dont on a hâte de (re)lire la suite d’autant plus dans ces univers changeants auxquels l’héroïne va encore devoir s’adapter.
April 12, 2015
So first off let me just say that I really loved this series. The first four books were fantasitc! Gripping, interesting, nicely paced and I enjoyed all the characters. However, for me I have felt that things have been on a decline since the fifth book. The last several books have really just kinda felt like they are chalked full of filler. This book was no exception. I miss the old dynamics of the group! I do realize that to tell a story you have to change things up but Ms. Rowland has changed them so much that Ryan/Szerain and Zack are pretty much MIA for the whole story!
I have no idea if they are good or bad anymore! In this book all there really seemed to be was Kara cussing up a storm and Idris was just being such a dick. Which I was not fond of how he turned into such a rager. I get that he is upset but it just seems like completely unnecessary drama added to cover up the lack of story telling. I like little bits of drama not copious amounts of it! That I find irritating!
There were I guess a few subtly surprising things revealed in the book. I had my theories and gosh dang if I wasn't proven right! Just like with all the other books in the series though this one just leaves me flustered and disgruntled. You have all these questions and no answers because apparently talking is hard... Quite frankly all that demon honor and secrecy bull is grating on my nerves. Truthfully I think the series should have ended a couple books ago. It just feels like it is being dragged out which is just not enjoyable. When the next book is released, I will look into it. More out of curiosity of how it will all be tied together rather than expecting a great story line. What a shame.
I have no idea if they are good or bad anymore! In this book all there really seemed to be was Kara cussing up a storm and Idris was just being such a dick. Which I was not fond of how he turned into such a rager. I get that he is upset but it just seems like completely unnecessary drama added to cover up the lack of story telling. I like little bits of drama not copious amounts of it! That I find irritating!
There were I guess a few subtly surprising things revealed in the book. I had my theories and gosh dang if I wasn't proven right! Just like with all the other books in the series though this one just leaves me flustered and disgruntled. You have all these questions and no answers because apparently talking is hard... Quite frankly all that demon honor and secrecy bull is grating on my nerves. Truthfully I think the series should have ended a couple books ago. It just feels like it is being dragged out which is just not enjoyable. When the next book is released, I will look into it. More out of curiosity of how it will all be tied together rather than expecting a great story line. What a shame.
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