Devon’s review of Serenity: Gezane Universe by D. Renee Bagby
Fantasy romance ebook released by Samhain Publishing 25 Mar 08

Warning #1: Sex and love with a blue guy with horns! Warning #2: Not a lot of sex at all, so if you’re looking for some red-hot interspecies action, you may be disappointed. However, for those who enjoy unusual settings, Serenity has much to recommend it.

The only hope for peace between two warring kingdoms is an uneasy truce cemented by a royal marriage. The kingdom of Cheslav has fought with the neighboring Bhresyas for years. They look down upon the Bhresyas as Demons, because they resemble the creatures of Judeo-Christian lore. They are bigger, stronger and faster than humans, come in every color and sport large horns. The King of these ‘Demons’, Melchior, gets the Cheslav Queen to promise her unborn daughter to him in marriage. But he gets more than he bargained for when he meets the PrincessSerenity, all grown up on her wedding day.

Serenity was an interesting character. She seems sort of Mary Sue-ish, all smiles and joy. But unlike our Sybil, all is not sweetness and light. She has immersed herself in her future husband’s culture, chiefly through her “Hell Hounds”, Bhresya assassins she spared and turned into loyal guards. Serenity has a tough side. She ain’t afraid to dole out punishment to those who deserve it. She isn’t above petty behavior, either. This made her more likeable (to me anyway). Stoic, forgiving martyrs can be so annoying. I like a girl who’s not afraid to be a bitch or have some folks’ horns broken off, if the occasion calls for it. I enjoyed her relationships with her guard, all of whom were quite distinct and well characterized.

Unfortunately, the romance with Melchior was not as good. There was chemistry, and sparks between them, but due to Melchior’s prejudice against humans, he treats Serenity like dirt. He’s a total prick for far too long. I was rooting for Serenity to run off with Chigaru, the head Hell Hound. Or run off with all the Hell Hounds and live in polyamorous bliss. She did have chemistry with Chigaru, too. When Melchior finally realized that Serenity was his true mate (meh) after all, it didn’t do it for me.

Despite my disappointment in the romance, I enjoyed Serenity. The setting was vivid, as was the cast of characters. I would be interested in reading further stories set in the Gezane Universe.

Grade: B-

Blurb:

Their uneasy alliance could lead to love—if the demon will allow it. A Gezane Universe Novel…

Melchior, King of the Bhresyas, is quickly growing tired of the war between his kind and the humans who view them as demons. He proposes a peace treaty with the most powerful human kingdom. His only stipulation? Once she comes of age, the human queen’s daughter must be his bride.

Serenity has spent her entire life preparing for her role at Melchior’s side. Other women might be frightened, but she embraces her destiny, knowing in her heart that she and Melchior have been twined together by fate.

While he wants cooperation between their two peoples, his union with Serenity cannot and should not lead to love. The more she tries to bring them together, the harder he pushes her away—until she lands in the arms of those who would do her harm. Love is the answer. But before Melchior admits to his, it may be too late.

Read an excerpt here.