Devon’s review of Red Kiss (Gods of Midnight, Book 2) by Deidre Knight
Paranormal Romance released by Signet Eclipse 2 Jun 09

Red Kiss is the second in Deidre Knight’s series featuring an immortal band of Spartan warriors, who pledged their allegiance to a capricious Greek god, after the battle at Thermopylae (think “300“). These hot, powerful guys protect humanity from their home base in Savannah, Georgia. More specifically, this is the story of the slave, River Kassandros. Hmm… Tired retread of familiar ground? Or brand new addictive guilty pleasure?

Little bit of both, actually. Red Kiss is a great example of a B- book. I enjoyed it, it kept my interest and I’ll likely read the next installment. But don’t ask me to recall too many details. The romance, the heroine — really can’t remember anything too specific. They love, they fight, they save the day eventually. The heroine in particular seemed very generic. There was no reason River fell for her other than that she was in the right place in the right time.

River was a bit more interesting, due to his slave status. Yes, it’s been done before, but unlike Zarek or Zsadist, River isn’t crazy and bitter, due to years of torment. He has fought side by side with the others for hundreds of years, and respects, trusts and cares for most of them (and vice versa). But he was never freed, and is in fact still Ajax’s servant. It makes River a bit of an outsider, and he feels the weight of his servitude.

It makes for an interesting dynamic when he meets love interest Emma. The concept of a slave means nothing to her, and he certainly doesn’t seem like one, but River is hyper-aware that he’s never been his own man, and is uncomfortable with it. It was intriguing, and River’s kinda charming and shy, but honestly, he seemed whiny after awhile.

This was definitely one of those books where everything but the romance kept me reading. I really like the whole backstory, and many of the secondary, recurring characters are really good. There are several threads that were introduced, or developed from the previous book, that I’m looking forward to more of. I love King Leonidas  and the Oracle, as well as the villain Sable. I can’t wait to find out more about River’s nemesis Nikos, and curious to see what develops for him.

I suspect the next book will feature River’s BFF Ari, and though he wasn’t as interesting as some of the others, I’m on board to find out what will happen with the whole gang. Overall, I liked this one better than the first. Though I was a bit harsh on River and Emma, they weren’t awful, just bland. If you like paranormals with larger casts and several subplots, I bet you would enjoy this. You can start with Red Fire, but you’ll be okay if you want to begin here.

Grade: B-

Read more reviews of this series by following its tag here.

Summary:
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Immortal warrior and Spartan slave River Kassandros has a special gift—the ability to transform into any weapon. But in a recent battle, he was trapped as a dagger, unable to become human again. His one hope of salvation is a mere mortal…
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When Emma Lowery beaches her kayak on an uninhabited island off the coast of Savannah, an ancient dagger seems to call out to her. Compelled by dark forces, Emma draws blood with his blade, freeing River. Now he’s stronger, angrier—and exudes more sensuality than Emma can resist.
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But a sinister power wants to claim River’s destiny, and his precarious freedom. The pair must join the Spartan warriors to fight Ares himself. But can they face sacrificing their love to protect humankind from the war god’s demonic plan?
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Read an excerpt here.

Other books in the series:

Limecello’s review of Butterfly Tattoo by Deidre Knight
Contemporary romance published by Samhain Publishing on 21 Apr 2009

I heard a lot of talk about Butterfly Tattoo, all good things. Excessively good things, in fact, so I had to see for myself what the hype was all about. While I don’t think I liked it quite as much as everyone else did, I do think it’s a great book and very thought provoking. I think it would make an amazing film, if it stayed true to the book. I’m try not give too much away in the review, but I hope I’ve intrigued you, and that you read this book.

I thought about Butterfly Tattoo for a day or two before I sat down to review it. There’s a lot to process, and so much going on, yet at the same time the book is quite sedate, and almost painstakingly slow and measured. Nevertheless I was completely engaged and involved in the story. I thought about the characters throughout the day, and wondered about their situation and emotional state.

I liked how you got to know the characters throughout the course of the book. Both Michael and Rebecca are a bit stilted, but become much more personable as you read on. This also makes sense because the two open up, and begin living their lives once they end up together.  I don’t normally like books written in first person, but I got used to it in Butterfly Tattoo, and felt it was the best style for the characters. It was necessary, and possibly the only way to actually get to know Michael and Rebecca. It also helps underscore how very isolated each of them is.

I don’t normally do this… but I’m going to discuss the hero first. Michael Warner is an extremely unexpected character. His life and past makes him very interesting, and I can honestly say he is unlike any other hero I’ve ever read about, in a very good way. He’s very intense, and quite special. Anybody would be lucky to have someone like Michael in his or her life. He’s completely broken at the beginning of the book, yet doing a respectable job of keeping it together and providing for his daughter. He’s quite charming when he tries, and I loved getting into his head.

Rebecca O’Neill is a studio executive, but she used to be an actress. She’s led an entirely different life after being attacked by a fan and almost dying. After the incident, Rebecca has tried to pull her life back together, but still closes herself off. I really liked seeing Rebecca coming back to life. She’s a kind, warm, and good person. I was continually impressed by her generosity and strength. The amount of crap Rebecca is willing to put up with from Michael is also admirable, yet for once I wasn’t annoyed or felt that the heroine was being a doormat.

For once, I liked a child in a book. Andrea, Michael’s daughter, and Rebecca connected because they both bear scars, which is very fortuitous. (That they connected. The reasons for both their scars are excessively tragic.) At the same time, Rebecca and Michael connect well. I like how they bumble along, and their relationship is stilted, and flawed, yet so perfect. In fact, there was the slight theme of butterflies which I enjoyed (and I hate butterflies), with the characters slowly emerging from their cocoons of grief/living a half life, and reclaiming their place in the world.

I will say there was a time or two when I got a little fed up with the characters and how much they stayed in their heads. However, that was minor. There’s a special quality to Butterfly Tattoo that I’m having difficulty articulating. There was so much going on in this book. I loved the secondary characters and the complexities. While Butterfly Tattoo didn’t have a lot of action, it had a lot of drama, in a good sense. It’s a pipe dream, but I do think this would be the perfect film. There are so many intricate and progressive aspects to this book. It’d be great as an indie movie. I definitely recommend reading this book – and staying with it. (I will, however, say this is likely not a book to read in one sitting.)

Grade: A-

Just when the darkness seems permanent, fate flips a switch.

Michael Warner has been drifting in a numb haze since his lover was killed by a drunk driver. As the anniversary of the wreck approaches, Michael’s grief grows more suffocating. Yet he must find a way through the maze of pain and secrets to live for their troubled young daughter who struggles with guilt that she survived the crash.

Out of the darkness comes a voice, a lifeline he never expected to find—Rebecca O’Neill, a development executive in the studio where Michael works as an electrician.

Rebecca, a former sitcom celebrity left scarred from a crazed fan’s attack, has retreated from the limelight and from life in general, certain no man can ever get past her disfigurement. The instant sparks between her and Michael, who arrives to help her during a power outage, come as a complete surprise—and so does her uncanny bond with his daughter.

For the first time, all three feel compelled to examine their inner and outer scars in the light of love. But trust is hard to come by, especially when you’re not sure what to believe when you look in the mirror. The scars? Or the truth?

Devon’s review of Red Fire (Gods of Midnight, Book 1) by Deidre Knight
Paranormal Romance released by Signet Eclipse 7 Oct 08

Sometimes I feel like a broken record. I say the same things over and over. My review of Red Fire is sure to contain certain phrases I’ve used before, lots. The first entry in new series featuring a brotherhood of immortal Spartans, Red Fire contained some intriguing elements, yet managed to put me to sleep several times. Those who enjoyed “Troy,” “300” and anything involving sweaty, fighting, loin-clothed Greeks will enjoy, but there were some issues.

Ajax Petrakos was one of seven Spartans, along with his King, Leonidas, who is rescued from death at the battle of Thermopylae. The war god, Ares, offers them immortality and the opportunity to protect their people from evil. Twenty-five hundred years later, Ajax has grown weary of his existence. The only thing that keeps him going is the promise of a true love prophesied many years ago. Soon he will meet her, but they will face a capricious god and a legion of demons to be together.

Although the brotherhood of warriors thing has been done to death, the set-up was interesting. There were several intriguing characters introduced, like Leonidas, River (Ajax’ servant in life and death), and the Delphic Oracle who advises them. Ajax’ destiny is found in present day Savannah, Georgia, in a young woman from a family of demon hunters. I found her family interesting as well, particularly their staunch faith, an aspect rarely touched on in paranormals.

Unfortunately, the hero and heroine, not so interesting. Ajax was a standard broody guy, supposedly a rogue, though we don’t get to see too much of it. I felt that we didn’t get to know his heroine, Shayanna Angel. That’s the problem with predestined love. It didn’t really matter what she was like, Ajax loved her before he knew her. For Shayanna’s part, she seemed like she fell in love with Ajax because she was so impressed with his devotion to her. Another instance of a romance getting the shaft in favor of world building.

I found the pacing to be uneven. There were times I was really involved, but as I mentioned, I fell asleep several times as well. Perhaps it was because the major villain was so annoying and whiny. Combined with the bland romance, it was a recipe for a stupor. The book moved around a lot, so just as you were getting into one storyline, the scene shifted. But I enjoyed the backstory, the worldbuilding, and there were some genuine flashes of humor that I liked. There were also some pretty hot love scenes, some with Ajax in raptor-man form!

The next book will feature River, a character I really liked, so I will definitely try it. I found Red Fire to be pretty average, but those who enjoy series about brothers in arms, or who like a bit of Classical history should definitely give it a try.

Grade: C+

The summary:

Eternity has become a prison for Ajax Petrakos. Centuries after he and his Spartan brothers made their bargain for immortality, Ajax struggles to maintain his warrior’s discipline. His only source of strength is his hope that he will soon meet the woman once foretold to him—the other half of his soul, Shay Angel.

Ajax searches for his destined mate on the haunted streets of modern-day Savannah, but he isn’t the first to find her. Shay, the youngest of a powerful demon-hunting clan, can see the monsters that stalk the steamy Southern night—an ability that draws the deadly attention of Ajax’s worst enemy.

As she and Ajax race to solve a chilling prophecy—one that could spell Ajax’s death if they don’t succeed—a fated passion arises, threatening to sweep away everything in its path.

Read an excerpt

This just in…

Deidre Knight is sponsoring a unique contest which features the hero of her first Gods of Midnight novel, Red Fire, published by Signet and to be released in October. Spartan warrior Ajax needs your help…

~ Ajax Petrakos, immortal Spartan warrior has searched endlessly for Shayanna Angel, his soul-mate who was promised to him by the Oracle at Delphi 2,500 years ago. Ajax would do anything to locate this minx of a mortal, but he’s nearly lost faith that he will ever find her. Recently, rumors and rumblings are afoot that Shayanna has been spotted in modern-day U.S.A.

~ The objective is to bring Ajax to as many cities as possible to help him find Shayanna. So your mission is to take Ajax to a locale in your city — an historical site, a restaurant, the lake, your home — snap a photo of you and Ajax. Then send Ajax along to a friend, who will then snap her photo and send it to another friend, who will then do the same, and on down the line to as many friends as possible.

~ The Ajax that has traveled to the most places and has accumulated the most names will make winners out of every person who participated.

~ All the info you’ll need as well as the entry form is located here.

~ Prizes include Nintendo© Wii or a host of other great prizes. Act quickly, however, because the first 100 entrants to upload their photos will receive a copy of Red Fire.

~ Read an excerpt of Red Fire here.

Consider yourself flashed.

Sandy M’s review of Parallel Fire (Midnight Warriors, Book 5) by Deidre Knight
Paranormal Romance ebook novella released by Samhain 6 Jun 08

Wow, this little snippet has me hungry for more of these Midnight Warriors. I’m in my usual bind with so many dang books stacked up waiting for me to read. I have the books in this series, just haven’t yet picked them up. My loss.

I obviously can’t go into a lot of detail about this world of warriors since I haven’t read the previous books, but Anna has had to reveal her secret concerning the Madjin Circle, of which she is a member. She’s before the king’s advisors to explain her participation as one of the elite group’s protectors. This brings her face to face with Nevin Daniels, the ranking officer, and a man she’s been half in love with most of her life.

There’s a little bit of flirtation between them at this point, but it seems to Anna perhaps she imagined it because Lieutenant Daniels is a straight shooter and takes his position and duty seriously. So she goes about her business trying to get the man out of her head when suddenly she’s being paired with him for routine assignments. Come to find out it’s Nevin who’s pulling the strings and getting Anna in the cockpit with him. He’s watched her for years, but because he’s older and going through the maturity stage for men of his species much earlier than expected, he’s never taken that step to get to know her personally. So he’s kept his secret to himself and lusted after Anna from afar.

But things do heat up when on one of these routine missions they crash land and are stranded together for several days. It doesn’t take long for the heat to turn to flame between these two. Nevin tries his damnedest to resist Anna, not wanting to hurt her because of the heightened sexual appetite that comes with his maturity, but she finally pushes him too far and the way for their bond to become reality is cracked wide open. They have some of the best sex, but they also get to know one another better, learn about each other. Things, however, don’t quite go the way Anna anticipates when they’re rescued and back among their peers.

I am so intrigued by these Refarian men who gain maturity at age 40, when they lose the ability to have children but they gain sexual prowess that’s apparently unparalleled. Hell, if I’d been Anna I would have gone after this man too. She likes her men and sex a little rough and tumble and Nevin is very happy to eventually comply. There’s also a couple of little twists that make the relationship more interesting. I really enjoyed these characters and I’m looking forward to starting at the beginning and working my way through this fascinating world.

Grade: A-

Summary:

Anna Draekus is a soldier wrapped up in secrets, one of which has just been blown. As a member of the shadowy Madjin Circle , she was marked and trained from childhood to protect the king, even without his knowing. And now that her superior officer Nevin Daniels has discovered her allegiance to the Madjin, another secret is in serious danger of exposure.

The one where she fantasizes about cracking the taciturn Refarian’s composure and making him scream her name in passion.

Nevin has tried everything to exorcise Anna from his mind and body, once and for all. Nothing works. He’s long lusted after the free-spirited and plainspoken soldier, but her mere presence ties him in knots and drives him to the brink of insanity. Something a man in his position can’t afford. Something a man of his maturity could never hope for.

Then a routine patrol finds them wrecked and marooned deep in the Wyoming backcountry. And Anna unwraps Nevin’s deepest secret of all: Beneath his tightly controlled exterior beats the wild heart of a tiger.

Read an excerpt

Other books in this series: