Night Demon (Night Series, #2)

Apr 14, 2013 W.h. (Lovetiggi) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: expected-in-2012, adults-only, books-i-own, favorites, kindle, lisa-kessler, pnr-or-romance, steamy

A definite Must read!!

OMG! What an enthralling story... I was rivited to my seat and could not put it down. The characters are so beautifully portrayed, full of emotions, love, anger, betrayal, and so many more.

The world is so breath taking as you travel from the Yucatan to San Diego, at times by unconventional means. Lukas is HAWT DAYUM! Calisto and Kate and Kane and Rita are back. We are also introduced to more characters.

Evil is one way to word it when an old friend or brother sabotages thi...more

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Mar 18, 2013 Shirley Frances rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013, read-2-review, mf-series

Launch Party & Giveaway on Monday, March 18th 2013 at LeAnn's Book Reviews

In this follow-up book in The Night series we are treated to Lukas's story, a Night Walker made by accident by Calisto Terana in Night Walker. Lukas has been living with the guilt over his behavior when he was newly made and has been looking for information into how to end his existence because he believes he is a monster not worthy of living. Since making this decision he has been working as an archaeologist for he...more Launch Party & Giveaway on Monday, March 18th 2013 at LeAnn's Book Reviews

In this follow-up book in The Night series we are treated to Lukas's story, a Night Walker made by accident by Calisto Terana in Night Walker. Lukas has been living with the guilt over his behavior when he was newly made and has been looking for information into how to end his existence because he believes he is a monster not worthy of living. Since making this decision he has been working as an archaeologist for he is determined to learn all there is to know about the Night Walkers. This journey of discovery takes him to the heart of the Yucatan jungle and the origins of the Night Walkers.

His assistant in the jungle is Gretchen. A smart woman who is more interested in solving puzzles than settling down with a family and a white picket fence, Gretchen is intrigued by Lukas's behavior, especially his determination to work through day and night to find answers. She finds the reclusive archaeologist handsome and despite all her efforts has come to care for him a great deal.

When trouble starts brewing within the jungle, Lukas makes the decision to send Gretchen to the US to keep her safe for he couldn't bear for her to be harmed. Although he has put many walls into place to keep emotional entanglements from his life he realizes that Gretchen, with her intelligence and loyalty, has broken through some of them. However, Gretchen is determined to decipher the meaning of their findings, regardless what Lukas has decided.

And so their adventures and romance begins.

I enjoyed this book thoroughly. Packed-full of Night Walker history and facts, Lisa Kessler's writing is both engaging and entertaining. I was riveted to the story, its characters and the events that took place throughout. I felt that each event and fact revealed was placed just right to provide the most impact. The details provided and the events that transpired throughout the story flowed seamlessly, never making me feel overwhelmed or confused even when additional facts and new characters were introduced.

Lukas and Gretchen were both complex characters with real emotions and struggles and their development and romance was a treat to read. I enjoyed how Kessler brought them together and built their relationship from acquaintances to lovers in a way that was believable to me. I appreciated the fact that they both had their hesitations and took the time to weigh the pros and cons of a relationship with each other. Of course I was elated when they finally decided to get on with it, but it was nice to see them all flustered about the feelings they had for each other.

Needless to say that their chemistry was very, very HOT! Just that first kiss between them was amazing - the anticipation alone made it all the more enjoyable. However, what I enjoyed the most were their interactions. With honest and emotion-filled dialogue, lust-filled looks and matter of fact exchanges, the connection between Lukas and Gretchen was easy to recognize.

This installment brings the return of previous characters and the addition of new ones as well. Calisto and Kate from Night Walker play an integral part of the story as well as Kane and Rita from Night Thief. The new additions to the cast added nicely to the story and were interesting to get to know.

Night Demon is the second book in The Night series but it can be read as a stand alone too since the author does a wonderful job of giving the reader enough backstory to understand the world and the characters that were introduced in previous titles. This book was a great follow-up in the series and I can't wait to read more. Yes, I am hoping for another book with one of the other Gods' story. I won't be finicky about it either - I'll be happy with either Issa's or Colin's story. No pressure Lisa, no pressure at all!

I received this book from Entangled Publishing in exchange of my honest opinion.(less)

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Apr 29, 2013 Mandi Schreiner rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: pnr

Lukas Smith has been immortal for hundreds of years and he is now searching a way to end his life. Long ago he became a Night Walker and he doesn’t know why or how. All he knows is he must drink blood, he can shift into an owl and he can’t be in the sunlight. Other than his maker, he has yet to meet another person like him. But now deep in the ruins of the Yucatan rainforest, he thinks he is close to deciphering ancient glyphs that may give him answers. Under the guise of working for a universit...more

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Mar 25, 2013 Anna at Book Lovin' Mamas rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-s, books-to-review, author-review, demons, paranormal, vampires, favorites, suspense, shifters

Oh my goodness! OH MY GOODNESS!!! This book was SO GOOD!!! I feel like I waited forever to finally read it and I can say now that the wait was very much worth it!

While I enjoyed Night Walker and Night Thief quite a lot, Night Demon is a whole different story. I got totally sucked into the Night Walker world, I couldn't put it down! This is a dark and eerie story about ancient immortal gods and a demon that once ended an entire race and now these Night Walkers are trying to stop it from happening...more Oh my goodness! OH MY GOODNESS!!! This book was SO GOOD!!! I feel like I waited forever to finally read it and I can say now that the wait was very much worth it!

While I enjoyed Night Walker and Night Thief quite a lot, Night Demon is a whole different story. I got totally sucked into the Night Walker world, I couldn't put it down! This is a dark and eerie story about ancient immortal gods and a demon that once ended an entire race and now these Night Walkers are trying to stop it from happening again. At times you can almost feel the darkness through the pages and this made it even better. I loved the really cool Mayan history used. I found it absolutely fascinating!

I really liked Lukas and Gretchen! Both were really strong characters and they had great chemistry together. I do wish they had gotten to the good stuff sooner, if you know what I mean, but once they did it was hot and I was happy.

There were so many important character in this story. Some we know from the previous books, Callisto and his mate Kate and Kane and his mate Rita. And then there is Colin, who we met briefly at the end of Night Thief and Zafrina and Issa who are new. I love all of these characters so much! It was good to see more of Kane and Callisto and I am very intrigued by both Colin and Issa. I'm really looking forward to future books and getting to know them more. And after that ending I need to know what is gonna happen with them! Seriously, I was not expecting that!

My only complaint is that I got a bit confused in the beginning with all of the point of view changes. But having read the whole book now I see that it was necessary to do it that way to get the whole story so don't let it put you off.

Overall this was a great read! I recommend it to all vampire lovers and PNR fans! It's something new and a little different than most vampire stories! The characters are great, this world Lisa has built is incredible, it's action packed and the romance is super sweet! You don't really have to read the other two books before this one but I recommend that you do so you get all of the information. Plus I mean, you don't wanna miss out on Kane and Callisto right? ;) And can I just say, I'm ready for more!!!

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This review in 100% my honest opinion.*(less)

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Apr 04, 2013 Stephanie rated it 3 of 5 stars

ORIGINAL POST: http://fangswandsandfairydust.blogspo...

Night Demon by Lisa Kessler:
When Push Comes to Shove

This is a powerful story with so much emotion, mythology, great ideas and characters. I loved the mythology and the degree of research Lisa put into the building of the story of the Night Walkers. There's great respect and devotion between the characters, Without the backstory for Callisto and Kate, though, the relationship between the two books is hard to get. So, it would be best read in...more ORIGINAL POST: http://fangswandsandfairydust.blogspo...

Night Demon by Lisa Kessler:
When Push Comes to Shove

This is a powerful story with so much emotion, mythology, great ideas and characters. I loved the mythology and the degree of research Lisa put into the building of the story of the Night Walkers. There's great respect and devotion between the characters, Without the backstory for Callisto and Kate, though, the relationship between the two books is hard to get. So, it would be best read in order. And there is a 1.5 novella that explains more of the story. Reading it first would have made my experience of NIght Demon more well rounded because there are two characters here that are important but they both just show up with fully realized personalities.

The twists and turns that give substance to the plot, make the story unpredictable and exciting. The uncertainty was such that I found myself worrying about whether I would like what happened to the various characters. Trying to build a love story between two new principals with everything else occurring is too much. It felt like a lot to take in.

And even then, there were times when only my personal to questions to Lisa made the story arc clear. There are a lot of threads, those for the series and those specific to this book, that Lisa is trying to pull into a cohesive fabric. It's a hard task and the writing suffers from it as it breaks into a more expository style to hurriedly cover more ground. There are times when Lisa has to go outside the story to illustrate what the demon is doing to hunamity. And, I felt throughout that she was losing control of the novel. Maybe it's one of those instances I hear authors talk of -- where the characters take over! To me, this is an editing issue more than a writing issue.

It takes quite some time for the couple to hook up. As with the NIGHT WALKER novel, there's a mysterious and sinister quality to the ending; it's similar enough that it feels like a device.

Even with these issues, there's an important theme here of romantic love, friendship, brotherhood, and human preservation that questions the limits of those relationships and self-preservation. What would you sacrifice if the fate of those you love, as well as the whole world depended on it? That, along with the supernatural aspects, the love story and the tale of potential apocalypse is a lot to ask of any author.

Please take a look and let me know what you think. I enjoyed the story, and think that if you know these issues ahead of time, you could also.
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Apr 12, 2013 Melody May rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, arc, paranormal, romance

Orginially posted on What I'm Reading

All right everyone, last night I finished Night Demon by Lisa Kessler. Honestly, I didn't know what to expect when I first started the story for a couple of reasons. The first reason is it's a book two in a series. I know jumping into a middle of the series especially with a paranormal book can be trouble. However, I didn't feel that way. Granted it might have been beneficial to get the first book and novella of the story in too, but at the same time, I felt...more Orginially posted on What I'm Reading

All right everyone, last night I finished Night Demon by Lisa Kessler. Honestly, I didn't know what to expect when I first started the story for a couple of reasons. The first reason is it's a book two in a series. I know jumping into a middle of the series especially with a paranormal book can be trouble. However, I didn't feel that way. Granted it might have been beneficial to get the first book and novella of the story in too, but at the same time, I felt I could navigate the story without the first book and novella. I have say I did pretty good. YAY! I guess I should share with you what book kept me up really late.

First off, I started Night Demon Wednesday night. I was having a hard time getting into the story. Nothing that had to do with the story. Really, it just had been a long day and I just didn't feel like reading. Which was probably a good thing, because the next day I dived into Night Demon. Boy, I had a hard time putting it down, which is the reason for the late night. I would get to the point saying I need to go to bed, but the same time I got a point where I needed to know what happen next. Honestly, by the time I really needed go to sleep, I had a few chapters left and figure "oh what the heck, I'm almost done."

My first thought was intense. Night Demon was an intense read full a lot of information. I enjoyed the fact that it gave a different twist on vampires. With so many vampire stories out there it's really hard to put your on twist on night creatures, yet Ms. Kessler was able to do that in Night Demon.

To be honest, there is a lot that is going on in this story that I don't want to bog you all down with so many details. I love that we travel around the Yucatan trying to understand the ancient Mayan history about the Night Walkers. Then travel to San Diego to get more information and back to Yucatan. As you read this story you really feel like your there watching things as they happen. Gretchen Finch is one smart cookie. I have to say I really do like intelligent heroine who are not afraid of danger. Boy does she find danger. Then you have Lukas Smith who wishes he could cure himself from being a Night Walker. Plus, he wants to keep Gretchen safe from the evil that lurks and possibly from him.

WOW, is all I can say about this book. Seriously, you feel the danger that lurks around you. At times I had to take a break from the book, because it was intense. Yes, it will give you that heart pounding excitement. Plus, Night Demon leaves aching to see what happens next. Now like the rest of you, I have to wait for the next book. So, if you are looking for excitement, danger and intrigue, I would suggest Night Demon.

Copy provided by publisher
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Mar 16, 2013 Beth rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley, own, romance, paranormal, demons, mayan

Gretchen Finch is an archaeologist. She is working in the remote jungles of the Yucatan with Lukas Smith. You’d think the jungle would be hot but being in close courters with Lukas is making Gretchen’s situation smoldering.

Both Gretchen and Lukas are trying to unlock a series of ancient glyphs, which reference the Night Walkers and the Night Demon. Little does Gretchen know that Lukas is a Night Walker hiding his immortality and darker side from the world.

Something unleashes the Night Demon, now...more

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May 04, 2013 Kate rated it 2 of 5 stars

For this review and more visit my blog

Writing a review for Night Demon is quite hard because I am struggling to find something to say about it. I didn’t like it, I didn’t hate it…it just is.

I found it all really flat, the story didn’t interest me, the characters didn’t interest me and the romance didn’t really interest me.

The first issue is that there was just too much going on, it swapped from place to place and character to character far too often and at some point it just lost me along the w...more

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Apr 08, 2013 Jessica rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley-books, pnr

WHOA......This book was so good! i absolutely loved it! I loved the main characters Lukas and Gretchen and I thought the storyline in Night Demon was AWESOME. There were some twists that I didn't see coming and it made the book that much better. I can't tell you what they are because 1) I don't want to ruin the book & 2) you should read this book to find out for yourself what they are!

Lukas Smith is a Night Walker who was made by accident from Calisto. Gretchen Finch is his assistant and th...more

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Mar 23, 2013 BamaGal rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley-edelweiss, fantasy, paranormal-elements

3.5 Stars. Gretchen Finch and Lukas Smith are in the jungles of Yucatan studying and trying to decode some ancient Mayan glyphs. Gretchen is a dedicated scientist more than a little in love with Lukas, and has no idea his actual purpose in researching the glyphs. Unbeknownst to her, Lukas is a Nightwalker, a vampire-like immortal who can also shapeshift into a giant owl; and is looking for a way to end his immortal life. An evil Demoness named Camalotz has been accidentally released to walk the...more 3.5 Stars. Gretchen Finch and Lukas Smith are in the jungles of Yucatan studying and trying to decode some ancient Mayan glyphs. Gretchen is a dedicated scientist more than a little in love with Lukas, and has no idea his actual purpose in researching the glyphs. Unbeknownst to her, Lukas is a Nightwalker, a vampire-like immortal who can also shapeshift into a giant owl; and is looking for a way to end his immortal life. An evil Demoness named Camalotz has been accidentally released to walk the earth again, creating havoc and causing death. The Nighwalker brethren must come together to find a way to defeat the Demoness and cage her once again, quite possibly by sacrificing Calisto’s wife Kate (from the first book – Night Walker).

Interesting story, I enjoyed it for the most part. It was a mix of The Carpathians and standard vampire myth with Mayan folklore tossed in for good measure. For all the cherry-picking from other series, the author did do a good job of melding these ideas into something fresh and different. As for Lukas; for someone who had been ‘Nightwalker’ for over 200 years and never having seen another immortal besides his ‘maker’ Calisto in all that time; they sure came out of the woodwork en masse in this story. I’m assuming there will be a story for each as the series goes on.

There were a few issues with the story. For Immortals/gods, they spent a whole heck of a lot of time arguing and wringing their hands on how to defeat the Demoness; and they sure were easy for Camalotz to put the major hurt on. It was two women, the Immortal Zafrina, and the human scientist Gretchen, who finally came up with the solution to the problem. (You go, girls)!! The immortal guys kind of stood around trying to figure out what to do, and came up with zippo.

Pretty good story, fast-paced and enjoyable; especially during the latter part of the book. I liked the leads, especially Gretchen. A lot of Mayan mumbo-jumbo, and immortal god-like beings that were amazingly easily hurt; but an overall quality plot. It was dark in places, but kind of cheesy in others; especially some of the dialog. I didn’t care for the ending at all. It wasn’t so much a cliffhanger, as it just stopped cold. May as well have a big ‘to be continued’ tacked on at the end. I don’t know about continuing this particular series at this point; but I would definitely read the author again. She shows great promise as a writer.

ARC courtesy of Entangled and Netgalley(less)

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Mar 19, 2013 Annabel rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: vampires

First she made me fall in love with Calisto, then with Kane and now I can add Lukas to my list. I don’t know how she does it, but I love every one of her characters, even the bad guys!

Just like Nightwalker and Night Thief this book is an instant addiction. I started reading it Saturday night and I finished it today. I don’t have that much time to read but this was one book I just couldn’t put away! I took my e-reader with me everywhere I went. I had to know how the story was going to end, would...more

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Mar 21, 2013 Dianne rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley, own, paranormal-romance

Deep in the hot and humid Yucatan rain forest, archeologists Lukas Smith and Gretchen Finch have been attempting to decipher the glyphs on an ancient Mayan altar. For Lukas, this is personal. Hundreds of years ago he was accidentally made into an immortal Night Walker and he can no longer live with the regrets of his past, hoping to uncover a way to end the lonely existence he abhors. Yet, after living and working in such close quarters, both Lukas and Gretchen shield a growing attraction to eac...more

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Mar 19, 2013 Cheryl M-M rated it 3 of 5 stars

The Night Walkers have to work together in this book. They have an enemy in common called Camelotz and she isn't really all that bothered who she kills. Totally indiscriminate, whether Night Walker or human she doesn't give two monkeys and is quite happy to just destroy anyone in her vicinity.
This book gives us a little extra insight into the origins of the Night Walkers. The Mayan connection and earlier fate of the Night Demon was an interesting element, perhaps one that will be delved into at...more

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Mar 20, 2013 Angie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: lisa-kessler

Check out this review and others at www.Twinsietalk.blogspot.com, www.Facebook.com/Twinsietalk or @Twinsietalk

I received this book for this blog tour.

I was very excited to get to read book 1 and 2 of this series. I really enjoyed book 1 and couldn't wait to jump into book 2. Now I didn't realize, until I was half way through this book, that there is another book to this series. It is Book 1.5. I didn't feel I missed anything with skipping but had I known, I would have read it as well.

In this boo...more Check out this review and others at www.Twinsietalk.blogspot.com, www.Facebook.com/Twinsietalk or @Twinsietalk

I received this book for this blog tour.

I was very excited to get to read book 1 and 2 of this series. I really enjoyed book 1 and couldn't wait to jump into book 2. Now I didn't realize, until I was half way through this book, that there is another book to this series. It is Book 1.5. I didn't feel I missed anything with skipping but had I known, I would have read it as well.

In this book we get to see more of Lucas. Calisto is his maker and he doesn't have very kind feelings toward the man he feels took his humanity away. Lucas is deep in the jungle with nerdy scientist Gretchen. Gretchen and Lucas both has "feelings" for one another but keep things professional. The two are in the jungle trying find the secrets to the Night Walker beginnings. They have noticed the jungle is very different and feel an evil presence. Well they discover some things and have to go back to the States so that Lucas can talk to his maker.

When Lukas and Gretchen return, Calisto is very upset and believes he is in trouble. He believes that Lucas is there to kill Kate. He was told by his sire that he has broken a Night Walker Law by creating 2 Night Walkers. He knows that Kate is going to be hunted. Kate listens to what Lucas tells them about the evil in the jungle that is causing human cities to have mass suicides. Lucas realizes he loves our dear Gretchen but is a jackass and sends her packing after he explains he is immmortal....Like that is going to stop this woman. Do you not know Gretchen Lucas???? Well Gretchen and the others all return to the jungle.

This part of the story is when it got very detailed and important. You meet the 4 Gods and the Guardian. Their job is to put the Night Goddess, Ch'en, and the demon she commands back into her "cage" We also meet a fertility Priestess who knows what the demon is after and we get a glimpse into what the demon is capable of IF she gets free. I love how the author incorporated all the characters into major roles in capturing the Night Goddess and the Demon.

I will say this book was VERY VERY slow but VERY VERY methodical is setting up the all important ending of the book. I was loving the ending and cannot wait for the next book in the series to be released.

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May 04, 2013 Michelle/ The True Book Addict rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review, ebook, horror-speculativefic-thriller, read-in-2013

I really enjoyed Lisa's first book in the Night series, Night Walker, and that enjoyment continued by far with the second book, Night Demon. As I was reading, I was struck by how much Lisa's writing reminds me of Anne Rice. I absolutely loved how she incorporated Mayan history and legend in the book; something that Rice does frequently in her novels, mingling bits of history and legend in all of her books. I also felt like I had more of a connection with Lukas and Gretchen. I'm not sure why, but...more

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Mar 29, 2013 Leah rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everyone

I loved the that there is archeology in this and I love that a lot of it is in the jungle! I like how this series is so different from other authors. The Night walkers are a unique twist and sexy as all get out. I am not into romance much but this series makes me forget about that!! I love it!!!! Keep on writing Lisa cause I need more!!!

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May 16, 2013 Jasmyn9 rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, paranormal-romance, shifter, bitten-by-paranormal-romance

Book two in The Night series introduces us to Gretchen and Lukas. Having not read book one, I can say that this can be enjoyed very well as a stand alone, although it ends with a strong urging to read book three! I loved Kessler's description of the Yucatan jungle. Not sure if it was accurate, but she made it come to life. The sounds, the smell, the heavy air, and the atmosphere that just gets creepy as the Night Demon begins to escape her prison.

Lukas and Gretchen are perfect for each other fro...more

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Apr 07, 2013 Sophia (♥ Dimitri Belikov) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: psychic-special-abilities-powers, paranormal-romance, shifters, vampires

Night Demon is the first book I read by Lisa Kessler.

This is the second book in the Night series telling Lukas's story, a Night Walker made by accident by Calisto Terana in Night Walker.Lukas is appalled over his behavior when he was newly made and has been looking for information in order to end his existence.Being an archaeologist allows him to acquire as much information as possible about the origins of the Night Walkers.

Gretchen Finch's job is to assist Lucas.Gretchen is fascinated by his fe...more

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Apr 05, 2013 Donna rated it 5 of 5 stars

An interesting take on vampires and the Mayan Apocalypse.
Gretchen is an archaeologist working in the Yucatan with brilliant and eccentric Lukas Smith. They've discovered glyphs that tell the tales of the night walkers. Something Lukas is familiar with as he is one. The altar they've found was used for a sacrifice to banish a demon. And now someone has freed the demon and Gretchen & Lukas need to find a way to stop the Night Deon before she destroys life on earth as we know it.
A fascinating...more

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Apr 24, 2013 Kelsie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arcs

From pagetrotter.blogspot.com

This is one solid paranormal romance. First, let me say I am a super fan of dual/multiple POV's. I am one nosy chick and I love to know what everyone is thinking. The way the author has the POV's stacked really fleshes out the the suspense in this story. The pacing in turn is awesome. You're on the edge of your seat the entire time. I am also a huge fan of the history and mythology that the author incorporated in the book. It was really well researched and seamlessly...more

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Apr 18, 2013 Heather Forsythe rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: net-galley, ebook

I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you.

Night Demon is the second book in the Night Series from Lisa Kessler.

I took a chance and read this as a stand alone. I wish I would of read the first and the novella before it. While its not needed for the story to flow. There was just so many characters in this book it would have been nice to have a connection to at least 4 of them. Since there are 12 characters in this book that are constant.

You have Gretchen who...more

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Apr 17, 2013 Jen (Red Hot Books) rated it 3 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars
Lukas wants nothing more than to end his immortal existence. He never wanted to be a Night Walker; he was turned centuries ago, by accident. Ever since then, he's barely been able to contain his hunger. And he is plagued by the times he has failed at control.

Now he is working to decipher some ancient Mayan text, hoping to unlock the secrets to his kind, and eventually to find a way to die. But somehow, despite his best intentions, he has fallen for Gretchen, the beautiful translator who...more 3.5 Stars
Lukas wants nothing more than to end his immortal existence. He never wanted to be a Night Walker; he was turned centuries ago, by accident. Ever since then, he's barely been able to contain his hunger. And he is plagued by the times he has failed at control.

Now he is working to decipher some ancient Mayan text, hoping to unlock the secrets to his kind, and eventually to find a way to die. But somehow, despite his best intentions, he has fallen for Gretchen, the beautiful translator who he's been working with all of these months. He wants her, but he refuses to expose her to his world, so he pushes her away.

Unfortunately, Gretchen is getting a healthy dose of the Night Walker world anyway. Someone has unleashed a powerful demon on the world, very close to the Mayan site where Gretchen and Lukas are working. It feeds on death, prompting a string of suicides, and nearly taking Gretchen's life as well. Only the four original Night Walkers can return the demon to her prison.

This sets the stage for several things. Gretchen and Lukas are thrust further together. Calisto --Lukas's maker and the hero of book 1-- is drawn into the storyline, along with his mate, Kate. We get to meet the oldest Night Walkers and learn their origin story. And we get a front row seat to the dangerous mission to best the demon, hellbent on destroying humanity.

I liked both Gretchen and Lukas, though perhaps my biggest complaint about the book is that their romance felt overshadowed by the other events of the story. Sometimes, it felt like too much was going on. I was frustrated over and over by how many times we cut away from our couple to the stuff going on with the ancient ones. There was a strong sexual tension and great build-up, but I wish we would have had more time to enjoy them together.

I loved seeing Calisto and Kate again, as well as Kane and Rita. And I was intrigued by the Guardian. The world building is cool --and more involved her than in the previous books. It wasn't too hard to follow until the reincarnation element came in force. At that point, I got lost. It was explained eventually, but it all ended up a little... convenient.

Overall, I did enjoy the book, though probably not as much as I liked Night Walker.

Rating: B-

*ARC Provided by Entangled via NetGalley(less)

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Apr 23, 2013 Melanie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: first-reads, kindle

Today my review is on Night Demon, by Lisa Kessler. Now this book was furnished to me through Net Galley however it was actually released back in March so if the cover there alone peaks your curiosity then click on it and you too can get yourself a copy to read for under $5. With that being said this is actually book 2 in a series of 3 1/2 so far. There is Night Walker, which is the 1st, and then Night Thief, which is 1.5. All 3 are available now and the 4th, book 3 in the series, is still in pr...more Today my review is on Night Demon, by Lisa Kessler. Now this book was furnished to me through Net Galley however it was actually released back in March so if the cover there alone peaks your curiosity then click on it and you too can get yourself a copy to read for under $5. With that being said this is actually book 2 in a series of 3 1/2 so far. There is Night Walker, which is the 1st, and then Night Thief, which is 1.5. All 3 are available now and the 4th, book 3 in the series, is still in process of being completed.

I have to admit that I'm a fan of vampires and the paranormal so this was right up my alley but had a different, unique spin from those that I've read in the past. It took me a while to get through this but not because of the content, just because I was lacking reading time. It's an interesting read that you can tell the author put a lot of time into researching and putting together in an engaging story.

Now I haven't read the books before this but I didn't really feel like I was missing too much. I will definitely back track and read them to see what I've missed but it seems like it's a series that you can read out of order, like a lot of these paranormal series seem to work.

The main character in this book is Lukas and he of course is the Night Walker who feels he's been tortured by being made a vampire and immortal. His mission is to find out how the ancient Mayans were able to take the life of those who were thought to be immortal. He hires an assistant, Gretchen, to help him with his research but little does she know what exactly the end results will be. As time goes on the 2 form a bond and Gretchen gets closer and closer to the answers that Lukas is looking for. In the meantime there are some ancients that have other ideas and plans for the future that will affect the 2 of them for the rest of their lives.... which of course can be forever.

Each author puts their own little spin on the vampire characters and this one is a mix of a few that I've read. There's a Twilight like moment towards the end that I'll be interested to see if the 3rd book picks up on and expands into a full story line. Other than that there are the usual bits and pieces that are similar but she's taken a nice spin with the Mayan background for this series. There is the common threat that all characters have to come together to defeat and with that bonds are strengthened and plans are changed. The last few chapters were probably my favorite part of the book.

So if you enjoy a good paranormal, vampire book that's different from the rest then check this one out for sure!(less)

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Apr 16, 2013 Crystal rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-reads

My Rant:

Loved it completely loved it, not just because of the shape shifters with fangs but because the book was so compelling. The characters were so easy to get attached too especially Lukas. I was completely drilling over him. Lukas is mine, yes I said it MINE. The book flowed with ease. Before I knew it I was entrapped in the story. Lukas was running away from his past. He could not tolerate himself because of the terrible things he did when he was first turned into a nightwalker. He was as...more My Rant:

Loved it completely loved it, not just because of the shape shifters with fangs but because the book was so compelling. The characters were so easy to get attached too especially Lukas. I was completely drilling over him. Lukas is mine, yes I said it MINE. The book flowed with ease. Before I knew it I was entrapped in the story. Lukas was running away from his past. He could not tolerate himself because of the terrible things he did when he was first turned into a nightwalker. He was ashamed of the acts he committed that he completely felt like he wasn’t worth saving or wasn’t even the man he should be for Gretchen, who was falling for him.

Gretchen an archeologist was working for Lukas helping him to read ancient glyphs to determine the origins of the nightwalkers. Lukas was so set on find the key to unlock the curse that he wasn’t aware that he and Gretchen were close to unlocking the Night Demon.
The author really focused on the darkness of the villain. You felt the fear the characters displayed and when the villain carried out her orders I was completely in shock by the devious deed. At this point I am completely glued to the pages.

What was fascinating to me was the author wrote in so many POV’s. It was good to get inside the other character to feel what they felt and see the story being told form their eyes, especially the other nightwalkers.

Now you all know I rarely rant about a heroine, but I definitely have to for Gretchen. I completely loved her character. She was smart, caring but firm and I had to respect her for that. She gave Lukas a run for his money literally and I was rooting for them to get together. Although a piece of me wanted to keep Lukas to myself. Grrrrhhhhhhh, MINE. I know I am being possessive but I need to mark Lukas as my own. LOL

I have read the prequel in the series I can definitely say they were just as good as this one but this book could be read as a stand-alone. The author walks you through the story but you also get a glimpse of the nightwalker past so you don’t feel like you missed anything.
Overall the author did a great job at painting the story and the characters. The plot kept you on pins and needles and when the story ended I was left wanting to read more. This is my first time reading Lisa Kessler’s books and I can guarantee it wont be my last.

My Recommendation:

I rated this book 4 out 5 purple rant hearts and would this series to anyone that enjoys shape shifters with fangs.

FTC Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the author, editor, publisher, or Promo Host. This is my honest opinion about this book and I did not receive any monetary compensation for writing this review nor was I obligated to write a positive one.

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Apr 15, 2013 WiLoveBooks rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: review-copy, read-2013

First of all, I haven't read the first book or the prequel novella, but it didn't matter. I didn't feel lost. This is a fresh take on vampires and shifters. I loved Lukas. He is very conflicted about what he is and his feelings for Gretchen. Gretchen is tough and smart and won't let Lukas push her away. The Mayan history angle is interesting. The evil is of the end-of-the-world variety and it is hard to see how things can possibly work out. There were some great twists that I didn't see coming....more

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Apr 08, 2013 Karla(Book Addict) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, adults-only, supernatural-men, supernatural-women, trapped-me

deleting reviews if you want to take a look at them you can do so on my blog, link on my profile

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Mar 31, 2013 Rhianna rated it 4 of 5 stars

If you lean toward Urban Fantasy you will love NIGHT DEMON...

Tormented by his accidentally immortality, Lukas Smith, has spent most of his eternity trying to find a way to end it. His suicide attempts have thus far been without success only causing more grief as he begins to think there can be no end for him and the people he has slain in hunger weigh heavily upon him. In the Yucatan jungle he hopes he has found the key to his final death but he needs a brilliant young archeaologist's help to...more If you lean toward Urban Fantasy you will love NIGHT DEMON...

Tormented by his accidentally immortality, Lukas Smith, has spent most of his eternity trying to find a way to end it. His suicide attempts have thus far been without success only causing more grief as he begins to think there can be no end for him and the people he has slain in hunger weigh heavily upon him. In the Yucatan jungle he hopes he has found the key to his final death but he needs a brilliant young archeaologist's help to decipher the secrets hidden in the jungle. Gretchen's attraction to Lukas feels silly but somehow allows her to ignore the strangeness of his behavior as the pair work together. Surely he's just eccentric and hard working.

When their discoveries are suddenly tainted with the feel of watchful eyes in their remote camp and strange suicides begin occuring out in the world it's not long before Lukas has to seek the aid of his maker. The Night Demon has been awakened and the only way to return her to her slumber is with a death and the power of the four original Night Walkers, Mayan Gods who departed their homeland centuries ago. But secrets and lies threaten all and power always corrupts. No one will be left unaffected by the violence the Night Demon craves.

I can't lie and say I loved NIGHT DEMON because ultimately it wasn't quite what I was expecting. This is one of those crazy awesome mythologies that is refreshing in a genre that can get pretty stagnant. That's both a blessing and tiny bit of a curse for this particular book because the Night Demon plot really overshadows the romance between Gretchen and Lukas. I enjoyed both aspects but with so many characters packed into one book I was left feeling a little disappointed that the focus was often pulled away from the pair. That said I freaking LOVED both aspects individually.

If you love Urban Fantasy this feels much more like that than a romance. Gods and monsters, shapeshifting galore, lots of fighting and violence... yep, definitely more of that going on than kisses and such. The attraction between Lukas and Gretchen is well established already at the start and the danger is what brings them together and it's satisfying but never really feels like the central plot. I really liked her and he was okay, but very broody, I kind of wanted to tell him to stop whining and open his eyes to the life that's passing him by while he's moping. lol If you enjoyed NIGHT WALKER and NIGHT THIEF you'll probably be thrilled that Callisto, Kate, Kane, and Rita are all here for the big showdown. I kind of loved Rita even more after this book but don't want to spoil anything so you have to read it and see why.

While I didn't quite love it, specifically because I felt pulled in two directions, you HAVE to read this one if you're a fan of the series. Kessler is just brilliant in taking an under-utilized mythology and making it the core of a new one. The story leads into the next book with some exciting twists and I can't wait to read NIGHT CHILD!

Note: Review copy received via publisher.(less)

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May 11, 2013 Erin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-blog-review, romance-erotica-faves, favorite-authors

This was my first experience with Lisa Kessler's work, and I was most definitely impressed! Since I haven't read the previous books in this series, I had no idea what to expect, so the genius behind Kessler's supernatural creatures was all new to me. With a beautifully crafted world that combines ancient Mayan lore, demons, and vampire-like creatures of the night, this story is entirely unique, terrifying, and captivating all at once!

Brainiac scientist Gretchen and Night Walker-turned-brilliant...more This was my first experience with Lisa Kessler's work, and I was most definitely impressed! Since I haven't read the previous books in this series, I had no idea what to expect, so the genius behind Kessler's supernatural creatures was all new to me. With a beautifully crafted world that combines ancient Mayan lore, demons, and vampire-like creatures of the night, this story is entirely unique, terrifying, and captivating all at once!

Brainiac scientist Gretchen and Night Walker-turned-brilliant archeologist Lukas had spent many months together in the wilderness of the Yucatan jungle; long enough for them to discover there was something sinister going on in the underbelly of the ruins, and long enough to realize that they both felt more than just friendship for each other. Gretchen had no idea that the man she admired and lusted after held a dark secret of his own, and neither of them had any idea that the discoveries they made were more than just ancient stories. There was definitely a creepy vibe as they tried to unearth what was going on at the sacrificial altar they had found, especially when the evil latched itself on to Gretchen and forced Lukas to make the decision to send her back to safety. Well, or so he thought, because it turns out there's no hiding from the blood-thirsty demon that had been awoken from her long slumber and was about to be unleashed on the world!

With the Night Demon's awakening, the immortal Night Walker Gods of the North, South, East, and West were called to the jungle to carry out their role in sending her back to her earthly prison before she could spread her evil and death. I loved that the modern world of the Night Walker vamp-like creatures collided with that of the four from ancient times; Lukas and Gretchen, and Calisto and Kate from the first book of this series, had to all work together with the gods to stop the Night Demon. The danger was palpable, the violence was gruesome, and the suspense had my stomach in knots as I hoped for the best in what turned out to be one hellish and terrifying battle for good!

The ONLY reason I didn't give this story a perfect 5 stars is because the romance between Lukas and Gretchen was so understated. Don't get me wrong, they do have some very steamy moments, but it felt like their love story was on the back burner for most of the plot so it wasn't as prominent as I'd liked for it to have been. I still loved their characters, though, and it isn't stopping me from being a very enthusiastic new fan of Lisa Kessler's work! I will be grabbing up the rest of this series, including the previous two (book 1 as well as Kane and Marguerite's novella), and I highly recommend this series to paranormal romance fans!!

This and other of my reviews can be found at: http://www.autumnreview.com/search/la...(less)

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Apr 11, 2013 Janna Shay rated it 5 of 5 stars

Night Demon is a well-crafted, fast-paced paranormal romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Lisa Kessler once again demonstrates her talent for words as she weaves her tale of paranormal romance and meshes it with the ancient Mayan realm. She takes her vision of night walkers, vampires with shape shifting capabilities, and mixes in ancient deities and demons, to make this adventure riveting.

The characters are well-developed and draw you into their dark world as they battle the uns...more

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Mar 19, 2013 Sin rated it 5 of 5 stars

Night Demon by Lisa Kessler

First if you have not read Night Walker & Night Thief please read first.

Lisa has out done herself in this story. It grips you from the beginning. This story has: Adventure, romance, trust and betrayal.
I could not put it down until I finished it.

We learn how the Night Walkers became and how the first fought the Demon Camalotz.

This is the story of Lukas & Gretchen. Who are in the Yucatan Jungle researching Night Walkers. Gretchen does not know yet who & what...more

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Night Demon (Night Series #2)

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