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Coming Darkness
A 900-year-old vampire, a dangerously charming demon, and the Morning Star they are the creatures that haunt human nightmares, but a new threat is coming that even nightmares fear to face. Kai is having a rough week. His impulsiveness has led to consequences he'd rather not deal with. As a powerful vampire and Lucifer's lover, he views the petty supernatural politics as beneath him. Lucifer is not inclined to listen when his estranged brothers come begging for help, preferring the comfortable life he has built with Kai. But when the archangels reveal that their Father is missing from Heaven, he realizes he can no longer ignore the family he walked away from. Kai will have to question everything he thought was true, and whether their love is real. And soon, that may be the least of his problems. This is the large print edition of Coming Darkness, with a larger font / typeface for easier reading.
494 pages, Hardcover
First published March 19, 2016
12 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Susan-Alia Terry
12 books12 followersAs a child, Susan was a voracious reader of all things not sanctioned by the educational system. Comics, along with tales of ghosts, vampires, witches, and monsters, fascinated and delighted - even as they fueled her need to sleep with the light on.
As the years passed, while still content to read what was offered, she noticed a growing desire to read something a little…different. The desire continued to grow until it became apparent that the easiest way to read what she wanted was to write it first.
And so, Coming Darkness was born.
She resides in Charleston, SC with her family, and her “earthly angel” Charlie.
As the years passed, while still content to read what was offered, she noticed a growing desire to read something a little…different. The desire continued to grow until it became apparent that the easiest way to read what she wanted was to write it first.
And so, Coming Darkness was born.
She resides in Charleston, SC with her family, and her “earthly angel” Charlie.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 2, 2018
3.5☆ A Fresh Twist on your Typical Vampire/Fantasy Book.
(Rounded up to 4☆ for Goodreads and Amazon)
Coming of Darkness is a story of loss, new beginnings, identity, relationships.
I did enjoy Coming Darkness but I found it to be somewhat confusing.
There was a fair amount of Characters. For me the story was quiet hard to get into.
I found that the beginning we met Lucifer, Kai and Te I didn't have a clue who they were and what there relationships to each other were.
We then see Kai on some kind of mission with an archangel called Uriel. To be honest I didn't even know what archangel was or what they did. I would of like a little more introduction.
I love vampire books and was really excited to read Coming Darkness.
However It was my fault I didn't entirely connect with the characters as I am so used to the typical fantasy vampire/ werewolf books I should of started it with an open mind.
As Coming Darkness is a completely different to anything I have read before.
There is sex, some violence which some readers might find offensive.
I would definitely recommend Coming Darkness to other readers. Especially those who love Vampires, fantasy, urban fantasy.
My star rating is entirely my own personal connection to the characters as this is very different to the typical vampire/ YA fantasy books I have read before.
I will definitely be reading Coming Darkness again as I want to read it again with a fresh outlook now I have had a taste of something new.
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my blog website:
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...
(Rounded up to 4☆ for Goodreads and Amazon)
Coming of Darkness is a story of loss, new beginnings, identity, relationships.
I did enjoy Coming Darkness but I found it to be somewhat confusing.
There was a fair amount of Characters. For me the story was quiet hard to get into.
I found that the beginning we met Lucifer, Kai and Te I didn't have a clue who they were and what there relationships to each other were.
We then see Kai on some kind of mission with an archangel called Uriel. To be honest I didn't even know what archangel was or what they did. I would of like a little more introduction.
I love vampire books and was really excited to read Coming Darkness.
However It was my fault I didn't entirely connect with the characters as I am so used to the typical fantasy vampire/ werewolf books I should of started it with an open mind.
As Coming Darkness is a completely different to anything I have read before.
There is sex, some violence which some readers might find offensive.
I would definitely recommend Coming Darkness to other readers. Especially those who love Vampires, fantasy, urban fantasy.
My star rating is entirely my own personal connection to the characters as this is very different to the typical vampire/ YA fantasy books I have read before.
I will definitely be reading Coming Darkness again as I want to read it again with a fresh outlook now I have had a taste of something new.
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my blog website:
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...
May 8, 2016
An archangel in exile.
A powerful race of vengeful creatures.
=======================================
Enter to Win One of THREE eCopies!
International Where Allowed - Ends May 22 - Click on Banner to Enter
She thought she had taken a temporary secretarial job for the boss from Hell, little did she know, she had. Roberta was known for her tolerance to bad bosses and the pay was good, but something would soon happen that would change her life forever. Kai was on a mission to spy on Roberta’s boss, who owed a debt to his master, Lucifer. And that’s where their story really begins.
In the Underworld, an archangel lives in exile. Lucifer is atoning for his sins in grand style, taking lovers as he sees fit, including Kai, tall, dark and devilishly handsome, oh did I mention he was a vampire, too? News has come to Lucifer that heaven is now empty, his Father is missing. Where is he? What has happened to him? The answers may lie with the creator gods, and Lucifer must seek audience with them. What Lucifer finds is the true meaning of Hell on Earth, and now he must survive the torments he will endure.
Meanwhile, Roberta has been told some shocking news, in addition to the fact that she can never go home and she is now a slave to those around her, but has Kai found feelings for this human he never knew existed? Has the shy and reserved Roberta found her inner siren? And John, another servant, has become Roberta’s mild-mannered protector…or is there more to this quiet man than meets the eye?
Coming Darkness by Susan-Alia Terry is an involved tale of the eternal battles of good versus evil where the lines become blurred as a mystery shrouds what has happened to the Father and what is going on with the creator gods. And. It. All. Revolves. Around. Humanity. Meet vampires with a heart, a human woman with more courage than a bravest warrior, a world that seems both eerie and a little frightening. Pay attention because the plot is twisting and woven in such a manner that there are many open questions, but the answers will be saved for the next book in the series.
Ms. Terry has unleashed a flood of fascinating ideas, fleshing some out as she goes along and leaving the others for later times. Her characters have personality, charm and are sometimes quirky or even scary. Picture your own version of the underworld and see if Ms. Terry’s version comes close to yours. A wonderful start to a different kind of paranormal read!
I received this copy from Susan-Alia Terry in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: Creativia; 1 edition (March 19, 2016)
Publication Date: March 19, 2016
ISBN-10: 1530782805
ISBN-13: 978-1530782802
Genre: Paranormal Fantasy
Print Length: 258 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
A powerful race of vengeful creatures.
=======================================
Enter to Win One of THREE eCopies!
International Where Allowed - Ends May 22 - Click on Banner to Enter
She thought she had taken a temporary secretarial job for the boss from Hell, little did she know, she had. Roberta was known for her tolerance to bad bosses and the pay was good, but something would soon happen that would change her life forever. Kai was on a mission to spy on Roberta’s boss, who owed a debt to his master, Lucifer. And that’s where their story really begins.
In the Underworld, an archangel lives in exile. Lucifer is atoning for his sins in grand style, taking lovers as he sees fit, including Kai, tall, dark and devilishly handsome, oh did I mention he was a vampire, too? News has come to Lucifer that heaven is now empty, his Father is missing. Where is he? What has happened to him? The answers may lie with the creator gods, and Lucifer must seek audience with them. What Lucifer finds is the true meaning of Hell on Earth, and now he must survive the torments he will endure.
Meanwhile, Roberta has been told some shocking news, in addition to the fact that she can never go home and she is now a slave to those around her, but has Kai found feelings for this human he never knew existed? Has the shy and reserved Roberta found her inner siren? And John, another servant, has become Roberta’s mild-mannered protector…or is there more to this quiet man than meets the eye?
Coming Darkness by Susan-Alia Terry is an involved tale of the eternal battles of good versus evil where the lines become blurred as a mystery shrouds what has happened to the Father and what is going on with the creator gods. And. It. All. Revolves. Around. Humanity. Meet vampires with a heart, a human woman with more courage than a bravest warrior, a world that seems both eerie and a little frightening. Pay attention because the plot is twisting and woven in such a manner that there are many open questions, but the answers will be saved for the next book in the series.
Ms. Terry has unleashed a flood of fascinating ideas, fleshing some out as she goes along and leaving the others for later times. Her characters have personality, charm and are sometimes quirky or even scary. Picture your own version of the underworld and see if Ms. Terry’s version comes close to yours. A wonderful start to a different kind of paranormal read!
I received this copy from Susan-Alia Terry in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: Creativia; 1 edition (March 19, 2016)
Publication Date: March 19, 2016
ISBN-10: 1530782805
ISBN-13: 978-1530782802
Genre: Paranormal Fantasy
Print Length: 258 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
August 7, 2016
Lucifer has a good life. He is respected and honoured by the supernatural community, he has a home, a mate and great taste in clothes. He has family issues, of course, but he can work round them
Until the family comes to him looking for help. God is gone, something is afflicting the world and a whole new and unknown powerful enemy has appeared seeking to annihilate His creation.
Lost in this fight, he leaves his lover, Kai to try and find his place in the world without Lucifer… and to realise some harsh truths about what that relationship has actually done to him.
This world is huge and fascinating and all round incredible.
We have the archangels and Lucifer. They have great, separate personalities and a lot of family drama. Lucifer and his fun and his pain are almost as epic as the poker match he plays (which is beyond epic)
We have a world full of supernatural creatures, including werewolf packs and vampire clans that all have their own cultures and personalities and histories. We have the underground supernatural city with its own awesome history and legends and mythology and politics with the different factions pushing their own agendas
And we have Kai, lover of Lucifer, dangerous vampire assassin overshadowed by his lover and trying to find his own identity and respect separate of that.
We have a city that treats humans as possessions, food, tools and toys and the experience of one woman being dragged into it.
We have demonic contracts and politics and magic and then on top of all this we have storyline about the end of the world which has amazing, powerful statements about free will and analysing what that means and a whole concept of god and supreme beings I’ve never seen before and absolutely love for the implications of it.
There is so much here, so many characters, so many conflicts and twists and turns, so many different concepts and so much excellent, deep, layered world building all told with writing that really works to do it justice in terms of pacing and exploration.
In this rich world there is an issue though – it’s huge and there’s almost too much for the first book. As an introduction book, we could have focused on Roberta and learning about the underworld. We could have been introduced to the characters. We could have seen more of the archangels, learned more about the mythology and past of the world, seen more of Kai and Lucifer’s relationship before they were split up almost instantly, seen more of the vampire and werewolf clans and their society. There was such a lot here I wanted to explore, but we had the coming darkness story dropped in almost instantly which rendered so much else moot. The darkness, the apocalypse and the truly fascinating take on the idea of free will and order is really excellent. It’s a deep meaty plot
And it didn’t fit. This plot line is awesome. I deserves our full, undivided attention as this whole world with all its massive complexities and differences and deeply troubled and problematic characters are all faced. Because this VAST plot line with HUGE implications suddenly arrives, then a lot of the plot lines feel… irrelevant? Like, the world is ending, why am I following Roberta’s story? How is she remotely relevant? The world is ending, why do I care about power plays in the City? Why introduce the werewolf/vampire council?
The awesome end of the world both overwhelms the equally amazing introductory plots. Both plot lines are amazing. Both plot lines are stories I want to read and explore in huge depth. But there’s not enough room for both of them. The end of the world feels neglected and the world building feels lacking in proper exploration especially since we have a society and characters who clearly indulge in a lot of outright evil (slavery, genocide of some species, Kai’s love of torturing certain groups).
Aaargh, I stress again that everything here is awesome. But it’s three books worth of awesome. Not one. The fact that all of it is so awesome is what makes it so frustrating because none of the awesome gets enough attention to be as truly, epicly awesome as it deserves.
We do have a couple of same-sex couples and several hints of more. The main couple in the book, despite us not seeing them together very much (and it’s sad that we never actually get to see their relationship, really – it’s something that is told rather than shown) is Kai and Lucifer. We also have Te, the second most powerful character in the books and perhaps the one with the most presence after Kai and Lucifer is also attracted to Kai.
Unfortunately there are elements that stop me celebrating this to the hilt. Firstly, one character pretty much dismisses sexuality all together and just hand waves everything as “just sex.” It completely removes identity and seems to be backed up with the rest of the cast completely avoiding any kind of identity labels. Reducing LGBTQ sexuality to “just sex” is reductive and denies the existence of actual LGBTQ people, turning us into a sex act rather than people.
The main relationship in the books is also revealed to be extremely predatory, has no concept of consent and is generally full of problems. There’s also another relationship where a cis man is given a vagina now because of their gender identity, choices or expression – but because his lover wants him to have one. This reeks a lot of fetishism – something which deeply plagues trans people; to have an almost form of transitioning happen just because it gets someone else off. More, this character is referred to by a number of clear buzzwords like “mincing.”
Tip to any author – never, ever, ever refer to an LGBTQ character’s walk as “mincing”.
Read More
Until the family comes to him looking for help. God is gone, something is afflicting the world and a whole new and unknown powerful enemy has appeared seeking to annihilate His creation.
Lost in this fight, he leaves his lover, Kai to try and find his place in the world without Lucifer… and to realise some harsh truths about what that relationship has actually done to him.
This world is huge and fascinating and all round incredible.
We have the archangels and Lucifer. They have great, separate personalities and a lot of family drama. Lucifer and his fun and his pain are almost as epic as the poker match he plays (which is beyond epic)
We have a world full of supernatural creatures, including werewolf packs and vampire clans that all have their own cultures and personalities and histories. We have the underground supernatural city with its own awesome history and legends and mythology and politics with the different factions pushing their own agendas
And we have Kai, lover of Lucifer, dangerous vampire assassin overshadowed by his lover and trying to find his own identity and respect separate of that.
We have a city that treats humans as possessions, food, tools and toys and the experience of one woman being dragged into it.
We have demonic contracts and politics and magic and then on top of all this we have storyline about the end of the world which has amazing, powerful statements about free will and analysing what that means and a whole concept of god and supreme beings I’ve never seen before and absolutely love for the implications of it.
There is so much here, so many characters, so many conflicts and twists and turns, so many different concepts and so much excellent, deep, layered world building all told with writing that really works to do it justice in terms of pacing and exploration.
In this rich world there is an issue though – it’s huge and there’s almost too much for the first book. As an introduction book, we could have focused on Roberta and learning about the underworld. We could have been introduced to the characters. We could have seen more of the archangels, learned more about the mythology and past of the world, seen more of Kai and Lucifer’s relationship before they were split up almost instantly, seen more of the vampire and werewolf clans and their society. There was such a lot here I wanted to explore, but we had the coming darkness story dropped in almost instantly which rendered so much else moot. The darkness, the apocalypse and the truly fascinating take on the idea of free will and order is really excellent. It’s a deep meaty plot
And it didn’t fit. This plot line is awesome. I deserves our full, undivided attention as this whole world with all its massive complexities and differences and deeply troubled and problematic characters are all faced. Because this VAST plot line with HUGE implications suddenly arrives, then a lot of the plot lines feel… irrelevant? Like, the world is ending, why am I following Roberta’s story? How is she remotely relevant? The world is ending, why do I care about power plays in the City? Why introduce the werewolf/vampire council?
The awesome end of the world both overwhelms the equally amazing introductory plots. Both plot lines are amazing. Both plot lines are stories I want to read and explore in huge depth. But there’s not enough room for both of them. The end of the world feels neglected and the world building feels lacking in proper exploration especially since we have a society and characters who clearly indulge in a lot of outright evil (slavery, genocide of some species, Kai’s love of torturing certain groups).
Aaargh, I stress again that everything here is awesome. But it’s three books worth of awesome. Not one. The fact that all of it is so awesome is what makes it so frustrating because none of the awesome gets enough attention to be as truly, epicly awesome as it deserves.
We do have a couple of same-sex couples and several hints of more. The main couple in the book, despite us not seeing them together very much (and it’s sad that we never actually get to see their relationship, really – it’s something that is told rather than shown) is Kai and Lucifer. We also have Te, the second most powerful character in the books and perhaps the one with the most presence after Kai and Lucifer is also attracted to Kai.
Unfortunately there are elements that stop me celebrating this to the hilt. Firstly, one character pretty much dismisses sexuality all together and just hand waves everything as “just sex.” It completely removes identity and seems to be backed up with the rest of the cast completely avoiding any kind of identity labels. Reducing LGBTQ sexuality to “just sex” is reductive and denies the existence of actual LGBTQ people, turning us into a sex act rather than people.
The main relationship in the books is also revealed to be extremely predatory, has no concept of consent and is generally full of problems. There’s also another relationship where a cis man is given a vagina now because of their gender identity, choices or expression – but because his lover wants him to have one. This reeks a lot of fetishism – something which deeply plagues trans people; to have an almost form of transitioning happen just because it gets someone else off. More, this character is referred to by a number of clear buzzwords like “mincing.”
Tip to any author – never, ever, ever refer to an LGBTQ character’s walk as “mincing”.
Read More
September 4, 2017
Melding mythic creatures with real life incidents and situations is not easy. Susan-Alia Terry masterfully accomplishes this feat with a mix of demons, angels, vampires and werewolves. Admittedly, I’ve had it with vampire and werewolves, but Terry’s story quickly got me over that. Great character development and solid storyline make this a great read that’s hard to put down.
February 25, 2022
NOTICE!!! THIS IS NOT A STAND ALONE STORY
BUT its a very interesting look on hell, angels, Lucifer and demons oh and God. It's just a story, don't get your knickers in a knot.
However my knickers are in a knot because no where in the title does it states this story is part of a series. Unless you go digging and look for it, which I usually do not, I rely on it being in the title. That is what I get for relying. From now on I will have to make sure that when I want to read a stand alone it is in fact a stand alone, not really, I'm lazy and I hardly even read the summary to see what the book is about, the only thing I look at are the genera the book is under.
Back to the story. Loads of characters, setting mostly Hell a little on earth in the land of the living. Main characters are Lucifer (of course), Te, Kai, Starr and John (which I love) oh and lets not forget Stephen (which I would like to see suffer). We have several angels such as Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, ect ect. Oh and we have Gods that created our God that rule the universe. Wrap your head around that.
Good FIRST book in a series, nice world set up, nice character intros, nice fast read.
Was not a fan on all the whining Starr did, I hope she shuts up and gets with the program or looks for the razor she through under the chair. Calm down, she probably won't be looking for it, since he author has big bad John watching out for her.
Looking forward to the second book.
THE END
BUT its a very interesting look on hell, angels, Lucifer and demons oh and God. It's just a story, don't get your knickers in a knot.
However my knickers are in a knot because no where in the title does it states this story is part of a series. Unless you go digging and look for it, which I usually do not, I rely on it being in the title. That is what I get for relying. From now on I will have to make sure that when I want to read a stand alone it is in fact a stand alone, not really, I'm lazy and I hardly even read the summary to see what the book is about, the only thing I look at are the genera the book is under.
Back to the story. Loads of characters, setting mostly Hell a little on earth in the land of the living. Main characters are Lucifer (of course), Te, Kai, Starr and John (which I love) oh and lets not forget Stephen (which I would like to see suffer). We have several angels such as Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, ect ect. Oh and we have Gods that created our God that rule the universe. Wrap your head around that.
Good FIRST book in a series, nice world set up, nice character intros, nice fast read.
Was not a fan on all the whining Starr did, I hope she shuts up and gets with the program or looks for the razor she through under the chair. Calm down, she probably won't be looking for it, since he author has big bad John watching out for her.
Looking forward to the second book.
THE END
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April 28, 2020🎁 Free on Amazon today (4/28/2020)! 🎁
March 31, 2018
Review is originally posted at my blog: https://bookishpuffcorn.wordpress.com...
Trigger Warnings: Established M/M relationship, some violence and sex, swapping of genitals
Coming Darkness by Susan-Alia Terry is an urban fantasy slash paranormal read. It isn’t set in young adult and maybe just a hint of new adult. For me, it’s a bit of a mature and intense read. This is my first time to try out books like this but I’m so glad I did! Grown-up reads doesn’t quite meet my interests yet this one is an exception! To be honest, I was afraid I’d get bored but I’m glad I gave it a chance!
This isn’t the usual paranormal read with all the witches, vampires, shape-shifters and other stuff. Although, it somewhat reminded me of twilight with the vampires and werewolves. I wasn’t really fond of all that stuff but the moment I started reading Coming Darkness, I was immediately sucked in! I got absorbed to the story I wasn’t able to put it down. Whenever I momentarily pause, I can’t wait to get my hands back on my phone to continue reading it.
The tale revolves around a lot of paranormal creatures: the known blood-sucking vampires, werewolves, the angels and some others that are new to me: kazats, eineu, etc. Kai, a pureblooded vampire warrior is the lover of Lord Lucifer, known as the fallen angel. The different creatures dwell inside a city maintained by Lord Te. Actually, almost every character in the story is a different kind of creature.
It was really an exciting and appealing read. The characters are exciting mainly because proper introduction and history of every creature and clan is told. It was like, “here’s the background so you won’t get lost within the plot while not letting you get bored.” The writing was so smooth! It was easy to read. I did not struggle in any kind. I loved Susan-Alia Terry’s choice of words. I fancy her ideas and the way she put all the pieces together.
I have nothing against the flow of the story and this book. It was a perfect read! I was overwhelmed while I was nearing the end of it. I was excited and yet didn’t want to finish it at the same time. I actually felt honored to have received and read this one. I recommend this to every reader who wants to try out something new! And to fans of Urban Fantasy, those who fancy vampires, werewolves, and the lot, I recommend this book! It’s so awesome, I’d be willing to read it again! HOWEVER, MAY I WARN THAT FUTURE READERS MUST HAVE AN OPEN AND MATURE MINDSET IF THEY DECIDE TO GIVE THIS ONE A TRY.
Overall, I rate Coming Darkness by Susan Alia Terry a perfect 5/5 stars!
Trigger Warnings: Established M/M relationship, some violence and sex, swapping of genitals
Coming Darkness by Susan-Alia Terry is an urban fantasy slash paranormal read. It isn’t set in young adult and maybe just a hint of new adult. For me, it’s a bit of a mature and intense read. This is my first time to try out books like this but I’m so glad I did! Grown-up reads doesn’t quite meet my interests yet this one is an exception! To be honest, I was afraid I’d get bored but I’m glad I gave it a chance!
This isn’t the usual paranormal read with all the witches, vampires, shape-shifters and other stuff. Although, it somewhat reminded me of twilight with the vampires and werewolves. I wasn’t really fond of all that stuff but the moment I started reading Coming Darkness, I was immediately sucked in! I got absorbed to the story I wasn’t able to put it down. Whenever I momentarily pause, I can’t wait to get my hands back on my phone to continue reading it.
The tale revolves around a lot of paranormal creatures: the known blood-sucking vampires, werewolves, the angels and some others that are new to me: kazats, eineu, etc. Kai, a pureblooded vampire warrior is the lover of Lord Lucifer, known as the fallen angel. The different creatures dwell inside a city maintained by Lord Te. Actually, almost every character in the story is a different kind of creature.
It was really an exciting and appealing read. The characters are exciting mainly because proper introduction and history of every creature and clan is told. It was like, “here’s the background so you won’t get lost within the plot while not letting you get bored.” The writing was so smooth! It was easy to read. I did not struggle in any kind. I loved Susan-Alia Terry’s choice of words. I fancy her ideas and the way she put all the pieces together.
I have nothing against the flow of the story and this book. It was a perfect read! I was overwhelmed while I was nearing the end of it. I was excited and yet didn’t want to finish it at the same time. I actually felt honored to have received and read this one. I recommend this to every reader who wants to try out something new! And to fans of Urban Fantasy, those who fancy vampires, werewolves, and the lot, I recommend this book! It’s so awesome, I’d be willing to read it again! HOWEVER, MAY I WARN THAT FUTURE READERS MUST HAVE AN OPEN AND MATURE MINDSET IF THEY DECIDE TO GIVE THIS ONE A TRY.
Overall, I rate Coming Darkness by Susan Alia Terry a perfect 5/5 stars!
May 27, 2017
This book was reviewed for Port Jericho
*Warning/ Age Level Advisory: some scenes of graphic sexual nature
Terry’s Coming Darkness is a story of loss, and change, of beginnings and endings. In a very Supernatural-esque way, God is gone from Heaven, and without his ordering guidance, things are beginning to unravel. Angels begin disappearing, and it is discovered that the souls of humans are becoming soaked in a viscous black ectoplasm, visible and tangible to the angels. This ooze is corrosive to them, should they touch it. (Leviathan! not..)
Lucifer Morningstar, living the high life on Earth, is approached by Michael to help solve the problem. Having been given the bum rush, unjustly it turns out, Lucifer is hardly willing to help. A meeting with mysterious beings known as the Onyda of the Nammu change his mind. Meanwhile, his lover, Kai, is off retrieving souls of errant humans who made deals with Te, Keeper of the City, and reneged on them. His duty as assassin, and bounty hunter cause others in the City, particularly the reptilian Kazat, to disrespect Kai, ignoring his great age and power. As things with Lucifer and the Nammu begin to escalate, it begins to affect Kai in unusual ways, leaving him vulnerable and bewildered. Added into this mix is Roberta, a human he saved in a moment of weakness, and who now belongs to him as a slave.
This book seems the first in a series. Many story threads were opened, but none were really closed. And I want to know what happens!! Who are the Nammu, and where have they been? Can Lucifer free himself? Can his brethren? What is going to happen to Kai now? And to Roberta? Will the other Johns change also?
Kai's story felt distinct and disjointed from Lucifer's, even when they were together, and seemed two very different stories. That being said, I had no trouble following each storyline, and I quite enjoyed the book overall. I preferred Kai’s story most. He may be a fierce predator, but he's also a wounded soul and I just wanted to cuddle him. I also like the Eineu, who are all called ‘John’ by choice. I want to know more about the transformation John-lavender went through.
Terry does a magnificent job with description. I felt as if I were walking the City, and experiencing what Kai, or Roberta, or the others were. Not only were places well-rendered, but so were most people, and especially the various species. As I said before, I really hope there is a sequel coming!
📚📚📚 Recommended, especially for lovers of the paranormal a lá Supernatural and Grimm
*Warning/ Age Level Advisory: some scenes of graphic sexual nature
Terry’s Coming Darkness is a story of loss, and change, of beginnings and endings. In a very Supernatural-esque way, God is gone from Heaven, and without his ordering guidance, things are beginning to unravel. Angels begin disappearing, and it is discovered that the souls of humans are becoming soaked in a viscous black ectoplasm, visible and tangible to the angels. This ooze is corrosive to them, should they touch it. (Leviathan! not..)
Lucifer Morningstar, living the high life on Earth, is approached by Michael to help solve the problem. Having been given the bum rush, unjustly it turns out, Lucifer is hardly willing to help. A meeting with mysterious beings known as the Onyda of the Nammu change his mind. Meanwhile, his lover, Kai, is off retrieving souls of errant humans who made deals with Te, Keeper of the City, and reneged on them. His duty as assassin, and bounty hunter cause others in the City, particularly the reptilian Kazat, to disrespect Kai, ignoring his great age and power. As things with Lucifer and the Nammu begin to escalate, it begins to affect Kai in unusual ways, leaving him vulnerable and bewildered. Added into this mix is Roberta, a human he saved in a moment of weakness, and who now belongs to him as a slave.
This book seems the first in a series. Many story threads were opened, but none were really closed. And I want to know what happens!! Who are the Nammu, and where have they been? Can Lucifer free himself? Can his brethren? What is going to happen to Kai now? And to Roberta? Will the other Johns change also?
Kai's story felt distinct and disjointed from Lucifer's, even when they were together, and seemed two very different stories. That being said, I had no trouble following each storyline, and I quite enjoyed the book overall. I preferred Kai’s story most. He may be a fierce predator, but he's also a wounded soul and I just wanted to cuddle him. I also like the Eineu, who are all called ‘John’ by choice. I want to know more about the transformation John-lavender went through.
Terry does a magnificent job with description. I felt as if I were walking the City, and experiencing what Kai, or Roberta, or the others were. Not only were places well-rendered, but so were most people, and especially the various species. As I said before, I really hope there is a sequel coming!
📚📚📚 Recommended, especially for lovers of the paranormal a lá Supernatural and Grimm
April 2, 2018
I usually don't rage against endings. I usually can see where the author is coming from. But with this one, I have to get this off my chest. WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS TO ME!? This book was published 2 years ago. There is no sequel out, yet. I REALLY NEED TO KNOW THINGS. Things like--Why is Roberta important? What happens to Lucifer? What about the Earth? What about Kai and Te and all the other characters?! THERE IS ZERO RESOLUTION TO THIS BOOK. NONE. I seriously don't even know what to think. I've been raving about this book while I read it, and now...I don't even know.
That being said, I do want to say that this book is an amazing spin on mythologies, twisting Christian with fantasy and I love the way it was done. I love Terry's version of the creation of Earth. She really delves deep into the beliefs and the myths and drags forth this amazing story entwining weres and vampires with angels and demons. It's been an amazing journey to a world where angels are revered by all and magic is real. The creatures created by Terry to populate The City are horrifying and amazing. There are new creatures imagined mixed with standards, but all are described in amazing detail that really bring them to life.
The characters are well-written and believable. Terry's ability to plumb the depths of the brain and coping mechanisms we employ to maintain sanity is wonderful. She really brings the characters to life and seems to have a good grasp on realistic reactions for all the circumstances. Roberta and Kai both tied for my favorite characters, their emotions and situations are engrossing, which made lack of ending all the more upsetting.
Overall, this book was amazingly well-written. I'm pretty sure I just used "amazing" at least 5 times in a 3 paragraph review, but that's truly how I feel about Coming Darkness by Susan-Alia Terry. I've read so many books that fall flat, and this one does not. However, the ending is beyond upsetting in that it doesn't exist. I like books to have at least some resolution at the end, and there was nothing to this one. I've stalked Terry's website and it appears that the second book is possibly going to release soon. I will tell you my response: Thank. Fucking. God. It's going on my "purchase immediately" list. I'll be following her on Amazon to get the notice, for sure.
That being said, I do want to say that this book is an amazing spin on mythologies, twisting Christian with fantasy and I love the way it was done. I love Terry's version of the creation of Earth. She really delves deep into the beliefs and the myths and drags forth this amazing story entwining weres and vampires with angels and demons. It's been an amazing journey to a world where angels are revered by all and magic is real. The creatures created by Terry to populate The City are horrifying and amazing. There are new creatures imagined mixed with standards, but all are described in amazing detail that really bring them to life.
The characters are well-written and believable. Terry's ability to plumb the depths of the brain and coping mechanisms we employ to maintain sanity is wonderful. She really brings the characters to life and seems to have a good grasp on realistic reactions for all the circumstances. Roberta and Kai both tied for my favorite characters, their emotions and situations are engrossing, which made lack of ending all the more upsetting.
Overall, this book was amazingly well-written. I'm pretty sure I just used "amazing" at least 5 times in a 3 paragraph review, but that's truly how I feel about Coming Darkness by Susan-Alia Terry. I've read so many books that fall flat, and this one does not. However, the ending is beyond upsetting in that it doesn't exist. I like books to have at least some resolution at the end, and there was nothing to this one. I've stalked Terry's website and it appears that the second book is possibly going to release soon. I will tell you my response: Thank. Fucking. God. It's going on my "purchase immediately" list. I'll be following her on Amazon to get the notice, for sure.
November 4, 2016
I received a copy of Coming Darkness in exchange for an honest review.
It appears this book is the first in a series, so I will avoid evaluating the story as a stand-alone. Within that context, it is understandable why certain profound elements of the storyline and characters remain a giant question mark and left purposely untied.
That said there is quite a bit going here. Mythical and magical themes run throughout. One theme involves the end of the world, God’s absence, and the empty heavens. The reader learns God left out important information about the creator gods and their involvement. Not good news for Lucifer who is called away to investigate only to find he is getting more than he bargained. He leaves behind his lover, Kai, who discovers life is not the same without his beau, Lucifer around. Kai must fend for himself, but it is no easy task. On the other hand, Kai’s involvement with Roberta seems to be shaping up nicely.
Another theme involves a vast underworld with tribes of various “species” which includes vampires, werewolves, and archangels, and all of them have their agendas. Humans are in this mix, but they are mainly food and fun. Again, the creativity of the story is worth noting, but there is a lot to nibble. I think a goody bag is in order.
I found Ms. Terry’s creativity entertaining. Character development is essential in a story, and each is well-written and their personalities and quirks fascinating. Bringing out the nature of a character (and staying consistent) is challenging for an author, especially when working with several players and several subplots.
It appears this book is the first in a series, so I will avoid evaluating the story as a stand-alone. Within that context, it is understandable why certain profound elements of the storyline and characters remain a giant question mark and left purposely untied.
That said there is quite a bit going here. Mythical and magical themes run throughout. One theme involves the end of the world, God’s absence, and the empty heavens. The reader learns God left out important information about the creator gods and their involvement. Not good news for Lucifer who is called away to investigate only to find he is getting more than he bargained. He leaves behind his lover, Kai, who discovers life is not the same without his beau, Lucifer around. Kai must fend for himself, but it is no easy task. On the other hand, Kai’s involvement with Roberta seems to be shaping up nicely.
Another theme involves a vast underworld with tribes of various “species” which includes vampires, werewolves, and archangels, and all of them have their agendas. Humans are in this mix, but they are mainly food and fun. Again, the creativity of the story is worth noting, but there is a lot to nibble. I think a goody bag is in order.
I found Ms. Terry’s creativity entertaining. Character development is essential in a story, and each is well-written and their personalities and quirks fascinating. Bringing out the nature of a character (and staying consistent) is challenging for an author, especially when working with several players and several subplots.
April 2, 2018
This is one of those books where the blurb simply doesn’t do justice to the story you get. Reading the blurb, I expected a paranormal romance, but what Terry delivers is a full-on fantasy world, complete with mythology, magic and an incredible cast of characters.
The other thing the blurb doesn’t give away is that this is the first in a series, which became clearer as the book continued with an ever-increasing complexity but no resolution. At all. None. At the end, I was left with a million questions, but no answers.
All I’m really going to say is that Coming Darkness delivered beyond my expectations, and I really hope that the series is now going to live up to the expectations I have for the rest of the story. There are so many developing plot lines that Terry will need to keep track of in this world, that I’m really looking forward to seeing how it will all resolve. This is one series I will probably be following through to the end, because I have so many questions:
- Roberta is important to the resolution, right? Right?
- Luc is going to get out of his predicament, isn’t he? Also, yay for telepathic Archangel brotherhood!
- Kai… how is he going to survive the Ravening now?
- Seriously, can someone just decapitate Stephan already? I want to punch him so badly.
Coming Darkness gets four out of five, for the sheer mind-boggling complexity of the world, and the mastery with which Terry weaves it all together.
The other thing the blurb doesn’t give away is that this is the first in a series, which became clearer as the book continued with an ever-increasing complexity but no resolution. At all. None. At the end, I was left with a million questions, but no answers.
All I’m really going to say is that Coming Darkness delivered beyond my expectations, and I really hope that the series is now going to live up to the expectations I have for the rest of the story. There are so many developing plot lines that Terry will need to keep track of in this world, that I’m really looking forward to seeing how it will all resolve. This is one series I will probably be following through to the end, because I have so many questions:
- Roberta is important to the resolution, right? Right?
- Luc is going to get out of his predicament, isn’t he? Also, yay for telepathic Archangel brotherhood!
- Kai… how is he going to survive the Ravening now?
- Seriously, can someone just decapitate Stephan already? I want to punch him so badly.
Coming Darkness gets four out of five, for the sheer mind-boggling complexity of the world, and the mastery with which Terry weaves it all together.
January 31, 2020
A very unusual horror story!😍BUY THIS BOOK NOW!😍
MY MOTHER READS THE BOOKS 📚 AND GIVES EACH BOOK REVIEW! THEN I GET HER MORE BOOKS. OKAY I NEEDED TO LET THE AUTHOR KNOW THAT I BARBARA JACK READ THIS BOOK AND IT IS WORTH YOUR ATTENTION AND COST!BUY THIS BOOK NOW!😍
MY MOTHER READS THE BOOKS 📚 AND GIVES EACH BOOK REVIEW! THEN I GET HER MORE BOOKS. OKAY I NEEDED TO LET THE AUTHOR KNOW THAT I BARBARA JACK READ THIS BOOK AND IT IS WORTH YOUR ATTENTION AND COST!BUY THIS BOOK NOW!😍
October 28, 2016
Lucifer's reunion with his fellow brothers reveals that his Father is missing; The Gardens and Host of Heavens, gone.
Meanwhile, Lucifer's mate, Kai who is a vampire, is on a mission to capture Gregory who made a pact with the devil that he didn't honor.
In Lucifer's absence, Kai realizes that no one respects him because of his affiliation to Lucifer. To regain that respect he kills one of the Other-kin and finds himself scheduled for a duel.
Everybody seems to be keeping a secret.
Stephan, Te's consort, Te is also a friend to Lucifer and Kai, wants Kai dead. He gives the kazat, steroids to prepare for the duel with Kai.
Lucifer has enthralled Kai. Te is an archangel. Facts Kai only discover when Lucifer disappears.
Gregory is a vampire. Roberta, his secretary, finds out when she accidentally stumbles upon his capture.
God didn't tell his sons about the Creator Gods.
John-Lavender is not who he seems.
The kazat's hibernation cycles are extending each year but they refuse to go to Te for guidance.
The writer introduces us to Other-kin.Vampires.Werewolves.Kazat.Eineu.Etc
I don't want to give you more, but I suggest you get yourself a copy.
Susan-Alia Terry is a visionary. The worlds she created in Coming Darkness begin in a place where only she can visualize them and which readers want to absorb. She creates a convincing make-believe Mythical universe where she brings up questions why we are created with free-will if God knew we would live a life of pain. What if God was held accountable for our suffering?
I would have preferred to see more of Lucifer's relationship with Kai before he disappeared. I‘m not particularly impressed by Kai and Te sleeping together so soon after Lucifer's disappearance. It feels like a betrayal.
I am not saying the book is rushed; there is too much information to take in one book. I nearly got lost trying to understand what was happening with the werewolves. It is a story that could have been preserved for another book: a minor complaint in the bigger scheme of things; more of something to keep in mind for future books. It is great pacing, though, perhaps, it is me, I focused more on character development specifically the way we learn more about the characters, there is a definite sense of various characters coming together. I am interested to see how Kai will react to Lucifer when he finally returns,that is if he does return. I have a hunch that in the following book, Roberta and Kai would fall in love, and perhaps Kai would transform her.The way the content is delivered is something special all by itself. I absolutely loved it and can’t wait for the next one.
Meanwhile, Lucifer's mate, Kai who is a vampire, is on a mission to capture Gregory who made a pact with the devil that he didn't honor.
In Lucifer's absence, Kai realizes that no one respects him because of his affiliation to Lucifer. To regain that respect he kills one of the Other-kin and finds himself scheduled for a duel.
Everybody seems to be keeping a secret.
Stephan, Te's consort, Te is also a friend to Lucifer and Kai, wants Kai dead. He gives the kazat, steroids to prepare for the duel with Kai.
Lucifer has enthralled Kai. Te is an archangel. Facts Kai only discover when Lucifer disappears.
Gregory is a vampire. Roberta, his secretary, finds out when she accidentally stumbles upon his capture.
God didn't tell his sons about the Creator Gods.
John-Lavender is not who he seems.
The kazat's hibernation cycles are extending each year but they refuse to go to Te for guidance.
The writer introduces us to Other-kin.Vampires.Werewolves.Kazat.Eineu.Etc
I don't want to give you more, but I suggest you get yourself a copy.
Susan-Alia Terry is a visionary. The worlds she created in Coming Darkness begin in a place where only she can visualize them and which readers want to absorb. She creates a convincing make-believe Mythical universe where she brings up questions why we are created with free-will if God knew we would live a life of pain. What if God was held accountable for our suffering?
I would have preferred to see more of Lucifer's relationship with Kai before he disappeared. I‘m not particularly impressed by Kai and Te sleeping together so soon after Lucifer's disappearance. It feels like a betrayal.
I am not saying the book is rushed; there is too much information to take in one book. I nearly got lost trying to understand what was happening with the werewolves. It is a story that could have been preserved for another book: a minor complaint in the bigger scheme of things; more of something to keep in mind for future books. It is great pacing, though, perhaps, it is me, I focused more on character development specifically the way we learn more about the characters, there is a definite sense of various characters coming together. I am interested to see how Kai will react to Lucifer when he finally returns,that is if he does return. I have a hunch that in the following book, Roberta and Kai would fall in love, and perhaps Kai would transform her.The way the content is delivered is something special all by itself. I absolutely loved it and can’t wait for the next one.
January 1, 2018
There's no half measures in this story. Lucifer, werewolves, vampires, mystical Ronin, angels and archangels and all kinds of other weird critters - or Other-kin as they're called - are all in here.
Let's start at the outset - where Lucifer is a decadent being, a lover of luxury and gambling, and with his gay vampire lover by his side.
That lover, Kai, is our chief protagonist, a vampire who avoids drinking blood, unless it's that of his immortal lover, yet who is a lethal killer of those who get in his path. Set on a mission by Lucifer's archangel friend Te, he finds himself taking in Roberta, the hapless secretary under the sway of his target, displaying a sense of honour that shows more virtue than when he kills the wife of that target in cold blood.
Needless to say, there are few real good guys here - even the angels who use Lucifer for their own purposes.
Lies, and politics, and political machinations surround the characters here, so much so that one thing almost becomes overshadowed - the end of the world is coming. And there might not be much that our erstwhile heroes can do about it.
This book is packed full of blood, deceit, violence, sex and more. It's not my kind of book, but for its genre, I suspect it very much hits the mark. It's nice to see such prominent LGBT characters - and mixed in with the vampire and supernatural genres, there will be readers who adore this, I'm sure.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Let's start at the outset - where Lucifer is a decadent being, a lover of luxury and gambling, and with his gay vampire lover by his side.
That lover, Kai, is our chief protagonist, a vampire who avoids drinking blood, unless it's that of his immortal lover, yet who is a lethal killer of those who get in his path. Set on a mission by Lucifer's archangel friend Te, he finds himself taking in Roberta, the hapless secretary under the sway of his target, displaying a sense of honour that shows more virtue than when he kills the wife of that target in cold blood.
Needless to say, there are few real good guys here - even the angels who use Lucifer for their own purposes.
Lies, and politics, and political machinations surround the characters here, so much so that one thing almost becomes overshadowed - the end of the world is coming. And there might not be much that our erstwhile heroes can do about it.
This book is packed full of blood, deceit, violence, sex and more. It's not my kind of book, but for its genre, I suspect it very much hits the mark. It's nice to see such prominent LGBT characters - and mixed in with the vampire and supernatural genres, there will be readers who adore this, I'm sure.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 27, 2016
I had high expectations going in, and I was not disappointed.
The characters are well drawn, familiar mythos is made new without destroying or denying what came before.
If you're the kind of person who wants to know the "bad guys" and their perspective, this book is for you. The main characters include angels, fallen angels, vampires and werewolves. Lucifer's mate is a vampire and the book opens with him retrieving a human bounty with the aid of another archangel.
From there, the reader is dropped into a world of Other-kin, various kinds of non-human beings, where humans are slaves or food, and where politics can be a deadly game. Lucifer doesn't play the games and Kai, his mate, prefers not to, even to the point of abdicating the leadership of his clan to another. But when Lucifer disappears, Kai finds himself forced to deal with the consequences of his own actions and as the political net tightens around him, Kai learns things about his mate that unnerves him.
Not even Other-kin politics can prepare them for what is coming though. Even the archangels didn't see this coming.
The characters are well drawn, familiar mythos is made new without destroying or denying what came before.
If you're the kind of person who wants to know the "bad guys" and their perspective, this book is for you. The main characters include angels, fallen angels, vampires and werewolves. Lucifer's mate is a vampire and the book opens with him retrieving a human bounty with the aid of another archangel.
From there, the reader is dropped into a world of Other-kin, various kinds of non-human beings, where humans are slaves or food, and where politics can be a deadly game. Lucifer doesn't play the games and Kai, his mate, prefers not to, even to the point of abdicating the leadership of his clan to another. But when Lucifer disappears, Kai finds himself forced to deal with the consequences of his own actions and as the political net tightens around him, Kai learns things about his mate that unnerves him.
Not even Other-kin politics can prepare them for what is coming though. Even the archangels didn't see this coming.
December 22, 2016
Read through Kindle Unlimited.
I'm a big fan of shows like Supernatural and series such as The Dresden Files where the real world and the supernatural intersect in predictably catastrophic ways. If that's your cup of tea, Coming Darkness is right for you. It's a fast-paced story of angels, demons, vampires, werewolves, dragons, and other 'other-kin'. At times it feels like you're being bombarded with creatures from folklore, but in a strange way, it works.
The writing is top-notch and the story never seemed to drag down even during character introspection. From a technical standpoint, this is a five-star book.
The only issue I had with the book is the fact that some of the characterization of 'real' characters such as Lucifer fell a bit short to me. I much preferred the POV sections with the vampire character Kai as he felt more fully realized. It's a high target to set to re-imagine a character that the audience is likely to already know, and in that Coming Darkness falls a bit short. But that's no real failure when such an ambitious goal has been set.
I'm a big fan of shows like Supernatural and series such as The Dresden Files where the real world and the supernatural intersect in predictably catastrophic ways. If that's your cup of tea, Coming Darkness is right for you. It's a fast-paced story of angels, demons, vampires, werewolves, dragons, and other 'other-kin'. At times it feels like you're being bombarded with creatures from folklore, but in a strange way, it works.
The writing is top-notch and the story never seemed to drag down even during character introspection. From a technical standpoint, this is a five-star book.
The only issue I had with the book is the fact that some of the characterization of 'real' characters such as Lucifer fell a bit short to me. I much preferred the POV sections with the vampire character Kai as he felt more fully realized. It's a high target to set to re-imagine a character that the audience is likely to already know, and in that Coming Darkness falls a bit short. But that's no real failure when such an ambitious goal has been set.
January 5, 2017
I was given a free copy for a honest review.
I was amused with the setting and characters shown here. Supernatural homosexual relations with a tale that is paced quite-well (at least for me within this genre) had me smirking at what was going on. I am pretty much a whole fan of the supernatural genre and it always sparks my interest at whatever the story-teller likes to present it. Kai and Lucifer are likable in many ways and give the reader more of the "other side's story"; you know, the "Evil" guys? Then again, I suppose it's up to you whether or not these two lovers are the "bad guys".
I would recommend this for any supernatural lover~
I was amused with the setting and characters shown here. Supernatural homosexual relations with a tale that is paced quite-well (at least for me within this genre) had me smirking at what was going on. I am pretty much a whole fan of the supernatural genre and it always sparks my interest at whatever the story-teller likes to present it. Kai and Lucifer are likable in many ways and give the reader more of the "other side's story"; you know, the "Evil" guys? Then again, I suppose it's up to you whether or not these two lovers are the "bad guys".
I would recommend this for any supernatural lover~
April 27, 2017
I need book #2 NOW!
own-but-not-read-yet
September 15, 2017Currently Free on Amazon US (not sure about other locations) 4-28-17
https://www.amazon.com/Coming-Darknes...
https://www.amazon.com/Coming-Darknes...
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