What do you think?
Rate this book
Elder Races #4.6
Devil's Gate
"A Novella of the Elder Races"
As a coroner, medusa Seremela Telemar has always felt more comfortable chatting over a dead body than over drinks. But when her wild niece, Vetta, runs off to Devil's Gate, a lawless town that has sprung up overnight in a modern-day gold rush, she knows she has to extricate her before the rebellious girl gets into real trouble. Though she's confident in her head snakes' ability to defend her against attackers, Seremela is still a bit nervous about braving this modern-day Wild West by herself.
Vampyre Duncan Turner is not about to let his new co-worker go into that chaos alone. His Vampyric power and lawyer smarts make him the perfect ally, and the fact that he already had his eye on Seremela for more...personal reasons, doesn't hurt matters. Any romantic thoughts pull up short, however, when they arrive at Devil's Gate and learn Vetta is set to hang by morning.
In order to save Vetta and themselves, Seremela and Duncan are going to have to fight fire with force and magic with fangs. And pray they make it out of Devil's Gate alive.
Contains mother effin' snakes in planes, cars, tents, and beds. Luckily, our hot Vampyre hero doesn't mind them one bit...
As a coroner, medusa Seremela Telemar has always felt more comfortable chatting over a dead body than over drinks. But when her wild niece, Vetta, runs off to Devil's Gate, a lawless town that has sprung up overnight in a modern-day gold rush, she knows she has to extricate her before the rebellious girl gets into real trouble. Though she's confident in her head snakes' ability to defend her against attackers, Seremela is still a bit nervous about braving this modern-day Wild West by herself.
Vampyre Duncan Turner is not about to let his new co-worker go into that chaos alone. His Vampyric power and lawyer smarts make him the perfect ally, and the fact that he already had his eye on Seremela for more...personal reasons, doesn't hurt matters. Any romantic thoughts pull up short, however, when they arrive at Devil's Gate and learn Vetta is set to hang by morning.
In order to save Vetta and themselves, Seremela and Duncan are going to have to fight fire with force and magic with fangs. And pray they make it out of Devil's Gate alive.
Contains mother effin' snakes in planes, cars, tents, and beds. Luckily, our hot Vampyre hero doesn't mind them one bit...
97 pages, ebook
First published June 1, 2012
115 people are currently reading
2272 people want to read
About the author
Thea Harrison
63 books5,495 followersI write paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and other stuff. I taught myself to read when I was four. That was around the time I tried to ride my tricycle to work. I wasn't sure where work was, but I knew it had to be interesting if people went there every day. Now I combine my love of books with work, and I don't have to ride my tricycle to get there. My Elder Races series began May, 2011. You can also find me on Twitter and Facebook!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 308 reviews
February 12, 2018
Duncan and Seremela
During the last scene of "Natural Evil" a girl steals a pack of tarot cards from Claudia who does not really care about them because she is busy running away with Luis.
That girl was Vetta, the restless niece of Seremela Telemar, the medical examiner who works for Carlin and Rune. Seremela is also a medusa i.e. a monster from the greek mythology who instead of hair, she has little snakes on her head. Usually medusas are the bad guys in books. In this case Seremela is a very nice girl who really cares for her niece.
So, when Vetta gets into trouble at Devil's Gate, Seremela runs to her rescue.
Devil's Gate is a magical place where people gain money mostly from gambling. You can say it is an alternative Las Vegas, much more dangerous and dark and full of magical beings from the Elder races.
Duncan is a vampire lawyer who also works for Rune and Carlin and he is very interested in Seremela. So, he will not hesitate to go with her and help her. The danger will bring love sparkles and we will officially see the first and only mating between a medusa and a vampire.
The little snakes on Seremela's head behave like pets and definitely steal the show. And they truly like Duncan.
Duncan began to laugh as her snakes wrapped around his neck and his upper arms.
During the last scene of "Natural Evil" a girl steals a pack of tarot cards from Claudia who does not really care about them because she is busy running away with Luis.
That girl was Vetta, the restless niece of Seremela Telemar, the medical examiner who works for Carlin and Rune. Seremela is also a medusa i.e. a monster from the greek mythology who instead of hair, she has little snakes on her head. Usually medusas are the bad guys in books. In this case Seremela is a very nice girl who really cares for her niece.
So, when Vetta gets into trouble at Devil's Gate, Seremela runs to her rescue.
Devil's Gate is a magical place where people gain money mostly from gambling. You can say it is an alternative Las Vegas, much more dangerous and dark and full of magical beings from the Elder races.
Duncan is a vampire lawyer who also works for Rune and Carlin and he is very interested in Seremela. So, he will not hesitate to go with her and help her. The danger will bring love sparkles and we will officially see the first and only mating between a medusa and a vampire.
The little snakes on Seremela's head behave like pets and definitely steal the show. And they truly like Duncan.
Duncan began to laugh as her snakes wrapped around his neck and his upper arms.
August 11, 2020
I read this out of Destiny's Tarot duology. I cheated and read this out of order because I've been wanting to read Seramela's story since she was introduced in Storm's Heart. I mean, I love Medusa, and I think of her as sort of a tortured heroine figure. I'm glad that Thea Harrison did her justice with "Devil's Gate."
Seramela is not like Medusa, but she is a Medusa species. Seramela seems like someone I would get along with and could be good friends with. I loved how Harrison explains the species and their characteristics. I do a lot of mythological and folklore art and Medusa has been a subject I'm gone back to multiple times. This story inspired me yet again to do more Medusa pieces. Duncan is the perfect hero for Seramela. I liked him from the beginning because he seemed like a cool guy. He's pretty darn droolworthy with his cultured Scottish accent and his protective but respecting of Seramela's capabilities and independence. He seems easy going but he has some intriguing depths, and boy he can handle himself. They are so well-matched, each with unique strengths. Although this was short story, there's a lot to love about it, and I was very satisfied with how it concludes. I do hope to read more about this couple that is shaping up to be one of my favorites. They are so romantic together. I really did sigh while I was listening to some of the scenes. I have to say that Thea Harrison's books are very beautifully romantic. I think that romance has changed somewhat where it's become more about chemistry and scorching hot and descriptive sex scenes, which is not bad, I just want to feel that there is a deep and enduring connection and I like to see that before they end up in bed together. The payoff was so great when the finally did go to bed together because it was more than obvious how they felt about each other. Along with the romance, the storyline is well developed and plotted. The thread running through is about a deck of tarot cards with preternatural power associated with them.
Seramela is not like Medusa, but she is a Medusa species. Seramela seems like someone I would get along with and could be good friends with. I loved how Harrison explains the species and their characteristics. I do a lot of mythological and folklore art and Medusa has been a subject I'm gone back to multiple times. This story inspired me yet again to do more Medusa pieces. Duncan is the perfect hero for Seramela. I liked him from the beginning because he seemed like a cool guy. He's pretty darn droolworthy with his cultured Scottish accent and his protective but respecting of Seramela's capabilities and independence. He seems easy going but he has some intriguing depths, and boy he can handle himself. They are so well-matched, each with unique strengths. Although this was short story, there's a lot to love about it, and I was very satisfied with how it concludes. I do hope to read more about this couple that is shaping up to be one of my favorites. They are so romantic together. I really did sigh while I was listening to some of the scenes. I have to say that Thea Harrison's books are very beautifully romantic. I think that romance has changed somewhat where it's become more about chemistry and scorching hot and descriptive sex scenes, which is not bad, I just want to feel that there is a deep and enduring connection and I like to see that before they end up in bed together. The payoff was so great when the finally did go to bed together because it was more than obvious how they felt about each other. Along with the romance, the storyline is well developed and plotted. The thread running through is about a deck of tarot cards with preternatural power associated with them.
January 18, 2018
A medusa medical examiner + a vampire lawyer go off to a Wild West tent city to rescue her runaway niece. Unfortunately, the medusa can't turn people to stone. I was very disappointed in this fact.
July 17, 2024
Loved Duncan and Seremela! A nice addition to The Elder Races world. Happy reading!
April 28, 2018
2.5 stars
Oh no!!! I can't believe that Duncan and Seremela, two very interesting and incredibly likable supporting characters from Harrison's 'Elder Races' series, have had their story relegated to... this - a warp speed quick adventure/romance squeezed into a too-short novella that has little significance in the overall series arc. Needless to say, I'm disappointed. So very disappointed.
While the tarot cards that have played a prominent role in the theme for the 'Elder Races' novellas are somewhat present in this installment, the other novellas were short stories about characters who occupy the Elder Races world, but are too small-time to make the radar of the major players. I was ok with that though - as long as the stories made sense and were interesting.
But now, Harrison decided to mix it up by throwing Duncan and Seremela together using her novella format. Initially I was really excited about this pairing, however, I found that the novella just didn't do justice to what could have been an amazing story. I found myself wishing we could have gotten more of a show instead of a tell about how their attraction came to be, and that she would have dished out more of a, well, story about the Devil's Gate settlement. I mean supposedly this tent city is an anarchists playground complete with prostitution, gambling, "Old West" justice, court assassins and a pariah Djinn. Then to add a GQ-suave vampire and a medusa pathologist into the mix? Come on!!! Writing this as a quick little read-in-one-hour novella was a TOTAL WASTE OF OPPORTUNITY!
Duncan and Seremela deserve better than this. The Elder Races fans deserve better than this. I hope that the next full-length novel 'Lord's Fall' heralds the return of Harrison's A-game.
Oh no!!! I can't believe that Duncan and Seremela, two very interesting and incredibly likable supporting characters from Harrison's 'Elder Races' series, have had their story relegated to... this - a warp speed quick adventure/romance squeezed into a too-short novella that has little significance in the overall series arc. Needless to say, I'm disappointed. So very disappointed.
While the tarot cards that have played a prominent role in the theme for the 'Elder Races' novellas are somewhat present in this installment, the other novellas were short stories about characters who occupy the Elder Races world, but are too small-time to make the radar of the major players. I was ok with that though - as long as the stories made sense and were interesting.
But now, Harrison decided to mix it up by throwing Duncan and Seremela together using her novella format. Initially I was really excited about this pairing, however, I found that the novella just didn't do justice to what could have been an amazing story. I found myself wishing we could have gotten more of a show instead of a tell about how their attraction came to be, and that she would have dished out more of a, well, story about the Devil's Gate settlement. I mean supposedly this tent city is an anarchists playground complete with prostitution, gambling, "Old West" justice, court assassins and a pariah Djinn. Then to add a GQ-suave vampire and a medusa pathologist into the mix? Come on!!! Writing this as a quick little read-in-one-hour novella was a TOTAL WASTE OF OPPORTUNITY!
Duncan and Seremela deserve better than this. The Elder Races fans deserve better than this. I hope that the next full-length novel 'Lord's Fall' heralds the return of Harrison's A-game.
December 8, 2018
The 3rd of 4 short novellas that loosely revolve around a magical deck of Tarot cards that is somewhat self-aware.
In this story, Duncan, a 200-year-old vampire lawyer has been attracted to Seremela, a sweet 400-year-old medusa, for a while. Seremela's needy sister has asked her to help extricate her 20-year-old troubled niece from her latest poor decisions. Duncan refuses to let her go into danger alone.
I loved the MCs and the way TH describes them and their attraction to each other.
Hopefully, they will show up again in future stories!
The setting of this one was like a modern-day gold rush, in the same area that the last Tarot story took place. Lawlessness rules.
There's a bit of intrigue, a bit of action, and a sweet romance.
I was a little disappointed at first with the way TH rewrites the whole mythology of Medusa into a line of mythical creatures instead of a sister to the fates. But I ended up loving the 'new myth' she created and the descriptions of her snakes (those mischievous little guys!).
Safety was really good
The readers was perfect.
In this story, Duncan, a 200-year-old vampire lawyer has been attracted to Seremela, a sweet 400-year-old medusa, for a while. Seremela's needy sister has asked her to help extricate her 20-year-old troubled niece from her latest poor decisions. Duncan refuses to let her go into danger alone.
I loved the MCs and the way TH describes them and their attraction to each other.
Hopefully, they will show up again in future stories!
The setting of this one was like a modern-day gold rush, in the same area that the last Tarot story took place. Lawlessness rules.
There's a bit of intrigue, a bit of action, and a sweet romance.
I was a little disappointed at first with the way TH rewrites the whole mythology of Medusa into a line of mythical creatures instead of a sister to the fates. But I ended up loving the 'new myth' she created and the descriptions of her snakes (those mischievous little guys!).
Safety was really good
The readers was perfect.
February 24, 2016
I have liked Seremela from the first book. She is the medical examiner Medusa. She quit her job and came to Florida to work for Carling and Rune. Duncan is the Vampyre lawer that is one of Carling's. The story opens with both Duncan and Seremela having the hots for one another, but haven't explored it yet. When Seremela's neice runs away, Seremela makes plans to go after her. Of course Duncan isn't going to let her go off without him, so he goes along. It is a really short story, but I thought a charming one for the word count that it had. I would have liked to have had a full length story as I thought that Sere and Duncan had alot of chemistry, but I don't think we will see the last of these two. Carling is headed for a show down with Julian and as Duncan is the firm's lawyer, I hope we see them in a home situation. I thought how he interacted with her snakes and how they loved him was cute. The only love scene was hot and slightly strange with her snakes, but I can see where a guy might like that.
July 16, 2024
Decent & Interesting
3.5 Stars.
This one was a decent read. It was interesting.
But in all honesty I enjoyed the novella before it better.
I still very much enjoyed Duncan & Seremela's story. The connection of the other novellas of the Tarot cards is intriguing. They're making quite a journey through the Elder Race.
Looking forward to reading the next novella and sharing my experience with the TPAM buddy read of this series.
3.5 Stars.
This one was a decent read. It was interesting.
But in all honesty I enjoyed the novella before it better.
I still very much enjoyed Duncan & Seremela's story. The connection of the other novellas of the Tarot cards is intriguing. They're making quite a journey through the Elder Race.
Looking forward to reading the next novella and sharing my experience with the TPAM buddy read of this series.
August 8, 2013
First read: September 19, 2012
This is a nice addition to the "Elder Races" series!
Favorite part is when Seremela's snakes (she's a Medusa)are curious about Duncan (because they know she loves him), and explore his body the first time they 'make love'....HOT!!!
Second read: August 4, 2013
Loved Duncan & Seremela together!
This is a nice addition to the "Elder Races" series!
Favorite part is when Seremela's snakes (she's a Medusa)are curious about Duncan (because they know she loves him), and explore his body the first time they 'make love'....HOT!!!
Second read: August 4, 2013
Loved Duncan & Seremela together!
June 12, 2019
4 stars
This is the first time I've read a romance featuring a Gorgon and Vampyre couple.
I have to admit that I was quite curious about this novella upon learning that it would feature the character of Seremela Telemar. She is a kind, lovely, and brilliant Medusae woman who works as a medical examiner in the Elder Races series.
Her snakes obscured her vision as they swarmed around her shoulders and over her head, shooting toward Duncan any way they could. The strength of their reaction surprised her and caught her off balance. She stumbled forward a step, which was all they needed.
Duncan began to laugh as her snakes wrapped around his neck and his upper arms. He caught her under her elbows as she stumbled, and they stood staring at each other, entwined. Something electric sparked in his eyes. She didn’t know what it was, but the strength of it affected her powerfully. Her skin flashed with heat.
“I’m sorry,” she mumbled. “It’s only—you know they just like you, and—”
“Don’t apologize,” he told her in a gentle voice. He touched her cheek with the fingertips of one hand. “Like I’ve told you, I enjoy them.”
When I first came across her in the previous books, I hoped that she would eventually get a story of her own. I was not disappointed.
I liked the dynamics between Seremela and Duncan Turner as there is attraction, friendship, respect, desire, and more here. It was pretty clear that these two were meant to be.
Continued excerpt:
The fact that he found her to be the most beautiful woman he'd ever met, both inside and out, made me smile for so many reasons. After all, Gorgons in mythology are supposed to be fierce, ghastly, and repulsive women, are they not? I love when authors twist these expectations enough to keep things interesting.
Seremela can be fierce, cold, and frightening when provoked or threatened, but that's certainly not all of who she is. And I couldn't help but think that this particular vampire who truly sees her and wants her so much (and who can also be fierce, cold, frightening, and ever so dangerous himself) would make a wonderful and interesting partner for one such as she...
Continued excerpt:
I also got a kick out of how her snakes behaved whenever he was around, the way they almost acted like puppies in their excitement at seeing him. I couldn't help but grin at how much they amused him, how they often made him laugh. They were incredibly affectionate with Duncan (and he with them), yet they could also be calmed and soothed by him when she/they were panicked and/or threatened, and went into serious killing mode.
He grasped one of her snakes, kissed it on the nose and looked into its face. "You're never going to bite me, are you?"
"They would never hurt you," Seremela said. "They would die first."
"Oh well," he said, giving her a crooked grin. "There goes that fantasy."
Excerpt:
"Invite me in."
She took in a quick breath. It shook a little [...]. He turned to her and discovered her staring at him with that wide eyed, wondering look. Three of her snakes peered sideways from behind her head, staring at him too.
Laughter spilled out of him as the sight broke the tension. He reached out to one of the snakes. It touched the tip of his finger with the light flicker of its tongue. He repeated unsteadily, "Invite me in, Seremela. Please."
"I would love for you to come in," she whispered all in a rush.
A Medusae woman would need a lover who could accept, understand, and adore her snakes (who are sentient beings in their own right, but intricately connected to her... obviously) and I felt all of that from him. The interactions between him and her snakes were a great way for the author to show Duncan's attraction, acceptance, and pleasure regarding all the parts of who Seremela is.
(Not all were so kind in this regard toward the Medusae. Too often, as many of us know, others can be dangerous and/or cruel to those they fear and/or do not understand...)
Excerpt:
"Listen to me. I did not say I was falling in love with you, if only you would hide some part of yourself or change some aspect to try to please me. I said I was falling in love with you - all of you."
So I'll end this off by saying that I've been enjoying the various novellas by Ms. Harrison thus far and am looking forward to further adventures and unique romantic pairings in this PNR series.
This is the first time I've read a romance featuring a Gorgon and Vampyre couple.
I have to admit that I was quite curious about this novella upon learning that it would feature the character of Seremela Telemar. She is a kind, lovely, and brilliant Medusae woman who works as a medical examiner in the Elder Races series.
Her snakes obscured her vision as they swarmed around her shoulders and over her head, shooting toward Duncan any way they could. The strength of their reaction surprised her and caught her off balance. She stumbled forward a step, which was all they needed.
Duncan began to laugh as her snakes wrapped around his neck and his upper arms. He caught her under her elbows as she stumbled, and they stood staring at each other, entwined. Something electric sparked in his eyes. She didn’t know what it was, but the strength of it affected her powerfully. Her skin flashed with heat.
“I’m sorry,” she mumbled. “It’s only—you know they just like you, and—”
“Don’t apologize,” he told her in a gentle voice. He touched her cheek with the fingertips of one hand. “Like I’ve told you, I enjoy them.”
When I first came across her in the previous books, I hoped that she would eventually get a story of her own. I was not disappointed.
I liked the dynamics between Seremela and Duncan Turner as there is attraction, friendship, respect, desire, and more here. It was pretty clear that these two were meant to be.
Continued excerpt:
The fact that he found her to be the most beautiful woman he'd ever met, both inside and out, made me smile for so many reasons. After all, Gorgons in mythology are supposed to be fierce, ghastly, and repulsive women, are they not? I love when authors twist these expectations enough to keep things interesting.
Seremela can be fierce, cold, and frightening when provoked or threatened, but that's certainly not all of who she is. And I couldn't help but think that this particular vampire who truly sees her and wants her so much (and who can also be fierce, cold, frightening, and ever so dangerous himself) would make a wonderful and interesting partner for one such as she...
Continued excerpt:
I also got a kick out of how her snakes behaved whenever he was around, the way they almost acted like puppies in their excitement at seeing him. I couldn't help but grin at how much they amused him, how they often made him laugh. They were incredibly affectionate with Duncan (and he with them), yet they could also be calmed and soothed by him when she/they were panicked and/or threatened, and went into serious killing mode.
He grasped one of her snakes, kissed it on the nose and looked into its face. "You're never going to bite me, are you?"
"They would never hurt you," Seremela said. "They would die first."
"Oh well," he said, giving her a crooked grin. "There goes that fantasy."
Excerpt:
"Invite me in."
She took in a quick breath. It shook a little [...]. He turned to her and discovered her staring at him with that wide eyed, wondering look. Three of her snakes peered sideways from behind her head, staring at him too.
Laughter spilled out of him as the sight broke the tension. He reached out to one of the snakes. It touched the tip of his finger with the light flicker of its tongue. He repeated unsteadily, "Invite me in, Seremela. Please."
"I would love for you to come in," she whispered all in a rush.
A Medusae woman would need a lover who could accept, understand, and adore her snakes (who are sentient beings in their own right, but intricately connected to her... obviously) and I felt all of that from him. The interactions between him and her snakes were a great way for the author to show Duncan's attraction, acceptance, and pleasure regarding all the parts of who Seremela is.
(Not all were so kind in this regard toward the Medusae. Too often, as many of us know, others can be dangerous and/or cruel to those they fear and/or do not understand...)
Excerpt:
"Listen to me. I did not say I was falling in love with you, if only you would hide some part of yourself or change some aspect to try to please me. I said I was falling in love with you - all of you."
So I'll end this off by saying that I've been enjoying the various novellas by Ms. Harrison thus far and am looking forward to further adventures and unique romantic pairings in this PNR series.
March 27, 2019
Another good one. Action and suspense with the sweetest love story.
June 18, 2012
Another pleasant little novella in Thea Harrison's Elder Races series. This one tells the story of the vampire Duncan and the medusa Seremela Telemar, both of whom have appeared briefly as minor characters in the full length Elder Races books.
The story opens with Seremela having moved to Florida to work for the ancient vampire Carling and her mate Rune (Drago's former sentinel) who have set up some sort of international consulting group. Her niece is in trouble (again) and it's up to Seremela to rescue her from "Devil's Gate", a lawless town that has sprung up in Nevada, near the town that was the subject of the last novella. Duncan works as Rune and Carling's attorney and insists on travelling with Seremela to help as he has become increasingly attracted to the beautiful and exotic medusa.
As usual with these little novellas, there isn't much of a mystery. Duncan and Seremela rescue her tearful niece, Vetta, without too much difficulty. Both Duncan and Seremela are appealing characters. For a medusa, Seremela is like the girl next door but with snakes growing out of her head. Some of the scenes with the snakes were quirky fun as they are quite attracted to Duncan and find cute and creative ways to demonstrate their interest. However, there just wasn't a lot to this novella which made it hard to swallow the $2.66 price. In addition, while Duncan and Seremela are most definitely in love and Duncan is thinking rings and marriage at the close of the story, Harrison doesn't address that the virtually immortal Duncan and the very-much-not-immortal Seremela will only have about 100 years together, given that Seremela is about 380 years old and medusas only live to be around 500. So, it's a bit of a downer at the end to know that Duncan will be alone in what would be a fairly short amount of time to him. Finally, the box of tarot cards that made appearances in the earlier novellas (True Colors and Natural Evil) is here as well and passed on to a dark fae that works for Tricks and Tiago so it looks like the next novella will give us a chance to see what's going on in the Dark Fae kingdom and how Tricks (now Queen Niniane) is fairing.
The story opens with Seremela having moved to Florida to work for the ancient vampire Carling and her mate Rune (Drago's former sentinel) who have set up some sort of international consulting group. Her niece is in trouble (again) and it's up to Seremela to rescue her from "Devil's Gate", a lawless town that has sprung up in Nevada, near the town that was the subject of the last novella. Duncan works as Rune and Carling's attorney and insists on travelling with Seremela to help as he has become increasingly attracted to the beautiful and exotic medusa.
As usual with these little novellas, there isn't much of a mystery. Duncan and Seremela rescue her tearful niece, Vetta, without too much difficulty. Both Duncan and Seremela are appealing characters. For a medusa, Seremela is like the girl next door but with snakes growing out of her head. Some of the scenes with the snakes were quirky fun as they are quite attracted to Duncan and find cute and creative ways to demonstrate their interest. However, there just wasn't a lot to this novella which made it hard to swallow the $2.66 price. In addition, while Duncan and Seremela are most definitely in love and Duncan is thinking rings and marriage at the close of the story, Harrison doesn't address that the virtually immortal Duncan and the very-much-not-immortal Seremela will only have about 100 years together, given that Seremela is about 380 years old and medusas only live to be around 500. So, it's a bit of a downer at the end to know that Duncan will be alone in what would be a fairly short amount of time to him. Finally, the box of tarot cards that made appearances in the earlier novellas (True Colors and Natural Evil) is here as well and passed on to a dark fae that works for Tricks and Tiago so it looks like the next novella will give us a chance to see what's going on in the Dark Fae kingdom and how Tricks (now Queen Niniane) is fairing.
June 5, 2012
I have read all of the novellas associated with the Elder Races series. I've enjoyed them, but they've always felt disconnected from the full length books in the series. Until now. "Devil's Gate" is kind of like a magnet that picks up a bunch of bits and pieces from just almost every novel and novella that's come before and successfully cashes in on the richness of the established world-building. And I liked it.
Remember that Medusa medical examiner? She's our heroine. And Carling's vampire lawyer dude? That's the hero! Seremela and Duncan now work for Carling and Rune in their new business venture. The two are friendly and each is attracted to the other. When Seremela's niece goes missing, Duncan steps in to help her find the girl and bring her home. As the trip throws them together, they finally stop hiding how they feel for one another.
The missing niece is the girl who lifted those tarot cards off of Claudia in "Natural Evil." And she has run off to "Devil's Gate," a magic infused area where humans and Elder Races are flocking to make a quick buck. She gets in pretty big trouble, and some of the beings there are tied into the Dark Fae political plot from Storm's Heart and the djinn community of Oracle's Moon. It all fits in together so smoothly. It really is a treat for fans who have read all the books.
Much of the focus is on the adventure, and the romance isn't too deeply developed. But knowing that these two already had an established relationship of a sort, it makes it easier to accept it when things move quickly at the end. I like how Harrison maintains the "otherness" of her characters, yet makes them so easy to relate to emotionally. And the sex. The lady writes some great sex.
Now I am hungrier than ever for Lord's Fall. More please.
Rating: B
*ARC Provided by Samhain
Remember that Medusa medical examiner? She's our heroine. And Carling's vampire lawyer dude? That's the hero! Seremela and Duncan now work for Carling and Rune in their new business venture. The two are friendly and each is attracted to the other. When Seremela's niece goes missing, Duncan steps in to help her find the girl and bring her home. As the trip throws them together, they finally stop hiding how they feel for one another.
The missing niece is the girl who lifted those tarot cards off of Claudia in "Natural Evil." And she has run off to "Devil's Gate," a magic infused area where humans and Elder Races are flocking to make a quick buck. She gets in pretty big trouble, and some of the beings there are tied into the Dark Fae political plot from Storm's Heart and the djinn community of Oracle's Moon. It all fits in together so smoothly. It really is a treat for fans who have read all the books.
Much of the focus is on the adventure, and the romance isn't too deeply developed. But knowing that these two already had an established relationship of a sort, it makes it easier to accept it when things move quickly at the end. I like how Harrison maintains the "otherness" of her characters, yet makes them so easy to relate to emotionally. And the sex. The lady writes some great sex.
Now I am hungrier than ever for Lord's Fall. More please.
Rating: B
*ARC Provided by Samhain
July 12, 2023
02/14/15 reread: Seremela and Duncan are so freaking adorable together. I'd forgotten how mischievous her head snakes were around him. *thumbs up*
2012:
It shouldn't be a big shock that I'm stupid in love with this series. I adore everything about it - from the world building (OMG! FANTASTIC!) to the characters (*swoon swoon swoon*) to the situations those characters find them in (Fights to the death! Hawt sexin'! Backstabbing and other shenanigans!). I honestly can NOT get enough of this world.
Things I loved: Seremela. Her head snakes were so very cute. Duncan refers to them as "mischievous" once and that is so perfect for them. They like to touch him and wrap around him and I just loved that Seremela had sort of given up on controlling them. Beyond her snakes, Seremela was also pretty awesome. She's smart and strong and yet she's sweetly vulnerable around Duncan.
Duncan. Oh, Duncan. He sees what he wants and he goes after it. With Seremela in his sights, she's bound to fall for him. It doesn't hurt that he's a hunk and he cares about her and he's willing to risk himself to help her out. I also loved the glimpses we had of the world outside this story through Duncan's interactions with Julian, the Nightkind king. Thea Harrison truly does an outstanding job of making this world feel big and all-encompassing.
The Tarot deck continues its journey and I'm SUPER excited to see the next installment in this mini-arc.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
2012:
It shouldn't be a big shock that I'm stupid in love with this series. I adore everything about it - from the world building (OMG! FANTASTIC!) to the characters (*swoon swoon swoon*) to the situations those characters find them in (Fights to the death! Hawt sexin'! Backstabbing and other shenanigans!). I honestly can NOT get enough of this world.
Things I loved: Seremela. Her head snakes were so very cute. Duncan refers to them as "mischievous" once and that is so perfect for them. They like to touch him and wrap around him and I just loved that Seremela had sort of given up on controlling them. Beyond her snakes, Seremela was also pretty awesome. She's smart and strong and yet she's sweetly vulnerable around Duncan.
Duncan. Oh, Duncan. He sees what he wants and he goes after it. With Seremela in his sights, she's bound to fall for him. It doesn't hurt that he's a hunk and he cares about her and he's willing to risk himself to help her out. I also loved the glimpses we had of the world outside this story through Duncan's interactions with Julian, the Nightkind king. Thea Harrison truly does an outstanding job of making this world feel big and all-encompassing.
The Tarot deck continues its journey and I'm SUPER excited to see the next installment in this mini-arc.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
March 6, 2019
Only Thea Harrison can make a Vampire fall in love with a Medusa and write a cute novella about it.
February 12, 2018
If I can read a story with a medusa and a vampire, I'm on the right track for paranormal ;)
A short story very good. Duncan and Seremela were really different but they fell in love so rightly, I liked their story so much. I already liked Seremela, she is a sweet soul, but Duncan, he was something different. I didn't know if he had a heart ;)
I hope to read more about them.
A short story very good. Duncan and Seremela were really different but they fell in love so rightly, I liked their story so much. I already liked Seremela, she is a sweet soul, but Duncan, he was something different. I didn't know if he had a heart ;)
I hope to read more about them.
June 9, 2012
I am so not a novella kind of gal. For me, I just like a longer and meatier story. That being said, ohhhh how I loved this novella. Devil's Gate is absolutely charming, and action-packed. It totally worked for me. Already an Elder Races series fan, I am so happy I decided to read this one.
Seremela is a completely unassuming heroine. She is a medusa and has snakes for hair! They have minds of their own, and sometimes she has to tie them back because they can be everywhere from rude to flirtatious. With her green tinted skin and her abnormally slitted eyes, most would look at her and shudder, but not Vampire Duncan Tuner! He initially met her at one of Run and Carling's parties, and he has had it for her since. He finds her completely captivating, and wants to bust a move. He finds the perfect intro in to her life when she must leave for the tent city of Devil's Gate to find her niece, who has run away. Duncan is a decent hero, wanting to help her but also wanting to get to know her better. It's the perfect "in"! What follows contains murder, illegal drugs, a pariah, and inter-demesne Elder Races politics.
I thoroughly enjoyed Devil's Gate. It is short in size, but action-packed and there is some fantastically built upon sexual tension that really delivers by the end. It involved biting... I totally dug Seremela, with her insecurities of being viewed as a "monster", and learning that someone as sexy and suave as Duncan could find her appealing. Their trip to Devil's Gate is filled with action and adventure, and the pacing was really fast. Also - hello.. do you see the cover? SMOKING HOT. But I digress. You don't have to be familiar with the series to pick this up. If you are a fan of the series already, I guarantee you'll love it. This is a truly great novella!
Seremela is a completely unassuming heroine. She is a medusa and has snakes for hair! They have minds of their own, and sometimes she has to tie them back because they can be everywhere from rude to flirtatious. With her green tinted skin and her abnormally slitted eyes, most would look at her and shudder, but not Vampire Duncan Tuner! He initially met her at one of Run and Carling's parties, and he has had it for her since. He finds her completely captivating, and wants to bust a move. He finds the perfect intro in to her life when she must leave for the tent city of Devil's Gate to find her niece, who has run away. Duncan is a decent hero, wanting to help her but also wanting to get to know her better. It's the perfect "in"! What follows contains murder, illegal drugs, a pariah, and inter-demesne Elder Races politics.
Devil's Gate
Pop: 28,993 suckas
69,345
Past 100,000
Who the fuck knows?
I thoroughly enjoyed Devil's Gate. It is short in size, but action-packed and there is some fantastically built upon sexual tension that really delivers by the end. It involved biting... I totally dug Seremela, with her insecurities of being viewed as a "monster", and learning that someone as sexy and suave as Duncan could find her appealing. Their trip to Devil's Gate is filled with action and adventure, and the pacing was really fast. Also - hello.. do you see the cover? SMOKING HOT. But I digress. You don't have to be familiar with the series to pick this up. If you are a fan of the series already, I guarantee you'll love it. This is a truly great novella!
August 28, 2024
I read Devil’s Gate when it was first published and loved it. I’ve been on an audiobook kick and decided to try out Ms. Harrison’s Elder Races series in Audio.
Even if you haven’t read an Elder Race book you could still pick this novella up, but I would recommend at least reading Books 1 & 2 first in the Elder Race series; since they give you a sense of what is going on in the world.
Devil’s Gate features Seremela a Medusa and Duncan a Vampyre. These characters are secondary characters introduced somewhere along the line in the Elder Race series.
As for the story, their is no shortage of action, adventure, and danger. The romance is sweet; between these two and their is some major sexual tension that will combust by the end. I also have to point out that when we think of Medusa we don't think nice creatures, so I have to say I like how the author portrayed her Medusa’s. They weren’t creepy, but came of different and noteworthy.
Audio Review Dec. 2017: Sophie Eastlake did a wonderful job with the voices and bringing out the danger and attraction; between Seremela and Duncan. I will say Duncan’s voice was ok, not unpleasant, just a little to raspy for my liking and what I pictured him sounding like, but this didn’t deter me from enjoying this novella again.
The Elder Race series brings us a verity of unique supernaturals, worlds, and so much more. It’s an entering series to read or listen too. I highly recommend diving in.
Rated: 4 Stars
Even if you haven’t read an Elder Race book you could still pick this novella up, but I would recommend at least reading Books 1 & 2 first in the Elder Race series; since they give you a sense of what is going on in the world.
Devil’s Gate features Seremela a Medusa and Duncan a Vampyre. These characters are secondary characters introduced somewhere along the line in the Elder Race series.
As for the story, their is no shortage of action, adventure, and danger. The romance is sweet; between these two and their is some major sexual tension that will combust by the end. I also have to point out that when we think of Medusa we don't think nice creatures, so I have to say I like how the author portrayed her Medusa’s. They weren’t creepy, but came of different and noteworthy.
Audio Review Dec. 2017: Sophie Eastlake did a wonderful job with the voices and bringing out the danger and attraction; between Seremela and Duncan. I will say Duncan’s voice was ok, not unpleasant, just a little to raspy for my liking and what I pictured him sounding like, but this didn’t deter me from enjoying this novella again.
The Elder Race series brings us a verity of unique supernaturals, worlds, and so much more. It’s an entering series to read or listen too. I highly recommend diving in.
Rated: 4 Stars
June 10, 2012
Oh how I love the Elder Races series by Thea Harrison. The author got me with Dragon Bound, the first in the series, and has not let me go! The novellas she writes are side stories to the full length ones (they may or may not refer to past characters) but I devour them like chocolate. This edition was no different.
I loved Seremella because she was so different, well with being a Medusa and all. I am surprised I liked her because I am not a snake person and don't particularly want them in my stories. However, the author introduces us to Seremella in such a way that you see beyond the fact that she has a head of snakes. Yeah, she's that good. We see Seremella as being very smart, caring, and vulnerable. When she needs to be courageous she is but you get the sense that she prefers to just be in the background.
Duncan is the perfect match for Seremella. He is just as smart as she is but he is sexy because he sees Seremella from the inside out and not in the reverse. He likes her snakes and they like him. As a matter of fact, he is quite comfortable with them-they twine around his arms and he doesn't even flinch.
This novella was packed with a lot of information that intricately weaves past, present, and future characters. True Colors still hold the title as my favorite novella of this series but Devil's Gate is definitely a close second.
I can't wait to see what Thea Harrison has in store for us next.
I loved Seremella because she was so different, well with being a Medusa and all. I am surprised I liked her because I am not a snake person and don't particularly want them in my stories. However, the author introduces us to Seremella in such a way that you see beyond the fact that she has a head of snakes. Yeah, she's that good. We see Seremella as being very smart, caring, and vulnerable. When she needs to be courageous she is but you get the sense that she prefers to just be in the background.
Duncan is the perfect match for Seremella. He is just as smart as she is but he is sexy because he sees Seremella from the inside out and not in the reverse. He likes her snakes and they like him. As a matter of fact, he is quite comfortable with them-they twine around his arms and he doesn't even flinch.
This novella was packed with a lot of information that intricately weaves past, present, and future characters. True Colors still hold the title as my favorite novella of this series but Devil's Gate is definitely a close second.
I can't wait to see what Thea Harrison has in store for us next.
July 4, 2012
Well, if you have read Dragon Bound, you know Thea Harrison can do a great Alpha male. But who would have thought that she can do a Beta male, too! Devil's Gate proves that Harrison is multi-talented!
I wasn't dying to read Devil's Gate, since I was a little disappointed in Natural Evil, Harrison's last Elder Races novella. But now the pattern is coming clear and I am glad that I read this one. All of the novellas are following the path of a deck of Tarot Cards that are presumably bringing together a bunch of couples. Though I have no idea how the random couple from Natural Evil will eventually fit into it all, this couple was great. One of the things that I liked was that this couple, Duncan and Seremela, were secondary characters is a few of the Elder Races books and I felt more like I was in the Elder Races world - and boy was it good to be back!
For the full review, please go to http://thewindowseat13.blogspot.com/2...
I wasn't dying to read Devil's Gate, since I was a little disappointed in Natural Evil, Harrison's last Elder Races novella. But now the pattern is coming clear and I am glad that I read this one. All of the novellas are following the path of a deck of Tarot Cards that are presumably bringing together a bunch of couples. Though I have no idea how the random couple from Natural Evil will eventually fit into it all, this couple was great. One of the things that I liked was that this couple, Duncan and Seremela, were secondary characters is a few of the Elder Races books and I felt more like I was in the Elder Races world - and boy was it good to be back!
For the full review, please go to http://thewindowseat13.blogspot.com/2...
June 11, 2012
2 1/2
As an adventure vignette is really cute. As a romance, not so much. You don't love a person in a day, even if he saves the day (or niece). You may fall or start to, but all the mushy feeling are really wasted here.
A sweet Medusa is surely new, but a tad unbelievable. .
I suspect that even in novella format, this story would have improved greatly. As a short (and I mean short) story, everything is simply hinted at. But, damn, she can write.
As the heroes of PNR say mine, the heroines answer more. Then, what else can I say? More, please. Or you'll get named tease.
As an adventure vignette is really cute. As a romance, not so much. You don't love a person in a day, even if he saves the day (or niece). You may fall or start to, but all the mushy feeling are really wasted here.
A sweet Medusa is surely new, but a tad unbelievable. .
I suspect that even in novella format, this story would have improved greatly. As a short (and I mean short) story, everything is simply hinted at. But, damn, she can write.
As the heroes of PNR say mine, the heroines answer more. Then, what else can I say? More, please. Or you'll get named tease.
September 17, 2012
4/5; 4 stars; A-
I was so happy to see Duncan and Seremela get their own story. I really enjoyed seeing how Harrison would handle a Medusa, her snakes, and a partner. Somehow, she made the snakes cute and cuddly. I've always like the character of Seremela, ever since she was introduced in Storm's Heart. She did not disappoint. I wish this book had been a little longer and maybe had a bit more than a cameo from Rune and Carling.
I was so happy to see Duncan and Seremela get their own story. I really enjoyed seeing how Harrison would handle a Medusa, her snakes, and a partner. Somehow, she made the snakes cute and cuddly. I've always like the character of Seremela, ever since she was introduced in Storm's Heart. She did not disappoint. I wish this book had been a little longer and maybe had a bit more than a cameo from Rune and Carling.
July 27, 2021
The heroine, a medusa, totally creeped me out BIG TIME. Here's an image, my self-defense~ when she was in bed with her mate ~ all the baby snakes, which in fact were HER HAIR ‼️, would watch their activities with interest‼️ Yikes ‼️ (Bet he had to stop and wrap the babies in a bedsheet before continuing?) In case you might be interested in one more detail ~ the length of her hair ⁉️ Down to the floor ‼️
April 3, 2015
There is plenty of action adventure in this sweet romance between a vampire lawyer and a scientist medusa. I just love the heroine's head snakes. I am charmed. This is a charming romance that is a lovely gift to fans of the Elder Races series.
July 19, 2015
the short stories in this series are just stellar
April 28, 2014
~~~A Sensuously Scintillating Serpentine Sexy Short Novella~~~
Yes, if you can handle the heat of some slithering curious snake appendages between a Medusa and a Vampyre, you will be treated to yet another sensuous fantasy in this award winning paranormal series.
I personally will never recover from the visuals of the handsome and suave vampyre, Elder Races' Lawyer male Duncan Turner, having sex with the shy and nerdy medusa, Elder Races' Coroner Sheremela Telemar and her very "friendly" curious snakes!
Both VERY hot and horrifying - simultaneously!
In Summary, per Devil's Gate Introduction Synopsis :
"As a coroner, medusa Seremela Telemar has always felt more comfortable chatting over a dead body than over drinks. But when her wild niece, Vetta, runs off to Devil’s Gate, a lawless town that has sprung up overnight in a modern-day gold rush, she knows she has to extricate her before the rebellious girl gets into real trouble. Though she’s confident in her head snakes’ ability to defend her against attackers, Seremela is still a bit nervous about braving this modern-day Wild West by herself.
Vampyre Duncan Turner is not about to let his new co-worker go into that chaos alone. His Vampyric power and lawyer smarts make him the perfect ally, and the fact that he already had his eye on Seremela for more…personal reasons, doesn’t hurt matters. Any romantic thoughts pull up short, however, when they arrive at Devil’s Gate and learn Vetta is set to hang by morning.
In order to save Vetta and themselves, Seremela and Duncan are going to have to fight fire with force and magic with fangs. And pray they make it out of Devil’s Gate alive.
Warning: Contains mother effin’ snakes in planes, cars, tents, and beds. Luckily, our hot Vampyre hero doesn’t mind them one bit…"
The Elder Races continues to be one of my favorite Paranormal Erotic Romance series ever. None in the series will likely ever have an amazing a story as good as DRAGON BOUND, the first debut book of the series which won at least half a dozen awards since its publication and I read it. Dragos will always remain the best alpha male hottie dragon EVER.
Given its early publication date, the entire Elder Races series really shines even more while rating 5 ++ stars for originality, fabulous heroes and heroines, hot sex and sensuality, and simultaneously humorous and beautiful writing. No distracting grammar and spelling issues and some beautiful prose. A very talented writer.
Thea Harrison is an author I recognize as having been one of the forerunner e-pub paranormal erotica authors with Samhain publishing from the mid 2000's and also a retro Mills and Boon mainstream romance author known as Amanda Carpenter from the late 1980's.
It is little wonder that she is VERY good. She is a seasoned writer of both mainstream Harlequin Romances and underground Paranormal erotica romance for at least 15 years now!!
A refreshing change from self pubs and other amateur works.
You can buy some of her retro romances at: http://store.samhainpublishing.com/th...
And some of her earlier paranormal erotica and also Elder Race books at: http://store.samhainpublishing.com/th...
Enjoy!
Yes, if you can handle the heat of some slithering curious snake appendages between a Medusa and a Vampyre, you will be treated to yet another sensuous fantasy in this award winning paranormal series.
I personally will never recover from the visuals of the handsome and suave vampyre, Elder Races' Lawyer male Duncan Turner, having sex with the shy and nerdy medusa, Elder Races' Coroner Sheremela Telemar and her very "friendly" curious snakes!
Both VERY hot and horrifying - simultaneously!
In Summary, per Devil's Gate Introduction Synopsis :
"As a coroner, medusa Seremela Telemar has always felt more comfortable chatting over a dead body than over drinks. But when her wild niece, Vetta, runs off to Devil’s Gate, a lawless town that has sprung up overnight in a modern-day gold rush, she knows she has to extricate her before the rebellious girl gets into real trouble. Though she’s confident in her head snakes’ ability to defend her against attackers, Seremela is still a bit nervous about braving this modern-day Wild West by herself.
Vampyre Duncan Turner is not about to let his new co-worker go into that chaos alone. His Vampyric power and lawyer smarts make him the perfect ally, and the fact that he already had his eye on Seremela for more…personal reasons, doesn’t hurt matters. Any romantic thoughts pull up short, however, when they arrive at Devil’s Gate and learn Vetta is set to hang by morning.
In order to save Vetta and themselves, Seremela and Duncan are going to have to fight fire with force and magic with fangs. And pray they make it out of Devil’s Gate alive.
Warning: Contains mother effin’ snakes in planes, cars, tents, and beds. Luckily, our hot Vampyre hero doesn’t mind them one bit…"
The Elder Races continues to be one of my favorite Paranormal Erotic Romance series ever. None in the series will likely ever have an amazing a story as good as DRAGON BOUND, the first debut book of the series which won at least half a dozen awards since its publication and I read it. Dragos will always remain the best alpha male hottie dragon EVER.
Given its early publication date, the entire Elder Races series really shines even more while rating 5 ++ stars for originality, fabulous heroes and heroines, hot sex and sensuality, and simultaneously humorous and beautiful writing. No distracting grammar and spelling issues and some beautiful prose. A very talented writer.
Thea Harrison is an author I recognize as having been one of the forerunner e-pub paranormal erotica authors with Samhain publishing from the mid 2000's and also a retro Mills and Boon mainstream romance author known as Amanda Carpenter from the late 1980's.
It is little wonder that she is VERY good. She is a seasoned writer of both mainstream Harlequin Romances and underground Paranormal erotica romance for at least 15 years now!!
A refreshing change from self pubs and other amateur works.
You can buy some of her retro romances at: http://store.samhainpublishing.com/th...
And some of her earlier paranormal erotica and also Elder Race books at: http://store.samhainpublishing.com/th...
Enjoy!
June 5, 2012
Review also posted at link: Under The Covers Book Blog
Best of the Elder Races Novella yet!!! For such a short story, this book has a lot of content. I am very happy with this book. I feel as if Ms. Harrison read my mind and gave me what I wanted. This book had it all; good recap, good flow of writing, humor, romance, and glimpses of my favorite characters.
Dr. Seremela Telemar is our heroine and a fine one at that. We first see her in Storm’s Heart then Serpents Kiss, both playing a role using her medical expertise. In this book, she takes time off for personal reasons. Her niece, Vetta had run away and she is on a mission to bring her back (Vetta, by the way is the same girl who had stolen the tarot cards from the bus at the end of the last novella, Natural Evil). Brave and independent as she is, Seremela’s plan is to save her all by her lonesome.
However, our alpha hero will not let her go by herself. The Sexy, rich, debonair Duncun Turner is hard to turn away. He is the very same progeny/lawyer who works for Carling and Rune. Knowing of his underlying attraction for Seremela, this hero will go out of his way to travel with her to Devil's Gate, save the day and fall in love while doing so.
As I said, in my opinion this is the best of the novellas yet. I enjoyed every bit of the plot and romance. Seremela and Duncan new exactly what they wanted and as adults, just went for it, with priorities taken care of. Ms. Harrison also did a wonderful job on making Seremela feminine in appearance instead of the ugly perceptions medusas are given. The long adorable snakes that went down to her hips are what did it for me.
And what I loved the most is how the past characters/plot were indirectly wrapped around this story. We had direct contacts with the main characters from the full-length books. Ms. Harrison gave us bits of Rune and Julian. We also hear of current situations of Carling/Rune and Niniane/Tiago.
There's also a lot of new names that came up. But two stood out for me. A djinn named Malphas and Xanteh Tenanye, very intriguing characters. and I'm betting we'd see more of them later. I can't wait to see what Ms Harrison will have for us in the next installments.
*ARC provided by publisher
June 16, 2012
Vampire lawyer Duncan comes to the aid of co-worker and medusa Seremela Telemar when her niece runs off to Devil's Gate.
I'm a fan of Thea Harrison's novels but I'm not fond of most of her novellas. The romance was so rushed, they both literally fall in love with each over a period of a day - it was unrealistic and unsatisfying.
Sere and Duncan were both likeable characters and they deserved more than a rushed, superficial and unconvincing romance. I was looking forward to seeing how Sere's head of snakes would be approached - heroines who have long snakes for hair is not something I would normally like to read about. I was hoping Thea would work her magic and actually make Sere's snake seem not so repulsive. Thea does try and make Sere's snake seem playful and charming but unfortunately it didn't work for me, the medusa aspect just completely put me off.
The ending felt more like a HFN than a HEA - Seremela is a middle aged medusa and has a century or two left in her, whereas Duncan will live for millenia. So what happens when Sere dies of old age, if Duncan has millenia left surely it's more than possible that he'll eventually find someone else that he loves. It's not a real HEA if the hero eventually falls in love with someone else other than the heroine. Sere's 'mortality' and Duncan's 'immortality' isn't even discussed, even a sentance or two would have sufficed with IDK Duncan declaring that Sera would always be the love of his life.
At the start of the novella, Sere is complaining about her sister and how she always puts her first and that it'd be the last time she drops everything for her. So I was expecting by the end for Sere to actually give her sister a dressing down and make it clear that she'll no longer let her take advantage..but that doesn't happen - it was like that plot point was just forgotten about.
Even though I didn't like the novella, I hope that Sere and Duncan make future appearances.
I'm a fan of Thea Harrison's novels but I'm not fond of most of her novellas. The romance was so rushed, they both literally fall in love with each over a period of a day - it was unrealistic and unsatisfying.
Sere and Duncan were both likeable characters and they deserved more than a rushed, superficial and unconvincing romance. I was looking forward to seeing how Sere's head of snakes would be approached - heroines who have long snakes for hair is not something I would normally like to read about. I was hoping Thea would work her magic and actually make Sere's snake seem not so repulsive. Thea does try and make Sere's snake seem playful and charming but unfortunately it didn't work for me, the medusa aspect just completely put me off.
The ending felt more like a HFN than a HEA - Seremela is a middle aged medusa and has a century or two left in her, whereas Duncan will live for millenia. So what happens when Sere dies of old age, if Duncan has millenia left surely it's more than possible that he'll eventually find someone else that he loves. It's not a real HEA if the hero eventually falls in love with someone else other than the heroine. Sere's 'mortality' and Duncan's 'immortality' isn't even discussed, even a sentance or two would have sufficed with IDK Duncan declaring that Sera would always be the love of his life.
At the start of the novella, Sere is complaining about her sister and how she always puts her first and that it'd be the last time she drops everything for her. So I was expecting by the end for Sere to actually give her sister a dressing down and make it clear that she'll no longer let her take advantage..but that doesn't happen - it was like that plot point was just forgotten about.
Even though I didn't like the novella, I hope that Sere and Duncan make future appearances.
June 9, 2014
4 stars
Project Elder Races Novella Read-a-thon
I see that each novella is better than the later and I'm proudly to said they Devil's Gate predeceed True Colors (this is the weakest novella, so far) and Natural Evil (good,but no HEA. (EDIT: After read all the novella, the weakest novella, imho is Hunter's Season). I' m happy that both h/H,Seremela Telemar and Duncan Turner already know each other so there is no insta-love if you don't like it. The story still follow the mysterious Tarot Deck, and each capter still have title of the Major Arcana that represent the Primal Gods. Like usual the order is different than the latest novella.
What I love
1. After surprise reader with rainbow chameleon Wyr in True Colors, now Thea Harrison introduce us to Medusae. Seremala actually is not new character especially if you follow Elder Races series. But this is the first time we will know more about the Medusae. As medusa,Seremela have a creamy green skin. While this is will make her look like alien, I don't mind with her physical description. I like her personality and especially her snakes head. Who know that snakes can be a cute and cuddly pet?
2. Duncan,Duncan,Duncan. Leave it to Thea Harrison to make a hero that can make you swoon and Duncan sure can bite me anytime. Elegant yet alpha to the core. Also he didn't deny his feeling and attraction to Seremela. Plus..a sexy voice. Eargasm, nuff said.
3. The relationship between Duncan and Seremela is sizzling hot! But also sweet.
4. The cover. So nom nom! The best cover from all Elder Races books, imho.
What I do not like
1. The story kinda anticlimax and rushed in the end.
2. Less sexy time. I expect some snake sex scene, tbh (duh, I sound like pervert ;p)
Overall, I love reading about Duncan and Seremela and wish that their story told in more than just a novella.
Project Elder Races Novella Read-a-thon
I see that each novella is better than the later and I'm proudly to said they Devil's Gate predeceed True Colors (this is the weakest novella, so far) and Natural Evil (good,but no HEA. (EDIT: After read all the novella, the weakest novella, imho is Hunter's Season). I' m happy that both h/H,Seremela Telemar and Duncan Turner already know each other so there is no insta-love if you don't like it. The story still follow the mysterious Tarot Deck, and each capter still have title of the Major Arcana that represent the Primal Gods. Like usual the order is different than the latest novella.
What I love
1. After surprise reader with rainbow chameleon Wyr in True Colors, now Thea Harrison introduce us to Medusae. Seremala actually is not new character especially if you follow Elder Races series. But this is the first time we will know more about the Medusae. As medusa,Seremela have a creamy green skin. While this is will make her look like alien, I don't mind with her physical description. I like her personality and especially her snakes head. Who know that snakes can be a cute and cuddly pet?
2. Duncan,Duncan,Duncan. Leave it to Thea Harrison to make a hero that can make you swoon and Duncan sure can bite me anytime. Elegant yet alpha to the core. Also he didn't deny his feeling and attraction to Seremela. Plus..a sexy voice. Eargasm, nuff said.
3. The relationship between Duncan and Seremela is sizzling hot! But also sweet.
4. The cover. So nom nom! The best cover from all Elder Races books, imho.
What I do not like
1. The story kinda anticlimax and rushed in the end.
2. Less sexy time. I expect some snake sex scene, tbh (duh, I sound like pervert ;p)
Overall, I love reading about Duncan and Seremela and wish that their story told in more than just a novella.
June 5, 2012
3.5 stars
This was a very short novella and featured the Medusa/medical examiner/researcher heroine we met in Storm's Heart, in this book she has a new job courtesy Carling and Rune and needs to go and save her trouble-maker niece. She is joined by Duncan, the youngest of Carling's children.
That these two feel attracted to each other is instantly noted and soon come the word of love and more. I did feel the romance moved too quick but a novella format generally doesn't lend itself to a satisfied romance. What I did like was an update on the characters we have met before, snippets of Carling and Rune and even Tiago and Tricks.
This was a very short novella and featured the Medusa/medical examiner/researcher heroine we met in Storm's Heart, in this book she has a new job courtesy Carling and Rune and needs to go and save her trouble-maker niece. She is joined by Duncan, the youngest of Carling's children.
That these two feel attracted to each other is instantly noted and soon come the word of love and more. I did feel the romance moved too quick but a novella format generally doesn't lend itself to a satisfied romance. What I did like was an update on the characters we have met before, snippets of Carling and Rune and even Tiago and Tricks.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 308 reviews