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Caith Morningstar #1
Hell's Chapel
She’s Caith Morningstar: bar owner, leather wearer, shoe worshipper, werewolf, Orlando’s resident ass kicker and… Satan’s niece.
In the tween—between On High and Hell—Caith has three rules: order, secrecy, and if you can’t manage that at least have a little discretion. Wait, make that four: no one screws with Caith or her stuff. Orlando—land of that famous mouse—is her home and people are either gonna get in line or get the fuc- heck out.
Except someone didn’t get that memo. Or, they have a death wish. Either way, she’s gonna bust out her bat and smash some heads. She’s got zombies demolishing her home, vamps chasing her, and on top of the normal violence in her life, she’s quickly falling for an angel. Satan’s niece and a goody-two-shoes angel! And don’t even get her started on corralling her five fathers while trying to keep them from interfering with her life.
Caith can handle the blood, gore, and frustration, but can she deal with the pain of loving the angel Samkiel? Probably not, but she’s gonna try anyway.
In the tween—between On High and Hell—Caith has three rules: order, secrecy, and if you can’t manage that at least have a little discretion. Wait, make that four: no one screws with Caith or her stuff. Orlando—land of that famous mouse—is her home and people are either gonna get in line or get the fuc- heck out.
Except someone didn’t get that memo. Or, they have a death wish. Either way, she’s gonna bust out her bat and smash some heads. She’s got zombies demolishing her home, vamps chasing her, and on top of the normal violence in her life, she’s quickly falling for an angel. Satan’s niece and a goody-two-shoes angel! And don’t even get her started on corralling her five fathers while trying to keep them from interfering with her life.
Caith can handle the blood, gore, and frustration, but can she deal with the pain of loving the angel Samkiel? Probably not, but she’s gonna try anyway.
386 pages, ebook
First published February 12, 2016
198 people are currently reading
1030 people want to read
About the author
Celia Kyle
285 books2,865 followersCelia Kyle would like to rule the world and become a ninja. As a fall-back, she’s working on her writing career and giving readers stories that touch their hearts and *ahem* other places. Visit her online at http://celiakyle.com | http://facebook.com/celiakyle | http://twitter.com/celiakyle | http://pinterest.com/celiakyle
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
February 11, 2016
First in a new series by the talented Celia Kyle who is perhaps better known for her seriously hot but ever so much fun shifter stories. I note that she also writes sci fi romance under the name of Erin Tate but discovering that she is now branching out into urban fantasy had me jumping for joy! I get that not all readers want endless saucy scenes and it's a gripping, engaging story that they really seek. If what you want is a book full of action, suspense with a small amount of sexy shenanigans to warm you up then this new series just might tick all your boxes . Now add in a most unusual heroine and you just might be more than tempted to get this book.
Ok what's the basic premise ? Caith is the daughter of Lucifers sister so you'd think she is evil and pretty bad ass. Well actually it's not that straight forward as Caith has five ( yes you read that right five!) biological fathers who each added a drop of goodness into the mix! See with this author nothing is ever boring! Caith runs her bar Hells Chapel in Orlando which if you think about it is the home of a pretty famous mouse but this is definitely no Disney type fairytale . No someone is out to kill Caith but a mysterious Angel , who just happens to be Caiths own personal catnip keeps getting in the way! Oh please believe me that as far as Caith is concerned Samkiel aka Angel of destruction most definitely should get out of her town before it's too late .
Caith might not be a fairy princess with slippers but she certainly has a love of footwear and swords! She is full of snark and never lost for words and I'm thinking that not many stand up to lucifer but this gal just does not cringe from anything. It's the first book so a lot to set up but I had no trouble understanding the world building and a whole lot of fun reading this story. If action and fun is what you are searching for than Caith will be a delight!
I was gifted a copy by the author for an honest review
Ok what's the basic premise ? Caith is the daughter of Lucifers sister so you'd think she is evil and pretty bad ass. Well actually it's not that straight forward as Caith has five ( yes you read that right five!) biological fathers who each added a drop of goodness into the mix! See with this author nothing is ever boring! Caith runs her bar Hells Chapel in Orlando which if you think about it is the home of a pretty famous mouse but this is definitely no Disney type fairytale . No someone is out to kill Caith but a mysterious Angel , who just happens to be Caiths own personal catnip keeps getting in the way! Oh please believe me that as far as Caith is concerned Samkiel aka Angel of destruction most definitely should get out of her town before it's too late .
Caith might not be a fairy princess with slippers but she certainly has a love of footwear and swords! She is full of snark and never lost for words and I'm thinking that not many stand up to lucifer but this gal just does not cringe from anything. It's the first book so a lot to set up but I had no trouble understanding the world building and a whole lot of fun reading this story. If action and fun is what you are searching for than Caith will be a delight!
I was gifted a copy by the author for an honest review
Read
April 14, 201620% into this book, I was thoroughly sick of the silly nicknames they used for the various supernatural creatures, and even more tired of Caith's inner bitch who seemed to be stuck on repeat. All it wanted was to roll over on its belly and do the nasty with the half fallen "gel", but did it do anything but drool? Nope. Most of all, I was sick of the plot that was busy going nowhere.
Hell's Chapel was DNF for me. Since I only read one fifth of the book, I've decided not to rate it, but IMHO it isn't worth more than one measly star, and certainly not worth the time it would take to finish it.
Hell's Chapel was DNF for me. Since I only read one fifth of the book, I've decided not to rate it, but IMHO it isn't worth more than one measly star, and certainly not worth the time it would take to finish it.
February 17, 2016
Hell's Chapel (Shapeshifter Urban Fantasy) (Caith Morningstar Book 1)
“Be careful what you wish for
Cuz you just might get it
You just might get it
You just might get it
Be careful what you wish for
'Cause you just might get it
You just might get it
You just might get it”
Pussycat Dolls – “When I Grow Up”, Courtesy of MetroLyrics
Caith Morningstar was there when the first brick of the Mouse’s house was laid. Order. Secrecy. That is all she asked. Orlando is her city. Her place of peace, where demons (dems), angels (gels) and tweens (‘other’) come to rest, relax, and visit her bar, Hell’s Chapel. Well, when you are the niece of “The” Morningstar, have an unending life and a very, well, let’s say ‘eclectic’ family, you deserve a little peace.
But peace isn’t in the offing tonight. Not when a thelac demon and a punk troll have decided that busting up the bar is just the ticket. Then, when her brownies don’t show up for work that night, leaving her with a total wreck to clean up before opening time, well, Caith’s week isn’t getting any better. Order, People! Is that too much to ask?
And then, to top it off, her Uncle Luc (Lucifer, to those not related to him) shows up. Then, an angel with attitude. Oh, and let’s not forget Papa Alrick, Wolf Alpha of North America, and her other four Papas as well (yes, other four papas. Don’t ask.) Things get all growly and bitey and sword slashy before Caith gets to take a breath. To make it all even worse? Green. Eyed. Zombies. Then? Green Eyed Vampires. Can a girl not catch a freakin’ break?! It’s hard enough to convince the badass Angel of Destruction, Samkiel that he is your mate and really, really should put that whole “On High” thing in the rearview and get the whole boom chicka bow bow bitey bitey life mate thing on with her.
“Be careful what you wish for . . .”
There is blood, blood everywhere. Death and destruction, and pain pain pain. And for a girl whose mother is the sister of the King of Hell, staying true to her five father’s pure ideals of right and wrong is going to turn out to be a “Hell” of a lot harder than expected.
Celia Kyle is one of my all-time favorite authors of light-and-fluffy paranormal romance. She has bridged out here, under the name Lauren Creed (why bother, Celia? We are ALL going to love you to pieces, no matter what you write!) into Urban Fantasy. The thing is, even if you, Beloved Reader, are completely convinced you “only” like Paranormal Romance, you are still going to adore this new series. The romance is there (a bit too much concentration on it, admittedly, for my UF tastes, but it works with the story, so there ya’ go) but this is still UF at its ‘first time out the gate” finest. Caith is strong, fierce, and cunning, as you would expect Lucifer’s niece to be. But when your fathers are a holy warrior from the Crusades for strength and the ability to gut a man with a knife between heartbeats, Father Earth (Mom just can’t handle birthing All them babies!) for a connection to the Earth, her unicorn papa for purity, the Alpha of every werewolf in North America for healing power, and, well, the King of the Pixies for a sense of humor and the ability to vanish at a moment’s notice, Caith also has a heart of gold and a basically sweet nature – that she will cut your heart out for if you happen to mention it.
I am desperately glad that Ms. Celia writes fast!!!! I can hardly WAIT for the next book!!!
I received “Hell’s Chapel” from the author in exchange for a realistic review. All thoughts are my own, and my thought is, Grab This Book Immediately. Whee!!!
“Be careful what you wish for
Cuz you just might get it
You just might get it
You just might get it
Be careful what you wish for
'Cause you just might get it
You just might get it
You just might get it”
Pussycat Dolls – “When I Grow Up”, Courtesy of MetroLyrics
Caith Morningstar was there when the first brick of the Mouse’s house was laid. Order. Secrecy. That is all she asked. Orlando is her city. Her place of peace, where demons (dems), angels (gels) and tweens (‘other’) come to rest, relax, and visit her bar, Hell’s Chapel. Well, when you are the niece of “The” Morningstar, have an unending life and a very, well, let’s say ‘eclectic’ family, you deserve a little peace.
But peace isn’t in the offing tonight. Not when a thelac demon and a punk troll have decided that busting up the bar is just the ticket. Then, when her brownies don’t show up for work that night, leaving her with a total wreck to clean up before opening time, well, Caith’s week isn’t getting any better. Order, People! Is that too much to ask?
And then, to top it off, her Uncle Luc (Lucifer, to those not related to him) shows up. Then, an angel with attitude. Oh, and let’s not forget Papa Alrick, Wolf Alpha of North America, and her other four Papas as well (yes, other four papas. Don’t ask.) Things get all growly and bitey and sword slashy before Caith gets to take a breath. To make it all even worse? Green. Eyed. Zombies. Then? Green Eyed Vampires. Can a girl not catch a freakin’ break?! It’s hard enough to convince the badass Angel of Destruction, Samkiel that he is your mate and really, really should put that whole “On High” thing in the rearview and get the whole boom chicka bow bow bitey bitey life mate thing on with her.
“Be careful what you wish for . . .”
There is blood, blood everywhere. Death and destruction, and pain pain pain. And for a girl whose mother is the sister of the King of Hell, staying true to her five father’s pure ideals of right and wrong is going to turn out to be a “Hell” of a lot harder than expected.
Celia Kyle is one of my all-time favorite authors of light-and-fluffy paranormal romance. She has bridged out here, under the name Lauren Creed (why bother, Celia? We are ALL going to love you to pieces, no matter what you write!) into Urban Fantasy. The thing is, even if you, Beloved Reader, are completely convinced you “only” like Paranormal Romance, you are still going to adore this new series. The romance is there (a bit too much concentration on it, admittedly, for my UF tastes, but it works with the story, so there ya’ go) but this is still UF at its ‘first time out the gate” finest. Caith is strong, fierce, and cunning, as you would expect Lucifer’s niece to be. But when your fathers are a holy warrior from the Crusades for strength and the ability to gut a man with a knife between heartbeats, Father Earth (Mom just can’t handle birthing All them babies!) for a connection to the Earth, her unicorn papa for purity, the Alpha of every werewolf in North America for healing power, and, well, the King of the Pixies for a sense of humor and the ability to vanish at a moment’s notice, Caith also has a heart of gold and a basically sweet nature – that she will cut your heart out for if you happen to mention it.
I am desperately glad that Ms. Celia writes fast!!!! I can hardly WAIT for the next book!!!
I received “Hell’s Chapel” from the author in exchange for a realistic review. All thoughts are my own, and my thought is, Grab This Book Immediately. Whee!!!
February 29, 2016
Let me start this by saying that this book is by Lauren Creed, also known as Celia Kyle, and I have liked the other books I've read by Ms. Kyle, but I was sixty-seven percent into to this one before I started to enjoy it more. I am not sure if that is due to the fact that I finally got used to everything that is thrown at the reader from the beginning or what, but it became easier for me to read at that point.
From the very beginning, I was getting a little annoyed. I didn't really care for the nicknames given to the supernaturals and there was so much to be learned about Caith in the first few chapters that it had my head spinning. She is part demon, part werewolf, (we could've stopped there and it would have been OK with me), part unicorn, part pixie, part crusader, and I don't even know how to explain the last part of her, but one of her five dads is Father Earth. She's also Lucifer's neice. See what I mean?
It certainly takes some getting used to, but I stuck with it and the story did get better for me to the point where I am interested in reading the second installment to find out what happens with her and Sam. One thing I can say for sure about this book is that Caith is one bad chick! No wonder she has everyone in Orlando scared of her.
Maybe you're interested in the six different sides of Caith and would like to check this book out? Or maybe you will have to stick with it a little longer and let it all sink in but either way I'd say Urban Fantasy fans will enjoy this one.
**ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
From the very beginning, I was getting a little annoyed. I didn't really care for the nicknames given to the supernaturals and there was so much to be learned about Caith in the first few chapters that it had my head spinning. She is part demon, part werewolf, (we could've stopped there and it would have been OK with me), part unicorn, part pixie, part crusader, and I don't even know how to explain the last part of her, but one of her five dads is Father Earth. She's also Lucifer's neice. See what I mean?
It certainly takes some getting used to, but I stuck with it and the story did get better for me to the point where I am interested in reading the second installment to find out what happens with her and Sam. One thing I can say for sure about this book is that Caith is one bad chick! No wonder she has everyone in Orlando scared of her.
Maybe you're interested in the six different sides of Caith and would like to check this book out? Or maybe you will have to stick with it a little longer and let it all sink in but either way I'd say Urban Fantasy fans will enjoy this one.
**ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
December 11, 2016
Just wow
I have a new favorite. Caith is a bit of a hot head but she has good in her. She is an interesting mix of a lot of things. Somehow she got on somebody's bad side and is having to fight the undead. Its not too surprising really. She's a handful for sure. An angel, Sam, saves her and she recognizes her mate. One problem, angels can't mate. I don't see how this will end well. I actually cried at parts. Really loved the characters and I have to have more.
I have a new favorite. Caith is a bit of a hot head but she has good in her. She is an interesting mix of a lot of things. Somehow she got on somebody's bad side and is having to fight the undead. Its not too surprising really. She's a handful for sure. An angel, Sam, saves her and she recognizes her mate. One problem, angels can't mate. I don't see how this will end well. I actually cried at parts. Really loved the characters and I have to have more.
August 11, 2018
3,5/5
More paranormal romance than urban fantasy.
The abbreviations are annoying as hell!
I like Caith and her 5 dads so i'll read the next Book.
More paranormal romance than urban fantasy.
The abbreviations are annoying as hell!
I like Caith and her 5 dads so i'll read the next Book.
August 12, 2017
Too much profanity; not enough development of plot or characters.
July 26, 2016
I will admit, my expectations for this were high. The blurb listed all things I love in my novels and I'd found it through Goodreads' genre search of urban fantasy. So of course, my reality is perhaps a bit more bias towards disappointment. This isn't urban fantasy, it's pure paranormal romance - primarily romance based with little to no actual plot. The plot that was there - didn't make any sense. I was lost between abbreviations of things like dem (demons) and gel (angels) and a whole bunch of other characters, relationships and background that was thrown in but never really explained. It reminded me a lot of Lucifer's Daughter by Eve Langlais, albeit with slightly more world building.
I don't really understand the vast amounts of positive reviews, because while readable, the book had major flaws. I tended to skim over the reasons why it didn't make sense and just went with it but even with fantasy, I generally prefer it to be somewhat logical.
March 19, 2016
Orlando –land of that famous mouse – is Caith Morningstar’s home and she has a few rules that everyone needs to follow or they can get the heck out but either someone didn’t get that memo or they have a death wish in this thrilling urban fantasy. The series is full of interesting elements and quirky, vibrant characters with attitude that provides some chuckles to the story in a fascinating world that promises to be most entertaining that the mouse’s house has ever been. I was certainly drawn to Caith and her story and it had quite a few surprises that kept me guessing and kept changing the playing field up so that there was no way that I could put the story down and I can’t wait to visit Hell’s Chapel again to find out what happens next.
“Copyright Night Owl Reviews”©
4 ½ STARS
See my full review at:
https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Re...
“Copyright Night Owl Reviews”©
4 ½ STARS
See my full review at:
https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Re...
December 6, 2017
2.5 stars
The only reason I finished this book is because I need a few more books to complete my Goodreads Reading Challenge. Because this book was awful.
Actually, the book itself wasn't that awful. The concept was pretty good and the story was intriguing and original. I mean, if the book has to be about a speshul snowflake, at least it was about a very speshul (weird) snowflake.
I could enumerate now all the (many) reasons why this book was annoying and cliche and boring, like the main character, the freaking shortening of the words angel and demon to 'gel' and 'dem' (what the fuck was up with that?! It annoyed me to no end) or the fact that I absolutely didn't care about any of the characters. I'm gonna stop here because I already wasted enough time with this book.
The only reason I finished this book is because I need a few more books to complete my Goodreads Reading Challenge. Because this book was awful.
Actually, the book itself wasn't that awful. The concept was pretty good and the story was intriguing and original. I mean, if the book has to be about a speshul snowflake, at least it was about a very speshul (weird) snowflake.
I could enumerate now all the (many) reasons why this book was annoying and cliche and boring, like the main character, the freaking shortening of the words angel and demon to 'gel' and 'dem' (what the fuck was up with that?! It annoyed me to no end) or the fact that I absolutely didn't care about any of the characters. I'm gonna stop here because I already wasted enough time with this book.
November 19, 2020
Caith Morningstar is a bar owner and mediator when it comes to the tween. The tween is the place between Heaven and Hell where creatures that go bump in the night frequent. When a wayward Angel Samkiel shows up not only does Caith find herself embroiled in a battle she was not expecting but also being pulled in with her attraction towards Samkiel. Did I mention she is the niece of Satan?
There is a lot to this story but I found it refreshingly new in ideas. The chemistry between Caith and Samkiel is sizzling and does not let up. Great beginning to a new series.
There is a lot to this story but I found it refreshingly new in ideas. The chemistry between Caith and Samkiel is sizzling and does not let up. Great beginning to a new series.
March 5, 2016
Lots of action and sex/sexy situations (slight spoilers)
This book would be great for those who like uncomplicated action, sword fights, gore, lopping off heads, magic battles and a (sort of) romance with a lot of references to, and descriptions of, sex and sex organs (a.k.a. "pink bits" and the like.)
For me, the h Caith was underdeveloped. She is the the typical tough-talking badass (she reminds the reader of her badassedness in case we forget ) with a heart of gold. Caith has a ridiculously complicated backstory involving a host of relatives and friends we're abruptly introduced to and expected to remember who they are and what they're about. It was so confusing it almost felt like this wasn't the first book in the series.
I personally didn't care for the language, and I'm not talking about expletives (which there are plenty of, if that sort of thing bothers you). In this world, angels are "gels," demons are "dems," and other supernatural beings on Earth are "tweens." Heaven is referred to as "On High." And every male is consumed with desire for Caith's body, staring helplessly at either her boobs or her butt :(which she refers to as a "bangin' a$$"). Even the ones who hate her want to do her. No explanation why that is.
Caith also says "gah" a lot, along with other slang terms that seem dated (the author herself uses the word "awesomesauce," which was a popular saying for about 5 minutes a couple of years ago). That needs updating.
Overall the book felt disjointed, choppy and lacking in character development. It starts off with a bang and continues on non-stop, which never gives us a minute to learn about Caith, let alone care what happens to her. Particularly annoying to me was the author's way of bringing in an element without describing it first. As I'm reading, I'm trying to picture what's happening and I can't do that if whatever is going on is described several paragraphs later. SMALL SPOILER: (For instance, she goes to the river to visit a friend. He comes out of the water, he's large, even for his kind, he has a tail, is happy to see her and she talks to him. Is he a merman? Water sprite? She waits until the next page to reveal he's an alligator or crocodile, I forget which.)
Speaking of paranormal creatures, pretty much every possible species is either in the story or mentioned. Witches, vampires, werewolves, demons, angels, zombies, fairies, pixies, brownies, reapers, chimera and a couple of made-up beings. It's just too much detail that details the storyline.
The romance, and I hesitate to call it that, is as inexplicable as it is instantaneous. Why does the h like her? There's a pretty big detail the H leaves out while lusting after the h and making out with her, despite their immediate mortal danger, that I found both unbelievable and unforgivable that he didn't tell her upfront. That made me dislike him.
The whole story just never came together for me, and the constant use of the word "gel" (as in "What at you doing with this gel?" "You're a gel." "Gels are like that.") made me think of hair product first, angel a far second.
I would say this would appeal to younger readers, except for the rather raunchy sex scenes.
Can't recommend, won't be continung with the series.
This book would be great for those who like uncomplicated action, sword fights, gore, lopping off heads, magic battles and a (sort of) romance with a lot of references to, and descriptions of, sex and sex organs (a.k.a. "pink bits" and the like.)
For me, the h Caith was underdeveloped. She is the the typical tough-talking badass (she reminds the reader of her badassedness in case we forget ) with a heart of gold. Caith has a ridiculously complicated backstory involving a host of relatives and friends we're abruptly introduced to and expected to remember who they are and what they're about. It was so confusing it almost felt like this wasn't the first book in the series.
I personally didn't care for the language, and I'm not talking about expletives (which there are plenty of, if that sort of thing bothers you). In this world, angels are "gels," demons are "dems," and other supernatural beings on Earth are "tweens." Heaven is referred to as "On High." And every male is consumed with desire for Caith's body, staring helplessly at either her boobs or her butt :(which she refers to as a "bangin' a$$"). Even the ones who hate her want to do her. No explanation why that is.
Caith also says "gah" a lot, along with other slang terms that seem dated (the author herself uses the word "awesomesauce," which was a popular saying for about 5 minutes a couple of years ago). That needs updating.
Overall the book felt disjointed, choppy and lacking in character development. It starts off with a bang and continues on non-stop, which never gives us a minute to learn about Caith, let alone care what happens to her. Particularly annoying to me was the author's way of bringing in an element without describing it first. As I'm reading, I'm trying to picture what's happening and I can't do that if whatever is going on is described several paragraphs later. SMALL SPOILER: (For instance, she goes to the river to visit a friend. He comes out of the water, he's large, even for his kind, he has a tail, is happy to see her and she talks to him. Is he a merman? Water sprite? She waits until the next page to reveal he's an alligator or crocodile, I forget which.)
Speaking of paranormal creatures, pretty much every possible species is either in the story or mentioned. Witches, vampires, werewolves, demons, angels, zombies, fairies, pixies, brownies, reapers, chimera and a couple of made-up beings. It's just too much detail that details the storyline.
The romance, and I hesitate to call it that, is as inexplicable as it is instantaneous. Why does the h like her? There's a pretty big detail the H leaves out while lusting after the h and making out with her, despite their immediate mortal danger, that I found both unbelievable and unforgivable that he didn't tell her upfront. That made me dislike him.
The whole story just never came together for me, and the constant use of the word "gel" (as in "What at you doing with this gel?" "You're a gel." "Gels are like that.") made me think of hair product first, angel a far second.
I would say this would appeal to younger readers, except for the rather raunchy sex scenes.
Can't recommend, won't be continung with the series.
June 5, 2017
Rating to come.
I'm feeling angry and hurt and that ending equally sucked and was a non ending too. No answers ugh! Wtf!
_______________________
Ok so when I first read the synopsis of this book I totally thought it was going to be an epic Urban Fantasy. Instead it's a mushy revolves around the relationship PNR, which don't get me wrong can be good, but not in this particular book or series. Instead Caith gets into a relationship with Sam, an almost fallen angel (or gel as they are called), almost immediately into the book. I didn't like the insta-lust/love. I wanted explanations.
The background characters and the 5 fathers are actually pretty funny, I enjoyed them a lot. However the villain is quite easy to figure out from the beginning and I'm kind of wondering how she didn't notice right before. But this whole plot is actually a side plot instead of the main plot. The main plot is Caith and Sam's relationship if you can even call it that.
The shit goes down and everything changes, we find out the villain and dispatch them, and then life goes on with no real hint at the overall Sam Caith plot being resolved. And it's not, and it's seriously weird, and I do want to know whats going on or going to happen next. I just don't like how we didn't tie everything up.
I'm feeling angry and hurt and that ending equally sucked and was a non ending too. No answers ugh! Wtf!
_______________________
Ok so when I first read the synopsis of this book I totally thought it was going to be an epic Urban Fantasy. Instead it's a mushy revolves around the relationship PNR, which don't get me wrong can be good, but not in this particular book or series. Instead Caith gets into a relationship with Sam, an almost fallen angel (or gel as they are called), almost immediately into the book. I didn't like the insta-lust/love. I wanted explanations.
The background characters and the 5 fathers are actually pretty funny, I enjoyed them a lot. However the villain is quite easy to figure out from the beginning and I'm kind of wondering how she didn't notice right before. But this whole plot is actually a side plot instead of the main plot. The main plot is Caith and Sam's relationship if you can even call it that.
The shit goes down and everything changes, we find out the villain and dispatch them, and then life goes on with no real hint at the overall Sam Caith plot being resolved. And it's not, and it's seriously weird, and I do want to know whats going on or going to happen next. I just don't like how we didn't tie everything up.
ditched
June 1, 2017DNF @ 58%
I just couldn't anymore. there is no plot, or at least I havent found one yet.
The whole book seems to be about her wanting to jump his bones, her wolf whining mate mate, him being all coy and not wanting to give up heaven ( on high ). The 5 or whatever fathers acting all uber over protective. This could have been a good story, but it started bad with all the acronymns .. Dems and Gels.. seriously, I first thought she was on about girls and used it like slang, and then when it became clear it was just plain irritating.
I just couldn't anymore. there is no plot, or at least I havent found one yet.
The whole book seems to be about her wanting to jump his bones, her wolf whining mate mate, him being all coy and not wanting to give up heaven ( on high ). The 5 or whatever fathers acting all uber over protective. This could have been a good story, but it started bad with all the acronymns .. Dems and Gels.. seriously, I first thought she was on about girls and used it like slang, and then when it became clear it was just plain irritating.
May 4, 2016
I wasn't really feeling Caith until about half way through the book, then it got interesting.
Sam was adorable until the end, so we need the sequel to find out what happens next.
Hint, hint CK!!
Sam was adorable until the end, so we need the sequel to find out what happens next.
Hint, hint CK!!
October 22, 2016
Over all I enjoyed this story! Good beginning, lots of action that kept my attention! But then it slowed down with relationship building between Caith and Sam, an angel. Made me wonder what happened to the story? Luckily, it picked up again.
October 26, 2016
I haven't read a UF book that drew me in so quickly in a long time. Love Caith!
January 14, 2024
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I change my mind on a series, so want to change my scoring by more than 0.50 of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
DNF -- I quit at page 35.
It started out well, though the needless shortening of demon to dem and angel to gel, was so unnecessary. Then the 'love interest' turned up and it just got annoying.
I prefer my urban fantasy to be more about that, than lusting for the hot male MC / then mutual lusting only 35 pages in. If you want that to be the main focus, just be honest and label it a romance. Some of my favourite UF is sold as under the romance genre but even those books don't do the single, let alone mutual lust so early in the book!
I picked the book out to read from my TBR because I wanted to read an urban fantasy. If I wanted a 'lust from first meeting' I'd have chosen to read that sort of romance!
For me it felt like a bait and switch.
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: No
Would you recommend?: No
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
DNF -- I quit at page 35.
It started out well, though the needless shortening of demon to dem and angel to gel, was so unnecessary. Then the 'love interest' turned up and it just got annoying.
I prefer my urban fantasy to be more about that, than lusting for the hot male MC / then mutual lusting only 35 pages in. If you want that to be the main focus, just be honest and label it a romance. Some of my favourite UF is sold as under the romance genre but even those books don't do the single, let alone mutual lust so early in the book!
I picked the book out to read from my TBR because I wanted to read an urban fantasy. If I wanted a 'lust from first meeting' I'd have chosen to read that sort of romance!
For me it felt like a bait and switch.
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: No
Would you recommend?: No
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
May 21, 2019
Caith is so annoying, i'm considering quitting the book at every chapter. She starts off as a hardcore, badass, cold bitch... ok, not really cold but with very selective empathy... She's 600 years old and still bitter over a previous heart break. But, then she acts like a human teenager. Anyway, it's instantaneous lust with the angel and she resists it for fear of being hurt... Then, just as quickly, it is insta_love; the instant the Angel refuses to have sex with her (for valuable reasons), she decides she wants to mate him after all, on the spot. It's so immature. In response, she pressures him with the silence_treatement and ultimatums; it s all now or nothing. And when finally, he complies to the mating, only then does she act concerned by the cost to his soul. She displays great amout of power only for show, but when it counts she s suddenly weak or too slow to react... The author should decide what kind of evil/good she is and on what scale of power. Because at the start she doesn t care much for the brownies but by the end, it's something else.
Ps: The Angel cheats her into thinking they are mated, and yet, once he returns, she doesn't display the righteous anger and keeps calling him her mate. She has no pride for a demon princess. She never suestions why he suddenly appeared in her life. Nor his obvious connection to the humans tracking her. He practically brought her to them or their first date.
All her ex_es hate her and are deeply sexist. Ok, the one ex who shows respect , the vampire that gives her a warning at her bar? she dissmisses and for no reason she informs him that she s mated and shows him the supposedly mating mark... hahaha.. the equivalent of the engagement ring syndrom.
Ps: The Angel cheats her into thinking they are mated, and yet, once he returns, she doesn't display the righteous anger and keeps calling him her mate. She has no pride for a demon princess. She never suestions why he suddenly appeared in her life. Nor his obvious connection to the humans tracking her. He practically brought her to them or their first date.
All her ex_es hate her and are deeply sexist. Ok, the one ex who shows respect , the vampire that gives her a warning at her bar? she dissmisses and for no reason she informs him that she s mated and shows him the supposedly mating mark... hahaha.. the equivalent of the engagement ring syndrom.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2024
That inner childish monolog killed it
Im currently only 74% complete with this book. I plan to finish it, but i wanted to express my take on the book and its characters.
Overall, the story is okay. Caith is a bit annoying, and so is her background story. The dads are cute, but the constant reminders of how she came to be (and how she came to be) are odd and just... they're just odd. I actually cried about Georges. The author is skilled at relaying emotions, and that scene was very sad. I can tell there is going to be a cliffhanger, and I already know I won't like it. There are only 86 pages left in the book (I'm currently on pg. 300), and not much has happened yet. This means a crapton of stuff will be steamrolled onto the ending of a near 400-page book. A book where the childish angst and immature inner monolog made me wish for the ability to bring Caith to life solely for me to slap and then tit punch her. I've already read the description for book two, so I know a lot is riding on these last pages. While I'm soooo tempted to quit reading. I'm commenting to at least finish this last bit. I'm not sure I could stand to read books 2-4, though. I'm not really that into torturing my mind.
Im currently only 74% complete with this book. I plan to finish it, but i wanted to express my take on the book and its characters.
Overall, the story is okay. Caith is a bit annoying, and so is her background story. The dads are cute, but the constant reminders of how she came to be (and how she came to be) are odd and just... they're just odd. I actually cried about Georges. The author is skilled at relaying emotions, and that scene was very sad. I can tell there is going to be a cliffhanger, and I already know I won't like it. There are only 86 pages left in the book (I'm currently on pg. 300), and not much has happened yet. This means a crapton of stuff will be steamrolled onto the ending of a near 400-page book. A book where the childish angst and immature inner monolog made me wish for the ability to bring Caith to life solely for me to slap and then tit punch her. I've already read the description for book two, so I know a lot is riding on these last pages. While I'm soooo tempted to quit reading. I'm commenting to at least finish this last bit. I'm not sure I could stand to read books 2-4, though. I'm not really that into torturing my mind.
February 6, 2017
Review: This is the first book in the Caith Morningstar series and I really enjoyed it. Caith is basically the princess of hell since Lucifer is her "Uncle Luc" and she's half demon... The fun part, which is typical in a CK book is that her father is a blend of five dads that donated the "good" and raised her. Her Papas include an alpha werewolf, father earth, warrior, pixie king and a unicorn. All of which are very protective and often present including Uncle Luc. Orlando is her home and most of the patrons that frequent her bar are known as tweens, dems (demons) and gels (angels), and she is also the ultimate butt kicker in town. Her love interest is a semi fallen gel who helps her fight off a zombie and vampire attack and her wolf is convinced is their mate. Lots of good action and a nice blend of smexy moments. It had the typical CK humor and violence along with some emotional moments that equaled a good read and I will definitely continue with this series...
October 15, 2016
I wanted to like this book. It has so much of what makes urban fantasy great—a strong female protagonist; tightly written prose; creative use of profanity; and of course a plethora of angels, demons, werewolves, trolls and brownies, all of which serve to advance the plot in a milieu of supernatural activity.
And yet this book disappointed me a little. Don’t get me wrong: this wasn’t a bad read, and I have certainly seen worse. (As a writer I know what the slush pile looks like.) But nor was it the sum of its parts, so to speak—and despite all of its strengths, I simply could not ignore the glaring faults.
But before I go onto that, allow me to begin on a positive note.
Characterisation & Writing Style: The Good Bits
First off, let’s start with Caith—the protagonist and narrator. She is... quite a piece of work. Her mother is Satan’s sister; he fathers (yes, with a plural) are 1. the lord of the earth 2. a pixie king 3. a Crusader 4. a unicorn and 5. the head werewolf of North America.
That’s quite a list. In fact, I would even go as far as to say that Celia Kyle has gone overboard—Caith’s character resembles not so much an organic person as a smorgasbord of fantasy ideas strung together. At least sometimes.
That said, I like her. She’s strong, and bitchy, and has a great sense of (violent) humour. And of course she kicks ass. Her werewolf and demonic natures are clearly at the forefront—hellfire and claws are her preferred weapons of destruction—though her other natures occasionally chime in as well. A thelac demon she might disable with her unicorn powers, or Father Earth might lend her some mojo to deal with a nymph.
Several other characters are interesting as well. Jezebeth, her best friend, is a witch—and a fun witch at that. Her mother, Momma R, is like the witch from Hansel & Gretel—only a great deal more nuanced and entertaining at the same time.
And of course, there’s a romantic interest involved: Sam, Caith’s angelic lover. He’s very hot. (Aren’t they all?) He’s fierce, and loving, and I like him well enough.
Kyle’s characterisation is combined with a distinct writing style as well. Profanity, slang, and parataxis are used extensively. Although this does make the 600 year old main character resemble a teenager at times, it is largely successful in engaging the reader.
Characterisation & Writing Style: The Bad Bits
Despite all that I like about Kyle’s characters, there are also flaws that I simply cannot ignore.
First off, there’s Caith’s relationship with Sam. The sex is good—but that’s about it. They lack any serious emotional connection. For no other reason, I would say, than that we simply don’t know that much about Sam. What does he love; what does he hate? What motivates him? Why is he at odds with heaven? Heck, I don’t even know what he likes to do on a Friday night.
On top of that, there’s the fact that they don’t get all that much meaningful character interaction. With the exception of a rather weak scene at a karaoke bar, the duo are too busy killing vamps and zombies to actually talk with each other.
When important plot points come up—about Sam’s possible Fallen status and Caith’s mate relationship with him—they lack oomph, because I simply don’t care much about their relationship.
In fact, shallowness is a problem that pervades other aspects of the book. Some of the characters simply aren’t very convincing. Some of the scenes are just weak—for example, when .
As for the writing style, some of Kyle’s literary creations are just ridiculous instead of amusing. The writing style can also be exhausting; a case of too many one word sentences and single line paragraphs.
Plot: the Good and the Bad
One thing is for sure: Celia Kyle knows how to keep the reader’s interest. Hell’s Chapel is simply bursting with action. Caith regularly kicks ass—be it zombie, vamp, troll, or demon. Something is always in store to surprise you. Be it a sudden vampire attack, an unexpected zombie invasion, or a rowdy bar fight—anything can happen.
Of course there are problems. One simple problem is that there’s actually too much going on sometimes: you don’t have time to breathe, and neither do the characters. They’re too busy fighting each other to allow for more extensive character development or tension buildup.
Another problem is that the plot is sometimes used to conceal vacuity. (And trust me: that’s always a bad sign.) Why, for example, is Sam’s relationship with On High—to employ the lexicon—so troubled? Kyle gives us some explanation, but it doesn’t feel adequate or convincing.
And then there’s the sex. Caith is constantly thinking about it—be it with Sam, her exes, or anyone who tickles her ahem fancy. But with so many descriptions of hard cocks, wet pussies and fucking—well, let’s just say that it’s a bit overdone. It doesn’t exactly inspire deep character building.
Conclusion
As I say: Hell’s Chapel is a bit disappointing. It often reads like a formula book instead of an original work. And on some level it is a formula book—obviously—and there’s nothing wrong with that, per se. Formula writing can be great, if done right.
The trouble is, Celia Kyle doesn’t always do it right.
That said, it is still a tremendously entertaining book. I am reading the sequel. Whether or not you will find it worth your time is up to you, of course; but personally I did enjoy the book, despite its substantial flaws.
Rating: 3.5/5
December 11, 2019
I really didn't like this, and previously I've enjoyed Celia Kyle's books, even though it had the same premises as a lot of the books I love.
The heroine was supposed to be kick-ass, but she way over the top, too whiny and not very sympathetic. And I really disliked the discrepancy between how she was supposed to be the the biggest and baddest, but still got her butt kicked by pretty much everyone around her, it really ruined any credibility. And I think she might have a couple of personality disorders as well.
As for the story, it was a mess. And the emotional roller-coaster was so bumpy and twisted that as a reader you never got the chance to tag along.
The editing grew steadily worse, with lots of missing words and strange scene jumps.
I think overall it just lacked consistency.
The heroine was supposed to be kick-ass, but she way over the top, too whiny and not very sympathetic. And I really disliked the discrepancy between how she was supposed to be the the biggest and baddest, but still got her butt kicked by pretty much everyone around her, it really ruined any credibility. And I think she might have a couple of personality disorders as well.
As for the story, it was a mess. And the emotional roller-coaster was so bumpy and twisted that as a reader you never got the chance to tag along.
The editing grew steadily worse, with lots of missing words and strange scene jumps.
I think overall it just lacked consistency.
June 18, 2022
⭐️
I had such high hopes for this book. The first chapter was enough to convince me to buy it (I have kindle unlimited and normally stay away from books that are not on KU). Everything went down hill after the first couple of chapters.
Caith seemed to be a pretty kick butt character but she really turned out to be whiney and lackluster. Several times she mentioned how bad and strong she was just to turn around and have her actions contradict that. There where also several times things got repeated over and over that it became super annoying. The biggest complaint of all I have is Sam. He is a boring, one dimensional character that is so very unlikable.
This is not a series I will continue to read.
I had such high hopes for this book. The first chapter was enough to convince me to buy it (I have kindle unlimited and normally stay away from books that are not on KU). Everything went down hill after the first couple of chapters.
Caith seemed to be a pretty kick butt character but she really turned out to be whiney and lackluster. Several times she mentioned how bad and strong she was just to turn around and have her actions contradict that. There where also several times things got repeated over and over that it became super annoying. The biggest complaint of all I have is Sam. He is a boring, one dimensional character that is so very unlikable.
This is not a series I will continue to read.
July 10, 2017
I thought this was fun, once I got over the goofy nicknames for types in the 'tween - gel for angel, dem for demon, etc. However, it's far more focused on the insta-love relationship between Caith and Sam than anything else. At least there's fair warning that the relationship is going to take a few books since it's complicated.
Ok, after a couple of days to think about it, I don't think it was ever made clear what Sam was doing in the area to begin with. Irritating.
Ok, after a couple of days to think about it, I don't think it was ever made clear what Sam was doing in the area to begin with. Irritating.
November 29, 2017
Unique world, unable to put down.
Most of my decisions on whether or not to read a book come from the blurb. The blurb for this one grabbed me and hung on.
Caithness is like most of us, part of our mom and part of our dad. However, Caith has more than 1 dad. Lucifer is her Uncle, and there are lots of people(?) wanting to kill her. In the hometown of Mickey Mouse.
I started this book when I needed to be distracted from pain. I lost myself in the story, and was surprised when I finished it. It is not a typical paranormal romance, but different was good. Very good.
Read this book if you are ready for a twist in the paranormal world. You won't be disappointed.
Most of my decisions on whether or not to read a book come from the blurb. The blurb for this one grabbed me and hung on.
Caithness is like most of us, part of our mom and part of our dad. However, Caith has more than 1 dad. Lucifer is her Uncle, and there are lots of people(?) wanting to kill her. In the hometown of Mickey Mouse.
I started this book when I needed to be distracted from pain. I lost myself in the story, and was surprised when I finished it. It is not a typical paranormal romance, but different was good. Very good.
Read this book if you are ready for a twist in the paranormal world. You won't be disappointed.
November 25, 2019
4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this. Loved the heroin’s snark and strength, and that she also had moments of weakness and tenderness. The relationship between her and the angel went from 0 to 80 instantly and felt a bit off to me, but once I got over how quickly they fell for each other, I rather liked their relationship. They understood each other pretty well and made compromises so that her hell side and his heaven side could coexist. The villains felt a bit forced, but I still liked the emotional upheaval that they brought to the ending. The relationship cliffhanger is a bit tough though. That shit better get resolved soon or I’m not gonna make to book 3.
August 10, 2017
I am sure this book had potential, but I barely made it to chapter four. All the nick names and just general writing was aggravating. I really did try, but again this is is another female lead that has all this power and skill, yet seems so immature to me. This book has great reviews, I just don't understand how. It is quite possible I am in just a book slump, but this book sure did not pull me out of it.
July 29, 2017
I have enjoyed this book and the others in the series and cannot wait for the 5th book in the sries. My biggest beef (hence only 4 stars) is the editing. There are a few grammatical errors and punctuation/typos which I find irritating. I do love the main Caith and her badass ways, it seems if there's trouble she will fins it.Great read that held my interest.
July 8, 2017
Excellent book
Once I started I could not stop until the end. Caith is kicka** and toot awesome. I immediately bought the next two books. Action, angst, passion it is all this and more. You really cannot go wrong with a Celia Kyle creation.
Once I started I could not stop until the end. Caith is kicka** and toot awesome. I immediately bought the next two books. Action, angst, passion it is all this and more. You really cannot go wrong with a Celia Kyle creation.
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