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Shades Below #2

The Devil's Disease

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Librarian's Note: This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN B01DN4DZKQ

The city by the Bay is about to get bloody...

Psychic medium Lena Alan always sticks to what she knows, and what she knows are dead people. When her brother Cyrus agrees to look into a troubling incident for local vampire Seneca Lynch, Lena finds herself in unfamiliar territory.

One thing is clear: she needs a detective, and there's only one she trusts.

Private investigator Jesper MacMillian is ready to get back to business. Between his duties as leader of the city's Romani community and the stack of unfinished paperwork on his desk, he doesn't have time to think about ghosts, witches, or Lena Alan. After nearly a month of no contact, he's starting to think she's forgotten about him...until she waltzes through his office door and hands him a new case.

Still reeling from his last encounter with the subversive world, MacMillian is tempted to turn it down. But this is Lena, and he can't bring himself to tell her no. He soon finds himself drawn even deeper into the shadows, into a part of the demimonde where folklore is real and nightmares are born.

This time, there are more than just ghosts walking the streets of San Francisco.

There are monsters, too.

417 pages, ebook

First published March 30, 2016

7 people are currently reading
30 people want to read

About the author

L.J.K. Oliva

15 books17 followers
L.J.K. Oliva chases ghosts and writes urban fantasy in the ShadowVerse. She loves a good love story, and has a soft spot for magic.

When not poking the thing that lives in her closet, she enjoys exploring the shadows of the San Francisco Bay Area and searching for faeries in the creek near her house. She hasn’t found any yet, but thinks that’s because they’re better at hiding than she is at searching. She’s still waiting for one to slip up.

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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Profile Image for Lakshmi C.
346 reviews107 followers
August 28, 2016
Why The Devil's Disease deserves 5 stars and more :

1 Lena and Macmillan are working together again. They have a rare connection and have found someone to lean on. They understand each other completely- offering support, affection and loyalty at all times. They share their deepest fears and needs without any explanations or judgements. Even if they choose to be silent, not share something, there is no impatience or attack of questions. We also see Lena and Jes struggle with the expectations of those around them and how they work through it

2 Lena started dating Mark in the first book, all I could do was shake my head and think this is so wrong. Lena and Macmillan grew closer to each other in this story and I hope they take a chance on each other. They share a precious bond and don't want to upset it or put it any danger, but I would love to see them together soon.

3 We have always read about vampires biting their prey, their donors or partners while feeding. Is there any other way vampires can feed? Read this book for a new twist on vampire mythology which gives it a dark and fascinating perspective.

4 Senecha Lynch. a wicked vampire who will do whatever it takes to do his mysterious job right. He develops a reluctant friendship with Macmillan and their interactions made me hope that we see more of Senecha Lynch in the next book.

5 Demons. Lena is struggling with shadows after the necromancer spell and she is working hard to create a normal façade but how long will it last? Macmillan has a prosthetic leg, the author explores not only the lingering physical trauma, but the emotional trauma that he has to go through without making it sound too sentimental.

6 The story was written brilliantly and had a lot of twists and turns. It underlined how people change with each experience, decision and relationship and how it can change our perspectives and firm beliefs.

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Erin.
705 reviews
May 12, 2018
In a nod to the ethnic diversity of San Francisco, it was very satisfying to see Latino vampires, and sexually fluid vampires as well. And I feel like a tip of the hat is warranted for adding a new take to vampire culture that really makes sense (with all the vampire books out there it is hard to add something good that is new). Lynch is a good new character whom I am happy to welcome in to the "Shades Below" family. It's also interesting to meet more of Lana's family I feline there is a lot more to learn about her brother Cypres.

After "Season of the Witch" did an amazing job with the relationship with the Georgia and Darius, I wanted something like that for Jesper & Lana, but get that their relationship is different -- this critique is more of as a grumpy fan who wants what I want & not necessarily what is true for the characters. Lana is Jesper's first real friend in the 5 years since his accident & she is dealing with the shadow things that live in her plus the murder/mystery-of-the-book to deal with. While the mystery is solidly handled, didn't feel like Lana & Jesper got to really talk.
Profile Image for Tatiana.
Author 26 books37 followers
August 22, 2024
Yowza this book KiCkED OFF! At first I was like, “oh it’s so nice to read a book about vampires that isn’t super dark”…oh it gets dark! I nearly had a nervous breakdown. At first I was like, “sigh all this personal life turmoil is too much of soap opera”…and by the end I was like, “aaah holy shit! I’m buying the next book ASAP!”

I loved how the book went even more in depth explaining how one of the MCs prosthetic leg worked and how various activities pose various challenges.
Profile Image for Lesley Hewitt.
832 reviews6 followers
October 27, 2019
Really good

A virus is affecting the Vampires making them lose control and go into blood lust. Lena and Jasper have help from Lynch, a vampire, and Stella a slayer. I enjoyed reading it.

Profile Image for RyooT.
48 reviews9 followers
April 8, 2016
Let me begin by saying that I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review. And I must admit that I was struggling to put into words how amazing and multi-layered I think this book is without giving too much away.

Barely a month after the end of their previous case, Lena Alan and Jesper MacMillian team up again to investigate a case of savage slaughter at a San Francisco nightclub catering to what mundanes believe is Goth, Death Metal and a subculture of wannabe-vampires and their followers. But in Lena’s world always and in MacMillian’s world lately, too, things really are what they seem. The club is owned and run by Vampires though they prefer to call themselves Sons of Lazarus or even Sangretarians.

Driving force behind the investigation is the enforcer of San Francisco’s Sons’ community, Seneca Lynch. His role it is to keep his fellow Sons in line so that they don’t attract undue attention, but when the rampaging vampire responsible for the massacre, who should by nature be impervious to any kind of disease, turns out to be infected with some kind of pathogen that makes him lose his mind, time is of the essence to prevent further bloodshed.

What follows is a thrilling story with interesting twists and turns that reveals a new aspect of the SF demimonde. With the returning cast of characters of Lena, MacMillian and Police Detective Mark Durbin and awesome new additions like Seneca Lynch and Stella Ruiz, Laura Oliva takes the reader into the dark underbelly of society, but the exploration of hidden depth is not limited to that. Likewise, the deepening characterizations of the protagonists confronts us with role reversals at every turn. Lena who feels out of her league while MacMillian develops a sense of comfort and belonging; vampires’ loyalty and kindness set against mundane society’s superficiality and callousness.

I really liked that apart from the main story the individual character development is solid and intriguing. Lena literally battles her own daemons as the storyline of the Shadow that began in the first book continues to be developed, as well as her unresolved feelings for both MacMillian and Durbin. Similarly we learn a lot more about what makes MacMillian tick, particularly through his interactions with Seneca Lynch. Lynch is a complex and multi-faceted character, too. I really hope to see him again in future stories. Despite of all the distractions or maybe even because of them, MacMillian and Lena are more and more drawn to each other and I am looking forward to finding out how their personal relationship will develop going forward.

At a time when vampire stories seem to be ‘à la mode’, Laura Oliva delivers a thrilling book describing a dark world infused with pervasive sexual tension, yet one that at the same time seems all too normal and familiar. It manages to steer clear of clichés and is all the more interesting and engaging for it - it certainly gave me lot’s of blood … err … food for thought.
Profile Image for H.A. Fowler.
Author 6 books34 followers
May 19, 2016
Urban fantasy is arguably one of the most popular genres out there. From its humble beginnings back when Laurel K. Hamilton reigned supreme, it has exploded until it has earned a section all its own in bookstores physical and digital. The upside of that explosion is that there is no dearth of material to read.

The downside of that explosion is that not all those books are worth reading. I lament that so often that I hesitate to buy UF novels unless there are raves among friends and other trusted opinions and reviewers. There’s nothing wrong with that, exactly, but I almost never read outside the box. I mentioned in my previous Bewitching Blog Tours Review, I count on doing reviews to keep my reading horizons broad and varied. Occasionally, it also brings fantastic examples of my own beloved PNR/UF.

THE DEVIL’S DISEASE was like finding treasure in the walls of your house when you’re doing renovations. I literally spent an ENTIRE, UNINTERRUPTED DAY reading it from cover to cover (ebook cover, that is). I haven’t been this pleased about a book since… wow, I don’t even know when, but I bet it was something by one of my mistresses: Anne Rice, Kim Harrison, or Diana Gabaldon.

And I definitely haven’t picked up what equates to a “random” urban fantasy and love love LOVED it in forever. I honestly did not want this book to end.

THE DEVIL’S DISEASE was a terrific specimen of “real” urban fantasy — light on romance (while still giving a dose of bittersweet and steamy feelings), heavy on plot, mythology, and action. There were vampires, of course. It’s rare that UF gets a high rating from me without them. It was creepy, scary, and a little bit gory. A lot of today’s UF barely taps the horror genre which should be a strong thread in its plots (imo). There was a solid problem (or two… or three) that had to be solved, and, well, I won’t tell you if one or all of them were solved. If any. This is the second of the book in the series, and there are bits and pieces throughout that are clearly lingering from that story (which I haven’t read… YET) but just the way they are written, it’s fairly easy to follow along and say, “Ah. I get it.” The end of the book sets up future events that I can’t wait for either.

I loved the characters — Lena, Jesper, and their supporting cast are all a joy to watch, with well-written, individual voices. My favorite thing about a good urban fantasy is a rich mythology, and this book has it in spades. I want my vampire with his werewolf girlfriend (or enemy), walking down the street, elves, ghosts, fae, angels, demons, witches, you name it all around them. This book wasn’t quite that crowded, but it was satisfying to see at least a few of my favorite species. Maybe best of all, I did NOT see the whodunnit coming in any way, shape, or form. That’s a good story.

I’m so happy I signed up for this tour. I give THE DEVIL’S DISEASE a rare and hearty FIVE STARS.
Profile Image for Karen Voitik.
3,219 reviews
April 2, 2016
>Book Review - The Devil's Disease -

>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the second in the Shades Below series and ends in a cliffhanger. Detective MacMillian and psychic Lena are back working together. The attraction between them hasn't dimmed, yet Lena is dating a cop. More characters are introduced. We meet Lena's wayward sister, Grace. Grace comes to work in the Lena's tea shop suddenly acting like a respectable grown up. Vampire Seneca Lynch and his protege Asher are seriously good bad guys.

>This book has a lot of twists and turns in the story. Whom to trust along with a killer vampire disease and a dark possession take the story in all sorts of directions. There is a lot of erotic imagery in this story. The most surprising turn of events is that which binds Lynch and MacMillian in their bid to save Lena. The scenes with Jes and Lena are so sweet. Their relationship is not cemented in this story, but I hope they get together soon. Jes understands Lena. He knows she is not a medium by choice, but by birth. He wants to help her deal with the Shade, not run from it. He is the most selfless character I have ever encountered in fiction. I so want him to have his HEA.

>The writing in this book is as flawless as in book one, proving that this author is no fluke. The plot lines twist and turn, eventually coming together in a satisfying ending, even with a cliffhanger. The only negative I have with this book is with the cover. I feel it is too violent and will turn people off from a great story.

>This book is appropriate for an adult audience due to violence, sexual images and homoeroticism. I am giving this book 5 stars. I can't wait for more!
Profile Image for Marinda.
379 reviews7 followers
May 9, 2016
I am so hooked on this series!! If you haven't read book 1 stop right now and grab it, you'll love it and then this book will make more sense. Don't get me wrong you can read this as a stand alone but if you don't read book 1 you might not understand some of the history and emotions the author brings to the characters. Now on to my take on this amazing series.
When vampires start getting sick,and mind you I never knew they could get sick, the Constable of the San Francisco vampires and a vamp hisself, Seneca Lynch, asks Cyrus and Lena for help. Naturally they agree to help him so they ask PI Jesper MacMillian for assistance.
What follows is an interesting look into the world of vampires. We're introduced to several new characters including Stella, the Slayer and Grace, Lena and Cyrus' little sister. I really enjoyed the interaction between Jesper and Lynch, especially when Lena is in some real trouble and what they decide to do to try and save her.
A great fast paced can't put down read that had me hooked from page one and dissapointed that it had to end. I really enjoy a book that makes you feel like you're seeing the action not just reading a book and this one does that in spades. I love feeling a connection with the characters and caring about what happens to them and I care a lot about these characters. This book shows the author cares about making the story more than just a book and I really hope this series gets made into movies it's that good!
Independent reviewer for Romance Authors That Rock.
Profile Image for Ramona Plant.
752 reviews23 followers
April 25, 2016
I am so happy that Laura continues this series with yet another fantastic book. The plot is imaginative and moves along a great pace, not too slow nor is it too fast so you would feel rushed, important in my book. There are some neat twists hidden that are well developed.

Lena is a character I really like, except her one decision I really didn't like nor understand. I am glad that in this one she sees what she needs to see! Definitely taking a step into the right direction, for me at least. Jesper continues to be a great character, one you can't help but like and feel for! He is still trying to find his ways around in this new world that opened up to him. He is strong yet very carring which makes him a really well rounded character.

I will definitely keep reading books from this series since I think it is a blast to read and Laura manages to come up with some real unique plots! I highly recommend this book for fellow lovers of the paranormal.

Just a note, these can be read on their own, but trust me you will want to read the other one as well. I have received this book from the author for an honest review.
Profile Image for Recipe Fairy.
105 reviews32 followers
April 25, 2016
My favorite characters are back! I fell completely in love with MacMillian and Lena in the first book and raced to pick up this second book in the series! The simmering attraction between them continues but never truly solidifies completely in this book. With a completely unique storyline, vivid imagery and tons of new twists and action, I was once again eagerly hanging onto every word and racing through this amazing second book in the series! Once again, this book flows so smoothly, it's like a movie playing out and the writing is absolutely, perfectly flawless! I loved the slightly erotic element the vampires brought into this book. Once again, you're left with quite a cliffhanger and I'm about to claw up the wall waiting for the third book in this series! This series seriously needs to be picked up and made into a movie! The storyline and the characters are too amazing and need to be brought to life on the big screen!
Profile Image for Shaunta.
195 reviews6 followers
May 16, 2016
Book two in the Shades series. Lena and Jesper are once again paired up to solve a crime in their city. This book captures you almost from the start and you don't realize its done until your finished. The author introduces new species of paranormal creatures in book two that throw Jesper and Lena into a tailspin and bring out inner feelings that they both have been hiding. I really enjoyed this books ability to keep you guessing and on your toes with the mystery. The author once again managed to blend a very well supernatural mystery that wasn't overly drawn out with a love story or to much gore. Based on content this book is for an audience of 18+. I am a reviewer for Romance Authors That Rock and am giving this book 5 Hearts.
Profile Image for Barbara Strickland.
Author 7 books54 followers
May 3, 2016
What a fantastic mix of plot tension, continuity of previous characters and periphery ones, sexual overtones and frustrations and rich variety of supernatural creatures all revolving around the lives of Lena and Jes. The pace is wonderful, it just keep turning the pages.
My only complaint is that despite the very clever cliffhangers there aren't books out yet in the series. Bring them on so we can get more of the very entertaining, sexy, often blood-thirsty and sad but always enjoyable books from this author.
Profile Image for marvette  wallace.
2 reviews
May 21, 2016
This could be a tv series or movie!

I loved the first book and I have been blown away by the second. What a great series! So happy to have discovered it. Keep the books coming the cliff hangers are so good.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews

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