Angels and Demons Aren’t What You Think
Audiobook Review:
I have listened to or read most of the books in this Space Lords series, and I have enjoyed every one. Sci-fi romance is not my typical jam, but this book—and this series—are why I make exceptions. You never know when you'll find a fantastic series or romance! The Space Lords series takes place in this author's Qurilixen world. Instead of featuring the princes and other nobles of the world, as another series has, this series features a band of self-proclaimed outlaw pirates who are fiercely devoted to each other, doing right (even if while making a little scratch), and the women they meet and to whom they form strong attachments. Each so far has been the consummate swoon-worthy hero, despite the odds they face and personal demons that could keep them from pursuing their ultimate joy.
The hero of this particular book is perhaps the most unlikely of the bunch. The book's cover depicts him as a handsome half-human, half-Bevlin with more than a touch of vulnerability in those human eyes. He has deep wounds, not accepted by his mother's human people and belittled and tortured by his father's Bevlin brethren. Some see his features as being like an old-school Earth demon—though I don't get that vibe from the cover at all—and as neither of his people accepts him, he cannot imagine a woman choosing him.
The heroine is deeply complex. You can understand her own fierce loyalty to her father and crew. We see her struggle as she comes to realize the man her father truly was and comes to grips with who her sister is and what she's done. A deep desire for vengeance forces her into action in pursuit of justice, but she only knows part of the story.
Dev and the heroine share a near-instant attraction, as often happens in romances, but neither pursues anything for a while because of his doubts and her intense need for vengeance. Dev makes an interesting decision to sacrifice himself—not physically—in order to help the woman he's come to care for make better choices. It's great fun to watch the interplay between them as their relationship deepens while facing massive challenges. I like how the author flipped the script on the typical angels and demons theme. While some perceive the two seemingly angelic and demonic races stereotypically, the ones that we meet actually act quite opposite to what you might think!
Despite all the genuine caring and camaraderie between the men—and the “we’ll die for each” vibe—as well as the loving protection and loyalty between the couples, this book has some pretty dark moments, as do all the books in the series. However, the author lightens the mood with one very funny character and some surprising scenes, like the one on the distant world where Dev and the heroine must stop as they regroup and await rescue. The inhabitants of the world certainly surprised Dev—and me! It was both laugh-out-loud funny and sweetly charming.
I listened to the audiobook version, and I really like the narrator. I've now listened to two books by him in this series, and he does a great job distinguishing the voices between so many men and so many women! Rick, our cosmic clown, is particularly voiced well, and I love hearing his character show up whenever the plot allows, and I can hardly wait to get to his story! It’s the only one I’ve not yet read or listened to. I've loved every story in this series. If you enjoy well-written science-fiction romance with an incredible backstory and detailed world-building, as I do, you will probably enjoy this book—and series—as much as I have.
I received a free copy of his audiobook, but that did not affect my review.