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Claire thought her old job as PA to the Devil was the worst ever. Boy, was she wrong. She’s still the Fall Queen, but has been stripped of the druid blood that gave her almost unlimited power. The Big Three—The Boss, Mab, and Harry—won’t let her back into her realm until she’s found a new curator for the Great Museum. The interview process alone makes her long for the good old days as The Boss’s lackey. At least the monotony keeps her distracted from her broken heart, shattered at the bargain she’d had to make—his life spared in exchange for his memory of her.Limping along on limited powers, she has no choice but to accept when the Big Three send her back to Little Purgatory to handle a turf war instigated by a “small problem”. But there are no such things as small problems, not when one wrong move could get Claire killed and bring about the wholesale collapse of the Underworld.And you thought you were having a bad day at work.Note to This is book 3 of this four-book dark fantasy series. The series is best read in order.

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 25, 2015

14 people are currently reading
147 people want to read

About the author

H.D. Smith

14 books439 followers
HD Smith is a software developer by day and an author of kick-ass Urban Fantasy at night. She grew up in South Carolina, but has called the Sunshine State home since 1997. She has a Masters degree in Computer Science, but her love of writing has really unleashed the creative siren in her soul. For more information, visit HD's website at http://www.hdsmithauthor.com/.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Madison Warner Fairbanks.
3,457 reviews496 followers
October 3, 2021
Dark Forsaken by H D Smith
The Devil’s Assistant book 3. Paranormal dark urban fantasy. Should be read in series order.
Claire’s adventures continue while trying to survive Mab, the quads, and her boss as well as those she has made promises or commitments to. Survive one situation to be thrown into another. There is nothing easy about her days but she has a goal and is determined.

Ugh. That poor woman. Tricked, manipulated, and taken advance of, she must survive by her own wits and smarts. I felt underwater and tense for most of the book. I’m glad to know there is only one more book and I really hope she overcomes those that are using her for their own gain. I will continue the series to make sure. Needless to say, more cliffhanger than ending with this book.

🎧 I listened to the audio version version narrated by Lauren Fortgang who does an excellent job with the variations of voices as well as emotions. I varied between 1.4 and 1.2, the latter which was preferred for the performance but the faster for a more conversational pace.
Profile Image for AudioBookReviewer.
949 reviews167 followers
June 1, 2016
My original Dark Forsaken audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.

Dark Forsaken by H.D Smith is the third novel in the Devil’s Assistant series. After the second novel, the story picks up with Claire, the presumptive queen of the fourth realm, having been tasked with a job before she can return to her realm and her people. After the death of the curator of the museum of the four realms, it is her job to meet with every candidate that presents themselves for an interview and to select one to replace the old curator. The rulers of the other three realms are reluctant to have her succeed. In addition to this dull job, the other rulers, Boss, Mab, and Harry, call her in to deal with growing unrest in the underworld, developing supposedly at the hands of her Fallen followers. Together with the Quads, or four half demon siblings that Claire claimed as her followers from the big three with whom she has a mutual dislike and mistrust, she must attempt to resolve this issue. To top it all off, she must find and deal with the other contenders for the Fall throne. If she fails she will either lose her throne or her life.

I loved this novel as much as the first two. It is a fantastic story and the complexity and great characters make it shine. As before, I liked Claire’s attitude toward the magical world. Now, she has to grow into her ruler position and this requires adjusting her behavior and attitude toward the big three, the rulers of the other realms, and the four Quads. She has become more suspicious, also recognizes that she has to also start to trust some people to survive. She is finally is embracing her position in the magical world, but still has a lot to learn. The story picked up well from the last novel and provides a decent amount of backstory to make it not too confusing if the reader hasn’t read the first two in the series. But the plot is complicated and therefore I would really recommend reading the first two books first. There are a lot of bits of information and past relationships that were hard to remember. However, this complexity is what makes the story interesting. This novel was also filled with time jumps that drove the plot forward and made the plot more exciting. Overall, all the characters continue to be complex with their motivations difficult to guess and it is easy to stay invested in the story. I can’t wait for the next novel in the series.

The narration by Lauren Fortgang was fantastic as before. I think she captures all the characters really well. She especially does a great job voicing Claire and really captures the snarky commentary from the different characters. The production quality was good as well. I would recommend this novel to any one like urban fantasy novels with complex interweaving storylines.

Audiobook was provided for review by the author.
Profile Image for Elayne.
382 reviews
June 12, 2016
I'm loving this series, the characters are "dark and challenging" with childish pettiness at times...from the "quads". Love the whole concept, especially when the underdog is gaining more power as time goes on. I'm expecting big things, with some surprises along the way, for Claire.
I'm giving nothing away, but I do recommend this series.
Profile Image for Tiffany Ehrob.
128 reviews6 followers
August 3, 2020
As I continue to read this series it has only gotten better and better with every book. I have enjoyed all the characters throughout the book. I have greatly enjoyed claire and the bad ass that she is. She has come into her own and overcome everything that has been thrown her way. She doesnt let anyone walkover her and she demands respect. She is a heroine I can stand behind. I have enjoyed this series so much so that going into the fourth and final book I have been dragging my heels because i don't want this series to end.
Profile Image for Crystal P.
734 reviews10 followers
August 4, 2020
Loved it! I felt like a change in relationship dynamic was on the horizon and boy did I ever get that delivered in this book. I am beyond curious where HD Smith will take us on the last installment in the series! While she wraps things up, there are so many strands floating around out there that I know she’ll tie in. It is going to get interesting, I think.

I hate Mab.

I adore the narrator!
Author 25 books3,582 followers
March 4, 2016
I read this book in less than a day and really enjoyed the time spent with these characters. There was a lot of development with all of the main characters, especially the quads. I have to say I love what was done with their characters. I like the new plot twists, and we learn some things that I think will have a big impact on future adventures. I can't wait to see where the story goes next.
Profile Image for Kitt.
270 reviews39 followers
Read
September 27, 2017
I didn't rate Dark Forsaken because I didn't get past 25% and that doesn't seem fair as my issue is with the series as a whole instead of this book in particular.

Sometimes I've wondered what I've missed when it seems like I'm the only person who isn't enjoying a series. Well that isn't exactly true, because I was enjoying it, I just didn't enjoy how I will admit I may have missed the answers to a question or two, but really, I've just lost interest at this point.

I don't think this series was for me.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
January 27, 2020
🎁 The complete Devil's Assistant Series (4 book series) is FREE on Amazon today (1/27/2019)! 🎁
Profile Image for Ethan Gregory.
223 reviews8 followers
March 17, 2016
Full review and more available at: http://oneguysguidetogoodreads.blogsp...


*****
My Thoughts:

As many of you who follow my reviews will remember, way back in the summer of 2014, I took a chance on a review request from a new-to-me author and her upcoming paranormal series at the time. I took a chance on an unknown and was absolutely blown away at the results. Dark Hope showed me everything an indie author could give and blew the doors wide open on my thoughts on the conventions of the genre. It's been many months and reads since that first novel and I still hold nearly all paranormal novels I review to the high standards that HD Smith set!

Could Smith still ignite that spark after three novels?

It's been over a year since I was immersed into the very intricate world of HD Smith and The Devil's Assistant. I won't lie, while this series is a favorite of mine, they are not easy to keep on top of. More characters than I could possibly name and settings and plot cycles that mirror a high fantasy series, this series is truly a testament to a writing style such as Smith's. While the casual reader can certainly enjoy this series, it will take a keen eye and devotion to truly follow this story. That being said, I was so thankful that Smith included a glossary and 'recap' of sorts into the beginning of the novel. Without it, I certainly would have been lost. It took a few chapters, but once I dove back in and found myself surrounded by the world Smith created, I couldn't look back. The story came back to me like an old friend and I was ready to tackle Claire's latest adventure.

And what an adventure it was!

I have to say that Dark Forsaken ended up being my favorite in the series thus far! And that's saying a whole lot. The stakes are higher than they've ever been. With Claire, no longer merely the Devil's assistant, now the Queen of the Fourth Realm, it's time for her to take her place among the Big Three. But can Mab, Harry, and The Boss ever truly see Claire for what she really is? With the Quads in their most peculiar predicament yet, only with Claire's help can they ban together and save the Underworld and the future of the realms from truly uncertain fates.

The plot for this one is extremely fast paced, but I do believe it was easier to follow at times than the previous two installments in the series. Everything flowed a little easier and I wasn't left with near as many questions as before. Smith does an incredible job of easing the reader into her world in order to avoid any confusion. One of the greatest things about this series is that Smith doesn't let anything back. She doesn't sell her readers short and gives us a full story that fans can really enjoy with ease. These aren't quick reads by any means either, if you decide to take the plunge, be ready for the time commitment!

My absolute favorite part of Dark Forsaken was the amount of character development that we see. I won't go into too much detail to avoid massive spoilers, but throughout three novels now, Smith has amassed quite a collection of characters for this series. With such a large cast, many haven't received the amount of page-time I would like in the past. Thankfully, Smith really ups the ante in Dark Forsaken and we begin to learn so much more about some of the most intriguing supporting characters in the series, particularly The Quads. The Quads are my absolute favorite characters in this series and I am so glad Smith gave them such an expanded role in this third outing. I will say that I was slightly disappointed by the lack of interaction between Claire and the Big Three in this one, but it definitely was not too big of a let down with the huge cliffhanger Smith left us on! I know book four is going to be absolutely amazing!

As I've mentioned in my reviews for the previous two novels, this is one of the most unique series I have read and reviewed in all my time blogging. It's so original and refreshing. It's becoming increasingly hard to even place this series in a genre classification. It's so much more than a paranormal, it's more than fantasy, it transcends genre classification and literary boundaries in only a way an author as talented as Smith can. Anyone who isn't adding The Devil's Assistant series to their TBR is missing out!

As you guys can clearly see, Dark Forsaken ended up being an absolutely incredible read for me. I couldn't set it down and even days after finishing, I'm still suffering from a massive book-hangover. It was everything I was looking for and then some. Smith has truly outdone herself, setting the stage for greatness as she continues this groundbreaking series. It should come as absolutely no surprise that I am granting Dark Forsaken by HD Smith a near-perfect 5-star review! I highly recommend this series to all readers, regardless of genre preference. It's a thrilling adventure, sure to please all readers. Buckle up, it's a trip across the realms that's one 'Hell' of a ride!

*****
668 reviews2 followers
August 31, 2024
This has been an interesting series. You do need to read the books in order. Each one ends with a cliffhanger. Clare's life has been turned upside down since book one. In each book she seems to be thrown into a life or death situation, but she only knows part of the information that she needs. I'm looking forward to seeing how the series ends.

I listened to the audiobook. I'm enjoying the narrator, Lauren Fortgang.
Profile Image for Linda.
1,128 reviews54 followers
January 10, 2018
An intricate, riveting, fast-paced, action-packed, dark paranormal fantasy adventure!

I was in the arms of my worst enemy, taking comfort from him. Would my life ever be normal?
“Normal is boring,” Mace said.

Dark Forsaken by H.D. Smith is the third brilliant installment in The Devil’s Assistant saga, the author’s dark paranormal urban fantasy series. I loved this segment as much as the first two.

Dark Forsaken picks up where Dark Awakened left off. Claire is now the presumptive queen of the fourth realm. Before she can return to her realm and people, the rulers of the other three realms, Harry, Mab and the Boss, have deemed that she must find a new curator for the museum. Ultimately, they don’t want her to succeed, so every candidate that she presents to them, they find unworthy, making this task a boring, rut-with-no-end job. In addition, the same three are holding her accountable for the growing unrest in the underworld blaming her Fallen followers. Since the four half-demon siblings, otherwise known as the Quads, now number among Claire’s followers, she works with them to resolve the issue. I love that the Quads feature much more in this tale. Finally, she must track and defeat the other contenders for her throne. If she fails, she can lose her throne or her life.
Claire is finally accepting her position in the magical world, while acknowledging to herself that she still has much to learn. But, seemingly insurmountable obstacles remain in her path.

Following please find a few of my favorite quotes from Dark Forsaken:

“I couldn’t just start killing people. That wasn’t really my thing.”
---
“Is that true?” The Boss asked Mace.
Without even batting an eye, Mace said, “Yes.”
“And you agreed?” The Boss questioned.
“Of course. Anything for my queen,” he said, holding his glass up to me in a mock toast.”
---
“I’m calling this place the Tardis,” she said, continuing to scan the different locations. “We’re not calling it the Tardis,” I said. Of course, if she knew what it could really do, I’d never change her mind.
“Why the hell not?” she asked.
“Copyright infringement.”

This tale is phenomenal, but complex. Please don’t attempt to read it out-of-order as you’ll only be disappointed. Almost all of the characters were introduced in the series’ debut and they all play integral parts in the story. Believe me, you won’t regret starting from the beginning and reading this series sequentially.

Lauren Fortgang continues as the fantastic narrator of this series. Her voice is clear and easy to understand. Throughout this series, her characters’ voices have remained realistic and consistent. Her performance reflects the proper emotions and pauses. I can tell who is speaking at any one time from her performance. The end product is polished and professional. Her performance enhances my enjoyment and I can’t imagine not listening to this series.

This series is akin to playing a thrilling video game with Claire where there are many possible outcomes and villains galore at every turn. It challenges my mind to keep up! Sometimes, I hit stop, just to get my breath and ponder on how astounding the previous maneuver was – and what new complications have come to the forefront from the moves just taken. I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys intricate, riveting, fast-paced, action-packed, dark paranormal fantasy adventures.

My full review is published at Reading Between the Wines Book Club. Please check it out there: http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbook...
Profile Image for Amber Todd.
627 reviews7 followers
August 30, 2020
Book three of the Devil's Assistant series was probably my favorite so far. There's a lot that can't be said without giving away spoilers, but I could definitely see the tides changing in Claire's favor. I greatly enjoyed the character development in this book too. The story was fast paced and I didn't feel like Claire was so alone with no support. I do suggest reading the series closely together because there is a lot going on and it makes it easier to keep track of all the small details that come in to play down the road.
Profile Image for Lindy Lu Reviews.
314 reviews3 followers
June 28, 2016
Claire has had one heck of a year, she was framed for Junior's death, reawakened the fourth realm and now she is stuck with having to find a replacement for the world's worst job. On top of that she has to deal with the quads whom unhumbly bow to her new royalty status, she is still a pawn in the game she doesn't want anything to do with and also has to hide the fact that she has stolen powerful Harry blood running in her veins. So yeah I believe Claire has every right to be pissed.

I absolutely love Claire she is one of those characters that you can't forget, you find your self in situations and ask "What would Claire do?" Just kidding I haven't done that but why the heck not she's a cool cucumber. I love STRONG women characters because that's what women want to read about awesome strong characters not whiney winnies. Claire is awesome she takes everything you got and sucks it up and then throws it right back at ya. She's cunning and smart. In this book she is on the run again to stop things that only she knows about before time runs out and she has the most unlikely ally. She has so much to do in so little time, can she figure out what the next move is? Cannot wait for the next release.

Just an FYI I waited to read this book because I wanted it in the audio version. Just so you know the reader for these books is so awesome she makes the books come even more alive. Just saying!
Profile Image for Linzi Day.
Author 9 books300 followers
January 11, 2016
It actually took me 10 days to read this after a friend gave it to me for Christmas :) 10 days is almost unknown for me. Just read it in a day or if it takes a couple of days and isn't gripping me then then give up (there are so many good books out there - why struggle) is my usual method. But no I actually read this for 10 days. In short bursts, then my head would hurt and I'd put it down until the next day!

Admittedly I was struggling with a chest infection - but this was a complicated (and awesome) read. Claire's world gets ever more confusing with the competing prophecies, the quite large cast of (necessary) players and the inevitable confusion caused by time-travel and magic.

I loved the first two in the series and I truly hadn't realised just how much the audio narration helped to move these books along.

I've given it 4 stars because honestly there were points that I felt could have been more clearly written (in the sense that and extra half a sentence here and there would have really helped me dive into it instead of constantly going WTF?) and saved me some flipping back and forth - but I wouldn't be surprised if I up that rating to 5 stars once I listen to the audio (which isn't out yet)
Profile Image for Charity Costa.
89 reviews11 followers
January 18, 2017
Poor Claire, could she just get a break already!?!? Nope not yet!! As Fall approaches she finds herself even more entwining into a world that she can't understand and as soon as she thinks she's gets a handle on one problem ten more arise. BUT have no fear this time she's not alone!!

New allies reluctantly align themselves with Claire for there own reasons but soon realize they have more of a stake in Claire's future and the future of the realms than she does. Things are never as they seem!!

I have been immersed into Claire's world and I found myself holding my breath with each turn of the page cheering her one. At times I was very confused BUT I believe that's the intention of the author because Claire is confused! She's on this whirlwind scary confusing adventure and we are on it with her! When things don't make sense that's because they aren't supposed to.

HD Smith's world is a literal explosion and a welcome change of pace! I am excited to see how it all ends and what Claire's future has in store for her!
Profile Image for Sue Brooks.
465 reviews8 followers
July 5, 2016
I will start by saying that this is the third book in The Devil's Assistant series. You MUST MUST MUST read these books in order to know what is going on. The series has a ton of interwoven plots and twists -- that if you don't read the books in order, you can get totally lost!!!

HD Smith does an awesome job in developing the characters in these books. While reading -- you will get so wrapped up in the series that you will think you are a part of the story. Claire's development is amazing. She starts out as the assistant to The Boss and .... OK, I don't write spoilers, so I won't say anymore other than you really have to read this series -- it is another one of those "I Can't Put This Book Down!!!" type books. Now I just have to wait for book 4 to come out - lol

I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.
Profile Image for J.B. Miller.
Author 12 books90 followers
Read
February 9, 2016
http://faefreak.tumblr.com/
Seriously, I have to stop reading series… They suck me in. This one is no exeption. btw… there is three books in this series at the moment and they leave you wanting more! Very good series.. cant fault it… well yeah, I can. I have several questions… where the hell is the baby! you cant do that kind of shit to a girl… its not right! HD Smith… You are the devil.. or Mab.. not sure how much i hate you right now… will go with the devil.. because I am hoping you will answer my question in the next book!
Profile Image for Stephanie.
486 reviews26 followers
March 27, 2017
Awesome Book!

This series has been one wild ride after another! Claire has overcame so much, but still has a whole lot ahead of her! I absolutely LOVED book 3! It was nice to see a good side to the Quads, and who would have though Mace and Claire would ever Not hate each other?! I used to HATE Cinnamon, Sorrel and Sage, but I absolutely adore them! The quads have become some of my faves! Things are gonna be hella interesting for Claire in book 4.
I CANNOT WAIT to read book 4 & I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you read this series!!
Profile Image for Bill Lefler.
31 reviews6 followers
January 29, 2016
Loved the 3rd book in this series, continuing Claire's journey as she navigates her way through managing her magical powers and trying to figure out who's out to get her now. The writing is great and I continue to enjoy the characters as we get to know them better. There is a lot going on as usual! Can't wait to see how this series wraps up in book 4.
14 reviews
March 21, 2016
Yes! And Nooooooooo!

I highly recommend the series. It's so much fun and it's easy to be right inside the book with the characters following them through frustration and triumphs. Of course, OF COURSE, it ends on a cliffhanger. HD, PLEASE finish the series and don't leave me hanging!!!!!
Profile Image for susan coyle.
6 reviews
February 17, 2016
Dark forsaken!!

Discovered book 1 two day's ago and had the third finished last night!! Absolutely loved these books and can't wait for the next.....i'v found a new author ...she rates up there with Sherrilin kenyon ,kresley cole ,gena showalter ect.....
Profile Image for Lorraine Carter.
100 reviews6 followers
March 15, 2016
Claire's third outing in the series and each of her adventures gets better and better. I read the first book when it came out and have eagerly been awaiting the next release. Dark Forsaken is my favourite and I can only hope there will be more books to come. Fingers crossed!
21 reviews
May 3, 2016
Excellent continuation and build

Things continue to escalate as Claire tries to keep the big 3 from meeting things up, led by Mab. The quads characters grow and flesh out, as the relationship with Claire continues to evolve. Now the impatient wait for the next book begins.
4 reviews
December 28, 2015
Loved the Dark Forsaken book! HD Smith blends all the past books into the present and I enjoyed the new twists. Can't wait for #4. When will #4 be released!?
727 reviews6 followers
January 22, 2016
Superlative - had finish it quickly as I could not put it down.
Plots within plots makes this a spell binding series and one I will be re-reading again within the next couple of months.
Profile Image for Heather.
59 reviews
July 9, 2016
Love this series!! Can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Tammy.
1,082 reviews8 followers
October 14, 2023
The third book in the Devil’s Assistant series is just as fascinating and action-packed and the first two. Clair has been tasked with finding a new curator for the Great Museum. This is proving to be a difficult task as the Big 3 veto everyone she recommends. When the call her in for an update on her progress, they also tell her she has to find out what is happening to businesses down below. The old businesses are being abandoned or closed and a few new businesses have started up. As Clair investigates she finds new information she also finds new questions. Every time she conquers one challenge another presents itself. She al so gets some surprises and finds new allies in her quest. I recommend this to anyone who likes urban fantasy. You need to read the series in order. The author has crafted a well-developed, complex world full of action and political intrigue.

I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narrator’s performance.
130 reviews
January 28, 2018
Wow

Well I just finished this series and I should take a little time to get myself together before writing this but here goes nothing. This is so good ,you have humor, love, adventure,heartache, and redemption. I don't want to do spoilers so I won't tell you to much but please take a chance you won't be sorry.
937 reviews13 followers
November 24, 2019
This series has just gotten better as it goes. I love the new alliances, and that Claire is no pushover. The author does a good job keeping everything together through the chaos, and ties up all the loose ends in such clever ways. As excited for the next (and final) book in the series as I am, I'm also dreading it. I don't know if I'm ready for it all to be over.
1,002 reviews
September 16, 2023
I am loving this series! So many twists and turns! Claire is working her way through the prophecies she learned about in earlier book. Along the way she learns more about her powers and who she might be. It seems that every time Claire takes one step forward, she needs to make new alliances and broker new deals. She has to be on her toes every moment! I really get drawn into the story!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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