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Immortals #6
The Crossing
When a faerie child under his protection almost dies, Manannan mac Lir, on the hunt for the would-be killer, finds Armeis Black, a dangerous woman who infuses his soul with deadly magic and forbidden desire. Original.
324 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
113 people are currently reading
833 people want to read
About the author
Joy Nash
67 books120 followersJoy Nash is a USA Today Bestselling Author and RITA Award Finalist applauded by Booklist for her "tart wit, superbly crafted characters, and sexy, magic-steeped plots." Joy, best known for the Druids of Avalon and Immortals series, writes romantic fiction in historical, contemporary, and alternate-reality settings. Her newest series is the apocalyptic fantasy The Nephilim: Demons Among Us.
Joy once read a book about a girl living on the moon and thought it was real, until her big sister messed everything up with the truth. Ever since, Joy's been of the opinion that fiction is way more interesting than reality. She credits her love of tortured heroes to the Brontë sisters, her fascination with magical adventure to J.R.R. Tolkien, and her weakness for snarky humor to Douglas Adams.
Join Joy's mailing list at www.joynash.com for info about new releases. Connect with Joy at facebook.com/joynash.
May the stories never end!
Joy once read a book about a girl living on the moon and thought it was real, until her big sister messed everything up with the truth. Ever since, Joy's been of the opinion that fiction is way more interesting than reality. She credits her love of tortured heroes to the Brontë sisters, her fascination with magical adventure to J.R.R. Tolkien, and her weakness for snarky humor to Douglas Adams.
Join Joy's mailing list at www.joynash.com for info about new releases. Connect with Joy at facebook.com/joynash.
May the stories never end!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
October 13, 2008
Ummm, well...I'm such a big fan of the 'Immortals' series and was so looking forward to reading Manannan mac Lir's story. "The Crossing" by Joy Nash is the story of how Mac meets the woman meant for him and finds love.
Mac is half fae, half god. He prefers to live 'above' and serves as the protector and defender of the fae and humans in this realm. He's also a famous musician and now also famous for his part in the defeat of 'the light' over 'the dark'. However, he's just learning that his part in this battle has left him, a creature of light, with a piece of dark inside him. It's affects on him are growing and he's not sure what else in his life will be affected.
Artemis is a very powerful witch of extremely varied lineage. With both light and dark creatures in her family tree, her magic is a blend of both. She's also a mother desperately searching for a way to save her son, whose soul has been stolen by a dark creature. When her attempt to bargain with the dark begins affecting creatures under Mac's protection, he has no choice but to stop her. It also seems as though he has no choice but to love her.
I disliked Artemis from page one and it didn't get any better throughout the story. She was a selfish, untrustworthy, conniving witch who used a mother's love to justify harming anyone. I was so disappointed to see Mac reduced to a supplicant, begging for her unworthy emotions. Mac deserved so much more and better. She betrayed and belittled him over and over and over...and he took it and came back for more. And every time, I just wanted to throw the book against the wall.
There was also a trip to Hell in a twisted take-off on Dante's Inferno, 21st century style. While parts of it were certainly amusing, Artemis' constant scheming and betrayals cancelled out my enjoyment. Bummer.
Mac is half fae, half god. He prefers to live 'above' and serves as the protector and defender of the fae and humans in this realm. He's also a famous musician and now also famous for his part in the defeat of 'the light' over 'the dark'. However, he's just learning that his part in this battle has left him, a creature of light, with a piece of dark inside him. It's affects on him are growing and he's not sure what else in his life will be affected.
Artemis is a very powerful witch of extremely varied lineage. With both light and dark creatures in her family tree, her magic is a blend of both. She's also a mother desperately searching for a way to save her son, whose soul has been stolen by a dark creature. When her attempt to bargain with the dark begins affecting creatures under Mac's protection, he has no choice but to stop her. It also seems as though he has no choice but to love her.
I disliked Artemis from page one and it didn't get any better throughout the story. She was a selfish, untrustworthy, conniving witch who used a mother's love to justify harming anyone. I was so disappointed to see Mac reduced to a supplicant, begging for her unworthy emotions. Mac deserved so much more and better. She betrayed and belittled him over and over and over...and he took it and came back for more. And every time, I just wanted to throw the book against the wall.
There was also a trip to Hell in a twisted take-off on Dante's Inferno, 21st century style. While parts of it were certainly amusing, Artemis' constant scheming and betrayals cancelled out my enjoyment. Bummer.
January 7, 2010
This book began soo well! I loved the instant action and the instant attraction, but once the middle hit, I got annoyed, or maybe disappointed.
Artemis Black is a unique type of witch; her lineage has both demons and life magic in it...she has great power over all elements and is the only one who has ever entwined both life and death magic flawlessly. However, she gets caught skimming fae life essence. Mac gets called in, we remember him from Kalen and Christine's story, and we love him. He is a fae prince/demi-god. The fae in Scotland are his responsibility. Artemis' spell brought him in, and he tracks her and finds her and falls in love instantly. Just like that. So far, I'm good.
Artemis' son has been stolen by a demon, and she must bargain for his soul; hence the stealing of life essences.
But my problem with the book, came when she betrayed Mac to the demon so she could barter passage to hell for her son, but then she betrays Mac again and again until I had a hard time believing her to be a good guy. I get the whole willing to do whatever for your child, I do, I'm a mom of two little ones, but Mac gave his immortality to Lucifer and she still had a hard time letting him in. It was a great story about light/life over-powering dark/death. Mac's sister redeemed herself from the other book, but still, I was annoyed that artemis was such a non-believer in Mac. The rest of the book was awesome and I read it in 4 hrs! Still a keeper, but I just got irritated that she betrayed him.
Artemis Black is a unique type of witch; her lineage has both demons and life magic in it...she has great power over all elements and is the only one who has ever entwined both life and death magic flawlessly. However, she gets caught skimming fae life essence. Mac gets called in, we remember him from Kalen and Christine's story, and we love him. He is a fae prince/demi-god. The fae in Scotland are his responsibility. Artemis' spell brought him in, and he tracks her and finds her and falls in love instantly. Just like that. So far, I'm good.
Artemis' son has been stolen by a demon, and she must bargain for his soul; hence the stealing of life essences.
But my problem with the book, came when she betrayed Mac to the demon so she could barter passage to hell for her son, but then she betrays Mac again and again until I had a hard time believing her to be a good guy. I get the whole willing to do whatever for your child, I do, I'm a mom of two little ones, but Mac gave his immortality to Lucifer and she still had a hard time letting him in. It was a great story about light/life over-powering dark/death. Mac's sister redeemed herself from the other book, but still, I was annoyed that artemis was such a non-believer in Mac. The rest of the book was awesome and I read it in 4 hrs! Still a keeper, but I just got irritated that she betrayed him.
May 11, 2009
Not really a review but a note:
I had a love/hate war going on with myself through this book. I loved the Mac but got really upset several times with Artemis. I know she was doing all of this to save her child but I did feel so bad for Mac everytime she betrayed him.
On the upside, and what earned this book 5 stars from me, was the magic and the spells! I really enjoyed reading about their trip to hell and the demons and how they escaped them using the life magic and the death magic together. I thought Nash did a great job with that and it definately saved the book for me.
I had a love/hate war going on with myself through this book. I loved the Mac but got really upset several times with Artemis. I know she was doing all of this to save her child but I did feel so bad for Mac everytime she betrayed him.
On the upside, and what earned this book 5 stars from me, was the magic and the spells! I really enjoyed reading about their trip to hell and the demons and how they escaped them using the life magic and the death magic together. I thought Nash did a great job with that and it definately saved the book for me.
July 9, 2016
❤❤❤¼
Half Sidhe, half demigod (from The Awakening) Manannán Mac Lir's been on a world tour as the famous Manannán (musician) and a new city every night and a new women in his bed at every stop is starting to get old. He feels older, looks older and can't seem to get rid of an unsettled feeling he's had since his battle with the Immortals. He comes home to Inverness to visit Kalen, Christine and baby Elspeth only to be reminded that he's also been neglecting his 'Guardian of Celtic Magical Creatures in the Human World' duties. As Prince of Annwyn, Mac Lir is responsible for the faeries who are in urgent need. Their faerie baby Tamika has become ill and faeries babies are not only extremely rare but are as vulnerable as human babies. When Mac arrives at the village he can sense the powerful death magic of a female witch but he also senses life magic; a strange mix that also makes Mac feel a bit lusty. He starts tracking the witch, determined to find out what exactly she's up to and punish her.
Former military psychic-ops Lt. Atremis Alexandria Black has 8 hours left to skim life energy from faeries and fill a moonstone full before her date with a demon. Her son Zander's soul has been stolen and taken to Ptolomaea in Hell by Hecate. Artemis made a pact with the demon Malachi, to saturate a moonstone with life energy and trade it for his help with an army to battle at her side in hell. Zander can only live 6 months in his comatose state. It's been 5 months and 26 days. After nervously skimming too much energy and endangering a faerie baby, Artemis returns the energy, which heals the baby, but that doesn't stop Mac from coming after her and holding her captive. She only has a few hours left to get the final life energy she needs to save her son.
There were some very interesting developments in this book, Firstly, Aretmis's background is really cool. She's part Norse giantess, mami wata (African water sprite), Native American shaman (bird shape-shifter) and Indian atharvavedic priest which gives her earth, water, air, fire magic. Plus, she's part demon, Japanese oni, Norwegian troll and a dark angel, and Mac tells us "a size 10" and he can't seem to resist her. Plus, their sexy time together were pretty sweet too.
Secondly, Mac and Artemis take a journey through the nine circles of suffering as described in the Inferno portion of Dante Alighieri's epic poem Divine Comedy. Traveling the levels is essentially the bulk of the book and was pretty interesting and some of those levels were truly hellish, and very clever (like the parking lot)!
There was this short scene with a golem named Tott that was neat-o and a bit sad too. Also we get a few more scenes with Niniane (Mac's mom) and man is she a witch! And Leanna comes back in a big way. Plus there are some furies, as well as many other dead/mythical/magical creatures, but we haven't met furies yet in this series and they were frightening.
This story was fairly emotional as well. Artemis can't trust anyone and even when Mac tries to help her she knows she can only rely on herself. The scene at the Sidhe Council was worrying and after that it seems like every turn along the way is another place where Artemis can choose to go it alone or trust Mac. Demons are crafty and use every advantage and Aretmis tries her best to not give them many. In the end though she betrays Mac so many times. I'll confess that this aspect got to be a bit tired after a while but a time or two she really has little choice. Mac is such a great man and comes back fighting for her each time. You want these two to live long, loving lives together and you're worried so often that it simply won't be possible. I might have cried a little.
I hated the ending. Mac sacrifices a great deal and though it didn't affect my star rating I wanted to voice my unhappiness. It's still a HEA which I'm grateful for but it could have been an even happily-er ever after.
This is probably my favorite book of the series even though I hated the end. Mac was a favorite character of mine from the start but I really liked Hunter and Kalen too so I can't decided who wins. I did however enjoy this book most.
This can be read as a stand alone book if you don't mind a few minor missing pieces.
Half Sidhe, half demigod (from The Awakening) Manannán Mac Lir's been on a world tour as the famous Manannán (musician) and a new city every night and a new women in his bed at every stop is starting to get old. He feels older, looks older and can't seem to get rid of an unsettled feeling he's had since his battle with the Immortals. He comes home to Inverness to visit Kalen, Christine and baby Elspeth only to be reminded that he's also been neglecting his 'Guardian of Celtic Magical Creatures in the Human World' duties. As Prince of Annwyn, Mac Lir is responsible for the faeries who are in urgent need. Their faerie baby Tamika has become ill and faeries babies are not only extremely rare but are as vulnerable as human babies. When Mac arrives at the village he can sense the powerful death magic of a female witch but he also senses life magic; a strange mix that also makes Mac feel a bit lusty. He starts tracking the witch, determined to find out what exactly she's up to and punish her.
Former military psychic-ops Lt. Atremis Alexandria Black has 8 hours left to skim life energy from faeries and fill a moonstone full before her date with a demon. Her son Zander's soul has been stolen and taken to Ptolomaea in Hell by Hecate. Artemis made a pact with the demon Malachi, to saturate a moonstone with life energy and trade it for his help with an army to battle at her side in hell. Zander can only live 6 months in his comatose state. It's been 5 months and 26 days. After nervously skimming too much energy and endangering a faerie baby, Artemis returns the energy, which heals the baby, but that doesn't stop Mac from coming after her and holding her captive. She only has a few hours left to get the final life energy she needs to save her son.
There were some very interesting developments in this book, Firstly, Aretmis's background is really cool. She's part Norse giantess, mami wata (African water sprite), Native American shaman (bird shape-shifter) and Indian atharvavedic priest which gives her earth, water, air, fire magic. Plus, she's part demon, Japanese oni, Norwegian troll and a dark angel, and Mac tells us "a size 10" and he can't seem to resist her. Plus, their sexy time together were pretty sweet too.
Secondly, Mac and Artemis take a journey through the nine circles of suffering as described in the Inferno portion of Dante Alighieri's epic poem Divine Comedy. Traveling the levels is essentially the bulk of the book and was pretty interesting and some of those levels were truly hellish, and very clever (like the parking lot)!
There was this short scene with a golem named Tott that was neat-o and a bit sad too. Also we get a few more scenes with Niniane (Mac's mom) and man is she a witch! And Leanna comes back in a big way. Plus there are some furies, as well as many other dead/mythical/magical creatures, but we haven't met furies yet in this series and they were frightening.
This story was fairly emotional as well. Artemis can't trust anyone and even when Mac tries to help her she knows she can only rely on herself. The scene at the Sidhe Council was worrying and after that it seems like every turn along the way is another place where Artemis can choose to go it alone or trust Mac. Demons are crafty and use every advantage and Aretmis tries her best to not give them many. In the end though she betrays Mac so many times. I'll confess that this aspect got to be a bit tired after a while but a time or two she really has little choice. Mac is such a great man and comes back fighting for her each time. You want these two to live long, loving lives together and you're worried so often that it simply won't be possible. I might have cried a little.
I hated the ending. Mac sacrifices a great deal and though it didn't affect my star rating I wanted to voice my unhappiness. It's still a HEA which I'm grateful for but it could have been an even happily-er ever after.
This is probably my favorite book of the series even though I hated the end. Mac was a favorite character of mine from the start but I really liked Hunter and Kalen too so I can't decided who wins. I did however enjoy this book most.
This can be read as a stand alone book if you don't mind a few minor missing pieces.
April 29, 2011
erm... it's actually a 2.5 stars... but I decided I would round it up.
It started off very well... then it just got old... and then plain weird.
Also, definitely not a book for the kiddies. The gore was minimal, it's the naughty-naughties.
So...
Immortal demigod gets bored with life, while human multi-spell-casting witch is on a quest and commits a crime in demigod's jurisdiction. After a lot of hoo-ha, demigod follows human witch to hell to accomplish her quest.
It got old when the topic of betrayal came up like, a kazilion times. Artemis (the witch) was something like a Mary Sue... she was able to cut through oh so many magical realms or wards or whatever... erected by gods. ha... and then suddenly she's all so helpless that she has to rely on Mac (demigod) for everything else. And when in hell, again she has to choose. *sigh* I'm not sighing for her, I'm sighing for myself. The idea got old.
As for Mac, I dunno. His raving fans (apparently he's a rock star of sorts) torment him in the beginning of the book, but by the end they're totally gone. A bit of consistency here please?
Anyway, aside from the recurring ideas and strange inconsistency, the book was an enjoyable read.
It started off very well... then it just got old... and then plain weird.
Also, definitely not a book for the kiddies. The gore was minimal, it's the naughty-naughties.
So...
Immortal demigod gets bored with life, while human multi-spell-casting witch is on a quest and commits a crime in demigod's jurisdiction. After a lot of hoo-ha, demigod follows human witch to hell to accomplish her quest.
It got old when the topic of betrayal came up like, a kazilion times. Artemis (the witch) was something like a Mary Sue... she was able to cut through oh so many magical realms or wards or whatever... erected by gods. ha... and then suddenly she's all so helpless that she has to rely on Mac (demigod) for everything else. And when in hell, again she has to choose. *sigh* I'm not sighing for her, I'm sighing for myself. The idea got old.
As for Mac, I dunno. His raving fans (apparently he's a rock star of sorts) torment him in the beginning of the book, but by the end they're totally gone. A bit of consistency here please?
Anyway, aside from the recurring ideas and strange inconsistency, the book was an enjoyable read.
October 12, 2010
This was a really great action packed book. You fall in love with Artemis because she is willing to do anything it takes to save her son, but you also see her selfishness in how she continually betrays Mac. Meanwhile Mac being an immortal is supposed to be perfect and is like a white knight riding in to save the day, but he is selfish too. Mac thrusts his child upon Artemis and looking for a way to make himself feel alive. Overall it is a wonderful story with love and redemption as the end result.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
dnf
July 11, 2015I started it in the fall. Time to face facts and dnf
May 4, 2021
It's never a good sign when you're reading a romance novel, and find yourself actively rooting for the heroine to get as far away from the hero as possible.
What makes this even more complicated is when you recognize that she is supposed to be, at least in some fashion, an antagonistic force. After all, she's a witch with demon ancestry, who casts death magic, whose needs have required siphoning power from nearly thirty fae communities, nearly resulting in the death of a fae child. She's bargained with a demon for the life of her son, and desperately needs to get to Hell. But even beyond all this, you can't help but root for her, especially when juxtaposed against the entitled, condescending, egregiously sexist "hero."
He's a Celtic demigod, who eschews the perfect life offered by living in the realm of his ancestors, in favor of spending his days on Earth, getting drunk, getting laid, and chasing off his legions of dedicated fans. He is arrogant and obnoxious, overpowered and underpowered depending on the needs of the plot, and against all odds, is nearly unyieldingly horny. He also has zero sense of personal boundaries, which makes that last quality very, very difficult to deal with throughout the narrative.
But it's not just his characterization that provides for some of the most jaw-droppingly questionable content in the novel. There is a huge trope underlying the messy, chaotic plot that specifically had to do with a direct result of his action... or more like inaction: Non-Consensual Pregnancy. As in, not telling the heroine you got her pregnant, actively deciding against informing her about the pregnancy, getting angry with her when she is eventually informed, forcing her into a situation where she has to choose between the life of her actual six-year-old kid and your magical "seed," regularly referring to the pregnancy during interior monologues as "his child".... I don't know if in the year of our Lord 2021, I have to tell you how jaw-droppingly revolting all of that is. It's gross, and honestly, kind of scary.
(None of that even mentions the part of the book where - under magical influence - the hero attempts to sexually assault her. After the fact, she then tells him it's okay, she knows he would never force himself like that of his own volition... and this all happens at a time she does not yet know she's pregnant with his future kid. Because he has refused to tell her.)
Any bonus points that may have been awarded for the funny bits - the fact that the entrance to Hell is in the lobby of a two-star accommodation named the Hotel California; the Gimli x Legolas reference in one of the demon realms; the fact that "life essence" can be regained throughout the trials of the journey by hooking up, like if you could have sex to raise HP between the boss levels of a video game - were blown to bits when stacked up against the problematic content. The second half of the novel, the part that takes place in Hell, was my favorite part, because of the inventive and cool ways the circles of Hell served as a contemporary reimagining of those described in Dante's Inferno. The bummer was also that the entire time, numerous references were made on the part of Mac as to how Artemis was putting herself and HIS child in harm's way, without ever being informed that she was carrying it.
As a closing note: truly, never before have I read the word "whore" as I did so many times as I did in this book. Good gravy.
What makes this even more complicated is when you recognize that she is supposed to be, at least in some fashion, an antagonistic force. After all, she's a witch with demon ancestry, who casts death magic, whose needs have required siphoning power from nearly thirty fae communities, nearly resulting in the death of a fae child. She's bargained with a demon for the life of her son, and desperately needs to get to Hell. But even beyond all this, you can't help but root for her, especially when juxtaposed against the entitled, condescending, egregiously sexist "hero."
He's a Celtic demigod, who eschews the perfect life offered by living in the realm of his ancestors, in favor of spending his days on Earth, getting drunk, getting laid, and chasing off his legions of dedicated fans. He is arrogant and obnoxious, overpowered and underpowered depending on the needs of the plot, and against all odds, is nearly unyieldingly horny. He also has zero sense of personal boundaries, which makes that last quality very, very difficult to deal with throughout the narrative.
But it's not just his characterization that provides for some of the most jaw-droppingly questionable content in the novel. There is a huge trope underlying the messy, chaotic plot that specifically had to do with a direct result of his action... or more like inaction: Non-Consensual Pregnancy. As in, not telling the heroine you got her pregnant, actively deciding against informing her about the pregnancy, getting angry with her when she is eventually informed, forcing her into a situation where she has to choose between the life of her actual six-year-old kid and your magical "seed," regularly referring to the pregnancy during interior monologues as "his child".... I don't know if in the year of our Lord 2021, I have to tell you how jaw-droppingly revolting all of that is. It's gross, and honestly, kind of scary.
(None of that even mentions the part of the book where - under magical influence - the hero attempts to sexually assault her. After the fact, she then tells him it's okay, she knows he would never force himself like that of his own volition... and this all happens at a time she does not yet know she's pregnant with his future kid. Because he has refused to tell her.)
Any bonus points that may have been awarded for the funny bits - the fact that the entrance to Hell is in the lobby of a two-star accommodation named the Hotel California; the Gimli x Legolas reference in one of the demon realms; the fact that "life essence" can be regained throughout the trials of the journey by hooking up, like if you could have sex to raise HP between the boss levels of a video game - were blown to bits when stacked up against the problematic content. The second half of the novel, the part that takes place in Hell, was my favorite part, because of the inventive and cool ways the circles of Hell served as a contemporary reimagining of those described in Dante's Inferno. The bummer was also that the entire time, numerous references were made on the part of Mac as to how Artemis was putting herself and HIS child in harm's way, without ever being informed that she was carrying it.
As a closing note: truly, never before have I read the word "whore" as I did so many times as I did in this book. Good gravy.
July 6, 2017
Mac
This KU library read features Mac Lir, an immortal fae Prince and a famous musician who is half fae and half god. Mac was involved in the battle against the ancient demon in book four. In the year since, he has been restless and irritable, finally realizing he took on a slice of the demon's darkness when the Immortals saved their brother, Tain. He has been on tour but is back in Scotland when he gets word a fae village under his protection has been attacked. He investigates and finds faint traces of a very rare combination of life and death magic. As he follows the trail, he realizes he is inexplicably attracted to the woman who cast the spell that almost killed a fae baby.
Artemis Black is a powerful witch of mixed ancestry who contains both life and death magic. Her heritage led to serving in the psy ops branch of the military until the battle a year earlier in which the Old One was defeated. She retired and began private work until her son Zander was attacked, his soul stolen. Zander is now in a coma and Artemis has struck a bargain with another ancient demon to restore him. The price is life magic, which she is collecting in raids on remote fae villages, undetected until she casts her net on a village containing a baby. Now she's in the sights of the Sidhe Council for causing harm and she believes there's no one who can help her, not even Mac Lir. Mac has again tracked her down, however, and refuses to let her face the demon Malachi and Hell on her own, even through one betrayal after another.
This story is the culmination of the stories about the Immortals involved in the battle to save Tain. Sacrifices have been required of all of them, including Mac, who faces off against Lucifer himself. I was disappointed in the outcome, but for fans of the series, it is a must read. Because of the outcomes of the last book and this one, however, at least for now, I won't be continuing the series.
This KU library read features Mac Lir, an immortal fae Prince and a famous musician who is half fae and half god. Mac was involved in the battle against the ancient demon in book four. In the year since, he has been restless and irritable, finally realizing he took on a slice of the demon's darkness when the Immortals saved their brother, Tain. He has been on tour but is back in Scotland when he gets word a fae village under his protection has been attacked. He investigates and finds faint traces of a very rare combination of life and death magic. As he follows the trail, he realizes he is inexplicably attracted to the woman who cast the spell that almost killed a fae baby.
Artemis Black is a powerful witch of mixed ancestry who contains both life and death magic. Her heritage led to serving in the psy ops branch of the military until the battle a year earlier in which the Old One was defeated. She retired and began private work until her son Zander was attacked, his soul stolen. Zander is now in a coma and Artemis has struck a bargain with another ancient demon to restore him. The price is life magic, which she is collecting in raids on remote fae villages, undetected until she casts her net on a village containing a baby. Now she's in the sights of the Sidhe Council for causing harm and she believes there's no one who can help her, not even Mac Lir. Mac has again tracked her down, however, and refuses to let her face the demon Malachi and Hell on her own, even through one betrayal after another.
This story is the culmination of the stories about the Immortals involved in the battle to save Tain. Sacrifices have been required of all of them, including Mac, who faces off against Lucifer himself. I was disappointed in the outcome, but for fans of the series, it is a must read. Because of the outcomes of the last book and this one, however, at least for now, I won't be continuing the series.
August 26, 2019
Loved the book...but I hated the female character so much.
I loved the story and the characters...except for the female lead. She continued to be the worst possible person to Mac. It would have been better if her loyalty for her son had included Mac...possibly at the end if she sacrificed something for Mac. Unfortunately, her good qualities were not portrayed as well. I was hoping by the end of the book I would feel compassion or forgiveness towards Artemis. Instead I only feel as if she were the villian in her own story. I felt more for Leanne (Mac's sister who betrayed him in a previous book) than Artemis. At least she came back to save her brother. And the only good quality in Artemis is her loyalty and love for her son Zander...not her unborn son. I got the feeling she would trade anyone's soul for Zander including Mac, their unborn son, and all the other innocent children stuck with him.
I loved the story and the characters...except for the female lead. She continued to be the worst possible person to Mac. It would have been better if her loyalty for her son had included Mac...possibly at the end if she sacrificed something for Mac. Unfortunately, her good qualities were not portrayed as well. I was hoping by the end of the book I would feel compassion or forgiveness towards Artemis. Instead I only feel as if she were the villian in her own story. I felt more for Leanne (Mac's sister who betrayed him in a previous book) than Artemis. At least she came back to save her brother. And the only good quality in Artemis is her loyalty and love for her son Zander...not her unborn son. I got the feeling she would trade anyone's soul for Zander including Mac, their unborn son, and all the other innocent children stuck with him.
August 23, 2023
manannan mac Lir : immortal demi-god/fae; sliving... until he sees...
Artemis Black: collecting bits of life force of fae (200+) via magic, and collecting in a ring; Manannan stops her, empties her ring, and threatens worse if he catches her doing it again; she is 'filling' the ring, as payment to a demon - in exchange for his help in gaining the soul of her 5 year old son back;
instead, she seduces him (easily) and steals a bit of his tremendous life-force and fills the ring...
and he follows her to hell... he sees her good heart... she keeps deceiving him... but ultimately, they work together to bargain, and fight their way out of hell, with her son's soul (as well as many other children)...
and he gave up his immortality in trae for their souls... but all is well, he still has his other powers... and they ... live... happily.... ever... after...
Artemis Black: collecting bits of life force of fae (200+) via magic, and collecting in a ring; Manannan stops her, empties her ring, and threatens worse if he catches her doing it again; she is 'filling' the ring, as payment to a demon - in exchange for his help in gaining the soul of her 5 year old son back;
instead, she seduces him (easily) and steals a bit of his tremendous life-force and fills the ring...
and he follows her to hell... he sees her good heart... she keeps deceiving him... but ultimately, they work together to bargain, and fight their way out of hell, with her son's soul (as well as many other children)...
and he gave up his immortality in trae for their souls... but all is well, he still has his other powers... and they ... live... happily.... ever... after...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2017
Dante’s depiction of the nine levels of hell have always morbidly fascinated me, so this made for an interesting, though frightening story as Mac and Artemus descend on their quest.
I ached for the two of them in this. Mac is so light hearted and Artemus so devoted that it made it worse what they had to go through. But then ‘what does not kill you makes you stronger’. They’re going to be Superman (and woman).
I love Artemus’ mixed up ancestry and am amazed at how well she turned out. Wonder if that balance will continue in her ½ human son.
Footnote: 1) Unfortunately the reality of the nine levels are going to be much worse than the cute ways this depicts it.
Fave scenes: the Golem, the power-stripping spell, the grocery store and crossing the river Styx.
I ached for the two of them in this. Mac is so light hearted and Artemus so devoted that it made it worse what they had to go through. But then ‘what does not kill you makes you stronger’. They’re going to be Superman (and woman).
I love Artemus’ mixed up ancestry and am amazed at how well she turned out. Wonder if that balance will continue in her ½ human son.
Footnote: 1) Unfortunately the reality of the nine levels are going to be much worse than the cute ways this depicts it.
Fave scenes: the Golem, the power-stripping spell, the grocery store and crossing the river Styx.
May 3, 2025
Disaster
Terrible FMC, no empathy for her. She isn’t even believable as a desperate mother. The author goes through the motions, but it falls flat. The MMC is weak and the author doesn’t give plausible support for why he would sacrifice everything for the FMC.
Then there’s the world building. The rules don’t make sense. A demon deal is required with the person for them to have access to their soul, but somehow you can offer up someone else’s soul? Let alone a child’s soul can just be stolen? It makes no sense.
Chemistry falls flat
World is inconsistent
Terrible FMC
Celtic lore is shaky at best. Sidhe come across as very human and dull.
I had to force my way through and was sorely disappointed.
Terrible FMC, no empathy for her. She isn’t even believable as a desperate mother. The author goes through the motions, but it falls flat. The MMC is weak and the author doesn’t give plausible support for why he would sacrifice everything for the FMC.
Then there’s the world building. The rules don’t make sense. A demon deal is required with the person for them to have access to their soul, but somehow you can offer up someone else’s soul? Let alone a child’s soul can just be stolen? It makes no sense.
Chemistry falls flat
World is inconsistent
Terrible FMC
Celtic lore is shaky at best. Sidhe come across as very human and dull.
I had to force my way through and was sorely disappointed.
July 17, 2017
I absolutely LOVED that Mac got a book!! He was one of my favorite characters in Kalen's story. And I fell in love with Artemis right away, even though she was doing a not-so-good deed when she was introduced. However, once her reasons were revealed, I *totally* got why she risked it.
The merry chase she led Mac on was both entertaining and frustrating, as I wanted her to have him firmly on her side, as he had already demonstrated in the previous book he was in that he was a powerful ally. But I also understood Artemis' hesitation.
The concepts for the levels of Hell were very amusing. Who would have thought Hell would adapt over time? 😀
I have absolutely LOVED this series, and I could easily read it over and over. I am definitely going to check out other books by this author!!
The merry chase she led Mac on was both entertaining and frustrating, as I wanted her to have him firmly on her side, as he had already demonstrated in the previous book he was in that he was a powerful ally. But I also understood Artemis' hesitation.
The concepts for the levels of Hell were very amusing. Who would have thought Hell would adapt over time? 😀
I have absolutely LOVED this series, and I could easily read it over and over. I am definitely going to check out other books by this author!!
October 23, 2019
I was really looking forward to this book because I really liked Mac from previous books in the series and was looking forward to his story. And I liked the first few chapters very much. And then Mac decided, after knowing Artemis for a matter of hours to impregnate her, without asking her if she was interested or willing to carry his child, and that's just wrong. Sure everything worked out in the end and naturally she was thrilled to be having his child, but I was so disappointed in Mac and his choice that I just couldn't get past it and it really negatively affected my enjoyment of the book.
January 11, 2020
Full of Action and Love
The Crossing its book 6 of The Immortals series. In this installment of the series there is so much going on you'll be amazed, heartbroken,uplifted, surprised, overwhelmed and see what deep love and sacrifice means. The drama is edge of your seat. The love is so deep you'll feel it in the storytelling. I truly can't wait to see what's next.
The Crossing its book 6 of The Immortals series. In this installment of the series there is so much going on you'll be amazed, heartbroken,uplifted, surprised, overwhelmed and see what deep love and sacrifice means. The drama is edge of your seat. The love is so deep you'll feel it in the storytelling. I truly can't wait to see what's next.
January 9, 2017
Surprised
I came across this as part of the new prime reading. I am going to have to go back and read the first 5 books. It's available on Kindle unlimited. I may just go ahead and buy the book on Kindle.
I came across this as part of the new prime reading. I am going to have to go back and read the first 5 books. It's available on Kindle unlimited. I may just go ahead and buy the book on Kindle.
August 29, 2017
World Building: A+
Mythology: A+
Plot-Twists: A
Villains: A
Girl Power: A+
Guy-Hero: A+
Love-Interests: A
Suspense: A
Feels: A+
For you clean-readers: this book DOES have mature content. You'll need to do some self-editing or scene-skipping to read this one.
Mythology: A+
Plot-Twists: A
Villains: A
Girl Power: A+
Guy-Hero: A+
Love-Interests: A
Suspense: A
Feels: A+
For you clean-readers: this book DOES have mature content. You'll need to do some self-editing or scene-skipping to read this one.
January 26, 2019
I can't believe that his mom didn't care about her sister still after all the x she was gone in hell. It was shocking that he was able 2 find his true love even if she pisses him off and don't trust him very much. It was really shocking that he would his the unexpected. But at least he survived it. I wonder what his bitch of a mom thought about his decision lol I can't wait to read more soon.
April 24, 2022
This was quite a good book! The characters were well constructed, the story was engaging, and it was new and creative, with a happy ending, even if it was a bit bittersweet. I will certainly look for others by this author!
September 20, 2022
I know not always a book is what we expect but being the topic of the series the immortals I was very disappointed with the ending. I didn't like how the female main caracter was portraid and in the end it left me thinking if good actually won.
July 26, 2018
I really wish they had a different narrator but the series is good even though the authors seem to like stupid females
November 3, 2019
Wow!
I just finished this novel. I'm sitting here choking up. It was so good. I've enjoyed this series immensely. Mac is one of my favorite characters.
I just finished this novel. I'm sitting here choking up. It was so good. I've enjoyed this series immensely. Mac is one of my favorite characters.
December 29, 2019
Good story
Enjoyable paranormal romance with a bit of a different take on the dark aspects of magic. Liked main characters and their journey to love.
Enjoyable paranormal romance with a bit of a different take on the dark aspects of magic. Liked main characters and their journey to love.
May 13, 2020
Great
Enjoyed it. Good read thank you read all the immortal series so far . . . . . . .
Enjoyed it. Good read thank you read all the immortal series so far . . . . . . .
October 22, 2020
Blazing hot love story
This is a story about magic - good magic and bad magic, and good versus evil, and how love can overcome them all.
This is a story about magic - good magic and bad magic, and good versus evil, and how love can overcome them all.
June 29, 2022
A good read overall, although a little heavy on the sex…at least for me. But other than that, I enjoyed the story…lots of twists and turns.New to thus series…not sure if I’ll read the rest. .
October 22, 2022
Wonderfully Enchanting
I loved the story line. This was filled with drama, suspense and romance. I will definitely read more by Joy Nash!
I loved the story line. This was filled with drama, suspense and romance. I will definitely read more by Joy Nash!
January 27, 2010
Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques
A CK2S K2 Recommended Read!
I fell in love a little bit with Manannán mac Lir, “Mac,” when he put in an appearance in Kalen and Christine’s story (The Awakening) and after reading his story in The Crossing, I love him all the more.
Mac is a Celtic demigod and half Sidhe who has always found happiness in his music. However, after the epic battle to save Immortal Tain from the demon who owned him, Mac is at a loss. His free lifestyle has grown weary. When a Sidhe village under Mac’s care is attacked by an impossible thing, a spell made of both life and death magic, and a baby nearly dies, Mac has a new mission – destroy the one responsible.
Artemis Black is a desperate woman. Her son’s soul has been stolen by the most powerful of demons and her only hope is to bargain with another demon to save him. Her ability to weave life and death magic is a dangerous one, leaving marks on her soul each time she uses it that can never be erased. She’ll do it however to save Zander, even if it means lying and cheating to get what she wants. The last thing she needs is an appealing Immortal demigod dogging her every move.
Mac cannot let anything happen to those under his protection yet when he finds Artemis, her desperation calls to him in ways he never imagined. Now he will do anything, even make The Crossing, Artemis at his side, into the very depths of Hell itself. How can a being of life magic like Mac survive in the very pit of despair and death?
Mac is permanently scarred from the battle for Tain’s soul and that blackness is tainting his every thought and action. The temptation is great to just give in and let the death magic win until he meets Artemis. She is a rare witch who will help him hold onto the life magic at his core all the while her presence in his life makes the desire to hone his new death magic stronger. Artemis is a good person forced to perform foul magic out of desperation. Somehow even in her darkest moments before Mac entered her life, she always managed to hold on to the love in her heart. Mac and Artemis are perfect complements to one another. Their love for one another shines through everything, from facing down the Sidhe council to the ultimate battle for their souls, and that of little Zander.
The Crossing is so fast paced that it blew my mind the events unfolding occur in less than two days when the time line registered in my brain. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I’ve had a pretty hectic few weeks and it was driving me crazy I couldn’t just sit down and polish off the entire book in one sitting. It was that good. Joy even manages to throw a few shockers into the mix that made the story that much more captivating. I also enjoyed the chance to catch up and visit with Kalen and Christine and see how they’ve been faring since The Awakening.
The Crossing is yet another excellent book by Joy Nash. She has never disappointed me with one of her stories and I’m happy to say this one surpasses them all. What an intriguing blend of Celtic lore and Christian fantasy! Who else would have dreamed up having a Celtic half-Sidhe demigod face down demons in all ten circles of Hell? I enjoyed Dante’s Inferno years ago when I read it in school so I especially loved Joy’s nods to his brilliant vision.
© Kelley A. Hartsell, October 2008. All rights reserved.
A CK2S K2 Recommended Read!
I fell in love a little bit with Manannán mac Lir, “Mac,” when he put in an appearance in Kalen and Christine’s story (The Awakening) and after reading his story in The Crossing, I love him all the more.
Mac is a Celtic demigod and half Sidhe who has always found happiness in his music. However, after the epic battle to save Immortal Tain from the demon who owned him, Mac is at a loss. His free lifestyle has grown weary. When a Sidhe village under Mac’s care is attacked by an impossible thing, a spell made of both life and death magic, and a baby nearly dies, Mac has a new mission – destroy the one responsible.
Artemis Black is a desperate woman. Her son’s soul has been stolen by the most powerful of demons and her only hope is to bargain with another demon to save him. Her ability to weave life and death magic is a dangerous one, leaving marks on her soul each time she uses it that can never be erased. She’ll do it however to save Zander, even if it means lying and cheating to get what she wants. The last thing she needs is an appealing Immortal demigod dogging her every move.
Mac cannot let anything happen to those under his protection yet when he finds Artemis, her desperation calls to him in ways he never imagined. Now he will do anything, even make The Crossing, Artemis at his side, into the very depths of Hell itself. How can a being of life magic like Mac survive in the very pit of despair and death?
Mac is permanently scarred from the battle for Tain’s soul and that blackness is tainting his every thought and action. The temptation is great to just give in and let the death magic win until he meets Artemis. She is a rare witch who will help him hold onto the life magic at his core all the while her presence in his life makes the desire to hone his new death magic stronger. Artemis is a good person forced to perform foul magic out of desperation. Somehow even in her darkest moments before Mac entered her life, she always managed to hold on to the love in her heart. Mac and Artemis are perfect complements to one another. Their love for one another shines through everything, from facing down the Sidhe council to the ultimate battle for their souls, and that of little Zander.
The Crossing is so fast paced that it blew my mind the events unfolding occur in less than two days when the time line registered in my brain. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I’ve had a pretty hectic few weeks and it was driving me crazy I couldn’t just sit down and polish off the entire book in one sitting. It was that good. Joy even manages to throw a few shockers into the mix that made the story that much more captivating. I also enjoyed the chance to catch up and visit with Kalen and Christine and see how they’ve been faring since The Awakening.
The Crossing is yet another excellent book by Joy Nash. She has never disappointed me with one of her stories and I’m happy to say this one surpasses them all. What an intriguing blend of Celtic lore and Christian fantasy! Who else would have dreamed up having a Celtic half-Sidhe demigod face down demons in all ten circles of Hell? I enjoyed Dante’s Inferno years ago when I read it in school so I especially loved Joy’s nods to his brilliant vision.
© Kelley A. Hartsell, October 2008. All rights reserved.
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