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Lords of the Underworld #0.5;3.5;4,5
Dark Beginnings
This title includes three new stories, Lords of the Underworld, from "New York Times" bestselling author Gena Showalter.
"The Darkest Fire" - He is the guardian of Hell, more monster than man. She is the goddess of oppression, more angel than woman. Together they will enter the flames to battle a horde of demon lords - and discover a passion unlike any other...Discover the origins of Pandora's box and the demon spirits trapped within.
"The Darkest Prison" - passion and danger collide in this brand-new Lords of the Underworld adventure! Once, Atlas, the Titan god of Strength, was the Greek goddess Nike's slave. Now, he is her master. And soon these sworn enemies destined to destroy one another will be forced to risk everything for a chance at love.
"The Darkest Angel" - An iron-willed demon assassin, the angel Lysander has never known lust - until he meets Bianka. Spawned from the bloodline of Lucifer, the beautiful but deadly Harpy is determined to lead the purehearted Lysander into temptation.
"The Darkest Fire" - He is the guardian of Hell, more monster than man. She is the goddess of oppression, more angel than woman. Together they will enter the flames to battle a horde of demon lords - and discover a passion unlike any other...Discover the origins of Pandora's box and the demon spirits trapped within.
"The Darkest Prison" - passion and danger collide in this brand-new Lords of the Underworld adventure! Once, Atlas, the Titan god of Strength, was the Greek goddess Nike's slave. Now, he is her master. And soon these sworn enemies destined to destroy one another will be forced to risk everything for a chance at love.
"The Darkest Angel" - An iron-willed demon assassin, the angel Lysander has never known lust - until he meets Bianka. Spawned from the bloodline of Lucifer, the beautiful but deadly Harpy is determined to lead the purehearted Lysander into temptation.
458 pages, Paperback
First published April 16, 2010
27 people are currently reading
2753 people want to read
About the author
Gena Showalter
266 books27.9k followersGena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of over seventy books, including the acclaimed Lords of the Underworld series, the Gods of War series, the White Rabbit Chronicles, and the Forest of Good and Evil series. She writes sizzling paranormal romance, heartwarming contemporary romance, and unputdownable young adult novels, and lives in Oklahoma City with her family and menagerie of dogs and cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
February 14, 2020
Dark Beginnings is a great anthology containing three LOTU novellas and lots of extras.
The Darkest Fire
Prelude to the series, the story of the demon High Lords’ deserting Hell and the creation of Pandora’s box. My review.
The Darkest Prison
The hot and fast-paced story of Atlas, the Titan god of Strength and Nike, the Greek goddess of Strength and Victory. My review.
The Darkest Angel
My favorite from the novellas; the love story of Lysander, warrior angel of the Elite Seven and Bianka Skyhawk, the Harpy. My review.
After the novellas, the Bonus Guide starts with Cronus foreword, and continues with Kresley Cole’s chat with Gena. Pretty awesome.
The Bonus Guide also contains files about the Lords of the Underworld from the private records of Dean Stefano, with all the features of the Lords: their appearances, strengths and weaknesses. If you can’t remember where their butterfly tattoos are, all you have to do is open this book. ;)
Gena also shares how she had created the Lords of the Underworld, how the idea and the characters had developed and changed. You can read the first three chapters of the first version of Maddox’s book, Awakening Pandora.
I’m generally not too interested in the ‘hows’, only in the outcome. And I have to say, it was very smart to re-write Awakening Pandora into The Darkest Night. That version is like the deleted scenes from movies: there is a good reason for deleting… There is not enough appeal in its storyline and characters that would make me read the series further.
The best part of the Bonus Guide is William’s interview-series with the Lords! Hilarious!!
The Round Table with the women couldn’t engage me at all, neither the Sneak Peek into Aeron’s book as I’ve already read The Darkest Passion.
But overall, it is a great and entertaining book. Because of the novellas and the interviews, it is really worth reading. A must read for LotU fans!!!
The Darkest Fire
Prelude to the series, the story of the demon High Lords’ deserting Hell and the creation of Pandora’s box. My review.
The Darkest Prison
The hot and fast-paced story of Atlas, the Titan god of Strength and Nike, the Greek goddess of Strength and Victory. My review.
The Darkest Angel
My favorite from the novellas; the love story of Lysander, warrior angel of the Elite Seven and Bianka Skyhawk, the Harpy. My review.
After the novellas, the Bonus Guide starts with Cronus foreword, and continues with Kresley Cole’s chat with Gena. Pretty awesome.
The Bonus Guide also contains files about the Lords of the Underworld from the private records of Dean Stefano, with all the features of the Lords: their appearances, strengths and weaknesses. If you can’t remember where their butterfly tattoos are, all you have to do is open this book. ;)
Gena also shares how she had created the Lords of the Underworld, how the idea and the characters had developed and changed. You can read the first three chapters of the first version of Maddox’s book, Awakening Pandora.
I’m generally not too interested in the ‘hows’, only in the outcome. And I have to say, it was very smart to re-write Awakening Pandora into The Darkest Night. That version is like the deleted scenes from movies: there is a good reason for deleting… There is not enough appeal in its storyline and characters that would make me read the series further.
The best part of the Bonus Guide is William’s interview-series with the Lords! Hilarious!!
The Round Table with the women couldn’t engage me at all, neither the Sneak Peek into Aeron’s book as I’ve already read The Darkest Passion.
But overall, it is a great and entertaining book. Because of the novellas and the interviews, it is really worth reading. A must read for LotU fans!!!
January 3, 2019
Dark Beginnings, is an anthology of 3 novellas, and this my first re-read in years. And a happy read it was.
Novella 1: The Darkest Fire (2 Sad Stars)
This is an introduction/prelude to the Lords of the Underworld series and is about the Demon Lords abandoning hell and the creation of Pandora’s Box.
This book isn’t an essential read, and not reading it won’t prohibit your understanding of anything that occurs in the Lords of the Underworld series.
For me this book was my least favourite, I just wasn’t engaged this time around, and so didn’t finish it.
Novella 2 – The Darkest Prison (3 Happy Stars)
This was well paced, fun and engaging. The story is set mostly in Tartarus and is framed around the Titan God of Strength – Atlas, and the Greek Goddess of Strength and Victory – Nike.
Both characters are strong and admirable. Their chemistry is hot.
Novella 3 – The Darkest Angel (5 Happy, Happy Stars)
This remains one of my favourite books of Showalter’s. In this novella we get the love story of Lysander – a fabulously unflinching and self-contained Warrior angel/demon assassin, and Bianka Skyhawk - a awesome, trouble loving Harpy.
The interactions between Bianka and Lysander were fab and had be smiling and laughing.
Lysander’s cloud sounds wonderful – I so want one. Secondary characters in this add to the scenes being depicted and they are also interesting, and make you want to read more.
After the three novellas there is a bonus guide.
Novella 1: The Darkest Fire (2 Sad Stars)
This is an introduction/prelude to the Lords of the Underworld series and is about the Demon Lords abandoning hell and the creation of Pandora’s Box.
This book isn’t an essential read, and not reading it won’t prohibit your understanding of anything that occurs in the Lords of the Underworld series.
For me this book was my least favourite, I just wasn’t engaged this time around, and so didn’t finish it.
Novella 2 – The Darkest Prison (3 Happy Stars)
This was well paced, fun and engaging. The story is set mostly in Tartarus and is framed around the Titan God of Strength – Atlas, and the Greek Goddess of Strength and Victory – Nike.
Both characters are strong and admirable. Their chemistry is hot.
Novella 3 – The Darkest Angel (5 Happy, Happy Stars)
This remains one of my favourite books of Showalter’s. In this novella we get the love story of Lysander – a fabulously unflinching and self-contained Warrior angel/demon assassin, and Bianka Skyhawk - a awesome, trouble loving Harpy.
The interactions between Bianka and Lysander were fab and had be smiling and laughing.
Lysander’s cloud sounds wonderful – I so want one. Secondary characters in this add to the scenes being depicted and they are also interesting, and make you want to read more.
After the three novellas there is a bonus guide.
May 16, 2019
Demon’s Fire
Prequel della famosa serie “Lords of the Underworld” (anche se uscita in un secondo momento), la novella “Demon’s Fire” racconta dell’amore impossibile tra la bella Kadence, Dea dell’Oppressione, e Geryon, fauno guardiano degli Inferi.
In realtà anche la bella Dea è guardiana degli Inferi, e ogni giorno controlla le mura che contengono i famosi Demoni protagonisti della serie. A causa di una falla nel muro, provocata dagli stessi Demoni, che hanno capito che indebolire il muro equivale a indebolire la Dea, la stessa, aiutata dal guardiano, decide di scendere in fondo al Tartaro per tentare, purtroppo inutilmente, di riparare la falla.
Nel tentativo di salvare la Dea, trovatasi in grave pericolo di vita, Geryon la lega a sé, ottenendo che, alla morte della stessa, lo spirito sopravviva e le sue ossa diventino resistentissime, tanto che gli Dei decidono di utilizzarle per costruire il famoso vaso in grado di richiamare e contenere i Demoni fuggiti.
Il racconto di per sé potrebbe essere molto bello, perché l’amore tra Geryon e Kadence far riflettere sulla profondità del sentimento, che va ben oltre l’aspetto fisico e persino oltre la morte. Peccato però che una storia così critica abbia delle falle enormi; per esempio i due, in un momento cruciale in cui sono in attesa della lotta finale, se la spassano sul fondo degli inferi, cosa alquanto inverosimile benché si tratti di un fantasy.
Inoltre i due personaggi sono pieni di contraddizioni e hanno un’insicurezza di fondo, che stona con il tenore della storia, e che tende ad anticipare quello che sarà il finale. Questi aspetti si riflettono sia nel contrasto tra le due figure: lei bellissima, bionda, eterea, lui mostruoso dotato di artigli, corna e zoccoli; sia nel modo di comportarsi: lei trova ogni giorno una scusa per andare alle porte dell’inferno, ma non gli rivolge mai la parola, per trovarsi poi in un secondo momento a farsi baciare e toccare; lui che si ritiene talmente indegno sia per l’aspetto, che per il compito di guardiano, tanto da evitare persino di guardarla, ma poi non si fa scrupoli a rotolarsi negli Inferi con lei.
Insomma devo dire che, nonostante il racconto sia utile per creare un background dell’intera serie, l’ho trovato un po’ superficiale, privo di quel trasporto che distingue gli altri libri, e che si rivela per quello che è, ovvero il primo tentativo della Showalter di delineare la serie “Lords of the Underworld”.
Kida - per RFS
Demon’s Prison
Questa novella è molto semplice, racconta la storia d’amore fra Nike e Atlas (Atlante) e di come i due fuggono dal Tartaro.
Devo dire che l’ho trovata molto equilibrata rispetto al contesto, non c’è una situazione di reale pericolo per i due, per cui il loro rincorrersi, corteggiarsi per poi ritrovarsi è adeguato all’ambientazione creata, mentre nelle altre novelle avevamo situazioni paradossali (come fughe da demoni o essere rinchiusi all’inferno) e nel frattempo i protagonisti si divertivano. Qui assistiamo proprio alla nascita di un amore, che in realtà è già presente ma deve trovare una via per sbocciare; è una storia molto delicata (anche se ci sono delle scene violente) che riscalda il cuore e che si legge con un sorriso.
Altra cosa che mi ha colpito: mentre Atlante, essendo un titano, viene descritto come uomo bellissimo e perfetto, Nike appare una donna di aspetto mediocre, quasi androgina, ma le sue qualità, il carattere forte e la tenacia la rendono meravigliosa agli occhi di Atlante (e quindi del lettore).
Mi ha fatto piacere trovare una storia di questo tipo all’interno della saga benché, a differenza delle altre, sia scollegata dall’intera trama… almeno per ora.
Sua pari, sua nemica, e una stronza di prima categoria. Due dei suoi uomini migliori la tenevano ferma per le braccia e due per le gambe; avrebbero dovuto riuscirci senza problemi, anche perché il collare che lei portava le impediva di usare i poteri immortali e la forza leggendaria di cui era dotata, che comunque, per fortuna, non era pari alla sua.
Eppure nessuna donna si era mai dimostrata tanto ostinata e decisa ad abbatterlo. Nike continuava a lottare per liberarsi, scalciando e mordendo come un animale in trappola.
«Ti ucciderò per questo» ringhiò.
«Perché mai? Non ti sto facendo nulla che tu non abbia già fatto a me.» Atlante si tolse la camicia e la gettò da parte, rivelando i muscoli scolpiti del torace. Proprio al centro del petto, in grandi lettere nere che si estendevano da un capezzolo all’altro, c’era il suo nome scritto a lettere capitali così che tutti potessero vederlo: N.I.K.E.
Kida - per RFS
Prequel della famosa serie “Lords of the Underworld” (anche se uscita in un secondo momento), la novella “Demon’s Fire” racconta dell’amore impossibile tra la bella Kadence, Dea dell’Oppressione, e Geryon, fauno guardiano degli Inferi.
In realtà anche la bella Dea è guardiana degli Inferi, e ogni giorno controlla le mura che contengono i famosi Demoni protagonisti della serie. A causa di una falla nel muro, provocata dagli stessi Demoni, che hanno capito che indebolire il muro equivale a indebolire la Dea, la stessa, aiutata dal guardiano, decide di scendere in fondo al Tartaro per tentare, purtroppo inutilmente, di riparare la falla.
Nel tentativo di salvare la Dea, trovatasi in grave pericolo di vita, Geryon la lega a sé, ottenendo che, alla morte della stessa, lo spirito sopravviva e le sue ossa diventino resistentissime, tanto che gli Dei decidono di utilizzarle per costruire il famoso vaso in grado di richiamare e contenere i Demoni fuggiti.
Il racconto di per sé potrebbe essere molto bello, perché l’amore tra Geryon e Kadence far riflettere sulla profondità del sentimento, che va ben oltre l’aspetto fisico e persino oltre la morte. Peccato però che una storia così critica abbia delle falle enormi; per esempio i due, in un momento cruciale in cui sono in attesa della lotta finale, se la spassano sul fondo degli inferi, cosa alquanto inverosimile benché si tratti di un fantasy.
Inoltre i due personaggi sono pieni di contraddizioni e hanno un’insicurezza di fondo, che stona con il tenore della storia, e che tende ad anticipare quello che sarà il finale. Questi aspetti si riflettono sia nel contrasto tra le due figure: lei bellissima, bionda, eterea, lui mostruoso dotato di artigli, corna e zoccoli; sia nel modo di comportarsi: lei trova ogni giorno una scusa per andare alle porte dell’inferno, ma non gli rivolge mai la parola, per trovarsi poi in un secondo momento a farsi baciare e toccare; lui che si ritiene talmente indegno sia per l’aspetto, che per il compito di guardiano, tanto da evitare persino di guardarla, ma poi non si fa scrupoli a rotolarsi negli Inferi con lei.
Insomma devo dire che, nonostante il racconto sia utile per creare un background dell’intera serie, l’ho trovato un po’ superficiale, privo di quel trasporto che distingue gli altri libri, e che si rivela per quello che è, ovvero il primo tentativo della Showalter di delineare la serie “Lords of the Underworld”.
Kida - per RFS
Demon’s Prison
Questa novella è molto semplice, racconta la storia d’amore fra Nike e Atlas (Atlante) e di come i due fuggono dal Tartaro.
Devo dire che l’ho trovata molto equilibrata rispetto al contesto, non c’è una situazione di reale pericolo per i due, per cui il loro rincorrersi, corteggiarsi per poi ritrovarsi è adeguato all’ambientazione creata, mentre nelle altre novelle avevamo situazioni paradossali (come fughe da demoni o essere rinchiusi all’inferno) e nel frattempo i protagonisti si divertivano. Qui assistiamo proprio alla nascita di un amore, che in realtà è già presente ma deve trovare una via per sbocciare; è una storia molto delicata (anche se ci sono delle scene violente) che riscalda il cuore e che si legge con un sorriso.
Altra cosa che mi ha colpito: mentre Atlante, essendo un titano, viene descritto come uomo bellissimo e perfetto, Nike appare una donna di aspetto mediocre, quasi androgina, ma le sue qualità, il carattere forte e la tenacia la rendono meravigliosa agli occhi di Atlante (e quindi del lettore).
Mi ha fatto piacere trovare una storia di questo tipo all’interno della saga benché, a differenza delle altre, sia scollegata dall’intera trama… almeno per ora.
Sua pari, sua nemica, e una stronza di prima categoria. Due dei suoi uomini migliori la tenevano ferma per le braccia e due per le gambe; avrebbero dovuto riuscirci senza problemi, anche perché il collare che lei portava le impediva di usare i poteri immortali e la forza leggendaria di cui era dotata, che comunque, per fortuna, non era pari alla sua.
Eppure nessuna donna si era mai dimostrata tanto ostinata e decisa ad abbatterlo. Nike continuava a lottare per liberarsi, scalciando e mordendo come un animale in trappola.
«Ti ucciderò per questo» ringhiò.
«Perché mai? Non ti sto facendo nulla che tu non abbia già fatto a me.» Atlante si tolse la camicia e la gettò da parte, rivelando i muscoli scolpiti del torace. Proprio al centro del petto, in grandi lettere nere che si estendevano da un capezzolo all’altro, c’era il suo nome scritto a lettere capitali così che tutti potessero vederlo: N.I.K.E.
Kida - per RFS
September 18, 2010
4 stars – Paranormal Romance Anthology
The Darkest Fire is an okay LOTU prequel story, but I didn’t really gain any further insights into the series and it’s just a bit too short. 3 stars.
The Darkest Prison is a pretty good LOTU ‘enemies to lovers’ story that I enjoyed. 4 stars.
The Darkest Angel is Lords of the Underworld story #4.5 that takes place between The Darkest Whisper and The Darkest Passion and tells the tale of innocent, pure-hearted warrior angel Lysander, a demon assassin, who finds himself led into temptation by naughty, fun-loving, bad girl Harpy Bianka. It’s only a 140 pages long, but it’s a smokin’ HOT story with lots of laughs and a sweet HEA. It’s worth reading for the hilarious and sexy Lysander versus Paris loincloth, oil wrestling match...trust me! “So. Much. Fun.” 5 stars!
The Darkest Fire is an okay LOTU prequel story, but I didn’t really gain any further insights into the series and it’s just a bit too short. 3 stars.
The Darkest Prison is a pretty good LOTU ‘enemies to lovers’ story that I enjoyed. 4 stars.
The Darkest Angel is Lords of the Underworld story #4.5 that takes place between The Darkest Whisper and The Darkest Passion and tells the tale of innocent, pure-hearted warrior angel Lysander, a demon assassin, who finds himself led into temptation by naughty, fun-loving, bad girl Harpy Bianka. It’s only a 140 pages long, but it’s a smokin’ HOT story with lots of laughs and a sweet HEA. It’s worth reading for the hilarious and sexy Lysander versus Paris loincloth, oil wrestling match...trust me! “So. Much. Fun.” 5 stars!
May 24, 2010
I loved this intermission to the Lords of The Underworld series. It had three different stories from three different timelines, one, way before the forming of Pandora's box, one, right after Titans overpower Greeks, and the last one about fierce Gwen's older sister Bianka and an angel named Lysander coming after The Darkest Whisper. I absolutely loved all three stories, sad at times yet very loveable. But my favourite must be the second one, with a Greek Goddess and a Titan God. Their story was very hot and beautiful and I do wish we see them in the future books, felt like there was a hint that might be the case. My fingers are crossed.
The book also has some abso-fucking-lutely wonderful bonus material, including a Kresley Cole interview with Gena Showalter, a Hunters' guide to the Lords, written by the all-hated Dean Stefano, an initial draft of Darkest Night, and with that you can see just how much a writer can challenge her own ideas, an awesome interview carried out by our beloved William with the Lords -this was so much fun- and a similar one carried out by Gilly with the women. Great stuff, gotta say.
We get to learn more about Olivia through Lysander's story and I'm glad I read this first before reading Aeron's story cause I think it gives a chance to the reader to better understand where Olivia's coming from. I did understand her character better with the story.
The book also has some abso-fucking-lutely wonderful bonus material, including a Kresley Cole interview with Gena Showalter, a Hunters' guide to the Lords, written by the all-hated Dean Stefano, an initial draft of Darkest Night, and with that you can see just how much a writer can challenge her own ideas, an awesome interview carried out by our beloved William with the Lords -this was so much fun- and a similar one carried out by Gilly with the women. Great stuff, gotta say.
We get to learn more about Olivia through Lysander's story and I'm glad I read this first before reading Aeron's story cause I think it gives a chance to the reader to better understand where Olivia's coming from. I did understand her character better with the story.
June 9, 2010
I had already read The Darkest fire and The Darkest Prison in ebook format in the past (and enjoyed them), but The Darkest Angel (the 3rd story in this three-story book) is what earned the 4-star rating from me.
Can you say unresolved sexual tension?
Well, a good chunk of the story is just that. And it is HAWT! Great build-up. Reminds me of Gena's pal's books (Immortals After Dark) in the way the sexual tension develops and builds.
So, suffice to say, the "climax" was rather deeelish. I think Lysander is officially my favorite character in all of the LotU series.
Can you say unresolved sexual tension?
Well, a good chunk of the story is just that. And it is HAWT! Great build-up. Reminds me of Gena's pal's books (Immortals After Dark) in the way the sexual tension develops and builds.
So, suffice to say, the "climax" was rather deeelish. I think Lysander is officially my favorite character in all of the LotU series.
September 21, 2014
I thought I would absolutely love this book, which includes three short stories, three chapters of Maddox’s original story, interviews with the Lords and ladies and of course, an interview with Gena Showalter herself. I was a tad disappointed, but it was my own fault for having overly high expectations.
(Please be aware that this review may contain spoilers before reading further.)
The Darkest Fire takes us back to before Pandora’s Box was created. We are introduced to Kadence, Goddess of Oppression and Geryon, the Guardian of hell. Together they embark on a dangerous task, to find and destroy the demons responsible for damaging the wall that separates the realm of hell from the world of humanity. After watching each other for centuries, they find their attraction for each other runs a lot deeper. And now that they are working together, they can only succumb to one another’s love and try to survive.
The Darkest Prison lets us delve into the heavens and see Nike, Greek Goddess of Strength, at the mercy of Atlas, Titan God of Strength. Their hate for each other is strong, but something slithers underneath. Love. They say there is a fine line between love and hate, which sometimes merge together. This was the case for the God and Goddess, but love finally overruled. However, with Nike imprisoned for eternity with the rest of her people, Atlas struggles and refuses to accept it.
The Darkest Angel moves our attention to Bianka, Harpy sister of Gwen. Unknown to her knowledge, she is the object of temptation for an angel named Lysander. Lysander has never felt desire before, but he feels that and more for Bianka when he watches her. But he dislikes the woman’s sinful ways and wishes to change her, to make her good. He captures her and hopes to ‘train’ her to become sinless. But everybody knows not to mess with a Harpy. Lysander finds himself falling even further into temptation.
The first two stories were so short; I couldn’t get attached to the characters. The last one was my favourite, but somehow I can’t get into the whole I-will-die-for-you-in-the-matter-of-a-few-pages thing. Love at first sight is fine, but really a romance needs to be fleshed out more.
A few things I liked in these stories; Geryon’s appearance (is it odd I found it hot?), Sienna with Cronus and the wedding in the last.
The interviews in total were okay. William did make me giggle at times, but it wasn’t as funny as I thought it would be. It was nice to hear some things from Gena Showalter, like for example; she is planning on writing a book about William. Also, it was nice to know she does no planning, but everything she just comes up with in the moment.
Awakening Pandora is three chapters of the first Lords book Gena started writing before scraping the idea. I found it hard to read and definitely preferred the new path she went with. It is about a thief stealing the box, only to have it opened and Maddox appearing.
A fun read, even though it wasn’t the best, but nevertheless, a must have for fans of the Lords.
© Red Lace 2011
(Please be aware that this review may contain spoilers before reading further.)
The Darkest Fire takes us back to before Pandora’s Box was created. We are introduced to Kadence, Goddess of Oppression and Geryon, the Guardian of hell. Together they embark on a dangerous task, to find and destroy the demons responsible for damaging the wall that separates the realm of hell from the world of humanity. After watching each other for centuries, they find their attraction for each other runs a lot deeper. And now that they are working together, they can only succumb to one another’s love and try to survive.
The Darkest Prison lets us delve into the heavens and see Nike, Greek Goddess of Strength, at the mercy of Atlas, Titan God of Strength. Their hate for each other is strong, but something slithers underneath. Love. They say there is a fine line between love and hate, which sometimes merge together. This was the case for the God and Goddess, but love finally overruled. However, with Nike imprisoned for eternity with the rest of her people, Atlas struggles and refuses to accept it.
The Darkest Angel moves our attention to Bianka, Harpy sister of Gwen. Unknown to her knowledge, she is the object of temptation for an angel named Lysander. Lysander has never felt desire before, but he feels that and more for Bianka when he watches her. But he dislikes the woman’s sinful ways and wishes to change her, to make her good. He captures her and hopes to ‘train’ her to become sinless. But everybody knows not to mess with a Harpy. Lysander finds himself falling even further into temptation.
The first two stories were so short; I couldn’t get attached to the characters. The last one was my favourite, but somehow I can’t get into the whole I-will-die-for-you-in-the-matter-of-a-few-pages thing. Love at first sight is fine, but really a romance needs to be fleshed out more.
A few things I liked in these stories; Geryon’s appearance (is it odd I found it hot?), Sienna with Cronus and the wedding in the last.
The interviews in total were okay. William did make me giggle at times, but it wasn’t as funny as I thought it would be. It was nice to hear some things from Gena Showalter, like for example; she is planning on writing a book about William. Also, it was nice to know she does no planning, but everything she just comes up with in the moment.
Awakening Pandora is three chapters of the first Lords book Gena started writing before scraping the idea. I found it hard to read and definitely preferred the new path she went with. It is about a thief stealing the box, only to have it opened and Maddox appearing.
A fun read, even though it wasn’t the best, but nevertheless, a must have for fans of the Lords.
© Red Lace 2011
February 14, 2011
Since I've already read the first 2 novellas in this book, this is just a quick review of the 3rd novella - Lords of the Underworld 4.5 "The Darkest Angel".
Lysander is an Angel. Respectable, pure hearted, incredibly goodlooking. (And he also happens to be the mentor of the female Angel that has been stalking Aeron in recent novels).
Bianka is a Harpy, and the sister of Gwen (the harpy from book 4).
Lysander notices Bianka playing bizarre games of 'who can break the least bones while jumping off a cliff', becomes a little bit obsessed with her and kidnaps her. Tells himself it's for the good of society to keep her in captivity and that he's going to try and reform her. Turns out it's Bianka that reforms Lysander to her way of thinking.
Overall it was a bit of a pants story. I Actually liked Lysander, not suprising, as I usually like Angel characters. But Bianka ruined it. I hate harpys. I wish Gena had never written them into book 4. I like urban fantasy, but Bianka was all Urban and no Fantasy. She talks like a 15yrold high school girl, eats only junk food, and uses a mobile phone, and urgh.. so much.. I just tried to skip through it. The fact of it is, that these two characters had nothing in common apart from mutual sexual attraction, and thats not a great basis for a romance book.
I was much more interested in the snippets of side story about the other Angel and Aeron keeper of Wrath.
At the end of the story there was a brief telling of Gwen and Sabin's wedding. Which was yet another awful idea, since neither of them are remotely christian.. Sabin is a demon and Gwen is a half demon harpy.. why are they getting married in a church? It's probably just to appeal to the average American reader, but it didn't work for me.
Please forgive me but I'm going to keep reading these books because I'm a sucker for continuing a series once I've started it.
See my other reviews of the Lords of the Underworld series:
← #4 The Darkest Whisper | #5 The Darkest Passion →
Lysander is an Angel. Respectable, pure hearted, incredibly goodlooking. (And he also happens to be the mentor of the female Angel that has been stalking Aeron in recent novels).
Bianka is a Harpy, and the sister of Gwen (the harpy from book 4).
Lysander notices Bianka playing bizarre games of 'who can break the least bones while jumping off a cliff', becomes a little bit obsessed with her and kidnaps her. Tells himself it's for the good of society to keep her in captivity and that he's going to try and reform her. Turns out it's Bianka that reforms Lysander to her way of thinking.
Overall it was a bit of a pants story. I Actually liked Lysander, not suprising, as I usually like Angel characters. But Bianka ruined it. I hate harpys. I wish Gena had never written them into book 4. I like urban fantasy, but Bianka was all Urban and no Fantasy. She talks like a 15yrold high school girl, eats only junk food, and uses a mobile phone, and urgh.. so much.. I just tried to skip through it. The fact of it is, that these two characters had nothing in common apart from mutual sexual attraction, and thats not a great basis for a romance book.
I was much more interested in the snippets of side story about the other Angel and Aeron keeper of Wrath.
At the end of the story there was a brief telling of Gwen and Sabin's wedding. Which was yet another awful idea, since neither of them are remotely christian.. Sabin is a demon and Gwen is a half demon harpy.. why are they getting married in a church? It's probably just to appeal to the average American reader, but it didn't work for me.
Please forgive me but I'm going to keep reading these books because I'm a sucker for continuing a series once I've started it.
See my other reviews of the Lords of the Underworld series:
← #4 The Darkest Whisper | #5 The Darkest Passion →
July 20, 2012
From the three stories in this book, the Darkest Angel was definitely my favorite, followed by the Darkest Prison. The Darkest Angel is the story of Lysander (the angel who watches over the Lords of the Underworld demon posessed gods from the series by Gena Showalter). I wasn't sure I would like the story, but I've read nine of these books, and my mind kept wondering back to how Lysander met his harpy and how they came to be. This novella is a fun, humerous and steamy read.
The Darkest Prison I found was too short, and I still can't figure out how this novella ties in with the Lords of the Underworld series. Atlas, the Titan god of Strength is in love with the Greek Goddess of Strength. But she hates his guts. Their history goes back hundreds of years, to when the Greeks ruled the gods and the Titans were locked up. Now the roles have been reversed. The story lacked romance and steaminess, which Gena Showalter is known for. There was some action, and the ending was too "easy". I was left feeling like there should have been more.
Overall I'm giving the 3 stories combined a 4-star rating ... but I would give the Darkest Angel a 5 star on its own.
The Darkest Prison I found was too short, and I still can't figure out how this novella ties in with the Lords of the Underworld series. Atlas, the Titan god of Strength is in love with the Greek Goddess of Strength. But she hates his guts. Their history goes back hundreds of years, to when the Greeks ruled the gods and the Titans were locked up. Now the roles have been reversed. The story lacked romance and steaminess, which Gena Showalter is known for. There was some action, and the ending was too "easy". I was left feeling like there should have been more.
Overall I'm giving the 3 stories combined a 4-star rating ... but I would give the Darkest Angel a 5 star on its own.
June 18, 2010
So I didnt know when or where this book should be in the series and that kind of annoyed me. I tend to go on GR alot and I guess I need to look at official Author pages instead. I started reading The darkest passion and was missing small bits and pieces. Turns out (if you havent read it) read this one before The Darlesk Passion, especially if you are particularly Anal about reading orders like myself. I know people say it doesn't matter etc etc. but I HATE HATE HATE reading things out of order and missing out on suttle character references, from previous books. Personally.... for me... it spoils things.
The first two stories it doesnt matter and they are kinda prequels but the Darkest Angel... read before The darkest passsion, IMHO.
Now after all that, the Stories were good, nothing hugely special, didn't pull any heartstrings or anything, But short stories and anthologies often are just that. It was still entertaining and worth the read.
The first two stories it doesnt matter and they are kinda prequels but the Darkest Angel... read before The darkest passsion, IMHO.
Now after all that, the Stories were good, nothing hugely special, didn't pull any heartstrings or anything, But short stories and anthologies often are just that. It was still entertaining and worth the read.
April 21, 2011
Darkest Fire, LOTU 0.5
5 Stars
I wasn't expecting to like this that much as after reading the first three books of the Lords of the Underworld series I already know that this isn't going to end well for the Goddess of Oppression. However, after a few pages I was hooked and I really enjoyed this really short (90 pages approx) story. It is a Beauty and the Beast story, with a beautiful woman and an ugly man-thing. But you can see why despite his appearence, although he does have some very cute little demon horns, she fell in love with Geryon. I would definately read thiss if you are reading LOTU and it is a nice start to the series if you haven't read it.
5 Stars
I wasn't expecting to like this that much as after reading the first three books of the Lords of the Underworld series I already know that this isn't going to end well for the Goddess of Oppression. However, after a few pages I was hooked and I really enjoyed this really short (90 pages approx) story. It is a Beauty and the Beast story, with a beautiful woman and an ugly man-thing. But you can see why despite his appearence, although he does have some very cute little demon horns, she fell in love with Geryon. I would definately read thiss if you are reading LOTU and it is a nice start to the series if you haven't read it.
January 24, 2011
This anthology was very choppy.
Darkest Fire was 2*. Darkest Prison was 3*. Darkest Angel 3.5*. And all the added extra bits were also 3.5*. So an overall rating of 3*.
The first 2 were really pre LoTU and Darkest Angel was Bianca the Harpy & Lysander the Angels HEA. Bianca is Gwen's older sister and Gwen & Sabin's wedding is a small feature at the end of the tale.
Added extras were quite amusing - interviews of the Lords by William, Gilly interviewing all the ladies etc.
Darkest Fire was 2*. Darkest Prison was 3*. Darkest Angel 3.5*. And all the added extra bits were also 3.5*. So an overall rating of 3*.
The first 2 were really pre LoTU and Darkest Angel was Bianca the Harpy & Lysander the Angels HEA. Bianca is Gwen's older sister and Gwen & Sabin's wedding is a small feature at the end of the tale.
Added extras were quite amusing - interviews of the Lords by William, Gilly interviewing all the ladies etc.
October 28, 2010
This book has a compilation of 3 stories one of which is about Lysander & Bianka and how they meet.
I enjoyed all three stories but what I liked most about this book was not only that it was a light read but the fact that William (Willie) interviews the Lords of the Underworld individually. William has me literally laughing out loud with his smart ass comments and in one scene he has an altercation with Kane (Keeper of Disaster).
Great read!
I enjoyed all three stories but what I liked most about this book was not only that it was a light read but the fact that William (Willie) interviews the Lords of the Underworld individually. William has me literally laughing out loud with his smart ass comments and in one scene he has an altercation with Kane (Keeper of Disaster).
Great read!
January 31, 2016
A collection if shirt stories that fill in the blanks in The Lords of the Underworld series. Nothing spectacular but I liked it.
January 8, 2015
I just love the novellas of the series. I am still waitng for William and Jill to get their own novel, since everyone seems to get one but them
February 16, 2021
I ordered this book because I wanted to reed about Lysander and Bianka, but at the end I mostly liked "The Darkest Fire".
Really nice 3 short stories. I enjoyed the ones with unknown characters as well as the angel and harpy. I think it really had a potential to be a whole book. And I hope Atlas and Nike is still hiding somewhere together.
"Awakening Pandora" - the original version of the whole series idea. It’s completely different idea and it’s surprising how almost nothing is as it is. And the characters in there sounded quite interesting and I think I would love that version as well in a book. But it’s like 99% different from the result. This version seemed somehow closer to Showalters "Alien Huntress" series. If felt more like urban fantasy as for some reason the Lords are so in their own world and they are like their own little nation that can't even notice the "real world".
I enjoy the interviews with K. Cole, William and Gilly It makes me wonder is Gilly having her own story as well?! She must have. I ned to google. (googles and goodreads). Ok, now it's really funny. Or maybe I feel embarrassed as I thought she will have like one of them shorter stories, not a whole book. And look at that, the author, in this book, that is released in 2010 talks already about William.... and even Gilly is before him... so strange to see that his book comes only in 2020. Talk about 10 years in between. And for me, I'm happy that William is not together with Gilly, the line between a friend and a father figure is such a fine one. And they really was not meant to be together romantically, despite what so many fans been saying (just red some of the comments about them .... too much).
And to be honest I was surprised that Showalters favourite character is William - really?! Why?!?!? I can’t seam to see the appeal. I love the banter and joking, but it doesn’t make him my fave.
Really nice 3 short stories. I enjoyed the ones with unknown characters as well as the angel and harpy. I think it really had a potential to be a whole book. And I hope Atlas and Nike is still hiding somewhere together.
"Awakening Pandora" - the original version of the whole series idea. It’s completely different idea and it’s surprising how almost nothing is as it is. And the characters in there sounded quite interesting and I think I would love that version as well in a book. But it’s like 99% different from the result. This version seemed somehow closer to Showalters "Alien Huntress" series. If felt more like urban fantasy as for some reason the Lords are so in their own world and they are like their own little nation that can't even notice the "real world".
I enjoy the interviews with K. Cole, William and Gilly It makes me wonder is Gilly having her own story as well?! She must have. I ned to google. (googles and goodreads). Ok, now it's really funny. Or maybe I feel embarrassed as I thought she will have like one of them shorter stories, not a whole book. And look at that, the author, in this book, that is released in 2010 talks already about William.... and even Gilly is before him... so strange to see that his book comes only in 2020. Talk about 10 years in between. And for me, I'm happy that William is not together with Gilly, the line between a friend and a father figure is such a fine one. And they really was not meant to be together romantically, despite what so many fans been saying (just red some of the comments about them .... too much).
And to be honest I was surprised that Showalters favourite character is William - really?! Why?!?!? I can’t seam to see the appeal. I love the banter and joking, but it doesn’t make him my fave.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2021
Lots of extras in this short story collection. 2/3 is short stories, 1/3 is extras, fillers, background on the demon Heroes. Glad she ditched her original King Maddox story. Although, separately it had potential. Just pur story is more fun, modern, ...actually makes sense?
Short Stories
~Darkest Fire ~ Prequel ~ story of Kadene, Goddess of Oppression, whose bones after death made up Pandora's Box, sealing in the demon Lords who escaped hell. It is the love story of her and Geryon, Guardian Of Hell's Gate, keeper demons and souls in.
~ Darkest Prison ~ random short story, Atlas and Nike, strongest Titan and strongest Greek goddess, during the flip from Gods in power to Titans in power.
~Darkest Angel~ Lysander angel and Bianka harpie. Was included in another novel.
Extras
~ Interview btw Gena Showalter and friend, fellow writer, Kresley Cole
~ Notes from Hunters perspective on The Lords
~original attempt at starting Lord's stories, scraped by Gena Showalter.
~William Ever-Randy interviews the Lords and Gilly the Ladies
~preview of next novel, Darkest Passion, winged Aeron , demon Wrath, and Angel Olivia.
Short Stories
~Darkest Fire ~ Prequel ~ story of Kadene, Goddess of Oppression, whose bones after death made up Pandora's Box, sealing in the demon Lords who escaped hell. It is the love story of her and Geryon, Guardian Of Hell's Gate, keeper demons and souls in.
~ Darkest Prison ~ random short story, Atlas and Nike, strongest Titan and strongest Greek goddess, during the flip from Gods in power to Titans in power.
~Darkest Angel~ Lysander angel and Bianka harpie. Was included in another novel.
Extras
~ Interview btw Gena Showalter and friend, fellow writer, Kresley Cole
~ Notes from Hunters perspective on The Lords
~original attempt at starting Lord's stories, scraped by Gena Showalter.
~William Ever-Randy interviews the Lords and Gilly the Ladies
~preview of next novel, Darkest Passion, winged Aeron , demon Wrath, and Angel Olivia.
December 15, 2021
Im Schwarzen Verlies geht es um Atlas und Nike, ihre Geschichte ist interessant, spannend und irgendwie verrückt und macht Spaß zu lesen.
Schwarze Engel sorgen Lysander und Bianka für die Unterhaltung. Das ist meine Lieblingskurzgeschichte in diesem Buch. Beim Lesen habe ich viel gelacht und habe mich amüsiert. Am liebsten hätte viel mehr über die beiden gelesen.
Die letzte Geschichte ist Schwarzes Feuer und erzählt uns von Geryon und Kadence und ist eher langweilig und irgendwie kam die Gefühle der beiden nicht so richtig rüber beim Lesen.
Der Sammelband der Kurzgeschichten war schön zu lesen und habe einiges Hintergründe erfahren. Außerdem war es eine gute Mischung mit guten und schlechten Kurzgeschichten.
Schwarze Engel sorgen Lysander und Bianka für die Unterhaltung. Das ist meine Lieblingskurzgeschichte in diesem Buch. Beim Lesen habe ich viel gelacht und habe mich amüsiert. Am liebsten hätte viel mehr über die beiden gelesen.
Die letzte Geschichte ist Schwarzes Feuer und erzählt uns von Geryon und Kadence und ist eher langweilig und irgendwie kam die Gefühle der beiden nicht so richtig rüber beim Lesen.
Der Sammelband der Kurzgeschichten war schön zu lesen und habe einiges Hintergründe erfahren. Außerdem war es eine gute Mischung mit guten und schlechten Kurzgeschichten.
August 25, 2022
I read The Darkest Fire (#0.5) and The Darkest Prison (#3.5) novellas in the anthology: Into the Dark. See my review for it here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I read The Darkest Angel (#4.5) in the anthology: Heart of Darkness. See my review for it here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I read The Darkest Angel (#4.5) in the anthology: Heart of Darkness. See my review for it here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2025
So there are two of these books that have the same cover artwork. This is a version that I believe came first and has the Lysander and Bianka side story in it, along with a short romance story of the gatekeepers of hell that let the original demons loose, and silly interviews with all the lords at the end.
Hunted this down just for the Lysander romance, and loved it. Cute quick book of short stories. Really enjoyed the harpy angel romance.
Hunted this down just for the Lysander romance, and loved it. Cute quick book of short stories. Really enjoyed the harpy angel romance.
December 28, 2019
Love these books
July 20, 2020
A great introduction to three great series.
August 28, 2020
A compilation of the short stories that slot between the books. Also a bit of background from cronus about the lords. A good extra read
June 22, 2025
I like Nike and Atlas. I love Lysander and Bianka. And interviews done by William are always a giggle.
June 14, 2011
This review was posted at Under The Covers
The Darkest Fire - LOTU # 0.5
3 Stars
Bringing you back to where it all started in a way. However the Demon Lords as we now know them are really not in this story. This is the story of Geryon, Guardian of the Gates of Hell, and Kadence, Goddess of Oppression.
He is not beautiful, how could a true beauty like Kadence want to even look at him. He feels like this from page one. Always beneath everyone, considered as low as a dog. With his almost demon-like appearance he can only watch the Goddess from afar, and dream.
Kadence has also her own cross to bear. She is tied directly to the Wall that keeps the demons inside. She cannot go far from it or the wall weakens. But what of her own weakness? How could she resist the tender soul in Geryon?
The Beauty falls in love with the Beast. This story is short, quite steamy, but will give you no more information on the LOTU storyline.
The Darkest Prison - LOTU # 3.5
4 Stars
This was a very entertaining story in the LOTU world. Even though we get a glimpse of Reyes and Danika at the beginning, it is only to give us an insight into what is happening in Cronus's side.
Atlas was held captive many years ago, and had tried to seduce all female guards to get someone to release him. Except even then, one of them had been special to him. It wasn't the prettiest girl of the bunch, no, it was Nike, with all her strength, and the way she made him feel. Except before she went against her people and released him, she found out about his other relations with other guards, and thought she was just a means to an end to him. Of course she should've known better. Why would a beautiful man like him want a woman like her. And to punish him, she carved her name on his back.
Now, years later, the positions are reversed, Nike is the slave in the cell, and Atlas wants revenged, he wants to see his name on her skin, but he didn't expect to feel possessive of her, he didn't expect that he would want no other man near her, touching her. She was his. But what future could they have together?
Sienna and Cronus make a small appearance as well, and the Lords are briefly mentioned, but other than that, this novel has nothing to do with the Lords and their continuing storyline. However it was a very entertaining short read.
The Darkest Angel - LOTU # 4.5
5 Stars
This was the only story in this book that is directly related to the Lords and/or characters from the LOTU books.
The harpies are my favorite females in this series, well with the exception of Anya, of course. The Darkest Angel is the story of how Bianka and Lysander got together. We've known from the books they are a couple, but how did a harpy manage to get with an Angel?
I think these two could've gotten their own book, they were certainly amazing together and I would've loved to see their relationship more developed. But what we got was full of humor, tensions, battles of will and naughtiness.
Lysander wants to convert Bianka from her evil and impure ways. So he decides he will kidnap her and bring her to his home, in a cloud, keep her there, and teach her how to be good. Not counting on the fact that he wants her too much, and he can't help it if she affects him in ways he doesn't even understand. What are these feelings? How can he deal with them? Well, maybe he shouldn't. And he leaves her alone in his house for long periods at a time.
This just makes Bianka furious. Doesn't he know that a harpy can't even eat or drink unless she steals! There's nothing for her to steal, how is she going to survive? And why is her traitorous body warming at the mere sight of the Angel.
Funny, yes. Cute and romantic, yes. HOT, absolutely. And ... totally memorable. Let's just say if you've ever though about Paris half naked in a mud fight with another hot half naked guy, then you have to read this story!
Favorite Quotes:
"Would you rather be a bridesmaid or be hit by a bus?"
"The bus. No question. That, I'd recover from."
"Agreed."
"Her motto: if it's unethical and illegal and you've got the cash, I'm your girl."
The Darkest Fire - LOTU # 0.5
3 Stars
Bringing you back to where it all started in a way. However the Demon Lords as we now know them are really not in this story. This is the story of Geryon, Guardian of the Gates of Hell, and Kadence, Goddess of Oppression.
He is not beautiful, how could a true beauty like Kadence want to even look at him. He feels like this from page one. Always beneath everyone, considered as low as a dog. With his almost demon-like appearance he can only watch the Goddess from afar, and dream.
Kadence has also her own cross to bear. She is tied directly to the Wall that keeps the demons inside. She cannot go far from it or the wall weakens. But what of her own weakness? How could she resist the tender soul in Geryon?
The Beauty falls in love with the Beast. This story is short, quite steamy, but will give you no more information on the LOTU storyline.
The Darkest Prison - LOTU # 3.5
4 Stars
This was a very entertaining story in the LOTU world. Even though we get a glimpse of Reyes and Danika at the beginning, it is only to give us an insight into what is happening in Cronus's side.
Atlas was held captive many years ago, and had tried to seduce all female guards to get someone to release him. Except even then, one of them had been special to him. It wasn't the prettiest girl of the bunch, no, it was Nike, with all her strength, and the way she made him feel. Except before she went against her people and released him, she found out about his other relations with other guards, and thought she was just a means to an end to him. Of course she should've known better. Why would a beautiful man like him want a woman like her. And to punish him, she carved her name on his back.
Now, years later, the positions are reversed, Nike is the slave in the cell, and Atlas wants revenged, he wants to see his name on her skin, but he didn't expect to feel possessive of her, he didn't expect that he would want no other man near her, touching her. She was his. But what future could they have together?
Sienna and Cronus make a small appearance as well, and the Lords are briefly mentioned, but other than that, this novel has nothing to do with the Lords and their continuing storyline. However it was a very entertaining short read.
The Darkest Angel - LOTU # 4.5
5 Stars
This was the only story in this book that is directly related to the Lords and/or characters from the LOTU books.
The harpies are my favorite females in this series, well with the exception of Anya, of course. The Darkest Angel is the story of how Bianka and Lysander got together. We've known from the books they are a couple, but how did a harpy manage to get with an Angel?
I think these two could've gotten their own book, they were certainly amazing together and I would've loved to see their relationship more developed. But what we got was full of humor, tensions, battles of will and naughtiness.
Lysander wants to convert Bianka from her evil and impure ways. So he decides he will kidnap her and bring her to his home, in a cloud, keep her there, and teach her how to be good. Not counting on the fact that he wants her too much, and he can't help it if she affects him in ways he doesn't even understand. What are these feelings? How can he deal with them? Well, maybe he shouldn't. And he leaves her alone in his house for long periods at a time.
This just makes Bianka furious. Doesn't he know that a harpy can't even eat or drink unless she steals! There's nothing for her to steal, how is she going to survive? And why is her traitorous body warming at the mere sight of the Angel.
Funny, yes. Cute and romantic, yes. HOT, absolutely. And ... totally memorable. Let's just say if you've ever though about Paris half naked in a mud fight with another hot half naked guy, then you have to read this story!
Favorite Quotes:
"Would you rather be a bridesmaid or be hit by a bus?"
"The bus. No question. That, I'd recover from."
"Agreed."
"Her motto: if it's unethical and illegal and you've got the cash, I'm your girl."
May 30, 2010
This book contains:
Three short stories:
The Darkest Fire
A Lords of the Underworld prequel
The Darkest Prison
A Lords of the Underworld Tale
The Darkest Angel
Also:
The Bonus Guide:
Twenty(ish) Questions with Kresley Cole
Classified Files: From the Private Records of Dean Stefano
Behind the Scenes: Creating the Lords of the Underworld
At home with the Lords of the Underworld
Round table: the women of the underworld speak
Frequently asked questions
Sneak peek of The Darkest Passion
The Sacred Scrolls
Glossary of Characters and Terms
Anthologises aren't usually on the top of my to buy list, they usually leave me wanting more, so i'd rather spend my money on a full length novel. however! Dark Beginnings i bought because it was a Gena Showalter and all about my beloved Lords of the Underworld (swoon) so i HAD to get it, and i'm so glad i did.
Dark Beginnings by Gena Showalter is PACKED to the gills with Lords tidbits, profiles and interviews, plus you get three short stories in with the mix too. All three are good reads, i liked the third one best of all with Bianka and Lysander, good and evil falling in love. I just love the Harpies, Bianka was one of my favourites.
Although the shorts were good, it was all the bonus goodies i wanted more. Interviews with the Lords conducted by William (He intrigues me!) was SO funny, the classified files a lovely treat, i forget what characters look like, where tattoos are placed, so it's nice to have all those details in one handy book so as not to search each individual book. What made me laugh most was the Interview with Gena Showalter given by Krelsey Cole(Yes, author of Immortals!) they joked around and ribbed each other just like i do with my friends...and there was some series' teases in there too!
All around this is a must have for all Lords fans, it's not a book to buy if you're not familiar with the series and just looking for a new read, you wont know what the heck is going on.
This book is a delicious treat for any Lords of the Underworld fans.
PS. oookay, i've been confused because this book is also titled "Into the Dark" it was what i thought i had, until one of the stories from ITD summary seemed unfamiliar to me, checking my book i saw i had something different =P everything is the same except my book has "The Darkest Angel" story and not "The Amazon's Curse" I wonder if it's a English thing, we sometimes get different titles. Either way its a good read! =)
Three short stories:
The Darkest Fire
A Lords of the Underworld prequel
The Darkest Prison
A Lords of the Underworld Tale
The Darkest Angel
Also:
The Bonus Guide:
Twenty(ish) Questions with Kresley Cole
Classified Files: From the Private Records of Dean Stefano
Behind the Scenes: Creating the Lords of the Underworld
At home with the Lords of the Underworld
Round table: the women of the underworld speak
Frequently asked questions
Sneak peek of The Darkest Passion
The Sacred Scrolls
Glossary of Characters and Terms
Anthologises aren't usually on the top of my to buy list, they usually leave me wanting more, so i'd rather spend my money on a full length novel. however! Dark Beginnings i bought because it was a Gena Showalter and all about my beloved Lords of the Underworld (swoon) so i HAD to get it, and i'm so glad i did.
Dark Beginnings by Gena Showalter is PACKED to the gills with Lords tidbits, profiles and interviews, plus you get three short stories in with the mix too. All three are good reads, i liked the third one best of all with Bianka and Lysander, good and evil falling in love. I just love the Harpies, Bianka was one of my favourites.
Although the shorts were good, it was all the bonus goodies i wanted more. Interviews with the Lords conducted by William (He intrigues me!) was SO funny, the classified files a lovely treat, i forget what characters look like, where tattoos are placed, so it's nice to have all those details in one handy book so as not to search each individual book. What made me laugh most was the Interview with Gena Showalter given by Krelsey Cole(Yes, author of Immortals!) they joked around and ribbed each other just like i do with my friends...and there was some series' teases in there too!
All around this is a must have for all Lords fans, it's not a book to buy if you're not familiar with the series and just looking for a new read, you wont know what the heck is going on.
This book is a delicious treat for any Lords of the Underworld fans.
PS. oookay, i've been confused because this book is also titled "Into the Dark" it was what i thought i had, until one of the stories from ITD summary seemed unfamiliar to me, checking my book i saw i had something different =P everything is the same except my book has "The Darkest Angel" story and not "The Amazon's Curse" I wonder if it's a English thing, we sometimes get different titles. Either way its a good read! =)
September 10, 2014
Ok so Dark Beginnings is 3 short stories to accompany the Lords of the Underworld series and a few fictional interviews and fiction facts about the Lords.
The first short story was The Darkest Fire - this is supposedly a prequel to the Lords of the underworld and follows Geryon, a monster/man who guards the gates of hell to ensure the demons within never escape. He falls for the Goddess of Oppression, Kadence who is linked to the walls of hell to strengthen and maintain them. However when the wall begins to crack Geryon and Kadence must work together to convince Lucifer to fix the wall.
I would give this one 3*s as I feel it could have told you more about Pandora's box and in doing so link it better to the series. But over all it was cute and the romance was believable.
The Second short story was The Darkest Prison - Now this one I just didn't get. I didn't understand why it was necessary in the series, and I didn't really like the storyline. Basically it followed Atlas the Titan god of Strength and the Greek Goddess Nike and how they both abuse their powers over each other and force each other into sexual and humiliating acts and brand each other. I was happy that it was so short. I gave this 1*
Now the third short story, this one was by far the best. I loved The Darkest Angel. This was the story of Lysander an Angel who falls for a Harpy Bianka (Gwen's sister). Is was so adorable as Lysander didn't understand what he was feeling cos as an angel he hadn't experienced feelings of lust or want and hadn't had sex so when he became tempted by Bianka - in his eyes his complete opposite who he should despise he doesn't know what to do - so he kidnaps her and tries to get her to change her ways and become a 'good' person. However Bianka is having non of it! This one is a must read! Not just because I enjoyed it but I have just finished Darkest Passion and it mentions this story quite a bit. So for anyone who hasn't read this first it must seem really odd like you've missed something! Definitely a 5* story though.
The interviews I couldn't be fussed with. I had a quick browse but it just seemed like padding to make the book seem longer and therefore worth spending money on. (Its about half the books >:I not very impressed)
The first short story was The Darkest Fire - this is supposedly a prequel to the Lords of the underworld and follows Geryon, a monster/man who guards the gates of hell to ensure the demons within never escape. He falls for the Goddess of Oppression, Kadence who is linked to the walls of hell to strengthen and maintain them. However when the wall begins to crack Geryon and Kadence must work together to convince Lucifer to fix the wall.
I would give this one 3*s as I feel it could have told you more about Pandora's box and in doing so link it better to the series. But over all it was cute and the romance was believable.
The Second short story was The Darkest Prison - Now this one I just didn't get. I didn't understand why it was necessary in the series, and I didn't really like the storyline. Basically it followed Atlas the Titan god of Strength and the Greek Goddess Nike and how they both abuse their powers over each other and force each other into sexual and humiliating acts and brand each other. I was happy that it was so short. I gave this 1*
Now the third short story, this one was by far the best. I loved The Darkest Angel. This was the story of Lysander an Angel who falls for a Harpy Bianka (Gwen's sister). Is was so adorable as Lysander didn't understand what he was feeling cos as an angel he hadn't experienced feelings of lust or want and hadn't had sex so when he became tempted by Bianka - in his eyes his complete opposite who he should despise he doesn't know what to do - so he kidnaps her and tries to get her to change her ways and become a 'good' person. However Bianka is having non of it! This one is a must read! Not just because I enjoyed it but I have just finished Darkest Passion and it mentions this story quite a bit. So for anyone who hasn't read this first it must seem really odd like you've missed something! Definitely a 5* story though.
The interviews I couldn't be fussed with. I had a quick browse but it just seemed like padding to make the book seem longer and therefore worth spending money on. (Its about half the books >:I not very impressed)
May 2, 2022
OVERALL RATING: 4 STARS
This book is a collection of 3 novellas from the Lords of the Underworld world, as well as a bonus guide that was also published as The Darkest Facts in ebook. The three novellas have also been published separately. I did read all three of them so I'll give my thoughts on each of them. Before I read this I was really only interested in reading The Darkest Angel, Bianka's and Lysander's story, but I ended up enjoying one of the other novellas more than I thought I would've.
The Darkest Fire
Rating: 2 STARS
This is a novella about Kadence, the Goddess of Opression, whose bones were used to create dimOuniak (aka Pandora's box if you're a simple person like myself) and Geryon, the Guardian of Hell.
I guess it was nice reading about how it all started. But this story was kind of meh. It's not a very long read, so it won't take up too much of your time, but unless you're a hardcore LOTU fan it's fine if you skip this as you won't miss anything.
The Darkest Prison
Rating: 4 STARS
This novella was about Atlas, Titan God of Strength, and Nike, Greek Goddess of Strength and Victory. I like this novella, it gives a small bit of insight as to what's happening in the heavens, albeit mainly the Tartarus part of the heavens. With the way the story ended it made it seem that there is a possibilty that we might be seeing them again in the future, and I'm definitely up for that to happen.
The Darkest Angel
Rating: 4 STARS
This novella is about Bianka Skyhawk, Harpy and sister to Gwen Skyhawk, and Lysander, warrior angel (one of the elite seven). I really liked this one. It was funny, quick and easy to read, it wasn't as heavy and serious as the LOTU books usually are but it was still just as fun.
This book is a collection of 3 novellas from the Lords of the Underworld world, as well as a bonus guide that was also published as The Darkest Facts in ebook. The three novellas have also been published separately. I did read all three of them so I'll give my thoughts on each of them. Before I read this I was really only interested in reading The Darkest Angel, Bianka's and Lysander's story, but I ended up enjoying one of the other novellas more than I thought I would've.
The Darkest Fire
Rating: 2 STARS
This is a novella about Kadence, the Goddess of Opression, whose bones were used to create dimOuniak (aka Pandora's box if you're a simple person like myself) and Geryon, the Guardian of Hell.
I guess it was nice reading about how it all started. But this story was kind of meh. It's not a very long read, so it won't take up too much of your time, but unless you're a hardcore LOTU fan it's fine if you skip this as you won't miss anything.
The Darkest Prison
Rating: 4 STARS
This novella was about Atlas, Titan God of Strength, and Nike, Greek Goddess of Strength and Victory. I like this novella, it gives a small bit of insight as to what's happening in the heavens, albeit mainly the Tartarus part of the heavens. With the way the story ended it made it seem that there is a possibilty that we might be seeing them again in the future, and I'm definitely up for that to happen.
The Darkest Angel
Rating: 4 STARS
This novella is about Bianka Skyhawk, Harpy and sister to Gwen Skyhawk, and Lysander, warrior angel (one of the elite seven). I really liked this one. It was funny, quick and easy to read, it wasn't as heavy and serious as the LOTU books usually are but it was still just as fun.
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