Brekke K. (sfvamp) -
Helpful Score: 5
Seriously the sexy guy on the cover is the best part of this book.
The Darkest Fire was like Beauty and the Beast in Hell but BORING.
The Amazon's Curse I read as an ebook and liked it alright but it really should be included as an epilogue to The Vampire Bride. It simply is not strong enough on its own and too short to be included in an anthology.
The Darkest Prison is a reversal of The Darkest Fire in which the woman, Nike, is unattractive and the man, Atlas, is the pretty one in the relationship. It was slightly better than The Darkest Fire but that's not saying much. It's really forgettable and doesn't add anything to the mythos of the Lords of the Underworld series.
The other stuff in the book are just that--stuffing. There is no redeeming value to the Kresley Cole interview (and I LOVE Kresley Cole but this came off as more of a love fest between her and Gena Showalter than something written with the fans in mind). And the character interviews were not even mildly amusing. Overall the whole concept was juvenile in execution.
Bottom line: This book was created to gouge the fans.
The Darkest Fire was like Beauty and the Beast in Hell but BORING.
The Amazon's Curse I read as an ebook and liked it alright but it really should be included as an epilogue to The Vampire Bride. It simply is not strong enough on its own and too short to be included in an anthology.
The Darkest Prison is a reversal of The Darkest Fire in which the woman, Nike, is unattractive and the man, Atlas, is the pretty one in the relationship. It was slightly better than The Darkest Fire but that's not saying much. It's really forgettable and doesn't add anything to the mythos of the Lords of the Underworld series.
The other stuff in the book are just that--stuffing. There is no redeeming value to the Kresley Cole interview (and I LOVE Kresley Cole but this came off as more of a love fest between her and Gena Showalter than something written with the fans in mind). And the character interviews were not even mildly amusing. Overall the whole concept was juvenile in execution.
Bottom line: This book was created to gouge the fans.
Monica G. (champsmom) -
Helpful Score: 2
This is a book of Showalter's three ebooks. The darkest fire tells the beginnings of the Lords of the Underworld demons, but I found it to lack flesh and really you could read the rest of the series and this story would not matter. The same goes for the Darkest prison although it does give the reader a little info on Paris' Sienna. I would not recommend reading the Darkest prison if you have not read the other Underworld stories.
Mikkella -
Helpful Score: 1
This book was so horrible I kept checking the cover to make sure Gena wrote this. While I typically enjoy this author, the ONLY saving grace is the prequil to the next underworld book.
Wendy H. (donkeycheese) -
The worlds of Atlantis and the Underworld come together in this phenomenal anthology by best-selling author Gena Showalter. Vampires, Gods, Amazons and more are sure to thrill you with their stories.
THE DARKEST FIRE is a LORD OF THE UNDERWORLD prequel. Geryon sold his soul to Lucifer in exchange for his dying wife's life. With the loss of his soul, Geryon is transformed into a half beast, a beast his wife wants nothing to do with. So, Geryon takes a position as a guardian of hell, opening the gate only for the entrance of new souls. He watches Kadence every day, as she makes her rounds, but they never speak. Geryon can only dream that such a beauty would want anything from him.
Kadence is the Goddess of Oppression, and she constantly monitors the demon camps in the underworld. She is also bound to the wall that divides the underworld from humanity. When it cracks from demon lords trying to escape, Kadence knows she will die if the wall is not repaired quickly. She barters with Lucifer to return Geryon's soul so that he can leave his gate and help her ensure that the horde of demon lords does not escape. If they fail, Kadence dies. LORD OF THE UNDERWORLD fans will enjoy this story, as it reveals the creation of Pandora's Box and what it is made of.
THE AMAZON'S CURSE is a tale of Atlantis. Zane is a fierce vampire warrior who has been captured by the Amazons. It is almost mating season, and he will soon become the slave and breeder to an Amazon warrior. Zane realizes his fate, but he is too weak to put up much of a fight. All he can think about is his own Amazon woman, Nola.
The Gods have bound Nola, an Amazon, to the Amazon camp, but she is cursed. She is invisible; no one can see or hear her. It pains her to see Zane mistreated and given to one of her Amazon sisters. She wants him for herself, but he cannot see her. Zane and Nola, both victims in their pasts, will have to come to terms with their feelings for one another if they hope to break their curse. If they do not, they may not have a future at all.
THE DARKEST PASSION is a LORDS OF THE UNDERWORLD story. Nike is a Greek goddess who once fell in love with one of her slaves, Atlas, God of Strength. When she discovers that he slept with all of his female guards to try to escape, her heart shatters. To extract vengeance, she tattoos her name across his chest, a mark he will have to bear for eternity.
When the tides turn centuries later, it is the Greek gods who are captive, not the Titans. Atlas is now in charge of the prison and, he decides to seek revenge upon Nike. He has guards hold her down, as he carves his name into her back. Nike still has feelings for Atlas, but she is afraid to get her heart broken again. Atlas realizes that he loves Nike and he wants her delete her to free her from her prison, but the God Cronus forbids it. Now that they have found one another again, they must exist apart, unless they risk everything for one more chance.
INTO THE DARK is a romantic journey filled with passion, despair and love. It was great re-visiting the world of Atlantis and THE LORDS OF THE UNDERWORLD. The LORDS OF THE UNDERWORLD bonus guide at the rear of the book, as well as, an insightful interview with Gena Showalter is definitely an entertaining read. If you are not a fan yet, you definitely will be after you read INTO THE DARK. The stories can stand alone, or if you are a die-hard fan, a must have. Those alpha males are simply hot! hot! hot!
THE DARKEST FIRE is a LORD OF THE UNDERWORLD prequel. Geryon sold his soul to Lucifer in exchange for his dying wife's life. With the loss of his soul, Geryon is transformed into a half beast, a beast his wife wants nothing to do with. So, Geryon takes a position as a guardian of hell, opening the gate only for the entrance of new souls. He watches Kadence every day, as she makes her rounds, but they never speak. Geryon can only dream that such a beauty would want anything from him.
Kadence is the Goddess of Oppression, and she constantly monitors the demon camps in the underworld. She is also bound to the wall that divides the underworld from humanity. When it cracks from demon lords trying to escape, Kadence knows she will die if the wall is not repaired quickly. She barters with Lucifer to return Geryon's soul so that he can leave his gate and help her ensure that the horde of demon lords does not escape. If they fail, Kadence dies. LORD OF THE UNDERWORLD fans will enjoy this story, as it reveals the creation of Pandora's Box and what it is made of.
THE AMAZON'S CURSE is a tale of Atlantis. Zane is a fierce vampire warrior who has been captured by the Amazons. It is almost mating season, and he will soon become the slave and breeder to an Amazon warrior. Zane realizes his fate, but he is too weak to put up much of a fight. All he can think about is his own Amazon woman, Nola.
The Gods have bound Nola, an Amazon, to the Amazon camp, but she is cursed. She is invisible; no one can see or hear her. It pains her to see Zane mistreated and given to one of her Amazon sisters. She wants him for herself, but he cannot see her. Zane and Nola, both victims in their pasts, will have to come to terms with their feelings for one another if they hope to break their curse. If they do not, they may not have a future at all.
THE DARKEST PASSION is a LORDS OF THE UNDERWORLD story. Nike is a Greek goddess who once fell in love with one of her slaves, Atlas, God of Strength. When she discovers that he slept with all of his female guards to try to escape, her heart shatters. To extract vengeance, she tattoos her name across his chest, a mark he will have to bear for eternity.
When the tides turn centuries later, it is the Greek gods who are captive, not the Titans. Atlas is now in charge of the prison and, he decides to seek revenge upon Nike. He has guards hold her down, as he carves his name into her back. Nike still has feelings for Atlas, but she is afraid to get her heart broken again. Atlas realizes that he loves Nike and he wants her delete her to free her from her prison, but the God Cronus forbids it. Now that they have found one another again, they must exist apart, unless they risk everything for one more chance.
INTO THE DARK is a romantic journey filled with passion, despair and love. It was great re-visiting the world of Atlantis and THE LORDS OF THE UNDERWORLD. The LORDS OF THE UNDERWORLD bonus guide at the rear of the book, as well as, an insightful interview with Gena Showalter is definitely an entertaining read. If you are not a fan yet, you definitely will be after you read INTO THE DARK. The stories can stand alone, or if you are a die-hard fan, a must have. Those alpha males are simply hot! hot! hot!
Heather B. (habrewer) reviewed Into the Dark : The Darkest Fire / The Amazon's Curse / The Darkest Prison on + 43 more book reviews
The first story, The Darkest Fire is a prequel to the Lords of the Underworld series and gives us a glimpse into the beginning of the end.
Geryon is the gate Keeper responsible for keeping the demons inside Hell and Kadence is the goddess of Oppression who is tied to the wall that surrounds Hell. For hundreds of years she has been coming to inspect the wall. The demons have been growing restless and are determined to break through the wall.
Geryon is surprised to find out that she bought his freedom from Lucifer; you see, he has fallen in love with her but doesnt think she can love him in return. He sees himself as a monster. Together they discover love in its truest form where beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder. They are unable to stop the demons in Hell and the wall collapses thus killing Kadence.
The story gives the readers a good look into the beginning of the series and shares the secret of Pandoras Box and the demons that were released when it was opened.
The Amazons Curse is the second story and is part of the Atlantis series. This short story is best read after the Vampires Bride, although it can stand alone without any problems.
Both Zane and Nola have pasts they are ashamed of but together they realize that the past is what makes them the people they are today. They have been cursed by the Gods, Zane is a slave to the Amazons and Nola is bound to the same camp but she is invisible and no one can see her.
As the Amazons start fighting over Zane, she is forced to admit that he is hers. She doesnt want any of the others touching him, much less mating with him. This revelation allows Zane to see her, even though he thinks he is hallucinating. She gives him strength to escape and he gives her the courage she needs to endure. With every truth revealed, they get closer and closer to their destiny.
The Darkest Prison is the final short story and it takes us back to the underworld. The Titans have overthrown the Greeks and Nike is the prisoner of Atlas. She is still in love with him but vows not to show it.
Atlas is drawn to Nike and doesnt know why. He has this need to mark her like she marked him. He now considers her his and will do anything to have her.
These two are your typical star crossed lovers, Gods from opposing sides. Atlas knows that they cant be together so he sets Nike free and takes her place. She realizes that he loves her and will stop at nothing to save him.
I liked the interaction between these two and felt they complemented each other well. The story may be part of the underworld series but it takes place in the heavens. I really enjoyed this story too.
Into the Dark is a never before published collection of short stories that were originally released as eBooks. A must have for any fan of the series. I enjoyed the short stories and bonus material at the end; however I would recommend that the stories be read in order. I give it 3 ½ Flaming Hearts.
Geryon is the gate Keeper responsible for keeping the demons inside Hell and Kadence is the goddess of Oppression who is tied to the wall that surrounds Hell. For hundreds of years she has been coming to inspect the wall. The demons have been growing restless and are determined to break through the wall.
Geryon is surprised to find out that she bought his freedom from Lucifer; you see, he has fallen in love with her but doesnt think she can love him in return. He sees himself as a monster. Together they discover love in its truest form where beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder. They are unable to stop the demons in Hell and the wall collapses thus killing Kadence.
The story gives the readers a good look into the beginning of the series and shares the secret of Pandoras Box and the demons that were released when it was opened.
The Amazons Curse is the second story and is part of the Atlantis series. This short story is best read after the Vampires Bride, although it can stand alone without any problems.
Both Zane and Nola have pasts they are ashamed of but together they realize that the past is what makes them the people they are today. They have been cursed by the Gods, Zane is a slave to the Amazons and Nola is bound to the same camp but she is invisible and no one can see her.
As the Amazons start fighting over Zane, she is forced to admit that he is hers. She doesnt want any of the others touching him, much less mating with him. This revelation allows Zane to see her, even though he thinks he is hallucinating. She gives him strength to escape and he gives her the courage she needs to endure. With every truth revealed, they get closer and closer to their destiny.
The Darkest Prison is the final short story and it takes us back to the underworld. The Titans have overthrown the Greeks and Nike is the prisoner of Atlas. She is still in love with him but vows not to show it.
Atlas is drawn to Nike and doesnt know why. He has this need to mark her like she marked him. He now considers her his and will do anything to have her.
These two are your typical star crossed lovers, Gods from opposing sides. Atlas knows that they cant be together so he sets Nike free and takes her place. She realizes that he loves her and will stop at nothing to save him.
I liked the interaction between these two and felt they complemented each other well. The story may be part of the underworld series but it takes place in the heavens. I really enjoyed this story too.
Into the Dark is a never before published collection of short stories that were originally released as eBooks. A must have for any fan of the series. I enjoyed the short stories and bonus material at the end; however I would recommend that the stories be read in order. I give it 3 ½ Flaming Hearts.
Amanda N. (AnnDragera) reviewed Into the Dark : The Darkest Fire / The Amazon's Curse / The Darkest Prison on + 25 more book reviews
Darkest Fire - Where exactly did the box that held the demons that now reside in the lords of the underworld come from? The box that was once guarded by the legendary Pandora? In this short prequel, we learn the origin of the box and just how the demons of the underworld came to be trapped within.
The amazon's curse - sorry no info here since i did not care for her atlantis series.
Darkest Prison - Ever wonder what happen to the greek gods after the titans took back olympus? what about atlas, the titan of strength? even the mightiest of titans can fall in love. but as with any stubborn male, it takes time before he realizes it. and even then he gives up everything in the end for the one he loves. but will it be enough to win the heart of the greek goddess of strenght and victory? (part of lords of the underworld)
The amazon's curse - sorry no info here since i did not care for her atlantis series.
Darkest Prison - Ever wonder what happen to the greek gods after the titans took back olympus? what about atlas, the titan of strength? even the mightiest of titans can fall in love. but as with any stubborn male, it takes time before he realizes it. and even then he gives up everything in the end for the one he loves. but will it be enough to win the heart of the greek goddess of strenght and victory? (part of lords of the underworld)
Holli R. reviewed Into the Dark : The Darkest Fire / The Amazon's Curse / The Darkest Prison on + 32 more book reviews
Very good!
Yvonne L. reviewed Into the Dark : The Darkest Fire / The Amazon's Curse / The Darkest Prison on + 929 more book reviews
I have to admit the short stories isn't as good as the regular series but it was nice. It lacked the detail and humor she usually have in her books. If you have never read her stuff, this is not a good book to start.
The other stuff, especially the mock interviews between the Lords were hilarious. Again, you have to read her other stuff first. I didn't care for the "Behind the scenes" part. It was a little dull. Also the hunter files weren't really necessary.
Overall, it was a fun little book definitely for the fans that are just looking for a quick laugh.
The other stuff, especially the mock interviews between the Lords were hilarious. Again, you have to read her other stuff first. I didn't care for the "Behind the scenes" part. It was a little dull. Also the hunter files weren't really necessary.
Overall, it was a fun little book definitely for the fans that are just looking for a quick laugh.
Lucy R. (lucyy) reviewed Into the Dark : The Darkest Fire / The Amazon's Curse / The Darkest Prison on + 24 more book reviews
The short stories were great!!! Also, Gena Showalter included a guide to the LOTU series, so I really enjoyed reading this book. I warn you that only half of it are the short stories, and the other half is some interviews with Gena, the Lords, their ladies, a 3-chapter draft of Gena's original ideas for Pandora's box, a sneak peek in The Darkest Passion, and some insider stuff from the Hunter's personal files!!! It gave me plenty of insight on some of Gena's next books, and which characters they are going to be based on.
P.S. Paris' story is going to be one of the last ones! I am DYING to find out what happens with him!!!
P.S. Paris' story is going to be one of the last ones! I am DYING to find out what happens with him!!!
Ivy H. (readymcbookerson) reviewed Into the Dark : The Darkest Fire / The Amazon's Curse / The Darkest Prison on + 8 more book reviews
A nice accompaniment to the Showalter fan's collection. I especially liked the interviews by characters William and Gilly of the other Lords of the Underworld characters.
Lenna W. (bratz54) -
Reviews are for the Lords of the Underworld novellas
Darkest Fire
-If you've read the Lords books and wonder about the box that held the Lord and the women who life was lost protecting the world, and her bones that made up said box. Well this is her story, it has love, happiness, self doubt on both sides but it has a HEA in a spiritual sense of forever.
A goddess bonded to the wall in Hell has been feeling their efforts on destroying he wall that holds them there. Each time they scratch at it she feels the pain, now with cracks it's killing her. But her guardian a warrior of Hell Greyson will protect her at all cost. He was a human being when the land was frozen with ice and sold his soul for a women. But will this women Kadence destroy his heart one last time?
The Darest Prison
-The love story of the Greek Goddes of Strength Nike and the Titan God of Strength Atlas. He was her solace for a very long time until the Titans won the God wars and imprisoned the Greeks. Atlas got his former master as his very own slave. Brandings, collar and the cell, he wanted payback for what she did to him but he did pay her back before she became the prisoner by using her and 3 or 4 other female guards to get his freedom by their emotions. Well that backfired on him big time, he lost a vital part of his life to the only women to make his blood boil...
-Q&A to the Lords interviewed but the always the beloved jerk William and his not to selfs are pretty hilarious.
- A small very short story about Pandora and the Demons she kissed into the warriors. Mostly from her POV and Fromm Maddox and his vengeance on her.
-âClassifiedâ files on the Lords from the Hunters second in command.
And so much more .....
Darkest Fire
-If you've read the Lords books and wonder about the box that held the Lord and the women who life was lost protecting the world, and her bones that made up said box. Well this is her story, it has love, happiness, self doubt on both sides but it has a HEA in a spiritual sense of forever.
A goddess bonded to the wall in Hell has been feeling their efforts on destroying he wall that holds them there. Each time they scratch at it she feels the pain, now with cracks it's killing her. But her guardian a warrior of Hell Greyson will protect her at all cost. He was a human being when the land was frozen with ice and sold his soul for a women. But will this women Kadence destroy his heart one last time?
The Darest Prison
-The love story of the Greek Goddes of Strength Nike and the Titan God of Strength Atlas. He was her solace for a very long time until the Titans won the God wars and imprisoned the Greeks. Atlas got his former master as his very own slave. Brandings, collar and the cell, he wanted payback for what she did to him but he did pay her back before she became the prisoner by using her and 3 or 4 other female guards to get his freedom by their emotions. Well that backfired on him big time, he lost a vital part of his life to the only women to make his blood boil...
-Q&A to the Lords interviewed but the always the beloved jerk William and his not to selfs are pretty hilarious.
- A small very short story about Pandora and the Demons she kissed into the warriors. Mostly from her POV and Fromm Maddox and his vengeance on her.
-âClassifiedâ files on the Lords from the Hunters second in command.
And so much more .....
