Helpful Score: 6
I think this is my favorite in the Demonica series (at least so far)! I was disappointed with Wraith's story, for which I thought the plot and characterization were not as tight as the previous stories, so I was a little worried about starting Lore's story so quickly on the heals of that disappointment. Thankfully, what was lacking in the third Demonica book was not in the fourth. The plot was intricate, the bad guys were actually bad and not easily overpowered, and I loved the romance between Lore and Idess.
A lot of the previous reviews have panned what they consider the lack of building chemistry between Lore and Idess. I actually couldn't disagree more. For as dark as Larissa Ione can write, she's a master at romance. Normally I do dislike stories in which the characters miraculously fall in love after a few days together and some great sex, so I am all the more appreciative when it is done right. I think there was just the right amount of chemistry buildup and I have no problem believing that Lore and Idess are destined for each other. All I can say is that if Ione can get my normally super-picky and critical brain to believe in this fast courtship, then it is to her testament as a fabulous writer who can evoke great passion, world-building, and characterization in a short span of time and pages.
She is also a fantastic mystery/fantasy writer and those expecting a simple romance that just happens to be set in a world of demons are going to be sadly disappointed. Ione fabulously draws on threads from earlier stories and expertly wraps them up. One of the reasons I liked this story so well is that if you chucked out the sex scenes it would have been a great standalone fantasy novel. Yes I figured out some of the mysteries before they were revealed but I was just thrilled to read not only a great romance but a great plot as well. I do not expect such adept twists and turns from most romance novels.
I am also now very much anticipating Lore's sister, Sin's upcoming story. She was an entertaining and heartbreaking, strong yet vulnerable, character whose romance with the vamp/werewolf Conal promises to be a combustive and thrilling ride. I'm so glad I'm excited about the series again.
My only warning though is that you cannot read this story out of context with the other Demonica novels. But, really, it shouldn't be that much of a hardship to read the series in order. It's really quite good.
A lot of the previous reviews have panned what they consider the lack of building chemistry between Lore and Idess. I actually couldn't disagree more. For as dark as Larissa Ione can write, she's a master at romance. Normally I do dislike stories in which the characters miraculously fall in love after a few days together and some great sex, so I am all the more appreciative when it is done right. I think there was just the right amount of chemistry buildup and I have no problem believing that Lore and Idess are destined for each other. All I can say is that if Ione can get my normally super-picky and critical brain to believe in this fast courtship, then it is to her testament as a fabulous writer who can evoke great passion, world-building, and characterization in a short span of time and pages.
She is also a fantastic mystery/fantasy writer and those expecting a simple romance that just happens to be set in a world of demons are going to be sadly disappointed. Ione fabulously draws on threads from earlier stories and expertly wraps them up. One of the reasons I liked this story so well is that if you chucked out the sex scenes it would have been a great standalone fantasy novel. Yes I figured out some of the mysteries before they were revealed but I was just thrilled to read not only a great romance but a great plot as well. I do not expect such adept twists and turns from most romance novels.
I am also now very much anticipating Lore's sister, Sin's upcoming story. She was an entertaining and heartbreaking, strong yet vulnerable, character whose romance with the vamp/werewolf Conal promises to be a combustive and thrilling ride. I'm so glad I'm excited about the series again.
My only warning though is that you cannot read this story out of context with the other Demonica novels. But, really, it shouldn't be that much of a hardship to read the series in order. It's really quite good.
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