My ParaHangover

3.5 out of 5

Honestly, I thought the last Lords of Deliverance book, Lethal Rider, could have been the last one. I really wasn’t in that big of a hurry to jump into the next book because, eh, it’s Reseph. As Pestilence, he was a pretty nasty dude and did some pretty nasty stuff to virtually everyone. Pestilence had absolutely no morals and was the worst bad guy I had seen in a very long time. So why would I want to read about his redemption? He doesn’t deserve the girl, as they say…

Weeeelllllllll…. Reseph, if you’ve read the first three books in the Lords of Deliverance series, Reseph is always referred to as a pretty awesome, party-time, fun-loving guy. According to Thanatos, he was the best of them all. So what would happen to that fun-loving guy mind if he ever found out all the horrible things he had done to mankind and to his own family? Well, that’s the whole reason for this story. It’s a tale of not-quite-forgiveness. I was actually glad I read this story. It turned out well worth it, especially with what was learned about the always awesome supporting characters Ms. Ione writes into her stories.

Characters

What I love about Ms. Ione’s books is that she stays heavy with her supporting characters but not enough to distract you from the main story. Case in point, Reaver and Harvester. We learn new details about both “angels” and the information is mind-blowing. I have to say, I saw Reaver’s big reveal coming. But Harvester’s story is freaking awesome!!! She is one bad-ass chick!!!

Reseph is exactly what I expected him to be like and I thought Ms. Ione did a great job in writing the character’s evolution (or growth). I’m trying VERY hard to NOT write spoilers and it’s so hard! Jillian was just meh to me. I don’t think her character was fleshed-out enough for me. I wanted to know more. It was like Ms. Ione kept telling us what Jillian was like but that was it, no more explanation than that. I wanted more about Jillian’s personality, I guess.

Setting / World Building

This story ended up being the perfect read for this time of the year. It’s set in snowy Colorado around Christmas time! How perfect can you get? So just remember, next year when you’re scrambling around looking for a Christmas-themed book to read or recommend… here it is!!! Boo ya! Anyone got a snowmobile because I want to try cooking dinner on it’s engine and then riding out for a picnic???

Story / Tempo

The reason why I wasn’t absolutely LOVING on this story was the tempo and some aspects of the story. Maybe I’ve been reading too much smut or too much YA lately but the speed of the romance on this one didn’t do it for me. It was slow going at first. Blah, blah, moseying along and then BAM! SEX! And then it was over. Future “encounters” (ha!) are referred to in the past or just, “fade away to shower scene”. What? I want descriptions!!! If we’re going for a slow burn, then tease me! But don’t give it up quick and then don’t share!!!! AHHH!!

I sound so pathetic… really, I’m not…

I got back into the game around 50% through the book. I was all, “Yahoo! Now we’re talking exciting action!” The story picks up speed and doesn’t slow down to about 85% and then picks up again for the big finale.

But, of course, this is all my crazy opinion. For what it’s worth, I still recommend this book and definitely this entire series to anyone who loves their PNR!! Larissa Ione is always an auto-buy for me. I absolutely love her world full of demons, humans, angels, and everything else in between.

The next book in the series, Reaver’s story, comes out late in 2013. Check out Ms. Ione’s Facebook page because she has a sneak peek at Reaver’s story!!! Run!!!