Seriously.
I have always been a gigantic fan of the Demonica series by Larissa Ione. Whether it was the Sem brothers or the Horsemen, I was seriously in love with the entire series.
I even loved the Underworld novellas in the 1001 Dark Nights series, which are also published by Evil Eye Concepts, Inc.
That Azagoth was going to get another book, a full-length one this time?
I drooled. I'm not ashamed.
So let's discuss the book itself for those not familiar with the series OR the author before I give my review.
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(New to this series? Reading Order and Links are at the end!)
Reaper: A Demonica Novel by Larissa Ione
Title: Reaper
Author: Larissa Ione
Publisher: Evil Eye Concepts, Inc.
Release Date: October 15, 2019
Pages: 325
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Synopsis:
Synopsis:
For love, he’ll watch the world burn.
For revenge, he’ll light the match.
New York Times bestselling author Larissa Ione returns to her fan-favorite Demonica Series with REAPER, available now!
THE DEMONICA SERIES RETURNS…
He is the Keeper of Souls. Judge, jury, and executioner. He is death personified.
He is the Grim Reaper.
A fallen angel who commands the respect of both Heaven and Hell, Azagoth has presided over his own underworld realm for thousands of years. As the overlord of evil souls, he maintains balance crucial to the existence of life on Earth and beyond. But as all the realms gear up for the prophesied End of Days, the ties that bind him to Sheoul-gra have begun to chafe.
Now, with his beloved mate and unborn child the target of an ancient enemy, Azagoth will stop at nothing to save them, even if it means breaking blood oaths and shattering age-old alliances.
Even if it means destroying himself and setting the world on fire…
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Reviews
"Reaper is . . . Epic. Thrilling. Amazing. No one can suck me into a story like Larissa Ione." -- Donna Grant, New York Times bestselling author.
Excerpt
“I have no doubt Azagoth will stop at nothing to save Lilliana,” Reaver admitted. “But he knows that if he releases Satan, Satan will kill Lilliana. He can’t risk it.”
“What do you suggest we do then?”
“I can talk to him,” Reaver said. “Hawkyn requested information about a fallen angel named Flail. I’ll use that as an excuse to get to Azagoth.”
A flock of gulls squawked as the birds circled the palace, looking for handouts from Caila’s guests, and Metatron had to raise his voice to be heard. “You said he sealed off Sheoul-gra.”
“Hawkyn will open it to me if I can convince him that I’m not there to destroy his father.”
It shouldn’t be a problem; Hawkyn wouldn’t have contacted Reaver at all if he weren’t sure Reaver could handle the situation without killing anyone.
“And if Azagoth is out of control?” Metatron asked. “Will you destroy him?”
“Isn’t it a little early to be discussing that?”
Metatron rolled his shoulders, probably not even aware he’d done it, but Reaver knew he was testing his wings and his powers, feeling them out at the thought that shit might get really fucking biblical real soon.
“He can’t be allowed to release Satan,” he said, fire in his tone. “And he can’t be allowed to escape Sheoul-gra.”
“Would escaping be such a bad thing?”
Reaver wasn’t Azagoth’s biggest fan, but the guy had been trapped for thousands of years. He’d proven that he was capable of wrangling souls and navigating the politics of both Sheoul and Heaven. He’d chilled out a lot since getting mated, too. Seemed like it wouldn’t be a big deal if he lived where he wanted and commuted to work.
Metatron appeared troubled that Reaver would even ask such an apparently insane question. “Yes, it could be bad.”
“Why?” Reaver asked. “I mean, I get that he’s an asshole, but a lot bigger assholes are running around loose.”
Like the fallen angels who had killed Wraith. He clenched his fists, wishing he was out hunting them right now.
“Azagoth signed contracts,” Metatron said. “Contracts sealed with the powers of Heaven and Sheoul. We don’t know what kind of damage we’d take if he made that big of a breach.”
Sounded kind of minor to Reaver, but he knew well how seriously Heaven took broken rules and breaches of contract. They also weren’t fond of Heaven being damaged, which was why Revenant, while technically welcome here, wasn’t…welcome. His presence destroyed everything around him.
“Okay,” Reaver said. “Let me grab the info on Flail and give Hawkyn a call. I’ll let you know what happens. And, Uncle?”
Metatron inclined his head.
“I want this to stay between us for now.”
Silence stretched. Not even the gulls called out, and Reaver started to sweat. Metatron had always been fair and by-the-book, which was probably part of why Reaver had been such a rule breaker as a youth. And beyond. Hell, he still was, he just wasn’t as reckless about it now.
Responsibility was a bitch.
No Spoiler Review - 4 Stars!
***I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.***
Wow.
Just wow.
I have to be honest here.
I loved it.
LOVED it.
Firstly, you absolutely MUST read the author's note at the beginning of the book or you are going to be mad at first and possibly not finish the book.
It's THAT important.
You really, really need to read that author's note where our beloved author asks us to trust her while reading Reaper.
It wasn't long before I figured out why.
I cannot tell you why without spoiling most of the story, though!
OMG! I don't even know where to start here.
Just wow.
I have to be honest here.
I loved it.
LOVED it.
Firstly, you absolutely MUST read the author's note at the beginning of the book or you are going to be mad at first and possibly not finish the book.
It's THAT important.
You really, really need to read that author's note where our beloved author asks us to trust her while reading Reaper.
It wasn't long before I figured out why.
I cannot tell you why without spoiling most of the story, though!
OMG! I don't even know where to start here.
The Good
- The writing was excellent, editing great, or at least I never noticed anything as the story was THAT compelling!
- Characters had depth and were consistent with previous books. This means Shade acted like a jerk when he was upset with his brother, but that's not just our beloved Shade.
- Azagoth... Just saying, there isn't anything to dislike about this badass. He's epic. EPIC.
- The plot was hands down the most nail-biting story that I've read ALL year.
- The story kept me reading LONG past my bedtime simply because I had to find out that everything was going to be okay.
- I was SERIOUSLY upset and pissed about the events at the beginning half of the book. This is only a good thing because a good story will make you have feels, not all of them good, but a good story can piss you off too!
- The end of the book. Phew! I was so relieved.
- It kept me at the edge of my seat
- Unpredictable. I did not predict who the traitor was and that's something I'm usually good about figuring out before the big reveal. I was blindsided like the characters! Boom!
I'm really glad I decided to read the author's note, though. Which brings us to...
The Bad
- I was SERIOUSLY upset. I can't tell you more without spoiling it. I spent half the book wanting to throw my Kindle. That said, the author's note made me finish. I'm definitely happy I did!
- It's worth mentioning twice, that I was SERIOUSLY UPSET!
- This is the last Demonica book! That said, this story leads us to a NEW series about the kids! (I think.)
- I was missing the romance, honestly. This book felt more urban fantasy than paranormal romance. That's not a bad thing, exactly. I love me some urban fantasy, especially when it includes romance. Urban fantasy like that is like a paranormal romance series with only one couple, so it is all drawn out and awesomesauce. But I was kind of wishing for more Azagoth and Lilliana moments.
- Betrayal and heartbreak. Some things are uber sad in this book, with death and such. And when it is found who the betrayer is? I was upset then too!
My Crazy Thoughts (Sans Spoilers)
I honestly don't know how to summarize this without giving anything away. I really, really don't. But I'll give it a shot.
This book requires a leap of faith from fans to finish and you definitely will want to commit authorcide at one point or another until you get to the end.
You will not be disappointed at the way the author ended this book and this amazing series.
Without giving too much away, Reaper is ending one fantastic series and leading the way into another fantastic sounding series, I think. About what, you may ask? The KIDS! Woot!
So Reaper is the end of one of my favorite series. I feel a reread coming on soon because I miss the Sem brothers (and sister) and it has been a while for me.
I AM looking forward to the next project from this author that seems exciting from the ending of this book, though!
The ONLY reason I didn't rate this book 5 stars is because it was lacking the romantic feels for me. Azagoth and his lovely wife spent the entire book apart, nearly, and in peril, so it was all action and little in the way of sweetness that I was craving!
Larissa Ione writes some great romantic scenes, especially when the Sem brothers were first meeting up with their mates. And the Horsemen, too! The Demonica Underworld novellas were a little too short for me to get attached to (with the exception of Azagoth), but at least they kept my Demonica fix in check!
Anyway, this one lacked the author's usual flair with romance and I missed it. Maybe because it was a sequel to Azagoth and much more about the plot and action, which I am in NO way complaining about as it is definitely necessary, but I just missed having some really good moments.
That's really the only reason I was a tad disappointed. Ms. Ione writes some of the best romantic couples and I was sad it took a major back seat to the plot.
Larissa Ione writes some great romantic scenes, especially when the Sem brothers were first meeting up with their mates. And the Horsemen, too! The Demonica Underworld novellas were a little too short for me to get attached to (with the exception of Azagoth), but at least they kept my Demonica fix in check!
Anyway, this one lacked the author's usual flair with romance and I missed it. Maybe because it was a sequel to Azagoth and much more about the plot and action, which I am in NO way complaining about as it is definitely necessary, but I just missed having some really good moments.
That's really the only reason I was a tad disappointed. Ms. Ione writes some of the best romantic couples and I was sad it took a major back seat to the plot.
If the author was trying to make her fans insane with emotional upheaval, then she definitely succeeded there. I mean, I can't even say anything without spoiling it!
I have a serious book hangover.
I highly recommend this book for any fan of this serious. But bring tissues and strong faith in the author to do right by our favorite characters.
About the Author
Air Force veteran Larissa Ione traded in a career in meteorology to pursue her passion for writing. She has since published dozens of books, hit several bestseller lists, including the New York Times and USA Today, and has been nominated for a RITA award.
She now spends her days in pajamas with her computer, strong coffee, and supernatural worlds. She believes in celebrating everything, and would never be caught without a bottle of Champagne chilling in the fridge…just in case.
She currently lives in Wisconsin with her retired U.S. Coast Guard husband, her son, a rescue cat named Vegas, and her very own hellhounds, a King Shepherd named Hexe and a Belgian Malinois named Duvel.
She now spends her days in pajamas with her computer, strong coffee, and supernatural worlds. She believes in celebrating everything, and would never be caught without a bottle of Champagne chilling in the fridge…just in case.
She currently lives in Wisconsin with her retired U.S. Coast Guard husband, her son, a rescue cat named Vegas, and her very own hellhounds, a King Shepherd named Hexe and a Belgian Malinois named Duvel.
Follow Larissa
Demonica Series Reading Order
If you haven't read this series, now is the time to start! This list includes the Lords of Deliverance subseries, the Demonica Underworld novellas, and any short stories and anthologies available!
Pleasure Unbound (Demonica #1) - Eidolon & Tayla
Digital:
Print:
Desire Unchained (Demonica #2) - Shade & Runa
Digital:
Print:
Passion Unleashed (Demonica #3) - Wraith & Serena
Digital:
Print:
Ecstasy Unveiled (Demonica #4) - Lore & Idess
Digital:
Print:
Eternity Embraced (Demonica #4.5) - Kaden & Andrea
Digital:
(as part of Love Bites: Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance 2):
Amazon || Kindle US || Kindle UK || Kindle CA || Kindle AU || Nook || Barnes & Noble || Apple Books || Google Play
Sin Undone (Demonica #5) - Sin & Conall
Digital:
Print:
Eternal Rider (Lord of Deliverance #1/Demonica #6) - Ares & Cara
Digital:
Print:
Vampire Fight Club (Demonica #6.5) - Vladlena & Nathan
Digital:
Supernatural Anthology:
Immortal Rider (Lords of Deliverance #2/Demonica #7) - Limos & Arik
Digital:
Print:
Lethal Rider (Lords of Deliverance #3/Demonica #8) - Thanatos & Regan
Digital:
Print:
Rogue Rider (Lords of Deliverance #4/Demonica #9) - Reseph & Jillian
Digital:
Print:
Reaver (Demonica #10) - Reaver & Harvester
Digital:
Print:
Azagoth (Demonica #11/Demonica Underworld #1) - Azagoth & Lilliana
Digital:
Print:
Revenant (Demonica #12) - Revenant & Blaspheme
Digital:
Print:
Hades (Demonica #13/Demonica Underworld #2) - Hades & Cataclysm
Digital:
Print:
Base Instincts (Demonica #13.5) - Raze & Slake
Digital:
Print:
Z (Demonica #14/Demonica Underworld #3) - Zhubaal & Vex
Digital:
Print:
Razr (Demonica #15/Demonica Underworld #4) - Razr & Jedda
Digital:
Print:
Hawkyn (Demonica #16/Demonica Underworld #5) - Hawkyn & Aurora
Digital:
Print:
Her Guardian Angel (Demonica #17/Demonica Underworld #6) - Declan & Suzanne
Digital:
Print:
Dining With Angels (Demonica #18/Demonica Underworld #7) - Short Stories & Cookbook
Digital:
Print:
Cipher (Demonica #19/Demonica Underworld #8) - Cipher & Lyre
Digital:
Print:
Reaper (Demonica #20/Demonica Underworld #9) - Azagoth & Lilliana
Digital:
Print:
Apocalypse: The Lords of Deliverance Compendium
Digital:
Lovies!!
