| The Darkest Night (Lords of the Underworld, Book 1) | 
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Avg. Customer Rating:   (based on 67 reviews)
Sales Rank: 610
Category: Book
Author: Gena Showalter
Publisher: HQN Books
Studio: HQN Books
Manufacturer: HQN Books
Label: HQN Books
Media: Mass Market Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 384
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 6.6 x 4.2 x 1.1
ISBN: 0373772467
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.6
EAN: 9780373772469
ASIN: 0373772467
Publication Date: May 1, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
All her life, Ashlyn Darrow has been tormented by voices from the past. To end the nightmare, she has come to Budapest seeking help from men rumored to have supernatural abilities, not knowing she'll be swept into the arms of Maddox, their most dangerous member—a man trapped in a hell of his own.Neither can resist the instant hunger that calms their torments…and ignites an irresistible passion. But every heated touch and burning kiss will edge them closer to destruction—and a soul-shattering test of love….
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| Customer Reviews: Read 62 more reviews...
Fun Fantasy July 17, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Anytime an author can create a new family of characters and make you care about them in the first chapter you know you have a fun read ahead. This book qualifies and makes you want to read the rest of the series as soon as you turn the last page!
 3 1/2 STARS July 14, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
A brotherhood of six Greek warriors, occupy a virtually impenetrable Budapest fortress. Each has been inflicted with a curse for messing with that darn Pandora's Box: Maddox the keeper of Violence, Lucien of Death, Reyes of Pain, Aeron of Wrath and Paris of Promiscuity. However, it is Maddox (and this is HIS book), who fares the worst by inciting Zeus over the death of Pandora. He's given a second curse. He must die every single day for punishment, not to mention, Zeus' amusement.
Actually, this was a very unique premise and something that sets this PNR apart from others with the typical vamp's, were's and demons. It plays well off the Greek Mythology of Pandora, who was supposedly the first woman on earth, ordered in creation by Zeus. When Pandora's Box was opened it spread evil all over the world---hate, anger, sickness, poverty, etc. So, it was quite interesting to see Showalter give a new interpretation to the age old myth, ascribing the evils to each of these men. It helps understand why Zeus was so ticked, too---to see his creation destroyed. Although, he sure was wicked, to give Pandora that Box, while giving her curiosity, at the same time. Sneaky! Back to Maddox. He really messed up and he's been a tad angry about it ever since, then to add the curse of violence on top of it all. Well, it left him the most dangerous of the clan.
The daily grind of the warriors appears fairly repetitive. They must each deal with their individual curses. They also search the perimeters of the property for any intruders and have no hesitation to kill anyone encroaching on their territory. They seldom have these issues, as locals give them lots of breathing room. The townsfolk share legends about them, some believing they are Demons, while others believe they are Angels. But, all are fairly sure they possess supernatural powers. Only the bravest will try to decide if they are good, or evil.
In steps Ashlyn! A very naive, virginal, young lady with lots of personal baggage and voices in her head. She's been involved with a team of paranormal researchers for quite some time and developed keen interest in the fortress inhabitants. She sets out on a personal quest few would dare, let alone a woman alone, to see if their supernatural powers may help her conquer her own demons---the voices. I couldn't help the little intrusive thought---try Haldol.
This is where the problems start for me, which is why I took stars off of what could have potentially been a solid 5 star read, with just a little more development. Ashlyn came across as a fairly wimpy character...not one who would have the bones to stand up to such a risky, potentially lethal adventure.
When she and Maddox have their first encounter, she isn't as horrified as one might expect. Equally, Maddox's first assessment of Ashlyn had me shaking my head wondering how a romance could develop between these main protagonists, as he came across as primitive and rather cavemanish. Then we suddenly start to witness Maddox's sensitive side---way too sensitive to appreciate, considering the circumstances. He became somewhat of a wimp, too, so they were matched in wimpiness, at least.
Overall, the chemistry between these characters was lacking, seemingly contrived and pushed too fast. There was no WOW moment, for me, when reading about them. I didn't even find myself upset with one of the most gut-wrenching scenes toward the end of the book. I also would have liked to see more of a relationship between the men. Their stories came across as almost separate and did not play off each other well. Devotion to one another was lacking for the most part. A basically insensitive lot, with no enduring qualities. However, I'm still impressed with the creativeness of the series and do plan to read the next two, because it did provide a number of hours of good entertainment. I don't feel most that love PNR will be disappointed. But, I do hope the next book shows positive growth.
 Facinating new series...... July 14, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I am so excited. I now have something to look forward to, which after my "falling out of love with JR Ward and the BDB" ....I've needed.
Showalter is introducing a "new" world that is inhabited by immortal warriors who let loose some demons from Pandora's box, ticked off the gods, and ended up with demons "living" inside their bodies as punishment. These are a group of "tight knit" warrior/friends who each has his own demon to fight. Death, Pain, Wrath, Promiscuity, Violence, Doubt, Lies are just a few of the demons that have each taken up residence in a warriors body.
Maddox is the warrior who "houses" the demon Violence.
Maddox is a wonderful hero....strong, tortured, protective, and deeply in love with Ashlyn. Although this book is very different that the BDB by JR Ward, it has some of the same themes....burdoned warriors with intense feelings towards the women who are meant for them, and strong male bonds with their "brothers".
I was hooked on this book from the beginning. The only negative is that I can already see it now. There are enough warriors to write about to keep this series going on for a lifetime. I don't have great luck with authors who do that....they tend to loose steam....ex. Ward's BDB (sorry I can't move on past this)! This one is definitely worth the read and there are MANY warriors that I am interested in hearing more from. I hope that Showalter has a plan in mind for them, and not just one to "sell more books!" They each deserve stories as quality as Maddox and Ashlyn's.
Surprisingly good July 14, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I've read two of her other books and was very disappointed. I avoided this book when it first came out. Then people started comparing it to J.R. Ward and I refused to buy it because I'm angry with her books (see my reviews for that particular rant). I finally decided to take the plunge when I saw comments comparing it to Nalini Singh. My advice - don't miss this one. It was really pretty exiciting and set up a new world in an interesting manner. The humor was spot on and the characters were interesting. Don't miss this one. It was good enough to make me buy the other two. I hope they hold up
From J. Kaye's Book Blog July 13, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Thankfully I didn't read anything negative about this book until after I finished the book. It might have ended at the bottom of my mounting to-be-read pile. When that happens, I usually lose interest.
I am not sure why I decided to read this book. Guess I was in the mood for something paranormal that wasn't vampires and demons sounded pretty good. For me, the book was very different and would have ended up with a five star/check rating if not for the middle part where it became awkward, which had me doubting the believability of certain parts.
Even so, I was reading a few other books at the time. After about fifty pages in, all other reading ceased so that I could focus on this one book. That says a lot right there. I look forward to book two in this series, which is THE DARKEST KISS.
If you enjoy dark paranormal romance - I do, then you should enjoy this series.
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