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The Demon Accords #3
Brutal Asset
Alternate cover edition of B004I6DAPY
Partnered in an uneasy alliance with federal law enforcement, Chris Gordon has been hunting down the outlaw gang, Loki's Spawn, who attacked his vampire girlfriend. But when he finds unexpected hostages who trigger his baser instincts, Chris is thrown into a search for answers to dark questions. How to control his inner demon, what do the Spawn want with children, and who is hunting him? His search takes him deep under the Big Apple, to the center of the Pentagon, and South of the US Border. All while learning the finer points of vampire politics.
Partnered in an uneasy alliance with federal law enforcement, Chris Gordon has been hunting down the outlaw gang, Loki's Spawn, who attacked his vampire girlfriend. But when he finds unexpected hostages who trigger his baser instincts, Chris is thrown into a search for answers to dark questions. How to control his inner demon, what do the Spawn want with children, and who is hunting him? His search takes him deep under the Big Apple, to the center of the Pentagon, and South of the US Border. All while learning the finer points of vampire politics.
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 4, 2011
463 people are currently reading
548 people want to read
About the author
John Conroe
35 books1,702 followersI'm the Urban Fantasy author of the Demon Accords series. For more information, check out my website or follow me on Facebook at the Demon Accords page.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
February 4, 2018
Brutal Asset
The Demon Accords, Book 3
By: John Conroe
Narrated by: James Patrick Cronin
More action packed adventure, more excellent fighting, adventure, twists and turns, surprises, and supernatural kicking ass along with a touch of supernatural romance. No one stands in the way of Chis and Tonya! This series just gets better and better! They get more and more allies and more and more enemies! Ugh! Nothing they can't handle. New mysteries, new characters, and more fun.
The narrator still is kick ass in these books. Perfect for these supernatural adventures. I feel like I am there and that is what I want. He does all the voices from very young to old, and various species just right. Keeps all of them in order too, I don't think I could do that, there are several characters but because of his voice I am able to keep them straight in my mind. Great job!
The Demon Accords, Book 3
By: John Conroe
Narrated by: James Patrick Cronin
More action packed adventure, more excellent fighting, adventure, twists and turns, surprises, and supernatural kicking ass along with a touch of supernatural romance. No one stands in the way of Chis and Tonya! This series just gets better and better! They get more and more allies and more and more enemies! Ugh! Nothing they can't handle. New mysteries, new characters, and more fun.
The narrator still is kick ass in these books. Perfect for these supernatural adventures. I feel like I am there and that is what I want. He does all the voices from very young to old, and various species just right. Keeps all of them in order too, I don't think I could do that, there are several characters but because of his voice I am able to keep them straight in my mind. Great job!
December 9, 2017
I felt this third instalment of the Demon Accords series was not quite as much fun as the first two instalments. It was still an OK read. This series reads a lot like a fun, if mindless, action movie.
I like Christian as the lead. He has his flaws but is mostly a guy that is likeable and easy to root for. The same goes for the secondary characters. Chris's friends and those of his vamp girlfriend's are both interesting and likeable. The villains are usually pretty crappy but that is OK as half the fun in this series is watching Chris and Tanya squash them as soon as they stumble into the pairs path!
I felt like the story in this one was a little bit less engaging than in the first two books. It did have some fun moments but also a few more story arcs that did not quite work for me. The other big flaw is John Conroe's sexism. It is actually getting worse by the book. I can laugh off most of it as this is not the sort of story that takes itself too seriously but a few happenings and observations are a little disturbing. I'm still cringing at the reason why women are more susceptible to demonic possession than men!
All in all I felt like this was an OK read but nothing special. I'll take a short break from the series and then return for more of Christian's adventures.
Rating: 3 stars.
Audio Note: James Patrick Cronin is not the best audio narrator ever but I think he does a decent enough job with this series.
I like Christian as the lead. He has his flaws but is mostly a guy that is likeable and easy to root for. The same goes for the secondary characters. Chris's friends and those of his vamp girlfriend's are both interesting and likeable. The villains are usually pretty crappy but that is OK as half the fun in this series is watching Chris and Tanya squash them as soon as they stumble into the pairs path!
I felt like the story in this one was a little bit less engaging than in the first two books. It did have some fun moments but also a few more story arcs that did not quite work for me. The other big flaw is John Conroe's sexism. It is actually getting worse by the book. I can laugh off most of it as this is not the sort of story that takes itself too seriously but a few happenings and observations are a little disturbing. I'm still cringing at the reason why women are more susceptible to demonic possession than men!
All in all I felt like this was an OK read but nothing special. I'll take a short break from the series and then return for more of Christian's adventures.
Rating: 3 stars.
Audio Note: James Patrick Cronin is not the best audio narrator ever but I think he does a decent enough job with this series.
September 7, 2023
Rating 4.0 stars
Re-read for the third time this year October 2019. I just needed my demon accords fix.
Re-read May 2019. Original review below.
I continue to really enjoy this series. The main reason is the main character. He is a very interesting character. He is both super competent and inept (mainly when dealing with women, but in a lot of social situations - childlike almost), he is insanely overpowered and yet also very fragile. Incredibly selfless/heroic but also cold/brutal at times. He is apparently so attractive that women fawn over him everywhere he goes, but for the most part he doesn't notice and only has eyes for 1 woman. This was a good continuation of the story and I can't wait to see what happens next.
Re-read for the third time this year October 2019. I just needed my demon accords fix.
Re-read May 2019. Original review below.
I continue to really enjoy this series. The main reason is the main character. He is a very interesting character. He is both super competent and inept (mainly when dealing with women, but in a lot of social situations - childlike almost), he is insanely overpowered and yet also very fragile. Incredibly selfless/heroic but also cold/brutal at times. He is apparently so attractive that women fawn over him everywhere he goes, but for the most part he doesn't notice and only has eyes for 1 woman. This was a good continuation of the story and I can't wait to see what happens next.
October 26, 2023
I really liked this book, it added a little more intrigue to the storyline, but more unanswered questions that have in no way been explained yet. The storyline is getting more and more complex with all the new ability's and enemies. I can't wait to read the next book. Will chris be able to control and keep in check the grim.
August 24, 2018
Not bad but I think I'm done with this series. In the first book he's almost omnipotent, in the second book he is omnipotent and has omnipotent friends, by the third book I'm bored with it.
May 26, 2025
"Brutal Asset," the 3rd installment in John Conroe’s electrifying "Demon Accords" series, published in 2015, delivers a pulse-pounding blend of urban fantasy, supernatural action, and emotional depth. Narrated by James Patrick Cronin, this audiobook immerses listeners in a world where vampires, werewolves, and demons collide, centered around the enigmatic and powerful Chris Gordon. Conroe’s storytelling, paired with Cronin’s dynamic narration, makes this a standout entry in the series, appealing to fans of fast-paced, action-packed paranormal adventures.
The story follows Chris Gordon, a hybrid hero with both divine and demonic powers, as he navigates an uneasy alliance with federal law enforcement to hunt down the outlaw gang Loki’s Spawn, who previously attacked his vampire girlfriend, Tanya Demidova. The plot thickens when Chris encounters unexpected hostages, triggering his protective instincts and plunging him into a deeper mystery about his own nature and the motives of his enemies. Conroe masterfully weaves action, romance, and supernatural intrigue, exploring themes of loyalty, identity, and the cost of power. The stakes feel higher in this installment, with Chris facing not only external threats but also internal struggles to control his darker impulses, adding complexity to his character.
Key highlights include Conroe’s vivid world-building, which expands the Demon Accords universe with new characters and factions, such as a shadowy agency with a keen interest in Chris. The action scenes are relentless, filled with brutal fight sequences and supernatural flair, yet Conroe balances them with quieter moments of character development, particularly in Chris and Tanya’s evolving relationship. The romance, while not overpowering, adds a heartfelt layer, with their bond tested by external pressures and Tanya’s near-fatal encounter with a new weapon. Conroe’s ability to inject subtle humor and a touch of technology into the narrative keeps the tone engaging and accessible, making it an “easy listen” for fans of urban fantasy.
James Patrick Cronin’s narration elevates the experience, bringing each character to life with distinct voices that capture their essence - from Chris’s grounded determination to Tanya’s regal intensity. Cronin’s pacing matches the story’s high-octane rhythm, seamlessly transitioning between heart-pounding battles and emotional exchanges. His ability to convey a range of emotions, from joy to sorrow, enhances the story’s impact, making listeners feel as though they’re alongside Chris in his supernatural world. Cronin's performance should be widely praised for fitting the series’ tone perfectly, keeping characters distinct and the action vivid.
"Brutal Asset" by John Conroe should be praised for its action, narration, and character depth. It is a thrilling ride for urban fantasy fans, blending heart, humor, and high stakes with Cronin’s stellar narration.
The story follows Chris Gordon, a hybrid hero with both divine and demonic powers, as he navigates an uneasy alliance with federal law enforcement to hunt down the outlaw gang Loki’s Spawn, who previously attacked his vampire girlfriend, Tanya Demidova. The plot thickens when Chris encounters unexpected hostages, triggering his protective instincts and plunging him into a deeper mystery about his own nature and the motives of his enemies. Conroe masterfully weaves action, romance, and supernatural intrigue, exploring themes of loyalty, identity, and the cost of power. The stakes feel higher in this installment, with Chris facing not only external threats but also internal struggles to control his darker impulses, adding complexity to his character.
Key highlights include Conroe’s vivid world-building, which expands the Demon Accords universe with new characters and factions, such as a shadowy agency with a keen interest in Chris. The action scenes are relentless, filled with brutal fight sequences and supernatural flair, yet Conroe balances them with quieter moments of character development, particularly in Chris and Tanya’s evolving relationship. The romance, while not overpowering, adds a heartfelt layer, with their bond tested by external pressures and Tanya’s near-fatal encounter with a new weapon. Conroe’s ability to inject subtle humor and a touch of technology into the narrative keeps the tone engaging and accessible, making it an “easy listen” for fans of urban fantasy.
James Patrick Cronin’s narration elevates the experience, bringing each character to life with distinct voices that capture their essence - from Chris’s grounded determination to Tanya’s regal intensity. Cronin’s pacing matches the story’s high-octane rhythm, seamlessly transitioning between heart-pounding battles and emotional exchanges. His ability to convey a range of emotions, from joy to sorrow, enhances the story’s impact, making listeners feel as though they’re alongside Chris in his supernatural world. Cronin's performance should be widely praised for fitting the series’ tone perfectly, keeping characters distinct and the action vivid.
"Brutal Asset" by John Conroe should be praised for its action, narration, and character depth. It is a thrilling ride for urban fantasy fans, blending heart, humor, and high stakes with Cronin’s stellar narration.
March 20, 2024
Brutal Focus
Is there a law that says all Urban Fantasy novels must become Superhero novels? Brutal Asset is the latest exhibit for your consideration, where apex male Chris Gordon has lost his rookie police officer mentality and fully embraced being a Warrior Judge with no oversight but his own. The morality of his vigilantism isn’t up for debate, and his vicious dismembering of villains only comes up to create melodrama. My defence of the overly-perfect protagonist was that he’s both likable and possesses strong morals. The latter has degraded to protecting only his allies, and every child he comes across.
What sets Brutal Asset apart from its predecessors is its departure from human society. The protagonist leaves the lively and vibrant NYC for generic underground fortresses. Rather than drawing inspiration from a genuine setting, the author tried to construct a supernatural society and economy from scratch, ultimately failing to evoke anything resembling reality. I also struggle to define what drives the protagonist. Per the back of the book, he’s only interested in revenge. He forms a tenuous partnership with the government to hunt down a group that dared attack his girlfriend. It’s not the most principled moral foundation. The author covers for this by making the antagonists unquestionably evil — threatening innocent children! — but that produces a dumbed-down plot on top of the dumbed-down setting.
After three books, I can articulate why the writing is atrocious: a lack of focus. The author introduces ten independent subplots in every book. Each subplot has two critical scenes: the setup and the payoff. The author then mixes these twenty scenes together, interrupting the former with the next. The protagonist runs from scene to scene, each setting up a wildly different problem, and after about ten of these, the payoffs start arriving, and problems are solved. Antagonists have no development, and there’s no tension or suspense. How can there be? They only get two scenes of page count and have to share the book with nine other concepts. Brutal Asset’s extensive catalogue of flaws is offset by being short and entertaining. It’s not great, but it’s better than mediocre.
Recommended, with Reservations.
Is there a law that says all Urban Fantasy novels must become Superhero novels? Brutal Asset is the latest exhibit for your consideration, where apex male Chris Gordon has lost his rookie police officer mentality and fully embraced being a Warrior Judge with no oversight but his own. The morality of his vigilantism isn’t up for debate, and his vicious dismembering of villains only comes up to create melodrama. My defence of the overly-perfect protagonist was that he’s both likable and possesses strong morals. The latter has degraded to protecting only his allies, and every child he comes across.
What sets Brutal Asset apart from its predecessors is its departure from human society. The protagonist leaves the lively and vibrant NYC for generic underground fortresses. Rather than drawing inspiration from a genuine setting, the author tried to construct a supernatural society and economy from scratch, ultimately failing to evoke anything resembling reality. I also struggle to define what drives the protagonist. Per the back of the book, he’s only interested in revenge. He forms a tenuous partnership with the government to hunt down a group that dared attack his girlfriend. It’s not the most principled moral foundation. The author covers for this by making the antagonists unquestionably evil — threatening innocent children! — but that produces a dumbed-down plot on top of the dumbed-down setting.
After three books, I can articulate why the writing is atrocious: a lack of focus. The author introduces ten independent subplots in every book. Each subplot has two critical scenes: the setup and the payoff. The author then mixes these twenty scenes together, interrupting the former with the next. The protagonist runs from scene to scene, each setting up a wildly different problem, and after about ten of these, the payoffs start arriving, and problems are solved. Antagonists have no development, and there’s no tension or suspense. How can there be? They only get two scenes of page count and have to share the book with nine other concepts. Brutal Asset’s extensive catalogue of flaws is offset by being short and entertaining. It’s not great, but it’s better than mediocre.
Recommended, with Reservations.
April 26, 2015
06/16/14
Yay, sleepy now... sleeeeeeepy... but... more books?
more later
04/25/2015
Yeah I didn't type any more later XD but! It was good, but just lacking that special something that makes amazing things amazing. Also I got sunburned today, boooooooo!! I disapprove of sunburn... ;_;
Yay, sleepy now... sleeeeeeepy... but... more books?
more later
04/25/2015
Yeah I didn't type any more later XD but! It was good, but just lacking that special something that makes amazing things amazing. Also I got sunburned today, boooooooo!! I disapprove of sunburn... ;_;
April 10, 2024
addictive
Pure Action movie thrills with Vampires & guns & explosions. This is like The Dresden Files meets the A-Team if you added more hot chicks (and guns).
This series is very hard to put down and is keeping up at night because I can't seem to stop reading it.
Pure Action movie thrills with Vampires & guns & explosions. This is like The Dresden Files meets the A-Team if you added more hot chicks (and guns).
This series is very hard to put down and is keeping up at night because I can't seem to stop reading it.
May 3, 2016
Five stars again loving this series so much
January 1, 2025
I enjoyed the third book. Will definitely read the fourth.
April 26, 2022
I'm the type of reader where read multiple books at the same time, one on kindle, one on audible and one in print. Since I found this series, I have put the other two media types away. I don't want to put these down.
May 14, 2016
So far, this and the previous two books are still fairly similar, with respect to the writing style.
If you liked it, you still will. If you didn't, you won't.
But, since book 1, I felt book 2 had more "author-induced" plot points, like scenarios are a bit "forced". Book 3 had even more.
The author also forcefully tossed in a deja vu just for the sake for it. And the results are stupid. I will quote it here:
And here are my problems:
The author pulled more lame and "forced" things like this in this book than the previous two.
Another example:
So yes, the death made no sense. First of all, it shouldn't have died. Secondly, if it died, it should've just reappear later on. Thirdly, Chris's reaction was unrealistic. And lastly, all that was just to introduce a new character.
And yes, I don't mind one dimensional characters, but the characters here are just like that.
If you liked it, you still will. If you didn't, you won't.
But, since book 1, I felt book 2 had more "author-induced" plot points, like scenarios are a bit "forced". Book 3 had even more.
The author also forcefully tossed in a deja vu just for the sake for it. And the results are stupid. I will quote it here:
And here are my problems:
The author pulled more lame and "forced" things like this in this book than the previous two.
Another example:
So yes, the death made no sense. First of all, it shouldn't have died. Secondly, if it died, it should've just reappear later on. Thirdly, Chris's reaction was unrealistic. And lastly, all that was just to introduce a new character.
And yes, I don't mind one dimensional characters, but the characters here are just like that.
September 11, 2012
Overall Feedback: So here is the third installment of The Demon Accords and let me tell you... The story has only gotten better. John is a phenomenal author and I can not wait for the next in the series. He has taken a genre that I felt was overdone and gave it some helpful breathes of fresh air. His writing is both captivating and intriguing. You will get lost in this series as quickly as I have.
Point of View: Again Mr. Conroe ( I say John as I like first names, seems friendlier) gives his stories the typical Point of View but he does it masterfully only adding to the fast pace of the read.
Voice: Here John has stepped forward to say there is more to this genre than Twilight or Underworld or even Blade. He has taken this genre twisted it to his will and made his voice heard.
Character Development: Straightforward development that never thins out nor does the reader lose sight or feeling with any character.
Plot: He has carried this series into a third installment without missing a second of plot and each one has it's own subplot to stand on.
Dialogue: No issues with the flow of dialogue as I could garner from my read but I was also too engrossed in the story to care (not really a bad thing right).
Pacing: As stated previously this is fast paced, no holding, back nitrous oxide reading run rampant.
Setting: John is able to carry the setting forward without a hitch and still deliver with a storyline that holds you in awe.
Continuity: Find the first two books and buy them. Okay now you have the first two (God Touched and Demon Driven), now read them. I said read them, okay now read this one. There wasn't that awesome and don't you agree that continuity is not an issue. Okay now go buy the rest and you can thank me later:)
Point of View: Again Mr. Conroe ( I say John as I like first names, seems friendlier) gives his stories the typical Point of View but he does it masterfully only adding to the fast pace of the read.
Voice: Here John has stepped forward to say there is more to this genre than Twilight or Underworld or even Blade. He has taken this genre twisted it to his will and made his voice heard.
Character Development: Straightforward development that never thins out nor does the reader lose sight or feeling with any character.
Plot: He has carried this series into a third installment without missing a second of plot and each one has it's own subplot to stand on.
Dialogue: No issues with the flow of dialogue as I could garner from my read but I was also too engrossed in the story to care (not really a bad thing right).
Pacing: As stated previously this is fast paced, no holding, back nitrous oxide reading run rampant.
Setting: John is able to carry the setting forward without a hitch and still deliver with a storyline that holds you in awe.
Continuity: Find the first two books and buy them. Okay now you have the first two (God Touched and Demon Driven), now read them. I said read them, okay now read this one. There wasn't that awesome and don't you agree that continuity is not an issue. Okay now go buy the rest and you can thank me later:)
February 26, 2022
Wow just wow so freaking good I loved every delicious word and action. Prepare to be awed by the amazing power couple that is Chris & Tanya. But don't forget the other awesome characters that will blow your mind. First and foremost is my personal favorite let's hear it for Okwari!!!!! Man you do not mess with Okwari, he is pure epicness. If you think of him as Chris pet, well then you are stupid and will get killed, for dismissing him as non important. I love the huge Bear God. I think John Conroe could write a side story all about Okwari's past. That is a book I know I would read. Then we have other awesome characters such as Gina, who yes is human. But man she is not someone you mess with, she has courage like nobodies business. Also a huge fan of Chris's Grandfather he is really awesome IMHO. There are more but I don't want to put in any spoilers here so I won't talk details. I will say though that this is an fast paced, action packed, plot developing, pure awesomeness of a book. I love how we get to see Chris and Tanya constantly handle, the various situations they find themselves in. The characters develop so much and we really get to know many of the support characters.
June 28, 2020
Okwari rules
Overpowered characters still face challenges, and that's pretty clear in this book. Things are getting better, but are still quite dangerous for Chris and the gang, and their enemies are looking for ways to hurt them, and they even succeed, kind of. So we see our heroes are not invulnerable, they still have their weak points and can be hurt.
I like how both Chris and Tanya have grown in the last two books they are more mature and I love how their relationship has become so much stronger, they are one of my favorite couples, since by design, they are made for each other. We just know there's more about them than we can see. We get a bigger picture into the supernatural world and see more of what they are capable of.
Also, Okwari! Don't go!!! I so saw that coming, but it was great! I love furry partners, especially the magical kind. I love Mouse, love Peaches, but I have a feeling that Awasos will become a favorite too.
Overpowered characters still face challenges, and that's pretty clear in this book. Things are getting better, but are still quite dangerous for Chris and the gang, and their enemies are looking for ways to hurt them, and they even succeed, kind of. So we see our heroes are not invulnerable, they still have their weak points and can be hurt.
I like how both Chris and Tanya have grown in the last two books they are more mature and I love how their relationship has become so much stronger, they are one of my favorite couples, since by design, they are made for each other. We just know there's more about them than we can see. We get a bigger picture into the supernatural world and see more of what they are capable of.
Also, Okwari! Don't go!!! I so saw that coming, but it was great! I love furry partners, especially the magical kind. I love Mouse, love Peaches, but I have a feeling that Awasos will become a favorite too.
April 23, 2023
2nd time reading: when the writer has endowed the MC with super-hero level attributes, then the only challenges in battle must be manufactured to get around those exact super-hero level attributes.
What I'm saying it there's no excitement. It's a parade of, "He can do A and B, wow amazing, but oh dear, he had no defences against X and Y." You're being told what the drama is.
Regarding his ever growing list of abilities, the shark was nearly jumped by the end of volume two which nonetheless I really liked. Here, though, it's insane how many things he can do -- it's no fun, it's silly.
Also, lots of filler about the food consumed in detail and John Clancy-level details about arms and weaponry. I would say 5% of the book's words were dedicated to those two topics which is exceptionally high for static, inert subject matter.
What I'm saying it there's no excitement. It's a parade of, "He can do A and B, wow amazing, but oh dear, he had no defences against X and Y." You're being told what the drama is.
Regarding his ever growing list of abilities, the shark was nearly jumped by the end of volume two which nonetheless I really liked. Here, though, it's insane how many things he can do -- it's no fun, it's silly.
Also, lots of filler about the food consumed in detail and John Clancy-level details about arms and weaponry. I would say 5% of the book's words were dedicated to those two topics which is exceptionally high for static, inert subject matter.
May 27, 2018
Book: "I use a lot of mental imagery to help control my own demon. I have a carefully crafted mental picture of a heavy, iron-bound, reinforced cell door with massive bars and hinges fastened into the solid bedrock of my mind. Gina had suggested this technique...."
Me: "So did Jim Butcher apparently."
Also, an invisible plot.
Me: "So did Jim Butcher apparently."
Also, an invisible plot.
December 24, 2013
I just can't finish this book. I kept waiting for the author to mature as the series went on but it simply hasn't happened. I'm sick of the comic book writing style.
September 20, 2022
Still rocking along. Consistently high quality.
June 11, 2025
I still like this series in general, but man, it really could use some refinement. It feels like this was a first pass rough draft that never received any kind of proofreading. Someone needs to tell this author that arrange and arraign do not mean the same thing, and are definitely not interchangeable. Every single time he should've used arrange, he wrote arraign instead. And this happened like 7 or 8 times, so it wasn't a one-off mistake. He also seems uncertain if Gina's last name is Velasquez or Velasquiz. I'm assuming it's supposed to be Velasquez, because -quiz is not a surname you normally see. But, almost every time it was written in this novel, it was spelled Velasquiz. Which would make me think he just decided to incorrectly spell it like that, except that at least twice, it was spelled Velasquez. So he's not even consistent.
In a more broader sense, I like some aspects of the story. But he really needs to learn a new narrative technique to move the plot forward than just constantly having ambushes and surprise attacks. That's really the only way in which the plot moves forward - someone decides to attack Chris or Tanya out of nowhere, and then that leads to developments. It gets really old, and dumb. You can have conflict without requiring violent physical contact every single time!
In a more broader sense, I like some aspects of the story. But he really needs to learn a new narrative technique to move the plot forward than just constantly having ambushes and surprise attacks. That's really the only way in which the plot moves forward - someone decides to attack Chris or Tanya out of nowhere, and then that leads to developments. It gets really old, and dumb. You can have conflict without requiring violent physical contact every single time!
July 9, 2021
Chris and Tanya continuing to defeat the bad guys
This is the third book in the urban fantasy Demon Accord series. I love that Christian/Chris’ character, despite his unique overwhelming powers, is still sweet, a bit naive, and modest which makes him a likeable hero. Chris is a self-proclaimed demon fighter. Due to the unique abilities he was born with, he all can see demons, remove them from their host or location, and banish them back to hell. He also has been infected with the virus that causes vampires and weres to exist but he’s neither a vampire or a were. He girlfriend is also the strongest and most revered vampire in the world. The book has the same main characters from the first two books with some new characters added into the mix. The story includes what you’d expect from this genre - fighting, dangerous situations, paranormal creatures, evil masterminds, henchmen, loyal friends and family, tragic back stories, mystical coincidences, snark, and laughs. I am enjoying journeying along with Chris on his trek of discovering what new powers he manifests as he continues to fight the powers of evil. I will definitely keep reading the series.
This is the third book in the urban fantasy Demon Accord series. I love that Christian/Chris’ character, despite his unique overwhelming powers, is still sweet, a bit naive, and modest which makes him a likeable hero. Chris is a self-proclaimed demon fighter. Due to the unique abilities he was born with, he all can see demons, remove them from their host or location, and banish them back to hell. He also has been infected with the virus that causes vampires and weres to exist but he’s neither a vampire or a were. He girlfriend is also the strongest and most revered vampire in the world. The book has the same main characters from the first two books with some new characters added into the mix. The story includes what you’d expect from this genre - fighting, dangerous situations, paranormal creatures, evil masterminds, henchmen, loyal friends and family, tragic back stories, mystical coincidences, snark, and laughs. I am enjoying journeying along with Chris on his trek of discovering what new powers he manifests as he continues to fight the powers of evil. I will definitely keep reading the series.
August 29, 2020
I am rereading the series and enjoying it again.
Not quite as fast moving as the first two books, but it has an intense emotional moment or two.
The main characters are developing nicely. We are seeing more of the world and groups that form it.
The author is doing a great job of expanding the reader's view of his fantasy world.
I will say that there are some who would say that this is just a violence solves all pulp urban fantasy book without depth. They would be correct, but not completely correct. The author is slowly hinting at darker forces and conspiracies and hidden government actors. Whenever an author adds angels into a story, things tend to get crazy. This author is doing it without screwing up the story. Add that to all the other things in the plot, and there is complexity for those who think about what is really going on.
Yes, you have a pulp action/fantasy thing happening. But you also have far more, if you think about it.
Not quite as fast moving as the first two books, but it has an intense emotional moment or two.
The main characters are developing nicely. We are seeing more of the world and groups that form it.
The author is doing a great job of expanding the reader's view of his fantasy world.
I will say that there are some who would say that this is just a violence solves all pulp urban fantasy book without depth. They would be correct, but not completely correct. The author is slowly hinting at darker forces and conspiracies and hidden government actors. Whenever an author adds angels into a story, things tend to get crazy. This author is doing it without screwing up the story. Add that to all the other things in the plot, and there is complexity for those who think about what is really going on.
Yes, you have a pulp action/fantasy thing happening. But you also have far more, if you think about it.
November 20, 2017
It's possible that John Conroe's "Brutal Asset (The Demon Accords Book 3)" is just a tad better than the previous two books in the series (call it 3-3/4 stars instead of 3-1/2). It feels like he might have slightly toned down the gland-fest a bit and reduced the number of fights the protagonist breezes through from dozens to a handful or so. All my previous comments about the earlier books apply. So, if you've read those books and are looking at this one, you know exactly what to expect. Again, I wish Conroe would flesh-out and mature his characters some more since he's obviously a good writer with some nice ideas. Plus, maybe I wouldn't feel so guilty over enjoying the books. Officially, I'm rating the book at a Very Good 4 stars out of 5. If I could do fractions, I'd drop it a quarter or half a star.
March 8, 2025
unique deep urban fantasy!
I read tons of Urban Fantasy, and one of my favorite elements is how the author decides on the interaction of modern people and technology with the supernatural. This series brings the relationship of supernaturals and modern tech to a whole new level! How deep the story goes with science, government, and real human emotions and interaction with the supernatural world. By far, John Conroe relates the most realistic approach of any author I've read! And, the plot lines are so superb, I can't put this book down! Amazingly real characters, nonstop unpredictable plot twists, emotional growth, superbly written dialogue, and a fallible MC you want to route for! In fact, the only negative of this series is how it has effected my sleep! I;m up all night reading these nonstop pager turners! Thank you John, you master word-smith!
I read tons of Urban Fantasy, and one of my favorite elements is how the author decides on the interaction of modern people and technology with the supernatural. This series brings the relationship of supernaturals and modern tech to a whole new level! How deep the story goes with science, government, and real human emotions and interaction with the supernatural world. By far, John Conroe relates the most realistic approach of any author I've read! And, the plot lines are so superb, I can't put this book down! Amazingly real characters, nonstop unpredictable plot twists, emotional growth, superbly written dialogue, and a fallible MC you want to route for! In fact, the only negative of this series is how it has effected my sleep! I;m up all night reading these nonstop pager turners! Thank you John, you master word-smith!
February 5, 2019
The ONLY reason that I will put the next on my furmture list is because I am interested in the God/Angel aspect. As for the rest of the book I'm just annoyed. This book was like a morning without coffee☕... not going anywhere good.
All the women want him... like a purple-eyed Christian Gray. All the men are intimidated by him. He can kill anything in less than 10 seconds yet you'll get 6 minutes worth of descriptions.
2 Stars⭐⭐- Decent. Has Potential. Possibly a good idea for a story but something could have been better. Sometimes it's because the author put too little or too much into the wrong parts of the story. New authors sometimes fall in this ranking and move up as their series progresses. Doesn't mean I hated it. Just means it was missing something to push it over the hump.
All the women want him... like a purple-eyed Christian Gray. All the men are intimidated by him. He can kill anything in less than 10 seconds yet you'll get 6 minutes worth of descriptions.
2 Stars⭐⭐- Decent. Has Potential. Possibly a good idea for a story but something could have been better. Sometimes it's because the author put too little or too much into the wrong parts of the story. New authors sometimes fall in this ranking and move up as their series progresses. Doesn't mean I hated it. Just means it was missing something to push it over the hump.
July 12, 2020
This is perhaps the darkest of this series since it deals with Chris' struggles to deal with his new inner berserker. For someone who has been as much a white knight as a demon slayer, this is a very deep and profoundly introspective self-examination of his heart, his spirit, his purpose. Fortunately, Chris has a support network of people who believe in him and his ability to rule himself. I think that while this may be for me the most disturbing book in this series, it also seems to be the one that most reveals Chris' humanity (even as it reveals his supernatural roots). Again, I am awed by the author's ability to develop an already amazing character in weirdly wonderful ways.
January 19, 2022
Probably a 3.5 star book I admire the authors research ability in imagination but the thing that really gets me is the clingy nature of Tonya and Chris. I mean I know they are young but their insecurity and immaturity just makes you crazy. I will say that the author has some really good ideas and interesting interpretations of history and various world religions. I wish I could get into this series a lot more than I am. I may or may not keep on reading and my guess is much will depend on my mood but overall I liked the series thus far with those notable exceptions I already mentioned. I think it’s worth trying but if you don’t get into it you just don’t get into it.
November 3, 2022
Now we're in book 3, and Chris/Christian/Gordon is pretty much always angry. The reason doesn't matter, he's just angry. The plot is even weaker than in books one and two because the reasons as to why the attacks happened in the first place is never explained.
It shouldn't be a surprise to discover that this is where my time with paranormal/urban fantasy comes to an end. The plot is all over the place, and logic comes second to nearly everything else. There is also a great deal of time early on in the book spent recapping the story, which might have made sense in 2011 but doesn't anymore.
I'm giving this a generous 4/5*
It shouldn't be a surprise to discover that this is where my time with paranormal/urban fantasy comes to an end. The plot is all over the place, and logic comes second to nearly everything else. There is also a great deal of time early on in the book spent recapping the story, which might have made sense in 2011 but doesn't anymore.
I'm giving this a generous 4/5*
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