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Lords of Deliverance #3
Lethal Rider
The prophesies were there . . . but no one listened. They are the four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and they have the power to usher in Doomsday . . . or prevent it.Eight months ago, demon-slayer Regan Matthews seduced the fourth Horseman of the Apocalypse, Thanatos. Now, she's pregnant with his child - a child who, if prophecies are to believed, is fated to save the world. But things aren't always as they appear, and the baby conceived by two warriors may yet be the very catalyst that kicks off Armageddon. Thanatos, who will be Death when his Seal breaks, never thought he'd have a family, but as he grows close to Regan and his unborn son, he allows himself to dream. But as the world edges closer to the end of days and his evil brother plots against him, Thanatos realises that the sacrifice he must make will destroy everything he dreamed of having.
464 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 22, 2011
203 people are currently reading
8134 people want to read
About the author
Larissa Ione
110 books10.1k followersAir Force veteran Larissa Ione traded in a career in meteorology to pursue her passion of 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.
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September 28, 2013
“Kiss me?” There was a vulnerability in his request that had such a powerful effect on her that she almost choked up. In answer, she lifted her head up and touched her lips to his.
LETHAL RIDER was freaking AMAZING! It exceeded all of my expectations, but of course, how could Thantos not impress me. This book was full of complete EPIC-NESS! You will be AMAZED. I promise you that! LETHAL RIDER takes place about 8 months after Regan betrayed Thantos into having sex with her to get pregnant. Thantos has been in hell, held and unable to move by the hellhound saliva and does not know that Regan is pregnant. He only has hate for her betrayal and at his siblings for keeping him held down for the past 8 months.
“I have some more staff members to interrogate.” He winked. “I’ll try to keep their screams at a minimum.” Yeah, he really did have a quirky sense of humor. Especially because she had no doubt he was actually serious.
Thantos eventually gets free and comes after Regan only to learn that she is pregnant. He has all kinds of different thoughts and feelings on the subject. Firstly, a baby, a family is all he has ever wanted and he could never have. It seems like a dream come true except that the baby is his agimortus and may possibly be the key to destroying Pestilence. Thantos is determined to keep Regan and the baby safe at all costs.
"I wasn't lying when I said you’d awakened something sexual in me, something that frankly scares the shit out of me. But that’s my problem, not yours. I won’t make you do anything you don’t want to do.”
There were so many moments in the book where I was happy, sad, and angry with rage that it was so funny! Regan betrayed Thantos in the previous book and not only that, but she was going to give the baby to Kynan and Gem to raise thinking she won't be a suitable mother. She has had a rough childhood. But my problem is that even more than halfway through the book almost that she is still talking about giving it to them. She is attached, and this is Thanto's kid too, so he definitely has some say. I mean, the Aegis and her took like everything from him.
“Here’s how this goes. No Guardians. I don’t trust any of them, including you. You can have as much ice cream as you want. I doubt I’ll stop ordering you around.” He turned his face away and put his lips to her ear. “And you don’t get your own bedroom. You sleep here. With me.
I thought Regan had a lot of growing up to do in LETHAL RIDER. I liked her as the heroine, but I felt like she was a bit tortured as well and had a lot of growing to do as a character. Thantos was PERFECTION! We get to learn some interesting things about him and not that we didn't already know this, but HE IS SO FREAKING SEXY! THANTOS IS A GOD! He is definitely my favorite Horseman of the Apocalypse. There were so many moments that I could just rewind and rewind and rewind!
“So ask me again why I’ll win a battle of wills.” “Fine.” She jammed her feet under the covers. “Why?” “Because I’m immortal and you’re a mere human. I have an eternity to out-stubborn you.”
Overall, LETHAL RIDER was JAM-PACKED with nothing but EPIC-NESS! There was so much that happened that I could not possibly explain it all in one single review. I must say this! If you didn't already hate the Aegis, you will want to murder them and wish the most deadliest and most painful death on them! Trust me, you will! I speak the truth! I am really looking forward to Reseph's book and I can already tell from the sneak peek chapter that it is going to be an amazing book.
LETHAL RIDER was freaking AMAZING! It exceeded all of my expectations, but of course, how could Thantos not impress me. This book was full of complete EPIC-NESS! You will be AMAZED. I promise you that! LETHAL RIDER takes place about 8 months after Regan betrayed Thantos into having sex with her to get pregnant. Thantos has been in hell, held and unable to move by the hellhound saliva and does not know that Regan is pregnant. He only has hate for her betrayal and at his siblings for keeping him held down for the past 8 months.
“I have some more staff members to interrogate.” He winked. “I’ll try to keep their screams at a minimum.” Yeah, he really did have a quirky sense of humor. Especially because she had no doubt he was actually serious.
Thantos eventually gets free and comes after Regan only to learn that she is pregnant. He has all kinds of different thoughts and feelings on the subject. Firstly, a baby, a family is all he has ever wanted and he could never have. It seems like a dream come true except that the baby is his agimortus and may possibly be the key to destroying Pestilence. Thantos is determined to keep Regan and the baby safe at all costs.
"I wasn't lying when I said you’d awakened something sexual in me, something that frankly scares the shit out of me. But that’s my problem, not yours. I won’t make you do anything you don’t want to do.”
There were so many moments in the book where I was happy, sad, and angry with rage that it was so funny! Regan betrayed Thantos in the previous book and not only that, but she was going to give the baby to Kynan and Gem to raise thinking she won't be a suitable mother. She has had a rough childhood. But my problem is that even more than halfway through the book almost that she is still talking about giving it to them. She is attached, and this is Thanto's kid too, so he definitely has some say. I mean, the Aegis and her took like everything from him.
“Here’s how this goes. No Guardians. I don’t trust any of them, including you. You can have as much ice cream as you want. I doubt I’ll stop ordering you around.” He turned his face away and put his lips to her ear. “And you don’t get your own bedroom. You sleep here. With me.
I thought Regan had a lot of growing up to do in LETHAL RIDER. I liked her as the heroine, but I felt like she was a bit tortured as well and had a lot of growing to do as a character. Thantos was PERFECTION! We get to learn some interesting things about him and not that we didn't already know this, but HE IS SO FREAKING SEXY! THANTOS IS A GOD! He is definitely my favorite Horseman of the Apocalypse. There were so many moments that I could just rewind and rewind and rewind!
“So ask me again why I’ll win a battle of wills.” “Fine.” She jammed her feet under the covers. “Why?” “Because I’m immortal and you’re a mere human. I have an eternity to out-stubborn you.”
Overall, LETHAL RIDER was JAM-PACKED with nothing but EPIC-NESS! There was so much that happened that I could not possibly explain it all in one single review. I must say this! If you didn't already hate the Aegis, you will want to murder them and wish the most deadliest and most painful death on them! Trust me, you will! I speak the truth! I am really looking forward to Reseph's book and I can already tell from the sneak peek chapter that it is going to be an amazing book.
August 11, 2022
I REALLY enjoyed the sizzling chemistry between Thanados and Reagan in this one. Thanados was tricked into having sex with Reagan in the previous book, and where we’re introduced in this one, she’s nine months pregnant with his child. She was sent in as a spy to try to conceive the child of this particular horseman, as there was a prophecy that the child could stop the Apocalypse from coming, so, not cool from his pov, but kind of understandable, too. Who wants the world to end? They are reunited just before she’s due to give birth, and the anger/unresolved feelings there are quite steaming.
I enjoyed as well the conflict between the siblings as they try to decide what to do about fallen brother Ressup (Pestilence) who has been causing trouble for three books now and is unleashing plagues all over the planet. Thanados has one of the most conflicted reactions of the three horsemen we’ve seen, and that was interesting to read. My favorite of the series so far!
I enjoyed as well the conflict between the siblings as they try to decide what to do about fallen brother Ressup (Pestilence) who has been causing trouble for three books now and is unleashing plagues all over the planet. Thanados has one of the most conflicted reactions of the three horsemen we’ve seen, and that was interesting to read. My favorite of the series so far!
May 31, 2012
I had a blast "chatting" with AH about Lethal Rider.... check it out here...
http://badassbookreviews.com/arc-revi...
Larissa Ione is by far, one of my favorite authors. In fact, I've not rated any of her books less than 5 stars. When I first rated books, I gave away 5 stars easily, but now- not even close. The fact that all her books still rate so highly just tells you how much I love her as an author.
First, even though you technically don't have to read the Demonica series (the Demonica series starts with Pleasure Unbound
) before reading the Lords of Deliverance series, I really think you should. Some of the characters from the Demonica series show up in Lords of Deliverance series and without reading the Demonica series, you won't quite get the significance of that character.
Ok, back to Larissa Ione. Not only does Ione tell a story but she manages to continue the story from book to book. She does it without coming across as trying to sell an additional book in her series. It is pretty clear that Ione knows exactly where she is going with the story. However, as a reader, you never feel like the individual book is weak. In fact, everytime Ione finishes a book in her series, I declare it my favorite. OH well. As long as she keeps writing, I'm happy.
As for this story in this book, I loved the characters. I love the story behind the characters as well. Than can be humorous one minute, and down right scary the next. Regan's insecurities and vulnerability made her duty to her job admirable but at times, I wanted to yell at her. I'm glad she woke up.
Overall- another 5 star read and my new Ione favorite- until the next one comes out of course.
http://badassbookreviews.com/arc-revi...
Larissa Ione is by far, one of my favorite authors. In fact, I've not rated any of her books less than 5 stars. When I first rated books, I gave away 5 stars easily, but now- not even close. The fact that all her books still rate so highly just tells you how much I love her as an author.
First, even though you technically don't have to read the Demonica series (the Demonica series starts with Pleasure Unbound
) before reading the Lords of Deliverance series, I really think you should. Some of the characters from the Demonica series show up in Lords of Deliverance series and without reading the Demonica series, you won't quite get the significance of that character.Ok, back to Larissa Ione. Not only does Ione tell a story but she manages to continue the story from book to book. She does it without coming across as trying to sell an additional book in her series. It is pretty clear that Ione knows exactly where she is going with the story. However, as a reader, you never feel like the individual book is weak. In fact, everytime Ione finishes a book in her series, I declare it my favorite. OH well. As long as she keeps writing, I'm happy.
As for this story in this book, I loved the characters. I love the story behind the characters as well. Than can be humorous one minute, and down right scary the next. Regan's insecurities and vulnerability made her duty to her job admirable but at times, I wanted to yell at her. I'm glad she woke up.
Overall- another 5 star read and my new Ione favorite- until the next one comes out of course.
May 14, 2012
I have tried to find the perfect word to describe this book. Words such as “dangerously addicting”, “evocative” and “sinful” don’t really encompass all that Larissa Ione has achieved in this series. With dark heroes, spit-fire heroines and an impending doom that threatens to destroy all of mankind, it’s difficult to describe the epic nature of LETHAL RIDER.
Thanatos has been betrayed by The Aegis member, Regan. Rightfully, he wants nothing more from Regan other than her blood on his hands. However, when he finds out that Regan is carrying his child, Than takes a step back because he can’t believe that his siblings never informed him about this. For most of this book, Than is angry and violent – just what I love in a hero. As Death, he is merciless so I didn’t expect him to just roll over and comfort Regan after learning about the baby. Than gives Regan a very hard time. He doesn’t accept her apology, however heartfelt they are, because there is a lot more at stake than Regan’s hurt feelings.
Ione set up a really difficult challenge for herself. I wondered how she was going to get readers to like Regan again after all that she did to Than. For many, she would not be redeemable. Did I think Ione redeemed Regan by the end of this book? Partly. For the first part of the book, I didn’t think much of Regan. I didn’t hate her, but I also didn’t feel completely attached to her either. However, there is one scene in this book where I think Ione did a fantastic job of evoking sympathy for Regan. When Regan finally breaks down and refuses to have sex with Than because she fears that he will remember the last time they did it, I gained more respect for her. It would have been so easy to allow them to just get on with the hot and heavy sex scene, but the fact that Ione chose to pause there and insert that vulnerable scene made me see Regan in a whole different light. Somehow, I didn’t think Regan was so bad after all.
There are many familiar faces in this book. Everyone comes back in one way or the other and it’s nice to see the way the demons from the Demonica series integrate with Horsemen. I have to admit that I’m partial to Wraith. He seems to have the best scenes.
Speaking of scenes, there were many high points on this book. Ione doesn’t pull her punches and this book had me blinking several times because I just couldn’t believe what I was reading. It is clear that Ione has planned out her series carefully because every little detail seems to match up perfectly. There were some times when I felt that some scenes were too rushed. I would have loved to have the chance to slow down a few particular scenes just so we could get more of the character’s POV.
Thanks to Ione’s great imagination, readers are guaranteed to love this latest chapter in the Lords of Deliverance series.
Thanatos has been betrayed by The Aegis member, Regan. Rightfully, he wants nothing more from Regan other than her blood on his hands. However, when he finds out that Regan is carrying his child, Than takes a step back because he can’t believe that his siblings never informed him about this. For most of this book, Than is angry and violent – just what I love in a hero. As Death, he is merciless so I didn’t expect him to just roll over and comfort Regan after learning about the baby. Than gives Regan a very hard time. He doesn’t accept her apology, however heartfelt they are, because there is a lot more at stake than Regan’s hurt feelings.
Ione set up a really difficult challenge for herself. I wondered how she was going to get readers to like Regan again after all that she did to Than. For many, she would not be redeemable. Did I think Ione redeemed Regan by the end of this book? Partly. For the first part of the book, I didn’t think much of Regan. I didn’t hate her, but I also didn’t feel completely attached to her either. However, there is one scene in this book where I think Ione did a fantastic job of evoking sympathy for Regan. When Regan finally breaks down and refuses to have sex with Than because she fears that he will remember the last time they did it, I gained more respect for her. It would have been so easy to allow them to just get on with the hot and heavy sex scene, but the fact that Ione chose to pause there and insert that vulnerable scene made me see Regan in a whole different light. Somehow, I didn’t think Regan was so bad after all.
There are many familiar faces in this book. Everyone comes back in one way or the other and it’s nice to see the way the demons from the Demonica series integrate with Horsemen. I have to admit that I’m partial to Wraith. He seems to have the best scenes.
Speaking of scenes, there were many high points on this book. Ione doesn’t pull her punches and this book had me blinking several times because I just couldn’t believe what I was reading. It is clear that Ione has planned out her series carefully because every little detail seems to match up perfectly. There were some times when I felt that some scenes were too rushed. I would have loved to have the chance to slow down a few particular scenes just so we could get more of the character’s POV.
Thanks to Ione’s great imagination, readers are guaranteed to love this latest chapter in the Lords of Deliverance series.
February 22, 2017
Thanatos i.e. meaning Death in Greek language
He used to be a nice, cool guy. He was the father of all vampires. He loved his brothers and sister, his lovely home and his isolation.
He had to save the world of course, not to let his seal be broken and stop his half-lunatic brother from killing every living thing on the face of Earth from plagues.
But he was also one of the four Horsemen, proud and strong, dark and dangerous, high and mighty.
“Lethal Rider” starts with him drugged and powerless for almost 9 months by his brother and sister who were scared that he will snap at any moment. His precious virginity was stolen by a devious Aegis agent in the end of “Immortal Rider”. Thanatos stays immobilized. He is seeing red, he is burning inside and he is planning death for the tortuous, manipulative, rapist Regan.
Okay, he is really really angry and scary.
The good thing is that obviously his seal is not broken yet, although everyone thought that it was connected with his virginity.
Regan. Poor, scared to death (literally), victim of the circumstances, very much pregnant girl. There will be no hole to hide when Thanatos (the future father) gets his powers back!
The book is their lovestory and it is full of revenge, a very slow process of forgiveness and large quantities of passion and love.
My favorite book from the Lords of Deliverance series!
He used to be a nice, cool guy. He was the father of all vampires. He loved his brothers and sister, his lovely home and his isolation.
He had to save the world of course, not to let his seal be broken and stop his half-lunatic brother from killing every living thing on the face of Earth from plagues.
But he was also one of the four Horsemen, proud and strong, dark and dangerous, high and mighty.
“Lethal Rider” starts with him drugged and powerless for almost 9 months by his brother and sister who were scared that he will snap at any moment. His precious virginity was stolen by a devious Aegis agent in the end of “Immortal Rider”. Thanatos stays immobilized. He is seeing red, he is burning inside and he is planning death for the tortuous, manipulative, rapist Regan.
Okay, he is really really angry and scary.
The good thing is that obviously his seal is not broken yet, although everyone thought that it was connected with his virginity.
Regan. Poor, scared to death (literally), victim of the circumstances, very much pregnant girl. There will be no hole to hide when Thanatos (the future father) gets his powers back!
The book is their lovestory and it is full of revenge, a very slow process of forgiveness and large quantities of passion and love.
My favorite book from the Lords of Deliverance series!
August 10, 2015
This series just keeps getting better and better!!!
Lethal Rider, the 3rd book in the Lords of Deliverance Series, begins 8 months after book 2, where the sh…..t hit the fan after Thanatos discovers the truth about Regan Cooper, a demon-slayer working for the Aegis real intentions after they had spent a night of wicked passion and giving her something unique of his….
After escaping from his sedated state, he’s out for blood….and vengeance…Regan being his target.
That his flipping brother Reseph aka Pestilence had drugged him and Regan on their night of passion so she could get pregnant and break Thanatos’s seal….talk about little devious demon???? The revelation of this betrayal has made him realize that he has to do everything to keep Regan and his child safe and away from Pestilence.
From enemies to lovers!!!!
Regan wanting to make things right with Thanatos…..
Thanatos realizes how much he wants Regan in his life.
The longing, the sexual tension, the chemistry, wanting to share their feelings for each other…..
This is a beyond twisted family…treachery from all sides…..evil forces at play – what sacrifices will you have to make to save the world from destruction??
The series of events leading to the most unexpected and shocking conclusion…left me thinking…. What??? No, can that ever be possible???
We are going to be in for a huge surprise…..a shocking revelation of “earthquake” proportions!!!!! I just know…I just feel that…anything is possible with Reseph/Pestilence’s secret plan coming out with the next book……
My favorite quote:
Lethal Rider, the 3rd book in the Lords of Deliverance Series, begins 8 months after book 2, where the sh…..t hit the fan after Thanatos discovers the truth about Regan Cooper, a demon-slayer working for the Aegis real intentions after they had spent a night of wicked passion and giving her something unique of his….
After escaping from his sedated state, he’s out for blood….and vengeance…Regan being his target.
And hello…not only betrayal but he discovers that Regan is pregnant with his child….just what he needed…a child was, he believed, the only thing that could break his seal. He’s on the warpath and he will make her suffer the same way he did…Angry…fuming…he’s beyond livid…
And what happens when he kidnaps her and spirits her away to his hiding place????
That his flipping brother Reseph aka Pestilence had drugged him and Regan on their night of passion so she could get pregnant and break Thanatos’s seal….talk about little devious demon???? The revelation of this betrayal has made him realize that he has to do everything to keep Regan and his child safe and away from Pestilence.
From enemies to lovers!!!!
Regan wanting to make things right with Thanatos…..
Thanatos realizes how much he wants Regan in his life.
How much he wants his own family.
The longing, the sexual tension, the chemistry, wanting to share their feelings for each other…..
All the drama and all that happens around this couple is totally unbelievable…everyone out there wants something from them…and that is the child Regan is carrying.
This is a beyond twisted family…treachery from all sides…..evil forces at play – what sacrifices will you have to make to save the world from destruction??
The series of events leading to the most unexpected and shocking conclusion…left me thinking…. What??? No, can that ever be possible???
I cannot wait!!!!!
We are going to be in for a huge surprise…..a shocking revelation of “earthquake” proportions!!!!! I just know…I just feel that…anything is possible with Reseph/Pestilence’s secret plan coming out with the next book……
My favorite quote:
…Wait, I have two quotes that just had me rolling on the floor…with laughter, of course…here’s the other one…
May 28, 2012
5 stars – Paranormal Romance
A+mazing! Another dark, seductive installment in the addictive Lords of Deliverance series and perhaps the best yet. Thanatos, the Horseman of the Apocalypse known as Death, is a dangerous warrior who’s bearing of violence mixed with vulnerable longing makes for one lethally sexy hero. Larissa Ione has delivered once again! Big 5 stars!
A+mazing! Another dark, seductive installment in the addictive Lords of Deliverance series and perhaps the best yet. Thanatos, the Horseman of the Apocalypse known as Death, is a dangerous warrior who’s bearing of violence mixed with vulnerable longing makes for one lethally sexy hero. Larissa Ione has delivered once again! Big 5 stars!
June 23, 2017
*takes off my invisible reading glasses and pinches the bridge of my nose*
And the fuckery continues, it appears.
I'm not even going to bother doing a summary of this, this...thing because I have a feeling that it would just infuriate me more. As we know from the previous installment, Eternal Rider, we get to follow Reganthe Rapist and Thanatos AKA the Death Horsemen. Let me just get to the point. I'm not quite sure what the hell to think. On some levels, I liked it. Kind of. On most other levels, I once again wanted to throw my Kindle at wall (again). Though, I can gladly report, I had less throwing urges than I did last time around.
What I Liked:
Pestilence: I've never come across a villain that I liked so much. Reseph/Pestilence/what-the-fuck-ever is just deliciously evil. For the past 3 books, he has been absolutely wiping the floor with #teamgood and I loved it. Though I must wonder if I genuinely liked him that much or did I hate everyone else so much more that he just automatically became appealing.
Thanatos during the first 40% of the book: I liked Than during the beginning of the book. I liked that he was pissed at Regan. Granted, some of the things he said was ruthlessly harsh BUT I can't say that I fault him for it. The guy was taken advantage of for crying out loud. And as soon as he starting to become my favorite, he went and became stupid. Idiot.
Wraith: I like him. I like seeing him. End.
What I HATED: (Prepare yourself, this is a biggie.)
Kynan and the Aegis: I am absolutely, positively sick and tired of the jackassery that is this organization. They're stupid and dumb and I am quite shocked that were around for those alleged thousands of years that they claimed they existed. And Kynan, Mr. Part-time Angel, Full-time leader of the Jackassery, sir, I would like to personally punch you in the face.
If this isn't the biggest crock of shit I've ever heard. You're telling me in the god knows how many years Regan has been there, you didn't notice that everyone was being an asshole to her? That everyone was just ragging on her for fun? That she was treated like a piece of shit? Sir, please direct yourself to the nearest seat and park your ass in it. Thanks, Management.
Regan: I hate this wench. She's a rapist and there is absolutely no way to get around it. The fact that they (Regan and Thanatos) blame this on the drugged wine or whatever the hell they drank is disgusting to say the least. She knew EXACTLY what she was doing; she knew what her intentions were for being there; she heard him say NO. And yet, she kept on riding like a jockey in the Kentucky Derby. Nasty wench. And I absolutely cannot believe that Ms. Ione pulled the sympathy card with her. "Oh poor me, my daddy was possessed and knocked up my mom who then gave me away. Nobody wanted me." Blah, blah, blah, boo freaking hoo. Cry about it in therapy; I have no sympathy for you, Rapey.
Thanatos in the Second half: My god, he became such a sap. I don't understand how the hell he was raging mad one minute, then madly in love with Rapey the next. I can understand that you would want to be cordial with the mother of your kid but she violated you, dude! Idk about you but there is no way in hell, I would want to be with a person that took advantage of me. But then again, this is PNR. *rolls eyes dramatically*
Gethel: Somebody come get this bitch! Really?! Really?! Like seriously, really?! You set ALL of that in motion because the Horsemen didn't give 2 fucks and a donkey about you not being their Watcher anymore. Girl, bye!
The Ending: This was one of those blink and you miss it kind of endings. It was wayyyy too anti-climatic for me. With all the shit that Pestilence has been doing for however long he was running around, he dies like that? Talk about going out with a whimper.
Now considering all the foolery, fuckery and jackassery that took place up and down this book, I think I should give this 2 stars. Let's see how I feel in the next couple of days.
And the fuckery continues, it appears.
I'm not even going to bother doing a summary of this, this...thing because I have a feeling that it would just infuriate me more. As we know from the previous installment, Eternal Rider, we get to follow Regan
What I Liked:
Pestilence: I've never come across a villain that I liked so much. Reseph/Pestilence/what-the-fuck-ever is just deliciously evil. For the past 3 books, he has been absolutely wiping the floor with #teamgood and I loved it. Though I must wonder if I genuinely liked him that much or did I hate everyone else so much more that he just automatically became appealing.
Thanatos during the first 40% of the book: I liked Than during the beginning of the book. I liked that he was pissed at Regan. Granted, some of the things he said was ruthlessly harsh BUT I can't say that I fault him for it. The guy was taken advantage of for crying out loud. And as soon as he starting to become my favorite, he went and became stupid. Idiot.
Wraith: I like him. I like seeing him. End.
What I HATED: (Prepare yourself, this is a biggie.)
Kynan and the Aegis: I am absolutely, positively sick and tired of the jackassery that is this organization. They're stupid and dumb and I am quite shocked that were around for those alleged thousands of years that they claimed they existed. And Kynan, Mr. Part-time Angel, Full-time leader of the Jackassery, sir, I would like to personally punch you in the face.
I didn't realize how deep some of our members' resentment of you went, or I'd have stepped in, and I'll never forgive myself for not paying better attention.
If this isn't the biggest crock of shit I've ever heard. You're telling me in the god knows how many years Regan has been there, you didn't notice that everyone was being an asshole to her? That everyone was just ragging on her for fun? That she was treated like a piece of shit? Sir, please direct yourself to the nearest seat and park your ass in it. Thanks, Management.
Regan: I hate this wench. She's a rapist and there is absolutely no way to get around it. The fact that they (Regan and Thanatos) blame this on the drugged wine or whatever the hell they drank is disgusting to say the least. She knew EXACTLY what she was doing; she knew what her intentions were for being there; she heard him say NO. And yet, she kept on riding like a jockey in the Kentucky Derby. Nasty wench. And I absolutely cannot believe that Ms. Ione pulled the sympathy card with her. "Oh poor me, my daddy was possessed and knocked up my mom who then gave me away. Nobody wanted me." Blah, blah, blah, boo freaking hoo. Cry about it in therapy; I have no sympathy for you, Rapey.
Thanatos in the Second half: My god, he became such a sap. I don't understand how the hell he was raging mad one minute, then madly in love with Rapey the next. I can understand that you would want to be cordial with the mother of your kid but she violated you, dude! Idk about you but there is no way in hell, I would want to be with a person that took advantage of me. But then again, this is PNR. *rolls eyes dramatically*
Gethel: Somebody come get this bitch! Really?! Really?! Like seriously, really?! You set ALL of that in motion because the Horsemen didn't give 2 fucks and a donkey about you not being their Watcher anymore. Girl, bye!
The Ending: This was one of those blink and you miss it kind of endings. It was wayyyy too anti-climatic for me. With all the shit that Pestilence has been doing for however long he was running around, he dies like that? Talk about going out with a whimper.
Now considering all the foolery, fuckery and jackassery that took place up and down this book, I think I should give this 2 stars. Let's see how I feel in the next couple of days.
May 4, 2012
OMFG! Where to start, where to start? Larissa has reminded me why I love to read in the first place, I literally devoured this book in a day... Yeah, it was that good! It captured me and sucked me in so I couldn't put it down until I was finished. I'm so serious, I was reading this while I was at my Internship.
The story picks up with Regan being protected in the Aegis headquarters and that's when things get all wound up, Thanatos finds out where Regan is and I'm not going to tell you what happens from there. I know there was a lot of mixed feelings about the scene in Immortal Rider with Regan and Than... you guys know what I'm talking about. Well when I read it I was baffled at first because I considered it rape... but trust and believe me on this one Larissa knew what she was doing! I wish I would have trusted her to begin with, and I will never doubt her again. I am so glad that she took the risk she did because it put a lot of pieces together in Lethal Rider. You really get to see who Regan truly is and that is a selfless, brave, fighter! With that being said let me get back to why I enjoyed Lethal Rider oh so much.
Thanatos and Regan's relationship is the MAIN reason... it didn't happen all at once, and they didn't commit themselves to a relationship at first. They both really got to know each other, and see sides of each other that other people have never seen. Their relationship was amazing! Than and Regan's sexual tension had me burning up like a 800 degree oven... that's how hot it was. There are a lot of great things revealed in this book that I will let you discover on your own because it makes the book so enjoyable. I had a lot of OMG, really moments. I am so glad that Thanatos finally gets his heart's desire... a child. While the relationship was awesome, what was even more awesome is Regan and Thanatos's love and sacrifice for their baby. Their baby is what really brought them so close together.
This was a kick ass, burning hot, and adventurous book. This is definitely 2012 release you DO NOT want to miss, I loved every second of it and can't get it out of my head after reading it. The sneak peak for Rogue Rider killed/teased me so bad! Can't wait to get my hands on the fourth book... I can't wait to see what the lovely Larissa has in store for Reseph!
The story picks up with Regan being protected in the Aegis headquarters and that's when things get all wound up, Thanatos finds out where Regan is and I'm not going to tell you what happens from there. I know there was a lot of mixed feelings about the scene in Immortal Rider with Regan and Than... you guys know what I'm talking about. Well when I read it I was baffled at first because I considered it rape... but trust and believe me on this one Larissa knew what she was doing! I wish I would have trusted her to begin with, and I will never doubt her again. I am so glad that she took the risk she did because it put a lot of pieces together in Lethal Rider. You really get to see who Regan truly is and that is a selfless, brave, fighter! With that being said let me get back to why I enjoyed Lethal Rider oh so much.
Thanatos and Regan's relationship is the MAIN reason... it didn't happen all at once, and they didn't commit themselves to a relationship at first. They both really got to know each other, and see sides of each other that other people have never seen. Their relationship was amazing! Than and Regan's sexual tension had me burning up like a 800 degree oven... that's how hot it was. There are a lot of great things revealed in this book that I will let you discover on your own because it makes the book so enjoyable. I had a lot of OMG, really moments. I am so glad that Thanatos finally gets his heart's desire... a child. While the relationship was awesome, what was even more awesome is Regan and Thanatos's love and sacrifice for their baby. Their baby is what really brought them so close together.
This was a kick ass, burning hot, and adventurous book. This is definitely 2012 release you DO NOT want to miss, I loved every second of it and can't get it out of my head after reading it. The sneak peak for Rogue Rider killed/teased me so bad! Can't wait to get my hands on the fourth book... I can't wait to see what the lovely Larissa has in store for Reseph!
May 23, 2012
Without a doubt, this is the best installment in the Lords of Deliverance series so far. Ever since she introduced us to the Demonica world back in Pleasure Unbound, Larissa Ione has seamlessly woven all of these amazing characters and threads of storylines together into a giant ongoing masterpiece of action, betrayal, romance, epic world-building, and mind-blowing sex. Each book builds on the last. Each leaves me excited, satisfied, and still wanting more.
It's been eight months since the events of Immortal Rider, and Regan is just a couple of weeks away from delivering her baby. Thanatos has been drugged and immobilized all this time. But suddenly, he is able to overcome the drugs and make his way to her. He is drawn to his child, though he has no idea that is the case until he comes face to face with Regan. He is enraged and yet still attracted to the woman who took his virginity. Unsure of where his feelings for her will land, he kidnaps her from an Aegis stronghold and brings her back to his home.
Regan struggles to convince Thanatos that she never intended to rape him. That she was drugged. That she was trying to save the world. But his forgiveness is slow in coming. The story follows the two of them as they try to sort out their feelings for one another and protect their unborn child from Pestilence, who knows that destroying the baby with break his brother's seal.
Both Thanatos and Regan have some serious issues to overcome. But I really enjoyed their journey. Regan has never had a place she truly belonged and it's gratifying to see her finding a home with the new family she is creating. Thanatos has some major secrets and he's a very dangerous guy. (He is Death after all.) But he is such a softie underneath it all. All he wants in life is a family. Well, that and to get laid. Ione has got some serious skills to make pregnancy sex sexy. Having been nine-months pregnant twice, myself, I can tell you that is no small feat. Yet she does it, so big, big props for that.
I love that we're still seeing old familiar characters like Eidolon and the UG folks, front and center in the book. Not only are we getting updates on their lives, but they are part of the ongoing plot. In addition, there are major developments in the Demonica world, from an overhaul of the Aegis --to Pestilence and the overall horsemen arc-- to dire straits for our friend Reaver. Oh Reaver, I love you so. As much as I am looking forward to Reseph's book, it's Reaver's story I am dying for. Reaver and... Harvester? Anyone with me?
I loved it.
Rating: A
*ARC Provided by NetGalley
It's been eight months since the events of Immortal Rider, and Regan is just a couple of weeks away from delivering her baby. Thanatos has been drugged and immobilized all this time. But suddenly, he is able to overcome the drugs and make his way to her. He is drawn to his child, though he has no idea that is the case until he comes face to face with Regan. He is enraged and yet still attracted to the woman who took his virginity. Unsure of where his feelings for her will land, he kidnaps her from an Aegis stronghold and brings her back to his home.
Regan struggles to convince Thanatos that she never intended to rape him. That she was drugged. That she was trying to save the world. But his forgiveness is slow in coming. The story follows the two of them as they try to sort out their feelings for one another and protect their unborn child from Pestilence, who knows that destroying the baby with break his brother's seal.
Both Thanatos and Regan have some serious issues to overcome. But I really enjoyed their journey. Regan has never had a place she truly belonged and it's gratifying to see her finding a home with the new family she is creating. Thanatos has some major secrets and he's a very dangerous guy. (He is Death after all.) But he is such a softie underneath it all. All he wants in life is a family. Well, that and to get laid. Ione has got some serious skills to make pregnancy sex sexy. Having been nine-months pregnant twice, myself, I can tell you that is no small feat. Yet she does it, so big, big props for that.
I love that we're still seeing old familiar characters like Eidolon and the UG folks, front and center in the book. Not only are we getting updates on their lives, but they are part of the ongoing plot. In addition, there are major developments in the Demonica world, from an overhaul of the Aegis --to Pestilence and the overall horsemen arc-- to dire straits for our friend Reaver. Oh Reaver, I love you so. As much as I am looking forward to Reseph's book, it's Reaver's story I am dying for. Reaver and... Harvester? Anyone with me?
I loved it.
Rating: A
*ARC Provided by NetGalley
November 24, 2017
***3.5***
Tenía cero ganas de iniciar este libro, ya que de los cuatro jinetes Thanathos era el que menos me importaba pero debo admitir que a pesar del final más DRAMÁTICO y apocalíptico de todos los libros... este es un libro con una historia sorprendente.
Me gustó mucho más que los dos anteriores y eso ya es algo que decir.
Espero con ansias a mí amor Reaver ❤️ aunque creo que la historia del último jinete del Apocalipsis será grandiosa... tengo muchas esperanzas!!!! Les voy contando 😅
Tenía cero ganas de iniciar este libro, ya que de los cuatro jinetes Thanathos era el que menos me importaba pero debo admitir que a pesar del final más DRAMÁTICO y apocalíptico de todos los libros... este es un libro con una historia sorprendente.
Me gustó mucho más que los dos anteriores y eso ya es algo que decir.
Espero con ansias a mí amor Reaver ❤️ aunque creo que la historia del último jinete del Apocalipsis será grandiosa... tengo muchas esperanzas!!!! Les voy contando 😅
May 22, 2012
(spoiler free)
Larissa Ione is back with her third Lords of Deliverance novel, Lethal Rider, and it's totally worth the wait!
Thanatos has been kept immobile for the past 8 months by his own siblings, Ares and Limos. Upon discovering Regan's horrible deception in Immortal Rider, he went nuclear and squashed a lot of lives. They feel it's for his own good and only intend to keep him in that state until his baby is born. Hades has his own agenda, and helps break him out of his hellhound saliva-induced paralysis. Naturally, he immediately goes and finds Regan where she is hiding at The Aegis headquarters. We learn that Regan has been living the past 8 months in shame and fear over what she did to Thanatos. She knew she should not have run, yet she did, and is living with the sickening dreams of the guilt she feels. She is not surprised when he shows up for her.
I really wanted to hate Regan, I mean I had a huge hate-on for her at the end of the previous book for what she did to Than. I did not understand how she could do what she did. The beauty of Lethal Rider is that we see Regan's point of view 8 months later with hindsight, and we see just how tortured she is over what she did. We know what motivated her, and we get her backstory that helped to explain what drove her. I don't even feel like I had to work to like Regan, really, and I don't remember even when it happened. I felt like I could understand more of what she did and why she did it and after a while I just didn't care what she did. I wanted her and Than to be together and to have their little "pony boy" together. I felt like they both deserved to be a family, so badly. If folks are worried that she is unredeemable, their worries will be laid to rest. Than gives her soooo muuuuch shiiiiiit, that you really begin to empathize with her. You heart aches, and once they finally allow themselves to try to think ahead and move forward, you are cheering them on.
"No matter how bad Kynan's news is, I've got you, okay?" - Thanatos
With the events going on with the two of them, there is also Pestilence raping and pillaging the world, and also trying to maneuver other fractions against his brothers ands sister. We get some flashbacks of how he was was Reseph, and the ache it must feel to watch what he has become once his Seal has broken. There is no question for me, thanks to a discussion with Bookaholic Cat, that Reaver is somehow involved in the Horsemen's parentage, mostly because he cannot remember his life prior to falling. Larissa Ione mentions very often throughout this book in particular that the Horsemen are part angel, and one big daddy-contender in Lethal Rider is ruled out. The Fallen Angel drama that goes on between Reaver, Harvester and Gethal is very good, and definitely adds to the overall story. Also, major things happen with The Aegis! Betrayal, and really good action stuff, and I love the direction she has taken things in with that. If you've been missing those Seminus demon brothers, have no fear, they get plenty of scenes! We get to see Eidolon and Shade and Wraith, and their lines are memorable as always.
The set up for the 4th book, Rogue Rider, is made for Reseph/Pestilence. I'm a little nervous how that is going to play out, but I was just as equally nervous with how Thanatos's story would play out too, and I loved it. If anyone can redeem a character, it is Larissa Freaking Ione.
All of the elements I expect from Larissa Ione are here. Gore, great mythology, action, and hot steamy smexy times. This was probably the easiest book of the three, so far, to follow just because most of the world-building has been laid out previously. I remember really struggling initially with the first book, even though I'd read the Demonica series, because the world building was so dense. That's not a complaint at all, but it's worth remarking on just how seamlessly everything flowed in Lethal Rider. I assumed that there would only be 4 books in this series since there are 4 Horsemen, but goodreads shows there are 5 books slated, so... YAY! MOAR LoD!! In summary, fans of this series will not be disappointed!
Originally posted at WickedLilPixie Reviews
Larissa Ione is back with her third Lords of Deliverance novel, Lethal Rider, and it's totally worth the wait!
Thanatos has been kept immobile for the past 8 months by his own siblings, Ares and Limos. Upon discovering Regan's horrible deception in Immortal Rider, he went nuclear and squashed a lot of lives. They feel it's for his own good and only intend to keep him in that state until his baby is born. Hades has his own agenda, and helps break him out of his hellhound saliva-induced paralysis. Naturally, he immediately goes and finds Regan where she is hiding at The Aegis headquarters. We learn that Regan has been living the past 8 months in shame and fear over what she did to Thanatos. She knew she should not have run, yet she did, and is living with the sickening dreams of the guilt she feels. She is not surprised when he shows up for her.
I really wanted to hate Regan, I mean I had a huge hate-on for her at the end of the previous book for what she did to Than. I did not understand how she could do what she did. The beauty of Lethal Rider is that we see Regan's point of view 8 months later with hindsight, and we see just how tortured she is over what she did. We know what motivated her, and we get her backstory that helped to explain what drove her. I don't even feel like I had to work to like Regan, really, and I don't remember even when it happened. I felt like I could understand more of what she did and why she did it and after a while I just didn't care what she did. I wanted her and Than to be together and to have their little "pony boy" together. I felt like they both deserved to be a family, so badly. If folks are worried that she is unredeemable, their worries will be laid to rest. Than gives her soooo muuuuch shiiiiiit, that you really begin to empathize with her. You heart aches, and once they finally allow themselves to try to think ahead and move forward, you are cheering them on.
"No matter how bad Kynan's news is, I've got you, okay?" - Thanatos
With the events going on with the two of them, there is also Pestilence raping and pillaging the world, and also trying to maneuver other fractions against his brothers ands sister. We get some flashbacks of how he was was Reseph, and the ache it must feel to watch what he has become once his Seal has broken. There is no question for me, thanks to a discussion with Bookaholic Cat, that Reaver is somehow involved in the Horsemen's parentage, mostly because he cannot remember his life prior to falling. Larissa Ione mentions very often throughout this book in particular that the Horsemen are part angel, and one big daddy-contender in Lethal Rider is ruled out. The Fallen Angel drama that goes on between Reaver, Harvester and Gethal is very good, and definitely adds to the overall story. Also, major things happen with The Aegis! Betrayal, and really good action stuff, and I love the direction she has taken things in with that. If you've been missing those Seminus demon brothers, have no fear, they get plenty of scenes! We get to see Eidolon and Shade and Wraith, and their lines are memorable as always.
The set up for the 4th book, Rogue Rider, is made for Reseph/Pestilence. I'm a little nervous how that is going to play out, but I was just as equally nervous with how Thanatos's story would play out too, and I loved it. If anyone can redeem a character, it is Larissa Freaking Ione.
All of the elements I expect from Larissa Ione are here. Gore, great mythology, action, and hot steamy smexy times. This was probably the easiest book of the three, so far, to follow just because most of the world-building has been laid out previously. I remember really struggling initially with the first book, even though I'd read the Demonica series, because the world building was so dense. That's not a complaint at all, but it's worth remarking on just how seamlessly everything flowed in Lethal Rider. I assumed that there would only be 4 books in this series since there are 4 Horsemen, but goodreads shows there are 5 books slated, so... YAY! MOAR LoD!! In summary, fans of this series will not be disappointed!
Originally posted at WickedLilPixie Reviews
December 4, 2013
Thanatos is mad as hell…and he wants to stomp around and shout a bit…
Lethal Rider is the third book of Larissa Ione’s Lords of Deliverance series. This series expands upon her earlier Demonica series. The author creates a rich, textured world, full of angels, demons, vampires, and the like. This world is on the cusp of an apocalypse of Biblical proportions brought about by one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse – Pestilence.
In each of her Lord of Deliverance books, the author focused on one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Eternal Rider focused on Ares or War. The second book Immortal Rider was Limos’ or Famine’s story. This book is Thanatos’ or Death’s story.
Mild spoilers for the previous book may occur in this review – I’ll try to avoid them as much as possible.
When we last left Thanatos in Immortal Rider, he had been, shall we say, compromised. In order to stave off the inevitable, his brother and sister Ares and Limos put Than in an induced paralysis. Our story begins as Than wakes from his paralysis. He’s mad as hell, and he wants revenge.
The source of Than’s troubles Regan, has some problems of her own and they all seem to rest on her “…little pony.” I didn’t really like Regan in the previous book. In this book, she shines. First of all, she is flawed – she suffers from OCD so much so that she rearranges all of Thanatos’ stuff. She is also not fully human, which gives her some unique sensitivities. Regan has a lot of issues to sort through and I liked how her character developed throughout the story.
Whenever Thanatos was in a scene, I kept envisioning a kind of tattooed caveman stomping around and beating upon his chest. He’s mad at his family. He’s mad at Regan. He wants justice and a choice. One of my favorite scenes was a flashback of Thanatos and Reseph talking before Reseph’s seal broke. They were talking about having a normal life and family. When Reseph asks Thanatos if he would have a mate and family, Thanatos replies:
Thanatos’ character surprised me and I liked what I saw.
There is no “insta-love” between Regan and Thanatos. Both characters are at odds with each other. Yet, when another male looks at Regan, Than has some alpha-male issues. He even slipped up and called her mate!
Meanwhile, there is a lot of political maneuvering within the Aegis and the angel hierarchy. There are a few surprising betrayals – never saw those coming! There are also a few unexpected alliances. One revelation near the end left me astonished.
With regards to our favorite bad guy Pestilence/Reseph, I don’t know, this destruction of the world stuff began to grow old. Just how much death, destruction, and mayhem could a Horseman of the Apocalypse bring about?
I really enjoyed the cameo appearances of the Demonica characters in this book. Eidolon, Shade, Wraith, Con, and Kynan appear in this book. I missed that sexy seminal demon doctor Eidolon.
Larissa Ione is a master storyteller. Lethal Rider is an incredibly exciting read. I could not put the book down. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series – Reseph’s story – Rogue Rider. December 2012 seems so far away!
Update - May 31, 2012 - Michelle and I discuss the book on Badass Book Reviews.
Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for a review copy of this book.
Lethal Rider is the third book of Larissa Ione’s Lords of Deliverance series. This series expands upon her earlier Demonica series. The author creates a rich, textured world, full of angels, demons, vampires, and the like. This world is on the cusp of an apocalypse of Biblical proportions brought about by one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse – Pestilence.
In each of her Lord of Deliverance books, the author focused on one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Eternal Rider focused on Ares or War. The second book Immortal Rider was Limos’ or Famine’s story. This book is Thanatos’ or Death’s story.
Mild spoilers for the previous book may occur in this review – I’ll try to avoid them as much as possible.
When we last left Thanatos in Immortal Rider, he had been, shall we say, compromised. In order to stave off the inevitable, his brother and sister Ares and Limos put Than in an induced paralysis. Our story begins as Than wakes from his paralysis. He’s mad as hell, and he wants revenge.
The source of Than’s troubles Regan, has some problems of her own and they all seem to rest on her “…little pony.” I didn’t really like Regan in the previous book. In this book, she shines. First of all, she is flawed – she suffers from OCD so much so that she rearranges all of Thanatos’ stuff. She is also not fully human, which gives her some unique sensitivities. Regan has a lot of issues to sort through and I liked how her character developed throughout the story.
Whenever Thanatos was in a scene, I kept envisioning a kind of tattooed caveman stomping around and beating upon his chest. He’s mad at his family. He’s mad at Regan. He wants justice and a choice. One of my favorite scenes was a flashback of Thanatos and Reseph talking before Reseph’s seal broke. They were talking about having a normal life and family. When Reseph asks Thanatos if he would have a mate and family, Thanatos replies:
“In a heartbeat,”…”I would give up everything, my very soul, to have just one human lifetime with a mate and children.”
Thanatos’ character surprised me and I liked what I saw.
There is no “insta-love” between Regan and Thanatos. Both characters are at odds with each other. Yet, when another male looks at Regan, Than has some alpha-male issues. He even slipped up and called her mate!
Meanwhile, there is a lot of political maneuvering within the Aegis and the angel hierarchy. There are a few surprising betrayals – never saw those coming! There are also a few unexpected alliances. One revelation near the end left me astonished.
With regards to our favorite bad guy Pestilence/Reseph, I don’t know, this destruction of the world stuff began to grow old. Just how much death, destruction, and mayhem could a Horseman of the Apocalypse bring about?
I really enjoyed the cameo appearances of the Demonica characters in this book. Eidolon, Shade, Wraith, Con, and Kynan appear in this book. I missed that sexy seminal demon doctor Eidolon.
Larissa Ione is a master storyteller. Lethal Rider is an incredibly exciting read. I could not put the book down. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series – Reseph’s story – Rogue Rider. December 2012 seems so far away!
Update - May 31, 2012 - Michelle and I discuss the book on Badass Book Reviews.
Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for a review copy of this book.
June 12, 2012
Wonderful story, but I might be done with this series.
This was Thanatos and Regan's story. He is one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, and she a human Aegis Guardian. After tricking Thanatos into having sex with her (in book 2), she is now pregnant with a son who could either start or end the apocalypse.
I couldn't wait for their story, and it paid off. I loved both of these two, and the twist with having their unborn son be such a prominent character worked great. BUT... despite loving this book, I don't think I'll read the next. Not sure, but I think I'm done.
Why? I really did love this book, but this series might be getting TOO complex for me! There are soooooo many moving parts to this series - and soooooo much to follow, remember, and understand. There are story arcs from previous books in this series, plus characters and locations that were introduced in a completely different series. So much magic and other PNR rules/twists to remember.
Glossary or not, I finally had to let some of the world building fly over my head and just focus on the romance aspect. I am glad I read a few books in the Demonica series, as it helped me understand this complicated story, but I'll admit to being lost quite a bit while reading this book. I can't imagine anyone reading this book as a stand-alone, it would be a monumental struggle to follow along.
I wish I would have waited until all books are out, than I could read them closer together and not struggle so much. I feel like I need a PhD in Demonica world-building in order to fully process this one. Frankly, I found that killing my enjoyment of this series. Despite enjoying this series thus far, I don't think I can take on yet another layer of even more world-building rules, characters, consequences, and story arcs.
This was Thanatos and Regan's story. He is one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, and she a human Aegis Guardian. After tricking Thanatos into having sex with her (in book 2), she is now pregnant with a son who could either start or end the apocalypse.
I couldn't wait for their story, and it paid off. I loved both of these two, and the twist with having their unborn son be such a prominent character worked great. BUT... despite loving this book, I don't think I'll read the next. Not sure, but I think I'm done.
Why? I really did love this book, but this series might be getting TOO complex for me! There are soooooo many moving parts to this series - and soooooo much to follow, remember, and understand. There are story arcs from previous books in this series, plus characters and locations that were introduced in a completely different series. So much magic and other PNR rules/twists to remember.
Glossary or not, I finally had to let some of the world building fly over my head and just focus on the romance aspect. I am glad I read a few books in the Demonica series, as it helped me understand this complicated story, but I'll admit to being lost quite a bit while reading this book. I can't imagine anyone reading this book as a stand-alone, it would be a monumental struggle to follow along.
I wish I would have waited until all books are out, than I could read them closer together and not struggle so much. I feel like I need a PhD in Demonica world-building in order to fully process this one. Frankly, I found that killing my enjoyment of this series. Despite enjoying this series thus far, I don't think I can take on yet another layer of even more world-building rules, characters, consequences, and story arcs.
June 2, 2023
This is Thanatos and Regan’s story it begins a few months after the events of the previous book, When we left things Death was losing control managing to take many innocent lives in the process. Since then he’s been on a forced time-out courtesy of his siblings whilst Reagan has been sequestered away at Aegis headquarters percolating their little pony. When Thanatos managed to give his family the slip he goes after the female he now hates for her former betrayal imagine his surprise when he finds her heavily pregnant and weeks from giving birth to his son.
Thanatos is obviously confused about what to feel towards the slayer who previously betrayed him he’s a fury of turbulent emotions violently swinging from wanting to punish Regan but also then wanting to protect her, he’s so conflicted. All he’s ever wanted was a family and here's Regan all set to just hand over his son for others to raise no discussion merited. well, not on his watch he’s now determined to claim his child and raise them himself.
Elsewhere Pestilence’s behaviour is escalating and his actions prove so atrocious it’s obvious to all he cannot be saved not if they want to protect and shield their loved ones from his evil.
Regan and Thanatos relationship is definitely complicated they have a lot of unresolved hurt and pain to deal with. Thanatos also needs to forgive Regan for her past deceptions this is all whilst dealing with constant threats to her and his son's life by enemies some known like his brother but also those hidden and much closer to home.
There were shocks and twists and this one was a packed one it was a very easy read with some excellent writing. This reread is reminding me just why I rated this series so highly in the first place. Finally, we again have plenty of breadcrumbs dropped for future books and lots of familiar faces that I also loved catching up with.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
June 23, 2015
*spoilers alert!*
I have strict reservations when posting (hard core) profanities but Mudda f*er this book is SO worth it! It's fanf*ckingtastic!
This phenomenal installment made me feel on the verge all the time. I've been bombarded with too many things at the same time - clockwise and counter clockwise. I thought I would come out of my skin reading each pages!
The Hero and Heroine
This sequel showcased Thanatos (sexy SEXY Than), the fourth horseman also called Death if his Seal breaks.
I don't have the hots for this actor but as soon as Than was mentioned in the first book. His image danced non stop in my head. And I must add he fits Thanatos (for me anyways)
Our heroine Regan. Exteriorly bad ass Aegi guardian but interiorly scarred and scared from not being wanted and needed by her adopted family who at the end (most of them) majorly screwed her over.
I've been wanting to read Than's story. And I was lucky that even though I maybe one of the readers out there that just started this series I can just breeze through em - no waiting game. Win win.
NOTE TO ALL THE READERS: THAN IS MINE!
He intrigued me to no end. From his aloofness and quietness to his tats, it's like he's beckoning me to come up and lick him clean. I'm a real sucker for Romeos like him. He is several layers of himself piled up. And with every layer I peeled, I've gotten to know him in the deepest level...and these layers unknowingly crawled and burrowed under my skin making him my favourite rider. Oh and he likes reading too *squeaks* like me!
The STORY
Their story actually began in book 2 when Regan accepted the assignment that was given by Aegie elders where she marched up to Than's house and forced herself to live with him - giving him the excuse that he would need her special abilities but really her ulterior motive was to take advantage of him to fall pregnant .
I had no strong feelings towards her. I didn't hate her nor did I like her character. But in this installment I sympathized with her. How she gotten to know the real Than and regretted her motive.
This installment also showed how they fought their growing feelings for each other esp Than and boy did I like every single of it! He was so new to this game that this very bad and dangerous horseman turned into blubbering idiot and his reluctance was very VERY endearing.
I was so touched how he looks after Regan and his unborn child
“Not too much,” Than said quickly. “Just the basics. I want to buy the other stuff myself.” Man, he was going to look like a fool in Babies “R” Us, wasn’t he? “And…” He trailed off, his cheeks heating. “And could you get some lotion? Something pregnant women use for stretch marks? And back rubs?”
But cringed and hung head in frustration when he gives her snide comments
“Maybe you should have thought about that before you forced me to fuck you.”
His naïveté made me LOL with hand slaps on the thigh at the same time
“But she’s having … what are they called? Breaking Dicks?”
“Braxton Hicks,” Shade muttered.”
And when they finally act on their feelings - made me blushed and squirmed with delight
“Desk?” she whispered against his lips.
“We are so on the same page,” he whispered back.”
****Oi! make that: we SO are ALL on the same page - yes, I included myself! Coz I was so anticipating this very damn thing to happen****
Heart squeezed when I saw his vulnerability
“Don’t take her from me, Reaver.”
And laugh again with his overprotectiveness
Thanatos cursed. “Are they dead?”
“No.”
“Do you want them to be?”
She laughed. Thanatos definitely took his Horseman name to heart.”
And finally, FINALLY the admission!
“Yeah, I get it, okay, Regan? I get that you fucked me for the sake of the world. You did it in hopes that you’d save billions of lives. But you know what? I don’t care. I’m probably the only male on the planet who didn’t want to get used for sex. Who didn’t want to be treated “like a piece of meat. Maybe that makes me a big damned pussy, but I don’t give a shit. I thought you wanted me like I wanted you.”
****I kissed my e-book reader for this SH*T! Such momentous moment! And people on the train distanced themselves upon seeing my craziness. Ha! They don't know what their missing out!
The GOOD (heroes in this sequel)
Reaver - you truly are the good guardian of the horsemen.
Limos - for your wise words
“But I think I’d do whatever it took to make sure that being with me was what was best.”
Kynan - a true leader of Aegis
Wraith - for siding with the goodies
“ He jabbed his finger at Lance and bared his fangs. “You’re mine. And dude, I play with my food.”
The BAD
~ Lance
~ Gethel
You two are grade A premium d*ck and biatch! I hope you both rot in hell!
The 50-50
Harvester
“Of all the Horsemen, he’s the one most in need.”
WAS ~grins~ but not anymore.
Verdict: HIGHLY recommended! Highly recommended read! Highly recommend series!
Rating: 5 ++++ stars
I have strict reservations when posting (hard core) profanities but Mudda f*er this book is SO worth it! It's fanf*ckingtastic!
This phenomenal installment made me feel on the verge all the time. I've been bombarded with too many things at the same time - clockwise and counter clockwise. I thought I would come out of my skin reading each pages!
The Hero and Heroine
This sequel showcased Thanatos (sexy SEXY Than), the fourth horseman also called Death if his Seal breaks.
I don't have the hots for this actor but as soon as Than was mentioned in the first book. His image danced non stop in my head. And I must add he fits Thanatos (for me anyways)
Our heroine Regan. Exteriorly bad ass Aegi guardian but interiorly scarred and scared from not being wanted and needed by her adopted family who at the end (most of them) majorly screwed her over.
I've been wanting to read Than's story. And I was lucky that even though I maybe one of the readers out there that just started this series I can just breeze through em - no waiting game. Win win.
NOTE TO ALL THE READERS: THAN IS MINE!
He intrigued me to no end. From his aloofness and quietness to his tats, it's like he's beckoning me to come up and lick him clean. I'm a real sucker for Romeos like him. He is several layers of himself piled up. And with every layer I peeled, I've gotten to know him in the deepest level...and these layers unknowingly crawled and burrowed under my skin making him my favourite rider. Oh and he likes reading too *squeaks* like me!
The STORY
Their story actually began in book 2 when Regan accepted the assignment that was given by Aegie elders where she marched up to Than's house and forced herself to live with him - giving him the excuse that he would need her special abilities but really her ulterior motive was to take advantage of him to fall pregnant .
I had no strong feelings towards her. I didn't hate her nor did I like her character. But in this installment I sympathized with her. How she gotten to know the real Than and regretted her motive.
This installment also showed how they fought their growing feelings for each other esp Than and boy did I like every single of it! He was so new to this game that this very bad and dangerous horseman turned into blubbering idiot and his reluctance was very VERY endearing.
I was so touched how he looks after Regan and his unborn child
“Not too much,” Than said quickly. “Just the basics. I want to buy the other stuff myself.” Man, he was going to look like a fool in Babies “R” Us, wasn’t he? “And…” He trailed off, his cheeks heating. “And could you get some lotion? Something pregnant women use for stretch marks? And back rubs?”
But cringed and hung head in frustration when he gives her snide comments
“Maybe you should have thought about that before you forced me to fuck you.”
His naïveté made me LOL with hand slaps on the thigh at the same time
“But she’s having … what are they called? Breaking Dicks?”
“Braxton Hicks,” Shade muttered.”
And when they finally act on their feelings - made me blushed and squirmed with delight
“Desk?” she whispered against his lips.
“We are so on the same page,” he whispered back.”
****Oi! make that: we SO are ALL on the same page - yes, I included myself! Coz I was so anticipating this very damn thing to happen****
Heart squeezed when I saw his vulnerability
“Don’t take her from me, Reaver.”
And laugh again with his overprotectiveness
Thanatos cursed. “Are they dead?”
“No.”
“Do you want them to be?”
She laughed. Thanatos definitely took his Horseman name to heart.”
And finally, FINALLY the admission!
“Yeah, I get it, okay, Regan? I get that you fucked me for the sake of the world. You did it in hopes that you’d save billions of lives. But you know what? I don’t care. I’m probably the only male on the planet who didn’t want to get used for sex. Who didn’t want to be treated “like a piece of meat. Maybe that makes me a big damned pussy, but I don’t give a shit. I thought you wanted me like I wanted you.”
****I kissed my e-book reader for this SH*T! Such momentous moment! And people on the train distanced themselves upon seeing my craziness. Ha! They don't know what their missing out!
The GOOD (heroes in this sequel)
Reaver - you truly are the good guardian of the horsemen.
Limos - for your wise words
“But I think I’d do whatever it took to make sure that being with me was what was best.”
Kynan - a true leader of Aegis
Wraith - for siding with the goodies
“ He jabbed his finger at Lance and bared his fangs. “You’re mine. And dude, I play with my food.”
The BAD
~ Lance
~ Gethel
You two are grade A premium d*ck and biatch! I hope you both rot in hell!
The 50-50
Harvester
“Of all the Horsemen, he’s the one most in need.”
WAS ~grins~ but not anymore.
Verdict: HIGHLY recommended! Highly recommended read! Highly recommend series!
Rating: 5 ++++ stars
June 27, 2015
Thanatos is one of my favorite kinds of heroes. He wants a realtionship. He wants childern. He wants love.
Sadly, he gets really screwed over and is used as a means to an ends in the previous book in the series but this book is all about making his HEA possible.
Ione does an amazing job in this book with the heroine. Regan did something pretty awful in rhe previous book and gasp plans on giving her baby away.
Through this love story, we see Regan fully and love her as Thanatos does. I love Thantos all along but his own blinders come off as well to his own behaviors.
This book has a well earned happily ever after with two badass warriors and provides a great adventure in the overall plot of the series.
Quibbles: It can't stand alone. You really need to read the other books in the series to really enjoy it. And Thanatos should have been way more angry at his sibs.
Sadly, he gets really screwed over and is used as a means to an ends in the previous book in the series but this book is all about making his HEA possible.
Ione does an amazing job in this book with the heroine. Regan did something pretty awful in rhe previous book and gasp plans on giving her baby away.
Through this love story, we see Regan fully and love her as Thanatos does. I love Thantos all along but his own blinders come off as well to his own behaviors.
This book has a well earned happily ever after with two badass warriors and provides a great adventure in the overall plot of the series.
Quibbles: It can't stand alone. You really need to read the other books in the series to really enjoy it. And Thanatos should have been way more angry at his sibs.
July 9, 2024
I will start this off by saying that Regan almost ruined this book for me. In the beginning, she was just awful. She knew she did Thanatos wrong, but she kept antagonizing him. Which was fun because I lived for Than trying to terrorize this woman, but I wanted her to own her shit and move this romance-and-an-apocalypse-and-a-baby-story along.
Than was a hopeless romantic who didn't have a clue how to woo a woman. His deepest desire was to have a family of his own, but when his wish is about to be granted, he finds out that his brother is out to destroy everything. Than's son-to-be is his agimortus and if he's killed, Than will become Death. So everyone is desperate to prevent this from happening, Pestilence has gotten so much worse, and the world as we know it is on the brink of disaster. But there's hope and if all the parts can come together at one exact moment, if they can figure out a way to cure or kill Pestilence, then everything should work out.
Is it wrong of me that I felt absolutely terrible for Reseph? Seriously, when he remembers everything he did as Pestilence, he won't be the same fun-loving male everyone adored. And how will people react to him when they know what he did when he went to the dark side?
His book is next and I can't wait to find out!
Than was a hopeless romantic who didn't have a clue how to woo a woman. His deepest desire was to have a family of his own, but when his wish is about to be granted, he finds out that his brother is out to destroy everything. Than's son-to-be is his agimortus and if he's killed, Than will become Death. So everyone is desperate to prevent this from happening, Pestilence has gotten so much worse, and the world as we know it is on the brink of disaster. But there's hope and if all the parts can come together at one exact moment, if they can figure out a way to cure or kill Pestilence, then everything should work out.
Is it wrong of me that I felt absolutely terrible for Reseph? Seriously, when he remembers everything he did as Pestilence, he won't be the same fun-loving male everyone adored. And how will people react to him when they know what he did when he went to the dark side?
His book is next and I can't wait to find out!
January 19, 2014
SPOILERSSSSSSSSSSSSS
||| UPDATE: After the steam died some, I find I must make my review less full of hate. I apologize for my emotions. |||
I do want to read (finish) Thanatos's story. I DO!
...
But she is such a.. heroine who everyone treats like god, a delicate princess, perfect and gentle and a good person all-around that the full-of-nonsense bull pricks me with anger-releasing emotions and frustrated hate. The generosity of the attention given to this heroine who I loathe blocks me from being able to force myself to read the story from beginning to end. I have tried SEVERAL TIMES. I have been inhibited SEVERAL TIMES. All of those times. Consistently and seemingly neverending-ly, all the characters angered me. Them standing up for this person whom is, in my point of view, mistakenly defended for (their righteousness needs to be corrected) and poorly judging a sane and correctly angered victim just..
makes me unfathomably livid and loathe when I do not wish to. My hateful sentiments were stirred and boiled up and didn't die.
I may have
And because my hate grew incessantly, needling me with its whiny heat, I started to hate the series since the characters I liked/loved became unmentionable beeps. It's safe and true to say I was livid with everyone. After some steam died off I read some of the books in the series again and her other series because I refused to believe this book ruined all others and I've come to the conclusion that No, it did not. I am still really fond of her series. This book was a damper though. It just tanked me up with spiteful and hurt-wanting feelings.
I pretty much threw all away for Thanatos. Peer Pressure and bullying. That's what happened. Thanatos was forced to like this Aegis trollop. By his friends and family and the author. Can there not be a logical no 'happily ever after' with the chosen heroine? PLEASE? They are not good for one another. They do not complement. And she only weakens and hurts him. She's like a parasite. She gains. All this love and acceptance and righteousness and he gets nothing. He tolerates and from peer pressure and bullying he accepts. She endangered the whole world and he gets the blame and bitching from others? What is wrong with people? The heroine is made out to be so good when she is so wrong and not good. Sure I get her mentality: When people believe something very strongly they become very scary in that they are fueled to do actions that result in objectionable consequences. Kind of like how some religions are so against each other they go into war or a country and another country deem themselves superior and go to war to prove their might, or Whites believe themselves more worthy than Blacks or any other color out there in this humongously multiracial world and create hurt and pain. Or me in my biased and hate-biting review. Consequences. Think of your damn consequences. That's why I edited this review to be less of a hateful person in my eyes and others. It seemed like Thanatos just went with the flow and author-manipulated lust to "go with the flow" and make the heroine his heroine. She raped him and took his first. I wonder if the bullying, peer pressure, uncertainty, lust, and his loss of innocence fueled him to make the tragedy of a decision to keep her as his forever-partner. I really think he needs to think more on the decision before jumping the gun. Divorce isn't doable and he's going to live on in tolerance if he takes this step. Which he idiotically does. I'm upset at the course of the events and the ending. And him. Plus everyone else.
I am not okay with this coupling. I join the small(?) number of people who despise the heroine. To me she is
who happens to have one hell of a luckyarse luck and happened to land someone as amazing and caring as Thanatos. He's not perfect. But he's better than her.
--
A note I found in my Kindle readings:
"Balls: They've got balls. I wanna rip them off. She got hurt by her own fault and they blame him? She ran away. She raped him (drugs or not she would have and that is so 'convenient' for her to have been drugged too. Yes, now she has an EXCUSE for being a beep and getting away with anything and everything. This book is unbelievable. How they keep coming up with excuses for her and how all the beeps and beeps who should know themselves before talking to Thanatos like that go about licking her feet. And how...[unmentionables].."
||| UPDATE: After the steam died some, I find I must make my review less full of hate. I apologize for my emotions. |||
I do want to read (finish) Thanatos's story. I DO!
...
But she is such a.. heroine who everyone treats like god, a delicate princess, perfect and gentle and a good person all-around that the full-of-nonsense bull pricks me with anger-releasing emotions and frustrated hate. The generosity of the attention given to this heroine who I loathe blocks me from being able to force myself to read the story from beginning to end. I have tried SEVERAL TIMES. I have been inhibited SEVERAL TIMES. All of those times. Consistently and seemingly neverending-ly, all the characters angered me. Them standing up for this person whom is, in my point of view, mistakenly defended for (their righteousness needs to be corrected) and poorly judging a sane and correctly angered victim just..
makes me unfathomably livid and loathe when I do not wish to. My hateful sentiments were stirred and boiled up and didn't die. I may have
And because my hate grew incessantly, needling me with its whiny heat, I started to hate the series since the characters I liked/loved became unmentionable beeps. It's safe and true to say I was livid with everyone. After some steam died off I read some of the books in the series again and her other series because I refused to believe this book ruined all others and I've come to the conclusion that No, it did not. I am still really fond of her series. This book was a damper though. It just tanked me up with spiteful and hurt-wanting feelings.
I pretty much threw all away for Thanatos. Peer Pressure and bullying. That's what happened. Thanatos was forced to like this Aegis trollop. By his friends and family and the author. Can there not be a logical no 'happily ever after' with the chosen heroine? PLEASE? They are not good for one another. They do not complement. And she only weakens and hurts him. She's like a parasite. She gains. All this love and acceptance and righteousness and he gets nothing. He tolerates and from peer pressure and bullying he accepts. She endangered the whole world and he gets the blame and bitching from others? What is wrong with people? The heroine is made out to be so good when she is so wrong and not good. Sure I get her mentality: When people believe something very strongly they become very scary in that they are fueled to do actions that result in objectionable consequences. Kind of like how some religions are so against each other they go into war or a country and another country deem themselves superior and go to war to prove their might, or Whites believe themselves more worthy than Blacks or any other color out there in this humongously multiracial world and create hurt and pain. Or me in my biased and hate-biting review. Consequences. Think of your damn consequences. That's why I edited this review to be less of a hateful person in my eyes and others. It seemed like Thanatos just went with the flow and author-manipulated lust to "go with the flow" and make the heroine his heroine. She raped him and took his first. I wonder if the bullying, peer pressure, uncertainty, lust, and his loss of innocence fueled him to make the tragedy of a decision to keep her as his forever-partner. I really think he needs to think more on the decision before jumping the gun. Divorce isn't doable and he's going to live on in tolerance if he takes this step. Which he idiotically does. I'm upset at the course of the events and the ending. And him. Plus everyone else.
I am not okay with this coupling. I join the small(?) number of people who despise the heroine. To me she is
who happens to have one hell of a luckyarse luck and happened to land someone as amazing and caring as Thanatos. He's not perfect. But he's better than her.
--
A note I found in my Kindle readings:
"Balls: They've got balls. I wanna rip them off. She got hurt by her own fault and they blame him? She ran away. She raped him (drugs or not she would have and that is so 'convenient' for her to have been drugged too. Yes, now she has an EXCUSE for being a beep and getting away with anything and everything. This book is unbelievable. How they keep coming up with excuses for her and how all the beeps and beeps who should know themselves before talking to Thanatos like that go about licking her feet. And how...[unmentionables].."
July 25, 2022
2.5 stars
Hmm, wasn’t a fan.
Hmm, wasn’t a fan.
May 28, 2012
I've been addicted tohooked on Ione's 'Demonica' world since first reading 'Pleasure Unbound'. Seriously steamy and well-written, I avidly devoured that series and immediately delved into her just-as-sexy apocalyptic spin-off 'Lords of Deliverance' books as they've been released. In fact, on official release day of 'Lethal Rider' I scoured the city frantically looking for a copy before finding one so I could proudly add it to my hard-copy collection (after reading it of course)! I know, I know - I could have gotten the ebook or pre-ordered it, but all my others are hard-copy (and I'm neurotically fanatical about keeping my series in the same format) and you can bet your a$$ I've learned my lesson and will pre-order the next one!
I'm not going to get into a synopsis of 'Lethal Rider' except to say this is the third book in the 'Lords of Deliverance' series about the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and (as one could guess from the title) this is Death/Thanatos' book. If you haven't read any of the 'Demonica/Lords of Deliverance' books (*gasp* say it ain't so!), don't start with this one, or even the first LOD. Start with Demonica #1 'Pleasure Unbound' - because a) LOD relies heavily on the Demonica world and b) it's AWESOME!
Now onto 'Lethal Rider'!
What I liked:
1) Than. Since meeting the 4 Horsemen, I've always loved Than - as Death, Than is sinister, completely bada$$ and covered in tats, yet also vulnerable, tortured by his past and actions and was carnally innocent - hello, could the guy get any sexier? Hell, no!
2) Regan. We first met Regan in the 'Immortal Rider' when she's sent on a mission by the Aegis to Than's keep. Poor girl - her job was to seduce Than, because there was a prophesy a child of Death's would save the world. Well, she manages to get the job done (although the circumstances are dubious at best) and we start LR with Regan 8.5 months pregnant and she's preggers most of the book. That is kinda cool!
3) Than & Regan. Sure these two have a rocky start - Regan stole Than's virginity (which was believed to be a huge apocalyptic no-no) and although they were both under the influence of an aphrodisiac/drug he was essentially raped. BUT when he (finally) finds out about "ponyboy", and learns the whole truth he does everything in his power to protect Regan and baby - and he never stopped desiring her! Anyone who's ever been pregnant (or is) knows how clunky you feel, especially in the later stages, so Than's randiness towards Regan despite and because of the pregnancy is more than kinda cool! This desire, of course, morphs into love (*sigh*). Regan, for her part, feels guilty about her actions and is incredibly accepting of Than - both of his past and who he is.
4) Reaver and Harvester! This storyline, although it takes up (too) little page time, has been brewing since 'Eternal Rider' and almost stole the whole show. Especially after the the little short story teaser Ione gifted us with in 'Apocalypse: The Lords of Deliverance Compendium'. (*Larissa - please stop teasing us!!! There's no denying this twist is hugely exciting - but I can't take it anymore!!*) Their story, when we finally get it, is gonna be awesome.
What I didn't like:
Well there wasn't much I didn't like, but there were few spots in the story that were just a bit too convoluted IMO and had me going: huh? When all was said and done, I got it (or forgot about it) and I'm a biased enough Larissa Ione fan that this issue didn't hinder my overall enjoyment of LR.
I would say that 'Lethal Rider' is an amazing addition to the 'Demonica/LOD' series. The series story arc has definitely been pushed forward, things are starting to look up, and I can't wait to finally meet Reseph in 'Rogue Rider'. I've been looking forward to his book just as much as Reaver and Harvester's story! Ride on!
I'm not going to get into a synopsis of 'Lethal Rider' except to say this is the third book in the 'Lords of Deliverance' series about the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and (as one could guess from the title) this is Death/Thanatos' book. If you haven't read any of the 'Demonica/Lords of Deliverance' books (*gasp* say it ain't so!), don't start with this one, or even the first LOD. Start with Demonica #1 'Pleasure Unbound' - because a) LOD relies heavily on the Demonica world and b) it's AWESOME!
Now onto 'Lethal Rider'!
What I liked:
1) Than. Since meeting the 4 Horsemen, I've always loved Than - as Death, Than is sinister, completely bada$$ and covered in tats, yet also vulnerable, tortured by his past and actions and was carnally innocent - hello, could the guy get any sexier? Hell, no!
2) Regan. We first met Regan in the 'Immortal Rider' when she's sent on a mission by the Aegis to Than's keep. Poor girl - her job was to seduce Than, because there was a prophesy a child of Death's would save the world. Well, she manages to get the job done (although the circumstances are dubious at best) and we start LR with Regan 8.5 months pregnant and she's preggers most of the book. That is kinda cool!
3) Than & Regan. Sure these two have a rocky start - Regan stole Than's virginity (which was believed to be a huge apocalyptic no-no) and although they were both under the influence of an aphrodisiac/drug he was essentially raped. BUT when he (finally) finds out about "ponyboy", and learns the whole truth he does everything in his power to protect Regan and baby - and he never stopped desiring her! Anyone who's ever been pregnant (or is) knows how clunky you feel, especially in the later stages, so Than's randiness towards Regan despite and because of the pregnancy is more than kinda cool! This desire, of course, morphs into love (*sigh*). Regan, for her part, feels guilty about her actions and is incredibly accepting of Than - both of his past and who he is.
4) Reaver and Harvester! This storyline, although it takes up (too) little page time, has been brewing since 'Eternal Rider' and almost stole the whole show. Especially after the the little short story teaser Ione gifted us with in 'Apocalypse: The Lords of Deliverance Compendium'. (*Larissa - please stop teasing us!!! There's no denying this twist is hugely exciting - but I can't take it anymore!!*) Their story, when we finally get it, is gonna be awesome.
What I didn't like:
Well there wasn't much I didn't like, but there were few spots in the story that were just a bit too convoluted IMO and had me going: huh? When all was said and done, I got it (or forgot about it) and I'm a biased enough Larissa Ione fan that this issue didn't hinder my overall enjoyment of LR.
I would say that 'Lethal Rider' is an amazing addition to the 'Demonica/LOD' series. The series story arc has definitely been pushed forward, things are starting to look up, and I can't wait to finally meet Reseph in 'Rogue Rider'. I've been looking forward to his book just as much as Reaver and Harvester's story! Ride on!
August 21, 2012
Absolutely amazing. The outcome far outweighed the expectations I had for Lethal Rider.
Of course it had it's flaws, but the joy I felt at every page while reading and anticipating what was to come next left me with little to no argument for whether they should affect my love of the series. They did not. Though, I was torn throughout the story for about 65% of the book, I finally decided to just simply put my emotions out of the way, and accept what had to be done.. I tried anyways, Lol. Still, I loved it!
As we learned in Immortal Rider, Regan manipulated her way into Thanatos' keep and ultimately accomplished her goal of seducing him. As Regan's betrayal rocked him and his fury escalated, Thanatos unleashed a death wave that resulted in casualties of the souls in his Greenland island, leaving Ares and Limos with no choice but to paralyze him with hellhound saliva. For eight months, Thanatos was stuck in his own mind, thinking of only ways to kill Regan, unbeknownst to him, she was preparing to deliver his child. When he's finally released from his prison, Than sets his eyes on finding Regan, and killing her. All the while, the apocalypse draws ever near with Pesitilence scheming to destroy the unborn baby.
I don't think I have to reiterate that I love Thanatos. It's a given x) His anger, pain, his rages. He's every bit Death, and every bit the sensual man he never thought he could be. He's also kind and considerate. But who knew, right? lol. I love how he was pissed and raging one minute, then he turns into a big ball of mush where his baby's concerned x) As for Regan, I like that he doesn't fall to his knees and does as she asks like a total fool. He stands his ground and refuses to budge. Shocking is an understatement, for a virgin, his mind works in extremely wicked ways. A sex slave to Than? Sign me up! ;D
Regan; okay I'll admit, no matter how many times I go back to reading Lethal Rider, I will never, never like Regan. I don't care how much she says she's sorry. Doesn't matter how much she did it "for the greater good", not even the fact that she feels remorse over her actions, nothing changes the fact that she betrayed Thanatos in the most unrefutably disgusting way. She manipulated, lied and wormed her way into his home, and used him!
Alright, my rant is through ^-^ Ultimately though, I still don't like her. She was arrogant, naive, and annoying. And not only that, but she kept blaming Thanatos at every turn for the casualties of her so-called "friends", which is bullfuckingshit, as Than likes to say :D I really wish Larissa had gone a different route where Thanatos' love interest was concerned, but what the hell. *shrugs* I really enjoyed reading the book.
In the midst of Than and Regan's fighting, they have Pestilence to deal with, betrayal at every turn of the worst kind, and The Aegis. Which will either shock you, or make you yell in an emotional outburst, " I knew it! " And the source of the chaos? Damn! That's all I'm going to say cause I sure as hell hadn't seen that one coming! ;)
Actual Rating: I give this read a 4.5 because like I said, I believe the love interest should have gone a different route, but I'm not disappointed of the outcome at all :)
I received this book as an advanced reader copy by the publisher via netgalley.
May 1, 2012:
Just one month to go!
Thanatos ♥ 
You're almost here! 
OH YEAH!! 
*Sigh*
Of course it had it's flaws, but the joy I felt at every page while reading and anticipating what was to come next left me with little to no argument for whether they should affect my love of the series. They did not. Though, I was torn throughout the story for about 65% of the book, I finally decided to just simply put my emotions out of the way, and accept what had to be done.. I tried anyways, Lol. Still, I loved it!
As we learned in Immortal Rider, Regan manipulated her way into Thanatos' keep and ultimately accomplished her goal of seducing him. As Regan's betrayal rocked him and his fury escalated, Thanatos unleashed a death wave that resulted in casualties of the souls in his Greenland island, leaving Ares and Limos with no choice but to paralyze him with hellhound saliva. For eight months, Thanatos was stuck in his own mind, thinking of only ways to kill Regan, unbeknownst to him, she was preparing to deliver his child. When he's finally released from his prison, Than sets his eyes on finding Regan, and killing her. All the while, the apocalypse draws ever near with Pesitilence scheming to destroy the unborn baby.
I don't think I have to reiterate that I love Thanatos. It's a given x) His anger, pain, his rages. He's every bit Death, and every bit the sensual man he never thought he could be. He's also kind and considerate. But who knew, right? lol. I love how he was pissed and raging one minute, then he turns into a big ball of mush where his baby's concerned x) As for Regan, I like that he doesn't fall to his knees and does as she asks like a total fool. He stands his ground and refuses to budge. Shocking is an understatement, for a virgin, his mind works in extremely wicked ways. A sex slave to Than? Sign me up! ;D
Regan; okay I'll admit, no matter how many times I go back to reading Lethal Rider, I will never, never like Regan. I don't care how much she says she's sorry. Doesn't matter how much she did it "for the greater good", not even the fact that she feels remorse over her actions, nothing changes the fact that she betrayed Thanatos in the most unrefutably disgusting way. She manipulated, lied and wormed her way into his home, and used him!
Alright, my rant is through ^-^ Ultimately though, I still don't like her. She was arrogant, naive, and annoying. And not only that, but she kept blaming Thanatos at every turn for the casualties of her so-called "friends", which is bullfuckingshit, as Than likes to say :D I really wish Larissa had gone a different route where Thanatos' love interest was concerned, but what the hell. *shrugs* I really enjoyed reading the book.
In the midst of Than and Regan's fighting, they have Pestilence to deal with, betrayal at every turn of the worst kind, and The Aegis. Which will either shock you, or make you yell in an emotional outburst, " I knew it! " And the source of the chaos? Damn! That's all I'm going to say cause I sure as hell hadn't seen that one coming! ;)
Actual Rating: I give this read a 4.5 because like I said, I believe the love interest should have gone a different route, but I'm not disappointed of the outcome at all :)
I received this book as an advanced reader copy by the publisher via netgalley.
May 1, 2012:
Just one month to go!
Thanatos ♥ You're almost here! OH YEAH!! *Sigh*
May 26, 2015
This one starts right where Immortal Riders ended, with Thanatos (fourth horseman of the Apocalypse) in the induced comatose state. He is being kept there by his siblings, since his anger and its consequences are renowned. If you remember from the previous book, Thanatos had just discovered Regan’s duplicitous action and he was raging. Limos & Ares decided to buy time and figure out how to deal with Pestilence while hoping Thanatos’ wrath will subside.
After eight and a half months, Thanatos’ paralysis wore off before his next dose of hellhound saliva, and he escaped. He goes after the Aegi guardian, Reagan Matthews, whom he believes betrayed him. He tracked her to an Aegi headquarter and he kidnaps her. Initially he planned to force her to compensate him for the lost eight months by being his beckon and call girl. She must fulfill his every sexual desire at his every whim. But upon returning to his keep, Thanatos discovers that Regan is pregnant with his child, and worse, she plans on giving their child, Thanatos’ agimortus, away.
Thanatos is forced to reexamine his desire for revenge. Is it worth giving up the one thing he has always desired, a child and a family of his own? Is it even possible to form a family with a woman that he believes untrustworthy and loyal to the wrong people? Finally, how will he deal with Pestilence (Respesh), who wants to kill the baby as soon as it is born and the pending apocalypse?
This book was my favorite of the Lord of Deliverance series. It was packed with action, great dialogue, emotional highs and lows. It was wrought with sexual tension as well as romance. It was dark, yet full of humor. It was everything a great book ought to be. Ione did a great job fleshing out Regan’s character, her OCD behaviors and her private pain. It allowed us to understand Regan and her relationship with the Aegi. She also made Thanatos into one of my favorite heroes. He is so damaged, yet compassionate. As the Rider of Death, he seems so cold, deadly and lethal, but he actually is the most fragile of the horsemen. He was in so much pain, that it was hard not to sympathize with him. It was a joy to observe how he opened himself up to the possibility of having a family. I just couldn’t put this book down. I loved this book and I can’t wait for the next one.
At the end of this book was a preview for Rogue Rider, but I didn’t read it. I can’t take the teasing. I will wait until the entire novel is ready. Larissa Ione is definitely one of my favorite authors.
I strongly recommend, actually I insist that you must read the Demonica series, all five books in order before starting the Lord of Deliverance series. Eidolon, Shade, Wraith, Lore and Sin all make appearances with their mates. Their history will help you understand their talents and gifts.
I LOVED THIS INSTALLMENT!
***e-arc received from Netgalley***
After eight and a half months, Thanatos’ paralysis wore off before his next dose of hellhound saliva, and he escaped. He goes after the Aegi guardian, Reagan Matthews, whom he believes betrayed him. He tracked her to an Aegi headquarter and he kidnaps her. Initially he planned to force her to compensate him for the lost eight months by being his beckon and call girl. She must fulfill his every sexual desire at his every whim. But upon returning to his keep, Thanatos discovers that Regan is pregnant with his child, and worse, she plans on giving their child, Thanatos’ agimortus, away.
Thanatos is forced to reexamine his desire for revenge. Is it worth giving up the one thing he has always desired, a child and a family of his own? Is it even possible to form a family with a woman that he believes untrustworthy and loyal to the wrong people? Finally, how will he deal with Pestilence (Respesh), who wants to kill the baby as soon as it is born and the pending apocalypse?
This book was my favorite of the Lord of Deliverance series. It was packed with action, great dialogue, emotional highs and lows. It was wrought with sexual tension as well as romance. It was dark, yet full of humor. It was everything a great book ought to be. Ione did a great job fleshing out Regan’s character, her OCD behaviors and her private pain. It allowed us to understand Regan and her relationship with the Aegi. She also made Thanatos into one of my favorite heroes. He is so damaged, yet compassionate. As the Rider of Death, he seems so cold, deadly and lethal, but he actually is the most fragile of the horsemen. He was in so much pain, that it was hard not to sympathize with him. It was a joy to observe how he opened himself up to the possibility of having a family. I just couldn’t put this book down. I loved this book and I can’t wait for the next one.
At the end of this book was a preview for Rogue Rider, but I didn’t read it. I can’t take the teasing. I will wait until the entire novel is ready. Larissa Ione is definitely one of my favorite authors.
I strongly recommend, actually I insist that you must read the Demonica series, all five books in order before starting the Lord of Deliverance series. Eidolon, Shade, Wraith, Lore and Sin all make appearances with their mates. Their history will help you understand their talents and gifts.
I LOVED THIS INSTALLMENT!
***e-arc received from Netgalley***
May 22, 2012
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic. Please note the full review contains spoilers for previous novels in the series.
Expected Release Date: May 22, 2012
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Imprint: Forever
Author’s Website: http://larissaione.com
My Source for This Book: Netgalley
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 3, Lords of Deliverance (Spinoff of the Demonica Series)
Series Best Read In Order: Yes
Steam Level: Steamy
I've been a fan of the Demonica Series, and subsequently the Lords of Deliverance Series since their inception, and this book is no exception. Full of action, drama, steamy romance, and terrifying plot twists, I was happy to see that Than and Regan still had the same intense chemistry that we'd witnessed between them in Immortal Rider.
The main thing keeping this book from being a 5-star read was simply the fact that as Book 3 of a spin-off of another 5-Book series, it tends to be a case of "more of the same". While I was glad to see that certain long-standing elements of the series-wide story arc were resolved, I admit that there were several instances where I was tempted to skim over parts that were feeling a bit repetitive. Also, since Than and Regan's story began in the previous book, much of the early story was spent rehashing the dramatic and even traumatic way that Regan got pregnant to being with.
That said, I loved them as a couple. Regan and Thanatos are easily my favorite couple of the Lords of Deliverance series, and I was very pleased to see so much of the delicious chemistry and snarky by-play that I'd enjoyed so much in Immortal Rider.
I admit that I was a little disappointed that we didn't get more background on Reaver and Harvester, but they played a big enough part to keep me from protesting TOO loudly (not to mention the setup for the next book!).
I do, of course, think that this story is best suited for those who have already read, at bare minimum, the previous book in the series, simply because there is so much history that newcomers will either be totally lost, or miss out on the significance of many of the story's developments.
While this is not my favorite title by Larissa Ione, I can easily say it's my favorite installment of the Lords of Deliverance series, and as such is very firmly on my keeper shelf.
A solid 4.5/5 Stars
Lords of Deliverance Series Reading Order:
* Eternal Rider
* Vampire Fight Club (Novella in the Supernatural anthology)
* Immortal Rider
* Lethal Rider
* Apocalypse: the Lords of Deliverance Compendium
Expected Release Date: May 22, 2012
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Imprint: Forever
Author’s Website: http://larissaione.com
My Source for This Book: Netgalley
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 3, Lords of Deliverance (Spinoff of the Demonica Series)
Series Best Read In Order: Yes
Steam Level: Steamy
I've been a fan of the Demonica Series, and subsequently the Lords of Deliverance Series since their inception, and this book is no exception. Full of action, drama, steamy romance, and terrifying plot twists, I was happy to see that Than and Regan still had the same intense chemistry that we'd witnessed between them in Immortal Rider.
The main thing keeping this book from being a 5-star read was simply the fact that as Book 3 of a spin-off of another 5-Book series, it tends to be a case of "more of the same". While I was glad to see that certain long-standing elements of the series-wide story arc were resolved, I admit that there were several instances where I was tempted to skim over parts that were feeling a bit repetitive. Also, since Than and Regan's story began in the previous book, much of the early story was spent rehashing the dramatic and even traumatic way that Regan got pregnant to being with.
That said, I loved them as a couple. Regan and Thanatos are easily my favorite couple of the Lords of Deliverance series, and I was very pleased to see so much of the delicious chemistry and snarky by-play that I'd enjoyed so much in Immortal Rider.
I admit that I was a little disappointed that we didn't get more background on Reaver and Harvester, but they played a big enough part to keep me from protesting TOO loudly (not to mention the setup for the next book!).
I do, of course, think that this story is best suited for those who have already read, at bare minimum, the previous book in the series, simply because there is so much history that newcomers will either be totally lost, or miss out on the significance of many of the story's developments.
While this is not my favorite title by Larissa Ione, I can easily say it's my favorite installment of the Lords of Deliverance series, and as such is very firmly on my keeper shelf.
A solid 4.5/5 Stars
Lords of Deliverance Series Reading Order:
* Eternal Rider
* Vampire Fight Club (Novella in the Supernatural anthology)
* Immortal Rider
* Lethal Rider
* Apocalypse: the Lords of Deliverance Compendium
June 3, 2012
Heart Throbbing Exciting!
What a brilliant story! I love this author, she has weave a story that captures your heart in a thrilling world wind drama between good and evil. I love the fact that evil is not necessary bad/evil.
I love Than and think he is what a perfect man should be, Handsome, Charming, Sexy, Built, Tough, Bad Boy, and an Ass at times but an ass that is humorous and sincere when you least expect it. He's deadly and dangerous but tender and sweet when it's called for.
The characters connection between Than and Regan was heart warming electrifying and so hot! The tenderness and passion Than showed Regan even with her being pregnant was so emotionally beautiful.
The plot of the story kept me glued to the pages and the words flowed and visually came alive for me in color as if I was watching a movie. The excitement and action packed events between the games of evil Reseph played upon his siblings and the betrayal of the Aegis kept me on the edge of my seat. One word comes to mind about this series and that is the word - Addicting!
I always loved the new findings and clues the author gives us towards solving the myth/lore about keeping the Apocalypse from starting and how to keep the horsemen's seal from breaking. Between the legendary Daemonica and the Holy Bible, the fight for truth and interpretation of the scriptures makes the story even more mysterious.
The ending was perfect, my emotions were running wild in the end and had me nearly in tears of sadness and tears of joy and then a surprising holy shit revelation about Reseph and the knife Deliverance.
All the secondary characters added fun and humorous excitement to the story and made me want a hellhound - LOL I totally loved this book and I highly recommend everyone to read this series or actually any of Larissa Ione's books. She is truely a gifted and talented writer and I'm a true fan. Now I am patiently waiting for the 4th book in the series to come out "Rogue Rider".
Excellent Read!
What a brilliant story! I love this author, she has weave a story that captures your heart in a thrilling world wind drama between good and evil. I love the fact that evil is not necessary bad/evil.
I love Than and think he is what a perfect man should be, Handsome, Charming, Sexy, Built, Tough, Bad Boy, and an Ass at times but an ass that is humorous and sincere when you least expect it. He's deadly and dangerous but tender and sweet when it's called for.
The characters connection between Than and Regan was heart warming electrifying and so hot! The tenderness and passion Than showed Regan even with her being pregnant was so emotionally beautiful.
The plot of the story kept me glued to the pages and the words flowed and visually came alive for me in color as if I was watching a movie. The excitement and action packed events between the games of evil Reseph played upon his siblings and the betrayal of the Aegis kept me on the edge of my seat. One word comes to mind about this series and that is the word - Addicting!
I always loved the new findings and clues the author gives us towards solving the myth/lore about keeping the Apocalypse from starting and how to keep the horsemen's seal from breaking. Between the legendary Daemonica and the Holy Bible, the fight for truth and interpretation of the scriptures makes the story even more mysterious.
The ending was perfect, my emotions were running wild in the end and had me nearly in tears of sadness and tears of joy and then a surprising holy shit revelation about Reseph and the knife Deliverance.
All the secondary characters added fun and humorous excitement to the story and made me want a hellhound - LOL I totally loved this book and I highly recommend everyone to read this series or actually any of Larissa Ione's books. She is truely a gifted and talented writer and I'm a true fan. Now I am patiently waiting for the 4th book in the series to come out "Rogue Rider".
Excellent Read!
May 29, 2012
We find out that Regan was tricked into drugging Thanatos and herself which helped her complete the plan of having sex with him and getting pregnant. Thanatos is beyond livid not only from losing his virginity but from being essentially raped. Ares and Limos felt it was best to keep him paralyzed with hellhound saliva so he doesn't kill anymore than he already has. The problem is Thanatos doesn't know Regan is pregnant and all hell is about to break loose!
Well, I was sooo looking forward to this book and I hate to say that I'm a bit disappointed. I'm partly to blame as I was hoping there would be much more angst but unfortunately, there isn't. Both Than and Regan quickly and pretty easily forgave each other. Than was especially shocking! I felt they needed more time to work things out and just more "alone" time.
I do have to say that I really like both of them. I've always liked Than and he is even more endearing in this book. (Loved the cradle and vampire porn!) I was surprised to like Regan and I think a lot of it had to do with her coming to terms with her becoming a Mom. (Loved the OCD moments too.)
We get a lot of interaction from mostly all the past characters. (not enough Wraith though!) Some good insight into Reaver and Harvester...enough that it makes you want to read their book NOW. Have to say that I figured out the ploy with Gethel although her reasoning's were a bit surprising.
And wow...what can u say about Reseph aka Pestilence? He is seriously one bada$$! The part at the end in the cave is pretty heart wrenching and I liked how LI threw that little curve ball. I don't want to set myself up ~ again ~ but I don't know how he's going to work through what he's done. Can't wait to find out!
Favorite quotes:
♦ She turned to him, her cheeks burning red. “What is this? Vampire porn?”
“Yep.”
“Oh, and this is a good one. Muffy the Vampire Layer.”
♥ “For the next eight and a half months, you're going to be mine. Every. Night.”
Well, I was sooo looking forward to this book and I hate to say that I'm a bit disappointed. I'm partly to blame as I was hoping there would be much more angst but unfortunately, there isn't. Both Than and Regan quickly and pretty easily forgave each other. Than was especially shocking! I felt they needed more time to work things out and just more "alone" time.
I do have to say that I really like both of them. I've always liked Than and he is even more endearing in this book. (Loved the cradle and vampire porn!) I was surprised to like Regan and I think a lot of it had to do with her coming to terms with her becoming a Mom. (Loved the OCD moments too.)
We get a lot of interaction from mostly all the past characters. (not enough Wraith though!) Some good insight into Reaver and Harvester...enough that it makes you want to read their book NOW. Have to say that I figured out the ploy with Gethel although her reasoning's were a bit surprising.
And wow...what can u say about Reseph aka Pestilence? He is seriously one bada$$! The part at the end in the cave is pretty heart wrenching and I liked how LI threw that little curve ball. I don't want to set myself up ~ again ~ but I don't know how he's going to work through what he's done. Can't wait to find out!
Favorite quotes:
♦ She turned to him, her cheeks burning red. “What is this? Vampire porn?”
“Yep.”
“Oh, and this is a good one. Muffy the Vampire Layer.”
♥ “For the next eight and a half months, you're going to be mine. Every. Night.”
May 31, 2012
4.5 Stars
A great book. Fabulous addition to a Kick-Ass series!!
I think this series itself is better than any one book. Larissa Ione has woven an amazing tapestry full of depth, passion, peril and excitement with this series. Each book adds to the whole world she's created, making the series absolutely more addictive than any other series I've read lately, except for KMM's Fever books. I seriously give the books my highest recommendation.
Not to say this book was perfect. Larissa Ione has a habit of ending her books with cheesy lines. I noticed that in Demonica, and the scene that immediately comes to mind is from Sin Undone. Kynan's words after Jem gives birth and it's time to name their baby girl: (not a direct quote, but close enough to give the cheesy gist) She's my sun. You (Jem) are my world. This is my dawn...Oh let's call the baby Dawn.
Similarly, there was definitely some super-cheese at the very end of the book causing serious eye-rolling action. But I can live with that!
I really liked the story between Regan and Thanatos. I didnt think Lethal Rider was quite as exciting as book 2, though it picked up tremendously in the second half. I liked the second book because so much action was going on with all the characters. It wasn't all about Limos and Arik. This book was more PNR, focusing on the main couple. Also, so much of the exciting setup for the Regan/Thanatos plot happened in the previous book. Regardless, the book really was excellent, and I can't say much more or I'll definitely spoil the plot. I will give Larissa Ione credit for not dragging her plots on. These books have action and resolution. The next book will deal with the wild, unexpected resolution and outcome of this one, and it will be a new world for many characters. I'm so excited to read it.
A great book. Fabulous addition to a Kick-Ass series!!
I think this series itself is better than any one book. Larissa Ione has woven an amazing tapestry full of depth, passion, peril and excitement with this series. Each book adds to the whole world she's created, making the series absolutely more addictive than any other series I've read lately, except for KMM's Fever books. I seriously give the books my highest recommendation.
Not to say this book was perfect. Larissa Ione has a habit of ending her books with cheesy lines. I noticed that in Demonica, and the scene that immediately comes to mind is from Sin Undone. Kynan's words after Jem gives birth and it's time to name their baby girl: (not a direct quote, but close enough to give the cheesy gist) She's my sun. You (Jem) are my world. This is my dawn...Oh let's call the baby Dawn.
Similarly, there was definitely some super-cheese at the very end of the book causing serious eye-rolling action. But I can live with that!
I really liked the story between Regan and Thanatos. I didnt think Lethal Rider was quite as exciting as book 2, though it picked up tremendously in the second half. I liked the second book because so much action was going on with all the characters. It wasn't all about Limos and Arik. This book was more PNR, focusing on the main couple. Also, so much of the exciting setup for the Regan/Thanatos plot happened in the previous book. Regardless, the book really was excellent, and I can't say much more or I'll definitely spoil the plot. I will give Larissa Ione credit for not dragging her plots on. These books have action and resolution. The next book will deal with the wild, unexpected resolution and outcome of this one, and it will be a new world for many characters. I'm so excited to read it.
October 7, 2021
Spectacular 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
I was extremely nervous to read Lethal Rider after what had happened between Than and Regan at the end of Immortal Rider. I wasn't sure what to expect. This book cannot be read as a standalone and this review will contain spoilers from the previous books.
Eight months have passed. Than is still paralyzed with hellhound saliva because his siblings are worried he might go nuclear with rage again. As for Regan, she is pregnant with Than's baby. When Than wakes up, he goes to meet Regan right away and he is shocked to see that she's pregnant with his baby, AKA his agimortus. Regan's pregnancy changes everything and Than is determined to protect and save his son from Pestilence.
Compared to Immortal Rider, Lethal Rider is less chaotic as the plot is quickly advancing toward that final moment where Pestilence will either be destroyed or the 3 horsemen's seals will break. Lethal Rider is also a lot more focused on the main couple, which makes complete sense after what happened between Than and Regan in Immortal Rider.
I came into this book prepared to continue hating Regan for what she did to Than. But after reading "that scene" from Regan's POV, things started making a lot more sense. The situation between Than and Regan is simple, but it is also very complicated when you take the context and the involvement of Pestilence into consideration. There were manipulative and supernatural factors at play that clearly led to the victimization of both Than and Regan. These factors were beyond the characters' control. I think the author deftly handled the consequences of that scene by deeply exploring both Regan's and Than's points of view and feelings. That scene was contextualized in a way that explained and clarified the why and the how behind Regan's behaviour. There was no sugarcoating. Nothing was brushed under the rug. But there was contextualization and significant build up that led to important conversations between Than and Regan. Most importantly, Regan groveled. And Than also apologized. They both fought hard for their well-deserved HEA.
I'm honestly surprised by how much I still shipped Than and Regan. The sexual tension and chemistry between them was still 🔥🔥🔥 Their banter was just perfect. The emotional development between the two was so well-written. I was 100% invested in their story: the reunion, Than's well-deserved anger, Regan's self-hatred, and how these two came together in love and forgiveness. I don't usually like reading about pregnancies in books (a personal preference), but I loved it in this book. It revealed so many layers to Than that I was not expecting 🥺
Is it weird to say that Than, Death personified, is CUTE?! On top of being sexy as hell?! Because I LOVE HIM. He loves watching Regan eat. He loves it when she wears his clothes. He has a weird, quirky, and dark sense of humour. It's also interesting that as a human, Than was known for keeping the peace. The pain that Than had to endure after being cursed, often being thrust into rage killing mode...it's amplified when you take his history as a human into consideration. His killings are not sugarcoated, but I really felt for the man. I don't usually like dark and broody heroes, but I've been drawn to Than since book 1. And after all the layers were peeled back in this book, we get to see his protectiveness, his tenderness, his gestures of affection, his sense of humour, and his vulnerability. It is such a stark contrast with the part of him that's literally Death personified. Phew. What. A. Man. I can say for sure that Than is my favourite horseman (thus far).
Plot-wise, we finally find out the identity of the new player who had sent the khnives after Arik in Immortal Rider. This new player also plays an important role in Lethal Rider. Additionally, there's some development regarding the mysterious identity of the horsemen's father. I'm very excited to read Reseph's book. I know it's going to be an emotionally-heavy one. But after seeing how Larissa Ione redeemed Regan (in my eyes), I have faith that she will do the same to Reseph. Because technically speaking, Reseph also did not have any control over his actions, but he will still carry that guilt with him. Phew, I am ready to finally get to know the real Reseph.
P.S. Loved seeing Idess and Lore again 🥺
I was extremely nervous to read Lethal Rider after what had happened between Than and Regan at the end of Immortal Rider. I wasn't sure what to expect. This book cannot be read as a standalone and this review will contain spoilers from the previous books.
Eight months have passed. Than is still paralyzed with hellhound saliva because his siblings are worried he might go nuclear with rage again. As for Regan, she is pregnant with Than's baby. When Than wakes up, he goes to meet Regan right away and he is shocked to see that she's pregnant with his baby, AKA his agimortus. Regan's pregnancy changes everything and Than is determined to protect and save his son from Pestilence.
Compared to Immortal Rider, Lethal Rider is less chaotic as the plot is quickly advancing toward that final moment where Pestilence will either be destroyed or the 3 horsemen's seals will break. Lethal Rider is also a lot more focused on the main couple, which makes complete sense after what happened between Than and Regan in Immortal Rider.
I came into this book prepared to continue hating Regan for what she did to Than. But after reading "that scene" from Regan's POV, things started making a lot more sense. The situation between Than and Regan is simple, but it is also very complicated when you take the context and the involvement of Pestilence into consideration. There were manipulative and supernatural factors at play that clearly led to the victimization of both Than and Regan. These factors were beyond the characters' control. I think the author deftly handled the consequences of that scene by deeply exploring both Regan's and Than's points of view and feelings. That scene was contextualized in a way that explained and clarified the why and the how behind Regan's behaviour. There was no sugarcoating. Nothing was brushed under the rug. But there was contextualization and significant build up that led to important conversations between Than and Regan. Most importantly, Regan groveled. And Than also apologized. They both fought hard for their well-deserved HEA.
I'm honestly surprised by how much I still shipped Than and Regan. The sexual tension and chemistry between them was still 🔥🔥🔥 Their banter was just perfect. The emotional development between the two was so well-written. I was 100% invested in their story: the reunion, Than's well-deserved anger, Regan's self-hatred, and how these two came together in love and forgiveness. I don't usually like reading about pregnancies in books (a personal preference), but I loved it in this book. It revealed so many layers to Than that I was not expecting 🥺
Is it weird to say that Than, Death personified, is CUTE?! On top of being sexy as hell?! Because I LOVE HIM. He loves watching Regan eat. He loves it when she wears his clothes. He has a weird, quirky, and dark sense of humour. It's also interesting that as a human, Than was known for keeping the peace. The pain that Than had to endure after being cursed, often being thrust into rage killing mode...it's amplified when you take his history as a human into consideration. His killings are not sugarcoated, but I really felt for the man. I don't usually like dark and broody heroes, but I've been drawn to Than since book 1. And after all the layers were peeled back in this book, we get to see his protectiveness, his tenderness, his gestures of affection, his sense of humour, and his vulnerability. It is such a stark contrast with the part of him that's literally Death personified. Phew. What. A. Man. I can say for sure that Than is my favourite horseman (thus far).
Plot-wise, we finally find out the identity of the new player who had sent the khnives after Arik in Immortal Rider. This new player also plays an important role in Lethal Rider. Additionally, there's some development regarding the mysterious identity of the horsemen's father. I'm very excited to read Reseph's book. I know it's going to be an emotionally-heavy one. But after seeing how Larissa Ione redeemed Regan (in my eyes), I have faith that she will do the same to Reseph. Because technically speaking, Reseph also did not have any control over his actions, but he will still carry that guilt with him. Phew, I am ready to finally get to know the real Reseph.
P.S. Loved seeing Idess and Lore again 🥺
December 13, 2021
Okey, so I was really pissed of for what was done to Thanatos aka Death at the end of the last book.
Reagan is sent by the aegis to seduce him and get pregnant, and she succeeds, and the damage is done.
Thanatos thought his seal is his virginity so basically he is a 5000 yo virgin , until this woman came into his life and took it.
Her justification is saving the world blah blah, but at the end of the day she did raped him, he said no.
Anyways, he has an outburst that levels out Greenland, so Ares and Limos keeps him immobile for 8 months with hellhound saliva. Also angry at them for that, although i know they feared he ll loose it again and do more damage. But who can blame the guy?!
He escapes his “captivity” and his only thought is to get revenge on Reagan, but when he finds her ready to pop up with their baby, his anger is put aside leaving space for a craving he always had,having a family.
I really disliked Reagan. She is adamant to give up their child( who is now Than’s agimortus). She is insecure and selfish in my opinion.
The second half of the book was better because she realises Thanatos is a good man and he wants his son no matter what.
Although the main villain is still Pestilence, he has lots of help and i was really surprised at some revelations at the end of this book.
I love all the cameos from the sem brothers and their better halfs, and Reaver might have gotten himself on big trouble, but we ll see😏😏.
Reagan is sent by the aegis to seduce him and get pregnant, and she succeeds, and the damage is done.
Thanatos thought his seal is his virginity so basically he is a 5000 yo virgin , until this woman came into his life and took it.
Her justification is saving the world blah blah, but at the end of the day she did raped him, he said no.
Anyways, he has an outburst that levels out Greenland, so Ares and Limos keeps him immobile for 8 months with hellhound saliva. Also angry at them for that, although i know they feared he ll loose it again and do more damage. But who can blame the guy?!
He escapes his “captivity” and his only thought is to get revenge on Reagan, but when he finds her ready to pop up with their baby, his anger is put aside leaving space for a craving he always had,having a family.
I really disliked Reagan. She is adamant to give up their child( who is now Than’s agimortus). She is insecure and selfish in my opinion.
The second half of the book was better because she realises Thanatos is a good man and he wants his son no matter what.
Although the main villain is still Pestilence, he has lots of help and i was really surprised at some revelations at the end of this book.
I love all the cameos from the sem brothers and their better halfs, and Reaver might have gotten himself on big trouble, but we ll see😏😏.
May 19, 2012
And she remembered the expression on his face when he realized she'd betrayed him. She was going to die, and it would all have been for nothing.
Lethal Rider begins eight months after Regan betrayed Thanatos in Eternal Rider. Poor Thanatos has been living such a horrific life these past eight months sedated by Hellhound saliva rendering him in a bed unable to move at his siblings request. They believe they're doing what is best for his safety as well as the safety of those around him with the threat of the apocalypse. Oddly enough he hates Regan with such a fierce passion yet he yearns for her with the same amount of passion. Each passing day of these eight months have been torture. When he's not spending the day watching television he's either plotting Regan's death or in visioning himself satisfying her in bed. *Sigh* talk about a steamy situation.
Why had she gone to extremes to get him in bed. Legend, he might have starfucker appeal, and sure, he knew he was handsome but resorting to drugs her supernatural ability in order to get what she wanted?
Regan has been regretting her actions since she first realized that Thanatos would make good on his promise to kill her. Over time as she is stuck at Aegis headquarters awaiting the birth of her child that has been prophesied as to the key to ending the Apocalypse. She has decided to give her child a home full of love that can provide a safer environment than Regan feels she can. Though she plans to place her child in the home of Kynan and Gem, Larissa Ione gives us little glimpses into Regan's slight apprehension, not because she doesn't feel they would fully provide for her child, but she has been bonding with the tiny life that is growing inside of her and her maternal instincts are developing.
"Then why did you save me?"
"Save you?" The vampire gestured to the ashy mess that used to be his brethren. "He was merely here to kill you. I'm taking you to Thanatos." He grinned. "Trust me, I didn't save you."
However the warrior Thanatos has other plans that may disrupt Regan's because his plans are to devour Regan one way or another he will have her under his control sooner rather than later. He soon discovers that he can move his legs, so he plans to outwit his siblings and forgo the next dose of Hellhound Saliva so he can get out from under their control and begin taking control of his life again, little does he know that Regan and his siblings have been hiding this pregnancy from him leaving him stunned.
From here Thanatos becomes the horseman we all know him as; fierce, sexy and Alpha! This revelation of soon becoming a father has him rethinking his desire to kill Regan but to protect her at least until the baby is born. He has always desired a family, and slowly we see an incredibly sexy side of Thanatos, where one minute he's angry, the next he's aroused, and then ready to take down an army to protect what is rightfully his. He's greedy with his possessions and I found that intoxicating.
"Is everything okay?" Ares's voice came from the end of the hallway. "Limos is nursing on a headache, and Arik wants to shove an M-80 up your ass." "Kinky," Than said, "but I'm new to the sex thing. I'm not ready for hardcore yet."
This book also has plenty of sub plots that have me anxious to dive right into the next book. Between Reseph aka Pestilence being his usual bastard self you can't help but love him as a super villain. I believe his book will touch our hearts the most because he's going to have a rough road ahead with his new alter ego Pestilence running the show. I'm excited just thinking about it. I enjoyed Reaver and all his escapades, he leaves me with a soft spot in my heart. Probably the most exciting reunion would be the cameos we get with the wonderful men of Underworld General Hospital.
"You know what, buddy?" Wraith said. "They aren't worth it. Not now. But later...." He jabbed his finger at Lance and bared his fangs. "You're mine. And dude, I play with my food."
I don't want to give anything away but this book contains many engaging plots as well mysteries are being unravelled slowly but gradually in each book and there were a couple mysteries solved in this book that made my jaw drop. I devoured this book in almost one setting which I was disappointed in myself because now I must wait for the next release. For fans of Larissa Ione, Lethal Rider will leave you satisfied in more ways than one.
This book is a must read for all paranormal romance lovers that enjoy and original engaging plot, mystery, and simply delicious passionate sex! Bravo to Larissa Ione. If I wasn't already a fan girl of her writing I would be now because her books are ridiculously addicting. Is there an Ione support group for fans that simply can't get enough of her amazing paranormal writing skills?! If so, enroll me now!! ;)
"All I could think of was you. When I was gone, all I wanted was to be back here with you. Only you."
ARC provided for review by Netgalley
http://MissVainsParanormalFantasy.com
Lethal Rider begins eight months after Regan betrayed Thanatos in Eternal Rider. Poor Thanatos has been living such a horrific life these past eight months sedated by Hellhound saliva rendering him in a bed unable to move at his siblings request. They believe they're doing what is best for his safety as well as the safety of those around him with the threat of the apocalypse. Oddly enough he hates Regan with such a fierce passion yet he yearns for her with the same amount of passion. Each passing day of these eight months have been torture. When he's not spending the day watching television he's either plotting Regan's death or in visioning himself satisfying her in bed. *Sigh* talk about a steamy situation.
Why had she gone to extremes to get him in bed. Legend, he might have starfucker appeal, and sure, he knew he was handsome but resorting to drugs her supernatural ability in order to get what she wanted?
Regan has been regretting her actions since she first realized that Thanatos would make good on his promise to kill her. Over time as she is stuck at Aegis headquarters awaiting the birth of her child that has been prophesied as to the key to ending the Apocalypse. She has decided to give her child a home full of love that can provide a safer environment than Regan feels she can. Though she plans to place her child in the home of Kynan and Gem, Larissa Ione gives us little glimpses into Regan's slight apprehension, not because she doesn't feel they would fully provide for her child, but she has been bonding with the tiny life that is growing inside of her and her maternal instincts are developing.
"Then why did you save me?"
"Save you?" The vampire gestured to the ashy mess that used to be his brethren. "He was merely here to kill you. I'm taking you to Thanatos." He grinned. "Trust me, I didn't save you."
However the warrior Thanatos has other plans that may disrupt Regan's because his plans are to devour Regan one way or another he will have her under his control sooner rather than later. He soon discovers that he can move his legs, so he plans to outwit his siblings and forgo the next dose of Hellhound Saliva so he can get out from under their control and begin taking control of his life again, little does he know that Regan and his siblings have been hiding this pregnancy from him leaving him stunned.
From here Thanatos becomes the horseman we all know him as; fierce, sexy and Alpha! This revelation of soon becoming a father has him rethinking his desire to kill Regan but to protect her at least until the baby is born. He has always desired a family, and slowly we see an incredibly sexy side of Thanatos, where one minute he's angry, the next he's aroused, and then ready to take down an army to protect what is rightfully his. He's greedy with his possessions and I found that intoxicating.
"Is everything okay?" Ares's voice came from the end of the hallway. "Limos is nursing on a headache, and Arik wants to shove an M-80 up your ass." "Kinky," Than said, "but I'm new to the sex thing. I'm not ready for hardcore yet."
This book also has plenty of sub plots that have me anxious to dive right into the next book. Between Reseph aka Pestilence being his usual bastard self you can't help but love him as a super villain. I believe his book will touch our hearts the most because he's going to have a rough road ahead with his new alter ego Pestilence running the show. I'm excited just thinking about it. I enjoyed Reaver and all his escapades, he leaves me with a soft spot in my heart. Probably the most exciting reunion would be the cameos we get with the wonderful men of Underworld General Hospital.
"You know what, buddy?" Wraith said. "They aren't worth it. Not now. But later...." He jabbed his finger at Lance and bared his fangs. "You're mine. And dude, I play with my food."
I don't want to give anything away but this book contains many engaging plots as well mysteries are being unravelled slowly but gradually in each book and there were a couple mysteries solved in this book that made my jaw drop. I devoured this book in almost one setting which I was disappointed in myself because now I must wait for the next release. For fans of Larissa Ione, Lethal Rider will leave you satisfied in more ways than one.
This book is a must read for all paranormal romance lovers that enjoy and original engaging plot, mystery, and simply delicious passionate sex! Bravo to Larissa Ione. If I wasn't already a fan girl of her writing I would be now because her books are ridiculously addicting. Is there an Ione support group for fans that simply can't get enough of her amazing paranormal writing skills?! If so, enroll me now!! ;)
"All I could think of was you. When I was gone, all I wanted was to be back here with you. Only you."
ARC provided for review by Netgalley
http://MissVainsParanormalFantasy.com
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