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Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Romance (2011)Der Krieger Ares gehört zu den vier Reitern der Apokalypse. Auf seinen Schultern lastet das Schicksal der Menschheit. Wenn er den Kräften des Bösen anheimfällt, sind auch die Sterblichen dem Untergang geweiht. Und das Böse droht seit einiger Zeit, die Übermacht zu gewinnen. Nur eine Frau kann den mächtigen Krieger noch retten: Die schöne Cara, die über eine besondere Gabe verfügt, die sie von anderen Menschen abhebt. Gemeinsam kommen Cara und Ares einer finsteren Verschwörung auf die Spur, die das Schicksal der ganzen Welt bedroht.
464 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2011
459 people are currently reading
24173 people want to read
About the author
Larissa Ione
104 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,495 reviews
June 11, 2023
Why do PNR books (almost) always have on them the half-naked hot dude who’s missing half of his face? See the UK version for this book? Awesome! I really REALLY love it! Always UK having the superior book covers. Here's hoping that one day we get more interesting covers for our romance books.
I like a good Armageddon theme. The story was actually what I loved the most about Eternal Rider. It’ been a while since I’ve read a PNR book and this one seemed good. I’m a real big fan of Larissa Ione and I was sure she wouldn’t disappoint.
The whole Apocalypse thing is popular lately so I see Larissa Ione’s decision to shift Demonica into this as a breath of fresh air. I respect the fact that she knew when to take this break and didn’t lengthen Demonica just for the sake of it. It does help if you read the whole Demonica series before starting this but I guess you could manage if you didn’t. You’d miss some details but nothing too important.
I really love Larissa Ione’s stories. They are always fast paced, they never give you time to get bored. There may be moments where she writes about unnecessary things but they are few and the book as a whole makes it up for them. Some nice returning characters, and great turn of events at the end.
Top 5 quotes
#5 “It wasn’t a kiss, human, so don’t get excited.”
She sputtered in outrage. “I don’t know what putting your lips on someone else’s mouth means for your people—whatever they are—but humans call that a kiss.”
“Congratulations, then. You made out with a hellhound.”
#4 Was he actually looking forward to seeing Cara again? The goofy way his lips were curved into a smile said yes, and horror of horrors, he realized he was experiencing some sort of crush.
He needed to kill something.
#3 “I’ve never been in this region before.”
Thanatos glanced around. “Me either.”
“Maybe because this place sucks.” Wraith flipped a throwing knife from hand to hand. “I thought we were going to get to fight. Talk about lame. I’m seriously disappointed in you Horsemen people.”
#2 One of Than’s vampire servants hustled to clean up Batarel’s remains, and he bowed before Ares. “May I take those body parts from you, sir?”
#1 “Hal… he wouldn’t… I mean, look at him.”
Hal leaped into the air, his jaws snapping as he caught a bird he’d flushed. The poor bird was gone in an instant, an explosion of feathers floating around Hal’s head.
“Sure,” Ares said wryly. “Look at him.”
I like a good Armageddon theme. The story was actually what I loved the most about Eternal Rider. It’ been a while since I’ve read a PNR book and this one seemed good. I’m a real big fan of Larissa Ione and I was sure she wouldn’t disappoint.
The whole Apocalypse thing is popular lately so I see Larissa Ione’s decision to shift Demonica into this as a breath of fresh air. I respect the fact that she knew when to take this break and didn’t lengthen Demonica just for the sake of it. It does help if you read the whole Demonica series before starting this but I guess you could manage if you didn’t. You’d miss some details but nothing too important.
I really love Larissa Ione’s stories. They are always fast paced, they never give you time to get bored. There may be moments where she writes about unnecessary things but they are few and the book as a whole makes it up for them. Some nice returning characters, and great turn of events at the end.
Top 5 quotes
#5 “It wasn’t a kiss, human, so don’t get excited.”
She sputtered in outrage. “I don’t know what putting your lips on someone else’s mouth means for your people—whatever they are—but humans call that a kiss.”
“Congratulations, then. You made out with a hellhound.”
#4 Was he actually looking forward to seeing Cara again? The goofy way his lips were curved into a smile said yes, and horror of horrors, he realized he was experiencing some sort of crush.
He needed to kill something.
#3 “I’ve never been in this region before.”
Thanatos glanced around. “Me either.”
“Maybe because this place sucks.” Wraith flipped a throwing knife from hand to hand. “I thought we were going to get to fight. Talk about lame. I’m seriously disappointed in you Horsemen people.”
#2 One of Than’s vampire servants hustled to clean up Batarel’s remains, and he bowed before Ares. “May I take those body parts from you, sir?”
#1 “Hal… he wouldn’t… I mean, look at him.”
Hal leaped into the air, his jaws snapping as he caught a bird he’d flushed. The poor bird was gone in an instant, an explosion of feathers floating around Hal’s head.
“Sure,” Ares said wryly. “Look at him.”
February 17, 2017
“Lords of Deliverance” is a spinoff from “Demonica”, but I will always consider them same series. The world is the same.
Demons are still around. Angels, kind of angels, wolves, kind of wolves, vampires and other magnificent beloved monsters are still around. And UGH and Aegis are still around.
It is just now there are also some extra players in the scene. And what outstanding players!
The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse!
I mean, think about it.
There is nothing else worse than this complication. We have
-Ares (War),
-Reseph (Pestilence),
-Thanatos (Death),
-and the only female of the four, Limos (Famine)
The four horsemen are doing exactly what each of their names is saying. But they are really nice guys deep down and they try to avoid bringing disasters.
The nicest of them is Reseph. He loves to party, he loves to love. Unfortunately he is also the unluckiest one.
If you have read Sin Undone, you will probably know that humankind is in deep sh!t, because Reseph’s seal has been broken. Reseph will not be nice anymore. Pestilence is about to conquer Earth.
Yes, the four horsemen come with four seals that they must not be broken. The prophecy of the Apocalypsis is waiting to be fulfilled when all four of the seals are broken.
And the beginning of the end is here. Reseph half mad, half determined will try to break the rest of the three seals and bring plagues everywhere in Earth. No more Mr Nice Guy anymore.
His brothers and sister will try to stop him.
The first book is about immortal horseman Ares (War) and mortal Cara. Ares seal will break if an angel dies. Cara, without realizing it, will receive the seal before this happens and now Ares has to protect her in order to protect the seal.
There will be some complications of course. Cara will also be the proud owner of a strange dog, named Hal, after she saves him. Okay, he is not really a dog.
What? Did you expect to find a normal dog in the Demonica world? Cara will receive a Hell's Kiss from Hal who is definitely not a dog and who has a very important grandfather old dog.
Great world building, awesome new characters, fast pace, nice love story and grand ending!
Demons are still around. Angels, kind of angels, wolves, kind of wolves, vampires and other magnificent beloved monsters are still around. And UGH and Aegis are still around.
It is just now there are also some extra players in the scene. And what outstanding players!
The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse!
I mean, think about it.
There is nothing else worse than this complication. We have
-Ares (War),
-Reseph (Pestilence),
-Thanatos (Death),
-and the only female of the four, Limos (Famine)
The four horsemen are doing exactly what each of their names is saying. But they are really nice guys deep down and they try to avoid bringing disasters.
The nicest of them is Reseph. He loves to party, he loves to love. Unfortunately he is also the unluckiest one.
If you have read Sin Undone, you will probably know that humankind is in deep sh!t, because Reseph’s seal has been broken. Reseph will not be nice anymore. Pestilence is about to conquer Earth.
Yes, the four horsemen come with four seals that they must not be broken. The prophecy of the Apocalypsis is waiting to be fulfilled when all four of the seals are broken.
And the beginning of the end is here. Reseph half mad, half determined will try to break the rest of the three seals and bring plagues everywhere in Earth. No more Mr Nice Guy anymore.
His brothers and sister will try to stop him.
The first book is about immortal horseman Ares (War) and mortal Cara. Ares seal will break if an angel dies. Cara, without realizing it, will receive the seal before this happens and now Ares has to protect her in order to protect the seal.
There will be some complications of course. Cara will also be the proud owner of a strange dog, named Hal, after she saves him. Okay, he is not really a dog.
What? Did you expect to find a normal dog in the Demonica world? Cara will receive a Hell's Kiss from Hal who is definitely not a dog and who has a very important grandfather old dog.
Great world building, awesome new characters, fast pace, nice love story and grand ending!
August 15, 2022
In this sixth book of the Demonica series, we switch over to the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Eros, or War is after his brother, who has gone from being one of the good guys to Pestilence, and trying to plague humanity. He’s also trying to protect Kara, who has been marked by a fallen Angel and has all sorts of people after her!
I thought the introduction of the Four Horsemen was a cool change in the series, and we still get to see Idolin and the Sem brother gang pop in from time to time. This book incorporates lots of animals, including hell-hounds, which was really cute. All in all, a great continuation of the series!
I thought the introduction of the Four Horsemen was a cool change in the series, and we still get to see Idolin and the Sem brother gang pop in from time to time. This book incorporates lots of animals, including hell-hounds, which was really cute. All in all, a great continuation of the series!
April 7, 2011
5 stars – Paranormal Romance
What a fan-freaking-tastic, brilliant (Guinness Beer guy voice) combination of unique paranormal elements and apocalyptic prophecies, Stephen King-esque eerie horror, violent, gruesome action, intense, steamy romance, and wry, dark humor. Larissa Ione’s Demonica is one of my top favorite series that got impossibly better with each book, and she really delivers the goods in the first book in the spin-off Lords of Deliverance series. It was an amazing read, and I can’t wait for Immortal Rider! Big 5 stars!
This was one of my favorite lines.
It was a real fun stew of what-the-fuck.
What a fan-freaking-tastic, brilliant (Guinness Beer guy voice) combination of unique paranormal elements and apocalyptic prophecies, Stephen King-esque eerie horror, violent, gruesome action, intense, steamy romance, and wry, dark humor. Larissa Ione’s Demonica is one of my top favorite series that got impossibly better with each book, and she really delivers the goods in the first book in the spin-off Lords of Deliverance series. It was an amazing read, and I can’t wait for Immortal Rider! Big 5 stars!
This was one of my favorite lines.
It was a real fun stew of what-the-fuck.
April 4, 2011
4.5 STARS!!!!
Ares’s To-Do List:
- Stop (sexy) brother from obliterating the world with deadly disease
- Find the agimorti and keep her from getting killed
- Locate the Deliverance before Pestilence finds it
[Edited in by Anne:]
- And learn that having feeeeeeeelings doesn’t make you a pansyass wanker!!
I’m a huge fan of the Demonica series so I was thrilled to hear about a new spinoff series with the four horsemen. Eternal Rider has all the same great elements of Demonica. Ione still has her great sense of humor. She has that raw writing style that makes the narration sooo damn good and she’s the shit when it comes to worldbuilding!
Ares aka War, the second of the horsemen has a lot to deal with. With his brother, Reseph channelling his evil side as Pestilence, he’s got his hands full with trying to keep him from obliterating the world. I will admit, I liked him in the beginning but then somewhere in the middle, he kind of pissed me off with how he tried to hold himself away from Cara so much, fighting his feelings to the point where I was getting frustrated. You are War! Having feelings doesn’t make you a ninny. It’s okay to feeeeeeeel! But he does get better and I couldn’t be happier with the end results.
Cara was a skittish one at first and I was dying for a heroine with a little more backbone. And then suddenly, she grows a pair and learns to cope with the bomb that Ares had dropped on her. I have to respect that. I will admit, I wasn’t feeling the chemistry between Ares and Cara at first. With a few heated glances and one kiss, I was eager for something more to happen. But Ares controls himself so much that there are no opportunities for him to slip his control. And Cara isn’t one to initiate contact.
But that doesn’t take away from Ione’s spectacular writing. I love the rawness to it. I especially love the violence in this one! I can’t remember if the Demonica series was as gory and bloody as this one since I read it awhile back, but I LOVE IT! Gory. Bloody. Raw. Love it!
And with that, I have to say how much I love Reseph, or rather, Pestilence because his bad side is so much more appealing! Ione writes baddies well! I loved the venom in his tone when he speaks and his merciless outlook on mankind. Pestilence is as badass as they come.
Then there’s Reaver, whom I loved from the Demonica series! This Reaver is a little more darker, one whose more irritable and with his evil counterpart Harvester, chaos is bound to find them sooner or later.
I’ve mentioned Pestilence already so naturally, that leaves Limos (Famine) and Thanatos (Death)! I LOVE them both! Limos is friggin’ hilarious. She kind of reminds me of the Valkyries from KC’s IAD series. She’s great! And Than is a hottie! A tattooed hottie! I cannot wait for either of their books!
For Demonica fans, there’s reason to rejoice because there are familiar faces! Sin is mentioned a few times. Arik, Runa’s brother from the R-XR is present and him and Kynan get real chummy with one another. Gem is there as well and there’s wonderful news for my favourite Goth girl! E, Shade, Wraith, Con and Luc are all there too! It’s one big party!
I’m super excited for the next book Immortal Rider which is Arik and Limos’ book!
So if you’re unsure about starting this series, please do! It’s great! Just prepare for your world to be rocked, because the Horsemen have arrived!
Ares’s To-Do List:
- Stop (sexy) brother from obliterating the world with deadly disease
- Find the agimorti and keep her from getting killed
- Locate the Deliverance before Pestilence finds it
[Edited in by Anne:]
- And learn that having feeeeeeeelings doesn’t make you a pansyass wanker!!
I’m a huge fan of the Demonica series so I was thrilled to hear about a new spinoff series with the four horsemen. Eternal Rider has all the same great elements of Demonica. Ione still has her great sense of humor. She has that raw writing style that makes the narration sooo damn good and she’s the shit when it comes to worldbuilding!
Ares aka War, the second of the horsemen has a lot to deal with. With his brother, Reseph channelling his evil side as Pestilence, he’s got his hands full with trying to keep him from obliterating the world. I will admit, I liked him in the beginning but then somewhere in the middle, he kind of pissed me off with how he tried to hold himself away from Cara so much, fighting his feelings to the point where I was getting frustrated. You are War! Having feelings doesn’t make you a ninny. It’s okay to feeeeeeeel! But he does get better and I couldn’t be happier with the end results.
Cara was a skittish one at first and I was dying for a heroine with a little more backbone. And then suddenly, she grows a pair and learns to cope with the bomb that Ares had dropped on her. I have to respect that. I will admit, I wasn’t feeling the chemistry between Ares and Cara at first. With a few heated glances and one kiss, I was eager for something more to happen. But Ares controls himself so much that there are no opportunities for him to slip his control. And Cara isn’t one to initiate contact.
But that doesn’t take away from Ione’s spectacular writing. I love the rawness to it. I especially love the violence in this one! I can’t remember if the Demonica series was as gory and bloody as this one since I read it awhile back, but I LOVE IT! Gory. Bloody. Raw. Love it!
And with that, I have to say how much I love Reseph, or rather, Pestilence because his bad side is so much more appealing! Ione writes baddies well! I loved the venom in his tone when he speaks and his merciless outlook on mankind. Pestilence is as badass as they come.
Then there’s Reaver, whom I loved from the Demonica series! This Reaver is a little more darker, one whose more irritable and with his evil counterpart Harvester, chaos is bound to find them sooner or later.
I’ve mentioned Pestilence already so naturally, that leaves Limos (Famine) and Thanatos (Death)! I LOVE them both! Limos is friggin’ hilarious. She kind of reminds me of the Valkyries from KC’s IAD series. She’s great! And Than is a hottie! A tattooed hottie! I cannot wait for either of their books!
For Demonica fans, there’s reason to rejoice because there are familiar faces! Sin is mentioned a few times. Arik, Runa’s brother from the R-XR is present and him and Kynan get real chummy with one another. Gem is there as well and there’s wonderful news for my favourite Goth girl! E, Shade, Wraith, Con and Luc are all there too! It’s one big party!
I’m super excited for the next book Immortal Rider which is Arik and Limos’ book!
So if you’re unsure about starting this series, please do! It’s great! Just prepare for your world to be rocked, because the Horsemen have arrived!
August 9, 2015
Three Horsemen & 1 Horsewoman of the Apocalypse…..
If you are a fan like me, of Larissa Ione’s fantastic Demonica books, you are going to love Lords of Deliverance, the spinoff from that series. It’s a good idea to read the Demonica Series before starting on this one…. Eternal Rider, the 1st book in the LOD series begins just after the end of Sin Undone, when Sin unintentionally initiated the beginning of the apocalypse, after breaking the first Horsemen seal.
Get ready to take a thrilling ride to the imaginative, dark, witty, sensual and vivid world that Larissa Ione has created.
This is Ares, Lord of War’s story.
But fate works in very strange ways!!!! Forced to protect Cara, a human who may be the one to either save or destroy him.
Cara has a very traumatized past and has no idea of the supernatural world that surrounds her.
But when she then discovers that she might not have that long to live….….well, why not???
How happier could I be seeing some of the characters I have come to love from the Demonica Series make an appearance or two in this story.
There was a huge amount of back-story to the Horsemen’s history which dragged on a bit in the beginning, it does set up the world of this series.
Although the Demonica Series is still my favorite by this author, I did enjoy this book and I am looking forward to Limos book next.
My favorite quote:
Only they have the power to start off or prevent Armageddon.
If you are a fan like me, of Larissa Ione’s fantastic Demonica books, you are going to love Lords of Deliverance, the spinoff from that series. It’s a good idea to read the Demonica Series before starting on this one…. Eternal Rider, the 1st book in the LOD series begins just after the end of Sin Undone, when Sin unintentionally initiated the beginning of the apocalypse, after breaking the first Horsemen seal.
Get ready to take a thrilling ride to the imaginative, dark, witty, sensual and vivid world that Larissa Ione has created.
This is Ares, Lord of War’s story.
Fighting to keep his seal intact and protecting his siblings and not never letting feelings of love ever entering his heart.
But fate works in very strange ways!!!! Forced to protect Cara, a human who may be the one to either save or destroy him.
Cara has a very traumatized past and has no idea of the supernatural world that surrounds her.
She’s quiet, sweet and timid, kind hey is this the kind of heroine I wanted for gorgeous Ares????? But hey, Ares is smitten………even the evil hellhounds who eat anything that comes their way…love her…so how could he resist her????
She’s not sure about Ares…he’s arrogant and a total ass….
But when she then discovers that she might not have that long to live….….well, why not???
I enjoyed the development of Cara and Ares relationship….hell, she almost brings him to his knees…
Fast paced, multi-layered plot, dark and witty humor, amusing banter,
sexy and wicked demons and devils….what more could we ask for???
How happier could I be seeing some of the characters I have come to love from the Demonica Series make an appearance or two in this story.
There was a huge amount of back-story to the Horsemen’s history which dragged on a bit in the beginning, it does set up the world of this series.
Although the Demonica Series is still my favorite by this author, I did enjoy this book and I am looking forward to Limos book next.
My favorite quote:
April 5, 2011
If I could describe Larissa Ione’s new book, Eternal Rider, in one word, it would be “whoa”, as in this book seriously blew my mind away. Eternal Rider is the first book in Larissa’s Lords of Deliverance series that’s an offshoot of her very popular Demonica series. If you thought Larissa Demonica series was dark, beyond steamy erotic and twisted, you’ll be happy to know that Eternal Rider is all these things and much more. Larissa walks a fine line here because everything is more intense. I couldn’t believe how far she went with things. At one point I had to put Eternal Rider down and take a break. I usually don’t do this with the books I read, but the amount of fighting and the eye-popping character’s actions really sucker punches you in the gut.
Also Larissa writes one of the most inventive, “did she really do what I think she did?” sex scenes that not only shocked me senseless but was too good for words. Larissa has written an upside down tree sex scene, and no, the heroine and hero don’t have upside down sex with a tree, but with each other (a vine is used in a creative way). For that alone Larissa gets two thumbs up from me. Surprises like this among other jaw dropping scenes makes Eternal Rider a book full of win and one paranormal fiction/romance fans will eat up. If you’re looking for light and fluffy, look elsewhere.
Eternal Rider introduces the future Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Ares is the hero of this story and the horseman of War. His siblings, Reseph is Pestilence, Thanatos is Death and Limos, their sister is Famine. The only way the end of the days aka the Apocalypse can come to pass is if their seals are broken. As long as none of their seals break, the world is safe. Unfortunately Reseph’s seal breaks and he brings Pestilence across the land. Reseph is now evil incardinate and Ares and his other two siblings must try and stop him.
Ares has a past full or heartbreak and woe. He once lived as a human centuries ago before he found out what his destiny was. So much was taken from him and because of it he lives in seclusion with only his servants. He refuses to give into love, but that all changes when Cara Thornhart falls into his life.
Cara has a unique way with animals. She can heal them, and because of her ability, she becomes a target. When she tries to heal an injured dog, she’s attacked by scary armed men who use their fists to get the answers they want. The reason is the hurt dog is not a dog at all, but a hellhound Cara names Hal. She’s bonded with Hal by no choice of her own and because of that Ares must protect her. Then a fallen angel transfers something called the agimortus onto Cara. This agirmoty thing, as Cara calls it, gives her unbelievable strength and power, but will end up killing her if she can’t transfer it back to another. Also, if Hal dies, so does she. Not only does Ares have to stop Reseph, but keep Cara away from his deranged brother and every other demon, hellhound and supernatural creature searching for her. Plus Ares can’t keep his libido quiet around Cara, and although he’s willing to act on his desires with her, he refuses to care for her because loving another woman would weaken him.
Cara is abused every which way to Sunday and is forced to do so many thing that would make another woman crawl into a corner and rock. She’s forced to accept things, even with Ares, who expects to be obeyed in everything. So much happens to Cara, such as near death, torture, almost rape and mind-numbing sex (thanks to Ares) that had my head spinning. What more could this woman go through that would finally make her break down and turn her into a drooling vegetable?
Ares has his ulterior motives as does those he’s involved with. He’s a damaged soul who can’t get over his past. Cara is his savior and the perfect balm to help him move on, if he can. Times are bleak and a HEA for these two may be questionable in the big scheme of things.
Even though the majority of Eternal Rider has a large amount of dark undertones, there are some laughs and nice snark, mainly from Limos. There’s this great scene where a fallen angel has been captured and she decides to torture him with Ares’s dvd collection of Miami Vice and Starsky and Hutch. This is an example of a few lighthearted moments that are very much needed.
The love scenes are beyond steamy and Larissa raises them up a notch. The moment I read the upside down tree sex between Ares and Cara, I was floored, but in a good way.
Eternal Rider is one book that may not be for everyone. But it is one wild ride that I couldn’t’ get enough of. I look forward to the next book in this series, which will be about Limos and how one kiss or being too touchy feely with another man can make her the queen and breeder for Lucifer, the rule of hell. I can pretty much assume that will also be a rip roaring, at times shocking read, but one that I would gladly climb aboard as a passenger of Larissa Ione train.
Also Larissa writes one of the most inventive, “did she really do what I think she did?” sex scenes that not only shocked me senseless but was too good for words. Larissa has written an upside down tree sex scene, and no, the heroine and hero don’t have upside down sex with a tree, but with each other (a vine is used in a creative way). For that alone Larissa gets two thumbs up from me. Surprises like this among other jaw dropping scenes makes Eternal Rider a book full of win and one paranormal fiction/romance fans will eat up. If you’re looking for light and fluffy, look elsewhere.
Eternal Rider introduces the future Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Ares is the hero of this story and the horseman of War. His siblings, Reseph is Pestilence, Thanatos is Death and Limos, their sister is Famine. The only way the end of the days aka the Apocalypse can come to pass is if their seals are broken. As long as none of their seals break, the world is safe. Unfortunately Reseph’s seal breaks and he brings Pestilence across the land. Reseph is now evil incardinate and Ares and his other two siblings must try and stop him.
Ares has a past full or heartbreak and woe. He once lived as a human centuries ago before he found out what his destiny was. So much was taken from him and because of it he lives in seclusion with only his servants. He refuses to give into love, but that all changes when Cara Thornhart falls into his life.
Cara has a unique way with animals. She can heal them, and because of her ability, she becomes a target. When she tries to heal an injured dog, she’s attacked by scary armed men who use their fists to get the answers they want. The reason is the hurt dog is not a dog at all, but a hellhound Cara names Hal. She’s bonded with Hal by no choice of her own and because of that Ares must protect her. Then a fallen angel transfers something called the agimortus onto Cara. This agirmoty thing, as Cara calls it, gives her unbelievable strength and power, but will end up killing her if she can’t transfer it back to another. Also, if Hal dies, so does she. Not only does Ares have to stop Reseph, but keep Cara away from his deranged brother and every other demon, hellhound and supernatural creature searching for her. Plus Ares can’t keep his libido quiet around Cara, and although he’s willing to act on his desires with her, he refuses to care for her because loving another woman would weaken him.
Cara is abused every which way to Sunday and is forced to do so many thing that would make another woman crawl into a corner and rock. She’s forced to accept things, even with Ares, who expects to be obeyed in everything. So much happens to Cara, such as near death, torture, almost rape and mind-numbing sex (thanks to Ares) that had my head spinning. What more could this woman go through that would finally make her break down and turn her into a drooling vegetable?
Ares has his ulterior motives as does those he’s involved with. He’s a damaged soul who can’t get over his past. Cara is his savior and the perfect balm to help him move on, if he can. Times are bleak and a HEA for these two may be questionable in the big scheme of things.
Even though the majority of Eternal Rider has a large amount of dark undertones, there are some laughs and nice snark, mainly from Limos. There’s this great scene where a fallen angel has been captured and she decides to torture him with Ares’s dvd collection of Miami Vice and Starsky and Hutch. This is an example of a few lighthearted moments that are very much needed.
The love scenes are beyond steamy and Larissa raises them up a notch. The moment I read the upside down tree sex between Ares and Cara, I was floored, but in a good way.
Eternal Rider is one book that may not be for everyone. But it is one wild ride that I couldn’t’ get enough of. I look forward to the next book in this series, which will be about Limos and how one kiss or being too touchy feely with another man can make her the queen and breeder for Lucifer, the rule of hell. I can pretty much assume that will also be a rip roaring, at times shocking read, but one that I would gladly climb aboard as a passenger of Larissa Ione train.
December 9, 2012
The Horseman of War has never been so sexy! Ares is strong, courageous and he bears the fate of mankind on his shoulders.
Cara Thornton is the key to Ares' safety and doom. And the connection between her and Ares is quite amusing to watch as she keeps him guessing.
This is an engaging, engrossing, fast paced and totally delicious read. The world building is fabulous and I thoroughly enjoyed the glimpses of the characters in the Demonica series.
I would recommend reading the Demonica series prior to this, as it will help you set the scene to this fabulous world of immortals.
Cara Thornton is the key to Ares' safety and doom. And the connection between her and Ares is quite amusing to watch as she keeps him guessing.
This is an engaging, engrossing, fast paced and totally delicious read. The world building is fabulous and I thoroughly enjoyed the glimpses of the characters in the Demonica series.
I would recommend reading the Demonica series prior to this, as it will help you set the scene to this fabulous world of immortals.
August 24, 2016
En realidad 4'5. Me ha gustado mucho más de lo que pensaba, imagino que porque iba con las expectativas muy bajas, y me daba pereza empezarlo. Leí los 3 primeros de la serie Demoniaca, y la verdad que no eran para tirar cohetes, no sé si porque estaba empachada de paranormal, o necesitaba otra cosa en ése momento. He dejado meses hasta que me he animado a leer "Jinete eterno" y no me arrepiento.
Lo único de lo que me puedo arrepentir, es de no haber leído el 4º y 5º de la serie Demoniaca, porque enlazaría directamente con los Jinetes (Gracias editoriales españolas por traernos al mercado lo que os conviene económicamente).
El Sello de uno de los Jinetes se ha roto, es Peste, y no descansará hasta que los sellos de sus hermanos también se rompan y empiece el Apocalipsis. Es en éste momento confuso, cuando Ares, el segundo jinete conocerá a Cara, una humana aparentemente inofensiva, que no sabe nada de su mundo, pero que oculta un extraño don, que será decisivo para la supervivencia de la humanidad.
La historia de trasfondo me ha encantado, me ha parecido que estaba muy lograda (a diferencia de la historia de la anterior serie), y la historia de amor de los protas ha sido muy bonita. Se les puede achacar que Cara es demasiado noble e ingenua, y que Ares tiene demasiado genio y es muy impulsivo, no es extraño su carácter, siendo como es Guerra.
Me ha gustado lo suficiente, como para no descartar en un futuro seguir leyendo la serie. Quiero ver qué se traen entre manos Limos y Hades, pero sobre todo, quien más ganas me ha dejado de su historia es Thanatos.
Lo único de lo que me puedo arrepentir, es de no haber leído el 4º y 5º de la serie Demoniaca, porque enlazaría directamente con los Jinetes (Gracias editoriales españolas por traernos al mercado lo que os conviene económicamente).
El Sello de uno de los Jinetes se ha roto, es Peste, y no descansará hasta que los sellos de sus hermanos también se rompan y empiece el Apocalipsis. Es en éste momento confuso, cuando Ares, el segundo jinete conocerá a Cara, una humana aparentemente inofensiva, que no sabe nada de su mundo, pero que oculta un extraño don, que será decisivo para la supervivencia de la humanidad.
La historia de trasfondo me ha encantado, me ha parecido que estaba muy lograda (a diferencia de la historia de la anterior serie), y la historia de amor de los protas ha sido muy bonita. Se les puede achacar que Cara es demasiado noble e ingenua, y que Ares tiene demasiado genio y es muy impulsivo, no es extraño su carácter, siendo como es Guerra.
Me ha gustado lo suficiente, como para no descartar en un futuro seguir leyendo la serie. Quiero ver qué se traen entre manos Limos y Hades, pero sobre todo, quien más ganas me ha dejado de su historia es Thanatos.
April 10, 2011
Larissa Ione has a new series out and it's not only dark and exciting but hot and adventurous. Her Demonica series was not just mouthwatering but quickly became one of my favorites. I was super excited to find out this new book would be set in the same world as Demonica. Please welcome the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Ares (War), Reseph (Pestilence), Thanatos (Death), and the only female in the group, Limos (Famine). Each of the Horsemen have a Seal and each Seal comes with two prophecies. The goal will be keeping these seals intact so the end of the world doesn't come. Unfortunately, that might be a little too late for Reseph. His Seal has broke and this brother is now causing disease and plagues all across the world. Can he be stopped in time?
Cara has the secret ability to heal animals, although she is not a practicing vet she tries to help and is thrown into a whole new world when an injured dog is brought to her doorstep. Just to add to this mess she then comes to find out, well, this isn't just a regular dog. Of course not it is a hellhound. Since she has no idea what in the world a hellhound actually is, but he bonds with her. Ares’ seal is passed over to Cara. Normally humans arent strong enough to carry Seals, but since she is now bonded to the hellhound, she is alive for the time being and Ares must make sure Cara stays that way. If not and his Seal is to break, he will become War and the world as she has come to know it will never be the same.
Getting into this book way never an issue. It was the same world but different main characters who by the end of book I loved. These new characters are not only interesting but I loved that they had a good and bad side to them. And you get to see both sides. *squee* As in any new book of series the information and rules are very detailed and tend to overwhelm you while you are trying to get lost in this world. Even though a lot of information is thrown at you, I loved how you are reminded through out the book so you never can forget what they are. Once you pass through the beginning of the book it turns into smooth sailing from there and you wont be able to put down this tasty treat.
I loved Ares! I mean the way his character is and comes undone with Cara was not only sweet but sigh worthy. He for sure had his swooning moments. The build up to their relationship was not overly done and just perfect. The sex scenes are hot. I also loved that the characters from the Demonica series made some guest appearances. That was a great treat getting to see them and how their lives have turned out since that series ended.
I will have to recommend this book to everyone. It was a breath of fresh air. Larissa Ione never disappoints and she will have you hooked. I cant wait for the second book in the series Immortal Rider which is set to release December 2011.
Cara has the secret ability to heal animals, although she is not a practicing vet she tries to help and is thrown into a whole new world when an injured dog is brought to her doorstep. Just to add to this mess she then comes to find out, well, this isn't just a regular dog. Of course not it is a hellhound. Since she has no idea what in the world a hellhound actually is, but he bonds with her. Ares’ seal is passed over to Cara. Normally humans arent strong enough to carry Seals, but since she is now bonded to the hellhound, she is alive for the time being and Ares must make sure Cara stays that way. If not and his Seal is to break, he will become War and the world as she has come to know it will never be the same.
Getting into this book way never an issue. It was the same world but different main characters who by the end of book I loved. These new characters are not only interesting but I loved that they had a good and bad side to them. And you get to see both sides. *squee* As in any new book of series the information and rules are very detailed and tend to overwhelm you while you are trying to get lost in this world. Even though a lot of information is thrown at you, I loved how you are reminded through out the book so you never can forget what they are. Once you pass through the beginning of the book it turns into smooth sailing from there and you wont be able to put down this tasty treat.
I loved Ares! I mean the way his character is and comes undone with Cara was not only sweet but sigh worthy. He for sure had his swooning moments. The build up to their relationship was not overly done and just perfect. The sex scenes are hot. I also loved that the characters from the Demonica series made some guest appearances. That was a great treat getting to see them and how their lives have turned out since that series ended.
I will have to recommend this book to everyone. It was a breath of fresh air. Larissa Ione never disappoints and she will have you hooked. I cant wait for the second book in the series Immortal Rider which is set to release December 2011.
May 5, 2017
First, I just wanted to say how cool it was that Larissa Ione thanked her Twitter, FB, and GR friends in her acknowledgements because I was like, "Hey, that's me!" It was quite exciting.
So, the book started out just a little bit slow for me. I'm not exactly sure why, but it did, but I wasn't concerned because I knew I'd get into it. Then, it got really good and I started loving it. I was all over Ares and how sexy he was, and Cara and how awesome she was, and Kynan and how awesome I already knew he was, etc., etc., etc. Then...it started pissing me off quite a bit. Not the plot, because I thought the plot was actually really great, but a certain character.
I can't stand Cara. Which saddens me. I originally really liked her! Buuuut...I stopped liking her so much when she refused to transfer the agimortus to the Unfallen angel. What! I do not give a damn if you don't like violence, don't want to violate him, blah blah blah. If you so are so against violence, then why the hell wouldn't you transfer it to someone who was actually meant to carry the agimortus instead of being an idiot and holding on to it when you are going to die in a matter of days? When your freaking death will start freaking Armageddon?! The biggest war of all?! How is that even logical? HOW?! So, she refused to transfer it and it was all, "Good morning, Vietnam!" Except ten times worse. So, it was all downhill from there with me and Cara, and everything she did pissed me off.
Like with Cara, I started out loving Ares. Loved him. However, once I stopped liking Cara, I stopped loving Ares so much. I just...he freaking worshipped the ground she walked on and I just couldn't handle that. I mean, I still think he's sexy as hell and I still really like him, but I think he's an idiot.
On the bright side! I really, really loved seeing Wraith, Ky (Aw, he's a daddy!), Shade, Gem, Eidolon, and Arik. (Tayla not so much since I still don't like her.) It was really great to see them all again. It was like a big family reunion! *sniffle sniffle weep weep* I loved the character Hades and I look forward to seeing where Ione goes with him. Thanatos, even though he annoyed me sometimes, was extremely sexy. All those tattoos and piercings...*swoon!* I absolutely adored Limos and she is my favorite of the Horsemen. I cannot wait for her book! And I'm super psyched because it comes out on my birthday! Yay Limos and Arik!
One thing that I noticed was that Eternal Rider seemed quite similar to Passion Unleashed, and it reminded me of Wraith and Serena. Like Serena, Cara kept getting sicker and sicker and was what would affect the outcome of Ares' life like Serena did with Wraith. The only thing that was different was that Serena could have died, but Cara's death had to be prevented.
So...yeah. I actually did like this book. I really, really did. I just...had some issues with Cara and that's what brought this review down in starage. I can't wait for Immortal Rider because Limos is my favorite Horseman and I can't wait to read about her and Arik.
So, the book started out just a little bit slow for me. I'm not exactly sure why, but it did, but I wasn't concerned because I knew I'd get into it. Then, it got really good and I started loving it. I was all over Ares and how sexy he was, and Cara and how awesome she was, and Kynan and how awesome I already knew he was, etc., etc., etc. Then...it started pissing me off quite a bit. Not the plot, because I thought the plot was actually really great, but a certain character.
I can't stand Cara. Which saddens me. I originally really liked her! Buuuut...I stopped liking her so much when she refused to transfer the agimortus to the Unfallen angel. What! I do not give a damn if you don't like violence, don't want to violate him, blah blah blah. If you so are so against violence, then why the hell wouldn't you transfer it to someone who was actually meant to carry the agimortus instead of being an idiot and holding on to it when you are going to die in a matter of days? When your freaking death will start freaking Armageddon?! The biggest war of all?! How is that even logical? HOW?! So, she refused to transfer it and it was all, "Good morning, Vietnam!" Except ten times worse. So, it was all downhill from there with me and Cara, and everything she did pissed me off.
Like with Cara, I started out loving Ares. Loved him. However, once I stopped liking Cara, I stopped loving Ares so much. I just...he freaking worshipped the ground she walked on and I just couldn't handle that. I mean, I still think he's sexy as hell and I still really like him, but I think he's an idiot.
On the bright side! I really, really loved seeing Wraith, Ky (Aw, he's a daddy!), Shade, Gem, Eidolon, and Arik. (Tayla not so much since I still don't like her.) It was really great to see them all again. It was like a big family reunion! *sniffle sniffle weep weep* I loved the character Hades and I look forward to seeing where Ione goes with him. Thanatos, even though he annoyed me sometimes, was extremely sexy. All those tattoos and piercings...*swoon!* I absolutely adored Limos and she is my favorite of the Horsemen. I cannot wait for her book! And I'm super psyched because it comes out on my birthday! Yay Limos and Arik!
One thing that I noticed was that Eternal Rider seemed quite similar to Passion Unleashed, and it reminded me of Wraith and Serena. Like Serena, Cara kept getting sicker and sicker and was what would affect the outcome of Ares' life like Serena did with Wraith. The only thing that was different was that Serena could have died, but Cara's death had to be prevented.
So...yeah. I actually did like this book. I really, really did. I just...had some issues with Cara and that's what brought this review down in starage. I can't wait for Immortal Rider because Limos is my favorite Horseman and I can't wait to read about her and Arik.
April 2, 2011
This is dirty, hot, violent and so perfectly written that I have to wonder if Larissa Ione is really from this world. She is twisted and has this crazy "other world" so perfectly laid out that I am convinced that she is writing from experience rather than "make believe".
I'll review this later, right now, I'm just going to think about how much I enjoyed it!
I'll review this later, right now, I'm just going to think about how much I enjoyed it!
March 9, 2011
The Demonica series may have ended with Sin Undone, but its rich world is very much alive thanks to Larissa Ione's spinoff series Lords of Deliverance. Off the bat, I can tell you that you don't have to have read the Demonica books to enjoy Eternal Rider. While it doesn't build the world from scratch, our main characters have their own story to tell.
Let me give you the basics. There are four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. They're not bad guys. In fact, they want to be a force for good. But each carries a seal, that if broken, will unleash his (or her) curse. The first Horseman, Pestilence, had his seal broken during the events of Sin Undone. Now he is hellbent on breaking the seals of his brothers and sister and bringing about the apocalypse.
Ares is the Horseman of War. His seal is carried by a Fallen Angel. That seal will break if the angel dies. But it can be passed to someone else... which is what happens. A human, Cara, becomes the unwitting recipient. This throws her together with Ares, who has to protect her to protect his seal.
It took me a little while to really get into the book. Ione's books are always richly layered and that takes time to establish. The great secondary characters and storylines have always heated up the page, even if the main characters needed time to stumble their way through the book to get together. Obviously, that didn't happen in Pleasure Unbound, but the sexual element was there in that one from the very beginning. Here, we have neither the luxury of a great secondary story (like Kynan & Gem or Luc & Kar gave us in previous installments) or the quick sexual relationship we were treated to with Tayla & Eidolon. The result was something of a slow-build.
Of course, when things begin to heat up, the second half of the book flies by. Ione does a great job putting sex on paper. A really great job. The tension is palpable between Ares and Cara... and the payoff is even better. Plus, those fantastic Demonica characters are back, albeit in supporting roles. It was wonderful to see our old friends again and revisit Underworld General Hospital. Ione has also laid the foundation for the next book in the series, centered on the female Horseman, Limos. My wheels are already spinning with ideas about what will happen next. 4 stars.
*ARC Provided by Grand Central Publishing/Hachette Book Group
Let me give you the basics. There are four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. They're not bad guys. In fact, they want to be a force for good. But each carries a seal, that if broken, will unleash his (or her) curse. The first Horseman, Pestilence, had his seal broken during the events of Sin Undone. Now he is hellbent on breaking the seals of his brothers and sister and bringing about the apocalypse.
Ares is the Horseman of War. His seal is carried by a Fallen Angel. That seal will break if the angel dies. But it can be passed to someone else... which is what happens. A human, Cara, becomes the unwitting recipient. This throws her together with Ares, who has to protect her to protect his seal.
It took me a little while to really get into the book. Ione's books are always richly layered and that takes time to establish. The great secondary characters and storylines have always heated up the page, even if the main characters needed time to stumble their way through the book to get together. Obviously, that didn't happen in Pleasure Unbound, but the sexual element was there in that one from the very beginning. Here, we have neither the luxury of a great secondary story (like Kynan & Gem or Luc & Kar gave us in previous installments) or the quick sexual relationship we were treated to with Tayla & Eidolon. The result was something of a slow-build.
Of course, when things begin to heat up, the second half of the book flies by. Ione does a great job putting sex on paper. A really great job. The tension is palpable between Ares and Cara... and the payoff is even better. Plus, those fantastic Demonica characters are back, albeit in supporting roles. It was wonderful to see our old friends again and revisit Underworld General Hospital. Ione has also laid the foundation for the next book in the series, centered on the female Horseman, Limos. My wheels are already spinning with ideas about what will happen next. 4 stars.
*ARC Provided by Grand Central Publishing/Hachette Book Group
May 31, 2012
Awesome! I loved this!
I’m a sucker for books that take Biblical themes and build upon them. Angels, demons, images of heaven and hell, obscure Biblical and apocryphal stories – I love it. Larissa Ione’s Eternal Rider gives the story a modern flavor. The series builds upon the author’s Demonica series and is best read after Sin Undone. Many of the Demonica character favorites appear in this spin-off series.
Larissa Ione has superb storytelling skills. From the first page to the last, the book was action-packed, fast paced, and full of sexual steaminess. I could not put this book down. The world building is spectacular. The reader is immersed in a world full of angels, demons, and other creatures all waging a war between good and evil. The battle scenes were extremely well done. I felt as if I were there. I enjoyed the author’s sense of humor. Her dialogues are witty and clever. Her use of acronyms makes me chuckle. Who else would name their hospital UGH – Underworld General Hospital?
When it comes to writing alpha males, the author is in a class by herself. The descriptions of Ares had me swooning. I loved Ares and his love interest Cara. They were wonderful together.
Of course, the story can always be improved with the addition of a cute puppy. In this case, a cute hellhound named Hal, short for Halitosis. Best watchdog ever!
If you haven't read Larissa Ione's Demonica series, I would suggest you start there, just to get a taste of her world. You can start with this book, but you may miss some of the fun stuff.
Check out my review on Badass Book Reviews.
I’m a sucker for books that take Biblical themes and build upon them. Angels, demons, images of heaven and hell, obscure Biblical and apocryphal stories – I love it. Larissa Ione’s Eternal Rider gives the story a modern flavor. The series builds upon the author’s Demonica series and is best read after Sin Undone. Many of the Demonica character favorites appear in this spin-off series.
Larissa Ione has superb storytelling skills. From the first page to the last, the book was action-packed, fast paced, and full of sexual steaminess. I could not put this book down. The world building is spectacular. The reader is immersed in a world full of angels, demons, and other creatures all waging a war between good and evil. The battle scenes were extremely well done. I felt as if I were there. I enjoyed the author’s sense of humor. Her dialogues are witty and clever. Her use of acronyms makes me chuckle. Who else would name their hospital UGH – Underworld General Hospital?
When it comes to writing alpha males, the author is in a class by herself. The descriptions of Ares had me swooning. I loved Ares and his love interest Cara. They were wonderful together.
Of course, the story can always be improved with the addition of a cute puppy. In this case, a cute hellhound named Hal, short for Halitosis. Best watchdog ever!
If you haven't read Larissa Ione's Demonica series, I would suggest you start there, just to get a taste of her world. You can start with this book, but you may miss some of the fun stuff.
Check out my review on Badass Book Reviews.
March 28, 2012
5*+++
Larissa Ione has surpassed herself! I loved this book!
Cara was on hell of a heroin. She is courageous, funny and sarcastic. Ares is a walking legend(an wet dream) and he is so sweet when he doesn't know what to do with her or his emotions...
Fav qoute:
There was another long silence, and then, “Did you love your wife?”
He smiled, but she couldn’t have seen it. “Love was never part of our life. It was an arranged marriage. My wife knew what was expected of her, and she pleased me well enough.”
“Well… enough? Sounds like it was fun to be her.”
“She had a good life.” It was her death that was the atrocity. “No need to be outraged on her behalf. I didn’t beat her, I allowed her to spend coin on luxuries, and I didn’t take mistresses.”
“How considerate of you.”
He turned to Cara, reached out to brush a wind-blown lock of hair off her face. “It had nothing to do with being considerate. Truly, I was a bastard. I simply had no interest in women. Fighting was my life.” He waggled his brows. “The Greek god, Ares, is based on me.”
She rolled her eyes. “That must have been an ego boost."
“I miss the days of the Greek empire. It was cool being a god.” He sighed. “Then the single-deity religions came along and ruined everything.”
“Gee, I’m so sorry.”
Larissa Ione has surpassed herself! I loved this book!
Cara was on hell of a heroin. She is courageous, funny and sarcastic. Ares is a walking legend(an wet dream) and he is so sweet when he doesn't know what to do with her or his emotions...
Fav qoute:
There was another long silence, and then, “Did you love your wife?”
He smiled, but she couldn’t have seen it. “Love was never part of our life. It was an arranged marriage. My wife knew what was expected of her, and she pleased me well enough.”
“Well… enough? Sounds like it was fun to be her.”
“She had a good life.” It was her death that was the atrocity. “No need to be outraged on her behalf. I didn’t beat her, I allowed her to spend coin on luxuries, and I didn’t take mistresses.”
“How considerate of you.”
He turned to Cara, reached out to brush a wind-blown lock of hair off her face. “It had nothing to do with being considerate. Truly, I was a bastard. I simply had no interest in women. Fighting was my life.” He waggled his brows. “The Greek god, Ares, is based on me.”
She rolled her eyes. “That must have been an ego boost."
“I miss the days of the Greek empire. It was cool being a god.” He sighed. “Then the single-deity religions came along and ruined everything.”
“Gee, I’m so sorry.”
June 1, 2022
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
First Impressions
Eternal Rider is the first book in the Lords of Deliverance series but this series is also connected with the Demonica series as well. I have really been remiss in reading this author, and I am not sure why I haven’t read these books yet, I have always enjoyed her writing style and the way in which she crafts her world-building. I think because I have read the first two books in the Demonica series and they weren’t my favorite of her work, but when I saw that this one was available at my library, I just knew that I had to get back to this world and I definitely am thrilled that I got back to this author and yeah its a classic fantasy/PNR series and I am wishing I had read this years ago, but it’s never too late to pick up a kick-ass series like this one. I really have a soft spot for mythological fantasy and this one was so well written and I was so drawn into this world very quickly, and if you haven’t read this series, you definitely need to change that.
Summary
We get introduced to the four horseman of the Apocalypse, and Area is also known as “War” and if he falls to evil and breaks the seal, then mankind will fall too. And with his own brother Pestilence plotting his destruction and that of the world, Ares has his hands full keeping evil at bay and protecting his siblings. Then enters Cara mThornhart who is the key to his salvation. Cara is a human but with certain gifts. When a hellhound puppy is brought to her, and she heals his wound, the hellhound binds her to him and changes her destiny in a way she never imagined. She is now seeing people as they really are, demons and other mythological creatures within the human society, but it is Ares who ends up saving her life and they join forces as it becomes apparent that Cara is the key to saving the world. But as Ares and Cara work together, a sizzling attraction builds between them and they soon realize that their connection is powerful but can it last with Cara’s dying or will they find their way to their HEA….
What I Loved
This book was simply superb and I had such a fun time listening to this one. I wasn’t sure what I was really getting into with this one and I quickly jumped into this one, I didn’t even look at the blurb before jumping into this one, I just had a gut feeling that I wouldn’t need to and yeah I didn’t need to at all. I was quickly swept up in this story and the way that this author captures your attention very quickly. I really had a blast with the Area/Cara pairing. I actually adored Cara as the heroine, she has such a spine of steel and I felt her reactions to her reality shifting, to be quite realistic. I really admired the way that she handles Ares too. He is a handful (haha) and I really felt like Cara just handled him so well and knew when to stand her ground and when not to although it takes a learning curve. Ares is a dreamboat of the fantastical world, he has such a tortured soul but at the same time, he has this vulnerability that is so raw and sexy at the same time. I really liked that he was willing to do what it took to protect the world and those he cared about. The ending worked its way for a HEA with so much surprise and flair and surprised me as I didn’t see that twist happening. But that is what I really respect about Larissa Ione, she will always deliver in those shocking turnabouts when you least expect it. We are introduced to some fun characters and I can’t wait to get more of it.
What I Struggled With
There wasn’t really much I struggled with at all, the pacing was a bit off in moments in the first half but it wasn’t often so doesn’t detract much from my rating
The Narration
I have come to really love this narrator, she does such a superb job and she really portrayed these characters so well. Her voice is lovely and draws you into the world very quickly. She handles the level of emotion just right and brings a new level of narration that is delightful and makes for an entertaining listen.
Overall View
Eternal Rider is a action-packed fantasy romance that will bring a new level of intensity, raw sensuality and adventure to the reader! Larissa Ione delivers in every way and will only engage you in a fierce manner that will have you wanting to grab the next installment as fast as you can!
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
First Impressions
Eternal Rider is the first book in the Lords of Deliverance series but this series is also connected with the Demonica series as well. I have really been remiss in reading this author, and I am not sure why I haven’t read these books yet, I have always enjoyed her writing style and the way in which she crafts her world-building. I think because I have read the first two books in the Demonica series and they weren’t my favorite of her work, but when I saw that this one was available at my library, I just knew that I had to get back to this world and I definitely am thrilled that I got back to this author and yeah its a classic fantasy/PNR series and I am wishing I had read this years ago, but it’s never too late to pick up a kick-ass series like this one. I really have a soft spot for mythological fantasy and this one was so well written and I was so drawn into this world very quickly, and if you haven’t read this series, you definitely need to change that.
His hand sliced through the air in a silencing motion, and he stalked to the window. “Have you seen any rats?”
Her mind spun at the sudden shift of subject. “Rats?”
“Rodents that resemble large mice.”
“I know what rats are,” she gritted out. “Why?”
“They’re spies.” He peered through the curtain into the darkness. Thick fog diffused the yellow lamplight, creating an eerie glow on the street below. “Have you seen any?”
Rodent spies? The man might be hot as hell, but he was a loon. As inconspicuously as possible, Cara inched toward the door. “I didn’t see any furry little James Bonds.”
Summary
We get introduced to the four horseman of the Apocalypse, and Area is also known as “War” and if he falls to evil and breaks the seal, then mankind will fall too. And with his own brother Pestilence plotting his destruction and that of the world, Ares has his hands full keeping evil at bay and protecting his siblings. Then enters Cara mThornhart who is the key to his salvation. Cara is a human but with certain gifts. When a hellhound puppy is brought to her, and she heals his wound, the hellhound binds her to him and changes her destiny in a way she never imagined. She is now seeing people as they really are, demons and other mythological creatures within the human society, but it is Ares who ends up saving her life and they join forces as it becomes apparent that Cara is the key to saving the world. But as Ares and Cara work together, a sizzling attraction builds between them and they soon realize that their connection is powerful but can it last with Cara’s dying or will they find their way to their HEA….
Was he actually looking forward to seeing Cara again? The goofy way his lips were curved into a smile said yes, and horror of horrors, he realized he was experiencing some sort of crush. He needed to kill something.
What I Loved
This book was simply superb and I had such a fun time listening to this one. I wasn’t sure what I was really getting into with this one and I quickly jumped into this one, I didn’t even look at the blurb before jumping into this one, I just had a gut feeling that I wouldn’t need to and yeah I didn’t need to at all. I was quickly swept up in this story and the way that this author captures your attention very quickly. I really had a blast with the Area/Cara pairing. I actually adored Cara as the heroine, she has such a spine of steel and I felt her reactions to her reality shifting, to be quite realistic. I really admired the way that she handles Ares too. He is a handful (haha) and I really felt like Cara just handled him so well and knew when to stand her ground and when not to although it takes a learning curve. Ares is a dreamboat of the fantastical world, he has such a tortured soul but at the same time, he has this vulnerability that is so raw and sexy at the same time. I really liked that he was willing to do what it took to protect the world and those he cared about. The ending worked its way for a HEA with so much surprise and flair and surprised me as I didn’t see that twist happening. But that is what I really respect about Larissa Ione, she will always deliver in those shocking turnabouts when you least expect it. We are introduced to some fun characters and I can’t wait to get more of it.
“I’ll listen to you, but you need to treat me with a little respect. Because it doesn’t sound like I’m a pawn. Sounds like I’m more of a queen.” A vein in his temple began to throb, and she grew bolder, the sense of power emanating from the mark on her chest filing her with the mettle she’d lost after the break-in two years ago. Lowering her voice to a tense whisper, she nipped his earlobe. “Checkmate.”
What I Struggled With
There wasn’t really much I struggled with at all, the pacing was a bit off in moments in the first half but it wasn’t often so doesn’t detract much from my rating
The Narration
I have come to really love this narrator, she does such a superb job and she really portrayed these characters so well. Her voice is lovely and draws you into the world very quickly. She handles the level of emotion just right and brings a new level of narration that is delightful and makes for an entertaining listen.
Overall View
Eternal Rider is a action-packed fantasy romance that will bring a new level of intensity, raw sensuality and adventure to the reader! Larissa Ione delivers in every way and will only engage you in a fierce manner that will have you wanting to grab the next installment as fast as you can!
Let a woman too close and while she sucked your cock, she sucked your brains and manhood right out of you too…
October 6, 2019
I’m done with this series. I am seriously done with it. I have never been a huge fan of it and read it a bit out of some strange habit. I’ve read the first book for its great reviews and then follow on because I don’t like leaving things unfinished – the book series included. But I’m over it.
The world introduced by the books that I found really refreshing and innovative in the first book, with every story became more and more complicated. There are tons of different species, complicated and confusing rules and even more exceptions from them. I gave up following those few books ago. Hundreds species of demons with different abilities, angels, fallen angels, The Aegis, werewolves, vampires and now The Horsemen of Apocalypse and hellhounds – with every book you are presented with a new idea and different set of rules. Oh, and don’t forget about Cara and her gift that is not even part of this universe as it seems. I’m tired of these all.
To be totally honest most of the time I don’t even remember the characters from the previous books. Like, I remember Wraith, but I have seriously no idea who is his wife or even what is her name. And to be totally honest I’m not upset about it. And I can already say that I won’t remember Cara or Ares. Simply because they are completely unremarkable and paper thin. Cara is just annoying in her stubbornness. And Ares who supposed to be a tortured hero is just not an interesting character. There is nothing in them that would make them distinct. Or that would make me care about them.
Ares’s siblings look like interesting characters and at first I was thrilled when I found out that the next book is about Limos. But Ares book ends with a sneak peek of some great secret in her life. It worked like a cold shower on me. More secrets with a potential to change the world! Oh, I’m tired of that. I don’t think I will read the next book in this series unless I need it for some challenge.
The world introduced by the books that I found really refreshing and innovative in the first book, with every story became more and more complicated. There are tons of different species, complicated and confusing rules and even more exceptions from them. I gave up following those few books ago. Hundreds species of demons with different abilities, angels, fallen angels, The Aegis, werewolves, vampires and now The Horsemen of Apocalypse and hellhounds – with every book you are presented with a new idea and different set of rules. Oh, and don’t forget about Cara and her gift that is not even part of this universe as it seems. I’m tired of these all.
To be totally honest most of the time I don’t even remember the characters from the previous books. Like, I remember Wraith, but I have seriously no idea who is his wife or even what is her name. And to be totally honest I’m not upset about it. And I can already say that I won’t remember Cara or Ares. Simply because they are completely unremarkable and paper thin. Cara is just annoying in her stubbornness. And Ares who supposed to be a tortured hero is just not an interesting character. There is nothing in them that would make them distinct. Or that would make me care about them.
Ares’s siblings look like interesting characters and at first I was thrilled when I found out that the next book is about Limos. But Ares book ends with a sneak peek of some great secret in her life. It worked like a cold shower on me. More secrets with a potential to change the world! Oh, I’m tired of that. I don’t think I will read the next book in this series unless I need it for some challenge.
June 3, 2012
Larissa Ione stacked her Demonica series on sympathetic men and women, a compendium-full of demons neither sparkly nor vegetarian, twisty plots, violence, romance, and brotherly bonds that inspire bloodshed and manly half-hugs.
Which is why Eternal Rider disappointed me.
Ever ambitious, in her Lords of Deliverance quintet, Ione attacks the biblical four horsemen of the Apocalypse.
It was violent at least. When catastrophe strikes, magically warping affable horseman Reseph to villain, his brothers, Ares and Thanatos, and his sister, Limos, must stop his crimes and prevent Armageddon. Reseph as Pestilence exploits a cruel imagination, and the horsemen cannot technically die, so stuff gets bloody.
Pestilence and co. clash with male lead Ares here or there, but love interest Cara says it best. When an angel asks her if she's having difficulty reconciling his existence, she scoffs, "I'm sitting in a room with the second Horseman of the Apocalypse." Girlfriend ain't kidding. She sits in that room for the entire book. When Ares and Cara reach his Greek villa, they don't leave. Picturesque Greek getaways have no place in apocalyptic novels, ladies and gentlemen.
But NU! you say. If not action, then character development? I could summarize Cara and Ares' respective baggage in two lines. (I won't.) We didn't need an endless pitstop.
Ares himself disappointed me. Ione excels at writing characters that we imagine relaxing and watching an episode of Grimm with us. She didn't need to resort to the caveman alpha, and Ares suffers the same problem as any rake in fiction. He's lapped the block so many times, it's unbelievable when he settles with a doe. Those people die of syphillis, m'kay?
Cara's growth spurt from shrinking violet to... something else, stretched credibility too, especially when she attributes that to Ares. Ares didn't support her. He couldn't have made her stronger, unless you believe in the school of hard knocks. I would have liked her stronger, minus the trite Oh-noes-I-killed-in-self-defense episode. Where's Chess when you need her? She's another soft and ever so gentle Girl Healer archetype.
Finally, Ares interacted with two brothers and a sister, but I missed the family element. I don't know if I was missing the sibling ribbings or if the horsemen just seemed too inhuman. That's the problem with near-godly, done-everything-in-existence characters.
That was harsh. I'll say Ares appealed more when he finally developed, y'know, emotions, in the last quarter after knocking boots, and the moments when the horsemen's familial feelings did arise, e.g. Limos thinking about her brothers. Also the Seminus' bros cameos. Also the cover! Dude on a horse. From the Isaiah Mustafa Guide to Success.
In short, read this if you love Thor and long walks on the beach. LOL. Two stars. Now. I REQUIRE SUSTENANCE!
Which is why Eternal Rider disappointed me.
Ever ambitious, in her Lords of Deliverance quintet, Ione attacks the biblical four horsemen of the Apocalypse.
It was violent at least. When catastrophe strikes, magically warping affable horseman Reseph to villain, his brothers, Ares and Thanatos, and his sister, Limos, must stop his crimes and prevent Armageddon. Reseph as Pestilence exploits a cruel imagination, and the horsemen cannot technically die, so stuff gets bloody.
Pestilence and co. clash with male lead Ares here or there, but love interest Cara says it best. When an angel asks her if she's having difficulty reconciling his existence, she scoffs, "I'm sitting in a room with the second Horseman of the Apocalypse." Girlfriend ain't kidding. She sits in that room for the entire book. When Ares and Cara reach his Greek villa, they don't leave. Picturesque Greek getaways have no place in apocalyptic novels, ladies and gentlemen.
But NU! you say. If not action, then character development? I could summarize Cara and Ares' respective baggage in two lines. (I won't.) We didn't need an endless pitstop.
Ares himself disappointed me. Ione excels at writing characters that we imagine relaxing and watching an episode of Grimm with us. She didn't need to resort to the caveman alpha, and Ares suffers the same problem as any rake in fiction. He's lapped the block so many times, it's unbelievable when he settles with a doe. Those people die of syphillis, m'kay?
Cara's growth spurt from shrinking violet to... something else, stretched credibility too, especially when she attributes that to Ares. Ares didn't support her. He couldn't have made her stronger, unless you believe in the school of hard knocks. I would have liked her stronger, minus the trite Oh-noes-I-killed-in-self-defense episode. Where's Chess when you need her? She's another soft and ever so gentle Girl Healer archetype.
Finally, Ares interacted with two brothers and a sister, but I missed the family element. I don't know if I was missing the sibling ribbings or if the horsemen just seemed too inhuman. That's the problem with near-godly, done-everything-in-existence characters.
That was harsh. I'll say Ares appealed more when he finally developed, y'know, emotions, in the last quarter after knocking boots, and the moments when the horsemen's familial feelings did arise, e.g. Limos thinking about her brothers. Also the Seminus' bros cameos. Also the cover! Dude on a horse. From the Isaiah Mustafa Guide to Success.
In short, read this if you love Thor and long walks on the beach. LOL. Two stars. Now. I REQUIRE SUSTENANCE!
March 24, 2011
Let’s all jump for joy – Larissa Ione has a new series out. Her Demonica series is one of my favorites, not only for the super sexy romance, but her humorous, warm characters. I am so glad that although set in the same world as Demonica, we have four new main characters with the same wit and sexy behavior. Now, although this is a spin-off series, there are a lot of new rules we have to learn. Demons are not the main focus of this one, the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are in the spotlight. Ares (War), Reseph (Pestilence), Thanatos (Death), and the only girl of the group, Limos (Famine). Each of the Horsemen have a Seal and each Seal comes with two prophecies. Don’t let the Seal break, and save the world. But if the Seal does break, it will be the end of the world. Unfortunately, Reseph’s Seal broke and the once good natured brother, is now reveling in causing disease and plagues throughout the world.
Cara gets dragged into the mess when an injured dog lands on her doorstep. Although not a practicing vet, she has a secret magical ability to heal animals, although it scares her to use it. But this dog is no ordinary dog – it is actually a hellhound puppy that unknown to her, bonds with her. Through a series of events, the unfallen angel that is carrying Ares’ seal, passes it to Cara. A human isn’t suppose to be strong enough to carry Seals, but because she is bonded to the hellhound, she is alive – for now. Ares must make sure Cara stays alive, or he his Seal will break and he will become “War.”
It took me a good bit to get into this book. Like I said, it is set in Demonica’s world, but there are so many new rules we have to learn. I honestly became a little overwhelmed at the beginning with the information overload. But, Larissa Ione does a nice job throughout the book reminding you of all the rules, that my advice is to just plow your way through the beginning, because it works out that you won’t be lost. I love that the Horsemen have the capacity to become these very evil beings, and when triggered, their curses start to come out –yet they really are fighting on the side of good. And even better, the Aegis, who is a human group who protects the world from demons, etc… have this ambiguous role in the book. Even though they are here to protect Earth, many times they ultimately do things to hurt events put in motion by the Horsemen. The lines of good vs. evil are blurred and it really makes it to be an interesting aspect of the book.
One person who is truly evil is Reseph (who turned into Pestilence). He is violent, horrible, and unforgiving. And I assume he eventually must turn around and become good and get his own book (or so I hope) and I’m dying to see how this happens. Right now he is totally unredeemable. And I love it.
Ares and Cara have a nice build up to their romance, and per Larissa Ione style, very nice sex scenes. The action is great and the supporting characters all play nice roles. We see lots of Demonica characters as well- Reaver (an angel who is a “watcher” of the Horsemen) Kynan and Arik. Eidolen and Wraith each have a small role as well.
Overall, a nice start to this new series. Very excited about the rest of the siblings, especially with Limos up next!
Rating: B
Cara gets dragged into the mess when an injured dog lands on her doorstep. Although not a practicing vet, she has a secret magical ability to heal animals, although it scares her to use it. But this dog is no ordinary dog – it is actually a hellhound puppy that unknown to her, bonds with her. Through a series of events, the unfallen angel that is carrying Ares’ seal, passes it to Cara. A human isn’t suppose to be strong enough to carry Seals, but because she is bonded to the hellhound, she is alive – for now. Ares must make sure Cara stays alive, or he his Seal will break and he will become “War.”
It took me a good bit to get into this book. Like I said, it is set in Demonica’s world, but there are so many new rules we have to learn. I honestly became a little overwhelmed at the beginning with the information overload. But, Larissa Ione does a nice job throughout the book reminding you of all the rules, that my advice is to just plow your way through the beginning, because it works out that you won’t be lost. I love that the Horsemen have the capacity to become these very evil beings, and when triggered, their curses start to come out –yet they really are fighting on the side of good. And even better, the Aegis, who is a human group who protects the world from demons, etc… have this ambiguous role in the book. Even though they are here to protect Earth, many times they ultimately do things to hurt events put in motion by the Horsemen. The lines of good vs. evil are blurred and it really makes it to be an interesting aspect of the book.
One person who is truly evil is Reseph (who turned into Pestilence). He is violent, horrible, and unforgiving. And I assume he eventually must turn around and become good and get his own book (or so I hope) and I’m dying to see how this happens. Right now he is totally unredeemable. And I love it.
Ares and Cara have a nice build up to their romance, and per Larissa Ione style, very nice sex scenes. The action is great and the supporting characters all play nice roles. We see lots of Demonica characters as well- Reaver (an angel who is a “watcher” of the Horsemen) Kynan and Arik. Eidolen and Wraith each have a small role as well.
Overall, a nice start to this new series. Very excited about the rest of the siblings, especially with Limos up next!
Rating: B
March 17, 2012
Ayyy! Başlarda ne kadarda karışıktı kitap.Kim kimdri, kimin nesidir, olay nedir, nereye yetişiyoruz felan oldum.Kafam karıştı bi anda...Neyse sonuç olarak okundu ve bitti =)
Olay şu ki; mahşerin dört atlısını konu almakta seri.(Ares (Savaş), Reseph ( Salgın), Thanatos (Ölüm) ve grubun tek bayan üyesi, Limos ( Kıtlık).)
Kitapta olaylar Reseph'in agimortusunun(mührünün kırılmasına neden olan şey,olay)kırılmasıyla başlıyor.Ama artık o Reseph değildir, mührü kırılınca Salgın(Pestilence) adını almıştır.Bildiğiniz kötü çocuk yani :D Eh madem kendisi kötü olmuştur o zaman kardeşlerininde kötü olması için sıra onların mühürlerindedir değil mi?Ve Salgın onların mühürlerini kırmak için her şeyi yapacaktır.Her şeyi.
Ares ikinci atlıdır, ve eğer mührü kırılırsa War(Savaş) olacaktır.Bunun olmaması içinde onun agimortusunu taşıyan, cennetten kovulan meleği koruması yeterlidir.Tabi onu bulabilirse..zira kayıplardadır.
Cara ise hayvanları iyileştirme yeteneğine sahip bir insandır.Son iki yıldır psikolojisi biraz bozuk olsada iyi, hoş bi kızdır :D Bilmeden Cehennem köpeklerinden birisini (Hal) iyileştirmiş ve ondan sulu sulu bi öpücük almıştır, herşeyden habersiz.Derken işler iyice karışmış ve birden Ares’in mührü artık Cara'nın sorumluluğunda,zira Salgın cennetten kovulan melekleri tek tek öldürmekte. İnsanlar, normalde mührü taşıyacak kadar güçlü değiller ama Cara cehennem köpeğine bağlı kaldığı sürece, hayatta kalabilir.
Çiftimiz hem birbirlerine olan çekimle baş etmeye çalışıp, hemde Salgın'dan korunup bir cennetten kovulan melek aramaktadır.İkisininde geçmişlerinde üzüntü verici olaylar vardır.Bu yüzden birbirlerini sevdiklerini anlamaları uzun sürdü ama güzel bitti.
Kitapta sürüsüne olay ve karakter vardı..Kime değinsem ne desem bilemedim ama hikaye ve karakterler iyiydi..ben sevdim..Sonunda Limos'a dair bi bölüm vermişler ve böylece beni merakta bırakmışlar..Tüff! yani.Ama olsun kızımız bunu atlatır..Ve Salgın'ın Reseph olması için çözüm bulurlar...
Ahh bu arada azıcıcıkta olsa gördüğümüz Hades burdada çok tatlıydı;)
Olay şu ki; mahşerin dört atlısını konu almakta seri.(Ares (Savaş), Reseph ( Salgın), Thanatos (Ölüm) ve grubun tek bayan üyesi, Limos ( Kıtlık).)
Kitapta olaylar Reseph'in agimortusunun(mührünün kırılmasına neden olan şey,olay)kırılmasıyla başlıyor.Ama artık o Reseph değildir, mührü kırılınca Salgın(Pestilence) adını almıştır.Bildiğiniz kötü çocuk yani :D Eh madem kendisi kötü olmuştur o zaman kardeşlerininde kötü olması için sıra onların mühürlerindedir değil mi?Ve Salgın onların mühürlerini kırmak için her şeyi yapacaktır.Her şeyi.
Ares ikinci atlıdır, ve eğer mührü kırılırsa War(Savaş) olacaktır.Bunun olmaması içinde onun agimortusunu taşıyan, cennetten kovulan meleği koruması yeterlidir.Tabi onu bulabilirse..zira kayıplardadır.
Cara ise hayvanları iyileştirme yeteneğine sahip bir insandır.Son iki yıldır psikolojisi biraz bozuk olsada iyi, hoş bi kızdır :D Bilmeden Cehennem köpeklerinden birisini (Hal) iyileştirmiş ve ondan sulu sulu bi öpücük almıştır, herşeyden habersiz.Derken işler iyice karışmış ve birden Ares’in mührü artık Cara'nın sorumluluğunda,zira Salgın cennetten kovulan melekleri tek tek öldürmekte. İnsanlar, normalde mührü taşıyacak kadar güçlü değiller ama Cara cehennem köpeğine bağlı kaldığı sürece, hayatta kalabilir.
Çiftimiz hem birbirlerine olan çekimle baş etmeye çalışıp, hemde Salgın'dan korunup bir cennetten kovulan melek aramaktadır.İkisininde geçmişlerinde üzüntü verici olaylar vardır.Bu yüzden birbirlerini sevdiklerini anlamaları uzun sürdü ama güzel bitti.
Kitapta sürüsüne olay ve karakter vardı..Kime değinsem ne desem bilemedim ama hikaye ve karakterler iyiydi..ben sevdim..Sonunda Limos'a dair bi bölüm vermişler ve böylece beni merakta bırakmışlar..Tüff! yani.Ama olsun kızımız bunu atlatır..Ve Salgın'ın Reseph olması için çözüm bulurlar...
Ahh bu arada azıcıcıkta olsa gördüğümüz Hades burdada çok tatlıydı;)
July 10, 2015
Rating and review to come
~o~o~o~o~o~o~o
2 June 2015
I'm not sure what and how to rave about this book as I speculate that I may be one of the last reader on earth to have just started the series and now posting a review.
Nevertheless this book owned me from the first page to last.
Although visualizing what I read made my brain hurt but without a doubt the author has got me snared.
For such a complex genre, the setup of characters, characters' hierarchy and the settings (the creativity and world-building are just stunning) I was completely taken aback. I was so amazed at the ease of unfolding the story right before my eyes, how everything was explained and developed. I never felt it was being laid out fast nor in dot points nor too much information was given at once.
Characters are very interesting too.
They were who they were, the author didn't beat around the bush. No bullsh*t, no excuses, no apologies necessary.
And the supporting cast of characters! I would love to see all of them have their own books for the readers to devour in the future (if it hasn't happened yet)
And the love story in this book is very straight forward. They didn't dance around their attraction nor played hard to get. I usually like the cats and dogs romance but this is just a fresh of breath air and I truly enjoyed every single moment they shared.
Ratings: 4.5 stars
Verdict: From the concept of the story to the character development this story easily earned its way into my favorites.
A new series to love!!
Highly recommended ESP to PNR fans
~o~o~o~o~o~o~o
2 June 2015
I'm not sure what and how to rave about this book as I speculate that I may be one of the last reader on earth to have just started the series and now posting a review.
Nevertheless this book owned me from the first page to last.
Although visualizing what I read made my brain hurt but without a doubt the author has got me snared.
For such a complex genre, the setup of characters, characters' hierarchy and the settings (the creativity and world-building are just stunning) I was completely taken aback. I was so amazed at the ease of unfolding the story right before my eyes, how everything was explained and developed. I never felt it was being laid out fast nor in dot points nor too much information was given at once.
Characters are very interesting too.
They were who they were, the author didn't beat around the bush. No bullsh*t, no excuses, no apologies necessary.
And the supporting cast of characters! I would love to see all of them have their own books for the readers to devour in the future (if it hasn't happened yet)
And the love story in this book is very straight forward. They didn't dance around their attraction nor played hard to get. I usually like the cats and dogs romance but this is just a fresh of breath air and I truly enjoyed every single moment they shared.
Ratings: 4.5 stars
Verdict: From the concept of the story to the character development this story easily earned its way into my favorites.
A new series to love!!
Highly recommended ESP to PNR fans
May 31, 2011
4.5 STARS
There's ONLY ONE reason for why I'm only giving 4 stars to this book and it's because I have NO DOUBT WHATSOEVER that this series will only get better, and in a way I feel I only want to use the 5 stars once that happens. For a first book in a series it couldn't have been better, although if it had been longer and with more information about the other Lords maybe it could have,LOL.
SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT THIS AMAZING AUTHOR:
Again I remember why I admire this author so much: I believe Larissa Ione has become one of the best authors in this genre. Not only does she have one of the best sense of humors out there but she is capable of giving us so much more than the other authors in this genre. Her books are not only some science fiction, a bit of romance and hot scenes all mixed up, she goes so much more beyond that. With every book written by her we get an amazing plot (which will get us hooked till the end without being able to stop or read it slow, even if you want or need to), the best characters ever (which are so very different between each other that you get to feel you actually get to know them more and more with every page, like they were real) and too many amazing laughs. But more than all that, what I adore the most about this author is the way she has to create a WHOLE NEW world from scratch. While reading her books, we don't think about any other series we have read, that's because there just are't similar series out there, her's is just so original that you can't help to love it (I'm talking about her Demonica and Lords of Deliverance series as they are both set in the same world).
I just know that everything written by this author will be read and recommended by me because there's no way Larissa Ione can write something I don't end up loving it.
SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT THE BOOK:
I don't even know what to say! I just loved it, an amazing beginning to a series that seem it can only get more interesting and addicting. I really can't wait for the next installment. The romance was amazing as well as the plot. Although here is the reason I didn't give a higher rating to the book, I did feel like the plot and the character could have been better developed. I would have LOVED to read a longer book about this 2 main characters. I also felt like much more could have been explained about this 4 siblings and their history as have lived for so long. The whole time I wanted to know them better but I never felt like I did. With the Demonica books I always felt I got to know so well the characters I could never get them confused. In this book I felt this was missing a bit, I would have loved to see more glimpses of the siblings personalities.Also the bad guy being one of the brothers was kind of a bummer as it reminded me of the Demonica series. I would have definitely prefer they helped him become one of the good guys again and finding a new enemy to fight against, I love the family bonds that we get to see between the characters in Larissa's books and I don't want to see one of the brothers as one of the bad guys AGAIN.
But apart from this minor things the book was astonishing and I couldn't put it down.I know next book can only get better and I can't wait.
There's ONLY ONE reason for why I'm only giving 4 stars to this book and it's because I have NO DOUBT WHATSOEVER that this series will only get better, and in a way I feel I only want to use the 5 stars once that happens. For a first book in a series it couldn't have been better, although if it had been longer and with more information about the other Lords maybe it could have,LOL.
SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT THIS AMAZING AUTHOR:
Again I remember why I admire this author so much: I believe Larissa Ione has become one of the best authors in this genre. Not only does she have one of the best sense of humors out there but she is capable of giving us so much more than the other authors in this genre. Her books are not only some science fiction, a bit of romance and hot scenes all mixed up, she goes so much more beyond that. With every book written by her we get an amazing plot (which will get us hooked till the end without being able to stop or read it slow, even if you want or need to), the best characters ever (which are so very different between each other that you get to feel you actually get to know them more and more with every page, like they were real) and too many amazing laughs. But more than all that, what I adore the most about this author is the way she has to create a WHOLE NEW world from scratch. While reading her books, we don't think about any other series we have read, that's because there just are't similar series out there, her's is just so original that you can't help to love it (I'm talking about her Demonica and Lords of Deliverance series as they are both set in the same world).
I just know that everything written by this author will be read and recommended by me because there's no way Larissa Ione can write something I don't end up loving it.
SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT THE BOOK:
I don't even know what to say! I just loved it, an amazing beginning to a series that seem it can only get more interesting and addicting. I really can't wait for the next installment. The romance was amazing as well as the plot. Although here is the reason I didn't give a higher rating to the book, I did feel like the plot and the character could have been better developed. I would have LOVED to read a longer book about this 2 main characters. I also felt like much more could have been explained about this 4 siblings and their history as have lived for so long. The whole time I wanted to know them better but I never felt like I did. With the Demonica books I always felt I got to know so well the characters I could never get them confused. In this book I felt this was missing a bit, I would have loved to see more glimpses of the siblings personalities.Also the bad guy being one of the brothers was kind of a bummer as it reminded me of the Demonica series. I would have definitely prefer they helped him become one of the good guys again and finding a new enemy to fight against, I love the family bonds that we get to see between the characters in Larissa's books and I don't want to see one of the brothers as one of the bad guys AGAIN.
But apart from this minor things the book was astonishing and I couldn't put it down.I know next book can only get better and I can't wait.
April 11, 2011
Sheesh! This author has so much imagination she can get in to the exporting business and sell ideas! Stephen King has nothing on her!
There was a bit less sex then her other books. Maybe I’m just plain crazy but I think that was the case. At first I got kind of annoyed the main characters took all that time to really hook up. It was an erotica. Where were my sexy scenes ? What did I pay for? :)
Still, in the end it all turned out perfect because their whole romance was rolled up in a fab plot. A plot that could sustain the fact that a big part of the book was just a lot of chemistry but no pokey-pokey.
The plot itself was ever so fast and had a lot of character point of view jumping. This would normally irritate the hell out of me, but with a superb author like I.A it turned out to be a very good move. It all gave me a kind of movie experience. I got a bigger picture and could really not complain even when I was in the head of characters like Death that had no time to grow on me at this point. Of course the stuff I learned about the family life of my babies from the Demonica series warmed my heart and could have made absolutely everything right. I mean, Gem had a kid! And her sister is going to have one! Can you give me an ‘aaaaaaaaaaaaaaw’? Feels mighty nice and cozy ain’t it? Well,at least when we overlook the END OF THE WOOOORLD! Hehe :)
I don’t want to spoiler this for anybody so the only other thing I am going to spill about this book is that it’s a thing not only worth reading but rereading. Like a couple of times! Can’t wait for the next book even thou I am feeling a bit low here-I wished I could have one about the guys. But hey…I guess the Satan’s fiancé will have to do. I have absolute fate in the author to make the next book worth wile! So publish it already! lol
There was a bit less sex then her other books. Maybe I’m just plain crazy but I think that was the case. At first I got kind of annoyed the main characters took all that time to really hook up. It was an erotica. Where were my sexy scenes ? What did I pay for? :)
Still, in the end it all turned out perfect because their whole romance was rolled up in a fab plot. A plot that could sustain the fact that a big part of the book was just a lot of chemistry but no pokey-pokey.
The plot itself was ever so fast and had a lot of character point of view jumping. This would normally irritate the hell out of me, but with a superb author like I.A it turned out to be a very good move. It all gave me a kind of movie experience. I got a bigger picture and could really not complain even when I was in the head of characters like Death that had no time to grow on me at this point. Of course the stuff I learned about the family life of my babies from the Demonica series warmed my heart and could have made absolutely everything right. I mean, Gem had a kid! And her sister is going to have one! Can you give me an ‘aaaaaaaaaaaaaaw’? Feels mighty nice and cozy ain’t it? Well,at least when we overlook the END OF THE WOOOORLD! Hehe :)
I don’t want to spoiler this for anybody so the only other thing I am going to spill about this book is that it’s a thing not only worth reading but rereading. Like a couple of times! Can’t wait for the next book even thou I am feeling a bit low here-I wished I could have one about the guys. But hey…I guess the Satan’s fiancé will have to do. I have absolute fate in the author to make the next book worth wile! So publish it already! lol
April 4, 2011
Larissa Ione can do no wrong in my book. This was a wonderful book. What a way to start of a new series. I was so thrilled that there some of my old friends from the previous series in here. It had me grinning like a fool. lol I was so glad that nothing changed. That the whole demon world was still that , there was nothing for me to try and feel out in that respect. Learning about the Horsemen was the only thing that I had to read slower to make sure I got it.
Ares was so Dominating, Controlling, Possessive and Protective I think I died and went to UWG (Underworld General). LMAO. I was seriously into the other siblings and dying to know what is to come later. There was so much going on. Several POV. The baddie was killing me. I mean I seriously had hoped by the end something would change. Nope, and I was so pissed at the baddie. lol Wont drop names. Talking about some series killing going in this book. Wow... But hey the seal broke and well everything went to hell.
Cara was a I think a great character. At first she is shy and timid but by the end is is telling people like it is. I loved that about her. I also really like her gift.But one of my favorites things was the hell-hound Hal. By the end I was cheering the hell-hounds on.. lol Let me just say that the family dynamic was great with all the horsemen.
Ares was so Dominating, Controlling, Possessive and Protective I think I died and went to UWG (Underworld General). LMAO. I was seriously into the other siblings and dying to know what is to come later. There was so much going on. Several POV. The baddie was killing me. I mean I seriously had hoped by the end something would change. Nope, and I was so pissed at the baddie. lol Wont drop names. Talking about some series killing going in this book. Wow... But hey the seal broke and well everything went to hell.
Cara was a I think a great character. At first she is shy and timid but by the end is is telling people like it is. I loved that about her. I also really like her gift.But one of my favorites things was the hell-hound Hal. By the end I was cheering the hell-hounds on.. lol Let me just say that the family dynamic was great with all the horsemen.
March 28, 2011
Larissa Ione knows how to ride in with a fantastic start of a new hot freaking series. I loved Eternal Rider and need more!! Who wouldn’t like to read about 3 sexy horsemen and one hot lady horseman of the apocalypse along with the addition of demons, vampires, hellhounds and more. As you guessed it Ione gives you tons of excitement danger and lots of hot wicked sex. This author always amazes me with how deep she gets into her storyline and always makes it exciting to read.
Cara is having a streak of miss fortune. She is behind on her bills. She has a talent that she doesn’t use because it causes more problems. When a dog is delivered to her in need of a vet she never thinks that helping him with her hidden talent would start a chain reaction that could start an apocalypse, oh no, never in her dreams. Then again this is not an ordinary dog that takes a liking to her.
I loved the story and the way it flowed and the characters are amazing, I can’t wait to see how Ione is going to take the rest of the horseman into their journey. I highly recommend this to any paranormal romance reader.
April 6, 2023
I was looking forward to beginning this offshoot series and experiencing the magic all over again. It’s been a while around twelve years I think, so as a result this felt new and fresh. It does need to be read in order as it’s all interconnected to the original series this continues the story and shows the resulting aftermath with the four horsemen and also the far-reaching consequences after Sin’s seal broke kickstarting this whole apocalypse that was prophesied in Daemonica the demon bible.
Introduced here are Ares (War), Thanatos (Death), Reseph (Pestilence) and Limo’s (Famine), the four horsemen of the apocalypse neither good nor evil but balanced that is until their seal is broken and they then turn completely to the dark side becoming pure evil. After the events of the previous book, Reseph became Pestilence and he is now making it his priority to break his sibling's seals by fair or foul means and he will do whatever it takes to accomplish his objective.
Cara is a human with a gift, she can heal and communicate with animals but her gift also has a darker side, one she keeps suppressed mostly because of an incident where she lost control and it totally traumatised her. When she saves a strange doglike creature from death he bonds to her. Cara has no idea that what she saved was actually a hell-hound pup. Now the two of them are connected in all ways which is actually a good thing as Cara now finds herself the most important human currently in existence as her death will literally mean the end of life as we know it.
I loved the romance with this one finding it passionate and very sweet. Despite Ares's warlike nature, he’s actually all bark no bite when it comes to the little human now under his protection.
We see lots of old faces here and it’s all hands on deck and a frantic race to stop what’s swiftly approaching. Reseph is now so different to what he once was and there’s now nothing left of his former nature and relationship with his siblings.
Another great addition to this ongoing series and I adored the inclusion of the hellhounds and Cara’s intense connection with them all. As usual, the writing and world-building were top-notch and if you're looking for a paranormal series that keeps you on your toes this one’s definitely for you.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
November 20, 2017
Pues fue el más flojito de toda la serie hasta el momento.
Se me hizo eterno y el final es medio ñeee... muy poco creíble la verdad. Todo se hubiera solucionado desde el principio si hubieran buscado al dichoso perro. Pero bueno... supongo que no habría historia.
2.5
Se me hizo eterno y el final es medio ñeee... muy poco creíble la verdad. Todo se hubiera solucionado desde el principio si hubieran buscado al dichoso perro. Pero bueno... supongo que no habría historia.
2.5
November 4, 2019
Narrator Hilary Huber
Duration: 12 hours, 34 minutes
Published by Hachette Audio
I haven’t read the Demonica series by this author and I’ve heard it is set in the same world as this new spinoff “Lords of Deliverance” series. I’m thinking I probably should have read the 6.5 books in the Demonica series first but reading a series out of order seems to be what I do. Now I will be the first to admit that I am a person who is easily confused and during the first two hours of this audiobook reading I was lost and overwhelmed by the brutal avalanche of information dumped upon my tired brain. There is a glossary, tons of character introductions and an elaborate setup that boggles. But I stuck by it and restarted it no less than five times because everyone seems to love this author and I’ve been told I give up too easily (and it’s probably true). And do you know what? It paid off in the end. Phew, that almost never happens!
Eternal Rider is narrated by Hilary Hubar who has a no nonsense way with her narration which suits the intensity of the book. Her manly-man characters are done very well but there are two characters, Ares and Arik, whose names and sexy growly, gravelly voices are so similar that I mistakenly thought they were the same person, adding to my continued confusion, until the book was nearly over! Huber’s female voices are strong and pleasant to listen to and I could always tell Cara from Limos. Unfortunately, something is a wee bit off in the production here, either that or the narrator was whispering, because I had to rewind and turn up the volume numerous times because the volume would go way low and I couldn’t make out the words.
Let me sum up the complicated setup for you, best as I understood it anyway. Eternal Rider is Ares’s story. Ares is one of four immortal siblings born out of a forbidden and unholy sexual tryst between sex demon Lilith and an angel who liked his drinky too much. The kiddos caused all sorts of trouble on earth and ended up being cursed and now they are “The Four Horsemen”. Yes, those four horsemen. They are bearers of the Apocalypse and each wear a seal that when broken releases their evil alter-ego and brings on the beginning of the End of Days. Ares is the God of War. He’s a tough guy, covered in armor that keeps his body and his emotions in check and whenever he walks in a room people get an urge to brawl. Soon after the story begins, the most charming brother has his seal broken and he transforms into Pestilence, bringing on the plagues and reveling in the death, the gore and the pain. Oh noes! Ares is worried because once a seal has broken they are all in danger of transforming into this:
1887 painting by Victor Vasnetsov
And then there’s something about called an agimortus that protects the seals (methinks) and can only be transferred to a fallen angel. Pestilence needs his siblings to turn evil and thus most of the surviving fallen angels have gone over to the dark side to avoid being stuck with an agimortus after learning about the broken seal and rampage. Really, who can blame them? I know I wouldn’t want a great big target for Pestilence on my ass. So somehow a human named Cara ends up with Ares’s agimortus engraved on her chest. As if that weren’t bad enough, she heals a wounded dog only to later discover the dog she’s named “Hal” is a hellhound. And he has bonded with her out of gratitude. If he dies so does she and he’s been taken prisoner and is being tortured. Ares tracks the agimortus to Cara and the two get embroiled in a race to save humanity all the while falling in lusty love.
From here it gets all adventure-filled and yummy and super sexy despite all of the gloom and the death. Cara and Ares are well developed and compatible couple who heat things up in a most believable and imaginative way. After the excruciatingly long setup I fell in love with the storytelling and am going to jump right into the next book. The ending with Cara and Ares and the resolution of the hellhound problem was pure perfection that warmed my cold heart and made get all gooey eyed. I couldn’t have dreamed up a better ending if I tried.
Sheesh, my fingers are tired and this review is too long. If you’ve made it this far all I have left to say to you is read the book until the end no matter how it pains you. And I won’t lie, it may pain you. Just trust me on this, it gets friggin’ fantastic. Paranormal romance does not get better than the last half of this book. It just doesn’t.
Duration: 12 hours, 34 minutes
Published by Hachette Audio
I haven’t read the Demonica series by this author and I’ve heard it is set in the same world as this new spinoff “Lords of Deliverance” series. I’m thinking I probably should have read the 6.5 books in the Demonica series first but reading a series out of order seems to be what I do. Now I will be the first to admit that I am a person who is easily confused and during the first two hours of this audiobook reading I was lost and overwhelmed by the brutal avalanche of information dumped upon my tired brain. There is a glossary, tons of character introductions and an elaborate setup that boggles. But I stuck by it and restarted it no less than five times because everyone seems to love this author and I’ve been told I give up too easily (and it’s probably true). And do you know what? It paid off in the end. Phew, that almost never happens!
Eternal Rider is narrated by Hilary Hubar who has a no nonsense way with her narration which suits the intensity of the book. Her manly-man characters are done very well but there are two characters, Ares and Arik, whose names and sexy growly, gravelly voices are so similar that I mistakenly thought they were the same person, adding to my continued confusion, until the book was nearly over! Huber’s female voices are strong and pleasant to listen to and I could always tell Cara from Limos. Unfortunately, something is a wee bit off in the production here, either that or the narrator was whispering, because I had to rewind and turn up the volume numerous times because the volume would go way low and I couldn’t make out the words.
Let me sum up the complicated setup for you, best as I understood it anyway. Eternal Rider is Ares’s story. Ares is one of four immortal siblings born out of a forbidden and unholy sexual tryst between sex demon Lilith and an angel who liked his drinky too much. The kiddos caused all sorts of trouble on earth and ended up being cursed and now they are “The Four Horsemen”. Yes, those four horsemen. They are bearers of the Apocalypse and each wear a seal that when broken releases their evil alter-ego and brings on the beginning of the End of Days. Ares is the God of War. He’s a tough guy, covered in armor that keeps his body and his emotions in check and whenever he walks in a room people get an urge to brawl. Soon after the story begins, the most charming brother has his seal broken and he transforms into Pestilence, bringing on the plagues and reveling in the death, the gore and the pain. Oh noes! Ares is worried because once a seal has broken they are all in danger of transforming into this:
1887 painting by Victor Vasnetsov
And then there’s something about called an agimortus that protects the seals (methinks) and can only be transferred to a fallen angel. Pestilence needs his siblings to turn evil and thus most of the surviving fallen angels have gone over to the dark side to avoid being stuck with an agimortus after learning about the broken seal and rampage. Really, who can blame them? I know I wouldn’t want a great big target for Pestilence on my ass. So somehow a human named Cara ends up with Ares’s agimortus engraved on her chest. As if that weren’t bad enough, she heals a wounded dog only to later discover the dog she’s named “Hal” is a hellhound. And he has bonded with her out of gratitude. If he dies so does she and he’s been taken prisoner and is being tortured. Ares tracks the agimortus to Cara and the two get embroiled in a race to save humanity all the while falling in lusty love.
From here it gets all adventure-filled and yummy and super sexy despite all of the gloom and the death. Cara and Ares are well developed and compatible couple who heat things up in a most believable and imaginative way. After the excruciatingly long setup I fell in love with the storytelling and am going to jump right into the next book. The ending with Cara and Ares and the resolution of the hellhound problem was pure perfection that warmed my cold heart and made get all gooey eyed. I couldn’t have dreamed up a better ending if I tried.
Sheesh, my fingers are tired and this review is too long. If you’ve made it this far all I have left to say to you is read the book until the end no matter how it pains you. And I won’t lie, it may pain you. Just trust me on this, it gets friggin’ fantastic. Paranormal romance does not get better than the last half of this book. It just doesn’t.
May 6, 2011
I liked Eternal Rider, though probably not quite as much as the Ione's Demonica books. About midway through I realized that Eternal Rider reminded me very much of Gena Showalter's Lords of the Underworld. Why it had the feel of that series more than Ione's Demonica books is something I haven't yet managed to put my finger on. Still I liked the heroine and the hellhound and I thought that the two remaining 'horseman' siblings were interesting so I will be checking out the next book, Immortal Rider. Eternal Rider did have some dark moments though - the now evil brother Reseph was really evil - so I am wondering if this will be a trilogy or if there will be a fourth book for Reseph and his redemption.
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