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Descent #0.5
Death's Avatar
For five years, Elise Kavanagh and James Faulkner have policed relations between Heaven, Hell, and Earth with blood and blade. They're notorious as heroes and killers—the greatest demon hunting team to ever live. But they're getting tired of fighting.
Now a Goddess of Death is driving the world toward destruction. When her doomsday clock reaches twelve, the barriers between Hell and Earth will be ripped away and bring humanity to extinction.
The clock just struck nine.
The world is running out of time.
Now a Goddess of Death is driving the world toward destruction. When her doomsday clock reaches twelve, the barriers between Hell and Earth will be ripped away and bring humanity to extinction.
The clock just struck nine.
The world is running out of time.
79 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 28, 2011
21 people are currently reading
1242 people want to read
About the author
S.M. Reine
114 books2,007 followersHi everyone! My name is Sara, and I write urban fantasy and paranormal novels as SM Reine. I collect swords, cat hair, and typewriters (which I do use for writing!). It's a good day when those three things have nothing to do with each other.
If you would like to know the instant my next book is available, you should enlist in my Army of Evil! We have a wicked cool secret handshake, but you'll have to sign up to learn it. ;) Check it out -- http://smarturl.it/armyofevil
If you would like to know the instant my next book is available, you should enlist in my Army of Evil! We have a wicked cool secret handshake, but you'll have to sign up to learn it. ;) Check it out -- http://smarturl.it/armyofevil
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
February 6, 2017
Short! Demon hunters! Goddesses of evil & death! Good stuff!
November 4, 2014
Reread: October 29 to November 3, 2014
Was originally posted on Paranormal Sisters: http://paranormalsisters.blogspot.com...
The first time I read this it was between October 03 to 13, 2012. I hadn't written a review back then because of a couple factors. One, because I think I just read it too fast to come up with anything to say about it and two, I just couldn't really connect with the characters and apparently I had that same feeling while reading the first book, Death's Hand (read that a year later, October 17 to 23, 2013).
I can't really say why I couldn't connect with Elise in the first book since it's been a year but I think the reason why I just couldn't connect with her in this one is because you only learn a little bit about her and then the rest is just none stop action. Which isn't bad in the least bit and being a short story things do have to move quicker, but I don't know I just couldn't connect to her.
And the action, oh my god, there's like no time to breathe! You're constantly sitting on the edge reading between Elise's and James's point of view, even get another friends point of view and that was intense! He's got his pregnant girlfriend/wife hiding in the bathroom while a bunch of demons are attacking their trailer home, crazy I know!
Overall I'm glad I went back and read this, I have words/feelings to say about it now. This time I read it slower, really took in what was being described and visualizing what was going on. Since it's very fast paced I can really see you missing something and the ending it's extremely faster as the clock is ticking down, so like I, you might need to go back a couple paragraphs to understand what's happening in the current moment. But I enjoyed it and even though for some reason I just can't connect with Elise I really do want to go back into this world just for the story telling and the demons alone. Mrs. Reine's knows how to describe perfectly so when she's talking about the undercity you might get a bit disturbed, but for me, I personally loved the world she created down there (so does that make me disturbing?")
February 25, 2012
I was really interested in reading Death’s Avatar because so far everything I have read by SM Reine has been exceptional. Needless to say, Death’s Avatar is just as awesome as the other books of hers I have read.
I haven’t read the first book in the Descent series so I wasn’t sure if I would get lost when reading this prequel novella or not, I’m glad to say that I didn’t and I feel you can definitely enjoy this book without having read Death’s Hand.
I really loved the book, it was quite original and while some things were only briefly touched upon, this is a novella so you expect that and it made me more interested in reading the first book.
I liked Elise and James’ relationship. It’s really different to pretty much any relationship I’ve ever come across in a book before and I’m looking forward to finding out more about their interactions and such.
Overall, I think that Death’s Avatar is brilliant and it has made me bump the first book in the series, Death’s Hand, up towards the top of my reading pile!
I haven’t read the first book in the Descent series so I wasn’t sure if I would get lost when reading this prequel novella or not, I’m glad to say that I didn’t and I feel you can definitely enjoy this book without having read Death’s Hand.
I really loved the book, it was quite original and while some things were only briefly touched upon, this is a novella so you expect that and it made me more interested in reading the first book.
I liked Elise and James’ relationship. It’s really different to pretty much any relationship I’ve ever come across in a book before and I’m looking forward to finding out more about their interactions and such.
Overall, I think that Death’s Avatar is brilliant and it has made me bump the first book in the series, Death’s Hand, up towards the top of my reading pile!
February 23, 2016
I am definitely a fan of SM Reine. I was hooked while reading the Seasons of the Moon series.
I decided to read Death's Avatar when I found out that it was the 'prequel' to the Descent series which is set in the same story world as Seasons of the Moon.
Although the story was action packed and had a well defined plot, I felt that it may have been too rushed. I am sure that this is a side effect of being a short story. It is also just supposed to serve as a background piece about the main characters of the Descent series, Elise and James.
It was ok, and I know I like the story universe, so I plan to continue with the Descent series and other works by SM Reine.
I decided to read Death's Avatar when I found out that it was the 'prequel' to the Descent series which is set in the same story world as Seasons of the Moon.
Although the story was action packed and had a well defined plot, I felt that it may have been too rushed. I am sure that this is a side effect of being a short story. It is also just supposed to serve as a background piece about the main characters of the Descent series, Elise and James.
It was ok, and I know I like the story universe, so I plan to continue with the Descent series and other works by SM Reine.
September 24, 2012
I've seen the author, S.M. Reine, around on a few boards and have been impressed by her wit and way with words, so when I noticed this book on Amazon I decided to give this series a whirl.
Death's Avatar is a novella, meant to be an introduction to the series for those who've not read any of the books yet. It does a great job introducing the characters and setting the basics prior to the first novel. I'm intrigued by the characters and want to know more. I also had some "car accident moments" along the way... you know, when you just can't look away even though you probably should.
Not passive at all, this novel takes off running almost from the beginning. There's plenty of action, a good bit of death and destruction, and some pretty cool magic to be seen. I particularly like the author's writing style: to the point when need be, just enough exposition to have it all make sense, hints at each characters personality without telling the reader what to think.
If the writing in this novella is any indication, I'd say that the name SM Reine will be on the wagging tongues of many as these books become more well known, and perhaps, even spawning something on the silver screen...
Death's Avatar is a novella, meant to be an introduction to the series for those who've not read any of the books yet. It does a great job introducing the characters and setting the basics prior to the first novel. I'm intrigued by the characters and want to know more. I also had some "car accident moments" along the way... you know, when you just can't look away even though you probably should.
Not passive at all, this novel takes off running almost from the beginning. There's plenty of action, a good bit of death and destruction, and some pretty cool magic to be seen. I particularly like the author's writing style: to the point when need be, just enough exposition to have it all make sense, hints at each characters personality without telling the reader what to think.
If the writing in this novella is any indication, I'd say that the name SM Reine will be on the wagging tongues of many as these books become more well known, and perhaps, even spawning something on the silver screen...
July 8, 2012
Elise Kavanagh is a Kopis, a kind of police/hunter between the normal world and the demons who want to harm it. James Faulkner is a Aspis, a witch that aids and is usually bound to a Kopis. Together they fight demons.
I wish I had read this book before I had read the other two books. In this book you get a much better feeling for who the characters are and why they are doing what they do. In this novella they are trying to stop the demon (Goddess?) who calls herself "The Kiss Of Death". Who by use of a clock, found in a temple in Central America, that belonged to a cult that used human sacrifices,to open the gates of Hell.
When I read and reviewed the book (Death's Hand) listed as book one of the series, one of the things I lowered the rating because of was that I wished the author had filled out the characters more. If I had read this first, I would not have had that problem and might have even rated the book higher than I did. So my advise to readers if they decide to start this series, which I have enjoyed so far to read the books in the following order:
1) Death's Avatar
2) Death's Hand
3) The Darkest Gate
I wish I had read this book before I had read the other two books. In this book you get a much better feeling for who the characters are and why they are doing what they do. In this novella they are trying to stop the demon (Goddess?) who calls herself "The Kiss Of Death". Who by use of a clock, found in a temple in Central America, that belonged to a cult that used human sacrifices,to open the gates of Hell.
When I read and reviewed the book (Death's Hand) listed as book one of the series, one of the things I lowered the rating because of was that I wished the author had filled out the characters more. If I had read this first, I would not have had that problem and might have even rated the book higher than I did. So my advise to readers if they decide to start this series, which I have enjoyed so far to read the books in the following order:
1) Death's Avatar
2) Death's Hand
3) The Darkest Gate
September 7, 2012
I've got the first book in this series on my Kindle, but decided it would be awesome to start the series by reading the prequel novella. And I'm glad I did.
Elise and James are a tough demon hunting team, but they're starting to get a little tired of all the constant fighting. However, when the doomsday clock starts ticking, they have to fight against a multitude of demons, as well as time. Otherwise, the world as we know it will pretty much come to an end...
Wow. This was an excellent introduction to Elise, James, and the dangerous world they live in. It's also a great addition to the urban fantasy genre. I loved the concept, characters, story... all of it! It was action-packed, violent, interesting and a lot of fun.
Looking forward to reading Death's Hand.
Elise and James are a tough demon hunting team, but they're starting to get a little tired of all the constant fighting. However, when the doomsday clock starts ticking, they have to fight against a multitude of demons, as well as time. Otherwise, the world as we know it will pretty much come to an end...
Wow. This was an excellent introduction to Elise, James, and the dangerous world they live in. It's also a great addition to the urban fantasy genre. I loved the concept, characters, story... all of it! It was action-packed, violent, interesting and a lot of fun.
Looking forward to reading Death's Hand.
July 5, 2012
This book is action packed, never a dull minute for Elise and James who specialise in demon hunting. This is a short story but it does give you a good idea of what the series is about and Elise is a heroine in most circles while James her right hand man is an accomplished sorcerer. They are fighting the Goddess of Death for whom the bell tolls and when it reaches 12 the barrier between earth and hell will come crashing down and the world will be overrun with demons. I enjoy strong female characters and Elise is no exception, she seems very strong and not overly emotional though she is bonded to James for life which makes it hard on him as he has to abandon his life and love to fight alongside Elise. Great prequel to Death's Hand and I am reading that one now so stay tuned....
February 15, 2012
This is a good introduction to the next book - Death's Hand. I recommend you read it even though I didn't find it fantastic. Its a good description as to why the charachters are the way they are in the next book. I highly recommend Death's Hand - probably the best book I've read in the paranormal realm in a very long time. So read this. Get to know the characters and then move on to the books in the series starting with Death's Hand. Enjoy!
July 23, 2012
While demons and demon hunters aren't really my thing, I liked this. It was interesting and mysterious and humorous (dry sarcastic humor, but I laughed so it counts)
October 17, 2012
Wow, brutal! Good, though. I'm adding this series to my TBR pile.
August 20, 2018
Short and sweet! Nice to have the background story kind-of-ish!
January 12, 2021
Demons
I hated the book using god name on one of her story lines. I wouldn't recommend this book at all.
I hated the book using god name on one of her story lines. I wouldn't recommend this book at all.
February 26, 2017
Not a lot of character development. Still don't really know what exactly she is and had to look up on google what Jame's was to realize he was a shield of some sort. Good premises for a series though.
March 28, 2014
This is marketed as the novella prequel to Death's Hand, so I read it first. That was a mistake because I felt like I was just dropped into the middle of action with no explanation of anything and then more was added along the way, also with no explanation (not that I was confused with the plot or action, just with the world building and character background info). Reading through the other reviews, they suggest that I should have started with the first book Death's Hand and then read this. But even with this, it feels like their story begins quite a bit earlier in time and that an entire earlier book is missing.
Feeling of missing info aside, the story is actually a fun read (but then how can I not love a book that feels like a blend of Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Charmed with an end of the world approaching?). I got wrapped up in following James (who is very well developed as a character) as he deftly used his magic in new and inventive ways, and even though they were heroes they didn't walk through the book unscathed (though Elise herself seemed a bit cliche as the usual Buffy the Vampire slayer type and emotionally aloof - but the partnership was fascinating seeing the two roles work together). The story itself seemed far too short (novella, I know), so I am looking forward to correctly reading through the first book (and see if I can fill in those missing gaps of info), and continuing on with the series.
Feeling of missing info aside, the story is actually a fun read (but then how can I not love a book that feels like a blend of Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Charmed with an end of the world approaching?). I got wrapped up in following James (who is very well developed as a character) as he deftly used his magic in new and inventive ways, and even though they were heroes they didn't walk through the book unscathed (though Elise herself seemed a bit cliche as the usual Buffy the Vampire slayer type and emotionally aloof - but the partnership was fascinating seeing the two roles work together). The story itself seemed far too short (novella, I know), so I am looking forward to correctly reading through the first book (and see if I can fill in those missing gaps of info), and continuing on with the series.
December 2, 2012
This is the first book I’ve read of the series and having known nothing about the world or the characters it was a bit confusing at times. I felt that this novelette was rather rushed and found out at the end it was written in a week. Yes I understand that it is only 79 pages but it was so fast paced at times that I was dizzy with confusion. There were also stories that I hope get flushed out in the series. One thing I hope gets more explained is the relationship between Elise and James. I enjoyed reading James’s back story but was rather confused by this sudden romance between the two characters.
The plot and idea for the story were great and I think a nice introduction to the series itself. I do intend to keep reading. But the writing style kept me from truly loving this story. It felt rushed and a bit lacking at times. As another reviewer stated on Amazon, this would probably make a much better graphic novel. Overall it was a nice sneak peek into the series.
My Rating: ★★★
The plot and idea for the story were great and I think a nice introduction to the series itself. I do intend to keep reading. But the writing style kept me from truly loving this story. It felt rushed and a bit lacking at times. As another reviewer stated on Amazon, this would probably make a much better graphic novel. Overall it was a nice sneak peek into the series.
My Rating: ★★★
July 3, 2012
This is certainly a great introduction to Reine's Decent series, which I haven't had the chance to read yet but I certainly plan to now.
Overall this is a quick, action-packed and exciting read. I'm sure that once I pick up the first book all of the tidbits of background info will certainly lend a hand in figuring out the characters. It also holds a lot of promise for what a full length book will be like, so in that regard I'm looking forward to Death's Decent.
I did have a few problems with this but it wasn't anything major and more about a personality conflict then an actual problem. I do like the whole team dynamic that James and Elise have going on and how they balance one another, they seem like a good team even though they are a bit of an odd pair.
At any rate I certainly recommend this and I look forward to digging into the rest of the series.
Overall this is a quick, action-packed and exciting read. I'm sure that once I pick up the first book all of the tidbits of background info will certainly lend a hand in figuring out the characters. It also holds a lot of promise for what a full length book will be like, so in that regard I'm looking forward to Death's Decent.
I did have a few problems with this but it wasn't anything major and more about a personality conflict then an actual problem. I do like the whole team dynamic that James and Elise have going on and how they balance one another, they seem like a good team even though they are a bit of an odd pair.
At any rate I certainly recommend this and I look forward to digging into the rest of the series.
January 6, 2013
This is the way a novella or short story should be written. Each paragraph is taut and to-the-point without causing the reader to feel like there is missing background information. The characters are fully fleshed, even when I have not previously read any of the Descent series. Perhaps it's because Reine wrote this after writing the full length novels. Now that I'm reading Death's Hand, I honestly believe that Reine could write a novella prior to a new series and it would be equally as enjoyable. It would be nice, though, to have even more of Elise's and James' back stories. Perhaps that is addressed in the rest of the series. I'll just have to keep reading them to find out, and that is NOT an onerous task at all!
Update: re-reading this and books 1-3 since I just purchased books 4 & 5! :D
Update: re-reading this and books 1-3 since I just purchased books 4 & 5! :D
August 17, 2013
*4 1/2 Stars....
For such a short book, this 79 page novella packs quite a punch. However, from S.M. Reine, that is no surprise.
This was just a taste of what’s to come in the Descent series and not a page or a word was wasted. This was more than an introduction, it was impossible to put down. The action was intense, the characters were layered, the world building was amazing and nothing about any of it was sugar coated, which is what I’ve come to expect from S.M. Reine. She doesn’t pull any punches with her characters or what she puts them through. I kinda like that
Elise and James are definitely characters that I want to get to know better and there’s 7 books in this series that will help me do just that, plus one more novella, Deadly Hearts. The first full length book in the series is Death’s Hand.
For such a short book, this 79 page novella packs quite a punch. However, from S.M. Reine, that is no surprise.
This was just a taste of what’s to come in the Descent series and not a page or a word was wasted. This was more than an introduction, it was impossible to put down. The action was intense, the characters were layered, the world building was amazing and nothing about any of it was sugar coated, which is what I’ve come to expect from S.M. Reine. She doesn’t pull any punches with her characters or what she puts them through. I kinda like that
Elise and James are definitely characters that I want to get to know better and there’s 7 books in this series that will help me do just that, plus one more novella, Deadly Hearts. The first full length book in the series is Death’s Hand.
August 1, 2012
Picked this series up free! And LOVED IT!
Dark, dangerous and thrilling, I was completely unable to stop reading- much to my husbands annoyance- until I finished them all.
I actually read this one last- excitement isn't always good- but it didn't deter from the absolute awesomeness of the series.
Elise is powerful, marked, scared and one bad ass Kopis. She is so afraid to let anyone close, and even more afraid of her own emotions, her story is fascinating and touches a part of that hollowness inside us all.
Can't give to much away.. That would be bad.. But this is an excellent start to a great series!
Dark, dangerous and thrilling, I was completely unable to stop reading- much to my husbands annoyance- until I finished them all.
I actually read this one last- excitement isn't always good- but it didn't deter from the absolute awesomeness of the series.
Elise is powerful, marked, scared and one bad ass Kopis. She is so afraid to let anyone close, and even more afraid of her own emotions, her story is fascinating and touches a part of that hollowness inside us all.
Can't give to much away.. That would be bad.. But this is an excellent start to a great series!
August 15, 2012
This was a nicely dark read that gives back story on how Elise and James ended up where they ended up at the beginning of book 1. Frankly, I don't blame them for walking away from it all and trying to start fresh. This is some heavy stuff they're dealing with. Heavy, dark, dangerous, bloody, deadly stuff. Oh, look. I just summed up the plot without giving anything away.
This book was a free Kindle download I picked up 06/27/12 for the Why Buy the Cow? reading challenge.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
This book was a free Kindle download I picked up 06/27/12 for the Why Buy the Cow? reading challenge.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
November 20, 2013
I enjoyed this novella. It felt like a really good action scene taken from a longer story (which it might be! I'm not sure). It flowed extremely well, good pace, lots of things to keep you turning the page. Also a good introduction back into the characters of James and Elise - I read the first book quite a long time ago, so it was a really great refresher.
I like S M Reine's straightforward writing. She knows her genre and she writes it well. These books would be great for reading on the plane or on holiday. I'm looking forward to reading more. :)
I like S M Reine's straightforward writing. She knows her genre and she writes it well. These books would be great for reading on the plane or on holiday. I'm looking forward to reading more. :)
September 24, 2020
I’m glad I gave this starter novella another try because I apparently rated it only two stars back in September 2012. I remembered absolutely nothing as I read it the second time around 8 years later. I downloaded the first three books in the series as a box set (free) on Kindle and bought the companion Audible for only $3. I couldn’t resist and I’m glad I did because I’m looking forward to seeing how the story continues.
March 27, 2016
Quick enjoyable read not the best character development more of a prequel , unfortunately book 2 starts at a future ,no information on what had happened to the 2 main characters over the years . The new characters - we are given next to no background they just appear in the story which switched back & forth between the 2 main characters divergent stories. I could not finish this second book it was far too easy to put down & move on to another series .
February 2, 2012
Death's Avatar is a quick and exciting read. You really get to see how the charachters end up where the are (physically and mentally) in Death's Hand. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. I love the mystery she has going on with Elise's hands and the secret behind what really happened to her when James found her keep me chomping at the bit! Very well written!
December 14, 2012
Holy cow. I'll admit I wasn't expecting much but some cliches and poorly worded action for a free sample but I was blown AWAY! I love the characters and the pacing is just incredible for a short introduction. Four-stars only for the slightly Disney-esque ending.
Brb getting book one to read in the new year.
Brb getting book one to read in the new year.
July 25, 2012
I liked Death's Hand better - this is a novelette and doesn't seem as well developed. It is actually the prequel to Death's Hand, telling the story of the first time Elise and James encounter "I am Death and I am coming for you."
April 27, 2012
Overall a good beginning to the story from Death's Hand. I'm not sure if I should have read this first, or if it was meant to be a prequel, but regardless it was a very good short story on its own merits.
August 2, 2012
Generally, short stories and novellas are not my favorite, but this one was exceptional. From the moment I started reading, I didn't want to put it down. It gave a look at the characters under extreme duress... and made me want to know more. The next book is high on my list of purchases!
September 28, 2012
Kick-*ss heroine, race against the clock to save the world, and a brilliant way to showcase the series (by offering readers a prequel novella). Def. will be reading book one in the series very soon. In fact, it's already on my ipad, patiently waiting for me!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews