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Forced to Serve #1
The Demon of Synar
Looking for some humorous science fiction? Space is the final frontier, but it's never been this sexy or fun. Being the captain of the Liberator for many years, Liam Synar is familiar with fixing mistakes. But he's not sure how to fix the worst one he’s made concerning his official mate. Merging Ania with Malachi, the Synar family’s daemon, had been a desperate act to save her life after she'd all but died saving his. Since Ania being dead is not an option in his reality, how could saving her be wrong? Not telling her what he did? Okay, that definitely wasn’t the smartest decision he’s ever made. Leaving her and the Daemon of Synar behind on her planet had been for the good of all. Or so he's been telling himself over and over for the last two years they've been separated. Things have changed though. His time of keeping Ania unaware of her symbiotic host has run out. Coveting Malachi's enormous power, Conor Synar, his exiled brother, hunts his ship. His brother wants to control the powerful and destructive alien force and won't stop until he's the master. It’s only a matter of time until Conor discovers the truth. Liam understands now that the only way he can truly protect Ania from Conor's evil is to keep her by his side. That leaves Liam no choice except to tell his mate what he's done, even if it means facing the wrath of the only female he’s ever loved. Everything Liam did was to save her. How impossible is it to hope Ania might one day forgive him?
216 pages, Paperback
First published February 26, 2012
150 people are currently reading
1100 people want to read
About the author
Donna McDonald
151 books602 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author
I am an active dreamer and find writing to be the best way to use my creativity. Needing to satisfy both sides of my brain, I have become a cross-genre author of contemporary, romantic comedy, fantasy, science fiction, and paranormal romances.
I feel blessed that my books appear on bestseller lists for humor, romantic comedy, space opera, and more. I crave laughter from all my readers and focus my attention on making that happen as often as possible.
I love to hear from anyone who has read my books. Each reader is a hero or heroine to me. I am inspired by you.
I am an active dreamer and find writing to be the best way to use my creativity. Needing to satisfy both sides of my brain, I have become a cross-genre author of contemporary, romantic comedy, fantasy, science fiction, and paranormal romances.
I feel blessed that my books appear on bestseller lists for humor, romantic comedy, space opera, and more. I crave laughter from all my readers and focus my attention on making that happen as often as possible.
I love to hear from anyone who has read my books. Each reader is a hero or heroine to me. I am inspired by you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
May 3, 2015
The Demon of Synar is not what I expected at all. From the synopsis I thought it would be a paranormal romance or sorts (albeit set in space), maybe even a M/M romance since Malachi is obviously male. It is neither of these things. I suspect there will be more romance in the future books, but there is almost none in this one. Despite that, I really like the story, the characters and their special differences. It's fast paced and engrossing.
What I didn't like is that the book is the first in a series, but at 125 pages it barely scratches the surface. With multiple planets, species with different abilities, and then all of the personal drama that makes up the plot it is far from complete. Even skipping two very important years in the beginning the book still ends with what is essentially the beginning of the story. You meet the characters, become familiar with the environment, and come to terms with the challenge...and then it ends...on a solemn declaration of the task at hand no less. As a bait and switch it's pretty effective though. It's well written and engaging, so I really want to know what happens. Undoubtedly I'll end up buying the second (probably more) in order to satiate the need to see it through, and enjoy every word of it. But no matter how much I enjoy the story there is something that rankles me about having to buy two books to read one story.
Amendment: O,K so I've thought about this a little more and while I don't believe in changing reviews it was probably a bit severe to call the book a bait-and-switch. That infers an intent on the part of the author/publisher/whomever that probably wasn't there. Someone else referred to such books as extended samples to see if you're interested in reading further. Since it was free I can buy that and as it happens I was interested in reading further.
What I didn't like is that the book is the first in a series, but at 125 pages it barely scratches the surface. With multiple planets, species with different abilities, and then all of the personal drama that makes up the plot it is far from complete. Even skipping two very important years in the beginning the book still ends with what is essentially the beginning of the story. You meet the characters, become familiar with the environment, and come to terms with the challenge...and then it ends...on a solemn declaration of the task at hand no less. As a bait and switch it's pretty effective though. It's well written and engaging, so I really want to know what happens. Undoubtedly I'll end up buying the second (probably more) in order to satiate the need to see it through, and enjoy every word of it. But no matter how much I enjoy the story there is something that rankles me about having to buy two books to read one story.
Amendment: O,K so I've thought about this a little more and while I don't believe in changing reviews it was probably a bit severe to call the book a bait-and-switch. That infers an intent on the part of the author/publisher/whomever that probably wasn't there. Someone else referred to such books as extended samples to see if you're interested in reading further. Since it was free I can buy that and as it happens I was interested in reading further.
October 10, 2015
The Demon of Synar is the first book in the Forced to Serve series. This is a novella length book that is basically an introduction to the characters, and a brief glimpse of a story line. Synar and Ania were bonded but shortly after there is an attack and Ania is mortally wounded. Synar is a demon master and the host that his demon was in was killed to in order to save Ania, Synar forces his demon into her to save her life but he fails to tell Ania that she's hosting a demon and would die without it.
The story then jumps forward two years. Synar had left Ania with her own people to chase those that had attacked but failed to ever return to her. Ania has been accused of murder so Synar goes to explain it was the demon and Ania is forced to leave her people and board Synar's ship.
What we basically have here is a soap opera in sci-fi alien form. The characters are all different species and seem to travel to all different planets. We obviously have demons also involved but they are controlled by masters. With as short as it is it somewhat fails to do much introducing to the series because of the complexity of all the characters and setting. What you do get a good look at is the relationship of Synar and Ania who end up fighting over the demon.
Overall, not a bad read. A lot of species/characters to sort out in a short time though.
The story then jumps forward two years. Synar had left Ania with her own people to chase those that had attacked but failed to ever return to her. Ania has been accused of murder so Synar goes to explain it was the demon and Ania is forced to leave her people and board Synar's ship.
What we basically have here is a soap opera in sci-fi alien form. The characters are all different species and seem to travel to all different planets. We obviously have demons also involved but they are controlled by masters. With as short as it is it somewhat fails to do much introducing to the series because of the complexity of all the characters and setting. What you do get a good look at is the relationship of Synar and Ania who end up fighting over the demon.
Overall, not a bad read. A lot of species/characters to sort out in a short time though.
June 13, 2015
I enjoyed getting to know the characters and the setting devolpment. This books is an introduction to a series and I look forward to reading more about the characters in later books in the series.
The story continues in Book 2, The Demon Master's Wife so there is no resolution at the end of Book 1. Just a FYI. It is definitely worth listening to and waiting out the resolution, especially at $1.99.
The story continues in Book 2, The Demon Master's Wife so there is no resolution at the end of Book 1. Just a FYI. It is definitely worth listening to and waiting out the resolution, especially at $1.99.
April 25, 2019
Not really sure
The writing was good but the actually storyline didn't catch me. I kept going hoping it would finally grab me, then suddenly it was over.
The writing was good but the actually storyline didn't catch me. I kept going hoping it would finally grab me, then suddenly it was over.
January 31, 2016
Not sure how I really feel about this book. It was difficult to follow at first because relationships and the particular role of each character had to slowly be unraveled and inferred from the unfolding of the plot itself. In the beginning, I did not care for the female lead character. I had a hard time relating to such a fictiously flawless being, but later I could definitely relate to her pain and feelings of betrayal. These evoked compassion and empathy making her character more approachable. I still have to say that I don't care for the romance revolving around her and the lead male character. I couldn't get invested and often found myself rooting for their romantic failure? I may still move onto giving the series a second chance with book #2, since my interest was slowly growing throughout.
July 19, 2017
Demon of Synar
Warriors and demons.
Liam Synar is the captain of his own ship called the Liberator. With his own crew and a demon at his disposal he gets the jobs needed to done. What he hadn't planned on was her and what she does to him inside and out. And what he does to her just might tip the scales to far for her to return to his arms?
Ania is a enlightened ambassador of her people having to lived centuries upon centuries. She has moved far from the ways she first took. Now she wants to help people have peace. What she didn't know is that something so bad on her special day. She doesn't even remember it. Will she ever be the same? Will she seek to rid herself of it and end what she is now?
Warriors and demons.
Liam Synar is the captain of his own ship called the Liberator. With his own crew and a demon at his disposal he gets the jobs needed to done. What he hadn't planned on was her and what she does to him inside and out. And what he does to her just might tip the scales to far for her to return to his arms?
Ania is a enlightened ambassador of her people having to lived centuries upon centuries. She has moved far from the ways she first took. Now she wants to help people have peace. What she didn't know is that something so bad on her special day. She doesn't even remember it. Will she ever be the same? Will she seek to rid herself of it and end what she is now?
June 22, 2013
I really wish I could give half stars. This for me was a three and a half star book.
A pleasant surprise of a read. I downloaded this via Kindle to be honest because it was free but I will happily pay for the sequels. A major problem in many e-books is the lack of proofreading. Thankfully that was not an issue here.
I did find the pacing a bit disjointed but it does make sense in the story. The characters aren't as likeable as I'm used to except the demon. That may say more about me than the author though. The story is coherent and the plotting is consistent making it easy to read.
I am looking forward to the sequels.
A pleasant surprise of a read. I downloaded this via Kindle to be honest because it was free but I will happily pay for the sequels. A major problem in many e-books is the lack of proofreading. Thankfully that was not an issue here.
I did find the pacing a bit disjointed but it does make sense in the story. The characters aren't as likeable as I'm used to except the demon. That may say more about me than the author though. The story is coherent and the plotting is consistent making it easy to read.
I am looking forward to the sequels.
January 10, 2016
Warriors and demons.
Liam Synar is the captain of his own ship called the Liberator. With his own crew and a demon at his disposal he gets the jobs needed to done. What he hadn't planned on was her and what she does to him inside and out. And what he does to her just might tip the scales to far for her to return to his arms?
Ania is a enlightened ambassador of her people having to lived centuries upon centuries. She has moved far from the ways she first took. Now she wants to help people have peace. What she didn't know is that something so bad on her special day. She doesn't even remember it. Will she ever be the same? Will she seek to rid herself of it and end what she is now?
Liam Synar is the captain of his own ship called the Liberator. With his own crew and a demon at his disposal he gets the jobs needed to done. What he hadn't planned on was her and what she does to him inside and out. And what he does to her just might tip the scales to far for her to return to his arms?
Ania is a enlightened ambassador of her people having to lived centuries upon centuries. She has moved far from the ways she first took. Now she wants to help people have peace. What she didn't know is that something so bad on her special day. She doesn't even remember it. Will she ever be the same? Will she seek to rid herself of it and end what she is now?
October 3, 2013
Loved this book!!! Can't wait to read the next in the series! Also listened to the audio version. Great listening.
July 7, 2018
Although the world building was slow and was confusing at first, it eventually caught up with the rest of the story. Synar and Ania are the main characters and are hard to connect with at first. Both are old beings and neither are human. Synar makes some pretty spectacular mistakes and Ania is having a hard time coming to terms of her new state of being and would rather die than be what she has become. I enjoyed the common theme of lovers who can see what is going on in other people's lives but are clueless in their own.
September 7, 2019
I read the entire book hoping it would get better but it really didn't. while the plot was good the book just didn't cut it for me. there really wasn't any romance, it was hard to get a clue what really was going on in the ages the characters were living etc. with little romance, no sex scenes and a lot of talk of enlightenment it was a disappointment in all.
however, I just read another book by same author and it was fabulous so going to give her books another try.
I don't really recommend this book for a good read.
however, I just read another book by same author and it was fabulous so going to give her books another try.
I don't really recommend this book for a good read.
May 29, 2020
Demon possession should not limited to medieval times; after all, if demons existed then, why would they not exist in the far future? As a premise, this is interesting as was Ania's research into the nature of demons. What really stretched the limits of my belief was the sheer inability of Liam to even begin to appreciate how Ania would perceive his attitude. His actions made sense; it was what he thought of her that didn't. That lack of appreciation led to a royal battle of the sexes that made for a fun story.
January 13, 2018
Great First in a series!
I loved this book. It had all my favorites- sci-fi, space travel, warriors, daemons, peacekeepers, brooding alpha males, and strong leading females. Can’t wait to read book two. Yay for it being on Kindle Unlimited!
I loved this book. It had all my favorites- sci-fi, space travel, warriors, daemons, peacekeepers, brooding alpha males, and strong leading females. Can’t wait to read book two. Yay for it being on Kindle Unlimited!
August 8, 2019
Boring. And could have been much better. But it felt way too much like a soap opera to draw me in and the characters were too one dimensional.
Perhaps i read this in a mood that didn't suit. Perhaps not. We will never know
Perhaps i read this in a mood that didn't suit. Perhaps not. We will never know
January 3, 2020
The Daemon of Synar
I really enjoyed this story. It is the first part/intro to the series, so things are just getting started here. The characters are interesting, and their interactions are realistic and a lot of fun!
I really enjoyed this story. It is the first part/intro to the series, so things are just getting started here. The characters are interesting, and their interactions are realistic and a lot of fun!
January 27, 2022
I started off not sure when reading the prologue as it was a tad confusing to me. Then the book started, now I was engaged in a story I started to understand and by the end I was sad to see it finish.
March 11, 2018
1st read by this author. Although this is a first I really enjoyed this without it being any erotic scenes.
August 27, 2019
Cliffhanger ending made me upset so I gave it a lower rating.
Want to read
July 22, 2021🎁 Books 1 & 2 in the Series are FREE on Amazon today (7/22/2021)! 🎁
August 16, 2021
not what I expected it was just okay for me
October 3, 2012
The Demon of Synar Donna McDonald
Esteemed author Donna McDonald has a brand new series demonstrating her vivid, lyrical writing style on a different realm. Demon of Synar is a science fiction, romance, with a darker ambience than Ms. McDonald's usual narratives. Her creative versatility provides readers with such diversity it elevates her writer's craft to a higher level. Force to Serve series has a darker mood it maintains the silky richness fluidity and the beautiful warmth of a deep abiding love I associate with novels by Donna McDonald.
In the novel Demon of Synar Ms. Mc Donald takes her audience on provocative trek into the dark, semi-sweet valley of her awesome imagination. As I read Demon of Synar I experienced the many voices of the creative entities permitting her to dive into the uncharted dimensions of her imagination. Thus Forced to Served is born. Just as a parent proudly watches her baby grow and mature I felt the same way as I followed Ms. McDonald, Synar, Ania, Gwen and Dorian in this sexy paranormal, science fiction. The story kept me mesmerized and eagerly awaiting the upcoming installments of the Forced to Serve series. I believe Ms. McDonald's Forced to Serve series will cultivate a new loyal readership. While reading Demon of Synar I felt an up close and personal connection with Ms. McDonald, her unique characters and their personal dilemmas. Ms. McDonald does a superb job of depicting the personas of the characters and the inner turmoil each one must manage. The varying degrees of love between the key characters range from the Philos love to the sensual Eros love to Agape love, the highest level of unconditional love which is often difficult to sustain.
Demon of Synar is the infrastructure of a sci-fi, paranormal romantic series involving a military Captain of Norblades, a battling ancient cultural beliefs, family issues while leading a galactic society. After a formal mating ceremony with family and friends Captain Liam Synar and Ambassador of Peace, Ania Looren are ambushed leaving many dead or severly wounded. This ambush is the work of Conor Synar; Liam's exiled brother and his band of terrorist.
The setting in the science fiction genre is basic and true to form...planets and spacecraft. The smoothness of the storyline makes Demon of Synar captivating with an undeniable magical tug on the readers five senses. I felt the underlying sensual pulse throbbing between the pages that is oh, so sexy read. The intimacies shared by the key characters of Demon of Synar are intellectually and sensually stimulating, therefore I found this energy bathe in an alluring atmosphere of anticipation. Character diaglogues are down-to-earth, spiced with appropriately placed humor.
Liam Synar is the demon master due to inheriting the entity from his family. I found Malachi's voices to be clear and distinguishable and likable for a demon. Synar' commanded Malachi, the demon, to embody Ania to save her life.
Ania Looren: petite, spiritual, warrior and healer is a Ambassador a Pleiadian of Peace Alliance.
Ania is so spirituality connected to her people and Liam she relinquishes her amazing abilities to be with Liam as his mate.
Gwen Jet: an arrogant, volatile, human and a Thelorian being of only 35 years of age is first lieutenant to Liam Synar. Gwen is a hot blooded female with high sexual energies often difficult to restrain making her very antsy. She was a fierce warrior and lover. She often enjoyed carnal bonding with men centuries old.
Dorian Zade: Spiritual Advisor; Synar best friend and comrade finds Gwen's highly sexual energy difficult to ignore.
I found a great sense of compassion for Ania, Synar and Dorian and Gwen and the bond they shared although it was often subdued. In fact this controlled longing made the story and the characters endearing to me. It reflects the sacrifices and lengthens love ones will undergo to protect and honor those dear to them.
As Demon of Synar continued I found myself as Malachi under the command of Ms. McDonald's to control. I look so forward to the development of this adventurous, passionate paranormal series.
Once again Ms. McDonald has taken my heart and soul on a emotional journey with a fantastic sensual bite that has me hungry for more.
Esteemed author Donna McDonald has a brand new series demonstrating her vivid, lyrical writing style on a different realm. Demon of Synar is a science fiction, romance, with a darker ambience than Ms. McDonald's usual narratives. Her creative versatility provides readers with such diversity it elevates her writer's craft to a higher level. Force to Serve series has a darker mood it maintains the silky richness fluidity and the beautiful warmth of a deep abiding love I associate with novels by Donna McDonald.
In the novel Demon of Synar Ms. Mc Donald takes her audience on provocative trek into the dark, semi-sweet valley of her awesome imagination. As I read Demon of Synar I experienced the many voices of the creative entities permitting her to dive into the uncharted dimensions of her imagination. Thus Forced to Served is born. Just as a parent proudly watches her baby grow and mature I felt the same way as I followed Ms. McDonald, Synar, Ania, Gwen and Dorian in this sexy paranormal, science fiction. The story kept me mesmerized and eagerly awaiting the upcoming installments of the Forced to Serve series. I believe Ms. McDonald's Forced to Serve series will cultivate a new loyal readership. While reading Demon of Synar I felt an up close and personal connection with Ms. McDonald, her unique characters and their personal dilemmas. Ms. McDonald does a superb job of depicting the personas of the characters and the inner turmoil each one must manage. The varying degrees of love between the key characters range from the Philos love to the sensual Eros love to Agape love, the highest level of unconditional love which is often difficult to sustain.
Demon of Synar is the infrastructure of a sci-fi, paranormal romantic series involving a military Captain of Norblades, a battling ancient cultural beliefs, family issues while leading a galactic society. After a formal mating ceremony with family and friends Captain Liam Synar and Ambassador of Peace, Ania Looren are ambushed leaving many dead or severly wounded. This ambush is the work of Conor Synar; Liam's exiled brother and his band of terrorist.
The setting in the science fiction genre is basic and true to form...planets and spacecraft. The smoothness of the storyline makes Demon of Synar captivating with an undeniable magical tug on the readers five senses. I felt the underlying sensual pulse throbbing between the pages that is oh, so sexy read. The intimacies shared by the key characters of Demon of Synar are intellectually and sensually stimulating, therefore I found this energy bathe in an alluring atmosphere of anticipation. Character diaglogues are down-to-earth, spiced with appropriately placed humor.
Liam Synar is the demon master due to inheriting the entity from his family. I found Malachi's voices to be clear and distinguishable and likable for a demon. Synar' commanded Malachi, the demon, to embody Ania to save her life.
Ania Looren: petite, spiritual, warrior and healer is a Ambassador a Pleiadian of Peace Alliance.
Ania is so spirituality connected to her people and Liam she relinquishes her amazing abilities to be with Liam as his mate.
Gwen Jet: an arrogant, volatile, human and a Thelorian being of only 35 years of age is first lieutenant to Liam Synar. Gwen is a hot blooded female with high sexual energies often difficult to restrain making her very antsy. She was a fierce warrior and lover. She often enjoyed carnal bonding with men centuries old.
Dorian Zade: Spiritual Advisor; Synar best friend and comrade finds Gwen's highly sexual energy difficult to ignore.
I found a great sense of compassion for Ania, Synar and Dorian and Gwen and the bond they shared although it was often subdued. In fact this controlled longing made the story and the characters endearing to me. It reflects the sacrifices and lengthens love ones will undergo to protect and honor those dear to them.
As Demon of Synar continued I found myself as Malachi under the command of Ms. McDonald's to control. I look so forward to the development of this adventurous, passionate paranormal series.
Once again Ms. McDonald has taken my heart and soul on a emotional journey with a fantastic sensual bite that has me hungry for more.
May 13, 2015
Imagine you are an ancient warrior. Imagine that you are so horrified by your actions in the first century of your life that you spend the next 800 years reaching enlightenment and a sense of peace. You work tirelessly to bring that peace to others. Imagine that you fall in love, as much as you are able to at your advanced age, and that on your wedding day, the venue is attacked. You throw yourself in front of your husband, take the shot meant for him and in return, he orders the family demon to inhabit your body and keep you alive. The demon you didn’t know he was the master of.
Yeah… I’d be pissed, too.
Ania is the woman, Synar the man, and Malachi the demon.
***
This is a serial not a complete story. It ends without any kind of resolution and that was a little annoying because it isn’t written up as a serial.
The aliens are oddly humanoid; Ania is a petite blonde, for instance. Gwen the first mate is a 35 year old idiot. She is supposed to be intuitive (but isn’t), she is supposed to be second in command (but doesn’t show much leadership) and she is supposed to be smart (don’t laugh in a person’s face when they tell you they are ancient warrior). I don’t know why she is first mate when all of her crew is over a century in age. She was very annoying.
Oddly, there are still gods in this world of ancient aliens.
2 stars
Yeah… I’d be pissed, too.
Ania is the woman, Synar the man, and Malachi the demon.
***
This is a serial not a complete story. It ends without any kind of resolution and that was a little annoying because it isn’t written up as a serial.
The aliens are oddly humanoid; Ania is a petite blonde, for instance. Gwen the first mate is a 35 year old idiot. She is supposed to be intuitive (but isn’t), she is supposed to be second in command (but doesn’t show much leadership) and she is supposed to be smart (don’t laugh in a person’s face when they tell you they are ancient warrior). I don’t know why she is first mate when all of her crew is over a century in age. She was very annoying.
Oddly, there are still gods in this world of ancient aliens.
2 stars
October 3, 2014
Check out my other listens at Eargasms Audiobook Reviews
This book starts off feeling like you missed another book or short story detailing events that are discussed in the prologue. I had to go back and read the book blurb to get up to speed on what was going on, although that also only recapped the first hour or so of the book. I really think some sort of prequel is in order to clarify relationships and events.
The overall story is really interesting once you get into things, if a touch complex at moments. The world is well thought out and intriguing. The way that information is handed out is a bit jarring. There are often times when you feel details are missing and they are not supplied until much later in the story.
The characters are really interesting and draw you into the action. I can see how things are going to develop for the lead characters and hints of relationships for the supporting cast. While Liam Synar is stiff most of the book he started to loosen up towards the end. Same goes for his mate Ania Looren.
While this has romantic elements it is sadly lacking in the smexy. One steamy kiss at the end is about as hot as things get.
I listened to the audiobook read by Allyson Johnson. She does a very nice job with the voices and pacing of the read. She is a touch inconsistent with the pronunciation of the lead character Ania's name. She has a very soothing tone to her voice that worked for calm characters but did not lend energy to action scenes.
The book has varied POV's, mostly from the two leads but other supporting characters lend to the narration as well. This is a great device for getting into the heads of everybody and understanding their motivations. It is one of my favorite styles to read.
The book leaves off with no real resolution. This is clearly a must read in order series. I am definitely interested in what is to come next but it is not a burning need to know right now. It was an entertaining read but it felt like much was missing from the beginning and this book is set-up for the next books in the series.
My suggestion is snag it for free on Amazon and then get the Audible for $1.99. If you love it you will be in the perfect place to pick up with the second book that is already out on audio.
Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
This book starts off feeling like you missed another book or short story detailing events that are discussed in the prologue. I had to go back and read the book blurb to get up to speed on what was going on, although that also only recapped the first hour or so of the book. I really think some sort of prequel is in order to clarify relationships and events.
The overall story is really interesting once you get into things, if a touch complex at moments. The world is well thought out and intriguing. The way that information is handed out is a bit jarring. There are often times when you feel details are missing and they are not supplied until much later in the story.
The characters are really interesting and draw you into the action. I can see how things are going to develop for the lead characters and hints of relationships for the supporting cast. While Liam Synar is stiff most of the book he started to loosen up towards the end. Same goes for his mate Ania Looren.
While this has romantic elements it is sadly lacking in the smexy. One steamy kiss at the end is about as hot as things get.
I listened to the audiobook read by Allyson Johnson. She does a very nice job with the voices and pacing of the read. She is a touch inconsistent with the pronunciation of the lead character Ania's name. She has a very soothing tone to her voice that worked for calm characters but did not lend energy to action scenes.
The book has varied POV's, mostly from the two leads but other supporting characters lend to the narration as well. This is a great device for getting into the heads of everybody and understanding their motivations. It is one of my favorite styles to read.
The book leaves off with no real resolution. This is clearly a must read in order series. I am definitely interested in what is to come next but it is not a burning need to know right now. It was an entertaining read but it felt like much was missing from the beginning and this book is set-up for the next books in the series.
My suggestion is snag it for free on Amazon and then get the Audible for $1.99. If you love it you will be in the perfect place to pick up with the second book that is already out on audio.
Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
July 18, 2013
See original post here!
I received a copy of The Demon of Synar for an honest review.
Captain Liam Synar and Ambassador Ania Looren were bonded and supposed to live hundreds of years together. Instead all that changes when Liam’s brother escapes his exiled prison and sends assassins to kill Liam and his demon Malachi. Instead Ania throws herself in front of Liam so save him. Liam made the decision to send Malachi his demon to heal and keep Ania alive. When Ania is healed Liam goes away promising to return for her but never does until her court trial. When Ania and her family were attacked Malachi came to the rescue and killed the men intended to harm her. Now facing trial Liam knows he has to step in and take Ania on his ship. Showing up seemingly out of nowhere to two become to realize that they knew nothing about each other and both must decide if the two years apart is worth forming a future together.
Wow! The Demon of Synar was nothing like I imagined. I loved the world while at first a little confused on the structure of how the world functioned, the entire theme was simply amazing. I loved the demon factor and meeting Malachi was nothing like I thought. Liam was annoying but in an understandably cute sort of way. Ania is definitely a strong woman with loads of experience and an easily likeable personality. There are secondary characters that also get their pov’s told in the story but they aren’t the main focus. Gwen to me is a tad on the annoying side but I can’t wait to find out what kind of character she’ll grow to become throughout the story. Zade is definitely sexy sounding especially since he’s a siren.
All in all The Demon of Synar is an amazing story that will leave readers wanting more due to its’ impeccable writing, amazing characters, and suspense! Cannot wait to read the second installment and I hope everyone checks this futuristic sci-fi fantasy novel out soon!
I received a copy of The Demon of Synar for an honest review.
Captain Liam Synar and Ambassador Ania Looren were bonded and supposed to live hundreds of years together. Instead all that changes when Liam’s brother escapes his exiled prison and sends assassins to kill Liam and his demon Malachi. Instead Ania throws herself in front of Liam so save him. Liam made the decision to send Malachi his demon to heal and keep Ania alive. When Ania is healed Liam goes away promising to return for her but never does until her court trial. When Ania and her family were attacked Malachi came to the rescue and killed the men intended to harm her. Now facing trial Liam knows he has to step in and take Ania on his ship. Showing up seemingly out of nowhere to two become to realize that they knew nothing about each other and both must decide if the two years apart is worth forming a future together.
Wow! The Demon of Synar was nothing like I imagined. I loved the world while at first a little confused on the structure of how the world functioned, the entire theme was simply amazing. I loved the demon factor and meeting Malachi was nothing like I thought. Liam was annoying but in an understandably cute sort of way. Ania is definitely a strong woman with loads of experience and an easily likeable personality. There are secondary characters that also get their pov’s told in the story but they aren’t the main focus. Gwen to me is a tad on the annoying side but I can’t wait to find out what kind of character she’ll grow to become throughout the story. Zade is definitely sexy sounding especially since he’s a siren.
All in all The Demon of Synar is an amazing story that will leave readers wanting more due to its’ impeccable writing, amazing characters, and suspense! Cannot wait to read the second installment and I hope everyone checks this futuristic sci-fi fantasy novel out soon!
April 11, 2014
AudioBook Review Stars: Overall: 4 Narration 4 Story 4
Starting out with a scene that turns out to be completely necessary for the background information, we are quickly introduced to Liam Synar, his best friend Dorian, his chosen mate Aria and the central character for conflict Malachi the demon in servitude to the Synar family.
Incorporating multiple races of beings, the story is consistently informed by the behavioral customs and approaches particular to the different races, some even creating moments of levity to break up the overwhelming tension emanating from Liam Synar.
There are many different elements coming to play in this story: good versus evil, knowing your partner, being honest about your history and background and being careful to listen, not just speak. Both Aria’ and Liam’s sides of the story are clearly laid out: nether was 100% honest: partly trust, partly selfishness on both parts, the story is really all about consequences, rebuilding trust and learning to be honest with one another.
Toss in several beings that are intuitive to precognitive, a smart-mouthed and cocky female human-mix and some flirtatious male crew members and there is no lack of characters to enjoy.
Narration in this story is provided by Allyson Johnson and she manages quite competently to present the voices of the characters with slight distinct changes in tone, pitch and delivery. Particular favorite of mine was her use of a whispery growl for Malachi, even in his conversation with Aria as she was demanding answers. Polished without great distracting moments, she kept the flow of the story without overdramatizing the author’s words.
As a start of a new series this is one that is full of characters to give everyone a favorite. Stopping with plenty yet to be sorted and solved, I am looking forward to the next installment.
I received an AudioBook copy of the title via AudioBook Jukebox for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Starting out with a scene that turns out to be completely necessary for the background information, we are quickly introduced to Liam Synar, his best friend Dorian, his chosen mate Aria and the central character for conflict Malachi the demon in servitude to the Synar family.
Incorporating multiple races of beings, the story is consistently informed by the behavioral customs and approaches particular to the different races, some even creating moments of levity to break up the overwhelming tension emanating from Liam Synar.
There are many different elements coming to play in this story: good versus evil, knowing your partner, being honest about your history and background and being careful to listen, not just speak. Both Aria’ and Liam’s sides of the story are clearly laid out: nether was 100% honest: partly trust, partly selfishness on both parts, the story is really all about consequences, rebuilding trust and learning to be honest with one another.
Toss in several beings that are intuitive to precognitive, a smart-mouthed and cocky female human-mix and some flirtatious male crew members and there is no lack of characters to enjoy.
Narration in this story is provided by Allyson Johnson and she manages quite competently to present the voices of the characters with slight distinct changes in tone, pitch and delivery. Particular favorite of mine was her use of a whispery growl for Malachi, even in his conversation with Aria as she was demanding answers. Polished without great distracting moments, she kept the flow of the story without overdramatizing the author’s words.
As a start of a new series this is one that is full of characters to give everyone a favorite. Stopping with plenty yet to be sorted and solved, I am looking forward to the next installment.
I received an AudioBook copy of the title via AudioBook Jukebox for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
January 27, 2013
I really enjoyed reading this story and I will continue on with the series. I give the book 4 stars.
Liam made some really bad choices in this story but his heart was in the right place for several of them. As Captain and demon master he should have thought his actions through but he also wasn’t trained to be a demon master. This man had me wanting to shake him a couple times but then again so did Ania with their stubbornness and blindness.
The different inhabitants of different planets were really unique and I will enjoy learning more about all of them as the series continues. In this story Earth is behind all the other planets and humans are classified as unenlightened so we don’t live hundreds of years.
I think that pairing Ania with the Malachai demon was a great choice. With his personality and her background it should make for some interesting encounters as well as maybe a couple of close calls.
I hope the next book has more of Ania and Liam but also more of Gwen and Dorian as those two promise to be pretty interesting also. I can’t wait for Liam’s brother Conor to enter the picture. I really think there will be some action and intense fighting.
*I received from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
Liam made some really bad choices in this story but his heart was in the right place for several of them. As Captain and demon master he should have thought his actions through but he also wasn’t trained to be a demon master. This man had me wanting to shake him a couple times but then again so did Ania with their stubbornness and blindness.
The different inhabitants of different planets were really unique and I will enjoy learning more about all of them as the series continues. In this story Earth is behind all the other planets and humans are classified as unenlightened so we don’t live hundreds of years.
I think that pairing Ania with the Malachai demon was a great choice. With his personality and her background it should make for some interesting encounters as well as maybe a couple of close calls.
I hope the next book has more of Ania and Liam but also more of Gwen and Dorian as those two promise to be pretty interesting also. I can’t wait for Liam’s brother Conor to enter the picture. I really think there will be some action and intense fighting.
*I received from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
December 4, 2015
Captain Liam Synar is the unwilling master of the demon, Malachi. His father chose him over his older brother, Connor; and Connor is determined to wrest control over the demon from his brother, even if he has to kill him to do it.
When Connor orders an attack on Liam’s ship, Ania, Liam’s mate is shot saving his life. Liam then orders Malachi to enter Ania’s body to save her, but he keeps this from her, which is a betrayal of her oath as a peacekeeper.
The Demon of Synar by Donna McDonald is the first in the Forced to Serve series, introducing the characters and background of this epic space adventure. McDonald does a great job of outlining the complicated relationships between and among the characters, from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and weaving the presence of demons—creatures that have been condemned to a non-corporeal existence and forced to serve ‘masters’ for eternity.
A complicated tale of personal emotions and ambitions, it’s filled with action, drama, and bits of humor that will keep you reading until the cliffhanger ending. Looking forward to the further adventures as Ania learns that she’s now host to a demon, and how her relationship with Liam will be affected by this knowledge.
A very entertaining read.
When Connor orders an attack on Liam’s ship, Ania, Liam’s mate is shot saving his life. Liam then orders Malachi to enter Ania’s body to save her, but he keeps this from her, which is a betrayal of her oath as a peacekeeper.
The Demon of Synar by Donna McDonald is the first in the Forced to Serve series, introducing the characters and background of this epic space adventure. McDonald does a great job of outlining the complicated relationships between and among the characters, from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and weaving the presence of demons—creatures that have been condemned to a non-corporeal existence and forced to serve ‘masters’ for eternity.
A complicated tale of personal emotions and ambitions, it’s filled with action, drama, and bits of humor that will keep you reading until the cliffhanger ending. Looking forward to the further adventures as Ania learns that she’s now host to a demon, and how her relationship with Liam will be affected by this knowledge.
A very entertaining read.
September 19, 2012
Captain Liam Synar made a very tough decision when he saved the life of his new mate, Ania Looren, by forcing her to become a demon host - perhaps it was the wrong decision. His way of dealing with it is to not tell her and then disappear for two years (not the most noble of deeds). While he is gone, Ania realizes that something is wrong but can't quite figure out what it is. When Liam's evil brother attacks her family trying to get the demon that she hosts under his control - Liam is forced to return and face the consequences of his actions.
I almost put this down about half way through. It just wasn't moving along very well for me. Then Ania and Liam found themselves forced to be together on his ship and things started to become very interesting again. While sparks didn't necessarily go flying, a nice slow burn began between the two again. However...the ending....OH MY GOD what a cliffhanger. I will have to go get the next one very very soon so that I can find out if Liam and Ania can work through their differences and let their passions out again.
I almost put this down about half way through. It just wasn't moving along very well for me. Then Ania and Liam found themselves forced to be together on his ship and things started to become very interesting again. While sparks didn't necessarily go flying, a nice slow burn began between the two again. However...the ending....OH MY GOD what a cliffhanger. I will have to go get the next one very very soon so that I can find out if Liam and Ania can work through their differences and let their passions out again.
October 13, 2013
I've had this book for a while and for some reason I kept putting off reading it. I guess the premise of the story didn't really appeal to me. The idea of the hero putting a demon inside his wife just seemed like a turn off. I only had the book because it's free.
Well, I finally got around to reading it and I was very pleasantly surprised. What a great story with interesting and believable characters! The story was so interesting I could hardly put it down. Yes, the book ends with some unresolved issues and you will need to purchase book 2, but still it was well worth reading. Also, if you want romance to be the main theme, you might be a little disappointed, though make no mistake it is still there. It just takes a back seat to the amazingly creative story.
I recommend reading this book if you are looking for a very unique, well written, character driven sci-fi or space opera story with some romance and are willing to purchase book 2.
Well, I finally got around to reading it and I was very pleasantly surprised. What a great story with interesting and believable characters! The story was so interesting I could hardly put it down. Yes, the book ends with some unresolved issues and you will need to purchase book 2, but still it was well worth reading. Also, if you want romance to be the main theme, you might be a little disappointed, though make no mistake it is still there. It just takes a back seat to the amazingly creative story.
I recommend reading this book if you are looking for a very unique, well written, character driven sci-fi or space opera story with some romance and are willing to purchase book 2.
February 18, 2014
Complicated Genealogy
This is a prequel to the novel Forced to Serve. It takes a while to understand just what capabilities beings have, as the genealogy is so very complex, and everyone has different ages and powers.
The book isn't so much about the Demon of Synar, but the Demon master and the Demon host. Once you figure out what's going on, it becomes much more interesting. I especially liked the brash yet fresh character of Gwen, who at only thirty five years of age deals with others who are centuries older than her.
As a lead-in to a novel, this story gives a good taste of what you are getting yourself into. Heavy on the internal and external dialogue and not a lot of action. Part of that is because the characters powers are so complex. If you like that kind of thing - mental capabilities, warriors who can control you with a word, demon possession and many different types of alien hybrids, then this is just the book for you.
This is a prequel to the novel Forced to Serve. It takes a while to understand just what capabilities beings have, as the genealogy is so very complex, and everyone has different ages and powers.
The book isn't so much about the Demon of Synar, but the Demon master and the Demon host. Once you figure out what's going on, it becomes much more interesting. I especially liked the brash yet fresh character of Gwen, who at only thirty five years of age deals with others who are centuries older than her.
As a lead-in to a novel, this story gives a good taste of what you are getting yourself into. Heavy on the internal and external dialogue and not a lot of action. Part of that is because the characters powers are so complex. If you like that kind of thing - mental capabilities, warriors who can control you with a word, demon possession and many different types of alien hybrids, then this is just the book for you.
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