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Devil of Ponong #1
The Devil's Concubine
QuiTai, ruthless concubine of Levapur’s mysterious crime lord, the Devil, receives an unexpected invitation to cocktails with disgraced Thampurian Kyam Zul. She doesn’t trust Kyam enough to drink anything he pours, and won’t help him no matter how hard he begs – or threatens. But when QuiTai’s ex-lover is murdered, Kyam is the only one who knows the name of the killer, and he won’t tell QuiTai unless she helps him first.
The torpid back alleyways of Levapur’s tropical colony hide more than lovers. There are things with claws, beings with venomous fangs, and spies lurking in the jungle. Most of them want to keep their secrets. One wants QuiTai dead.
The torpid back alleyways of Levapur’s tropical colony hide more than lovers. There are things with claws, beings with venomous fangs, and spies lurking in the jungle. Most of them want to keep their secrets. One wants QuiTai dead.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
261 people are currently reading
920 people want to read
About the author
Jill Braden
5 books48 followersThis is where I'm supposed to talk about myself in the third person. Jill did this. Jill won that. BORING. All you need to know about me is that I wrote the kind of novel I wanted to read: a political thriller that evokes Casablanca + Romancing the Stone + Oceans Eleven + Sherlock Holmes, with a dash of science fiction & steampunk. What genre is it? It's many. It's none of the above. I imagined an interesting character and set her loose. Her world still doesn't realize who they're dealing with, but they're finding out.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
February 9, 2015
*Netgalley ARC in exchange for honest review*
This book was a bit hit or miss for me. I absolutely loved the vivid, lush descriptions. I could get lost in this authors ability to describe the jungle, ocean, and vibrant people of this island. Her wording is fabulous and she has some real skill at setting a scene.
The first 25% of the book pulled me into the mystery of the island and I spent a lot of time trying to figure out the relationship between QuiTai and "the devil". I couldn't tell if they were in love or hated each other. It didn't help that the author completely glosses over love scenes so after the first one I was left thinking "what just happened there???". I'm not a fan of fading to black when the romance gets hot especially with how heavily the author seemed to push tense romantic feelings.
At around the mid way point I had to push myself to keep reading. There was a lot of bickering between QuiTai and Kyam. It started to get on my nerves but I was invested enough in the story to want to see it through. The author excels at keeping the true goals of the characters enough of a mystery that I wasn't really sure if Kyam was a good guy or a bad guy until the very end.
Things I loved: I loved the use of jellyfish for lanterns. As a marine scientist this totally tickled my pickle! And I also found the local drug of choice black lotus very interesting. I really liked reading about the local Ponong culture. I found the way they revered their elders very refreshing and I loved how no matter what rush they were in they would all sit and crouch for a good story telling. I also found the communing with the goddess very interesting.
The story ends in a bit of a cliffhanger and it's enough that I'd be interested in checking out the second book. Overall good read!
This book was a bit hit or miss for me. I absolutely loved the vivid, lush descriptions. I could get lost in this authors ability to describe the jungle, ocean, and vibrant people of this island. Her wording is fabulous and she has some real skill at setting a scene.
The first 25% of the book pulled me into the mystery of the island and I spent a lot of time trying to figure out the relationship between QuiTai and "the devil". I couldn't tell if they were in love or hated each other. It didn't help that the author completely glosses over love scenes so after the first one I was left thinking "what just happened there???". I'm not a fan of fading to black when the romance gets hot especially with how heavily the author seemed to push tense romantic feelings.
At around the mid way point I had to push myself to keep reading. There was a lot of bickering between QuiTai and Kyam. It started to get on my nerves but I was invested enough in the story to want to see it through. The author excels at keeping the true goals of the characters enough of a mystery that I wasn't really sure if Kyam was a good guy or a bad guy until the very end.
Things I loved: I loved the use of jellyfish for lanterns. As a marine scientist this totally tickled my pickle! And I also found the local drug of choice black lotus very interesting. I really liked reading about the local Ponong culture. I found the way they revered their elders very refreshing and I loved how no matter what rush they were in they would all sit and crouch for a good story telling. I also found the communing with the goddess very interesting.
The story ends in a bit of a cliffhanger and it's enough that I'd be interested in checking out the second book. Overall good read!
July 1, 2013
Imagine a world. Imagine a world beautifully entrenched in Far Eastern culture. Imagine a world in which fantasy and technology battle for supremacy. Where your usual UF monster is transplanted. And all of a sudden he represents the devil (in this case both figuratively and historically, if you remember your Far East history class).
Imagine a writer who can wax poetically about jungles and intrigues and make you wish you were there.
The Devil's Concubine is definitely this kind of book. One that surprises the hell out of you. Where the main focus is a woman's battle for vengeance and justice for her people, at whatever price. Where colonialism and racism are touched, but they never overcome the plot. Where, cover notwithstanding, there's not a hint of PNR or any R to it.
Sounds interesting? It is. Mind you, it has its problems. It lost me:
- one third of they story where I couldn't really get why the leading characters couldn't go on their separate ways. It seemed too much a plot to force them together and play nice.
-when the banter seemed a bit too much for the themes touched. Like the author didn't put all her heart in them. Or didn't want to scare people away.
-when I was forced to watch an heroine who was fully rounded and perfectly logical but I still couldn't get her. Because to me some facets of Eastern cultures are difficult to swallow. I keep imposing my cultural and feminist perspective on them. And sometimes I need rage when faced with some unacceptable truth or betrayals.
-Because such a woman needed a strong opponent, worthy of her, not those pitiful example of enemies.
But all of the above is me.
You still there? Go get the book.
DRC courtesy of publisher via NetGalley
Imagine a writer who can wax poetically about jungles and intrigues and make you wish you were there.
The Devil's Concubine is definitely this kind of book. One that surprises the hell out of you. Where the main focus is a woman's battle for vengeance and justice for her people, at whatever price. Where colonialism and racism are touched, but they never overcome the plot. Where, cover notwithstanding, there's not a hint of PNR or any R to it.
Sounds interesting? It is. Mind you, it has its problems. It lost me:
- one third of they story where I couldn't really get why the leading characters couldn't go on their separate ways. It seemed too much a plot to force them together and play nice.
-when the banter seemed a bit too much for the themes touched. Like the author didn't put all her heart in them. Or didn't want to scare people away.
-when I was forced to watch an heroine who was fully rounded and perfectly logical but I still couldn't get her. Because to me some facets of Eastern cultures are difficult to swallow. I keep imposing my cultural and feminist perspective on them. And sometimes I need rage when faced with some unacceptable truth or betrayals.
-Because such a woman needed a strong opponent, worthy of her, not those pitiful example of enemies.
But all of the above is me.
You still there? Go get the book.
DRC courtesy of publisher via NetGalley
October 29, 2016
A surprisingly good read. From the title, I was expecting a romance, but what I got was organised crime, spies and a mystery plot.
QuiTai is the concubine (but also the right hand) of the Devil, the crime lord (and werewolf) who, together with the foreign colonial government, rules Ponong, QuiTai's home. Rumours of smugglers bringing and unknown shipment to the island, without giving the Devil his cut, and then a murder find QuiTai working with the spy Kyam Zul, who serves the country who conquered Ponong, to solve both mysteries.
Sometimes I felt the narrative was trying to hard to keep QuiTai and Kyam working together, despite every reason for them not to be, and I have a few other minor quibbles, but I enjoyed the character of QuiTai a great deal. Although at times she's was very stupid for someone so smart. I'll be picking up the next book.
QuiTai is the concubine (but also the right hand) of the Devil, the crime lord (and werewolf) who, together with the foreign colonial government, rules Ponong, QuiTai's home. Rumours of smugglers bringing and unknown shipment to the island, without giving the Devil his cut, and then a murder find QuiTai working with the spy Kyam Zul, who serves the country who conquered Ponong, to solve both mysteries.
Sometimes I felt the narrative was trying to hard to keep QuiTai and Kyam working together, despite every reason for them not to be, and I have a few other minor quibbles, but I enjoyed the character of QuiTai a great deal. Although at times she's was very stupid for someone so smart. I'll be picking up the next book.
September 20, 2013
Jill Braden has written an intriguing fantasy around Ponong, a Polynesian type island with a touch of Asian flair. Her world is nothing like I have ever read before. The Ponongese people are humanoid with snake like qualities, which include fangs and poisonous venom. They are ruled by the Thampurian government whose people are known as sea dragons. Since no troubled world would be complete without an evil underbelly they have a crime syndicate, which happens to be run by werewolves. However there is a new evil in town. The Ravidians, a lizard like people, are bringing mysterious shipments into the port town of Levapur.
The story is told through the eyes of QuiTai, the devil’s concubine. She is Ponongese and the brains behind the crime syndicate. She is sensual, intelligent, ruthless, and loyal to her race above all others. From her position of power she is able to manipulate the alpha werewolf, Petrof, (who is known to everyone as the Devil), for the good of her people. I really appreciated the way the Ponongese showed respect to one another in this primitive society. Despite being oppressed, they strived to keep their customs and dignity. This is where the author’s storytelling abilities really shined the brightest.
Braden’s descriptive prose about the island and its inhabitants is beautifully written, but the back story is too slowly developed. At about 36% I almost put the book aside because the story didn’t seem to be going any where. Until we met and got to know a little more about Kyam Zul, a disgraced Thampurian from the royal family, who has been exiled to Ponong. We eventually learn he is an ex-Colonel of His Majesty’s Intelligence Services. Kyam enlists QuiTai’s help to figure out what the Ravidian’s are up to. He is smart enough to realize that QuiTai knows more than she lets on and the banter between these two was very entertaining as their respect for each other grows. At one point QuiTai reflects:
The terrible thing about excruciatingly good manners was that there was absolutely no defense against them. She used that ploy against others often enough to know she’d been outmaneuvered by a master.
There is adult language contained in this book that may be offensive to some, but the sex scenes are behind closed doors, which I found a little disappointing. I also found no significant editing errors. If you enjoy mystery, politics with hidden agendas, complex characters, and multi-layered storylines, I think you will enjoy this series. There is an interesting (although not really surprising) twist at the end of this book that will most likely draw you into reading the next of this promising series.
**Originally written for “Awesome Trilogies and Series” review page. May have received a free review copy. ** 09/10/2013
The story is told through the eyes of QuiTai, the devil’s concubine. She is Ponongese and the brains behind the crime syndicate. She is sensual, intelligent, ruthless, and loyal to her race above all others. From her position of power she is able to manipulate the alpha werewolf, Petrof, (who is known to everyone as the Devil), for the good of her people. I really appreciated the way the Ponongese showed respect to one another in this primitive society. Despite being oppressed, they strived to keep their customs and dignity. This is where the author’s storytelling abilities really shined the brightest.
Braden’s descriptive prose about the island and its inhabitants is beautifully written, but the back story is too slowly developed. At about 36% I almost put the book aside because the story didn’t seem to be going any where. Until we met and got to know a little more about Kyam Zul, a disgraced Thampurian from the royal family, who has been exiled to Ponong. We eventually learn he is an ex-Colonel of His Majesty’s Intelligence Services. Kyam enlists QuiTai’s help to figure out what the Ravidian’s are up to. He is smart enough to realize that QuiTai knows more than she lets on and the banter between these two was very entertaining as their respect for each other grows. At one point QuiTai reflects:
The terrible thing about excruciatingly good manners was that there was absolutely no defense against them. She used that ploy against others often enough to know she’d been outmaneuvered by a master.
There is adult language contained in this book that may be offensive to some, but the sex scenes are behind closed doors, which I found a little disappointing. I also found no significant editing errors. If you enjoy mystery, politics with hidden agendas, complex characters, and multi-layered storylines, I think you will enjoy this series. There is an interesting (although not really surprising) twist at the end of this book that will most likely draw you into reading the next of this promising series.
**Originally written for “Awesome Trilogies and Series” review page. May have received a free review copy. ** 09/10/2013
May 31, 2017
I loved this book and all the sequels so far. Thanks Ms. Braden, for writing a fun book in a style I also want to read.
July 26, 2016
[Full disclosure: I received a free ebook copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.]
I am seriously in awe of this book. Not only is it well written with amazing characters and a fast plot, but it also takes place in a fantasy world that’s not based on Medieval Europe! Instead, it’s based upon a tropical island culture with elements taken from both island and Asian cultures as well as some European ones.
QuiTai is now one of my favourite characters—ever. Considering how many books I read a year, that’s saying something. She is amazing! Sensual, manipulative, complex, intelligent, ruthless and at the same time, loyal to her conquered Ponongese people. Words can’t even do her justice. She’s such a strong woman but at the same time is seriously flawed when it comes to her lust for revenge and her distrust of people in general. Seeing her interact with the intelligent, snarky, disgraced Thampurian Kyam is fascinating especially when she becomes attracted to him. Trust me on this one though: she doesn’t fall in typical love and it certainly doesn’t blind her like it does other narrators.
I can’t get over Jill Braden’s fantasy world. It’s a little hard to get used to at first, but when you learn the backstory of Levapur you really appreciate how much detail she put into it. The Ponongese people, which seem to be almost human-snake hybrids have been conquered by the ‘sea dragons’, Thampurians. Thampurians can shape shift into a sort of fish, which I think is really cool. On top of being a colony to the ruthless Thampurians, every full moon the Devil’s werewolves lurk around threatening the populace even though QuiTai does her best to keep the island population safe from the werewolves. The dynamic between the Ponongese people and the Thampurians is ever-changing and full of tension and clearly demonstrates that Jill Braden actually understands politics.
Kyam and the Devil, much like QuiTai, are more complex than they actually seem. Each one has hidden motives that aren’t immediately apparent even to the suspicious QuiTai. The Devil seems to be your stereotypical crime lord who runs the island, but when we learn the real power behind him you can’t help but laugh. This real power also makes sense because of how the first book ends, but I can’t go into any more detail than that.
The plot is fast paced and Jill Braden constantly throws in plot twists to keep you on your toes. Even the characters themselves throw you off sometimes because just when you think you know their motives, their true motives are revealed. Especially when it comes to QuiTai as we slowly learn more of her backstory and how she came to be the Devil’s concubine. These plot twists are mostly unexpected, but they actually make sense within the story and are part of the greater politics of Levapur (especially when it comes to the island’s colony status). I guarantee you won’t see the ending coming; QuiTai has a revelation that will truly shock you.
The Devil’s Concubine was so good that I can’t wait to read The Devil Incarnate, the next book in The Devil of Ponong series. If you haven’t already read it, give The Devil’s Concubine a try. You’re pretty much guaranteed to love it.
I give this book 5/5 stars.
I am seriously in awe of this book. Not only is it well written with amazing characters and a fast plot, but it also takes place in a fantasy world that’s not based on Medieval Europe! Instead, it’s based upon a tropical island culture with elements taken from both island and Asian cultures as well as some European ones.
QuiTai is now one of my favourite characters—ever. Considering how many books I read a year, that’s saying something. She is amazing! Sensual, manipulative, complex, intelligent, ruthless and at the same time, loyal to her conquered Ponongese people. Words can’t even do her justice. She’s such a strong woman but at the same time is seriously flawed when it comes to her lust for revenge and her distrust of people in general. Seeing her interact with the intelligent, snarky, disgraced Thampurian Kyam is fascinating especially when she becomes attracted to him. Trust me on this one though: she doesn’t fall in typical love and it certainly doesn’t blind her like it does other narrators.
I can’t get over Jill Braden’s fantasy world. It’s a little hard to get used to at first, but when you learn the backstory of Levapur you really appreciate how much detail she put into it. The Ponongese people, which seem to be almost human-snake hybrids have been conquered by the ‘sea dragons’, Thampurians. Thampurians can shape shift into a sort of fish, which I think is really cool. On top of being a colony to the ruthless Thampurians, every full moon the Devil’s werewolves lurk around threatening the populace even though QuiTai does her best to keep the island population safe from the werewolves. The dynamic between the Ponongese people and the Thampurians is ever-changing and full of tension and clearly demonstrates that Jill Braden actually understands politics.
Kyam and the Devil, much like QuiTai, are more complex than they actually seem. Each one has hidden motives that aren’t immediately apparent even to the suspicious QuiTai. The Devil seems to be your stereotypical crime lord who runs the island, but when we learn the real power behind him you can’t help but laugh. This real power also makes sense because of how the first book ends, but I can’t go into any more detail than that.
The plot is fast paced and Jill Braden constantly throws in plot twists to keep you on your toes. Even the characters themselves throw you off sometimes because just when you think you know their motives, their true motives are revealed. Especially when it comes to QuiTai as we slowly learn more of her backstory and how she came to be the Devil’s concubine. These plot twists are mostly unexpected, but they actually make sense within the story and are part of the greater politics of Levapur (especially when it comes to the island’s colony status). I guarantee you won’t see the ending coming; QuiTai has a revelation that will truly shock you.
The Devil’s Concubine was so good that I can’t wait to read The Devil Incarnate, the next book in The Devil of Ponong series. If you haven’t already read it, give The Devil’s Concubine a try. You’re pretty much guaranteed to love it.
I give this book 5/5 stars.
July 28, 2013
Tsundoku Reviews
Brief Summary: QuiTai, the Devil’s concubine and crime mastermind is already playing a dangerous game—simultaneously placating the Devil while also scheming for the freedom of her people the Ponongese. But when Thampurian spy Kyam Tul comes to her about a deadly Ravidian plot, the stakes are raised.
The Tsundoku Scale: Top of the Pile, 8 out of 10.
The Good: QuiTai is that appealing, hard-to-go-wrong character trifecta of sassy, sexy, and smart—traits that go a long way to making a character engaging and exciting. And did I mention that she’s a venom wielding snake hybrid in a world with jelly lanterns, corruption, and werewolves? QuiTai is a fantasy version of a hard-boiled detective, a woman of wits and expertise in a world that we the reader are totally unfamiliar with, and thereby intrigued by. What’s more, however, is that QuiTai’s richly complicated, a dark hero who on one hand takes care to make sure a little boy attends school while on the other hand she unabashedly seduces a mass murderer to get what she wants. And I love the character of Kyam, the “good-guy” Thampurian that always exasperates QuiTai, but manages to hold his own just the same. The constant banter and quips between QuiTai and Kyam are priceless, and it adds charm and humor to the tale. What’s great about this story is that it never takes itself to seriously. While the character are absolutely important, there is always a larger sense of being told a story and listening to the grand scheme of how the world changed from Kyam and QuiTai’s personal relationship, to the Ravidian plot, to the entire political situation between the Ponongese and the Thampurians —you don’t have to question motives or situations, you simply just sit back and enjoy and see where it goes.
The Bad: There are werewolves and vampires (sort of). Ever since the whole Twilight series came out, I’ve been adamantly against seeing werewolves and vampires in any story because I hate the obsession it spurs. It ruins the fantasy to me when the characters are always mesmerized by what these creatures do, and not who they are. Fantasy is about making a new world, but normalizing it, so that it becomes somewhat expected to see a flying car or a talking book or even a werewolf. When the characters are still gaping at what’s “normal” halfway through the book, it’s really annoying. To be fair, QuiTai is technically not a vampire at all, she’s more like a snake, but she still has fangs. Nevertheless, despite my dislike of werewolves and vampires, the story really did avoid the above stereotypes that I dislike—the book just happened to have those creatures and there was nothing more to it. Yes, they had special abilities, but that was it—no extra drama or irrationally drawn-out romance. Speaking of romance however, I did feel that QuiTai’s romance with Jezeeret is a little over-played in the book, if only because I cannot imagine the daring, intelligent QuiTai being so manipulated by a drug-riddled woman. It does, however, add another level of depth to QuiTai’s already interesting character.
Please check out Tsundoku Reviews for more great book reviews!
Brief Summary: QuiTai, the Devil’s concubine and crime mastermind is already playing a dangerous game—simultaneously placating the Devil while also scheming for the freedom of her people the Ponongese. But when Thampurian spy Kyam Tul comes to her about a deadly Ravidian plot, the stakes are raised.
The Tsundoku Scale: Top of the Pile, 8 out of 10.
The Good: QuiTai is that appealing, hard-to-go-wrong character trifecta of sassy, sexy, and smart—traits that go a long way to making a character engaging and exciting. And did I mention that she’s a venom wielding snake hybrid in a world with jelly lanterns, corruption, and werewolves? QuiTai is a fantasy version of a hard-boiled detective, a woman of wits and expertise in a world that we the reader are totally unfamiliar with, and thereby intrigued by. What’s more, however, is that QuiTai’s richly complicated, a dark hero who on one hand takes care to make sure a little boy attends school while on the other hand she unabashedly seduces a mass murderer to get what she wants. And I love the character of Kyam, the “good-guy” Thampurian that always exasperates QuiTai, but manages to hold his own just the same. The constant banter and quips between QuiTai and Kyam are priceless, and it adds charm and humor to the tale. What’s great about this story is that it never takes itself to seriously. While the character are absolutely important, there is always a larger sense of being told a story and listening to the grand scheme of how the world changed from Kyam and QuiTai’s personal relationship, to the Ravidian plot, to the entire political situation between the Ponongese and the Thampurians —you don’t have to question motives or situations, you simply just sit back and enjoy and see where it goes.
The Bad: There are werewolves and vampires (sort of). Ever since the whole Twilight series came out, I’ve been adamantly against seeing werewolves and vampires in any story because I hate the obsession it spurs. It ruins the fantasy to me when the characters are always mesmerized by what these creatures do, and not who they are. Fantasy is about making a new world, but normalizing it, so that it becomes somewhat expected to see a flying car or a talking book or even a werewolf. When the characters are still gaping at what’s “normal” halfway through the book, it’s really annoying. To be fair, QuiTai is technically not a vampire at all, she’s more like a snake, but she still has fangs. Nevertheless, despite my dislike of werewolves and vampires, the story really did avoid the above stereotypes that I dislike—the book just happened to have those creatures and there was nothing more to it. Yes, they had special abilities, but that was it—no extra drama or irrationally drawn-out romance. Speaking of romance however, I did feel that QuiTai’s romance with Jezeeret is a little over-played in the book, if only because I cannot imagine the daring, intelligent QuiTai being so manipulated by a drug-riddled woman. It does, however, add another level of depth to QuiTai’s already interesting character.
Please check out Tsundoku Reviews for more great book reviews!
July 7, 2013
So the devil goes down to Ponong and sets up castle, taking a mistress named Qui Tai.
He's big and bad, and sometimes downright mean which should be a sign for Qui Tai to run as far as she can in what ever direction will take her the farthest from the Petrof, but she's not the kind of heroine to run away from a good challenge. Especially when she's got her own nasty agenda.
But first, she has a mystery to solve involving an old lover (something that isn't making Petrof, real happy.) One she might not survive.
This really is a strange mix, it's a thriller/mystery set in fantasy world with werewolves and other mythical creatures. Even Qui Tai is a cross between a human and a snake, making her almost perfect for the devil. Petrof is actually more of a Mafioso type who has taken over an island to run his criminal enterprise from. Qui Tai. is reluctant at first to get involved with her former lover and his nebulous mystery, and it soon becomes very clear why.
I really liked Qui Tai. She's cast as this bad-woman who likes the abuse she gets under the devil, but we soon see the gooey inside of her and the reason why. Girl's got protect herself, and besides, you just love rooting for her to kick some serious butt under the ole devil's nose.
I highly recommend this, and it's not just the well drawn setting, or the exotic characters, but how Author Jill Braden weaves her tale. Her prose is excellent. You're literally sucked into this adventure and will pout when it's finished. Good thing, there is second book already out...
He's big and bad, and sometimes downright mean which should be a sign for Qui Tai to run as far as she can in what ever direction will take her the farthest from the Petrof, but she's not the kind of heroine to run away from a good challenge. Especially when she's got her own nasty agenda.
But first, she has a mystery to solve involving an old lover (something that isn't making Petrof, real happy.) One she might not survive.
This really is a strange mix, it's a thriller/mystery set in fantasy world with werewolves and other mythical creatures. Even Qui Tai is a cross between a human and a snake, making her almost perfect for the devil. Petrof is actually more of a Mafioso type who has taken over an island to run his criminal enterprise from. Qui Tai. is reluctant at first to get involved with her former lover and his nebulous mystery, and it soon becomes very clear why.
I really liked Qui Tai. She's cast as this bad-woman who likes the abuse she gets under the devil, but we soon see the gooey inside of her and the reason why. Girl's got protect herself, and besides, you just love rooting for her to kick some serious butt under the ole devil's nose.
I highly recommend this, and it's not just the well drawn setting, or the exotic characters, but how Author Jill Braden weaves her tale. Her prose is excellent. You're literally sucked into this adventure and will pout when it's finished. Good thing, there is second book already out...
July 8, 2013
Dear Author,
I read this, loved it, and can't wait to read the second.
However, I have several suggestions which you should take as thinly disguised demands: Since I'm going ahead to read the second novel in this series you must continue it. I expect a third and fourth book by the end of the year. Failure to comply will result in extreme temper tantrums and associating your name with some of the less savory authors of history (Mein Kampf ring any bells?).
Secondly, you have werewolves in this one, and I would like to see mermaids in the future. As you know, mermaids are hot lately and I would love to see QuiTai dicing them up like her favorite bait fish. (And could you please name one Bella?) Zombies would also be nice, but I can easily forgive their exclusion. just give me the mermaids and they do fit in your exotic world.
Third, you need to find a hit-man, and have them whack whoever the other author is using your cover (in reverse). Bribes are not necessary, you wrote a novel worthy of the image and there is no reason they should have borrowed it. They couldn't do justice to the lady on the cover, not like you have, just put them out of their misery.
Sincerely,
your number two and half fan
I read this, loved it, and can't wait to read the second.
However, I have several suggestions which you should take as thinly disguised demands: Since I'm going ahead to read the second novel in this series you must continue it. I expect a third and fourth book by the end of the year. Failure to comply will result in extreme temper tantrums and associating your name with some of the less savory authors of history (Mein Kampf ring any bells?).
Secondly, you have werewolves in this one, and I would like to see mermaids in the future. As you know, mermaids are hot lately and I would love to see QuiTai dicing them up like her favorite bait fish. (And could you please name one Bella?) Zombies would also be nice, but I can easily forgive their exclusion. just give me the mermaids and they do fit in your exotic world.
Third, you need to find a hit-man, and have them whack whoever the other author is using your cover (in reverse). Bribes are not necessary, you wrote a novel worthy of the image and there is no reason they should have borrowed it. They couldn't do justice to the lady on the cover, not like you have, just put them out of their misery.
Sincerely,
your number two and half fan
May 9, 2013
The Devil's Concubine is set in a world that is so well described and so fully fleshed out that it is almost effortless to slip into it. The humidity of Ponong could almost warp the pages of the book. If you were reading a paper copy. Which I wasn't. Thankfully, my nook didn't sweat. The skittering lizards and howling primates really just make this one of the most beautifully written worlds I can remember taking part in.
The character development of QuiTai, our protagonist, is probably the best part of this intriguing story. She's tough. Not tough like a street thug or one dimensional video game heroine though. She has a hardened exterior that protects, but also preserves, the real and recognizable feelings that too many heroines tend to bury. She makes it easy to keep reading because you really care about what happens to her. As her layers are peeled back for the reader, she becomes more and more endearing without losing her edge at all.
An unexpected bonus to this book is that it transcends genre. If you like China Mieville or the VanderMeers, then you'll appreciate the intersection of fantasy and technology on Ponong.
The character development of QuiTai, our protagonist, is probably the best part of this intriguing story. She's tough. Not tough like a street thug or one dimensional video game heroine though. She has a hardened exterior that protects, but also preserves, the real and recognizable feelings that too many heroines tend to bury. She makes it easy to keep reading because you really care about what happens to her. As her layers are peeled back for the reader, she becomes more and more endearing without losing her edge at all.
An unexpected bonus to this book is that it transcends genre. If you like China Mieville or the VanderMeers, then you'll appreciate the intersection of fantasy and technology on Ponong.
May 21, 2018
With “The Devil’s Concubine” Braden blows a breath of fresh air into fantasy literature that seems swamped with poorly edited stories. I am having a difficult time trying to find fault with it. You seriously need to get this story. Right now (6th May 2018) you can get it for free on Amazon.
“The Devil’s Concubine” is part of a series called “The Devil of Ponong“. Currently there are three books in the series. I want more of them They all have proper endings without cliff-hangers and the “problem” is resolved during the novel. The over-arching story is a political drama set in a fantasy world that carries a Far East spirit. It deals with some of the consequences of having your country stolen from you. Braden seems to have done her homework with regards to what it means to be “the protected” and “the protectors” in a protectorate. Dehumanization, corruption, blinders, hopelessness and courage are all topics that are shown, not told, in the story. In fact, “The Devil’s Concubine” is delightfully free of preaching, and manages to put a face to both sides.
The Ponong island chain lies between the Sea of Erykoli and Te ‘Am Ocean, a strategic position that grandfather Zul took advantage of. When he was younger, he invaded Ponong and laid her under the Thampur as a protectorate, with Levapur as the capitol. As with many protectorates in the real world, the Thampur sent their unwanted riff-raff to Ponong. They made up the militia, the government and the bureaucracy. The Thampur consider the Ponongese to be uncivilized and barely human. What that means, in practical terms, is that the Ponongese lost all of their rights. They were not allowed to grow crops, to hunt, to teach their culture or language to the young, or to hold any important positions. When we meet them, anger is simmering under the surface. Some readers belong to cultures that have invaded and some readers belong to cultures that have been invaded.
Pongon is a jewel of an island consisting of many people, but mainly the Ponongese who are shiftless humans with fangs and slitted eyes. Being shiftless is looked down upon by shifters. Top dog in Levapur are the Thampurian human/seadragons. There are also the violent Rujicks who are human/werewolves, and the Ingosolians who shift between genders. We meet two other shiftless races on Ponong. The Li Islanders are cattish human and the Ravidians have a bony neckruff and a dewclaw for gutting.
QuiTai is our main character and my favourite person of the story. I would love to see more women like this in literature. She has one handicap, being a woman in a man’s world – much like our own, and is not taken seriously by the extremely misogynistic Thampurians and Rujicks. She is probably the most intelligent person on the islands, but has only been allowed roles as acolyte, actress, prostitute, and mistress. Even though she is considered the Devil’s concubine, QuiTai is the reason the Devil hold top “dog” position of the island’s criminal world. She is feared, despised and hated – even by those who should be grateful for her interventions.
"Like a school of jewel-toned tropical fish on the reef, the crowd in the marketplace suddenly veered away as QuiTai stepped off the veranda of the sunset-pink building into the town square. They cringed back as she sauntered through the stalls, as if instead of her bright green sarong she were clothed in poison. She’d decided long ago it was their guilt that made them unable to meet her gaze, not judgment. The Devil’s concubine had nothing to be ashamed of."
Against her plays the Thampurian male Kyam. He is an intelligent male who wears the blinders of the conqueror. As a disillusioned exile he is unable to accept his place in life. He refuses to face the political realities of Ponong and he despises the Ponong for being “less than”. Both of them fight for what they believe. QuiTai fights for the rights of the Ponong while Kyam fights to retain his belief in the ways of the world. A lot of walls must fall for any real change to happen. Where Kyam can use might to retain status quo, QuiTai has to use her wits against the Devil, the Thampur and even the Ponong to even stay alive.
"While at first glance it seemed a simple enough request, QuiTai and Kyam Zul both operated in a world beneath the surface. She found his note rather cryptic. Normally people begged her to plead with the Devil on their behalf, but he’d called for the Devil’s arrest too many times to dare beg for that kind of favor. No, Kyam Zul wanted to discuss something with her. How intriguing. If he’d resorted to asking his biggest enemy in Levapur for a favor, he must be desperate."
This is such a great story.
My reviews can be found at humanitysdarkerside.com
“The Devil’s Concubine” is part of a series called “The Devil of Ponong“. Currently there are three books in the series. I want more of them They all have proper endings without cliff-hangers and the “problem” is resolved during the novel. The over-arching story is a political drama set in a fantasy world that carries a Far East spirit. It deals with some of the consequences of having your country stolen from you. Braden seems to have done her homework with regards to what it means to be “the protected” and “the protectors” in a protectorate. Dehumanization, corruption, blinders, hopelessness and courage are all topics that are shown, not told, in the story. In fact, “The Devil’s Concubine” is delightfully free of preaching, and manages to put a face to both sides.
The Ponong island chain lies between the Sea of Erykoli and Te ‘Am Ocean, a strategic position that grandfather Zul took advantage of. When he was younger, he invaded Ponong and laid her under the Thampur as a protectorate, with Levapur as the capitol. As with many protectorates in the real world, the Thampur sent their unwanted riff-raff to Ponong. They made up the militia, the government and the bureaucracy. The Thampur consider the Ponongese to be uncivilized and barely human. What that means, in practical terms, is that the Ponongese lost all of their rights. They were not allowed to grow crops, to hunt, to teach their culture or language to the young, or to hold any important positions. When we meet them, anger is simmering under the surface. Some readers belong to cultures that have invaded and some readers belong to cultures that have been invaded.
Pongon is a jewel of an island consisting of many people, but mainly the Ponongese who are shiftless humans with fangs and slitted eyes. Being shiftless is looked down upon by shifters. Top dog in Levapur are the Thampurian human/seadragons. There are also the violent Rujicks who are human/werewolves, and the Ingosolians who shift between genders. We meet two other shiftless races on Ponong. The Li Islanders are cattish human and the Ravidians have a bony neckruff and a dewclaw for gutting.
QuiTai is our main character and my favourite person of the story. I would love to see more women like this in literature. She has one handicap, being a woman in a man’s world – much like our own, and is not taken seriously by the extremely misogynistic Thampurians and Rujicks. She is probably the most intelligent person on the islands, but has only been allowed roles as acolyte, actress, prostitute, and mistress. Even though she is considered the Devil’s concubine, QuiTai is the reason the Devil hold top “dog” position of the island’s criminal world. She is feared, despised and hated – even by those who should be grateful for her interventions.
"Like a school of jewel-toned tropical fish on the reef, the crowd in the marketplace suddenly veered away as QuiTai stepped off the veranda of the sunset-pink building into the town square. They cringed back as she sauntered through the stalls, as if instead of her bright green sarong she were clothed in poison. She’d decided long ago it was their guilt that made them unable to meet her gaze, not judgment. The Devil’s concubine had nothing to be ashamed of."
Against her plays the Thampurian male Kyam. He is an intelligent male who wears the blinders of the conqueror. As a disillusioned exile he is unable to accept his place in life. He refuses to face the political realities of Ponong and he despises the Ponong for being “less than”. Both of them fight for what they believe. QuiTai fights for the rights of the Ponong while Kyam fights to retain his belief in the ways of the world. A lot of walls must fall for any real change to happen. Where Kyam can use might to retain status quo, QuiTai has to use her wits against the Devil, the Thampur and even the Ponong to even stay alive.
"While at first glance it seemed a simple enough request, QuiTai and Kyam Zul both operated in a world beneath the surface. She found his note rather cryptic. Normally people begged her to plead with the Devil on their behalf, but he’d called for the Devil’s arrest too many times to dare beg for that kind of favor. No, Kyam Zul wanted to discuss something with her. How intriguing. If he’d resorted to asking his biggest enemy in Levapur for a favor, he must be desperate."
This is such a great story.
My reviews can be found at humanitysdarkerside.com
June 21, 2021
Wow, was this a fascinating read. I honestly had no idea what to expect when I started the book, but the lush detail of Braden's world sucked me in within the first few pages. The island of Ponong is a fantasy setting woven of a variety of Asian influences, populated by invented creatures and cultures that are full-blooded and believable.
QuiTan is a compelling protagonist. She's tough-as-nails in a way that feels totally plausible, morally complex, and authentically brilliant. Her dynamic with Kyam Zul is complicated and sexy, a tangled mess of distrust and hope, respect and cross-purposes.
The blurb doesn't really make this clear, but the people in this story are as fantastical as the setting. There are werewolves, yes, but other races shift in ways that are far more original, or possess more obvious animal traits that are beautifully embedded into their personalities and culture.
The plot is a neat, well-constructed murder and conspiracy tale with enemies on all sides, but honestly it's the world and the characters that are going to keep you reading.
As noted in the blurb, this story does stand alone, and very neatly. At the same time, the author leaves just the right few dangling threads to connect you to future adventures. (And I've already grabbed the second book and started reading. So far, it's just as good as the first.)
QuiTan is a compelling protagonist. She's tough-as-nails in a way that feels totally plausible, morally complex, and authentically brilliant. Her dynamic with Kyam Zul is complicated and sexy, a tangled mess of distrust and hope, respect and cross-purposes.
The blurb doesn't really make this clear, but the people in this story are as fantastical as the setting. There are werewolves, yes, but other races shift in ways that are far more original, or possess more obvious animal traits that are beautifully embedded into their personalities and culture.
The plot is a neat, well-constructed murder and conspiracy tale with enemies on all sides, but honestly it's the world and the characters that are going to keep you reading.
As noted in the blurb, this story does stand alone, and very neatly. At the same time, the author leaves just the right few dangling threads to connect you to future adventures. (And I've already grabbed the second book and started reading. So far, it's just as good as the first.)
July 10, 2017
This book pleasantly surprised me.
The world building was fantastic, and not what I'm used to. So often world-building recycles the same European driven influences, but this had a much more Asian feel to it. As such, it was fresh and interesting; a lot of care and thought went into it, which I always appreciate. I didn't even mind the werewolves; Jill Braden did a good job of integrating them into her world-building.
The story itself was interesting, and while it might frustrate some readers to follow along while the characters are one or two steps ahead of you, I enjoyed it. I'd rather that than being ahead of the characters and wondering how they could be so stupid they haven't figured it out yet.
I went into this thinking it would be a nice, light read; probably a series I wouldn't continue reading after the first book. I came out with a strong desire to read the next. I even started reading the sample chapter at the end, which I never do.
The world building was fantastic, and not what I'm used to. So often world-building recycles the same European driven influences, but this had a much more Asian feel to it. As such, it was fresh and interesting; a lot of care and thought went into it, which I always appreciate. I didn't even mind the werewolves; Jill Braden did a good job of integrating them into her world-building.
The story itself was interesting, and while it might frustrate some readers to follow along while the characters are one or two steps ahead of you, I enjoyed it. I'd rather that than being ahead of the characters and wondering how they could be so stupid they haven't figured it out yet.
I went into this thinking it would be a nice, light read; probably a series I wouldn't continue reading after the first book. I came out with a strong desire to read the next. I even started reading the sample chapter at the end, which I never do.
June 28, 2024
QuiTai, the Devil's concubine, is so much more than just a lover. She manages the Devil's business throughout Levapur and as well as her own network of spies. When Kyam, a Thampurian exile, entices her into helping him solve one of the many mysteries of Levapur, QuiTai must face the truth of who she can really trust.
I got this book for free during a stuff your kindle day event so I didn't have high hopes. But Braden's gorgeous world building and combination of sci/fi and spy novel were great! A super interesting and entertaining story. I loved learning about the different shifters and the political elements of the story. QuiTai is a badass MC and I found myself nearly unable to put the book down because I just wanted to see what she would do next. The attraction between QuiTai and Kyam was a little forced for me but I'm interested to see how it develops in the next book!
I got this book for free during a stuff your kindle day event so I didn't have high hopes. But Braden's gorgeous world building and combination of sci/fi and spy novel were great! A super interesting and entertaining story. I loved learning about the different shifters and the political elements of the story. QuiTai is a badass MC and I found myself nearly unable to put the book down because I just wanted to see what she would do next. The attraction between QuiTai and Kyam was a little forced for me but I'm interested to see how it develops in the next book!
November 6, 2017
This is just my sort of book. Intrigue? Check. Main characters that respect each other, even if they don't always like, trust, or treat each other well? Check. Complex personal problems that can't be solved simply by communication or thirty seconds of easy-to-follow advice? Check. Rich setting? Check. Characters that grow more interesting as you realize that their behavior has deeper reasons than the ones the characters show on the surface? Check.
I'll be checking (heh) out the rest of the series.
I'll be checking (heh) out the rest of the series.
September 23, 2017
Very enjoyable. At first I thought it was a little complex; a fantasy foreign culture, it was a lot to take in, but the plot had a good pace and plenty of interesting turns. It's strong female lead (I would say) was it's best quality. She was determined and not scared to do what she had to, even if her actions could be questioned as 'evil'. And she didn't let past tragedies brake her.
I will read the next in the series, but I'm not rushing out to buy it.
I will read the next in the series, but I'm not rushing out to buy it.
June 6, 2017
I enjoyed the mix of cultures. Some of the descriptions actually rang true for me. I am not a real fan of Sci-Fi (if that is what this is) but I found the characters interesting. Of course it's the old "good vs. evil" and if you took away all of the descriptive trappings you could plop this story into any timeline or country. I did like the end though. the "Lady" is a hero in my book.
May 25, 2017
Wow!
I took a chance reading this as not what I typically like and I am glad that I did. Excellent story, well written,, character development is excellent as well. Highly recommend!
I took a chance reading this as not what I typically like and I am glad that I did. Excellent story, well written,, character development is excellent as well. Highly recommend!
June 1, 2017
This was everything I hoped it would be and more. The worldbuilding grabbed me right from the start, it really has the sense of taking place in a big world full of history. The plot is good, keeps you guessing, and Braden's writing style is so unobtrusively flowing.
June 9, 2017
I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book or not, but again...it was free from Amazon through Book Bub, and looked interesting.
I LOVED it.
The story was intriguing. I definitely want to read the rest of the series.
I LOVED it.
The story was intriguing. I definitely want to read the rest of the series.
June 14, 2017
I had some trouble with the early chapters but once I absorbed the concept I enjoyed the book. Specie variation is a extremely interesting concept and this book was an excellent example of the possibilities.
June 27, 2017
Interesting
This book was a little far out for me as far as fantasy. It was an interesting read none the less. If you are into fantasy and other worlds, you will probably like this one.
This book was a little far out for me as far as fantasy. It was an interesting read none the less. If you are into fantasy and other worlds, you will probably like this one.
October 5, 2017
3.5 stars. Most people who try to write wit, fail, but Braden does so with surprising success. The characters were refreshing, original, flawed and likeable. The lore is rooted in historical reality which gives it authenticity, rawness and memorability. Well done.
November 21, 2016
Interesting book
The book was interesting and had lots of action and intrigue. This book is worth reading and I am sure the next one will be too.
The book was interesting and had lots of action and intrigue. This book is worth reading and I am sure the next one will be too.
May 26, 2017
Who is the Devil
Well written intrigue, can not put this down.it will twist you to read one more page and another! Bon Voyage
Well written intrigue, can not put this down.it will twist you to read one more page and another! Bon Voyage
June 27, 2017
There were some good and some and bits
August 24, 2017
excellent perspective of colonized people and a fabulous independent heroine!
December 8, 2017
I’m usually not someone to abandon a book unfinished, but this one was just not my cup of tea. Didn’t even manage to get passed chapter 2...
May 23, 2018
Great Book!
Always love a book with a powerful heroine. Could not put the book down. Can't wait to read book two!
Always love a book with a powerful heroine. Could not put the book down. Can't wait to read book two!
October 16, 2018
Loved this. Imaginative worldbuilding reminiscent of Southeast Asia, including the issues that come with colonisation. The inclusion of a layer of fantasy made this a rich, beautiful world.
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