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Demons of Elysium #1
Prince of Tricks
When desire rises, angels will fall.
Over the past century, Belphagor has made a name for himself in Heaven’s Demon District as a card sharp, thief, and charming rogue. Though he’s content with his own company, he enjoys applying the sweet sting of discipline to a willing backside—angel, demon, and even the occasional human. He’s not particular. But when a hotheaded young firespirit steals his purse—and his heart—all bets are off.
Vasily, a former rentboy and cutpurse from the streets of Raqia, has never felt safer than in the arms—and at the feet—of the Prince of Tricks. He’s just not sure if Belphagor returns his feelings. The attentions of a rich, angelic duke provide the perfect opportunity to find out whether Belphagor is willing to fight for him, but the foolish game backfires—spectacularly.
When the duke frames Vasily in an assassination plot, Belphagor will do whatever it takes to clear his lover’s name and expose the real traitor. Because for the first time in his life, the Prince of Tricks has something to lose.
Over the past century, Belphagor has made a name for himself in Heaven’s Demon District as a card sharp, thief, and charming rogue. Though he’s content with his own company, he enjoys applying the sweet sting of discipline to a willing backside—angel, demon, and even the occasional human. He’s not particular. But when a hotheaded young firespirit steals his purse—and his heart—all bets are off.
Vasily, a former rentboy and cutpurse from the streets of Raqia, has never felt safer than in the arms—and at the feet—of the Prince of Tricks. He’s just not sure if Belphagor returns his feelings. The attentions of a rich, angelic duke provide the perfect opportunity to find out whether Belphagor is willing to fight for him, but the foolish game backfires—spectacularly.
When the duke frames Vasily in an assassination plot, Belphagor will do whatever it takes to clear his lover’s name and expose the real traitor. Because for the first time in his life, the Prince of Tricks has something to lose.
375 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 7, 2014
11 people are currently reading
454 people want to read
About the author
Jane Kindred
33 books179 followersJane Kindred is the author of epic fantasy series The House of Arkhangel’sk, Demons of Elysium, and Looking Glass Gods. She spent her formative years ruining her eyes reading romance novels in the Tucson sun and watching Star Trek marathons in the dark. She now writes to the sound of San Francisco foghorns while two cats slowly but surely edge her off the side of the bed.
You can find Jane on Facebook, Twitter, and her website, www.janekindred.com.
You can find Jane on Facebook, Twitter, and her website, www.janekindred.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
March 2, 2014
Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance
3.5 Stars
Really clever idea for a book/series.
I have a thing about Russia. Don't ask. Maybe it's all the fur. Maybe it's because it's so enormous. Maybe it's because they used to have Tsars. Nah. It's the vodka. I have to respect a country that appreciates vodka as much as the Russians. It's like a food group!
As you might have guessed, Prince of Tricks has heavy Russian overtones. It's dedicated to Pussy Riot, set partially in Russia and they refer to Russian as the speech of "Man". None of which I realized prior to starting this book. I requested it because... pfft you know why.
What's clever about a Russian book you ask? Well, the two protagonists, Belphagor and Vasily, are demons. Wait for it. Not only are they demons but they're elemental demons and former rent boy demons. RENT BOY DEMONS?!?! *nods* IKR? Genius. And who's appropriating these demon rent boys, you ask? Why angels of course! Little do the angels know that these demons are on a mission and are not averse to using their... ahem, considerable skills to... shall we say, obtain information.
Prince of Tricks has numerous religious and mythological references all of which I enjoyed and felt they were utilized with dexterity. It also struck me as highly political. What I liked about Ms. Kindred's depiction of Russia is the generosity of the Russian people. Our countries' governments may be in the midst of yet another cold war, but that doesn't necessarily extend to the citizens that comprise said countries. I think Ms. Kindred portrayed this sentiment deftly.
After looking at Ms. Kindred's body of work, I think this series is a spin off of another and am left wondering if more world building of Raqia was done in those. There is some and I was able to glean things from the information provided, but I still have questions.
The story arc left me wanting. I don't want to give too much away, but the book starts off with an assassination attempt on the principality by a splinter group who's intent is to "liberate the Fallen" which sputtered when the two MCs fled to Russia. They meet up with two friends of Belphagor and it spiraled into a carnal cornucopia. I'm not saying I didn't enjoy the sexy times, I did. A lot. But, the plot became non-existent and I don't think it ever recovered.
Now, about the sex. Belphagor and Vasily have an intense relationship-Belphagor is the master and Vasily is his property and, a bit of a brat. No one's being forced to do anything. This isn't non-con or rape. I'm not opposed to sharing though it's by no means my favorite fetish, but to each their own. However, I enjoy it much more when the slave understands his place is secure and feels cherished; Vasily doesn't. Belphagor is still fumbling with his feelings for Vasily and how to articulate them and still doing as he pleases with many, many others while Vasily sinks further into a vortex of jealousy. Still, they do have some sort of strange magic together and I'm wondering where their journey will take them.
Ms. Kindred is new to me and I very much enjoyed her writing style. She's very descriptive, imaginative and clearly has a penchant for linguistics. The prose flowed nicely and I was engaged with the characters. There were some words in Russian that I had to look up but for the most part they were translated.
I'm looking forward to book 2 in this series. I'd recommend the Demons of Elysium series to fans of rent boys or celestial beings.
I would like to thank Samhain for providing me with a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 Stars
Really clever idea for a book/series.
I have a thing about Russia. Don't ask. Maybe it's all the fur. Maybe it's because it's so enormous. Maybe it's because they used to have Tsars. Nah. It's the vodka. I have to respect a country that appreciates vodka as much as the Russians. It's like a food group!
As you might have guessed, Prince of Tricks has heavy Russian overtones. It's dedicated to Pussy Riot, set partially in Russia and they refer to Russian as the speech of "Man". None of which I realized prior to starting this book. I requested it because... pfft you know why.
What's clever about a Russian book you ask? Well, the two protagonists, Belphagor and Vasily, are demons. Wait for it. Not only are they demons but they're elemental demons and former rent boy demons. RENT BOY DEMONS?!?! *nods* IKR? Genius. And who's appropriating these demon rent boys, you ask? Why angels of course! Little do the angels know that these demons are on a mission and are not averse to using their... ahem, considerable skills to... shall we say, obtain information.
Prince of Tricks has numerous religious and mythological references all of which I enjoyed and felt they were utilized with dexterity. It also struck me as highly political. What I liked about Ms. Kindred's depiction of Russia is the generosity of the Russian people. Our countries' governments may be in the midst of yet another cold war, but that doesn't necessarily extend to the citizens that comprise said countries. I think Ms. Kindred portrayed this sentiment deftly.
After looking at Ms. Kindred's body of work, I think this series is a spin off of another and am left wondering if more world building of Raqia was done in those. There is some and I was able to glean things from the information provided, but I still have questions.
The story arc left me wanting. I don't want to give too much away, but the book starts off with an assassination attempt on the principality by a splinter group who's intent is to "liberate the Fallen" which sputtered when the two MCs fled to Russia. They meet up with two friends of Belphagor and it spiraled into a carnal cornucopia. I'm not saying I didn't enjoy the sexy times, I did. A lot. But, the plot became non-existent and I don't think it ever recovered.
Now, about the sex. Belphagor and Vasily have an intense relationship-Belphagor is the master and Vasily is his property and, a bit of a brat. No one's being forced to do anything. This isn't non-con or rape. I'm not opposed to sharing though it's by no means my favorite fetish, but to each their own. However, I enjoy it much more when the slave understands his place is secure and feels cherished; Vasily doesn't. Belphagor is still fumbling with his feelings for Vasily and how to articulate them and still doing as he pleases with many, many others while Vasily sinks further into a vortex of jealousy. Still, they do have some sort of strange magic together and I'm wondering where their journey will take them.
Ms. Kindred is new to me and I very much enjoyed her writing style. She's very descriptive, imaginative and clearly has a penchant for linguistics. The prose flowed nicely and I was engaged with the characters. There were some words in Russian that I had to look up but for the most part they were translated.
I'm looking forward to book 2 in this series. I'd recommend the Demons of Elysium series to fans of rent boys or celestial beings.
I would like to thank Samhain for providing me with a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 15, 2024
➺𝓑𝓸𝓸𝓴 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀 [𝑨𝒖𝒅𝒊𝒐𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌]
𝒮𝓅𝒾𝒸ℯ: 🌶🌶🌶.5
Okay, so first of all, as expected, I had gone head-first into this book🤣 I like maybe read a word from the description, which was "...demon " and went YAY A FANTASY STORY WITH DEMONS! It came to me as a pleasant suprise that it was actually 🤣MxM. Maybe I need to research about books before and not choose them just because I thought the cover was cool or attractive XD.
Anyway as it was an audiobook, it was not difficult to get into the story. The narrator's voice was beautiful and not before long, I had already been swept into the story.
The mc Belphagor, a gifted gambler and formal rentboy is also known as Prince of Tricks due to his excellent wingcasting game. Vasily is his young firespirit lover who on their first meeting steals his purse—and his heart.
There was a lot of mxm actions going on throughout the book, and I liked the way politics was incorporated into the story along with russian history references by the author. My favourite parts of the Book was the way Belphagor was willing to do absolutely anything and everything to save his lover who gets caught in a difficult situation. I also really liked Phalegs character, who is a kind sweet angel ally.
Both mcs, Belphagor and Vasily are introduced at the beginning of the book as elemental demons, but not much of their elements are put to use in the story. Similarly, even though the author mentions heaven sphere, where like angels live on the other side of the town demon district, the amount of parallels made with the real world makes me question why was this even fantasy when it could have easily just have been historical fiction or something.
Overall, I am satisfied and happy with the ending of the book and actually felt sad when the book ended. Maybe this is a sign to move to book 2?🤭
𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝑰𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒎 @𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒚𝒚𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒔
𝒮𝓅𝒾𝒸ℯ: 🌶🌶🌶.5
Okay, so first of all, as expected, I had gone head-first into this book🤣 I like maybe read a word from the description, which was "...demon " and went YAY A FANTASY STORY WITH DEMONS! It came to me as a pleasant suprise that it was actually 🤣MxM. Maybe I need to research about books before and not choose them just because I thought the cover was cool or attractive XD.
Anyway as it was an audiobook, it was not difficult to get into the story. The narrator's voice was beautiful and not before long, I had already been swept into the story.
The mc Belphagor, a gifted gambler and formal rentboy is also known as Prince of Tricks due to his excellent wingcasting game. Vasily is his young firespirit lover who on their first meeting steals his purse—and his heart.
There was a lot of mxm actions going on throughout the book, and I liked the way politics was incorporated into the story along with russian history references by the author. My favourite parts of the Book was the way Belphagor was willing to do absolutely anything and everything to save his lover who gets caught in a difficult situation. I also really liked Phalegs character, who is a kind sweet angel ally.
Both mcs, Belphagor and Vasily are introduced at the beginning of the book as elemental demons, but not much of their elements are put to use in the story. Similarly, even though the author mentions heaven sphere, where like angels live on the other side of the town demon district, the amount of parallels made with the real world makes me question why was this even fantasy when it could have easily just have been historical fiction or something.
Overall, I am satisfied and happy with the ending of the book and actually felt sad when the book ended. Maybe this is a sign to move to book 2?🤭
𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝑰𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒎 @𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒚𝒚𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒔
December 31, 2015
3.5 stars
Belphagor (Beli) is a very young-looking, old demon. He’s a fallen angel living in the Celestial Empire (aka. Heaven) where aging is slowed down. But there’s nothing slow about Beli. He’s a former rent-boy, now a gifted gambler with magic skills on the side. In fact, his skill with wingcasting, a game of rolled dice, earns him the title Prince of Tricks and lots of heavenly cash. His fame precedes him.
Beli has other tricks up his sleeve; he is a gifted lover, a self-assured alpha who can suss just what his partners need, and deliver it with authority and tenderness. He is also newly-in-love with Vasily (Vasy), a young, fire demon. They have it hot for each other. In fact, Beli’s undeniable D/s prowess has all the demons and angels slobbering for him. It’s what keeps Vasy enthralled… and confused.
I’d decided long ago that if the conventional belief were true -- that Heaven is filled with saints, sycophants and suck-ups -- I wouldn’t be much interested in joining the club. Hell would be a hell of a lot more fun.
But this Heaven is a lusty, gritty place, where the citizens are divided into oppressed demons (fallen angels), and privileged angels. And where anything goes. Demons gamble and sell themselves, angels debauch and act like snots, sex is used for barter, and political conniving for power instigates revolutions. This is one happening party after all.
The author sets up a world, this heavenly sphere, that exists in parallel to the ‘world of Man’ and with many similarities to Soviet Russia. There are other connections -- Beli uses a lot of Russian phrases and endearments (damn-me, what do half of them mean?!). And there are comparisons to the Russia of about one hundred years ago when Beli lived through that revolution and the overthrow of Tsar Nicolas. In Prince of Tricks, he uncovers a similar plot to overthrow heaven’s head angel, the Principality, Helison.
When Vasy is falsely implicated in a plot to kill Helison, Beli seeks the help of Phaleg, an angel in the principality’s guard. And things start to heat up.
The writing overall is a bit turgid for my taste, there is a lot of explaining vs. showing; going over stuff we already know is particularly irritating (it’s the ‘splaining, Lucy!!). But the action picks up towards the middle… so I like the second half better than the first.
And, My God, the sex scenes are hot. Mostly for their unique perversions. Big Note: It’s interesting that the scenes between Beli and the angel, Phaleg, are my favorites. They are not lovers, merely two men who need something from one another. It’s Phaleg’s discovery of his particular kink and his unquestioning lust for Beli that is so… compelling. Beli gets his number right away and has the poor angel begging for it. Yum.
“Phaleg,” said Belphagor. “I imagine you’ll want to take off your clothes. I have a feeling this is going to get messy.”
“I don’t know how you’ve done this to me,” he (Phaleg) said mournfully. Belphagor brushed the golden hair away from the damp eyes and kissed the angel’s temple. “That’s all right, dear boy. No one ever does.”
So, yeah, Beli and Phaleg tear it up. It doesn’t help, either, that Vasy comes off as a bit dense throughout the story, he’s kind of a big lug. But there is an affection and tenderness between Beli and Vasi that is sweet.
Again, anything goes, here. Whooplah! There are different groupings of m/m action… two, three, four men, or more, you got ’em! Hell, there’s even some m/f action, some light f/f action, and transgendered action… (you have to read it). The author clearly has no problem with throwing everything into the stew. And with gusto.
Unfortunately all this action-smacktion causes problems for Vasy, who loves Beli and already feels insecure about where he stands with him. So be warned, if the main couple having other sexual partners is an issue, this may not be for you. For me, it’s no holds barred fantasy fun, and bring it on. It’s clear that Beli and Vasy are a couple who like kinky play and the playing is oh so very good.
Prince of Tricks has some creative world building. This looks to be the same world as the author’s previous House of Arkhangel'sk (m/f) series where Vasily and Belphagor have supporting roles. In Prince, though, it really is all about guy love. And while there is a sweet, sweet ending for Beli and Vasy, I have to say… at one point, Beli very considerately advises Phaleg to find someone to love, someone who will give him what he needs.
I really want that story. I’d go for that in a hot minute.
For this review and much more:
January 2, 2014
My full review will be posted on Jan 30th on my blog. Chill Reviews. I will update this review with a link.
I was provided this for a tour.
All I can say is HOLY HELL BATMAN!!!...
More to come!
I was provided this for a tour.
All I can say is HOLY HELL BATMAN!!!...
More to come!
February 2, 2014
Originally published at Reading Reality
If you’ve read Jane Kindred’s House of Arkhangel’sk trilogy (The Fallen Queen, The Midnight Court and The Armies of Heaven) then Prince of Tricks serves as a even more decadent backstory to the action in that series.
If you haven’t read the Arkhangel’sk series, then Prince of Tricks is the start of something amazing. It’s an erotic love story between two demons in a world where Heaven is nothing like what we imagine.
When angels and demons fall, they fall to Earth. Our Earth. A place where history either presages or parallels the courts of Heaven, but in a way that both surprises and haunts.
The story is Belphagor’s. He is the Prince of Tricks of the title. Bel is an airspirit who has lived his life in the lowest places of the supernal realms. Once he was a rent-boy, now he’s a gambler who reigns over a table at a dive in Raqia, the demons’ quarter.
It’s clear that Bel has spent most of his life using other people, generally to their mutual satisfaction, so that he can survive a life where any vulnerability will be exploited.
His life has also been much longer than appears. At least a century, for all that he looks to be in his mid-twenties. Demons (and angels) don’t age while in Heaven. But Belphagor has fallen to earth more than once, and it’s marked him.
But someone has made him vulnerable, and that’s where this story begins. Bel has been in love with Vasily since the first time the younger demon attempted to pick his pocket. But he felt that he needed to wait until Vasily grew up. At least chronologically. A lot of this story happens because Vasily still needs to figure a few things out emotionally. He uses the wrong man to make Belphagor jealous.
Wrong not because of any jealousy Bel might finally discover that he feels, but wrong because Vasily sets himself up to be used in political maneuvering by an politically ambitious (and morally corrupt) angel. Vasily becomes the scapegoat for something much bigger than he or Belphagor imagined.
And Belphagor goes to surprising lengths to rescue the man he has finally managed to admit that he loves.
Escape Rating A: If you’ve read the Arkhangel’sk trilogy, Prince of Tricks is a must-read. Although the trilogy is about the fall and rise of the imperial family, Belphagor is often the prime mover of events, and he and his tempestuous relationship with Vasily are a big part of that story. If Vasily had not found a way into Bel’s heart, Bel wouldn’t become the demon who saves the queen.
But this story is about the beginning of the relationship. It can be read without having read the trilogy, but it cannot be read without fans and cooling drinks!
Not just because Bel and Vasily push each other to their sexual limits (Bel is extremely dominant, Vasily is not just defiantly submissive, but emotionally needy), but because Belphagor is an expert at using others’ sexuality both to prove his dominance and to seduce or beguile them into assisting with his own game. Or sometimes just for fun.
The combination is explosive.
If you’ve read Jane Kindred’s House of Arkhangel’sk trilogy (The Fallen Queen, The Midnight Court and The Armies of Heaven) then Prince of Tricks serves as a even more decadent backstory to the action in that series.
If you haven’t read the Arkhangel’sk series, then Prince of Tricks is the start of something amazing. It’s an erotic love story between two demons in a world where Heaven is nothing like what we imagine.
When angels and demons fall, they fall to Earth. Our Earth. A place where history either presages or parallels the courts of Heaven, but in a way that both surprises and haunts.
The story is Belphagor’s. He is the Prince of Tricks of the title. Bel is an airspirit who has lived his life in the lowest places of the supernal realms. Once he was a rent-boy, now he’s a gambler who reigns over a table at a dive in Raqia, the demons’ quarter.
It’s clear that Bel has spent most of his life using other people, generally to their mutual satisfaction, so that he can survive a life where any vulnerability will be exploited.
His life has also been much longer than appears. At least a century, for all that he looks to be in his mid-twenties. Demons (and angels) don’t age while in Heaven. But Belphagor has fallen to earth more than once, and it’s marked him.
But someone has made him vulnerable, and that’s where this story begins. Bel has been in love with Vasily since the first time the younger demon attempted to pick his pocket. But he felt that he needed to wait until Vasily grew up. At least chronologically. A lot of this story happens because Vasily still needs to figure a few things out emotionally. He uses the wrong man to make Belphagor jealous.
Wrong not because of any jealousy Bel might finally discover that he feels, but wrong because Vasily sets himself up to be used in political maneuvering by an politically ambitious (and morally corrupt) angel. Vasily becomes the scapegoat for something much bigger than he or Belphagor imagined.
And Belphagor goes to surprising lengths to rescue the man he has finally managed to admit that he loves.
Escape Rating A: If you’ve read the Arkhangel’sk trilogy, Prince of Tricks is a must-read. Although the trilogy is about the fall and rise of the imperial family, Belphagor is often the prime mover of events, and he and his tempestuous relationship with Vasily are a big part of that story. If Vasily had not found a way into Bel’s heart, Bel wouldn’t become the demon who saves the queen.
But this story is about the beginning of the relationship. It can be read without having read the trilogy, but it cannot be read without fans and cooling drinks!
Not just because Bel and Vasily push each other to their sexual limits (Bel is extremely dominant, Vasily is not just defiantly submissive, but emotionally needy), but because Belphagor is an expert at using others’ sexuality both to prove his dominance and to seduce or beguile them into assisting with his own game. Or sometimes just for fun.
The combination is explosive.
August 10, 2021
It was kind of nice but not really my taste.
July 12, 2021
3.5
Although there is a version that has been published before, this review is for the new one.
What I liked/loved:
Belphagor. Everything about him except one part later. He owned his mistakes and flaws. He was principled and didn't ask for more than he felt was right.
Phaleg, an angel who was loyal, kind and just the sweetest. Even when he knew he was being used.
All the time in Russia and the Russian speech, food, culture etc.
What I didn't care for:
Vasily, especially late on when he didn't trust Belphagor and made a big mistake, even when he'd been told why things were a certain way.
The lack of any real communication between them.
The D/s relationship between Belphagor and Phaleg. I think if he'd have communicated better with Vasily I would have been okay with this.
All the interactions with others outside of the main relationship. I get that is Vasily's trade but Belphagor does it too and it got to be too much.
The time Belphagor spent as a woman. I liked part of that for the realisation for how difficult women have it, but the rest? No
The last chapter was sweet and it made me hopeful until I looked at the blurb for book 2
Although there is a version that has been published before, this review is for the new one.
What I liked/loved:
Belphagor. Everything about him except one part later. He owned his mistakes and flaws. He was principled and didn't ask for more than he felt was right.
Phaleg, an angel who was loyal, kind and just the sweetest. Even when he knew he was being used.
All the time in Russia and the Russian speech, food, culture etc.
What I didn't care for:
Vasily, especially late on when he didn't trust Belphagor and made a big mistake, even when he'd been told why things were a certain way.
The lack of any real communication between them.
The D/s relationship between Belphagor and Phaleg. I think if he'd have communicated better with Vasily I would have been okay with this.
All the interactions with others outside of the main relationship. I get that is Vasily's trade but Belphagor does it too and it got to be too much.
The time Belphagor spent as a woman. I liked part of that for the realisation for how difficult women have it, but the rest? No
The last chapter was sweet and it made me hopeful until I looked at the blurb for book 2
April 29, 2014
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release January 7, 2014
Over the past century, Belphagor has made a name for himself in Heaven’s Demon District as a cardsharp, thief, and charming rogue.
Though the airspirit is content with his own company, he enjoys applying the sweet sting of discipline to a willing backside. Angel, demon, even the occasional human. He’s not particular. Until a hotheaded young firespirit steals his purse—and his heart. Now he’s not sure who owns whom.
A former rent boy and cutpurse from the streets of Raqia, Vasily has never felt safer than in the arms—and at the feet—of the Prince of Tricks. He’s just not sure if Belphagor returns those feelings. There’s only one way to find out, but using a handsome, angelic duke to stir Belphagor’s jealousy backfires on them both.
When the duke frames Vasily for an attempted assassination as part of a revolutionary conspiracy, Belphagor will do whatever it takes to clear his boy’s name and expose the real traitor. Because for the first time in his life, the Prince of Tricks has something to lose.
Product Warnings
Contains erotic sex: m/m, m/m/m, m/m/m/m…oh hell. Let’s just say “mmmmmm!” and be done with it. Also one m/f scene. Smart discipline meted out with a great deal of love and charm. Erotic sex acts requiring copious amounts of elbow grease.
~~~~
REVIEW: PRINCE OF TRICKS is the first instalment in Jane Kindred’s fantasy ‘Demons of Elysium’ erotic, M/M spin off series from her House of Arkhangel’sk trilogy. Demons of Elysium is (so far) a prequel series focusing on airspirit demon Belphagor and firespirit demon Vasily. Like the House of Arkhangel’sk series there runs a parallel theme between Heaven and Earth (World of Man) where Heaven’s political infrastructure closely matches that of the early twentieth century Russia. The similarities and familiarity blend two worlds from the modern day Russian homeland and that of an earlier time.
Belphagor is a dominant lover who has fallen madly in love with the high spirited, reckless demon and former rent-boy Vasily. When Vasily inadvertently puts his life at risk to please his dominant lover, Belphagor must use everything and everyone to ensure that Vasily survives the upcoming rebellion against the Royal House. When Vasily is targeted to take the fall in an assassination attempt on the Principality, Belphagor will use everything in his possession to free his young and naïve lover from the bonds of imprisonment and perhaps his execution.
PRINCE OF TRICKS is a sexually graphic and explicit M/M love story where nothing is off limits between consenting adults. Belphagor and Vasily use their sexuality and their bodies as commodities. They exchange sex for love, for fun, for dominance and control; sex between each other is passionate, aggressive, seductive and emotional; sex with others is a form of punishment, entertainment, and degradation. The Dom/sub relationship between Belphagor and Vasily is a mixture of discipline, humiliation and love. While Vasily is quick to acknowledge his love for Belphagor, Belphagor is unwilling to risk saying the words aloud knowing his heart maybe broken at any time. Their’s is a relationship that is forbidden on Earth but envied by the demons in Heaven.
The world building is stunningly detailed, controversial and profound. It is a social study in culture, economics, sexuality, health, politics, religion and industry. The secondary characters are colorful, abrasive, passionate and intense. The storyline never falters-there is always something happening whether in the World of Man or in Heaven. We learn a little more about some of the characters first introduced in Jane’s ‘House of Arkhangel’sk’ trilogy
Jane Kindred writes an intensely sexual storyline rich in Christian and religious overtones, the Russian revolution and the Romanov executions as well as the sociology of the impoverished and the powerfully rich. PRINCE OF TRICKS pulls the reader into a storyline that parallels much of the fabled royal Russian history as well as a fantasy where angels and demons are at war with one another. Jane Kindred’s Heaven is not the place of peace and understanding but a battleground between the have and have nots; angels and demons; Heaven and Earth.
Copy supplied by the author/own a copy.
www.thereadingcafe.com
Over the past century, Belphagor has made a name for himself in Heaven’s Demon District as a cardsharp, thief, and charming rogue.
Though the airspirit is content with his own company, he enjoys applying the sweet sting of discipline to a willing backside. Angel, demon, even the occasional human. He’s not particular. Until a hotheaded young firespirit steals his purse—and his heart. Now he’s not sure who owns whom.
A former rent boy and cutpurse from the streets of Raqia, Vasily has never felt safer than in the arms—and at the feet—of the Prince of Tricks. He’s just not sure if Belphagor returns those feelings. There’s only one way to find out, but using a handsome, angelic duke to stir Belphagor’s jealousy backfires on them both.
When the duke frames Vasily for an attempted assassination as part of a revolutionary conspiracy, Belphagor will do whatever it takes to clear his boy’s name and expose the real traitor. Because for the first time in his life, the Prince of Tricks has something to lose.
Product Warnings
Contains erotic sex: m/m, m/m/m, m/m/m/m…oh hell. Let’s just say “mmmmmm!” and be done with it. Also one m/f scene. Smart discipline meted out with a great deal of love and charm. Erotic sex acts requiring copious amounts of elbow grease.
~~~~
REVIEW: PRINCE OF TRICKS is the first instalment in Jane Kindred’s fantasy ‘Demons of Elysium’ erotic, M/M spin off series from her House of Arkhangel’sk trilogy. Demons of Elysium is (so far) a prequel series focusing on airspirit demon Belphagor and firespirit demon Vasily. Like the House of Arkhangel’sk series there runs a parallel theme between Heaven and Earth (World of Man) where Heaven’s political infrastructure closely matches that of the early twentieth century Russia. The similarities and familiarity blend two worlds from the modern day Russian homeland and that of an earlier time.
Belphagor is a dominant lover who has fallen madly in love with the high spirited, reckless demon and former rent-boy Vasily. When Vasily inadvertently puts his life at risk to please his dominant lover, Belphagor must use everything and everyone to ensure that Vasily survives the upcoming rebellion against the Royal House. When Vasily is targeted to take the fall in an assassination attempt on the Principality, Belphagor will use everything in his possession to free his young and naïve lover from the bonds of imprisonment and perhaps his execution.
PRINCE OF TRICKS is a sexually graphic and explicit M/M love story where nothing is off limits between consenting adults. Belphagor and Vasily use their sexuality and their bodies as commodities. They exchange sex for love, for fun, for dominance and control; sex between each other is passionate, aggressive, seductive and emotional; sex with others is a form of punishment, entertainment, and degradation. The Dom/sub relationship between Belphagor and Vasily is a mixture of discipline, humiliation and love. While Vasily is quick to acknowledge his love for Belphagor, Belphagor is unwilling to risk saying the words aloud knowing his heart maybe broken at any time. Their’s is a relationship that is forbidden on Earth but envied by the demons in Heaven.
The world building is stunningly detailed, controversial and profound. It is a social study in culture, economics, sexuality, health, politics, religion and industry. The secondary characters are colorful, abrasive, passionate and intense. The storyline never falters-there is always something happening whether in the World of Man or in Heaven. We learn a little more about some of the characters first introduced in Jane’s ‘House of Arkhangel’sk’ trilogy
Jane Kindred writes an intensely sexual storyline rich in Christian and religious overtones, the Russian revolution and the Romanov executions as well as the sociology of the impoverished and the powerfully rich. PRINCE OF TRICKS pulls the reader into a storyline that parallels much of the fabled royal Russian history as well as a fantasy where angels and demons are at war with one another. Jane Kindred’s Heaven is not the place of peace and understanding but a battleground between the have and have nots; angels and demons; Heaven and Earth.
Copy supplied by the author/own a copy.
www.thereadingcafe.com
July 30, 2015
Oh man, this book was so dirty. Like, filthy dirty. Like fan-fiction-you-make-sure-you-delete-from-history dirty. And I loved every dirty second of it because I'm a giant pervert.
I'm not usually an angel/demon book fan, mostly because I've never been taken with the mythology and I never really got into the most popular angel-themed works of the past 10 or so years (Supernatural, Legion, etc.) I'm also not a proponent of so many of the recent angel-themed YA book series because they're god-awful garbage. But Prince of Tricks, the first book in Jane Kindred's "Demons of Elysium" trilogy, makes me believe the mythology without having to be super familiar with it, and also, butts.
Belphagor, the protagonist and a demon, is known as the Prince of Tricks due to his excellent wingcasting game. He's fallen before, meaning he's been to Earth, which not many demons get to do in a lifetime. Demons live freely in the city of Raqia, but they're considered lesser than the angels, who belong to the aristocracy and government of their world. Belphagor's "malchik," the young and hot-tempered firespirit Vasily, has finally fallen into his bed after a year of being in a non-sexual dom/sub relationship, and Belphagor feels he's falling in love for the first time in his long airspirit life. However, after waking up one morning to a mysterious note and a disappeared Vasily, he finds himself in the thick of an angel assassination plot that they want to pin on an innocent Vasily.
Belphagor is an intense character and I found myself liking him quite a bit. He's small in stature but exudes complete dominance wherever he goes, whether that be the gambling table or a shy angel's bed. He's not a cruel man, but he has sadistic desires, which he acts out on willing participants. I liked a lot of the dom/sub elements in this book. Many of them were only lightly sexual, such as lying still for a long time or waiting for commands, which I really enjoy in dom/sub works. He's a harsh dom and takes loyalty very seriously, which shows through in his complete devotion to Vasily. But Belphagor's loyalty does not extend to monogamy, and he sleeps with other demons and angels, often as a means to an end. Sex is not considered bad or wrong in this universe--most of the characters are or have been prostitutes and they're not shamed for it or considered "broken." Belphagor has great respect and compassion for women, especially prostitutes, and there's an awesome part in the book where Belphagor must face sexism when under a female glamour, making him realize very keenly how women have it harder than men in their world. He's a great example of a tough, dominant character who is still sensitive, fair, and kind.
And the actual sex scenes in this book are smoking. One of the dirtiest sex scenes I've read in a long time includes a submission angel and a female-glamoured Belphagor with lubricant up to Belphagor's elbow, just to give you a hint of what we're dealing with. It's good sex, though. It's well-written, erotic, descriptive, and gives you a glimpse into every character's pleasure. Sex not only plays a big part in this series as an erotic element, it's a main part of the universe itself.
I did get a bit bored with the menage scenes, mostly because I just didn't quite become enamored with Dimitri and Lev, at least not yet. They seemed like characters who would come into play in the second book rather than the first. I understand they are Belphagor's gateway into the human world, and I did enjoy the beautiful Russian scenery and descriptions of Moscow, but I wasn't a huge fan of their dynamic with Vasily. Vasily is a pretty good character, and I like that he's a stubborn sub, but I'm still left feeling like he's always going to be butting heads with Belphagor's dominance. I almost enjoyed the scenes between Belphagor and the sweet, submissive angel Phaleg more because they seem so well-matched in their desires. But since I've already began the second book in this series, I know we have a lot left to learn about Vasily and his wants and desires.
I'm not usually an angel/demon book fan, mostly because I've never been taken with the mythology and I never really got into the most popular angel-themed works of the past 10 or so years (Supernatural, Legion, etc.) I'm also not a proponent of so many of the recent angel-themed YA book series because they're god-awful garbage. But Prince of Tricks, the first book in Jane Kindred's "Demons of Elysium" trilogy, makes me believe the mythology without having to be super familiar with it, and also, butts.
Belphagor, the protagonist and a demon, is known as the Prince of Tricks due to his excellent wingcasting game. He's fallen before, meaning he's been to Earth, which not many demons get to do in a lifetime. Demons live freely in the city of Raqia, but they're considered lesser than the angels, who belong to the aristocracy and government of their world. Belphagor's "malchik," the young and hot-tempered firespirit Vasily, has finally fallen into his bed after a year of being in a non-sexual dom/sub relationship, and Belphagor feels he's falling in love for the first time in his long airspirit life. However, after waking up one morning to a mysterious note and a disappeared Vasily, he finds himself in the thick of an angel assassination plot that they want to pin on an innocent Vasily.
Belphagor is an intense character and I found myself liking him quite a bit. He's small in stature but exudes complete dominance wherever he goes, whether that be the gambling table or a shy angel's bed. He's not a cruel man, but he has sadistic desires, which he acts out on willing participants. I liked a lot of the dom/sub elements in this book. Many of them were only lightly sexual, such as lying still for a long time or waiting for commands, which I really enjoy in dom/sub works. He's a harsh dom and takes loyalty very seriously, which shows through in his complete devotion to Vasily. But Belphagor's loyalty does not extend to monogamy, and he sleeps with other demons and angels, often as a means to an end. Sex is not considered bad or wrong in this universe--most of the characters are or have been prostitutes and they're not shamed for it or considered "broken." Belphagor has great respect and compassion for women, especially prostitutes, and there's an awesome part in the book where Belphagor must face sexism when under a female glamour, making him realize very keenly how women have it harder than men in their world. He's a great example of a tough, dominant character who is still sensitive, fair, and kind.
And the actual sex scenes in this book are smoking. One of the dirtiest sex scenes I've read in a long time includes a submission angel and a female-glamoured Belphagor with lubricant up to Belphagor's elbow, just to give you a hint of what we're dealing with. It's good sex, though. It's well-written, erotic, descriptive, and gives you a glimpse into every character's pleasure. Sex not only plays a big part in this series as an erotic element, it's a main part of the universe itself.
I did get a bit bored with the menage scenes, mostly because I just didn't quite become enamored with Dimitri and Lev, at least not yet. They seemed like characters who would come into play in the second book rather than the first. I understand they are Belphagor's gateway into the human world, and I did enjoy the beautiful Russian scenery and descriptions of Moscow, but I wasn't a huge fan of their dynamic with Vasily. Vasily is a pretty good character, and I like that he's a stubborn sub, but I'm still left feeling like he's always going to be butting heads with Belphagor's dominance. I almost enjoyed the scenes between Belphagor and the sweet, submissive angel Phaleg more because they seem so well-matched in their desires. But since I've already began the second book in this series, I know we have a lot left to learn about Vasily and his wants and desires.
February 21, 2014
What a seductive, devilishly delicious tale this first book of the Demons of Elysium series holds. I very much enjoyed the realm of Elysium and its otherworld charms. The tumultuous sexplay between Belphagor and Vasily was undeniably hot and fitting as they are both demons. Tenderness, intensity, and humor abound as these two attempt to navigate the waters of trust and love despite their individual pride.
Belphagor, a vastly experienced, very independent Russian airspirit whose moniker as the Prince of Tricks has earned him respect in the Demon District of Heaven and beyond, has a problem. Namely the young firespirit demon, Vasily, whom he took under his wing years ago, has grown up, is enamored of him, and despite Belphgor’s best intentions—has ended up in his bed. Having tasted the forbidden fruit, Belphagor realizes that he wants more, he wants Vasily to be his and only his. Dismayed at this unusual feeling he mistakenly sparks a rift between them.
Vasily is triumphant that he and Belphagor are finally together, but when the Prince of Tides makes light of the experience, the firespirit decides to teach his new lover a lesson. A rent boy by trade, Vasily storms out and sells himself to a group of angels, hoping to make Belphagor fess up. Neither demon realizes the can of worms they have opened. Before long Vasily is accused of attempting to murder the ruler of Heaven and he and Belphagor fall to the land of man to buy time to prove the firespirit’s innocent.
This is a gutsy start to what looks to be a sexy, fun, and thoroughly entertaining series. Elysium appears to be made up of Heaven, Hell, and the land of man. Angels and demons live side by side but the angels live on the loftier side of town. They “cross the tracks” to the demon side when, er, slumming for demon vices, but the demons aren’t forbidden from the loftier areas or from seeking symbiotic relationships with their neighbors.
Both lead characters have honorable and vulnerable attributes that make them highly loveable and I enjoyed their dominant/submissive relationship. Belphagor is the Dom, but Vasily, being a firespirit, is quite the, fiery, er, feisty sub, which made the sex scenes quite dynamic and frequent. Actually given what Belphagor has to go through to free his “boy”, I’d say they have an open relationship. Despite that aspect it is clear that these two love each other and the adventure to free Vasily brings them closer.
Good supporting characters, including a pompous villain and an angelic ally, are well played. The dialogue is well written, with choice bits of Russian utilized, as the realm seems to be a doppelgänger for the Russia of Earth. The book was meatier than I expected; interludes with friends in the land of man, happenings in the ghetto brothels and the winningly fragile submissive angel, Phaleg, provide some of the more stimulating passages. All in all a solid effort. I look forward to the next book of this captivating new series.
Thank you, Jane Kindred, for this sassy tale of demons in love. “Steamy, solid entertainment!”
NOTE: This book was provided by Samhain Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
February 15, 2014
There’s a lot of things that I like to read with well written/ healthy BDSM and Male/Male relationships both pretty much topping that list. However, both things can be hard to find in anything other than fan-fiction (not knocking fan-fic, it’s just nice to find stories where that’s cannon and I don’t know the characters!). So when I find an author who puts this warning on her book: “Contains erotic sex: m/m, m/m/m, m/m/m/m…oh hell. Let’s just say “mmmmmm!” and be done with it. Also one m/f scene. Smart discipline meted out with a great deal of love and charm. Erotic sex acts requiring copious amounts of elbow grease.” I really don’t need anything else to make me what to read it. I literally didn’t even read the jacket description of this book. I went on the “mmmmmm”ness of it alone.
Jane Kindred’s “Prince of Tricks” is a stunning book in so many ways. The characters are all well developed with good stories to them, the world is wonderful (even if it contains a lot of terms I can never hope to pronounce correctly) and all the correlations to Russian history and society make me REALLY want to write something Russian based now. (Russian story is currently competing with vampires, Frankenstein, and Jack the Ripper though, so it might be awhile…)
However, I think one of the best parts of this book was the relationship between Belphagor and Vasily. The BDSM is very well done and healthy, but they weren’t CONSTANTLY in their master/submissive roles either. They had a lot of very sweet moments together that had me rolling around in bed and squeeing so much at their cuteness that my cat gave up and left the room. I think there’s at least two of their sweet moments that I plan on drawing at some point or another, so look out for those. (I also really want to do something with Vasily’s wings. And I may or may not have an idea in mind for an illustration of what his wings would look like if he were to…you know…get grievously injured. Or die. Because I’m mean like that. And I’m a sucker for grievous injuries.) I also find their height difference incredibly endearing. No idea why. I’ve just got a thing for height differences. (Nothing I’ve seen so far as topped the difference between my boys from Twisted Veins though. Adam’s 6’7” and Erin is 5’2”. Trying to get them to kiss is physically difficult.)
My ONLY quip with this book is that the inciting conflict was jumped into a bit quickly. I wish there had been a little more buildup to everything that happened. The rest of the novel was paced beautifully however. And, this isn’t so much a quip as a wish for the next book, but I wish we could see more of what Belphagor can do with his air-spirit abilities. We’ve seen a lot of what Vasily can do, but not much of what Bel can.
Overall I’m super excited for the next book to come out! We really need more fiction like this out there, after all. You can never have enough mmmmmmmmmmmm or enough well done BDSM. ;)
Jane Kindred’s “Prince of Tricks” is a stunning book in so many ways. The characters are all well developed with good stories to them, the world is wonderful (even if it contains a lot of terms I can never hope to pronounce correctly) and all the correlations to Russian history and society make me REALLY want to write something Russian based now. (Russian story is currently competing with vampires, Frankenstein, and Jack the Ripper though, so it might be awhile…)
However, I think one of the best parts of this book was the relationship between Belphagor and Vasily. The BDSM is very well done and healthy, but they weren’t CONSTANTLY in their master/submissive roles either. They had a lot of very sweet moments together that had me rolling around in bed and squeeing so much at their cuteness that my cat gave up and left the room. I think there’s at least two of their sweet moments that I plan on drawing at some point or another, so look out for those. (I also really want to do something with Vasily’s wings. And I may or may not have an idea in mind for an illustration of what his wings would look like if he were to…you know…get grievously injured. Or die. Because I’m mean like that. And I’m a sucker for grievous injuries.) I also find their height difference incredibly endearing. No idea why. I’ve just got a thing for height differences. (Nothing I’ve seen so far as topped the difference between my boys from Twisted Veins though. Adam’s 6’7” and Erin is 5’2”. Trying to get them to kiss is physically difficult.)
My ONLY quip with this book is that the inciting conflict was jumped into a bit quickly. I wish there had been a little more buildup to everything that happened. The rest of the novel was paced beautifully however. And, this isn’t so much a quip as a wish for the next book, but I wish we could see more of what Belphagor can do with his air-spirit abilities. We’ve seen a lot of what Vasily can do, but not much of what Bel can.
Overall I’m super excited for the next book to come out! We really need more fiction like this out there, after all. You can never have enough mmmmmmmmmmmm or enough well done BDSM. ;)
October 13, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this romp of a ride. Kindred has found the perfect balance between plot (political revolution in Elysium, Angels and Demons, and cross-over into modern Russia) with delightfully seductive erotic happenings. Great world building.
February 17, 2016
A very different take on Angels and Demons. Love it!
July 17, 2021
I don't know what I was expecting from this book, but I was blown away by the level of detail that went into Beli and Vasily's story. From their wonderfully kinky D/s dynamic to the unexpectedly circuitous demons vs angels assassination plot, Belphagor and Vasily captured my attention and constantly kept me guessing. Even when I wasn't sure I liked the romance, I couldn't put this book down because the storyline was so fascinating and unexpected. Though I was thrown off by the way this book introduced Vasily and Belphagor's relationship, as time passed I warmed up to their unique way of showing affection for each other. To be honest, I'm still not entirely sure I understand the particular flavor of D/s that these two needed from each other, but that didn't stop me from appreciating the outcome.
Beyond the kinky moments, this book was an exciting journey involving suspense, dastardly plotting, and quick thinking to escape from the enemy. I couldn't predict anything about where this story would go, and that's a big part of why I stayed engaged from start to finish. On top of that, I was a big fan of the side characters and thought their involvement added a completeness to the world that would have been missing had this just been a story about Vasily and Belphagor. A particular favorite of mine was the section of the story where Belphagor and Vasily ended up "falling" into the human world--I would love to read a whole story about Dmitri and Lev because they really intrigued me. Overall, this book wasn't a "romance" in the traditional sense, but Beli and Vasily's journey had a decidedly happy ending. I may have started out on the fence but I ended up rooting hard for these two to find a way to be together.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
Beyond the kinky moments, this book was an exciting journey involving suspense, dastardly plotting, and quick thinking to escape from the enemy. I couldn't predict anything about where this story would go, and that's a big part of why I stayed engaged from start to finish. On top of that, I was a big fan of the side characters and thought their involvement added a completeness to the world that would have been missing had this just been a story about Vasily and Belphagor. A particular favorite of mine was the section of the story where Belphagor and Vasily ended up "falling" into the human world--I would love to read a whole story about Dmitri and Lev because they really intrigued me. Overall, this book wasn't a "romance" in the traditional sense, but Beli and Vasily's journey had a decidedly happy ending. I may have started out on the fence but I ended up rooting hard for these two to find a way to be together.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
June 30, 2021
A very unique play on what almost feels like a dark, mafia romance – but instead, it’s angels and demons as you haven’t seen them before, outside of this author’s world. Angels are purebreds, but definitely not pure; Demons are more mixed and have “fallen” to world of Man and returned. The book definitely has a kink element to it, and is the main mechanic of the MCs’ relationship, but it does not overshadow the plot; it compliments the dynamics well.
Amidst the turmoil of political maneuvering, an attempted assassination, kidnappings, and general chaos, we get to explore the growing relationship between Belphagor, a Dominant, wily demon who is a master-gambler and manipulator, and Vasily, a younger, more naïve, yet strong submissive who needs humiliation and a strong hand to let himself go.
The relationship has its ups and downs, but with what is going on in the worlds in which they live, it’s not surprising. Vasily is framed for a crime, Belphagor does everything in his power to prove Vasily’s innocence, while still maintaining their strong, but strained, connection with each other.
This book was my first by this author and I was definitely impressed with the writing and the world building. The uniqueness of the book, alone, would deserve a good rating, but the fact it’s actually a great read with wonderful, deep characters, and it was easy to give it 5 stars.
Amidst the turmoil of political maneuvering, an attempted assassination, kidnappings, and general chaos, we get to explore the growing relationship between Belphagor, a Dominant, wily demon who is a master-gambler and manipulator, and Vasily, a younger, more naïve, yet strong submissive who needs humiliation and a strong hand to let himself go.
The relationship has its ups and downs, but with what is going on in the worlds in which they live, it’s not surprising. Vasily is framed for a crime, Belphagor does everything in his power to prove Vasily’s innocence, while still maintaining their strong, but strained, connection with each other.
This book was my first by this author and I was definitely impressed with the writing and the world building. The uniqueness of the book, alone, would deserve a good rating, but the fact it’s actually a great read with wonderful, deep characters, and it was easy to give it 5 stars.
March 3, 2014
I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump lately. I wanted to read a book that excited me, and nothing I picked up was satisfying that need. I have 1,000 books in my to-be-read pile yet nothing appealed. I was whiny!! And no one likes a whiny reader. So I whined to Tori and her response was – Prince of Tricks by Jane Kindred. Now, when she told me to read this book I did a little frowny face. I’m not huge into erotic demon stories. That whole premise just doesn’t appeal to me. But I decided to set my whiny butt down and just try it. And I was immediately sucked into this world and these two fabulous characters.
Belphagor is a demon airspirit who has earned himself the nickname, Prince of Tricks for his ways at winning cards and pretty much anything else he chooses to win. He doens’t always play fair or follow the rules but he’s a demon so what are you going to do. For the past year, Belphagor has been involved with a fire demon named Vasily. Belphagor loves to dominate, Vasily needs to submit – so they make a good pair. When this book starts, Belphagor has finally had sex with Vasily and they already both deeply care for the other – even though there are still a lot of kinks to work out between them.
“Sweet boy,” Belphagor slipped out of the velvet coat. “Stand up.”
Vasily obeyed, his tearstained face bewildered as Belphagor pt the garment on him.
“You could never disappoint me.” He straightened the collar ad drew Vasily’s head down gently to kiss him, the heat of the firespirit mouth making Belphagor’s cock twitch as his tongue usurped its place.
“Everything you do,” he said when he’d let him go at last, “every scowl, every burst of temper, every act of defiance against me – it gives me pleasure, do you understand that?”
Vasily shook his head, his expression baffled.
“You give me an excuse to punish you,” he admitted with a wry smile.
“The only way you could truly disappoint me would be to behave. I’d absolutely hate it if you didn’t constantly infuriate me.”
While this book is very erotic/explicit (which I loved and I’ll talk more about in a minute) what I enjoyed even more is the courtship in this book. Underneath the egos and the play for power, is this raw yet sweet adoration between these two and that really gave this book depth. When I read the silly warnings that Samhain puts with the blurb of each book, I expected just total crazy sex in this book and not much else. But the relationship these two have surprised me in a good way.
Do we need a crazy sex break? Yes we do. Vasily is a fire demon, which means he has hot spunk. Because why not!
“You can give me that heat too. Kneel on the side of the bed and jerk off on my cock. Make it nice and warm, but don’t get carried away.”
He knew he was taking a chance with this order. Vasily was furious enough that he might burn him anyway and risk the punishment. After an angry pause, Vasily rested his knees on the mattress and masturbated, already so worked up that it was less than a minute before he moaned with release, holding his cock over Belphagor’s as the hot, firespirit spunk pumped from the inflamed head and bathed Belphagor’s. Belphagor nearly came just from the sensation of the perfectly heated fluid sliding down his shaft.
As I mentioned, Belphaor is the dominant – he possesses and owns Vasily in this book, which Vasily entirely agrees to and wants. There is humiliation at times – which isn’t always a favorite thing of mine but I could let it go in this book and setting. Belphagor can realllly lay out a punishment for Vasily, but again- Vasily is into it so it works. They explore with other partners too – and not to sound like a complete broken record – but I didn’t mind this either. You get a sense right from the beginning as to how these two play off one another. Vasily is rash and emotional and can make spontaneous decisions which get him in trouble. Belphagor is a little more mature and wordly, yet his love for Vasily will drive him to do crazy things.
There is an actual plot in this book – not just crazy sex! Vasily gets into some trouble early – he rushes off mad at Belphagor one day and gets captured and is forced into ‘helping’ a rebellion start. Belphagor goes on a crazy rampage to get him back. Later in the book they go into hiding ‘down below’ – aka on regular earth and meet some friends. I liked how it all progresses.
I did get a little confused with all the names of demons and names of places in heaven and just the overall setting sometimes would throw me out of the story. But ignoring that fact this is a fun, different read. Book two continues their story out this April.
Rating: B
Belphagor is a demon airspirit who has earned himself the nickname, Prince of Tricks for his ways at winning cards and pretty much anything else he chooses to win. He doens’t always play fair or follow the rules but he’s a demon so what are you going to do. For the past year, Belphagor has been involved with a fire demon named Vasily. Belphagor loves to dominate, Vasily needs to submit – so they make a good pair. When this book starts, Belphagor has finally had sex with Vasily and they already both deeply care for the other – even though there are still a lot of kinks to work out between them.
“Sweet boy,” Belphagor slipped out of the velvet coat. “Stand up.”
Vasily obeyed, his tearstained face bewildered as Belphagor pt the garment on him.
“You could never disappoint me.” He straightened the collar ad drew Vasily’s head down gently to kiss him, the heat of the firespirit mouth making Belphagor’s cock twitch as his tongue usurped its place.
“Everything you do,” he said when he’d let him go at last, “every scowl, every burst of temper, every act of defiance against me – it gives me pleasure, do you understand that?”
Vasily shook his head, his expression baffled.
“You give me an excuse to punish you,” he admitted with a wry smile.
“The only way you could truly disappoint me would be to behave. I’d absolutely hate it if you didn’t constantly infuriate me.”
While this book is very erotic/explicit (which I loved and I’ll talk more about in a minute) what I enjoyed even more is the courtship in this book. Underneath the egos and the play for power, is this raw yet sweet adoration between these two and that really gave this book depth. When I read the silly warnings that Samhain puts with the blurb of each book, I expected just total crazy sex in this book and not much else. But the relationship these two have surprised me in a good way.
Do we need a crazy sex break? Yes we do. Vasily is a fire demon, which means he has hot spunk. Because why not!
“You can give me that heat too. Kneel on the side of the bed and jerk off on my cock. Make it nice and warm, but don’t get carried away.”
He knew he was taking a chance with this order. Vasily was furious enough that he might burn him anyway and risk the punishment. After an angry pause, Vasily rested his knees on the mattress and masturbated, already so worked up that it was less than a minute before he moaned with release, holding his cock over Belphagor’s as the hot, firespirit spunk pumped from the inflamed head and bathed Belphagor’s. Belphagor nearly came just from the sensation of the perfectly heated fluid sliding down his shaft.
As I mentioned, Belphaor is the dominant – he possesses and owns Vasily in this book, which Vasily entirely agrees to and wants. There is humiliation at times – which isn’t always a favorite thing of mine but I could let it go in this book and setting. Belphagor can realllly lay out a punishment for Vasily, but again- Vasily is into it so it works. They explore with other partners too – and not to sound like a complete broken record – but I didn’t mind this either. You get a sense right from the beginning as to how these two play off one another. Vasily is rash and emotional and can make spontaneous decisions which get him in trouble. Belphagor is a little more mature and wordly, yet his love for Vasily will drive him to do crazy things.
There is an actual plot in this book – not just crazy sex! Vasily gets into some trouble early – he rushes off mad at Belphagor one day and gets captured and is forced into ‘helping’ a rebellion start. Belphagor goes on a crazy rampage to get him back. Later in the book they go into hiding ‘down below’ – aka on regular earth and meet some friends. I liked how it all progresses.
I did get a little confused with all the names of demons and names of places in heaven and just the overall setting sometimes would throw me out of the story. But ignoring that fact this is a fun, different read. Book two continues their story out this April.
Rating: B
July 13, 2021
Clever and sexy
July 17, 2021
I loved both Belphagor and Vasily. They were each a bit on the shady side but with charm to spare. They are immediately attracted to each other, but Vasily's plan to win Belphagor completely backfires in a spectacular fashion and then we are off on a wild ride of schemes by another who plays for keeps and could get both of them killed. Can't wait to see where this series goes.
July 16, 2021
The Prince of Tricks had a unique plot that keep me glued to its pages. It had fantastic world building that felt mob/mafia related romance, but it involved Angels and Demons. I loved the kink element!! I absolutely loved Belphagor and Vasily, they felt complex and deep. The story was really well written, highly recommend. I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received.
June 12, 2021
Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review. Belphagor taking in a younger Vasily after trying to steal from him because something called him where the firespirit confusing to him maybe like calls to like in this case. Claiming Vasily his was both hot and bothersome to me as Belphagor is not willing to commit himself here, but will that change as Vasily turns elsewhere only to be tricked? On the run a different path opens for these two. With Vasily as most wanted, to live they are making a route as the fallen will they every be allowed to return home? This was one darkly delicious read of thrilling adventure, hurt and comfort one is easy to show while the other is difficult for Belphagor to show. Pain is easier to show his love but can Vasily live with just that. I was torn between laughs and cringing at the brothel scene for the big bad Belphagor.
July 24, 2014
This is more like 3.5 for me but I just rounded up. It had a little too much sex for me to to say it was outstanding and there were times I got a little confused with world. Russia just isn't anything I'm familiar with or angel mythology. Despite that this turned out to be a surprisingly good political intrigue book involving overthrowing a government and demon rentboys. I loved watching Belphagor trying so hard to figure out what happened to Vasily and how to get him out of trouble. I liked Belphagor as a woman and at time it was hilarious dispite what was at stake. There were some interesting power dynamic not just with Belphagor/Vasily but with Phaleg as well.
December 26, 2013
Review will appear in Feb issue of RT Book Reviews Magazine
Holy man & cheese...this was HAAAWWWTTTT. *fanning myself vigorously*
Holy man & cheese...this was HAAAWWWTTTT. *fanning myself vigorously*
July 13, 2021
Great start to a series. Right away the unique universe idea grabbed me and I wanted to know more. A mix of romance, fantasy and a world being built leaving many books to come am sure.
August 7, 2021
I really enjoyed this story. It had a unquie take on demons and such. Not normally what I read but I am glad I did.
January 22, 2024
Excellent
New author to me and a stunning new world. Thoroughly enjoyed this take on a Heaven reimagined full of Angels and Demons, a city mirroring that of the Rus city below.
KU, Riptide P., paranormal, book in a series, standalone, age gap, BDSM, mystery, angels/demons
New author to me and a stunning new world. Thoroughly enjoyed this take on a Heaven reimagined full of Angels and Demons, a city mirroring that of the Rus city below.
KU, Riptide P., paranormal, book in a series, standalone, age gap, BDSM, mystery, angels/demons
April 29, 2014
3.5 stars, but I'm rounding up since Goodreads doesn't allow half stars. I don't like stars in general, so whatever.
This review originally appeared on my blog, Books Without Any Pictures:
http://bookswithoutanypictures.com/20...
The Demons of Elysium are M/M erotica prequels to Kindred’s earlier House of Arkhangel’sk series, which is about angels and demons who fall from heaven into modern-day Russia. Heaven is very much like revolutionary Russia, and angel who is the lead character is based on the legend of Anastasia. As you may know, I have a thing for Russia, and the blend of a paranormal/fantasy story with Russian history makes me incredibly happy.
Prince of Tricks introduces Belphagor and Vasily, the demonic couple who become Anazakia’s protectors as she escapes from Heaven after her family is murdered. In this book, Belphagor and Vasily are in the early stages of their relationship. Belphagor is very dominant and used to getting his way. He’s a bit of a tough guy, having spent time in the Russian prison system during his first visits to Earth. Vasily is a prostitute, and he’s got a rebellious temper even as he craves Belphagor’s discipline. Neither of the two have truly fallen in love before, and so neither one knows how to act or how to move from casual hookups to a real relationship.
Oh, and then there’s the fact that Vasily gets kidnapped and tossed into the middle of an assassination plot by a treacherous angelic duke. It’ll take all of Belphagor’s luck to rescue Vasily, clear his name, and set things right.
In terms of the relationship itself, Belphagor and Vasily were my favorite characters when reading the House of Arkhangel’sk trilogy, so it was great to get to see them again. They’re so awkward right now, and it’s interesting to see how much they’ve changed and also stayed the same over time. I wish that Vasily would realize how much Belphagor cares about him. You see him taking desperate measures to save him from harm, and yet Vasily continues to doubt his love because he needs a bit more reassurance. Belphagor needs to learn how to make Vasily feel cherished even while continuing to play a dominant role. Vasily’s insecurities tend to get played out in bursts of temper that can be self-destructive, and that tends to get both of them into trouble. Communication is the key to any healthy relationship, and I don’t think that the two demons have mastered it quite yet.
I’m relatively new to reading erotica, and the heat level in Prince of Tricks was a bit more than I’m comfortable with. That’s not a bad thing. One of the reasons why I love reading is because it lets me step outside my comfort zone and experience different ways of life. There were just a lot more orgies here than I expected, and apparently orgies aren’t my thing. I don’t know about you, but if I were on the run and staying with friends, group sex would probably be the last thing on my mind. I’m also immature and think that almost any word for ejaculatory fluid is hilarious, which meant that I had a rough time taking certain scenes seriously. The word “jism” in particular… just try saying it out loud without laughing. It’s impossible. And yet, even where there were times when the sex scenes got to be a bit much for me, there were kidnappings, revolutionary plots, and other forms of intrigue to keep me reading.
Oh, and the best part of Prince of Tricks? I don’t want to spoil anything, but let’s just say that there’s a part where someone cross-dresses as part of a disguise. The thing that made me so happy is that Kindred explores the fact that there is a difference between the way that society perceives the two genders, and the cross-dressing character is shocked at the subtle ways in which his/her gender becomes a problem. Take, for example, prostitution. The demon in question had been a prostitute before but didn’t really feel exploited, but then while cross-dressing he had to deal with patrons who thought they were entitled to *anything* because they had paid by the hour. And a lot of what the demon in question experienced was very subtle and started to get to him/her more and more as time went on. Such an ingenious way of making the case for gender equality!
This review originally appeared on my blog, Books Without Any Pictures:
http://bookswithoutanypictures.com/20...
The Demons of Elysium are M/M erotica prequels to Kindred’s earlier House of Arkhangel’sk series, which is about angels and demons who fall from heaven into modern-day Russia. Heaven is very much like revolutionary Russia, and angel who is the lead character is based on the legend of Anastasia. As you may know, I have a thing for Russia, and the blend of a paranormal/fantasy story with Russian history makes me incredibly happy.
Prince of Tricks introduces Belphagor and Vasily, the demonic couple who become Anazakia’s protectors as she escapes from Heaven after her family is murdered. In this book, Belphagor and Vasily are in the early stages of their relationship. Belphagor is very dominant and used to getting his way. He’s a bit of a tough guy, having spent time in the Russian prison system during his first visits to Earth. Vasily is a prostitute, and he’s got a rebellious temper even as he craves Belphagor’s discipline. Neither of the two have truly fallen in love before, and so neither one knows how to act or how to move from casual hookups to a real relationship.
Oh, and then there’s the fact that Vasily gets kidnapped and tossed into the middle of an assassination plot by a treacherous angelic duke. It’ll take all of Belphagor’s luck to rescue Vasily, clear his name, and set things right.
In terms of the relationship itself, Belphagor and Vasily were my favorite characters when reading the House of Arkhangel’sk trilogy, so it was great to get to see them again. They’re so awkward right now, and it’s interesting to see how much they’ve changed and also stayed the same over time. I wish that Vasily would realize how much Belphagor cares about him. You see him taking desperate measures to save him from harm, and yet Vasily continues to doubt his love because he needs a bit more reassurance. Belphagor needs to learn how to make Vasily feel cherished even while continuing to play a dominant role. Vasily’s insecurities tend to get played out in bursts of temper that can be self-destructive, and that tends to get both of them into trouble. Communication is the key to any healthy relationship, and I don’t think that the two demons have mastered it quite yet.
I’m relatively new to reading erotica, and the heat level in Prince of Tricks was a bit more than I’m comfortable with. That’s not a bad thing. One of the reasons why I love reading is because it lets me step outside my comfort zone and experience different ways of life. There were just a lot more orgies here than I expected, and apparently orgies aren’t my thing. I don’t know about you, but if I were on the run and staying with friends, group sex would probably be the last thing on my mind. I’m also immature and think that almost any word for ejaculatory fluid is hilarious, which meant that I had a rough time taking certain scenes seriously. The word “jism” in particular… just try saying it out loud without laughing. It’s impossible. And yet, even where there were times when the sex scenes got to be a bit much for me, there were kidnappings, revolutionary plots, and other forms of intrigue to keep me reading.
Oh, and the best part of Prince of Tricks? I don’t want to spoil anything, but let’s just say that there’s a part where someone cross-dresses as part of a disguise. The thing that made me so happy is that Kindred explores the fact that there is a difference between the way that society perceives the two genders, and the cross-dressing character is shocked at the subtle ways in which his/her gender becomes a problem. Take, for example, prostitution. The demon in question had been a prostitute before but didn’t really feel exploited, but then while cross-dressing he had to deal with patrons who thought they were entitled to *anything* because they had paid by the hour. And a lot of what the demon in question experienced was very subtle and started to get to him/her more and more as time went on. Such an ingenious way of making the case for gender equality!
January 31, 2014
Thanks to Jane Kindred I'll never picture Heaven the same way again in this cleverly crafted and highly sexualized first book in the Demons of Elysuim series. From start to finish readers are taken on an unexpected and unique journey into the world of demons, fallen angels, and a political plan to create chaos that unwittingly forces the arrogant and sexy Beli to become embroiled in after his young lover Vasy is accused of the crime. From this decadent and gritty view of Heaven to the perceived safety of a parallel Russia here on Earth, Beli and Vasy race to stay one step ahead of the real criminals while Beli uses his unique abilities to gain the help he needs, especially from the Heavenly guard Phaleg, in clearing Vasy's name.
Beli's youth was one of living on the edge doing whatever necessary to stay alive. It's made him smart in maneuvering through the different levels of society but it's left him a bit jaded too. He's considered a master of thievery, gambling, and sex but deep down it's also made him leery of love. Vasy is sweet and naive at times, which leads him into trouble, but his kind heart and playfulness bring out a softer side to Beli. Vasy doesn't ever seem to learn from his mistakes so it's a good thing he has Beli looking out for him. For so long he fought the love and affection Vasy was offering him as he saw it as a weakness but when he finally does claim him it leads to unexpected events. Beli then has to use all of his strengths to save the young man he's just starting to care for which leads readers on a super sexy journey from one demon to another and, in a very unexpected twist, shows what it's like to be a woman in a world where they have the least power.
Ms. Kindred has created an entertaining roller coaster ride full of all sorts of naughty sex. Here Heaven is an adult's playground, like Las Vegas, a bit gritty and rough around the edges. There's different classes of demons and angels who are constantly fighting to be on top. This world is vividly depicted and grabs your attention from the very start. In contrast is the Russian parallel world which is just as corrupt and dangerous and puts the Russian words Beli's always speaking with Vasy to good use. From one world to another you're constantly on the edge of your seat waiting for the next unexpected thing to happen and Ms. Kindred doesn't disappoint. Another area that didn't disappoint was the sexual interludes where readers witnessed m/m, threesomes, menages, and a bit of f/f, though these scenes did take over the story at times. Sex was seen as a commodity, as entertainment, as well as for genuine affection. Throughout it all Beli was the master, always knowing what others wanted and needed as he blazed a sexual path to get the info he needed to save Vasy. Those who don't like their main couples with others though might be turned off by this but it slowly becomes clear that his time with Vasy is more meaningful than time spent with others. With their sweet and heartfelt concluding scenes this is especially apparent.
With its vivid world building, steamy sexual interludes, and compelling main character of Beli this becomes an unforgettable read and an exciting start to what promises to be a unique and entertaining series. Though I never felt a strong connection to Vasy as he always seemed to be in Beli's shadow, the character of Phaleg and his steamy scenes with Beli left a lasting impression with me and I look forward to his story being told soon. Those looking for a very different kind of paranormal series, one with lots of sweat-inducing scenes, will want to add the Demons of Elysium to their library!
Beli's youth was one of living on the edge doing whatever necessary to stay alive. It's made him smart in maneuvering through the different levels of society but it's left him a bit jaded too. He's considered a master of thievery, gambling, and sex but deep down it's also made him leery of love. Vasy is sweet and naive at times, which leads him into trouble, but his kind heart and playfulness bring out a softer side to Beli. Vasy doesn't ever seem to learn from his mistakes so it's a good thing he has Beli looking out for him. For so long he fought the love and affection Vasy was offering him as he saw it as a weakness but when he finally does claim him it leads to unexpected events. Beli then has to use all of his strengths to save the young man he's just starting to care for which leads readers on a super sexy journey from one demon to another and, in a very unexpected twist, shows what it's like to be a woman in a world where they have the least power.
Ms. Kindred has created an entertaining roller coaster ride full of all sorts of naughty sex. Here Heaven is an adult's playground, like Las Vegas, a bit gritty and rough around the edges. There's different classes of demons and angels who are constantly fighting to be on top. This world is vividly depicted and grabs your attention from the very start. In contrast is the Russian parallel world which is just as corrupt and dangerous and puts the Russian words Beli's always speaking with Vasy to good use. From one world to another you're constantly on the edge of your seat waiting for the next unexpected thing to happen and Ms. Kindred doesn't disappoint. Another area that didn't disappoint was the sexual interludes where readers witnessed m/m, threesomes, menages, and a bit of f/f, though these scenes did take over the story at times. Sex was seen as a commodity, as entertainment, as well as for genuine affection. Throughout it all Beli was the master, always knowing what others wanted and needed as he blazed a sexual path to get the info he needed to save Vasy. Those who don't like their main couples with others though might be turned off by this but it slowly becomes clear that his time with Vasy is more meaningful than time spent with others. With their sweet and heartfelt concluding scenes this is especially apparent.
With its vivid world building, steamy sexual interludes, and compelling main character of Beli this becomes an unforgettable read and an exciting start to what promises to be a unique and entertaining series. Though I never felt a strong connection to Vasy as he always seemed to be in Beli's shadow, the character of Phaleg and his steamy scenes with Beli left a lasting impression with me and I look forward to his story being told soon. Those looking for a very different kind of paranormal series, one with lots of sweat-inducing scenes, will want to add the Demons of Elysium to their library!
July 11, 2021
This book is a specific one, and I'm pretty sure that I wasn't the target here. The blurb made me curious, and the title itself promised something that I've found similar to Loki's character - but with BDSM and demons. Well, that wasn't exactly what I found.
To be perfectly honest, I think that the blurb sells the book better than the story itself. The titular Prince of Tricks isn't a prince and isn't really a trickster either. He is a typical bad guy slash former Russian prisoner with a common need to make others feel worse about themselves. Yes, he has magic, and he uses it to trick people, but it's not that kind of magic that makes you root for him.
His lover - apparently not so FORMER rent boy, as the blurb would make you think - likes him for no apparent reason and behaves like a spoiled child who never in his life used brain. Their romance starts in the first chapter, and then we jump a year later, without any knowledge of how these two happen to have feelings for each other.
The worldbuilding made me utterly confused. It's complicated, full of hierarchy, names that are too weird to remember, political plots, and sometimes we hear about Earth - but not that easy to place in our timeline.
I won't say that the world doesn't make any sense, because I couldn't finish this book. I'm not a fan of singular POV with a character who keeps explaining things with large paragraphs full of exposition. It's not natural; moreover, it makes me irritated because I feel like being on a lecture, with the need to make notes, to remember later what was the point of all of this.
The magic itself and magical beings seemed just an addition to the plot. As far as I'm concerned, they could end up erased from the book, and it wouldn't make a big difference. The author didn't use them to picture something fascinating or different, because there were more important parts of worldbuilding that they wanted to focus on. This isn't exactly a bad thing, but it was another thing that made me lose interest in the story.
I think that my problem was disliking the characters. I loathed their dynamic in bed and the relationship, their need to be in control and manipulate the other half to do as they wanted to. It's not exactly the typical dark-themed book, but it's much closer to that than I thought. Because of that, I couldn't forget other things that I disliked - especially around worldbuilding. I decided to DNF it when I realized that there isn't a single thing that makes me want to continue reading.
But if you prefer reading darker books with rent boys, violence, and characters being more on the grey area of morality - this probably would be a good choice. Just not my cup of tea.
I received an ARC of this book from the Gay Romance Reviews, and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
To be perfectly honest, I think that the blurb sells the book better than the story itself. The titular Prince of Tricks isn't a prince and isn't really a trickster either. He is a typical bad guy slash former Russian prisoner with a common need to make others feel worse about themselves. Yes, he has magic, and he uses it to trick people, but it's not that kind of magic that makes you root for him.
His lover - apparently not so FORMER rent boy, as the blurb would make you think - likes him for no apparent reason and behaves like a spoiled child who never in his life used brain. Their romance starts in the first chapter, and then we jump a year later, without any knowledge of how these two happen to have feelings for each other.
The worldbuilding made me utterly confused. It's complicated, full of hierarchy, names that are too weird to remember, political plots, and sometimes we hear about Earth - but not that easy to place in our timeline.
I won't say that the world doesn't make any sense, because I couldn't finish this book. I'm not a fan of singular POV with a character who keeps explaining things with large paragraphs full of exposition. It's not natural; moreover, it makes me irritated because I feel like being on a lecture, with the need to make notes, to remember later what was the point of all of this.
The magic itself and magical beings seemed just an addition to the plot. As far as I'm concerned, they could end up erased from the book, and it wouldn't make a big difference. The author didn't use them to picture something fascinating or different, because there were more important parts of worldbuilding that they wanted to focus on. This isn't exactly a bad thing, but it was another thing that made me lose interest in the story.
I think that my problem was disliking the characters. I loathed their dynamic in bed and the relationship, their need to be in control and manipulate the other half to do as they wanted to. It's not exactly the typical dark-themed book, but it's much closer to that than I thought. Because of that, I couldn't forget other things that I disliked - especially around worldbuilding. I decided to DNF it when I realized that there isn't a single thing that makes me want to continue reading.
But if you prefer reading darker books with rent boys, violence, and characters being more on the grey area of morality - this probably would be a good choice. Just not my cup of tea.
I received an ARC of this book from the Gay Romance Reviews, and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
July 11, 2021
3.0 stars
This one is hard to rate as there were parts I really enjoyed but also parts where I found myself confused and not really understanding what was going on and wondering if I had missed a bit of information, especially in the beginning where there was a lot going on and the first couple of chapters set it up but also spanned a year, we saw the guys met then next second it was a year later, so I felt like we missed what happened in that year and how they become to be who they were to each other.
I did love the guys together although their relationship style was one where both parties needed to be on board and understanding their own parts for it to work, and I'm not 100% sure that Vasily understood his position within the relationship, which comes back to Beli as he didn't make it clear enough. These dynamics as well as the some of the scenes didn't work well for me.
I liked the fire of Vasily. I liked that his isn't a normal submissive character, he fights the entire way. He didn't take to anything easily and it made for some mistakes on his part, mistakes that lead to his predicament but I understood to a point what pushed him that way. I think that also came back to him not understanding where he stood with Beli. I felt for him at times as he was pushed to his limit.
I liked Beli too, the fact that he could practically get anyone to do what he wanted them to do was entertaining, but also the self enlightenment as he became to understand the privilege he had as a male demon and understood the difficulties women demons faced. He was all about doing what profited him, but he also had a good heart underneath that he didn't show many people.
I'm still not sure how I feel about it or if I will continue with the series as the relationship while the sex scenes are hot, the dynamics don't really work for me
***Arc provided by GRR. This is my honest and voluntary review***
This one is hard to rate as there were parts I really enjoyed but also parts where I found myself confused and not really understanding what was going on and wondering if I had missed a bit of information, especially in the beginning where there was a lot going on and the first couple of chapters set it up but also spanned a year, we saw the guys met then next second it was a year later, so I felt like we missed what happened in that year and how they become to be who they were to each other.
I did love the guys together although their relationship style was one where both parties needed to be on board and understanding their own parts for it to work, and I'm not 100% sure that Vasily understood his position within the relationship, which comes back to Beli as he didn't make it clear enough. These dynamics as well as the some of the scenes didn't work well for me.
I liked the fire of Vasily. I liked that his isn't a normal submissive character, he fights the entire way. He didn't take to anything easily and it made for some mistakes on his part, mistakes that lead to his predicament but I understood to a point what pushed him that way. I think that also came back to him not understanding where he stood with Beli. I felt for him at times as he was pushed to his limit.
I liked Beli too, the fact that he could practically get anyone to do what he wanted them to do was entertaining, but also the self enlightenment as he became to understand the privilege he had as a male demon and understood the difficulties women demons faced. He was all about doing what profited him, but he also had a good heart underneath that he didn't show many people.
I'm still not sure how I feel about it or if I will continue with the series as the relationship while the sex scenes are hot, the dynamics don't really work for me
***Arc provided by GRR. This is my honest and voluntary review***
June 20, 2021
Okay so there were several issues that didn't make this a higher rating for me. First, it took me awhile to figure out what the heck was going on. Second, I never really cared for Vasily, but that I could have overlooked if he hadn't put himself is such stupid and dangerous situations. Third, the lack of communication drove me nuts. Finally, they aren't exclusive & I don't like that. I loved Phaleg, he was actually my favorite of all the characters. I really enjoyed the world that the author built for us. I'm not sure if I will continue with the series or not.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
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