The worlds are out of balance. The Creator is missing. And the war between Heaven and Hell has begun.
Niki Slobodian came back, but there were side effect. She is filled with a strange power no one seems to be able to explain. Not even Sam. She is also plagued with strange visions whenever she touches anyone. This does nothing but complicate the fact that she may be the reason for the war raging in the streets of her own city. A war that could mean the end of humanity.
Niki has always done whatever she had to for the people she loves, but this time is different. With carnage escalating and the people she cares for in danger, Niki and Sam must work together to save what is left of humanity. And with a psychotic archangel trying to assume to post of the Creator, and one slim chance to right the balance, the odds are against them.
Nothing is ever easy for a Slobodian. Not even stopping a war that could unmake the world.
J.L. Murray is the author of the Niki Slobodian series (Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, The Devil Is a Gentleman, Before the Devil Knows You're Dead, The Devil Was an Angel, and The Devil's Backbone), The Thirteen series (Jenny Undead and Eat the Ones You Love), After the Fire, Blood Day, the Blood of Cain series (Monstrous, Hoarfrost, Sanguine), the Gothic Folk series (The Hungry Deep), and The Collins Widow.
Murray is a firm believer that horror can be beautiful, and that good and evil are very far from black and white. She lives with her family in Eugene, Oregon and can be reached through her website at www.jlmurraywriter.com.
“Oh, Niki, we know you can't help it. But you're like a bull that goes into a china shop, blows everyone away, breaks all the china, and then kicks all the bodies for good measure.”
Unfortunately my interest in continuing this series is now nil. I dug the first, and while the second wasn’t quite as good, I still enjoyed it – but this one? All tastes lost.
Niki has returned from the dead, and when I say she’s changed, that’s an extreme understatement. The book’s storyline took an interesting story that was focused on a woman’s personal journey and discovery with her family and paranormal town and the third then exploded it into an apocalyptic, world-wide adventure overnight. A serious literal war already with angels and demons, visits to Hell and purgatory, visits to the angelic city, meeting ‘The Creator’, seriously – so much in this story all of a sudden.
The book got way out there and outlandish with the storyline so it was hard to stay centered on it – still, it would have been a three star if it didn’t depress and people me off with two losses in the end. Both of these change the entire direction and focus of the series up until this point – in fact, they were the most interesting elements in the three books, so getting rid of both of these and leaving me with the rest of the story (which went direction I didn’t want anyway) drained my interest and put me in a bad mood for a few hours.
The large changes in the direction of the story and world-building kind of buried characterization. Niki seems somewhat flatter – maybe because she doesn’t even have time to breathe? – Eli is unrecognizable and went in a completely different direction. Niki frustrated me since just isn’t that bright – I grew as exasperated with her as Sam did since she wants to, against logic, run into situations and risk others without thinking it through based on a pure adrenaline of emotion. Since this is the way the author intended the story to go, the author makes it worth the benefit of the character, but in reality this wouldn’t happen and just left me aggravated!
With the pacing so rushed and the story so outlandish, it came off rather cheesy. A shame, but I’m happy at this point I already picked up the first three.
[This review contains spoilers for the 2nd book in this series. Although honestly why are you reading a review for the 3rd book if you haven't read the 2nd ...]
If you remember I was a bit upset at the end of the last book because it was revealed that Sam - AKA *Samael* - was the Grim Reaper and not ...you know ...the devil. I mean I'm still not generally wild about series that make Lucifer/Samael/Satan/the Devil etc. all different people, but this one is actually starting to grow on me. This book introduces Lucifer and Michael and actually does some really interesting things with the Biblical mythology aspect of this series. Also I would say that Sam is more the Angel of Death than the Grim Reaper, and I guess you can say that's just semantics but it makes more sense to me to think of it in that way.
Anyway I definitely enjoyed this book more than the last two. I feel like the first two were just fairly standard urban fantasy fare and this one really stepped up and made its own mythology and had some really big universe-changing events at the end. Definitely seems like a turning point for the series so I'm excited to read more.
Sadly, I didn't like Before the Devil Knows You're Dead as much as the previous two installments. Thankfully, I got all three free on Amazon, so no loss there.
The series has some things going for it; for the most part, the characters are likable and contain a touch of mystery. The writing isn't superb, but the books are not unreadable. This installment felt a bit more disjointed than the first two - either that or I just ignored it earlier. Still, I like learning more about Sam, Niki and Eli with each new book. I like the relationships in Niki's life and her fierce determination.
I'll most likely, eventually, continue the series to see how things play out following the world-changing events in this installment.
I just started reading this series, and it is action packed to no end. I agree that some of the characters are a little flat, but that is a small grievance that I can overlook. This book is great and a real tear jerker. I was put off near the end, and I can understand all books can't have the HEA. Niki has been through a lot of loss and for it to end the way it did was like having the bottom drop from under you. You can't stop with this one, you must read the next novel in the series.
Be prepared for the apocalypse. Who is good and who is the bad? I love how everything mix up and then when you think you've everyone figured out good and bad change again. It's unsettling and gives quite a rush of adrenaline.
Second time reading it and I still cried like a baby. Yep.
1st read on February 20, 2013
*You should not read this review if you haven't read the book*
Oh wow. I have to admit I cried. A lot really. I actually want to just give a 1 star rating to this book because Sam died. It was so heartbreaking I cannot find the right words to describe it. I'm not surprised because soon as Sam explained he had the power to stop time but was forbidden to use it without unraveling...I knew he was gonna end up doing it anyway and there would be no way to save him. I knew since half the book and yet it still ripped my heart out when I read it.
I think I loved him a little. It is ridiculous to love a character of a book. He was not real. Never was. But I read about him. I spent time with him. I lived a part of his life even if his life was fictitious. And I watched and felt his death coming. I am so very sorry for him.
I have cried other times when I read about certain characters deaths. Kisten's for example, in the Hollows by Kim Harrison. But I never felt it so present as I did in this one. I hate the author a little bit right now. Sam was a masterfully built character and I hurt to see him gone. And I pity Niki so very much. She lost so many people.
I look forward for June with a mixing of hope and foreboding. Hope that somehow Niki will be able to reach happiness and foreboding to read she won't ever achieve it with Sam gone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Nikki is trying to stop a war between the angels and the demons. She’s also trying to save her godmother from the violence and figure out what’s going on with her strange new powers. All this and she’s starting to have feelings for Sam. Sam who brought her back from the dead.
The third book in the Nikki Slobodian series packed a lot of punch. It started with heavy action and didn’t let up. Murray amped up the volume on all levels and everything was more intense. The violence, the romance, and the action. The stakes were high.
While Nikki was much more powerful, she was also much more vulnerable. She seemed to understand she had a lot more to lose if things went wrong. Nikki was desperate to save Sophia, her godmother and keep her safe. She also felt the loss of her humanity much more severely.
The feelings between Sam and Nikki were a wonderful surprise to me. I knew Sam took an interest in Nikki but I didn’t know why. It was a development that took time to evolve and fully bloom. There was no instantaneous emotional crush of feeling.
I was devastated by the end of the book. In a good way. But to think I’ll have to wait for The Devil is an Angel is agony. I even have to wait for the synopsis. I guess the only thing I to do is to stalk J.L. Murray. She lives in my city. ;-)
Tight, fast-paced, and poignant. The growth of Niki, the main character, throughout all three books is evident, but in this book, she really gets under your skin. Doing what she does is not always easy, and the reader really gets to see - and feel - the depth of who Niki really is.
Things are not always what they seem in Before The Devil Knows You're Dead, and the reader is left thinking about the story after the final page. There is a lot more here than just an action-packed story.
I almost feel sorry for some of the reviewers complaining about Niki's behavior. They obviously missed a great story. Personally, I found Niki to be a more relatable character in this book, and wonder if I would have handled things any differently than she did. I think JL Murray took a risk with letting Niki's emotional side through, and I think she did it beautifully.
I am a bigger Niki Slobodian fan now than I was before.
Kudos to the author for the direction she took with this series. It has to be difficult to "unravel" one's world (without a Sam to stop you). I do wonder where she will go though.
My bigger problems with Ms Murrey is characterization. Even after three books, her characters still seem less than full rounded. Michael and the baddies were even worse. They were flat, unconvincing. You can't tell me someone is mad, you have to show me and make me believe.
I'm somewhat unconvinced by the family twist, too.
I still think this is a nice minor UF, and worth reading. Let us see what the future holds.....
Super dramatic......*sigh*.....It was just too much, and not enough all at the same time. I am invested in this series....so I prayed for a better unfolding to no avail. This book wasn't bad....I have read bad, and this is not that. It's just so far fetched, and unbelievable....there are far too many holes in this story line....so read it, or don't read it. I unfortunately don't think this series will be memorable for me, but I'm cursed to finish the series.
I love this series! J L Murray writes another strong book in the Niki Slobodian world, lots of action and heartache. I can not wait to see what is next, at least I hope that this is not the last one.
This story was amazing.I have read and thoroughly enjoyed the other two books.So I bought this one on my kindle.I was over too quickly.I am anxiously awaiting the next installment.
A fantastic story but it I could have done without the extended descriptions of scenes of war throughout the whole book, and missed the urban aspect when there was so much time spent offworld. I was OUTRAGED she picked the wrong man but I still have hope. Don’t know why any red blooded woman would go for anyone except the crying, sleeping, puking mage.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book. There were parts in the violence that I really didn’t care for, and I kinda smooth over them. But the premise and the finish of the story was really good.
(3.5 Stars) "Before the Devil Knows You're Dead" is another great installment in the Niki Slobodian series. This time, Niki must come to gripes with her everchanging feelings for various people in her life: Natalie, Sam, Stasha, and Eli.
Initially, Niki learns the cruel hard facts about Natalie. She is in the middle of a war initiated by the scheming of the archangel, Michael.In order the same the world, Niki will have to reach deep inside her self and come to gripes with her ever emerging powers and in all truthfullness, they are as scary as hell. With Sam by her side she is also forced to face facts about her godmother, Sofi. The love between the two of them is amazing.
As Niki enters the battle she must go to hell in search of Lucifer with the purpose of rallying his support. Unfortunately, Lucifer has been hiding out in an area that has mentally left him a couple of fries short of a happy meal. In her search for him we get a glimpse into the new life of Eli and he has definitely changed.
As the battle wages on, angels, demons and humans will die and Niki at times it feels as though Niki will implode with all of the sadness surrounding her. There is plenty of action, intrigue, surprises and sadness to go around. Unfortunately, the totally dire nature of this read was at times a little too depressing for me. I felt the book needed a little comedic levity. Yet overall, it was a nice addition to the series. I can't wait to see what is yet in store for Niki. She is one hell of a herione!
This series must be read in order. The first book is Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea. The second book is The Devil Is A Gentleman. This is the third book. I can't wait to read The Devil Was An Angel!
Burning alive from the inside out until she was basically a cinder sucked. Being dead sucked even more.... But coming back to life was the worst. It doesn't help that she just found out she has a half sister that was made into a monster by being fed only Angel's blood since birth... Or that her resurrection has been the excuse for Michael to start an all out war on Earth. Some days it just doesn't pay to come back from the dead. Now Niki doesn't even know what she is anymore. Sasha is in Hell... And the Angels and Hellions are destroying her city. Her sister has been kidnapped by Angels ... Can this day get any worse? Maybe she should have just stayed dead ... But what's the fun in that? What is this burning white power inside of her? Where did it come from? Who put it there? Is it a side effect of Sam bringing her back to life? Why does she matter so much to him? How are they going to stop this war? Will she have to die again?
Niki has not had an easy life, struggling with being an abnormal, her father's criminal past, fighting in an age old battle between angels and demons hell bent on the destruction of the world, oh and dying and coming back as something other than who you were. Add it to the mix her less than successful love life, seeing spirits who have not crossed over and you get the picture. Eli her ex is turning into a demon so that has to suck big time and Sam is death so no happily ever after in her future but Niki keeps on giving it her best shot trying to keep those she loves safe from harm. On the brink of total annihilation, Niki will be forced to make a choice, she will lose people she loves and sacrifices have to be made if there is any hope of a future. Will she be able to reconcile her heart and her mind and live with those decisions and when justice has been served, it is enough? I did struggle with this review on whether to give it 4 or 5 stars but in the end I decided on 4 only because I could not believe the ending, please tell me that is not the end as I was hoping for a different outcome and keeping my fingers crossed for a another book.
I'm still enjoying this series, but it's also faltering in much the same way as many other such series. There seems to come a time when the main character reaches a point where she goes from being an exceptionally powerful or talented whatever, to becoming the most powerful. It becomes unbelievable after a while and I think Niki reached that point in the book. Perhaps it will be pulled back a bit in the next one. I hope so. Because if she remains so all-powerful, what challenge can there really be? I'm holding off on my judgment on this until I finish the next book.
Some major Biblical characters are offed in this book. I had a hard time wrapping my mind around that one...and I'm not even religious. But it's difficult to fathom using preexisting myths and then ignoring or changing large parts of them in order to fit the plot. It's jarring. Be that as it may, Niki again proved herself to be a resilient woman of stellar moral fibre and imperturbable determination.
I'm a huge J.L. Murray fan, so I was as excited as a 5 year old in a toy store to get my hands on this book before the publishing date.
However, I was not prepared for the overwhelming emotional read that 'Before the Devil knows you're dead' took me on. Reading this book was like listening to a philharmonic orchestra complete with all the instruments, rich and full of content. This book is brilliantly written, descriptions of scenes and events are excellently done and once again the voyage with Niki Slobodian is full of richness. The characters are amazing and you can't help but to keep turning page after page to reach the final destination of the amzing journey you started on the first page.
I look forward to the next book in this series, but also any book written by J.L. Murray will be a must read.
I've decided I officially hate Niki Slobodian. She's selfish, impulsive, brash, reckless. She's selfish, damnit. Anything for Sofi. Screw the world and Eli. Anything for Natalie. Screw the world and Sam. Niki reacts; she doesn't think. She puts her feelings first.
But then, the end of the book. Resolution. Acceptance. Understanding. Niki is human and Abby and something other. But she is ultimately flawed, like all of us are.
Awesome series! Kudos to author J.L. Murray for making me feel so emotional towards this character. And especial thank you's that the story was so awesome, I had to keep reading despite my wanting to drop kick the main character throughout most of the book. Highly recommended for urban fantasy.
Things aren't going well on Earth. The Creator is missing, everything's out of balance and Niki picked up some new, uncontrollable powers from her trip to Hell. Oh, and she and her inhuman boss are stepping over professional relationship lines.
With the fate of the Earth at risk, Niki, Bobby and crew must put everything right at the risk of their own lives.
This is the third in the series and took a little longer to read than the first two. It is dark urban fantasy and is a good book if you enjoy this kind of thing. Read the first - Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea and the second - The Devil Is a Gentleman before you tackle this third entry so you will know the back story.
I liked learning more about the mechanics of Niki's world, but this book didn't sit as well with me as the previous two. I missed Bobby and I didn't really care about the side story with Eli. Niki's new powers and interesting and I hope she does some growing into them before the next book.
A little drawn out, with filler bits and less actually happened in this book than the others. They go back and forth, to the same place twice and...eh. I still like the characters, but it was a bit less entertaining than the others. I do look forward to the next though.