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Of Flame and Fang
When Fang and Fire Collide, Love is Born in the Shadows of War.In the gritty heart of a world where darkness and desire dance a dangerous tango, Eva stands as the Undercity's top-notch mercenary. She's right on the edge of a contract that'll define her life, all thanks to the Queen of the Undercity, and it's a rollercoaster ride she never saw coming.
Everything takes an unexpected turn when she has to team up with Fenrir, the King of Wolves. Their alliance thrusts them into a full-blown smackdown between ancient gods, deadly creatures, and a wolf pack on the brink of destruction. Time's ticking away, and they're running a gauntlet in a place where danger lurks around every shadowy corner, and, well, sparks are flying in more ways than one.
Their mission is hunt down Abaddon, the escaped prisoner of the Undercity and anyone responsible. The fate of the whole world is riding on their shoulders. From the blazing pits of the Undercity to the cosmic realm of Olympus, Fenrir and Eva are digging up secrets that could either save humanity or send it spiraling into ruin.
Of Flame and Fang is the first installment of the Dark Mercenary series. For fans of Mercy Thompson, Kate Daniels, and Cat Crawfield, Of Flame and Fang will send you through a maze of danger, heartache, smoldering slow burn romance, and more! Content Adult Language, Graphic Violence, & Death.
Everything takes an unexpected turn when she has to team up with Fenrir, the King of Wolves. Their alliance thrusts them into a full-blown smackdown between ancient gods, deadly creatures, and a wolf pack on the brink of destruction. Time's ticking away, and they're running a gauntlet in a place where danger lurks around every shadowy corner, and, well, sparks are flying in more ways than one.
Their mission is hunt down Abaddon, the escaped prisoner of the Undercity and anyone responsible. The fate of the whole world is riding on their shoulders. From the blazing pits of the Undercity to the cosmic realm of Olympus, Fenrir and Eva are digging up secrets that could either save humanity or send it spiraling into ruin.
Of Flame and Fang is the first installment of the Dark Mercenary series. For fans of Mercy Thompson, Kate Daniels, and Cat Crawfield, Of Flame and Fang will send you through a maze of danger, heartache, smoldering slow burn romance, and more! Content Adult Language, Graphic Violence, & Death.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 22, 2024
4 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 6, 2024
I received this book as an ARC and this review will be cross-posted.
This book had me hooked from the start. I was instantly sucked into the storyline and the ending left me impatiently waiting for the second book to come. Eva and Fenrir are both stubborn main characters but not in an obnoxious way. You can tell that they're both stuck in their ways and dealing with a past that makes them weary of letting anyone in fully. The mixture of different fantasy worlds including gods/goddesses, wolves, demons and witches was a new and interesting twist for me in a book. It's not a storyline I've read before. There was plenty of twists and turns that kept me interested in the story. There's action, there's old romance, there's forbidden romance, and so much more involved with it. Again, I cannot wait to see what the second book brings to this world.
This book had me hooked from the start. I was instantly sucked into the storyline and the ending left me impatiently waiting for the second book to come. Eva and Fenrir are both stubborn main characters but not in an obnoxious way. You can tell that they're both stuck in their ways and dealing with a past that makes them weary of letting anyone in fully. The mixture of different fantasy worlds including gods/goddesses, wolves, demons and witches was a new and interesting twist for me in a book. It's not a storyline I've read before. There was plenty of twists and turns that kept me interested in the story. There's action, there's old romance, there's forbidden romance, and so much more involved with it. Again, I cannot wait to see what the second book brings to this world.
January 18, 2024
Interesting world building.
It uses Greek mythology, a bit of demonology, the idea of werewolves and witches, to create a story that has so many twists and turns. It has a bit of a cliffhanger ending, which makes me intrigued to see how the story continues.
I also liked how the main female character is (at the very least) bisexual and you meet one of her exes as a part of the plot. It does also have quite a few tropes in the story as well (one bed, enemies to *almost* lovers- though it doesn't happen in this book, I expect it to happen because of the werewolf).
It uses Greek mythology, a bit of demonology, the idea of werewolves and witches, to create a story that has so many twists and turns. It has a bit of a cliffhanger ending, which makes me intrigued to see how the story continues.
I also liked how the main female character is (at the very least) bisexual and you meet one of her exes as a part of the plot. It does also have quite a few tropes in the story as well (one bed, enemies to *almost* lovers- though it doesn't happen in this book, I expect it to happen because of the werewolf).
February 10, 2024
This book had me drawn in immediately. A new telling of the story of Hades and Persephone and life in the underworld, with an added twist of demons, witches and werewolves.
The main female lead has an interesting backstory and is, at minimum, bisexual, a representation that is not often seen.
The twists along the way are not seen coming and every time I thought I knew what was going to happen it turned out I was wrong. I love a book that keeps me on my toes.
Ending on a cliff hanger, I need to know what is happening next, cant wait for the next installment
The main female lead has an interesting backstory and is, at minimum, bisexual, a representation that is not often seen.
The twists along the way are not seen coming and every time I thought I knew what was going to happen it turned out I was wrong. I love a book that keeps me on my toes.
Ending on a cliff hanger, I need to know what is happening next, cant wait for the next installment
January 27, 2024
I knew from the first line I was going to love this book! The character and world building is beautiful and so descriptive, I could picture it all so vividly in my mind as I read. Enemies to almost friends, the slow burn is going to be so good in the next book. The dual POV and the sarcastic, snarky and powerhouse of an FMC, everything I love in a book. The plot keeps you gripped, I devoured the book in less than a day. I can't wait till book 2!
January 25, 2024
I really enjoyed how the author meshed magical lore, (werewolves, witches, demons) with Greek mythology. It was a quick and easy to read, I did it in one sitting. I'm excited to see where book number 2 will take our main characters!
January 27, 2024
Eva is an assassin for Hades and finds herself on a mission to destroy another god. She teams up with a werewolf and his pack to battle it out with some witches and said god. She later finds out that she’s not who she thought she was and wants answers. This was a good action packed story with a strong FMC. Recommend reading!
January 28, 2024
So this book was definitely a work in progress to read. I usually love this genre but this took me forever to get through. It was good overall but if you’re new to the fantasy world this isn’t the book I would start with.
I received this book as an arc in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book as an arc in exchange for an honest review.
January 29, 2024
This was pulling on my heartstrings in the second half of the book. The emotional turmoil the characters experienced is very relatable. I need the 2nd book!!
February 10, 2024
I found this on KU, while looking for a paranormal romance with werewolves.
In the shadowy realms of the underworld, a demon with a haunted past and a werewolf king with a dark mission find themselves entwined in an unlikely alliance. Eva, a fierce mercenary for Hades, harbors a deep-seated hatred for werewolves. Now she is tasked by Persephone, Hades' enigmatic wife, with a job that leads her straight into the heart of werewolf territory. Fenrir, the formidable King of the werewolves, despises everything Eva represents, but the stakes are high as he embarks on a perilous mission assigned by Persephone. In a world where alliances are forged through necessity and betrayal lurks in the shadows, Eva and Fenrir must navigate a path laden with danger and desire.
✨SPOILERS✨
Eva has a tragic backstory which is where her hatred of werewolves comes in, but even with that she gives these werewolves a chance to prove that everyone is different. The premise of her rebirth through a deal with Hades makes things interesting. I liked that even though she’s a mercenary for Hades, she has her own code and way of making the world better. I feel like this whole book she’s forced into these situations with no good choices and not nearly enough information since everyone is keeping something from her. I know that keeps you coming back to read more books to get the answers to her story, it’s frustrating.
Fenrir is okay, he’s in this for his pack. Which I get, he made a mistake and he’s trying to correct it to get his family back together. I didn’t feel good about him being one of the people keeping something from Eva, especially when it’s about a mate bond.
Hades and Persephone were a compelling addition to the story. Going into this book knowing mythology and having read different retellings of there story, this was a different take on how they’re on going relationship works, or doesn’t in this case. They’re both very shady, lots of secrets.
This book reminded a lot of the Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs, but not as well done. Maybe I feel that way because this is just the first book, this is why I like to read finished series so I don’t judge too hard. Based on this book, I don’t think I’ll continue reading subsequent books, but maybe I will.
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Relationship(s): M/F
Romance: Slow Burn
POV: Dual, First Person
Platform: Digital, KU
Length: 318 pages
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🚫
Darkness: 🩶
Series/Stand Alone: The Dark Mercenary Series
Cliffhanger: Yes, unanswered mysteries
Themes/Tropes: Paranormal, Mercenaries, Demons, Werewolves, Gods, Mythology, Hades/Persephone, Mates, Forced Proximity, Magic, Dark Witches, Lover in Denial, Past Trauma
Check Triggers⚠️: Yes
Follow me for more book reviews & recommendations on Instagram & TikTok via the links in my bio.
In the shadowy realms of the underworld, a demon with a haunted past and a werewolf king with a dark mission find themselves entwined in an unlikely alliance. Eva, a fierce mercenary for Hades, harbors a deep-seated hatred for werewolves. Now she is tasked by Persephone, Hades' enigmatic wife, with a job that leads her straight into the heart of werewolf territory. Fenrir, the formidable King of the werewolves, despises everything Eva represents, but the stakes are high as he embarks on a perilous mission assigned by Persephone. In a world where alliances are forged through necessity and betrayal lurks in the shadows, Eva and Fenrir must navigate a path laden with danger and desire.
✨SPOILERS✨
Eva has a tragic backstory which is where her hatred of werewolves comes in, but even with that she gives these werewolves a chance to prove that everyone is different. The premise of her rebirth through a deal with Hades makes things interesting. I liked that even though she’s a mercenary for Hades, she has her own code and way of making the world better. I feel like this whole book she’s forced into these situations with no good choices and not nearly enough information since everyone is keeping something from her. I know that keeps you coming back to read more books to get the answers to her story, it’s frustrating.
Fenrir is okay, he’s in this for his pack. Which I get, he made a mistake and he’s trying to correct it to get his family back together. I didn’t feel good about him being one of the people keeping something from Eva, especially when it’s about a mate bond.
Hades and Persephone were a compelling addition to the story. Going into this book knowing mythology and having read different retellings of there story, this was a different take on how they’re on going relationship works, or doesn’t in this case. They’re both very shady, lots of secrets.
This book reminded a lot of the Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs, but not as well done. Maybe I feel that way because this is just the first book, this is why I like to read finished series so I don’t judge too hard. Based on this book, I don’t think I’ll continue reading subsequent books, but maybe I will.
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Relationship(s): M/F
Romance: Slow Burn
POV: Dual, First Person
Platform: Digital, KU
Length: 318 pages
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🚫
Darkness: 🩶
Series/Stand Alone: The Dark Mercenary Series
Cliffhanger: Yes, unanswered mysteries
Themes/Tropes: Paranormal, Mercenaries, Demons, Werewolves, Gods, Mythology, Hades/Persephone, Mates, Forced Proximity, Magic, Dark Witches, Lover in Denial, Past Trauma
Check Triggers⚠️: Yes
Follow me for more book reviews & recommendations on Instagram & TikTok via the links in my bio.
February 8, 2024
This is the first book in the Dark Mercenary book. It follows Eva, a once human turned demon assassin when she died. She was created by Hades himself and is his favorite assassin. She is tasked by Persephone to hunt down and get rid of Abaddon after he escaped prison in the Undercity. She is also forced to work with the alpha wolf, Fenrir along the way. Reluctant allies who have reasons to dislike each other from the start. And if that wasn't enough, she has to keep this from Hades.
Never knowing if they can completely trust the other, they forge an unlikely friendship. Their pasts catch up with them and complicate things even more, as they don't know if they can trust anyone else either. I love the plot twists and that I couldn't figure out who was actually the bad guy. I was definitely kept guessing and going back and forth!
This book is full of Greek mythology, demons, werewolves and other kinds of creatures, myths and gods. They are in the human world, but humans are completely unaware. Although in this book, there was really no interactions with humans.
The main storyline was wrapped up and left just enough to lead into another book. I definitely want to know what will happen next.
Never knowing if they can completely trust the other, they forge an unlikely friendship. Their pasts catch up with them and complicate things even more, as they don't know if they can trust anyone else either. I love the plot twists and that I couldn't figure out who was actually the bad guy. I was definitely kept guessing and going back and forth!
This book is full of Greek mythology, demons, werewolves and other kinds of creatures, myths and gods. They are in the human world, but humans are completely unaware. Although in this book, there was really no interactions with humans.
The main storyline was wrapped up and left just enough to lead into another book. I definitely want to know what will happen next.
January 24, 2024
I had the privilege to read Of Flame and Fang, by Jay R. Wolf. As per my policy, I am disclosing that I received an ARC in exchange for this review. Also, per my policy, I will try to avoid spoilers.
Of Flame and Fang follows the exploits of Eva, a demon and bounty hunter/mercenary and Fenrir, King of the Werewolves. They are forced into working together to unravel the mystery of who released Abbadon from his prison in the Undercity (the Underworld). Our protagonists must put aside mutual antipathy (and also no small amount of UST) to resolve the situation before the elder evil is restored to full power and brings down the powers of both Above and Below. Their assignment is made all the harder due to the face that the person who gave it to them may well be mixed up in causing the situation in the first place.
The strongest part of the book, for me, are the protagonists. Eva and Fenrir are well drawn, relatable, and empathetic. The romantic tension between them absolutely sizzles. The mystery plot is full of twists and turns and all the requisite shenanigans for an urban fantasy mystery.
I heartily recommend Of Flame and Fang for devotees of the genre.
Of Flame and Fang follows the exploits of Eva, a demon and bounty hunter/mercenary and Fenrir, King of the Werewolves. They are forced into working together to unravel the mystery of who released Abbadon from his prison in the Undercity (the Underworld). Our protagonists must put aside mutual antipathy (and also no small amount of UST) to resolve the situation before the elder evil is restored to full power and brings down the powers of both Above and Below. Their assignment is made all the harder due to the face that the person who gave it to them may well be mixed up in causing the situation in the first place.
The strongest part of the book, for me, are the protagonists. Eva and Fenrir are well drawn, relatable, and empathetic. The romantic tension between them absolutely sizzles. The mystery plot is full of twists and turns and all the requisite shenanigans for an urban fantasy mystery.
I heartily recommend Of Flame and Fang for devotees of the genre.
February 23, 2024
Eva is a demon mercenary on the biggest case of her life... but to do it, she'll have to team up with werewolf alpha, Fenrir.
There was a lot I loved about this book. It was an easy read, combining Greek mythology with urban fantasy, and there are some interesting portrayals of already very familiar characters (looking at you, Persephone and Hades).
It's the first book of the series, so don't expect everything to be tied up in a neat bow.
I really liked Eva—she was kickass and violent enough for me to really get behind her as a character. Fenrir I connected less with, but there's always going to be one half of a pairing I like more than the other.
At times, I thought the pacing could have been handled a little better. There were also a few typos and errors, but I'm not downgrading my rating based on that, as I received an ARC and it may well not have gone through its final round of editing.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read. I expect I'll pick up the next book when it's out.
There was a lot I loved about this book. It was an easy read, combining Greek mythology with urban fantasy, and there are some interesting portrayals of already very familiar characters (looking at you, Persephone and Hades).
It's the first book of the series, so don't expect everything to be tied up in a neat bow.
I really liked Eva—she was kickass and violent enough for me to really get behind her as a character. Fenrir I connected less with, but there's always going to be one half of a pairing I like more than the other.
At times, I thought the pacing could have been handled a little better. There were also a few typos and errors, but I'm not downgrading my rating based on that, as I received an ARC and it may well not have gone through its final round of editing.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read. I expect I'll pick up the next book when it's out.
January 18, 2024
What a great quick read....
Eva and Fenrir...two unlikely allies forced together to take down a god that just so happens to have escaped the Undercity and did i mention is the destroyer of Worlds. Eva, originally murdered by a pack of wolves in her human life, is reborn a demon by Hades. She is tasked to work alongside Fenrir, the King of Werewolves to complete their mission. A bond grows between the pair as they work alongside eachother and their separate backstories unravel in real time into the present.
This book has character development and plot that I loved, interesting touches of Greek mythology as we are among the Gods in this book but with mythical creatures of fantasy as the leads. The book leaves you on a cliff hanger on the end with unanswered questions and kept me wishing I could get my hands on the next book to have the answers I need to know lol!! Highly recommend!
Eva and Fenrir...two unlikely allies forced together to take down a god that just so happens to have escaped the Undercity and did i mention is the destroyer of Worlds. Eva, originally murdered by a pack of wolves in her human life, is reborn a demon by Hades. She is tasked to work alongside Fenrir, the King of Werewolves to complete their mission. A bond grows between the pair as they work alongside eachother and their separate backstories unravel in real time into the present.
This book has character development and plot that I loved, interesting touches of Greek mythology as we are among the Gods in this book but with mythical creatures of fantasy as the leads. The book leaves you on a cliff hanger on the end with unanswered questions and kept me wishing I could get my hands on the next book to have the answers I need to know lol!! Highly recommend!
January 27, 2024
Of Flame and Fang is the first book in The Dark Mercenary series by Jay R Wolf. This was a wonderful start to this series. This book is steeped with Greek Mythology folklore and wonderful morally grey characters.
Eva is a mercenary who works for Hades. She isn't your average demon, she is more of a vigilante mercenary, fighting for justice for the innocent victims of the supernatural world. She has a fierce hatred of werewolves, but soon finds herself entangled with Fenrir on a secret mission contracted by Persephone to find an escaped prisoner and anyone who helped him escape before he wreaks destruction on the world.
There are so many twists and turns along the journey of Eva and Fenrir, and it will keep you guessing until the very end. I loved this take on the Underworld and can't wait for book 2.
Eva is a mercenary who works for Hades. She isn't your average demon, she is more of a vigilante mercenary, fighting for justice for the innocent victims of the supernatural world. She has a fierce hatred of werewolves, but soon finds herself entangled with Fenrir on a secret mission contracted by Persephone to find an escaped prisoner and anyone who helped him escape before he wreaks destruction on the world.
There are so many twists and turns along the journey of Eva and Fenrir, and it will keep you guessing until the very end. I loved this take on the Underworld and can't wait for book 2.
February 14, 2024
Eva is a demon, molded by and bound in service to Hades and by extension, his wife Persephone. Persephone gives Eva and Fenrir, the alpha of a local werewolf pack, a mission to locate and kill an escaped prisoner who has the ability to wipe out humans. She forbids Eva from telling Hades and bribes Fenrir with the promise of returning part of his pack that has been under her control for several years upon successful completion of the mission. There is a large section in the middle of the book which is essentially side quests that don't do much to move them any closer to their goal but the pace really picks up towards the end. When Eva meets Hephaestus for the second time after the battle with Abbadon, she comes to a startling revelation that I can't wait to read more about.
February 9, 2024
Of Flame and Fang is the story of a demon assassin created by Hades and ordered by Persephone to hunt down Abaddon, who escaped the Undercity prison. The action, world building, and plot are top-notch. This story drew me in and kept me in its clutches. Eva is forced to team up with the werewolf king, Fenrir. Both are very stubborn and set in their ways, but this is a one bed, very slow burn, enemies to friends. Yup. You heard me. Friends. 🥲 There is hope. This story ends on a minor cliffhanger so I'm holding on for more.
February 5, 2024
This book is a good start to what seems to be a promising series. I like the mixture of Olympian gods and traditional fantasy types ie witches, demons, and werewolves. The slow burn is definitely slowing building with an enemies to almost friends vibe. The world building is good. Overall this was a fun read I will read book 2 when it comes out and am hoping to see more of Hephaestus as I really enjoyed how this side character s was written
January 22, 2024
A promising start to a new series! I'd actually give it more like 4.5 stars, but I rounded up!
Eva is Hades' mercenary. A demon from the Undercity who hunts down the worst of the worst. Then one day, she's really given the worst to hunt down by the Queen of the Undercity, Persephone. She's not on her own this time though, she must partner with Fenrir, King of the Wolves. Did I mention that she hates werewolves?
As more twists and turns appear, can the two put aside their own dislike for demons and werewolves and work together. The fate of the entire world might depend on it.
Of Flame and Fang follows the perspectives of Eva and Fenrir. They are both flawed characters who sometimes care too much to their own detriment. This book is full of great world building and seems like the tip of the iceberg for the places this series can go. Little romance takes place in this book, but there's no telling where things will go in the future.
I can't wait for the next book!
Eva is Hades' mercenary. A demon from the Undercity who hunts down the worst of the worst. Then one day, she's really given the worst to hunt down by the Queen of the Undercity, Persephone. She's not on her own this time though, she must partner with Fenrir, King of the Wolves. Did I mention that she hates werewolves?
As more twists and turns appear, can the two put aside their own dislike for demons and werewolves and work together. The fate of the entire world might depend on it.
Of Flame and Fang follows the perspectives of Eva and Fenrir. They are both flawed characters who sometimes care too much to their own detriment. This book is full of great world building and seems like the tip of the iceberg for the places this series can go. Little romance takes place in this book, but there's no telling where things will go in the future.
I can't wait for the next book!
February 3, 2024
Absolutely loved the experience of reading Of Flame and Fang! I could not put it down. Perfectly combined Greek Mythology with Folklore. We get to experience the palpable chemistry between the feisty, witty FMC and the broody MMC I loved every minute of it! I loved the journey the entire way. My mind and emotions have so many questions… I need to know what happens next in this story!!
February 16, 2024
ARC review here. I enjoyed this story way too much, the way Jay used a mix of mythology but also incorporated wolves, demons and witches together? I got to say good job, this is the first book I’ve ever raid with this kind of incorporation and if you are a lover for forbidden paranormal romance this would be your book. I can’t wait for second book to come out.
February 25, 2024
Where is book 2? When is book 2 coming out? This is the first book I’ve read from this author and I loved it!
The story draws you in giving you the ‘just one more chapter’ vibes. Our demon FMC and wolf MMC keep drawing you back for more. There’s Hades, Persephone, guest appearances from Hephaestus and Hermes; plus witches, a banshee and even locusts… The scene setting is amazing and the writing is great.
I can’t wait for the next book and hope it is out sooner rather than later.
The story draws you in giving you the ‘just one more chapter’ vibes. Our demon FMC and wolf MMC keep drawing you back for more. There’s Hades, Persephone, guest appearances from Hephaestus and Hermes; plus witches, a banshee and even locusts… The scene setting is amazing and the writing is great.
I can’t wait for the next book and hope it is out sooner rather than later.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews