Last Christmas: A Shadow of Fire Holiday Novella

Shadows of Fire #1.5

by Sherrilyn Kenyon

The holiday season is always interesting when you live in a world with paranormal entities. As a Daeve demon, Caleb Malphas never really understood why humans wanted to celebrate anything.

Until the day a human saves his life.

Lilliana isn't just human, she's the one person capable of taming a vicious demon whose sole goal is to end the world and claim it for his masters. Caleb fights her at every turn, but in the end, he can't deny what she comes to mean to him. Vowing to never again battle for his demonic overlords, he lays down his sword to spend eternity in the human world.

But his enemies won't allow them to live in peace. They return with a vengeance to claim everything he's learned to care about.

It's an unforgivable act.

Centuries later as he joins Nick Gautier and their friends for a very special Christmas gathering, he finally learns the real meaning of giving ... and receives the best gift of his immortal life.

Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Demons, Ebooks, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy

156 pages, Paperback

Published December 26, 2023

About the author

Official Author site
Official Nevermore site
Official Deadman's Cross site
Official Chronicles of Nick site
Official Silent Swans site
Official Hunter Legends site
Official Witch of Endor site
Official Lords of Avalon site
Official Facebook site

New York Times and international bestselling author Sherrilyn Kenyon is a regular at the #1 spot. With legions of fans known as Paladins (thousands of whom proudly sport tattoos from her series and who travel from all over the world to attend her appearances), her books are always snatched up as soon as they appear on store shelves. Since 2004, she had placed more than 80 novels on the New York Times list in all formats including manga and graphic novels. Her current series are: Dark-Hunters, Chronicles of Nick and The League, and her books are available in over 100 countries where eager fans impatiently wait for the next release. Her Chronicles of Nick and Dark-Hunter series are soon to be major motion pictures while Dark-Hunter is also being developed as a television series. Join her and her Paladins online at MySherrilyn.com and www.facebook.com/mysherrilyn

Fan Run International Sites:

Argentinian FB Page 

Fans de Sherrilyn Kenyon en Columbia 

Fans de Sherrilyn Kenyon en Chile 

Filipino Fans on FB 

France/French 

Italy/Italian 

Portugal 

Soy Fans de Sherrilyn Kenyon 

Dark-Hunter Spain 

Spanish

Reviews

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was such a surprise to see pop up! It’s a sweet novella that finally gives us more insight about Caleb and Lilliana. We get their story. How they met and how they fell in love and how their story ends but also how it doesn’t. There were some pretty nice surprises in this story, especially the ending. I always have loved this world and love getting new stories to dive back into. For those who love Caleb like I do, you definitely don’t want to miss this story! We finally get to see a nice piece of his past and understand him a lot better. We also finally get to see him actually happy. Can’t wait for more from this series!

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I totally thought this one would be about Nick, I kept waiting for him to show up, didn't really happen. Instead we got more with Caleb and how he went from a fighting demon to embracing humans and why. It was cute, loved that he got that happiness, but hated how it was torn away. Not sure how I feel about the ending. Part of me is happy, the other part pissed for so much time lost.

[LoLo Viveiros · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been wondering/wishing if Caleb would ever get his own book. He’s been one of my favs for years. My only complaint is I wish His story was longer.

[moody_bookpixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this backstory to Caleb. It was so wholesome, despite the tragedy. I adored Lil, and how much he loves her, and how they grow as a couple.

The only thing that took a star off for me was that we had more coziness and comfortability than anything. Like, I love his relationship, but I also wanted to see more of a glimpse into this future, explain a little more about the year they spent away from the farm, SHOW some more details about his relationship with Xev.

I guess what I’m saying is that the ending and action seemed a bit rushed. Still a great read though, and I can’t wait to see what happens next!

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story, but I’m really confused. I’m not sure if I’m forgetting something (entirely possible) but there seemed to be a few things that didn’t make sense during the jump forward. This is a short read and I enjoyed the glimpse into Caleb’s life.

[JazzRizz · Rating 5 out of 5]

After seeing the page count, I was really prepared to be annoyed. A few pages in, and I was grumbling again about the copy/paste history we already knew about Caleb and Lilliana . . . then amazingly . . . I was sucked into the world that she's always manged to pull me in to.

I loved getting to see their relationship blossom into something he's held onto for centuries. The devastating loss he suffers. The next thing ... we're slung into the far distant future ... where he's still dealing with her loss, while also supporting his friends and their HEAs.

The ending of this book really hits you in the feels. Definitely wish it was longer... I really miss the big chunky books Sherrilyn used to crank out, but I'm glad we got this novella for Christmas.

[Pamela Burleson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad she’s back

I have missed Sherilyn’s books for so long. I loved reading Caleb’s story. Well written as always. Welcome back Sherilyn!

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

The holiday season is never ordinary when paranormal entities are involved, and for Caleb Malphas, a Daeve demon, it’s downright baffling. Having never understood why humans bother to celebrate anything, Caleb’s world is turned upside down when his life is saved by Lilliana—a human with the unique ability to tame his dark, destructive nature.

Lilliana isn’t just any human; she becomes the one person capable of pulling Caleb away from his destiny as a servant of demonic overlords. Despite his initial resistance, Caleb can't help but fall for her, ultimately laying down his sword and vowing to live out his days in the human world. But peace is fleeting, and Caleb’s enemies return, determined to destroy everything he holds dear.

Centuries later, as Caleb joins Nick Gautier and their friends for a special Christmas gathering, he finally understands the true meaning of giving. In doing so, he receives a gift that surpasses anything he could have imagined.

Fans of the "Dark-Hunter" and "Chronicles of Nick" series will find this story deeply satisfying. Getting to dive into Caleb’s backstory and see how it fits into the larger universe brings his character a new level of depth. This book offers a heartfelt and thrilling glimpse into Caleb’s transformation from a demonic enforcer to a being capable of love and sacrifice. It's a perfect read for those who love a good redemption arc wrapped in supernatural lore, especially during the holiday season.

[KayLynn Zollinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caleb Malphas, the grumpy yet sexy demon who pretends he hates Nick but doesn't. sigh. Knowing what happens to Lil makes this novella bittersweet, but I loved seeing their story all the same.

Quotes
“Any idiot or monster can tear something down. It takes vision, intelligence, and talent to create out of thin air.”

“You shouldn’t let him steal any part of you. If you hate him so, then waste no time worrying about him, his ideas, or his looks. Otherwise, he owns that part of you for free. Don’t let him have it.”

It’s ever a fault of mine that I don’t know my place. But who better to know my place than I, says I? And who so better to determine it? For I will not be hemmed in by anyone else’s expectations. This is my life, such as it is. And it will be lived under my rules and no one else’s so long as I have it.”

Whoever had said it was better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all was an idiot who’d never loved anyone. If he had, then he would have known that time didn’t heal all wounds. And that some pains never went away. They didn’t even really numb. They just hurt, no matter what.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Last Christmas is a heartwarming and enjoyable short read that gives fans a wonderful glimpse into the lives of familiar characters. It’s especially satisfying to finally get Caleb and Lillian’s story, with their chemistry and connection adding depth and warmth to the narrative. The festive setting makes it even more special, offering a chance to catch up with Nick and other beloved characters during the holiday season. Perfect for longtime fans of the series, this novella delivers a great mix of romance, friendship, and holiday spirit.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of how Caleb and Lil met, fell in love, married, lost, and reunited.

Wounded in battle, the demon Malpas falls to the earth and is found by a young woman named Lilliana who hides him in cave and heals him. She names him Caleb and he decides to live in his human-like demigod-form on her father’s farm, where eventually they fall in love and decide to marry.

And there’s just a bit of Kimi!

Fave scenes: their first kiss and their reunion.

[Diana M. Caruthers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good but really felt like it was out of order. It would have been helpful to better understand Caleb and his anger towards his father and his relationship with Lil. In past books they referred to it like I should have known so I always felt like I missed something.

[Deeann Pruitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Demons, Battles & Surprises

Caleb's grief and anger have always been something I related to. It's lovely to finally know more about his Lilliana and their history. Love that the author expands on all of the characters we love, and continues to share hope with us. Great book!!

[Dede · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!

I really enjoyed this story! Gave me a much needed glimpse into Malphas. I have loved his character since he was introduced in the Chronicles of Nick. This is a great, quick read and well worth the purchase!

[Will Hampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best series

I love this series. I have been a fan for years. Reading about Caleb, Nick, and the other mythical beings in this world is always my favorite pastimes. My favorite author of all time.

[Ed Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last Christmas

I just finished reading Last Christmas by Sherrilyn Kenyon. Caleb and Lilliana’s story is beautiful and a tear jerker! I loved it! Now for the next story in the series! By Letha Roberts

[Lana Kete · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another lovely read

Absolutely devoured this story. I enjoyed getting to know Lilliana as well as seeing glimpses of other characters. This dark hunter world is vast and I am happy to find myself reading Sherrilyn Kenyon again.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

a wonderful enchanted read

Caleb got what he finally deserved. Great Christmas read this was. You get a glimpse at the future of all the dark Hunter characters you may have come to love.

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is ok but come on give us something new to read and not the same ole same ole storyline.

[Brianna Dawnice · Rating 5 out of 5]

The feels!!!

You've done it again. I love this series. Looking forward to the next one. This is a must read for sure.

[Debbie Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Gift

Great short read about love and hope. It follows how love can change the most volatile of demons. A treat for the holiday.

[Scholar inArmor · Rating 5 out of 5]

LILLIANA IS ALIVE AND WELL! Loved the backstory of Caleb, Lilliana, Myone, and Xev. Short but a great read; this is all I needed before 2023 ended.

[Sandra Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the feels

Kenyon never disappoints and last Christmas is no exception. This one is a rollercoaster ride of emotion from start to finish!

[Terri Rader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I loved to see Celebs backstory and see the man he became. It was awesome I already can't wait for the next w

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading more on how we know Caleb today. Thank you for this book, Author Goddess.

[Debbie Shawver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved It!

I loved Caleb and Lili story. Such a beautiful story of love and lost. That all SK readers will love.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good background on Caleb but disappointed that it was so short. The Christmas scenes could have much richer.

[Angelique Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading Calab's back story! So glad Sherrilyn is back!

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Book

I really loved this book and Malphas/Caleb getting this Happily ever after with his Lillianna. But confused at the same time. Hope there's more to come. 💖💖💖

[Cammie Bostic · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful book

Love this book I love all of the dark hunter stories and the chronicles of nick can’t wait for the next book