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The Pact #1
Sailor Ray and the Darkest Night
I suppose I choose this life, but often times I wonder if the choice was really my own. My name is Sailor Ray, and I'm a demon hunter. There are others like me but we all do what we do for our own reasons. Some want to make the world a better place, while others want balance. I just want revenge.
On the day my father died, I made a pact with a devil, Alfonse. In exchange for saving me from the same fate as my father, I promised him my body as a vessel. And once my revenge is obtained, my soul will also be claimed by him.
I was only using him, and he was already using me. Neither of us planned to keep our end of the deal. When our pact was first made, he was weak, a dying spirit. Now, as he heals within me, I can feel his presence grow stronger with every passing day. I'm not stupid. He plans to take over, and I plan to kick him out.
There's a new lead on the demon who killed my father. First I kill him, then Alfonse.
Easier said than done.
In this race, time is not on my side. I know what he wants—but it’s still my soul.
On the day my father died, I made a pact with a devil, Alfonse. In exchange for saving me from the same fate as my father, I promised him my body as a vessel. And once my revenge is obtained, my soul will also be claimed by him.
I was only using him, and he was already using me. Neither of us planned to keep our end of the deal. When our pact was first made, he was weak, a dying spirit. Now, as he heals within me, I can feel his presence grow stronger with every passing day. I'm not stupid. He plans to take over, and I plan to kick him out.
There's a new lead on the demon who killed my father. First I kill him, then Alfonse.
Easier said than done.
In this race, time is not on my side. I know what he wants—but it’s still my soul.
- GenresFiction
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 14, 2014
67 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 20, 2016
Well I really liked the way this book started with a strong willed heroine talking back to a demon that seems to exist in an almost symbiotic relationship with her. Sailor is a demon hunter and literally from the start it's clear that although Alfonse, the demon inside her offers benefits it's far from being an easy arrangement . No Sailor doesn't trust her demon at all and yet she strangely enough does rely on him at times.
This interesting beginning actually leaves the reader with questions that are unaccountably answered to a large extent by the story's synopsis. The author has decided to hit the ground running by throwing Sailor into a dangerous situation involving demons and their interactions with humans. We do get some background information about Sailors past but it's a tease and not enough to fill in all the gaps. I'm guessing the author intends to add depth with the follow up .
Ok final thoughts are I felt pulled in initially and it almost reminded me of a series by Jenna Black but there the similarities end. This demon is not enticing to Sailor in any way and would take her over completely if he could. Although it's quite short a lot happens but I didn't quite buy into everything as Sailor seemed almost impossible to kill. There's a huge cliff hanger ending but hopefully the next instalment will be available soon.
Three and a half from me
This interesting beginning actually leaves the reader with questions that are unaccountably answered to a large extent by the story's synopsis. The author has decided to hit the ground running by throwing Sailor into a dangerous situation involving demons and their interactions with humans. We do get some background information about Sailors past but it's a tease and not enough to fill in all the gaps. I'm guessing the author intends to add depth with the follow up .
Ok final thoughts are I felt pulled in initially and it almost reminded me of a series by Jenna Black but there the similarities end. This demon is not enticing to Sailor in any way and would take her over completely if he could. Although it's quite short a lot happens but I didn't quite buy into everything as Sailor seemed almost impossible to kill. There's a huge cliff hanger ending but hopefully the next instalment will be available soon.
Three and a half from me
February 7, 2017
Sailor Ray and the Darkest Night (The Pact Book 1) by Alex Villavasso is a wonderful fantasy book about a hunter of demons that is possessed herself. I really liked the concept and the action, intrigue, fight scenes, the tough but not heartless woman hero, and the great plot. The only thing that I didn't like and I always gets to me is ...Cliff hanger! It would have been a 5 star to me if it wouldn't have been a cliff hanger. My pet peeve. But a great book anyway. I ding all books that are cliff hangers, it is just my thing that bothers me. :)
June 5, 2017
I'm not sure what I was expecting, but this wasn't it. I had a hard time getting into it and once I did I couldn't help feeling like Sailor Ray had split personalities, at some times she didn't seem to care about the human host that the demon was possessing and at other times she seemed very concerned, it was just a bit odd.
Not really a fan of the cliffhanger at the end either, I suppose this should make me want the next book but I didn't like this book enough to want to buy the next one.
I received a free copy of this book at me request and I voluntarily wrote this review.
Not really a fan of the cliffhanger at the end either, I suppose this should make me want the next book but I didn't like this book enough to want to buy the next one.
I received a free copy of this book at me request and I voluntarily wrote this review.
May 13, 2017
Sailor Ray and the Darkest Night by Alex Villavasso is book 1 in The Pact series. In this book we are introduced a young woman by the name of Sailor Ray. Sailor hunts all things supernatural. She’s not the only one who hunts but she hunts for her own reasons. She hunts for revenge. The day that her father is killed Sailor is seriously injured herself and she makes a deal with a demon so that both her and the demon can survive. She makes a deal that after she gets her revenge that he can then claim her soul. Sailor has no intentions of keeping her deal with the demon but she needed him to help keep her alive and himself as well. So now he’s healing inside her and they both are planning on attempting to outsmart the other. But for now Sailor is intent on hunting down some demons that are pushing a new drug that is supposed to make humans open to possession. Now she is intent on finding out who knows what about it and stopping it so that more humans don’t become sacrificed to it. With her link to the demon inside her Sailor intends to get him to help her by reminding him that if she dies then so does he by default. Sailor knows the rules of being a hunter…never hunt alone but yet she insists on doing exactly that. When she heads out to the club instead of getting some back-up, that even the demon (whom she names Alfonso), recommends she do she goes in alone. Sailor is good at what she does but this time…she may have bitten off more than she can handle as she escapes from one situation to only find herself in yet another and worse than the last.
Sailor Ray and the Darkest Night focuses mostly on Sailor Ray’s relationship with the demon inside her and her sliding scale of morality. In this story we see her battle with what she knows is right and what she knows is wrong one minute only to flip the script completely the next. Sailor wishes to protect those who are innocent but then at the same time she must be ruthless and cold. One minute Sailor is hesitant to take a life and the next she takes lives without flinching. The demon inside her helps her heal and recover but he constantly is pushing as well testing her and attempting to push and take over like he intends to do eventually. Sailor relies on him when she out dealing with demons to let her know when they are about but something that he fails to tell her when she needed to know most was that thanks to him the others can sense him inside her but don’t know what to make of her but regardless it paints a mark on her that makes her easier to find. Not good when trouble is dogging her every step.
This is a really engaging story read. There are more than a couple surprises in this story that keep you engaged as you want to know what is going to happen next with Sailor and her demon. He’s constantly telling her that due to his weakened state that he can’t do much to help her out but it raises the question…can you really trust him? This story is really engaging and has Sailor reflecting on times on her decisions that she has made but she preservers.
This is a very enjoyable book for me and one that I recommend. I like the style of writing that the author takes with this book and how they just drop us into the middle of this with the main character and focuses mostly on the relationship between Sailor and the demon inside her. It's engaging and makes you want to learn more about their relationship and look forward to the next book that will go deeper into it all. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. A truly engaging and interesting paranormal read.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for review.
Sailor Ray and the Darkest Night focuses mostly on Sailor Ray’s relationship with the demon inside her and her sliding scale of morality. In this story we see her battle with what she knows is right and what she knows is wrong one minute only to flip the script completely the next. Sailor wishes to protect those who are innocent but then at the same time she must be ruthless and cold. One minute Sailor is hesitant to take a life and the next she takes lives without flinching. The demon inside her helps her heal and recover but he constantly is pushing as well testing her and attempting to push and take over like he intends to do eventually. Sailor relies on him when she out dealing with demons to let her know when they are about but something that he fails to tell her when she needed to know most was that thanks to him the others can sense him inside her but don’t know what to make of her but regardless it paints a mark on her that makes her easier to find. Not good when trouble is dogging her every step.
This is a really engaging story read. There are more than a couple surprises in this story that keep you engaged as you want to know what is going to happen next with Sailor and her demon. He’s constantly telling her that due to his weakened state that he can’t do much to help her out but it raises the question…can you really trust him? This story is really engaging and has Sailor reflecting on times on her decisions that she has made but she preservers.
This is a very enjoyable book for me and one that I recommend. I like the style of writing that the author takes with this book and how they just drop us into the middle of this with the main character and focuses mostly on the relationship between Sailor and the demon inside her. It's engaging and makes you want to learn more about their relationship and look forward to the next book that will go deeper into it all. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. A truly engaging and interesting paranormal read.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for review.
March 26, 2019
This book has been hanging in my TBR list for quite a long time, and for better or worse, I first read the prequel standalone novella and then the first novella of the Blaze Monroe prequels. Given Sailor Ray and the Darkest Night is Alex's most well-known work, I decided to finally read it and was mostly enthralled by the read.
Just like the prequels, Sailor Ray is feisty, breaks a lot of the rules among the underground Hunters (the most important: never do a mission alone), and instead of fighting vampires or demons with her dad, she has a new companion, one that she wished she could get rid of: an unnamed demon living deep inside of her she occasionally calls Alphonse.
We don't get many details abut how the pact was formed, only that Sailor preferred to forge the deal when both of them were dying and hopefully avenge her father's death that occurred some time ago on the job. As expected due to her personality, they don't exactly get along very well. Alphonse is what a person would expect of a demon: cruel, taunting, cynical, etc... Sailor finds the demeaning comments in her head to be annoying, and searches for solace in her warded bedroom where he can't see his surroundings or communicate with her. One thing is true: he is slowly but surely healing, and there are brief periods where Sailor blacks out during fights as he briefly takes over her body. Now, having a powerful demon inside does come with a few perks. He can cure her wounds very quickly and is a somewhat effective lookout when posessed humans charge in her direction. Maybe he only intervenes when he believes Sailor's life is truly in danger, but again, he is quite a procrastinator and always attributes his subpar assistance with the excuse that he is still weak. Ha, ha.
Sailor's newest suicide mission is familiar enough if you have read other novels in the series, I won't spoil much there. As an earlier work of Alex, I can see how his writing has improved in the Blaze series over this one. I also noticed he opted for present tense verbs here, a little something to keep in mind if you find that to be annoying.
All in all, it was an entertaining read, although I believe it could have been longer with a resolution of the final battle of this specific mission, leaving the apparent flashbacks of the pact to another book. Mainly due to this, I give it 4 stars.
Just like the prequels, Sailor Ray is feisty, breaks a lot of the rules among the underground Hunters (the most important: never do a mission alone), and instead of fighting vampires or demons with her dad, she has a new companion, one that she wished she could get rid of: an unnamed demon living deep inside of her she occasionally calls Alphonse.
We don't get many details abut how the pact was formed, only that Sailor preferred to forge the deal when both of them were dying and hopefully avenge her father's death that occurred some time ago on the job. As expected due to her personality, they don't exactly get along very well. Alphonse is what a person would expect of a demon: cruel, taunting, cynical, etc... Sailor finds the demeaning comments in her head to be annoying, and searches for solace in her warded bedroom where he can't see his surroundings or communicate with her. One thing is true: he is slowly but surely healing, and there are brief periods where Sailor blacks out during fights as he briefly takes over her body. Now, having a powerful demon inside does come with a few perks. He can cure her wounds very quickly and is a somewhat effective lookout when posessed humans charge in her direction. Maybe he only intervenes when he believes Sailor's life is truly in danger, but again, he is quite a procrastinator and always attributes his subpar assistance with the excuse that he is still weak. Ha, ha.
Sailor's newest suicide mission is familiar enough if you have read other novels in the series, I won't spoil much there. As an earlier work of Alex, I can see how his writing has improved in the Blaze series over this one. I also noticed he opted for present tense verbs here, a little something to keep in mind if you find that to be annoying.
All in all, it was an entertaining read, although I believe it could have been longer with a resolution of the final battle of this specific mission, leaving the apparent flashbacks of the pact to another book. Mainly due to this, I give it 4 stars.
April 1, 2018
Anne Kinslow.
I read CROSSBITE which I didn't realise till I started reading it was about Vampires. I don't like Vampire Tales but continued with the book and then judged it by its own merits as a book and not by my taste of books and rated it accordingly. I then sent the author a msg. to let him know that I had left a review and also told him that I don't like reading stories with vampires. He got back to me and asked me what kind of PARANORMAL BOOKS do I read. My answer was " Every kind minus Vampires" He then asked if I would be interested to check out the book SAILOR RAY and the DARKEST NIGHT (Pact 1 #) as she was fighting Demons and a bit of mystery added to the mix. I thanked him for his suggestion and read the book.
I have just finished reading Sailor Ray and the Darkest Night (Pact 1 #) and I must say I LOVED THIS BOOK! I was wrapped in the story as it was full of action and flowed from beginning to end without a mention of Vampires just Demons.
I look forward to more books from this author ( as long as there are no blood sucking vampires.)😀😀
Thank you ALEX VILLAVASSO for encouraging me to check out this book, I enjoyed it immensely.
I highly recommend this book.
I read CROSSBITE which I didn't realise till I started reading it was about Vampires. I don't like Vampire Tales but continued with the book and then judged it by its own merits as a book and not by my taste of books and rated it accordingly. I then sent the author a msg. to let him know that I had left a review and also told him that I don't like reading stories with vampires. He got back to me and asked me what kind of PARANORMAL BOOKS do I read. My answer was " Every kind minus Vampires" He then asked if I would be interested to check out the book SAILOR RAY and the DARKEST NIGHT (Pact 1 #) as she was fighting Demons and a bit of mystery added to the mix. I thanked him for his suggestion and read the book.
I have just finished reading Sailor Ray and the Darkest Night (Pact 1 #) and I must say I LOVED THIS BOOK! I was wrapped in the story as it was full of action and flowed from beginning to end without a mention of Vampires just Demons.
I look forward to more books from this author ( as long as there are no blood sucking vampires.)😀😀
Thank you ALEX VILLAVASSO for encouraging me to check out this book, I enjoyed it immensely.
I highly recommend this book.
March 7, 2018
I love when an author comes up with something a bit different, and the concept of a demon possessed demon hunter certainly is that (and how this came about makes perfect sense, so cudos on that too). I love kick-a** heroines (so I can safely imagine being one from the comfort of my bed). Sailor Ray certainly qualifies in that regard. So we are starting out with two of my favorite things. Add in a well written plot full of action, thrills and intrigue (make that three faves), and potential for some significantly nice romance to develop down the road (hopefully not wishful thinking), truly well drawn lead and supporting characters (yup, another fave) and a cool example of world-building (you guessed it, fave-time). The result? Fabulous, and if the rest of this series turns out to be anything like book 1 I just now it's gonna end up being a true (wait for it ...) fave indeed.
How could I do anything but highly recommend?
How could I do anything but highly recommend?
May 4, 2018
Review: SAILOR RAY AND THE DARKEST NIGHT by Alex Villavasso
Sailor Ray, a young woman currently living in Chicago, hunts demons. In her perspective, it's strictly for revenge. She hunts to avenge the death of her father. She has a sort of supernatural edge, because she harbors a demon, not out of choice, but by Pact, in order to achieve her revenge. The demon inside, whom she nicknamed Alphonse, hides his time, healing and waiting to claim her soul.
This is Book 1 of the Urban Fantasy series THE PACT. 18+ for violence and language.
Sailor Ray, a young woman currently living in Chicago, hunts demons. In her perspective, it's strictly for revenge. She hunts to avenge the death of her father. She has a sort of supernatural edge, because she harbors a demon, not out of choice, but by Pact, in order to achieve her revenge. The demon inside, whom she nicknamed Alphonse, hides his time, healing and waiting to claim her soul.
This is Book 1 of the Urban Fantasy series THE PACT. 18+ for violence and language.
July 20, 2018
fast pace paranormal
Kendrick between 3 and 3.5 star rating.
This was a quick and face paced paranormal thriller. I'm still not sure if I like the MC yet. The storyline isn't that new as there have been other novels out there with the same concept. I probably will continue to the next installment, maybe even finish the rest of the available installments just to find out what happens next.
Kendrick between 3 and 3.5 star rating.
This was a quick and face paced paranormal thriller. I'm still not sure if I like the MC yet. The storyline isn't that new as there have been other novels out there with the same concept. I probably will continue to the next installment, maybe even finish the rest of the available installments just to find out what happens next.
May 28, 2017
Sailor Ray is a imaginative creation that combines a human with a demon. The first book of the Pact sets the stage for action on a continuing basis. Sailor fights the demons on the outside and argues with the demon on the inside. The action is intense and keeps the reader engrossed. The end comes quickly. I am looking for the next chapter.
June 8, 2017
This is a very interesting premise to start a series. You have a woman who has made a dangerous deal and now is set on a path that would terrify most people. It is interesting to learn more about her as she interacts with the demon. It does end on a big cliffhanger so be prepared to have to read more to get the answers.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
April 30, 2018
Sailor Ray and the Darkest Night was an enjoyable action packed book. Reminded me a lot of Supernatural. I did not like the ending as it cut off in the middle of a scene. Up until then I enjoyed the banter between All and Sailor as well as Sailor's kickbutt attitude. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing it.
April 13, 2018
Fast paced
A fast paced read. I can't wait to start the next book. I'm hooked and will read the entire series.
A fast paced read. I can't wait to start the next book. I'm hooked and will read the entire series.
May 6, 2018
Great start of series. Lays the groundwork and introduces us to the characters. Fast paced and action packed, definitely leaves you wanting more
June 28, 2018
Looks Like a good series
Engrossing storyline. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Not a fan of "cliff hanger" endings though so minus one star
Engrossing storyline. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Not a fan of "cliff hanger" endings though so minus one star
September 23, 2018
Great book
This book is a very interesting take on hunters and demons. It is a short book easily read in one setting.
This book is a very interesting take on hunters and demons. It is a short book easily read in one setting.
March 19, 2017
This is a story about a female demon hunter doing her thing. It was well written and had a lot of action (which I love) and no smut (another plus). It kind of felt like we were dropped right in the middle of Sailor Ray's life but I think all that will be straightened out in the next book. That brings me to the only thing I didn't like about the story (and why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5)...it ended on a major cliffhanger (boo!). I don't mind an author leaving enough threads for a second book, but really hate it when it ends mid-scene. Otherwise, it was a great read.
January 3, 2017
I received Sailor Ray and the Darkest Night as a review copy through Reading Deals. The gifting did not determine the review/rating, which reflects my honest opinion. This was too YA for me, with the heroine's vanity, somewhat juvenile humor, and snarky internal dialog. The story was well written, but the story didn't keep me involved or in suspense. The story ended abruptly-- right in the middle of a scene, but once I put the book down, I had no interest in continuing the series.
November 15, 2016
Pretty Good Reading
This is a new author for me. And I was pleasantly surprised to find that this book was well written, had a good plot and was Interesting.
Give it a try.
This is a new author for me. And I was pleasantly surprised to find that this book was well written, had a good plot and was Interesting.
Give it a try.
April 4, 2017
Sailor Ray is a very likeable character, as is the demon she hosts. The story is well written, and gives enough information from the past, to explain the present. (Not many stories do that now a days.)
Most of the time, Sailor is fighting for her life so we don't get a lot of character from that, though through her conversations with her demon, we get a sense of who she is, what she wants, and who she can be.
In future books, I would like to see more interaction between her and her demon. What can I say, I'm a sucker for romance. ;)
Most of the time, Sailor is fighting for her life so we don't get a lot of character from that, though through her conversations with her demon, we get a sense of who she is, what she wants, and who she can be.
In future books, I would like to see more interaction between her and her demon. What can I say, I'm a sucker for romance. ;)
June 8, 2017
I really didn't gel with this one. I like darkness in my characters but the heroine seemed to be more angry and bratty than dark. I just couldn't care about her.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews