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Fallen Angels #1
Demon Within
When Angels ruled the heavens and mortals...one dared to risk everything for the love of a human and paid the price of eternal damnation.
Kai, sold into slavery at a young age, fought in the fighting pits of Darkmide, struggles with a violent, uncontrollable force that feeds on his anger. Coerced into an alliance with a King, Kai is offered his daughter Eloise, as a wife. In a twist of fate, she’s the only person able to bring Kai back from the edge when the demon within takes control.
When an act of betrayal causes the alliance to break, he rejects Eloise, bringing forth all his fears of being alone. Stubborn and running away from confrontation, Kai is about to lose the only person who isn't afraid of him.
A connection between Kai and a fallen angel is discovered, as the angel systematically destroys all towns he’s connected with, bringing the two together in a fight for dominance. Only time would tell who would prevail.
Kai, sold into slavery at a young age, fought in the fighting pits of Darkmide, struggles with a violent, uncontrollable force that feeds on his anger. Coerced into an alliance with a King, Kai is offered his daughter Eloise, as a wife. In a twist of fate, she’s the only person able to bring Kai back from the edge when the demon within takes control.
When an act of betrayal causes the alliance to break, he rejects Eloise, bringing forth all his fears of being alone. Stubborn and running away from confrontation, Kai is about to lose the only person who isn't afraid of him.
A connection between Kai and a fallen angel is discovered, as the angel systematically destroys all towns he’s connected with, bringing the two together in a fight for dominance. Only time would tell who would prevail.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 24, 2014
17 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Julie Nicholls
20 books50 followersI am English and currently live in Bulgaria with my husband, Ian and our two fur babies, Kira & Mishka. I love to write, create digital art and drink Bulgarian Merlot!
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 18, 2015
I just finished Demon Within by Julie Nicholls, and I had to write a review immediately! This was one of the most fun books to read that I've picked up in a while! :-) The story is about Kai, a half-breed whose mother was a human and whose father was a fallen angel, who was sold into slavery at the age of six. After a lifetime of abuse, he escaped and executed his former masters, and created an army dedicated to freeing and protecting former slaves. In order to get the resources he needs to fulfill his purpose, he agrees to wed Eloise, the daughter of a king of a nearby kingdom. Eloise turns out to be much more than Kai ever expected. ;-)
I blew through this story in just a couple of sittings (darn being a responsible adult, anyway!) and was thoroughly enchanted by this story. The dark, gritty world created by Ms. Nicholls was lightened by the sweet romance that developed between two characters who had every reason to distrust the world. The character development was awesome, I was sucked in to worrying about what would happen to these "people," and the romance was HOT! There were some minor editing issues, but the story was so good that it shone through. Her next book will be out in a couple of days and I'm so glad I don't have to wait too long!!
I blew through this story in just a couple of sittings (darn being a responsible adult, anyway!) and was thoroughly enchanted by this story. The dark, gritty world created by Ms. Nicholls was lightened by the sweet romance that developed between two characters who had every reason to distrust the world. The character development was awesome, I was sucked in to worrying about what would happen to these "people," and the romance was HOT! There were some minor editing issues, but the story was so good that it shone through. Her next book will be out in a couple of days and I'm so glad I don't have to wait too long!!
February 15, 2015
Julie Nicholls, though I've never met her personally, comes across as a very passionate person/ writer and this comes out entirely in her writing. Passion is on display in even the most violent fight scenes (of which there are many), in the complicated love affair of Kai and Eloise (two very well developed characters), and the dramatic conclusions that ensue.
You'll find that your attention is ensnared from the prologue and your attention will remain voluntarily captive to the last word. There is a style to Julie's writing that is both complex and simple; leaving out the unnecessary dialogue that authors are often tempted to include, while giving us exactly the right amount of description to fully connect with the environment and characters.
I was pleasantly surprised by Julie's talent at writing fight scenes that are vividly described and her words carry you smoothly through. You can envision every step, parry, strike, and death. As an author, I can appreciate how difficult it is to write such fight scenes and Julie does it many, many times throughout, and she does it masterfully.
You'll find yourself completely in love with the characters; you'll understand their conflicts and the turmoil. You'll plot with them; you'll appreciate the family aspects on display of supportive wives and rebellious youth. So much of reality can be found in this fantasy that you'll begin to think of the characters as more than fiction.
That is not to say that this book is without flaw. Authors that are fully accomplished with no room for improvement are often predictable and boring- that is not the case with Julie Nicholls. She has room for improvement and that is what makes her exciting and noteworthy.
Thank you Julie for sharing your talents and your passion with us all!
You'll find that your attention is ensnared from the prologue and your attention will remain voluntarily captive to the last word. There is a style to Julie's writing that is both complex and simple; leaving out the unnecessary dialogue that authors are often tempted to include, while giving us exactly the right amount of description to fully connect with the environment and characters.
I was pleasantly surprised by Julie's talent at writing fight scenes that are vividly described and her words carry you smoothly through. You can envision every step, parry, strike, and death. As an author, I can appreciate how difficult it is to write such fight scenes and Julie does it many, many times throughout, and she does it masterfully.
You'll find yourself completely in love with the characters; you'll understand their conflicts and the turmoil. You'll plot with them; you'll appreciate the family aspects on display of supportive wives and rebellious youth. So much of reality can be found in this fantasy that you'll begin to think of the characters as more than fiction.
That is not to say that this book is without flaw. Authors that are fully accomplished with no room for improvement are often predictable and boring- that is not the case with Julie Nicholls. She has room for improvement and that is what makes her exciting and noteworthy.
Thank you Julie for sharing your talents and your passion with us all!
April 2, 2015
Demon Within is a paranormal romance with some steamy love scenes, but don’t get too excited–Julie Nicholls makes you wait for it. While most of the PNR I’ve read follow just one couple, this Nicholls gives you the delight of getting to know three separate couples, inextricable entwined by life and fate. Kai is a former slave and rebellion leader, who now leads his people with a strong, if sometimes violent, hand. In order to help his people and strengthen his place among the other rulers, his closest friend, Jace, negotiates an alliance with their neighboring country. Eloise, the daughter of the king, is part of that deal.
Both Kai and Eloise learn to love each other through moments of bliss and times of heart-wrenching horror.
I adored this story! It was a sweet, steamy, engaging, no-bookmark-required PNR with endearing characters and enough twists and turns to keep me occupied with the plot until the very end. If you haven’t already, pick this book up, put it at the top of your TBR, grab a glass of you favorite red wine and settle in; it’s going to be a great evening for a cozy read.
Both Kai and Eloise learn to love each other through moments of bliss and times of heart-wrenching horror.
I adored this story! It was a sweet, steamy, engaging, no-bookmark-required PNR with endearing characters and enough twists and turns to keep me occupied with the plot until the very end. If you haven’t already, pick this book up, put it at the top of your TBR, grab a glass of you favorite red wine and settle in; it’s going to be a great evening for a cozy read.
May 2, 2015
Got free off of amazon
Won't lie I was a bit sceptical about reading this novel but I'm so happy that a did. There were 3-4 situations occurring at once but the merging of the storylines were well done.
Even though there's a book 2 (Angel Within), how book 1 ended personally speaking you wouldn't have known (cause we all know cliffhangers can be a right pain!
Won't lie I was a bit sceptical about reading this novel but I'm so happy that a did. There were 3-4 situations occurring at once but the merging of the storylines were well done.
Even though there's a book 2 (Angel Within), how book 1 ended personally speaking you wouldn't have known (cause we all know cliffhangers can be a right pain!
March 28, 2015
LOVED IT! Julie Nicholls hit it out of the park. Her characters are engaging and funny and everything in between. Entertaining from page one. I fell in love with the characters and was pulled into this world. I laughed and cried. Great book, FANTASTIC author.
November 25, 2014
really enjoyed this book, fell in love with the characters right away, and hopefully there will be more stories about them, couldnt put the book down once i started. Well done Julie Nicholls
November 28, 2014
Wow!This is the most interesting book I've ever read.It was so catchy that I could picture every single line of it.Well dene,plus I suggest others to read it.best regards.
July 2, 2019
Dnf at 80%.
I wouldnt say I read much as I skimmed through it whenever I got bored. It felt like a lot of the dialogue was a single person talking to themself, there was nothing to distinguish each character from one another.
The romance was all “at first site”... like, all of it. There were about 4 love at first site moments and no drama.
The main character was very little developed in my opinion. Sure the prologue gives you an insight to who he is, and we here he has many scars, and that he was a slave, but there are no stories behind the scars and the slavery. His “anger” is built around his demon half? I guess? Maybe the last 20% tells us this information.
I really liked the premise and the promise at the beginning of the book, and I am very disappointed in the way this seemed to have been haphazardly thrown together. If the author had rather split the story between multiple novels with the 3 romances as a semi focus and provide some character development, for example:
Sabe and Nissa, both borne from similar circumstance, could have had a wonderful origin story to make the romance more than just “she was beautiful and he was hot”.
A true pity to the missed potential of this story
I wouldnt say I read much as I skimmed through it whenever I got bored. It felt like a lot of the dialogue was a single person talking to themself, there was nothing to distinguish each character from one another.
The romance was all “at first site”... like, all of it. There were about 4 love at first site moments and no drama.
The main character was very little developed in my opinion. Sure the prologue gives you an insight to who he is, and we here he has many scars, and that he was a slave, but there are no stories behind the scars and the slavery. His “anger” is built around his demon half? I guess? Maybe the last 20% tells us this information.
I really liked the premise and the promise at the beginning of the book, and I am very disappointed in the way this seemed to have been haphazardly thrown together. If the author had rather split the story between multiple novels with the 3 romances as a semi focus and provide some character development, for example:
Sabe and Nissa, both borne from similar circumstance, could have had a wonderful origin story to make the romance more than just “she was beautiful and he was hot”.
A true pity to the missed potential of this story
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2017
Demon Within, the first book in the Fallen Angel Series.
The first thing I notice is this book is well written, compelling, and fun with elaborately vivid characters, such as Kai.
Kai is a half-breed Angle. His mother a human and father a fallen angel. He is peddled into slavery at the tender age of six, to say the least, his life was not pleasant. The abuse Kai took was too much to bear, and he escaped, slaying his former masters. In committing this act, he created an army with the purpose of liberating and sheltering slaves.
Kai has a plan but needs the means to carry out his mission. He ends up marrying the daughter of a king, Eloise, as an ends to those means. However, he didn’t expect Eloise to turn out to be… well, you’ll need to read the book to find out.
With intelligent writing and compelling storytelling, this spicy, sexy, fun story is well worth the read.
The first thing I notice is this book is well written, compelling, and fun with elaborately vivid characters, such as Kai.
Kai is a half-breed Angle. His mother a human and father a fallen angel. He is peddled into slavery at the tender age of six, to say the least, his life was not pleasant. The abuse Kai took was too much to bear, and he escaped, slaying his former masters. In committing this act, he created an army with the purpose of liberating and sheltering slaves.
Kai has a plan but needs the means to carry out his mission. He ends up marrying the daughter of a king, Eloise, as an ends to those means. However, he didn’t expect Eloise to turn out to be… well, you’ll need to read the book to find out.
With intelligent writing and compelling storytelling, this spicy, sexy, fun story is well worth the read.
April 3, 2016
When I seen it was a freebie I snatched it up and couldn't wait to read it, since there were SO many good reviews on Goodreads and Amazon. I was super giddy. :D Which turned into a slight panic....would I like this as much as anyone else? So I put this on hold for a hair.
I am filled with mixed emotions.
I liked it, but then I didn't like it. Gah. The book, at least for me, had three different sections.
Section 1 (aka the beginning): Interesting. The world-building was decent, even though I wanted more, and the characters being introduced intrigued me. There are SO many characters and SO many POVs. It was overwhelming at times, but I was interested to see how all these characters were related and connected.
Section 2 (aka the middle): There was some major drama. Old secrets coming to life, magic, Kai's backstory, and so forth. However, all of this was a total meh. I rolled my eyes SO much that I thought my eyes would would roll away (sorry - I am super tired). I wanted to care, but I simply didn't. The old secrets seemed stretched and just meh. I wanted more angels and demons!!
Section 3 (aka the end): I was glued. I had to know what was going to happen. Something interesting was actually taking place and everything was connecting together nicely. I'm glad I stuck it through the middle, because I adored the ending.
As you can now see....I am stuck. I liked it, but I also regret it. The middle really sucked away my interest, but I skimmed and the ending had me hooked. Honestly, I felt the romance aspect took away a lot of the story. Yes, yes, have the romance I did like Eloise and Kai together, BUT the world-building needed more depth. Also, I wanted more angels and demons darnit! The fantasy/paranormal aspect felt flat sometimes. Kai's "inner demon" was a bore too. He should have been angrier and less sorry for his "demon" and his outbursts. It was annoying and hard to explain.
Overall.... I just wanted more from this. If the rest of the book was like the ending I would I have been in love. There are other books in the series, maybe I can check out the next one.
Out of five stars, I stamp this with.......2. Nearly a 3...but yea.
I am filled with mixed emotions.
I liked it, but then I didn't like it. Gah. The book, at least for me, had three different sections.
Section 1 (aka the beginning): Interesting. The world-building was decent, even though I wanted more, and the characters being introduced intrigued me. There are SO many characters and SO many POVs. It was overwhelming at times, but I was interested to see how all these characters were related and connected.
Section 2 (aka the middle): There was some major drama. Old secrets coming to life, magic, Kai's backstory, and so forth. However, all of this was a total meh. I rolled my eyes SO much that I thought my eyes would would roll away (sorry - I am super tired). I wanted to care, but I simply didn't. The old secrets seemed stretched and just meh. I wanted more angels and demons!!
Section 3 (aka the end): I was glued. I had to know what was going to happen. Something interesting was actually taking place and everything was connecting together nicely. I'm glad I stuck it through the middle, because I adored the ending.
As you can now see....I am stuck. I liked it, but I also regret it. The middle really sucked away my interest, but I skimmed and the ending had me hooked. Honestly, I felt the romance aspect took away a lot of the story. Yes, yes, have the romance I did like Eloise and Kai together, BUT the world-building needed more depth. Also, I wanted more angels and demons darnit! The fantasy/paranormal aspect felt flat sometimes. Kai's "inner demon" was a bore too. He should have been angrier and less sorry for his "demon" and his outbursts. It was annoying and hard to explain.
Overall.... I just wanted more from this. If the rest of the book was like the ending I would I have been in love. There are other books in the series, maybe I can check out the next one.
Out of five stars, I stamp this with.......2. Nearly a 3...but yea.
September 3, 2015
I loved this book! I read Demon Within by Julie Nicholls recently and found it a delight to read. It is the first book I have read by this author and was pleasantly pleased. This romantic fantasy takes place in a time of kings and castles, when princesses are used to form political alliances through arranged marriages. The story includes a bit of magic, political intrigue, steamy romance, and revealed family secrets.Demon Within cover The characters are well developed and believable. I found the story entertaining and engaging. It was one of those that I didn't want to put down, but wanted to read straight through. Once I started reading I did just that.
Medieval fantasy is among my favorites and this romance did not disappoint. Eloise is a princess with magical powers over the elements. Kai of Darkmide is a former slave who instigated a rebellion freeing slaves and slaughtering the slavers. Kai's reputation for brutality is widespread among the kingdoms. His army is the most feared. When her father arranges for Eloise to marry Kai, to form an alliance, the princess is fearful of what her future holds. Kai has his own issues with abandonment and abuse. The romance that develops is well written and the arranged marriage ultimately becomes one of mutual love and consent.
Demon Within is the first of her Fallen Angels series which, I believe, will be an epic series of good and evil, magic and romance. I recommend Demon Within to anyone who enjoys romantic fantasy. Target audience 18+.
Medieval fantasy is among my favorites and this romance did not disappoint. Eloise is a princess with magical powers over the elements. Kai of Darkmide is a former slave who instigated a rebellion freeing slaves and slaughtering the slavers. Kai's reputation for brutality is widespread among the kingdoms. His army is the most feared. When her father arranges for Eloise to marry Kai, to form an alliance, the princess is fearful of what her future holds. Kai has his own issues with abandonment and abuse. The romance that develops is well written and the arranged marriage ultimately becomes one of mutual love and consent.
Demon Within is the first of her Fallen Angels series which, I believe, will be an epic series of good and evil, magic and romance. I recommend Demon Within to anyone who enjoys romantic fantasy. Target audience 18+.
March 4, 2017
This is a story about Kai, a former slave and Eloise, a princess with powers over the elements who is married off for the purpose of an alliance. But Kai has a demon-like rage inside him that he can't control, but Eloise helps him.
While reading this, I could not help but think that this maybe started out as a Game of Thrones Fanfic and turned into a separate novel. It has the barbarian leader (Drogo) who is married to an innocent princess (Dany) and joining their merry little band is the heroine's perky and knowledgeable maid and the heroine's pervy and self-serving brother. Also involved in this story are another ruling family who are also trying to ally themselves with the barbarian king and another king who was pretty much evil at one point...
Eloise was a bit Mary Sue. Kai was pretty sexy, but also, not dark enough for his role. I liked him, but I kind of wanted him to be unapologetic about his darkness and his deeds. I was pretty disappointed in how the angel/demon thing worked out - it seems a shame that Adram suffered so much and there was no chance for forgiveness. I do, however, think that it was a pretty original take on it. I enjoyed the story, particularly tracing the incestuousness of it all. No blood relations having sex, but it is kind of amusing to think that the hero has just married his half-brother's cousin and his mother is his wife's aunt. Whew. An engaging story and I'd definitely consider reading more by this author.
While reading this, I could not help but think that this maybe started out as a Game of Thrones Fanfic and turned into a separate novel. It has the barbarian leader (Drogo) who is married to an innocent princess (Dany) and joining their merry little band is the heroine's perky and knowledgeable maid and the heroine's pervy and self-serving brother. Also involved in this story are another ruling family who are also trying to ally themselves with the barbarian king and another king who was pretty much evil at one point...
Eloise was a bit Mary Sue. Kai was pretty sexy, but also, not dark enough for his role. I liked him, but I kind of wanted him to be unapologetic about his darkness and his deeds. I was pretty disappointed in how the angel/demon thing worked out - it seems a shame that Adram suffered so much and there was no chance for forgiveness. I do, however, think that it was a pretty original take on it. I enjoyed the story, particularly tracing the incestuousness of it all. No blood relations having sex, but it is kind of amusing to think that the hero has just married his half-brother's cousin and his mother is his wife's aunt. Whew. An engaging story and I'd definitely consider reading more by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2016
What a fun and sexy book! Demon Within is the first book in the Fallen Angels Series by author Julie Nicholls. The book starts when an angel falls in love with a human and is sent to eternal damnation.
The scene switches to Kai, a former slave who now rules Blackhill, a town near Darkmide where he was formerly a slave in the gold mines. He rebelled and defeated his former masters, closing down the gold mines and freeing the slaves. His close friend, Sabe, is also his closest advisor as well as Sabe's sister, Kiera. When Sabe advises him to make an alliance with King Garlan from the nearby kingdom of Brightstone by marrying the king's daughter, Eloise, Kai agrees.
Eloise has a secret power and though a little shy and too apt to listen to her brother, Roulan, agrees to the marriage and they travel to Blackhill.
Meanwhile, Castor, Ellanor, and their son Jace are also travelling to Blackhill for an alliance with Kai. And a mysterious creature is destroying other towns around the area.
Ms. Nicholls does a wonderful job of keeping all the various characters on track and their paths intertwine in unexpected ways that end up making perfect sense. There are angels, demons, priestesses, princesses, and warriors. The love story between Kai and Eloise is wonderful, tender yet steamy. I can wait to read the next book in the series and I heartily recommend Demon Within to lovers of paranormal romances.
The scene switches to Kai, a former slave who now rules Blackhill, a town near Darkmide where he was formerly a slave in the gold mines. He rebelled and defeated his former masters, closing down the gold mines and freeing the slaves. His close friend, Sabe, is also his closest advisor as well as Sabe's sister, Kiera. When Sabe advises him to make an alliance with King Garlan from the nearby kingdom of Brightstone by marrying the king's daughter, Eloise, Kai agrees.
Eloise has a secret power and though a little shy and too apt to listen to her brother, Roulan, agrees to the marriage and they travel to Blackhill.
Meanwhile, Castor, Ellanor, and their son Jace are also travelling to Blackhill for an alliance with Kai. And a mysterious creature is destroying other towns around the area.
Ms. Nicholls does a wonderful job of keeping all the various characters on track and their paths intertwine in unexpected ways that end up making perfect sense. There are angels, demons, priestesses, princesses, and warriors. The love story between Kai and Eloise is wonderful, tender yet steamy. I can wait to read the next book in the series and I heartily recommend Demon Within to lovers of paranormal romances.
November 1, 2015
Julie Nicholls is an awesome story-teller.
Demon Within is a well-written book, that trips along at a good pace.
There were steamy scenes, violent fights, and plenty of surprising twists and turns, to keep me turning the pages.
The characters are strong and well-developed. I feel as though they are old friends, as I've lived alongside them through the sadness, joy, betrayal, rage and excitement of the tale.
The world in which they live is easily 'seen' thanks to the vivid descriptions throughout the book.
Thank must go to Julie Nicholls, who gifted me an ecopy of the book!
Demon Within is a well-written book, that trips along at a good pace.
There were steamy scenes, violent fights, and plenty of surprising twists and turns, to keep me turning the pages.
The characters are strong and well-developed. I feel as though they are old friends, as I've lived alongside them through the sadness, joy, betrayal, rage and excitement of the tale.
The world in which they live is easily 'seen' thanks to the vivid descriptions throughout the book.
Thank must go to Julie Nicholls, who gifted me an ecopy of the book!
March 29, 2015
The debut book from writer Julie Nicholls held me captive from the first page to the last. Kai of Darkmide is amazingly hot and is my new book boyfriend. Demon Within has everything you want in a book. Romance, action, love, pain, good and evil, with a lot of BadAssery thrown in. Throughout the course of this book, I fell in love, I laughed, I cried. I felt hate, rage and sadness. I experienced every emotion whilst reading Demon Within. I don't have many, but this is a book that I would definitely read again. I look forward to the second in this series. Angel Within.
March 29, 2015
This is the first book which I have read from this author and I'm very happy I took the chance, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I liked that it wasn't a modern day setting and it was from different characters POV's. I was drawn in and it had my complete attention throughout and made me feel part of the story.
The characters were strong and well developed and I'm looking forward to following them on their adventure in book 2 which I have just started,
I liked that it wasn't a modern day setting and it was from different characters POV's. I was drawn in and it had my complete attention throughout and made me feel part of the story.
The characters were strong and well developed and I'm looking forward to following them on their adventure in book 2 which I have just started,
March 8, 2016
I couldn't put it down!
This story was exactly what I look for in a romance. The author took her time introducing us to each character, leaving a bit of mystery to be discovered along the way while letting the reader become emotionally invested in their own stories. The action was exciting and the romance sizzling. Some twists were predictable, others less so, but all done so well that it felt genuine.
A great read that hooked me, reeled me in, and left me wanting more.
This story was exactly what I look for in a romance. The author took her time introducing us to each character, leaving a bit of mystery to be discovered along the way while letting the reader become emotionally invested in their own stories. The action was exciting and the romance sizzling. Some twists were predictable, others less so, but all done so well that it felt genuine.
A great read that hooked me, reeled me in, and left me wanting more.
May 23, 2016
Demon Within, the first of the Fallen Angel Series is an amazing start to what promises to be a wonderful series. The writing is powerful, the storytelling is compelling, and the story itself is well worth the read! 5 shiny gold stars for this first book! I can't wait to read the next one in this series.
October 12, 2016
Absolutely wild! The story line draws you in, I mean, who wouldn't fall in love with a male, so lost to his own self, and a female who can tighten the reigns and guide him back? And the setting tickles your senses, leaving you wanting more. I'll take Kai and Eloise over Grey and Anna any day! A paranormal wonder like no other!! A must read!
April 19, 2016
Wonderful Author! Complex plot, great character construction! The book moved along at a interesting never boring pass! I loved the lead character! There's some steamy scenes too! Highly recommended!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews