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The Black Parade #3
The Holy Dark
Sarcastic demon-slayer extraordinaire Jordan Amador has been locked in a year-long struggle to hunt down the thirty silver coins paid to Judas Iscariot. The mere touch of these coins is enough to kill any angel.
Jordan's demonic opposition grows more desperate with each coin found, so they call on the ultimate reinforcement: Moloch, the Archdemon of War. Moloch puts out a contract on Jordan as well as her estranged husband, the Archangel Michael. Now Jordan and Michael will have to find a way to work together to survive against impossible odds and stop Moloch's plan, or else he’ll wage a war that will wipe out the human race.
Jordan's demonic opposition grows more desperate with each coin found, so they call on the ultimate reinforcement: Moloch, the Archdemon of War. Moloch puts out a contract on Jordan as well as her estranged husband, the Archangel Michael. Now Jordan and Michael will have to find a way to work together to survive against impossible odds and stop Moloch's plan, or else he’ll wage a war that will wipe out the human race.
507 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2015
25 people are currently reading
334 people want to read
About the author
Kyoko M.
23 books400 followersKyoko M is a USA Today bestselling author, a fangirl, and an avid book reader. She has written the Amazon bestselling Black Parade urban fantasy series as well as the Of Cinder and Bone science-fiction dragon hunting series. The Black Parade has been reviewed by Publishers Weekly and New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews. Of Cinder and Bone placed in the Top 30 books for the 2021 Hugh Howey Self Published Science Fiction contest. She is also a contributor to Marvel Comics Black Panther: Tales of Wakanda (March 2, 2021). Kyoko M has appeared as a guest and panelist at such conventions as JordanCon, Geek Girl Con, DragonCon, Blacktasticon, Momocon, and Multiverse Con. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English Lit degree from the University of Georgia, which gave her every valid excuse to devour book after book with a concentration in Greek mythology and Christian mythology. When not working feverishly on a manuscript (or two), she can be found buried under her Dashboard on Tumblr or chatting with fellow nerds on Twitter. Like any author, she wants nothing more than to contribute something great to the best profession in the world, no matter how small.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 12, 2015
Many thanks to author Kyoko M for providing me with a free copy for review. As always, free doesn't mean "cheerfully sucking up". When I like a book, everyone will know it.
And what a way to end this amazing series. I actually finished this book earlier this week but I had to gather my thoughts before I wrote this review.
When it comes to the paranormal genre, I'd long since burned out on it. Let's face it: vampires, werewolves, shifters, angels, demons and other assorted mythical beings have pretty much been done to death. So I was rather surprised at just how much I ended up loving this series. Storywise it breaks no new ground: some socially inept hero/heroine with some paranormal power and lots of snark is chosen to save the world from dire evil. However, this series already stands out from most of the pack for prominently featuring a multiracial cast (that actually mirrors the real world) so that's an automatic couple of stars to begin with.
Some stories and characters one is rather reluctant to leave. Jordan Amador is one of those characters. It is so nice to read about a kick-ass demon-slaying, ghost-whispering heroine not decked out in a corset and high heels, and like a Timex watch can take a lickin' and keep on tickin'.
And bro-ther, does Jordan take a beating. Several in fact. She's got to hunt down the thirty pieces of silver paid to Judas for betraying Jesus, especially because the silver is so tainted that it can drain the power from angels, and even kill them.
Talk about a roller coaster ride of emotions. Kyoko M. really brought her A game to The Holy Dark and it showed. Even the secondary characters (including a tame hellhound named Ace) have separate and distinct personalities. And the book passes the Bechtel Test with flying colors with strong female friendships between Jordan and her ride or die, just as snarky best friends Lauren and Myra, seer and ex-military who never met a firearm she didn't like.
Finally, FINALLY, the relationship between Jordan and Michael felt fully actualized. I found it rather lukewarm in the first two books, semingly thrown in as an afterthought or worse, expected because "chicks dig romance". Then add in the dratted "love triangle" between Jordan, Michael and Belial and I was near to throwing in the towel. I still think that trope should be forever banned from ANY and ALL future books. Having said that, it seemed to take tragedy and loss for these two people--a human woman with scars on her soul and an archangel--to truly discover they're stronger together than apart.
And they ended up needing that love and strength in order to not just avert yet another war between Heaven and hell, but to actually rescue one of their own from the very last place any angel should ever be.
Friendship, loyalty, sacrifice, love, lots of snarky geek humor (the Supernatural references were hilarious) and truth. Even found in the most unexpected places. Great ending for a well-crafted series.
And what a way to end this amazing series. I actually finished this book earlier this week but I had to gather my thoughts before I wrote this review.
When it comes to the paranormal genre, I'd long since burned out on it. Let's face it: vampires, werewolves, shifters, angels, demons and other assorted mythical beings have pretty much been done to death. So I was rather surprised at just how much I ended up loving this series. Storywise it breaks no new ground: some socially inept hero/heroine with some paranormal power and lots of snark is chosen to save the world from dire evil. However, this series already stands out from most of the pack for prominently featuring a multiracial cast (that actually mirrors the real world) so that's an automatic couple of stars to begin with.
Some stories and characters one is rather reluctant to leave. Jordan Amador is one of those characters. It is so nice to read about a kick-ass demon-slaying, ghost-whispering heroine not decked out in a corset and high heels, and like a Timex watch can take a lickin' and keep on tickin'.
And bro-ther, does Jordan take a beating. Several in fact. She's got to hunt down the thirty pieces of silver paid to Judas for betraying Jesus, especially because the silver is so tainted that it can drain the power from angels, and even kill them.
Talk about a roller coaster ride of emotions. Kyoko M. really brought her A game to The Holy Dark and it showed. Even the secondary characters (including a tame hellhound named Ace) have separate and distinct personalities. And the book passes the Bechtel Test with flying colors with strong female friendships between Jordan and her ride or die, just as snarky best friends Lauren and Myra, seer and ex-military who never met a firearm she didn't like.
Finally, FINALLY, the relationship between Jordan and Michael felt fully actualized. I found it rather lukewarm in the first two books, semingly thrown in as an afterthought or worse, expected because "chicks dig romance". Then add in the dratted "love triangle" between Jordan, Michael and Belial and I was near to throwing in the towel. I still think that trope should be forever banned from ANY and ALL future books. Having said that, it seemed to take tragedy and loss for these two people--a human woman with scars on her soul and an archangel--to truly discover they're stronger together than apart.
And they ended up needing that love and strength in order to not just avert yet another war between Heaven and hell, but to actually rescue one of their own from the very last place any angel should ever be.
Friendship, loyalty, sacrifice, love, lots of snarky geek humor (the Supernatural references were hilarious) and truth. Even found in the most unexpected places. Great ending for a well-crafted series.
May 16, 2015
This final installment of the series is a rip-roaring adventure full of action, guns, quips and ass-kicking. It wraps up the loose ends regarding the Jordan, Michael and Belial love triangle, and is a great nod to the urban fantasy genre, channeling the shows Supernatural, Buffy and things like the Dresden Files series. A really good example of what it is, genre-wise.
I really liked the characters of Jordan and Myra, kick-ass demon hunting seers. They manage to be tough & also interesting as people. This author writes her female main characters very well, they aren't too submissive nor are they unrealistically infallible, and she doesn't dwell on their hotness or have all the male characters dwell on their hotness, which is refreshing. The author does a really good job of making Jordan not-annoying, with just the right amount of depth and vulnerability behind her ass-kicking sarcasm. I loved Ace! I am always a sucker for a doggy character. The relationship between Gabriel and Jordan was probably my favourite one- a nice brother/sister/friend kind of love.
As with the other books, this is full of pop-culture references. Jordan is meant to be a bit of a geek so this explains it to an extent, but the other characters made these references too, which I found to be a step too far.
My least favourite bit of the story was the romantic bit. I'm afraid I just didn't get Michael and Jordan. Michael was so mean and childish. I got the whole angel vs man conflict & there was a bit of discussion about the effects of this at the end but still. I would struggle to respect someone who spoke to me with such disdain, while alleging to love me. Belial was more likable. However, I really liked that Jordan was guilty of lying to Michael & even drugging him, to protect him, which is usually what you see the male character doing to the woman. Well, maybe not drugging her but stealing her spark plugs and secretly buying her place of work, that kind of thing.
After the main climax, the wrap up got a little bit 'happily ever after'. It was very traditional, which surprised me, to be honest, because I didn't see that coming. The rest of the series pokes holes in traditional ideas about women & relationships.
Overall, enjoyable and fun, and a nice round-off to the series.
I really liked the characters of Jordan and Myra, kick-ass demon hunting seers. They manage to be tough & also interesting as people. This author writes her female main characters very well, they aren't too submissive nor are they unrealistically infallible, and she doesn't dwell on their hotness or have all the male characters dwell on their hotness, which is refreshing. The author does a really good job of making Jordan not-annoying, with just the right amount of depth and vulnerability behind her ass-kicking sarcasm. I loved Ace! I am always a sucker for a doggy character. The relationship between Gabriel and Jordan was probably my favourite one- a nice brother/sister/friend kind of love.
As with the other books, this is full of pop-culture references. Jordan is meant to be a bit of a geek so this explains it to an extent, but the other characters made these references too, which I found to be a step too far.
My least favourite bit of the story was the romantic bit. I'm afraid I just didn't get Michael and Jordan. Michael was so mean and childish. I got the whole angel vs man conflict & there was a bit of discussion about the effects of this at the end but still. I would struggle to respect someone who spoke to me with such disdain, while alleging to love me. Belial was more likable. However, I really liked that Jordan was guilty of lying to Michael & even drugging him, to protect him, which is usually what you see the male character doing to the woman. Well, maybe not drugging her but stealing her spark plugs and secretly buying her place of work, that kind of thing.
After the main climax, the wrap up got a little bit 'happily ever after'. It was very traditional, which surprised me, to be honest, because I didn't see that coming. The rest of the series pokes holes in traditional ideas about women & relationships.
Overall, enjoyable and fun, and a nice round-off to the series.
January 23, 2018
The Holy Dark is as excellent a final installment as any trilogy can ever ask for. It has it all: intrigue, heartbreak, love, betrayal, loyalty and more than a sprinkling of humour to help you wash the lingering taste of "OMG, did that really just happen?!" out of your mouth.
I've read both of the preceding books in this series, so I was very well-acquainted with our main characters Jordan Amador and Michael O'Brien. But if you haven't read the books, don't worry that you won't understand what's going on. This book is well-written and covers the backstory quite nicely without getting tedious for those who already know what's going on.
I found the book rather well-paced, though a bit long. The action was phenomenal and you finally get to have a real look inside the heads of the main characters and get a full picture of who and what they really are. The 1st person perspective of the book actually plays to the plot's development, and whilst it's a perspective I usually hate to read in, Kyoko managed to draw me so deep into the story that I was too busy trying to keep my mouth from gaping half the time to even notice.
Overall, if you love urban fantasy not only should you read this book - but you should give the entire trilogy a go. I promise it'll be worth your time!
I've read both of the preceding books in this series, so I was very well-acquainted with our main characters Jordan Amador and Michael O'Brien. But if you haven't read the books, don't worry that you won't understand what's going on. This book is well-written and covers the backstory quite nicely without getting tedious for those who already know what's going on.
I found the book rather well-paced, though a bit long. The action was phenomenal and you finally get to have a real look inside the heads of the main characters and get a full picture of who and what they really are. The 1st person perspective of the book actually plays to the plot's development, and whilst it's a perspective I usually hate to read in, Kyoko managed to draw me so deep into the story that I was too busy trying to keep my mouth from gaping half the time to even notice.
Overall, if you love urban fantasy not only should you read this book - but you should give the entire trilogy a go. I promise it'll be worth your time!
August 25, 2016
Just Brilliant!
I don't normally do reviews, too lazy I guess.
But for this series of books, I'll make an exception.
At the beginning of the book the characters are all in a terrible place. No one trusts anyone, Jordan and Michael's marriage has completely broken down and even Gabriel is keeping his distance.
Through the most horrible circumstances, they continue to fight the good fight.
The beauty of this author is not only does she continue to develop the characters, she does so on a believable trajectory and at an believable pace.
Nothing is forced nor is the story dragged out to last longer. Its all paced really well and just when you think the heroine has suffered enough the author piles even more pressure - but always with sass and truly memorable lines.
As for the ending I laughed so much I almost did me self a mischief.
Supernatural, steamy in places (but not in a way that damages the or changes who these characters are), emotionally mature, incredibly funny with some truly memorable lines and a rollercoaster ride you won't soon forget.
I don't normally do reviews, too lazy I guess.
But for this series of books, I'll make an exception.
At the beginning of the book the characters are all in a terrible place. No one trusts anyone, Jordan and Michael's marriage has completely broken down and even Gabriel is keeping his distance.
Through the most horrible circumstances, they continue to fight the good fight.
The beauty of this author is not only does she continue to develop the characters, she does so on a believable trajectory and at an believable pace.
Nothing is forced nor is the story dragged out to last longer. Its all paced really well and just when you think the heroine has suffered enough the author piles even more pressure - but always with sass and truly memorable lines.
As for the ending I laughed so much I almost did me self a mischief.
Supernatural, steamy in places (but not in a way that damages the or changes who these characters are), emotionally mature, incredibly funny with some truly memorable lines and a rollercoaster ride you won't soon forget.
April 26, 2015
A wonderful conclusion to a smack-down packed novel! The Holy Dark, sounds catchy and mysterious, but the author actually explains what that means.
I was completely suckered into the crazy ghost-infested, hell-dog/bear, demon, angel, leviathan containing world! And I was not even a smidgen disappointed at this series conclusion! How rare is it to be completely satisfied at the end of a series? Or even have a series end at a proper point and not continue on until it fades into obscurity?
Jordan and Micheal, these two hard headed children, arrggg, the ups and down they had us on? Finally! They got some sense, and that was a relief! There were some moments where it seriously seemed like all was lost and I didn’t even see a how a happy ever after would be possible, but thankfully, Team Amador always manages a last minute save!
I was completely suckered into the crazy ghost-infested, hell-dog/bear, demon, angel, leviathan containing world! And I was not even a smidgen disappointed at this series conclusion! How rare is it to be completely satisfied at the end of a series? Or even have a series end at a proper point and not continue on until it fades into obscurity?
Jordan and Micheal, these two hard headed children, arrggg, the ups and down they had us on? Finally! They got some sense, and that was a relief! There were some moments where it seriously seemed like all was lost and I didn’t even see a how a happy ever after would be possible, but thankfully, Team Amador always manages a last minute save!
April 26, 2015
What a Great finish to an Awesome Series! I'm going to miss reading this....so I'm going to read it Again! I'm so glad that things worked out for Jordan and Michael, but that girl is a handful! There was none stop action that kept me on the edge wondering what was going to happen next. I didn't know at times if they were going to make it or not! It got really intense at times, but things worked out in the end. Thank You Ms. Kyoko M. for an Adventurous read! :)
November 14, 2015
Loved this series....
I discovered this series when book 1 was part of the Secret Worlds bundle. Immediately loved the flawed characters, and rushed for the next in the series.
The author has put a delightful spin on angels and demons. The writing keeps the reader engaged during the whole ride.
You'll laugh and cry with Jordan, Michael, Gabriel and Bels. I'd love to see more for Gabe and Bels in the future!
Very well done!
I discovered this series when book 1 was part of the Secret Worlds bundle. Immediately loved the flawed characters, and rushed for the next in the series.
The author has put a delightful spin on angels and demons. The writing keeps the reader engaged during the whole ride.
You'll laugh and cry with Jordan, Michael, Gabriel and Bels. I'd love to see more for Gabe and Bels in the future!
Very well done!
August 18, 2016
The Holy Dark (The Dark Parade Book 4) by Kyoko M
I really enjoyed this book it kept me reading non stop from beginning to end. I loved the characters and the fight between heaven and help. I look forward to Kyoko's next book.
I really enjoyed this book it kept me reading non stop from beginning to end. I loved the characters and the fight between heaven and help. I look forward to Kyoko's next book.
April 26, 2015
I'm sad I have to say goodbye to these characters! LOVE THIS BOOK AND THE SERIES! Looking forward to more work from Kyoko :D
Read
September 28, 2016Four stars. A great end to a strong series.
February 11, 2018
You never know how much you love and truly need a specific person in your life till danger is thrown in your way and they are the only one who can get you through it. Michael and Jordan are forced back together in order to survive a contract on both of them. Not only that, but Jordan is on a mission to uncover the pieces of silver Judas Iscariot was given in exchange for the betrayal of Jesus. Talk about a whole bowl of crazy in one book.
All tears shed for these two are well worth it. Jordan has made foolish decisions in the past without fully dealing with the consequences up until recently. Now, it's time to pay the piper and Michael to unite with his soulmate in order to survive. Pack your tissues, you're going to need them.
All tears shed for these two are well worth it. Jordan has made foolish decisions in the past without fully dealing with the consequences up until recently. Now, it's time to pay the piper and Michael to unite with his soulmate in order to survive. Pack your tissues, you're going to need them.
December 3, 2019
Great
I so loved this trilogy! I found myself wishing I knew love like Michael's and Jordan's. The bad girl in me so wanted her to be with Belial, hope hell's not in my future for that. Lmao. I bout died when you tricked us with the whole "you're not out of hell" thing...girl!! I am so sad that it's over but it was the best way to end it and the perfect time to do so. I look forward to spending my hard earned money on more of your wonderfully written books. Until then, be blessed Ms. Kyoko M
I so loved this trilogy! I found myself wishing I knew love like Michael's and Jordan's. The bad girl in me so wanted her to be with Belial, hope hell's not in my future for that. Lmao. I bout died when you tricked us with the whole "you're not out of hell" thing...girl!! I am so sad that it's over but it was the best way to end it and the perfect time to do so. I look forward to spending my hard earned money on more of your wonderfully written books. Until then, be blessed Ms. Kyoko M
January 20, 2019
A deeply satisfying series conclusion!
If you’ve loved The Black Parade as I have, you will undoubtedly find this a fitting conclusion! But be sure you haven’t missed out on the novella and short stories! I’m off to check out her new Cinder and Bone series ... What better follow on than a series about dragons!
If you’ve loved The Black Parade as I have, you will undoubtedly find this a fitting conclusion! But be sure you haven’t missed out on the novella and short stories! I’m off to check out her new Cinder and Bone series ... What better follow on than a series about dragons!
October 12, 2023
Loved the whole series
I rated this book with 5 stars because I am now reading the second book after finishing this series. I picked up my current book only to be thinking about the Black Parade and wishing there was more.
I totally enjoyed the characters and couldn't wait to pick the books up to
finish reading about them.
Kudos to the author. I would recommend these books to everyone.
I rated this book with 5 stars because I am now reading the second book after finishing this series. I picked up my current book only to be thinking about the Black Parade and wishing there was more.
I totally enjoyed the characters and couldn't wait to pick the books up to
finish reading about them.
Kudos to the author. I would recommend these books to everyone.
September 22, 2017
Great read
One of the best.i loved this book and the characters journey they trials and tribulations. I love this series and it comes highly recommended. Despite the occasional typo. If you are an avid reader, you can still enjoy reading this.
One of the best.i loved this book and the characters journey they trials and tribulations. I love this series and it comes highly recommended. Despite the occasional typo. If you are an avid reader, you can still enjoy reading this.
January 22, 2022
Perfect
What a great ending to a great series. I think that the first and the last books were my favorites. I'm so glad to have found Ms. Kyoko and I look forward to reading more books by her.
What a great ending to a great series. I think that the first and the last books were my favorites. I'm so glad to have found Ms. Kyoko and I look forward to reading more books by her.
April 9, 2018
It is done. Was not a bad conclusion but I'm not sure I'll sign up for a re-read.
April 24, 2015
***SOME SPOILERS***
Let me just start off by saying the covers for this series are beautiful and reveal a snippet of what's to come inside. The look of Jordan's back is as if the picture was a tattoo skillfully drawn- a nice display of lovely artwork. With the little bit of light off to the side, the cover reminded me of a question Jordan's mother wrote in one of her letters in book 1, The Black Parade:
The first book left me on a thrilling high, the second book let me know more about the characters, while the third and fourth books were more emotional. I think I was the most beside myself while reading this installment. My range of emotions was all over the place. I hated both Jordan and Michael and agreed with Belial when he called them idiots at different points in the story. Jordan continually frustrated me to no end with putting herself in danger, leaping before thinking, flirting with danger (Belial), & not being true to her feelings of who and want she wanted. Jordan was performing the same song and dance and I was tired of it.
As I stated earlier, this was an emotional read and as such Kyoko M. did it to me again- made me cry. One of the archangels is killed!
Because of this angel's death, I wanted blood.
In life things are not always what they seem and I'm glad Kyoko M. allowed me on the journey of life with Jordan and company. With all of Jordan’s stupid antics, in the end there was a reason behind it all and a lesson to be learned. Basically, I as a reader had to realize this fictional character needed to make her own footprints in the sand and own her placement in the world like the rest of us.
The Holy Dark made a full circle from The Black Parade. It is evident in this book when one door closes another one opens. I was happy to see the sacrifice Jordan made in order to be with Michael wasn't a sacrifice at all.
My favorite quote:
All of my Black Parade series reviews
Book 1: The Black Parade
Book 2: The Deadly Seven
Book 3: She Who Fights Monsters
***I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review***
Let me just start off by saying the covers for this series are beautiful and reveal a snippet of what's to come inside. The look of Jordan's back is as if the picture was a tattoo skillfully drawn- a nice display of lovely artwork. With the little bit of light off to the side, the cover reminded me of a question Jordan's mother wrote in one of her letters in book 1, The Black Parade:
Is it possible to find light in the darkness?Well the answer to that question is answered through Jordan's course of finding herself and helping her husband and friends fight the battle of good vs. evil.
The first book left me on a thrilling high, the second book let me know more about the characters, while the third and fourth books were more emotional. I think I was the most beside myself while reading this installment. My range of emotions was all over the place. I hated both Jordan and Michael and agreed with Belial when he called them idiots at different points in the story. Jordan continually frustrated me to no end with putting herself in danger, leaping before thinking, flirting with danger (Belial), & not being true to her feelings of who and want she wanted. Jordan was performing the same song and dance and I was tired of it.
As I stated earlier, this was an emotional read and as such Kyoko M. did it to me again- made me cry. One of the archangels is killed!
Because of this angel's death, I wanted blood.
In life things are not always what they seem and I'm glad Kyoko M. allowed me on the journey of life with Jordan and company. With all of Jordan’s stupid antics, in the end there was a reason behind it all and a lesson to be learned. Basically, I as a reader had to realize this fictional character needed to make her own footprints in the sand and own her placement in the world like the rest of us.
The Holy Dark made a full circle from The Black Parade. It is evident in this book when one door closes another one opens. I was happy to see the sacrifice Jordan made in order to be with Michael wasn't a sacrifice at all.
My favorite quote:
The monsters surrounded me. I fought them. I fought them because it was what I was cursed to do, born to do, meant to do- not for my own glory or for God's glory, but for those who still had a chance to live without bloody hands and sleepless nights. Over the years I had fought for myself, for love, for peace, and for innocence. Now, I fought because I wanted to protect. And I found out that was totally worth it, scars and all...The Holy Dark and the rest of The Black Parade series is a well written story of humor, biblical beliefs, and choices. Everyone has freewill. This series was both maddening and intoxicating. For me, as the books progressed they got better. Author, Kyoko M. is definitely worth keeping an eye out for and this series I recommend as it’s worth following.
All of my Black Parade series reviews
Book 1: The Black Parade
Book 2: The Deadly Seven
Book 3: She Who Fights Monsters
***I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review***
April 24, 2015
I haven’t read the first two books in this series but that didn’t stop me from enjoying this book.
I became acquainted with demon slayer Jordan Amador very quickly. She’s a kick butt, ask questions later kind of gal.
A Seer, Jordan’s job is to guide newly departed souls to the afterlife.
The action starts from the first page. Jordan enters a bar full of demons. She just had one question. She leaves after getting an answer. The problem is the answer wasn’t the one she wanted. She knows demon are liars.
Jordan joined her partner, Myra, in the truck outside, which they then proceed to crash into the bar. You can bet the demon gave her what she wanted after she sent over 60 others back to Hell.
From that point on, the thrills just kept on coming. How could they not when you mix demons, angels, and seers in a quest for the long missing 30 pieces of silver that were paid to Judas Iscariot.
As the demons get more desperate to find the coins, they bring in Moloch, the nasty Archdemon of War, who proceeds to send the demons after Jordan and her husband Michael, an archangel. I wondered if the danger would help their strained marriage or forever tear it apart.
Will the death of the human race imminent, it’s throw out all the rules, kill or killed suspense, with no predictable outcome.
I’m a sucker for these kinds of books. I love a sarcastic, alpha female character and you get more than one in this story.
Jordan is sarcastic to the nth and she’ll be the first to tell ya, “If she’s going to die, she’ll go out a smart ass.”
Her partner, Myra, is tough as nails too. Ex military, Myra’s not happy unless she’s in the thick of the mass destruction. She’s got one mean hellhound too. Ace is huge, larger than a wolf hound, and more intelligent than a lot of humans. He hates everyone, even Jordan, though he tolerates her, making him the greatest of man’s best fiends, oops, I mean friends.
And the bad guys. There are so many and I had fun as they were dispatched in some very creative ways. You have the demons and the archdemons. Both are nasty, selfish things. And some of the humans are worse than the demons .
Jordan’s and Michael’s relationship is a rocky one and I had hopes for them, but sometimes what should draw couples together can also rip it apart. You’ll get some of Michael’s point of view on this too.
What I gathered was Jordan supposedly cheated on Michael, an archangel and her husband, with an archdemon, Belial. She denies it and I tend to believe her. I’ll find out soon enough.
This also explains why the angels are reluctant to help her in her quest for the pieces of silver. Angels value loyalty above all else and Jordan betrayed their commander.
Even though I hadn’t read the first two books, I had no trouble diving in and enjoying this story. With helpful mentions of past events placed in the right places by the author, the story drew me in.
There are a lot of characters, some new and some old. While bits of their previous exploits were mentioned in order to follow their part in this book, I needed to know more.
I’m big on character driven stories and knew almost immediately I would be going back to read the first two books. I wanted to learn the cause and affect that landed these characters where they are now.
With demons, archdemons, angels, archangels, seers, and hellhounds, and the imminent threat of the next apocalypse, what’s not to love in The Holy Dark.
I received this book for my honest review.
I became acquainted with demon slayer Jordan Amador very quickly. She’s a kick butt, ask questions later kind of gal.
A Seer, Jordan’s job is to guide newly departed souls to the afterlife.
The action starts from the first page. Jordan enters a bar full of demons. She just had one question. She leaves after getting an answer. The problem is the answer wasn’t the one she wanted. She knows demon are liars.
Jordan joined her partner, Myra, in the truck outside, which they then proceed to crash into the bar. You can bet the demon gave her what she wanted after she sent over 60 others back to Hell.
From that point on, the thrills just kept on coming. How could they not when you mix demons, angels, and seers in a quest for the long missing 30 pieces of silver that were paid to Judas Iscariot.
As the demons get more desperate to find the coins, they bring in Moloch, the nasty Archdemon of War, who proceeds to send the demons after Jordan and her husband Michael, an archangel. I wondered if the danger would help their strained marriage or forever tear it apart.
Will the death of the human race imminent, it’s throw out all the rules, kill or killed suspense, with no predictable outcome.
I’m a sucker for these kinds of books. I love a sarcastic, alpha female character and you get more than one in this story.
Jordan is sarcastic to the nth and she’ll be the first to tell ya, “If she’s going to die, she’ll go out a smart ass.”
Her partner, Myra, is tough as nails too. Ex military, Myra’s not happy unless she’s in the thick of the mass destruction. She’s got one mean hellhound too. Ace is huge, larger than a wolf hound, and more intelligent than a lot of humans. He hates everyone, even Jordan, though he tolerates her, making him the greatest of man’s best fiends, oops, I mean friends.
And the bad guys. There are so many and I had fun as they were dispatched in some very creative ways. You have the demons and the archdemons. Both are nasty, selfish things. And some of the humans are worse than the demons .
Jordan’s and Michael’s relationship is a rocky one and I had hopes for them, but sometimes what should draw couples together can also rip it apart. You’ll get some of Michael’s point of view on this too.
What I gathered was Jordan supposedly cheated on Michael, an archangel and her husband, with an archdemon, Belial. She denies it and I tend to believe her. I’ll find out soon enough.
This also explains why the angels are reluctant to help her in her quest for the pieces of silver. Angels value loyalty above all else and Jordan betrayed their commander.
Even though I hadn’t read the first two books, I had no trouble diving in and enjoying this story. With helpful mentions of past events placed in the right places by the author, the story drew me in.
There are a lot of characters, some new and some old. While bits of their previous exploits were mentioned in order to follow their part in this book, I needed to know more.
I’m big on character driven stories and knew almost immediately I would be going back to read the first two books. I wanted to learn the cause and affect that landed these characters where they are now.
With demons, archdemons, angels, archangels, seers, and hellhounds, and the imminent threat of the next apocalypse, what’s not to love in The Holy Dark.
I received this book for my honest review.
May 24, 2015
The Holy Dark: The Black Parade book 4
Written by: Kyoko M
Print version: 462 pages
Create Space Independent Publishing Platform, April 08, 2015
Grade: A
Beware of spoilers!
The Holy Dark, the final book in The Black Parade series, is an end that does not disappoint. With heart breaking separations and a tiny bite of the ship I personally sail for, I will miss The Dark Parade series.
The Holy Dark jumps right back into Jordan Amador’s world as a Seer. While coping with the raw absence of her husband and best friend, Jordan and her fellow Seer Mayra battle through a new journey. A powerful demon named Moloch wishes to possess a set of coins that can kill archangels in order to enact a nefarious attack against humanity. Team Amador must find the set of coins before it’s too late. But before the war, Jordan must survive many battles.
Jordan and her comrades are no strangers to saving humanity and fighting hell’s army. Stopping Moloch might be an easier job if the leader of heaven’s army wasn’t missing and if Jordan wasn’t the top of said army’s shit list. And although Belial is no longer in charge of his fellow demons, he still manages to be a very seductive pain in Jordan’s ass.
Full of loss, heartache, and terror, The Holy Dark tells of Jordan’s final journey. A journey that might not lead to the pearly gates above.
I can firmly say that The Holy Dark is my favorite installment of The Black Parade. The characters in this book are well written and their plot lines are neatly tied. I was also drawn to the complexities and details of each character.
In The Black Parade series, the fantastic characters are not one dimensional or one sided like one might imagine when thinking of angels and demons. In The Holy Dark Michael is stripped of his title as the leader of heaven’s army in more than one way. He stoops to holding on to a failed marriage by keeping Jordan’s ring. He risks his mission to stop Moloch by seeking revenge when one of his brothers in arms is killed. Michael was almost just a human male too caught up in grief and betrayal to decipher right from wrong and honor his sworn duties to his lord.
In the book, “the holy dark” is used to describe humanity’s tendency to thrive in grey areas. All humans are capable or being evil and good. Kyoko did a beautiful job at accentuating this theme by keeping many of the major players in “the holy dark”. Readers got to see Belial grow and regress in previous books but The Holy Dark really blurs Belial’s path and his position in Jordan’s life. Belial, like Michael, is stripped of his role as commander of an army. For both character’s it seems their roles as leaders were shields. When Belial lost his shield, the reader was able to see that he was capable of true love, compassion, and longing for the life he had before he went to hell. When characters like Belial are supposed to be evil, it is difficult, it is easier to understand “the holy dark”. Belial’s complexities will be missed. Who doesn’t love a bad boy with a heart of gold that is buried deep, deep, deep down? Especially when said bad boy continues to try to wedge himself into a threesome with Jordan and Michael. Two more teams Belial bats for?
I am sad to see this series end but The Holy Dark is definitely an ending worth reading. Thank you, Kyoko for Chapter 29. I am in your debt. #teammilial
Review by: Andi C
Written by: Kyoko M
Print version: 462 pages
Create Space Independent Publishing Platform, April 08, 2015
Grade: A
Beware of spoilers!
The Holy Dark, the final book in The Black Parade series, is an end that does not disappoint. With heart breaking separations and a tiny bite of the ship I personally sail for, I will miss The Dark Parade series.
The Holy Dark jumps right back into Jordan Amador’s world as a Seer. While coping with the raw absence of her husband and best friend, Jordan and her fellow Seer Mayra battle through a new journey. A powerful demon named Moloch wishes to possess a set of coins that can kill archangels in order to enact a nefarious attack against humanity. Team Amador must find the set of coins before it’s too late. But before the war, Jordan must survive many battles.
Jordan and her comrades are no strangers to saving humanity and fighting hell’s army. Stopping Moloch might be an easier job if the leader of heaven’s army wasn’t missing and if Jordan wasn’t the top of said army’s shit list. And although Belial is no longer in charge of his fellow demons, he still manages to be a very seductive pain in Jordan’s ass.
Full of loss, heartache, and terror, The Holy Dark tells of Jordan’s final journey. A journey that might not lead to the pearly gates above.
I can firmly say that The Holy Dark is my favorite installment of The Black Parade. The characters in this book are well written and their plot lines are neatly tied. I was also drawn to the complexities and details of each character.
In The Black Parade series, the fantastic characters are not one dimensional or one sided like one might imagine when thinking of angels and demons. In The Holy Dark Michael is stripped of his title as the leader of heaven’s army in more than one way. He stoops to holding on to a failed marriage by keeping Jordan’s ring. He risks his mission to stop Moloch by seeking revenge when one of his brothers in arms is killed. Michael was almost just a human male too caught up in grief and betrayal to decipher right from wrong and honor his sworn duties to his lord.
In the book, “the holy dark” is used to describe humanity’s tendency to thrive in grey areas. All humans are capable or being evil and good. Kyoko did a beautiful job at accentuating this theme by keeping many of the major players in “the holy dark”. Readers got to see Belial grow and regress in previous books but The Holy Dark really blurs Belial’s path and his position in Jordan’s life. Belial, like Michael, is stripped of his role as commander of an army. For both character’s it seems their roles as leaders were shields. When Belial lost his shield, the reader was able to see that he was capable of true love, compassion, and longing for the life he had before he went to hell. When characters like Belial are supposed to be evil, it is difficult, it is easier to understand “the holy dark”. Belial’s complexities will be missed. Who doesn’t love a bad boy with a heart of gold that is buried deep, deep, deep down? Especially when said bad boy continues to try to wedge himself into a threesome with Jordan and Michael. Two more teams Belial bats for?
I am sad to see this series end but The Holy Dark is definitely an ending worth reading. Thank you, Kyoko for Chapter 29. I am in your debt. #teammilial
Review by: Andi C
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2015
The Holy Dark is the exciting conclusion of Kyoko M.’s Black Parade series, and Holy action scenes Batman, is this exciting! This book is almost like one action scene after another with emotion and fire thrown in for good measure. Plus, the author’s normal funny sense of humor is thrown in here in there in the form of her main character, Jordan Amador’s, spunky personality.
Jordan is seriously one kick ass chick. She has taken a beating, literally and repeatedly, and just keeps coming back for more! She refuses to give up and I admire that. Her interactions with her costars are strained at times, but they are so completely developed, I have trouble forgetting they aren’t real! The relationships shown in this series are easily relatable despite the fact that, in this situation, they involve angels and demons.
This book has me so wrapped up in the story it’s not even funny. I feel so emotionally invested in these characters that I want them to pull through all the trials and tribulations in one piece. These characters are all scarred in some form or another; I don’t want them to make any more scars! There were a few times where my eyes may have leaked a little bit, but let’s keep that between us!
My only complaint would be the length. I felt like it took me FOREVER to read it even though I was very into it. I would have liked it broken up into two parts, as there is easily enough content and action scenes to have done just that, though the specific place I’m thinking I would have ended the first part would have left most readers kind of pissed off.
The Holy Dark is a great book, as The Black Parade is a great series. You should definitely add it to your TBR pile if you haven’t already. I’m still having a hard time believing their story is finished! Excellent read!
Jordan is seriously one kick ass chick. She has taken a beating, literally and repeatedly, and just keeps coming back for more! She refuses to give up and I admire that. Her interactions with her costars are strained at times, but they are so completely developed, I have trouble forgetting they aren’t real! The relationships shown in this series are easily relatable despite the fact that, in this situation, they involve angels and demons.
This book has me so wrapped up in the story it’s not even funny. I feel so emotionally invested in these characters that I want them to pull through all the trials and tribulations in one piece. These characters are all scarred in some form or another; I don’t want them to make any more scars! There were a few times where my eyes may have leaked a little bit, but let’s keep that between us!
My only complaint would be the length. I felt like it took me FOREVER to read it even though I was very into it. I would have liked it broken up into two parts, as there is easily enough content and action scenes to have done just that, though the specific place I’m thinking I would have ended the first part would have left most readers kind of pissed off.
The Holy Dark is a great book, as The Black Parade is a great series. You should definitely add it to your TBR pile if you haven’t already. I’m still having a hard time believing their story is finished! Excellent read!
September 24, 2015
Fell in love with the characters
Kyoto has made the characters feel so real it is as if you really do know them. I must admit I love Bels. I wish he could have been redeemed, he was such a complex character. Of course, I really could have killed Michael, but in the end he made up for it. I must admit, that I was lost in the beginning of the book. I kept trying to figure out who Myra was and about Lamont's daughter torturing her. I read the last book, she who hunts monsters, but it did not have anything about it. So, I do not know if I missed a book or something. If not, then it was very confusing. However, it was a great series.
Kyoto has made the characters feel so real it is as if you really do know them. I must admit I love Bels. I wish he could have been redeemed, he was such a complex character. Of course, I really could have killed Michael, but in the end he made up for it. I must admit, that I was lost in the beginning of the book. I kept trying to figure out who Myra was and about Lamont's daughter torturing her. I read the last book, she who hunts monsters, but it did not have anything about it. So, I do not know if I missed a book or something. If not, then it was very confusing. However, it was a great series.
April 13, 2017
OK I cried a little during this book. Am sorry there won't be any more stories in this universe. Thank you for a wonderful ride <3
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