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Shadows In Sanctuary #1
Lilith's Fall
Her people call him a demon, but he’s the only one who can save her.
When Lilith Galeron is arrested for a crime she didn’t commit by the brutal regime that controls Dome City, she has no idea what will become of her. People arrested by the Peace Keepers have a habit of disappearing.
Her captors throw her into a cell with a demon. Terrified by his fearsome aspect, she expects him to kill her, but Ranove is not the monster she believes him to be.
Ranove's captors have starved him and tortured him, but they have not broken him. When they devise a new way of torturing him, he fears that they might finally succeed, but not in the way they expected.
Despite how different they are from each other, an attraction sparks between Lilith and Ranove that cannot be denied by either of them. When they escape their captivity together, Lilith learns that the world beyond Dome City is far different than what she'd been told, and she's no longer sure who the bad guys are, but she's afraid she might be falling for one.
Will they live long enough for the passion that ignites between them to grow into something deeper?
Don’t miss the other books in this exciting, steamy romantic series, where the aliens aren’t just humans with different-colored skin. They may look demonic, but these heroes know how to treat their mates like angels.
Please note: 18+ Contains explicit content that may not be suitable for younger readers.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2017
479 people are currently reading
876 people want to read
About the author
Susan Trombley
32 books845 followersBorn a dragon, but forced to take human form to fit into those little baby carriers, Susan accepted that she'd have to live a mortal life. She just wasn't going to go around being all boring about it. As soon as she was old enough, she immediately applied for an alien abduction, but got wait-listed, so she made her lair in the desert to wait out the coming zombie apocalypse with a pair of magical cats (they can appear underfoot in an instant, usually at the steps) and the dog from Hades that has three heads (and now has three bodies to go with them).
When the white knight came to fight the dragon, Susan liked him so much she decided to marry him and they now have a beautiful little dragonlet. (Who looks just like a little girl unless you use a magic mirror)
Fortunately, despite being trapped in this dimension, Susan uses her dragon's vision to see all the most interesting goings-on in the multiverse. Figuring they made great stories, she decided to share them with the rest of the mortal world, by writing fantasy, science fiction and romance.
When the white knight came to fight the dragon, Susan liked him so much she decided to marry him and they now have a beautiful little dragonlet. (Who looks just like a little girl unless you use a magic mirror)
Fortunately, despite being trapped in this dimension, Susan uses her dragon's vision to see all the most interesting goings-on in the multiverse. Figuring they made great stories, she decided to share them with the rest of the mortal world, by writing fantasy, science fiction and romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
August 20, 2019
A slight, mocking smile tilted his lips. “You humans are meaningless to us. You are pets of the bright ones, playthings for them to use and dispose of at their will. For the umbrose, you mean even less.”
I really do appreciate this author's vivid imagination and decided to give this series a try as she has yet to write something I haven't automatically liked.
Got to say I am ever so impressed with the first book in this series and now I can't wait to read the next two books.
This series crosses genres and is oh so difficult to actually classify.
Part Sci-Fi, Part Dystopian, A touch of Fantasy and a smidge of paranormal: the world-building here was just insane.
Set against a rich fantasy backdrop the author has managed to build a reality which is incredibly complex.
A world where propriety and decency is top and swift punishment is adopted for any rule breakers to the Lord's regulations.
All in Dome City are under the authority of the censors.
So Lilith is a computer engineer living in in the Dome and her world comes crashing down when she along with her best friend Stacia are arrested and charged with treason.
She is taken by the Peacekeepers and thrown into a cell with another prisoner Ranove.
Lilith sees before her a mythical creature a supposed demon but her new cellmate is an Umbrose a species separate from humans which Lilith was previously unaware of because of her prior sheltered life under the complete authority of the Dome.
When Ranove escapes the facility where he is being held he takes Lilith home with him as his prisoner.
Giving her an ultimatum Prisoner or concubine Lilith already strangely attracted to her captor makes the only logical choice open to her.
This was very well written and sucked you very easily into the narrative.
Ranove initially came across as quite superior and cold but as this progressed he slowly evolved into much more.
I liked that Lilith was pragmatic in her acceptance of her current situation not making stupid desition based on pure emotion.
She was brave and very logical and I liked her a lot.
This was action-filled throughout and I especially adored the species barrier and prejudices that these two-faced from both sides.
This had bloodshed and lust and a war looming toss in the angels and demons backdrop and this made for a definite clear winner with me.
The only thing that dropped my rating slightly was that I felt that the romance here took a back seat slightly to the action and this spoilt things for me.
I also would have liked to see the aftermath of a certain female umbrose's betrayal as well.
Despite those grumbles, this still was such a fantastic start to this series and I read this in one sitting.
I am super intrigued with this and Lilith's Fall gets a thumbs up from me.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
March 26, 2018
I enjoyed this. The only complaint I have is that the heroine didn’t have a good self esteem and referred to herself as fat. I hope this author doesn’t write about plain fat heroines in every book. Nothing against this but I dislike it when every book has the same stereo type.
August 19, 2020
3.45 Stars
This book takes place in a futuristic society. (maybe Earth-can’t remember) I thought it was unique, but it took me quite some time to really get the gist. The planet basically consists of 2 flying alien species living with humans: The Adurians, (bright ones) are a bright/gold/glowy alien race that controls light, and worships The Father of Light. (rules over the humans) They are called Lords, and humans are taught in school that they are good. The Umbrose, (dark ones) are a dark/horned alien race that controls the shadows, and worships The Mother of Shadows. They are called demons, and humans are taught that they are evil. I’m unsure if this was meant as a middle finger towards religion, but one might make that leap based of the several similarities with Christianity symbolism, along with the light lords being the “bad” ones & dark horned demons being the “good” guys. Personally, I read it at face value, but if you’re sensitive… just an FYI. 😉
The blurb sets up the plot. Lilith is arrested, because her BFF was caught helping out the resistance, and thrown in a cell with Ranove. He’s a POW; they’ve been starving him, and are hoping he’ll eat her, and mentally break. When they escape, I THINK she asks to go with, (she would pretty much die if she didn’t) but his people are not pleased. They basically hate humans, because humans provided the Adurians with technology which pretty much wiped out most of their race.
Bottom Line Ok read, I liked it well enough to finish, but not enough to continue on. There’re some plot holes, but I assume the story will continue into the next books. (with other MC’s) Ranove was a pretty great H, Lilith was pretty good too… she just came off annoying and a smidge selfish at times. This is Sci-fi smut-ish; there’s plenty of sex, but it’s not graphic, or nasty. The actual relationship (closeness) is a slow burn as Ranove is stuck between his people who hate humans, and his attraction to Lilith. My only real complaint is that the plot was slow moving at times, and the couple spent chunks apart which made it a tad boring at times. The entire series (I assume completed since nothing new in 3 years) is all free on KU.
This book takes place in a futuristic society. (maybe Earth-can’t remember) I thought it was unique, but it took me quite some time to really get the gist. The planet basically consists of 2 flying alien species living with humans: The Adurians, (bright ones) are a bright/gold/glowy alien race that controls light, and worships The Father of Light. (rules over the humans) They are called Lords, and humans are taught in school that they are good. The Umbrose, (dark ones) are a dark/horned alien race that controls the shadows, and worships The Mother of Shadows. They are called demons, and humans are taught that they are evil. I’m unsure if this was meant as a middle finger towards religion, but one might make that leap based of the several similarities with Christianity symbolism, along with the light lords being the “bad” ones & dark horned demons being the “good” guys. Personally, I read it at face value, but if you’re sensitive… just an FYI. 😉
The blurb sets up the plot. Lilith is arrested, because her BFF was caught helping out the resistance, and thrown in a cell with Ranove. He’s a POW; they’ve been starving him, and are hoping he’ll eat her, and mentally break. When they escape, I THINK she asks to go with, (she would pretty much die if she didn’t) but his people are not pleased. They basically hate humans, because humans provided the Adurians with technology which pretty much wiped out most of their race.
Bottom Line Ok read, I liked it well enough to finish, but not enough to continue on. There’re some plot holes, but I assume the story will continue into the next books. (with other MC’s) Ranove was a pretty great H, Lilith was pretty good too… she just came off annoying and a smidge selfish at times. This is Sci-fi smut-ish; there’s plenty of sex, but it’s not graphic, or nasty. The actual relationship (closeness) is a slow burn as Ranove is stuck between his people who hate humans, and his attraction to Lilith. My only real complaint is that the plot was slow moving at times, and the couple spent chunks apart which made it a tad boring at times. The entire series (I assume completed since nothing new in 3 years) is all free on KU.
June 23, 2018
Set in a dystopian future world where everyone is closely watched and living with an undercurrent of fear in artificial Domes Cities. Talented techie Lilith Galernon is arrested for a crime she didn’t commit and gets thrown into a war she didn’t know was being fought. Between creatures she didn’t know existed.It’s hard to put an exact genre name on this one, it has aspects of sci-fi with its future world setting and some of the devices they talk about. But, it also has elements of PNR with the demon-like and angel-like characters that populate the book. Then, there is also a slight fantasy feel to the book as well…it’s very confusing. So, if you are in the mood for a book that is defying genre conventions, this is definitely for you.
Of course, no matter what genre I plonk it into (I decided PNR) it’s the romance that hooks us. Ranove, our hero, isn’t human, he’s from a demon-like species, with horns, claws and wings and a weakness to light. But isn’t just his appearance that is different. Ranove’s race are fierce and ruthless fighters who have spent generations battling for their survival. They view humans as the slaves of their enemy.
This was a fairly action packed romance, something I usually enjoy. However, the hero and heroine are kept apart for the more fast paced parts of the book. And, when they are ‘together’ they spend most of the time apart. The only time I felt like they had a connection was when they first met and were forced into a prison cell together. However, as the book went on, the chemistry between Ranove and Lilith seemed to fade away and they didn’t quite click as a couple for me.
Although I liked the book and enjoyed the dystopian PNR/Sci-Fi world that Trombley created the romance itself fell a bit flat. However, I was intrigued enough that I will be picking up the next book in the series and give it a second chance.
Reviewed by Suzanne❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
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November 29, 2021Love Iriduan Test Subjects but this one wasn't for me.
June 11, 2016
well written, sometimes the thechnical stuff was a bit confusing, but overall a good story with likable characters. I could have done without some extensive descriptions and rather wished there were more focus on the cultural differences between H/h and much more communication between them. They were too often separated or H had things to do and left h alone. But all in all I enjoyed it very much and I am definitely looking forward to the sequel about the next couple.
July 18, 2022
I showed up for smut, but stayed for the plot.
The smut could've been better, but the world building of this distopian romance was terrific. I wasn't expecting it at all, but it was amazing. 4/5 ⭐, I would read this again.
The smut could've been better, but the world building of this distopian romance was terrific. I wasn't expecting it at all, but it was amazing. 4/5 ⭐, I would read this again.
dnf
January 17, 2022DNF 40%
If I appreciated Lilith's resourcefulness in some situations, I just couldn't connect well with her. She felt a little bit bland. As for Ranove, I just can't feel an interest to want to know more about him or his culture. I can't feel the chemistry much.
Some things really bothered me
If I appreciated Lilith's resourcefulness in some situations, I just couldn't connect well with her. She felt a little bit bland. As for Ranove, I just can't feel an interest to want to know more about him or his culture. I can't feel the chemistry much.
Some things really bothered me
October 23, 2018
The story was decently fleshed out, with an interesting world and decent characterization. There is some shallowness that detracted from my enjoyment - there were characters introduced to the story that felt like throwaway ideas, and I didn't always love Lilith as a heroine, but I guess she was fairly realistic. The culture clash between her and Ranove was interesting, and I wish that there'd been a bit more exploration of that. Occasionally dragged on outside of action and romance, so I found myself skimming here and there.
February 26, 2020
ANOTHER INTERESTING CONCEPT BY S.T THAT TOOK ME AWHILE TO REACH HERE. DON'T KNOW WHY I DIDN'T TRY THIS OUT EARLIER WHILE I WAS READING HER IRIDUAN TEST SUBJECTS SERIES.
RANOVE is the featured Demon (horns, talons and wings) of this story and we'll meet him when Lilith does the moment she's thrown into captivity with him. Ranove's culture is a whole new dynamic, and was pretty interesting to read. He's 1000 years old, and for Demons, they don't really have any emotional attachments for anyone except lust, which is how they SIRE and SPAWN their younglings. The fathers usually don't get involved in parenting, only agreeing to fuck a female, breed them and their responsibility to the society is done. Pretty cold stuff. Most Demon males pretty much have children, and their closest female mate will be a CONCUBINE. They don't believe in life-mates or marriages, but they do have a religion that worships THE MOTHER - an unknown entity that supposedly created the Demons. Ranove holds a prestigious rank as a Duke, second in command to the Prince and throughout the story he's on a mission to save Prince Balfour and also kick some Ardurian ass simultaneously.
LILITH came off as wimpy at first but it's great to see her develop into a more courageous female towards the middle and end. She was caught for a crime she never committed, more like an assumed accomplice and got thrown into 'jail' for helping out her friend. Clueless as to why she's been captured, Lilith went through her fair share of pain and trauma. First, being manhandled by the Peace Keepers and then thrown in with an ex-cannibal Demon and then entering the world of said Demon. I didn't blame Lilith one bit for being disgusted by Ranove's culture at one point, because it was all very base and cold. ONE - they used to eat humans. TWO - they don't think highly of humans. THREE - they don't believe in love. FOUR - they can discard the woman of the month over someone new, there's no loyalty or faithfulness. Although I do have to point out that it took Lilith not enough time yet also quite some time to accept her love for Ranove. It came easily, but the hardest part was the be able to accept the Demon culture yet, get Ranove to see from her perspective as well.
OVERALL this was pretty interesting and I can't wait to read Stacia's story next. I feel like she deserved so much more and I hate that such a strong female broke at the end of this book. I hope Balfour will help her regain her sparkle. Note that this series seems to focus on chubby females LOL...I will honestly say I'm not a fan of the BBW range, but this plot was too good to let down.
RANOVE is the featured Demon (horns, talons and wings) of this story and we'll meet him when Lilith does the moment she's thrown into captivity with him. Ranove's culture is a whole new dynamic, and was pretty interesting to read. He's 1000 years old, and for Demons, they don't really have any emotional attachments for anyone except lust, which is how they SIRE and SPAWN their younglings. The fathers usually don't get involved in parenting, only agreeing to fuck a female, breed them and their responsibility to the society is done. Pretty cold stuff. Most Demon males pretty much have children, and their closest female mate will be a CONCUBINE. They don't believe in life-mates or marriages, but they do have a religion that worships THE MOTHER - an unknown entity that supposedly created the Demons. Ranove holds a prestigious rank as a Duke, second in command to the Prince and throughout the story he's on a mission to save Prince Balfour and also kick some Ardurian ass simultaneously.
LILITH came off as wimpy at first but it's great to see her develop into a more courageous female towards the middle and end. She was caught for a crime she never committed, more like an assumed accomplice and got thrown into 'jail' for helping out her friend. Clueless as to why she's been captured, Lilith went through her fair share of pain and trauma. First, being manhandled by the Peace Keepers and then thrown in with an ex-cannibal Demon and then entering the world of said Demon. I didn't blame Lilith one bit for being disgusted by Ranove's culture at one point, because it was all very base and cold. ONE - they used to eat humans. TWO - they don't think highly of humans. THREE - they don't believe in love. FOUR - they can discard the woman of the month over someone new, there's no loyalty or faithfulness. Although I do have to point out that it took Lilith not enough time yet also quite some time to accept her love for Ranove. It came easily, but the hardest part was the be able to accept the Demon culture yet, get Ranove to see from her perspective as well.
OVERALL this was pretty interesting and I can't wait to read Stacia's story next. I feel like she deserved so much more and I hate that such a strong female broke at the end of this book. I hope Balfour will help her regain her sparkle. Note that this series seems to focus on chubby females LOL...I will honestly say I'm not a fan of the BBW range, but this plot was too good to let down.
March 18, 2018
Awesome SciFi romance
The world building, differing cultures and physiology, and the romance kept me voraciously reading.
I did think that the heroine bounced back from her injuries too quickly. And the intimate mechanics didn't address how sharp claws and teeth were an impediment.
Still, I'm looking forward to the next one!
The world building, differing cultures and physiology, and the romance kept me voraciously reading.
I did think that the heroine bounced back from her injuries too quickly. And the intimate mechanics didn't address how sharp claws and teeth were an impediment.
Still, I'm looking forward to the next one!
June 29, 2018
Set in a dystopian future world where everyone is closely watched and living with an undercurrent of fear in artificial Domes Cities. Talented techie Lilith Galernon is arrested for a crime she didn’t commit and gets thrown into a war she didn’t know was being fought. Between creatures she didn’t know existed.
It’s hard to put an exact genre name on this one, it has aspects of sci-fi with its future world setting and some of the devices they talk about. But, it also has elements of PNR with the demon-like and angel-like characters that populate the book. Then, there is also a slight fantasy feel to the book as well…it’s very confusing. So, if you are in the mood for a book that is defying genre conventions, this is definitely for you.
Of course, no matter what genre I plonk it into (I decided PNR) it’s the romance that hooks us. Ranove, our hero, isn’t human, he’s from a demon-like species, with horns, claws and wings and a weakness to light. But isn’t just his appearance that is different. Ranove’s race are fierce and ruthless fighters who have spent generations battling for their survival. They view humans as the slaves of their enemy.
This was a fairly action packed romance, something I usually enjoy. However, the hero and heroine are kept apart for the more fast paced parts of the book. And, when they are ‘together’ they spend most of the time apart. The only time I felt like they had a connection was when they first met and were forced into a prison cell together. However, as the book went on, the chemistry between Ranove and Lilith seemed to fade away and they didn’t quite click as a couple for me.
Although I liked the book and enjoyed the dystopian PNR/Sci-Fi world that Trombley created the romance itself fell a bit flat. However, I was intrigued enough that I will be picking up the next book in the series and give it a second chance.
It’s hard to put an exact genre name on this one, it has aspects of sci-fi with its future world setting and some of the devices they talk about. But, it also has elements of PNR with the demon-like and angel-like characters that populate the book. Then, there is also a slight fantasy feel to the book as well…it’s very confusing. So, if you are in the mood for a book that is defying genre conventions, this is definitely for you.
Of course, no matter what genre I plonk it into (I decided PNR) it’s the romance that hooks us. Ranove, our hero, isn’t human, he’s from a demon-like species, with horns, claws and wings and a weakness to light. But isn’t just his appearance that is different. Ranove’s race are fierce and ruthless fighters who have spent generations battling for their survival. They view humans as the slaves of their enemy.
This was a fairly action packed romance, something I usually enjoy. However, the hero and heroine are kept apart for the more fast paced parts of the book. And, when they are ‘together’ they spend most of the time apart. The only time I felt like they had a connection was when they first met and were forced into a prison cell together. However, as the book went on, the chemistry between Ranove and Lilith seemed to fade away and they didn’t quite click as a couple for me.
Although I liked the book and enjoyed the dystopian PNR/Sci-Fi world that Trombley created the romance itself fell a bit flat. However, I was intrigued enough that I will be picking up the next book in the series and give it a second chance.
September 24, 2021
Poor pacing, overwhelming wordy passages and action sequences that took shortcuts. Also, the romance was unconvincing and the characters fell flat, with very little interaction happening between the two and both not dealing with enough plot, given the page time.
I have read many books by Susan Trombley. The Iriduan Test Subject Series is great, action-filled fun. The Dead Fall series are tense, intensely romantic and make their complicated plots unravel flawlessly.
This is the opposite of the strengths that either the Test Subject or Dead Fall series had: it was long-winded like Dead Fall, but without the complex plot and intricate social constructs. Unlike the Test Subject books, both main characters in this novel felt two dimensional, unappealing and unsympathetic.
Much of that was due to the narration: there were many monologues. One monologue seldom came alone. If Lilith got a chance to introspect, her man also got his monologue.
Despite him being duke of his people, he had surprisingly little to do, management-wise. And while there was always space for more monologues, sometimes entire weeks were brushed over as time passed and things happened.
One notable scene, the discovery of a betrayer, was a complete let-down. A previously unimportant character came forward and ratted the traitor out. And we didn't even see justice done! It was so frustrating.
Every time things got dangerous, the characters still had time to monologue, which I hated.
I felt very meh about the whole book but since I liked Stacia I'll give the sequel a try anyway. Trombley is generally a good writer. If you like Alien Romance, I recommend the Iriduan Test Subject books. If you like Reverse Harem, you'll enjoy the Dead Fall series.
I have read many books by Susan Trombley. The Iriduan Test Subject Series is great, action-filled fun. The Dead Fall series are tense, intensely romantic and make their complicated plots unravel flawlessly.
This is the opposite of the strengths that either the Test Subject or Dead Fall series had: it was long-winded like Dead Fall, but without the complex plot and intricate social constructs. Unlike the Test Subject books, both main characters in this novel felt two dimensional, unappealing and unsympathetic.
Much of that was due to the narration: there were many monologues. One monologue seldom came alone. If Lilith got a chance to introspect, her man also got his monologue.
Despite him being duke of his people, he had surprisingly little to do, management-wise. And while there was always space for more monologues, sometimes entire weeks were brushed over as time passed and things happened.
One notable scene, the discovery of a betrayer, was a complete let-down. A previously unimportant character came forward and ratted the traitor out. And we didn't even see justice done! It was so frustrating.
Every time things got dangerous, the characters still had time to monologue, which I hated.
I felt very meh about the whole book but since I liked Stacia I'll give the sequel a try anyway. Trombley is generally a good writer. If you like Alien Romance, I recommend the Iriduan Test Subject books. If you like Reverse Harem, you'll enjoy the Dead Fall series.
August 23, 2018
This is getting 2 stars because the concept is unique and interesting. But Lilith was a pathetic, whiny character and even given the fact that it is paranormal/sci-fi romance, I struggled to see why Ranove wanted her so much. She seriously ruined the whole book. That and the way the umbrose treat women. Not cool. The only way I'd read another book in this series is if it involved a female umbrose uprising. So a lot of potential with this world and its beings, but unfortunately, the writing, plot, and characters didn't live up to it.
June 21, 2018
DNF 31%
The heroine never really *does* anything. She has stuff happen to her, but really, she is quite bland. I got bored. Didn’t like her, the love interest, the world, or the bad guys. Meh.
The heroine never really *does* anything. She has stuff happen to her, but really, she is quite bland. I got bored. Didn’t like her, the love interest, the world, or the bad guys. Meh.
September 6, 2018
Actually read the 3rd book and 2nd book before I read this book. I like that while there was sexy time etc i like the solid plot lines and the world building too. Solid 5 star book!
Want to read
November 7, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/7/2021)! 🎁
April 18, 2018
I really like this book, I was a little put back by the cover, I’m not into dark romance or suspense, but is a great PNR, to be honest, this book would be on my all times hall of fame if the heroine had some backbone, or at least wouldn’t be a water fountain. I swear, there were times I wanted to slap her so hard.
Like… GET OVER IT!!
Like… GET OVER IT!!
January 3, 2026
3.5 stars
December 28, 2019
Enjoyable
I enjoyed this book.. the whole demon / gods = aliens story line was very unique. I did think Lilith was a little whiney at first, but then really liked her. This book did not spend as much time on relationship building as some of this authors other series, but still good.
I enjoyed this book.. the whole demon / gods = aliens story line was very unique. I did think Lilith was a little whiney at first, but then really liked her. This book did not spend as much time on relationship building as some of this authors other series, but still good.
July 13, 2018
First in series of this dystopian/sci fi/fantasy series
Set in a world where ‘lords’, sins and restrictions control everyone and everything. Lilith is an engineer recently dumped by her boyfriend...her best friend pretty rich girl Stacia treats her to a spar... when the mud hits the fan and they are arrested by peacekeepers for treason!
Separated and interrogated it turns out that Stacia is part of a rebel alliance called the commemoro, who ongoing attacks on the lords and the mindless humans who follow them, have backfired on to Lilith..she is thrown into a cell to await her fate for writing a program that can block com-Link vids from being intercepted and overheard.
Turns out she isn’t the only one in the cell... it’s other occupant is a devil...made of shadows.
Wow just wow... this book was so freaking great! The originality and story was engrossing and captured me straight away. I loved the concept and the Umbero ( devils ) v’s the Adurians ( Lords ) was a brilliantly constructed fight of good v’s evil!!! It was filled with fast paced action and I loved that it dragged me along for the ride and I have to say I was such a willing passenger!
There were so many moments in this book that left me gasping with shock, it was quite bloodthirsty so if that isn’t your thing then consider this your #TriggerWarning... my inner splatter horror lover was crowing for more blood... more death... and more destruction...and by god it was happily sated by the end of this book.
Lilith was a good heroine in that, given her situation, she did what she could... she really came into her strength in the second half and I was literally cheering the girl on.
R ( I suck at names ) was a brilliant hero..I found his dry sense of humour and simplistic way of looking at things really funny. Their relationship was a wonderful read and I their chemistry was brilliantly written.
If you love a book filled with romance but also a great big dollop of action and adventure then this is the book for you!!! So many genres rolled in to one great big satisfying read and I for one will defiantly be continuing on with this series.
It ticks so many of my bookloving great read boxes I could do anything but give it to massive thumbs up 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
Set in a world where ‘lords’, sins and restrictions control everyone and everything. Lilith is an engineer recently dumped by her boyfriend...her best friend pretty rich girl Stacia treats her to a spar... when the mud hits the fan and they are arrested by peacekeepers for treason!
Separated and interrogated it turns out that Stacia is part of a rebel alliance called the commemoro, who ongoing attacks on the lords and the mindless humans who follow them, have backfired on to Lilith..she is thrown into a cell to await her fate for writing a program that can block com-Link vids from being intercepted and overheard.
Turns out she isn’t the only one in the cell... it’s other occupant is a devil...made of shadows.
Wow just wow... this book was so freaking great! The originality and story was engrossing and captured me straight away. I loved the concept and the Umbero ( devils ) v’s the Adurians ( Lords ) was a brilliantly constructed fight of good v’s evil!!! It was filled with fast paced action and I loved that it dragged me along for the ride and I have to say I was such a willing passenger!
There were so many moments in this book that left me gasping with shock, it was quite bloodthirsty so if that isn’t your thing then consider this your #TriggerWarning... my inner splatter horror lover was crowing for more blood... more death... and more destruction...and by god it was happily sated by the end of this book.
Lilith was a good heroine in that, given her situation, she did what she could... she really came into her strength in the second half and I was literally cheering the girl on.
R ( I suck at names ) was a brilliant hero..I found his dry sense of humour and simplistic way of looking at things really funny. Their relationship was a wonderful read and I their chemistry was brilliantly written.
If you love a book filled with romance but also a great big dollop of action and adventure then this is the book for you!!! So many genres rolled in to one great big satisfying read and I for one will defiantly be continuing on with this series.
It ticks so many of my bookloving great read boxes I could do anything but give it to massive thumbs up 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
August 8, 2018
Promising start
This was a promising start to This series. The characters and especially their world are well built. We get plenty of details about their history and beliefs that really helps to clean the whole thing out. I can say once we figure out why the dome cities are there and where they & these humans came from i was a little shocked, but in a good way. Polity is likable and loyal to a fault; so much so I had moments I wanted to shake her but overall she was a likable, realistic heroine. Ranove yes I'll take one of my own please. While he and lilith blaze the trail for a non traditional relationship in their world they do it well. It isn't perfect throughout there is some learning involved but that for me is a positive in relationships like this. I also really enjoyed how the 'demons' & 'lords' had some distinctly not human features while still being primarily humanoid. So overall this is a good sci-fi romance with some action, not times, mystery and exploration thrown in: would recommend.
This was a promising start to This series. The characters and especially their world are well built. We get plenty of details about their history and beliefs that really helps to clean the whole thing out. I can say once we figure out why the dome cities are there and where they & these humans came from i was a little shocked, but in a good way. Polity is likable and loyal to a fault; so much so I had moments I wanted to shake her but overall she was a likable, realistic heroine. Ranove yes I'll take one of my own please. While he and lilith blaze the trail for a non traditional relationship in their world they do it well. It isn't perfect throughout there is some learning involved but that for me is a positive in relationships like this. I also really enjoyed how the 'demons' & 'lords' had some distinctly not human features while still being primarily humanoid. So overall this is a good sci-fi romance with some action, not times, mystery and exploration thrown in: would recommend.
August 5, 2017
Wonderful book
I didn't expect to like this book after the first few pages but I found myself pleasantly surprised. The story moved along at a pleasant pace and it was well written. I enjoyed all of the characters, which is rare for me.
My only complaints are the lack of some vital information and the stunted inclusion of certain characters. Yuki for example wielded enough power to betray her people but she's only included four times in the book. All we know is she plotted early on, was Lilith's handmaiden for one day, gave her to light, and was implicated by Ranove, but no explanation as to how. Hopefully the next book will yield those answers.
I didn't expect to like this book after the first few pages but I found myself pleasantly surprised. The story moved along at a pleasant pace and it was well written. I enjoyed all of the characters, which is rare for me.
My only complaints are the lack of some vital information and the stunted inclusion of certain characters. Yuki for example wielded enough power to betray her people but she's only included four times in the book. All we know is she plotted early on, was Lilith's handmaiden for one day, gave her to light, and was implicated by Ranove, but no explanation as to how. Hopefully the next book will yield those answers.
March 28, 2018
Lilith's Fall
Very intriguing story with two opposite people who make a great couple. I really enjoyed the world building and the adventure. What i didn't enjoy was how long Lilith could go on and on about herself. The pity party that she stayed in too long. By the time it finally moved on i had skipped some of the pages so I didn't have to keep re-reading the same cycle over and over. Otherwise it was a good story with a very good plot line. I will be reading the next in this series. I would recommend this book.
Very intriguing story with two opposite people who make a great couple. I really enjoyed the world building and the adventure. What i didn't enjoy was how long Lilith could go on and on about herself. The pity party that she stayed in too long. By the time it finally moved on i had skipped some of the pages so I didn't have to keep re-reading the same cycle over and over. Otherwise it was a good story with a very good plot line. I will be reading the next in this series. I would recommend this book.
July 25, 2019
I'm probably in the minority in this one, but I absolutely loved this book. I was actually wary about starting this one because I had tried few books by the author and I was unable to fully immerse myself into the world she's created. I've got to give credit where it's due--this author is amazing at world-building, even with her other books. It's just this one totally engaged my attention and I became so invested with Lilith and Ranove. Again, I loved it.
May 17, 2018
The book Liliths’ Fall by Susan Trombly, was a nice read. But lacked a lot to be a good book.
The cover is phenomenal.
The paranormal aspect was very interesting, although the details were not totally thought through to perfection. I loved the world building. The dome cities, the sanctuary, the oppression by implementing a religious cult, and much more.
But sometimes small things made me wonder, like the weapons used, the light and darkness effect, the described physiology. His wings or fingernails for example, and the description of mundane tasks like bathing, sleeping, fingering etc. It didn’t add up at times. The bathtub must have been gigantic in reference to the wings they have to had to be able to support a body that size to fly. Yep, that is me, I am stickler for details like that when it comes to an awesome fantasy/paranormal book. And to get fingered with such claws, give me a reason to believe that no internal bleeding occurred. LOL
The very interesting part for me was the clash of the different cultures. And baby did they clash. But sadly it all played in the head of the heroine.
The different cultures could have been explored more perfectly. With different angles and finesse. The way it was done didn’t do it justice. The heroine struggled with the differences but in a way that was not believable. From a psychological point of view it was all believable but only in theory, the heroine was not confronted practically with the matters to struggle with it, in such a short time and locked in a room. It felt like she made it all up before it even mattered. Therefor the heroine appeared to be very dramatic, neurotic at times and unreasonable, it all felt out of place.
For example, the meals she gets served. Out of the blue she gets the idea it could be human flesh. Not that the idea isn’t a possibility, but at this point in the book, by the knowledge given, it sounds irrational. If she would have overheard some “demons” joking or reminiscing about the taste being missed, then confronted with a hot and steamy meal later, it would have made a better storyline and foundation to act on it. And this happens with mostly all differences the heroine struggles and comes up with between the two cultures.
So, the author thought of every possibility humans would likely struggle to comprehend the different society, culture and ethics of the demons but the author didn’t give it a playground to occur and bloom.
And the most prominent difference of the age and longevity was not even addressed properly in the end.
Therefor the writing was not that good.
The plot was good, but sadly the plot threads were too separated from each other. Even the heroine appeared to be a different character every time. It felt like dissected plot blocks put together one after another. Instead of a fluent, whole and connected story. The Dome, the prison, the sanctuary, the rescue, the rebellion, .... They felt not really connected to each other and often appeared to be convenient for the story and not the other way around. It is tough to explain for me. Even the character development lacked in that aspect, the female character just changed every time she was put in a different environment but did not grow properly from one to the other. Despite the fact that she was not an aspiring character and often had her own internal pity party, which got old very fast and made her not one bit attractive, the development was missing. The male character on the other hand was a great and admirable warrior.
The ending was unsatisfactory, it left a lot unanswered, a lot desired and even raised more questions. And again we have a series which continues with different characters, and I am not interested in that.
The cover is phenomenal.
The paranormal aspect was very interesting, although the details were not totally thought through to perfection. I loved the world building. The dome cities, the sanctuary, the oppression by implementing a religious cult, and much more.
But sometimes small things made me wonder, like the weapons used, the light and darkness effect, the described physiology. His wings or fingernails for example, and the description of mundane tasks like bathing, sleeping, fingering etc. It didn’t add up at times. The bathtub must have been gigantic in reference to the wings they have to had to be able to support a body that size to fly. Yep, that is me, I am stickler for details like that when it comes to an awesome fantasy/paranormal book. And to get fingered with such claws, give me a reason to believe that no internal bleeding occurred. LOL
The very interesting part for me was the clash of the different cultures. And baby did they clash. But sadly it all played in the head of the heroine.
The different cultures could have been explored more perfectly. With different angles and finesse. The way it was done didn’t do it justice. The heroine struggled with the differences but in a way that was not believable. From a psychological point of view it was all believable but only in theory, the heroine was not confronted practically with the matters to struggle with it, in such a short time and locked in a room. It felt like she made it all up before it even mattered. Therefor the heroine appeared to be very dramatic, neurotic at times and unreasonable, it all felt out of place.
For example, the meals she gets served. Out of the blue she gets the idea it could be human flesh. Not that the idea isn’t a possibility, but at this point in the book, by the knowledge given, it sounds irrational. If she would have overheard some “demons” joking or reminiscing about the taste being missed, then confronted with a hot and steamy meal later, it would have made a better storyline and foundation to act on it. And this happens with mostly all differences the heroine struggles and comes up with between the two cultures.
So, the author thought of every possibility humans would likely struggle to comprehend the different society, culture and ethics of the demons but the author didn’t give it a playground to occur and bloom.
And the most prominent difference of the age and longevity was not even addressed properly in the end.
Therefor the writing was not that good.
The plot was good, but sadly the plot threads were too separated from each other. Even the heroine appeared to be a different character every time. It felt like dissected plot blocks put together one after another. Instead of a fluent, whole and connected story. The Dome, the prison, the sanctuary, the rescue, the rebellion, .... They felt not really connected to each other and often appeared to be convenient for the story and not the other way around. It is tough to explain for me. Even the character development lacked in that aspect, the female character just changed every time she was put in a different environment but did not grow properly from one to the other. Despite the fact that she was not an aspiring character and often had her own internal pity party, which got old very fast and made her not one bit attractive, the development was missing. The male character on the other hand was a great and admirable warrior.
The ending was unsatisfactory, it left a lot unanswered, a lot desired and even raised more questions. And again we have a series which continues with different characters, and I am not interested in that.
November 19, 2021
Lots of questions
I saw there was now a 4th, after having read these years ago. So I did a reread.
Lilith isn't the most exciting person but her life just became crazed. Picked up as an accomplice to a crime she didn't commit, due to a secret life her friend was living, she's now in jail. The Peace Keepers aren't what their name implies. After scaring her, hurting her, threatening her, they throw her in a cell with a demon they've been starving. They give her tiny amounts of food but it doesn't take much to figure out that she's supposed the answer to his hunger. They just didn't realize that they'd escape, and she'd give over to a different hunger.
Spoilers ahead.
We aren't told much about this world. Humans settled but are now under rule of Lords, angel like beings. They use religion to cage them as willing pawns. But a rebellion is forming and Lilith accidentally gets dragged into it. Ranove is the 2nd highest umbrose, what humans know as demons. The adurians (angels/Lords) and umbrose have fought for eons. I'm not sure of the numbers of each, but there's basically only a city of each left. So:
*When population numbers are that low, even ceasing war probably won't help them recover. Not enough genetic variability to keep from eventual inbreeding or drift.
*Humans live in domes but can't make an anecdote for the fungal spores that have them living in these domes? They have advanced medicine in almost every other area.
*The "romance" is more a choice of be with him, be sent back to the humans who want her dead, or set loose in the jungle that has the spores that could kill her. Not exactly swoon worthy. In the cell he sang to keep her from being embarrassed by bodily functions. In his city he became a knuckle dragging jerk who alternated between avoiding her or expecting her to know everything about the umbrose and their customs without explaining a thing. She has more of a relationship with her maid than him.
*Umbrose move through shadow. Do adurians do the same through light?
*He can apparently hear through shadow, but doesn't explain that to her when he says call for him. But gets mad when she doesn't. Because, lack of information.
*She never tells them about the traitor in their midst.
*The rebellion that finally occurs, is almost anticlimactic. We know nothing about it until she is held by them. We only met a few members. Have no idea what they're going to do after overthrowing the angels.
*Spores carry ridiculously long distances. Especially when disturbed by flying creatures. Why would she not encounter spores in the umbrose city? They fly patrol through it. One good wing shake in the city could take her down.
*If the umbrose saw generations of tech advancing and being used to hunt their already endangered numbers, why wait so long before doing anything?
The story left me with more questions than satisfaction. I never grew to care for the main characters. I never really felt their bond. The interpersonal drama seemed contrived in several areas. He's over a thousand years old, and while we're somewhat told they age slower, he'd still be close to a century in human years. That should have brought at least some mellowing and maturity.
I saw there was now a 4th, after having read these years ago. So I did a reread.
Lilith isn't the most exciting person but her life just became crazed. Picked up as an accomplice to a crime she didn't commit, due to a secret life her friend was living, she's now in jail. The Peace Keepers aren't what their name implies. After scaring her, hurting her, threatening her, they throw her in a cell with a demon they've been starving. They give her tiny amounts of food but it doesn't take much to figure out that she's supposed the answer to his hunger. They just didn't realize that they'd escape, and she'd give over to a different hunger.
Spoilers ahead.
We aren't told much about this world. Humans settled but are now under rule of Lords, angel like beings. They use religion to cage them as willing pawns. But a rebellion is forming and Lilith accidentally gets dragged into it. Ranove is the 2nd highest umbrose, what humans know as demons. The adurians (angels/Lords) and umbrose have fought for eons. I'm not sure of the numbers of each, but there's basically only a city of each left. So:
*When population numbers are that low, even ceasing war probably won't help them recover. Not enough genetic variability to keep from eventual inbreeding or drift.
*Humans live in domes but can't make an anecdote for the fungal spores that have them living in these domes? They have advanced medicine in almost every other area.
*The "romance" is more a choice of be with him, be sent back to the humans who want her dead, or set loose in the jungle that has the spores that could kill her. Not exactly swoon worthy. In the cell he sang to keep her from being embarrassed by bodily functions. In his city he became a knuckle dragging jerk who alternated between avoiding her or expecting her to know everything about the umbrose and their customs without explaining a thing. She has more of a relationship with her maid than him.
*Umbrose move through shadow. Do adurians do the same through light?
*He can apparently hear through shadow, but doesn't explain that to her when he says call for him. But gets mad when she doesn't. Because, lack of information.
*She never tells them about the traitor in their midst.
*The rebellion that finally occurs, is almost anticlimactic. We know nothing about it until she is held by them. We only met a few members. Have no idea what they're going to do after overthrowing the angels.
*Spores carry ridiculously long distances. Especially when disturbed by flying creatures. Why would she not encounter spores in the umbrose city? They fly patrol through it. One good wing shake in the city could take her down.
*If the umbrose saw generations of tech advancing and being used to hunt their already endangered numbers, why wait so long before doing anything?
The story left me with more questions than satisfaction. I never grew to care for the main characters. I never really felt their bond. The interpersonal drama seemed contrived in several areas. He's over a thousand years old, and while we're somewhat told they age slower, he'd still be close to a century in human years. That should have brought at least some mellowing and maturity.
July 19, 2022
First of all, I want to complain about the fact that the cover I bought is not on here to choose from and I can't add it anymore. It only annoys me so much because I like the new cover better.
I don't know what I was expecting when I went into this, but I enjoyed it a lot. There's so much going on here with different beings having their own side to things. There was always something going on and I often never wanted to put the book down.
Lilith and the rest of the humans live inside of domes that protect them from the poisonous environment outside. They are bombarded by religious preaching that is broadcast 24/7 over the radios in every single building. They're practically brainwashed into wanting to be pure and good people. Of course, it doesn't apply to everyone. There is a rebel group that is trying to take down the leadership. But closer to home for Lilith is her best friend, Stacia. Stacia has an insanely rich father and has been flaunting the rules and beliefs thrust upon her her whole life. Lilith may not believe in the Lords that she has been taught to revere, but she does try her best to be good. Unfortunately, it's her association with Stacia that will drag her into a living nightmare.
Arrested for suspicion of working with the rebels, Lilith is thrown into a cell with what she has always been taught was a demon. As it turns out, her cell mate, Ranove, is much much more than that. When Ranove doesn't automatically kill and eat her, these two end up getting sort of closer. Lilith can't help her inquisitive mind and Ranove can't help but indulge her, despite the fact he typically hates talking. It doesn't take long for the people in charge to be bored with not getting the outcome they wanted and Lilith is taken away with the promise of more suffering. It was very believable how Lilith didn't give up and did what she did to escape. Only to be taken by Ranove.
I really love the relationship between Ranove and Lilith and how it kept building. The only thing I found incredibly frustrating was how often Lilith let her obviously untrue teaching always influence her thinking and how she had way too much empathy for the situation she finds herself in. Claimed by Ranove as his concubine, Lilith will want for nothing but it also earns her vicious enemies. These two were pretty hot together...and I really wouldn't have complained if we had more scenes like the first time Ranove took her. But Lilith is due credit in that she really wants to learn about Ranove and his people. Too bad she gets taken again before she makes much progress.
Another nightmare for Lilith is cut short with a rescue from an unlikely person. Not sure if Ranove is dead or alive, Lilith throws herself into her new role and into her training all while keeping her relationship with him a secret. Probably was a good idea because when he finds her again, people no longer treat her the same. But now that Ranove is there, things can move forward. This whole time Ranove has been trying to rescue his prince but he doesn't have the numbers for a successful mission. But with the humans helping, he just might finally succeed. How that whole thing goes down was fantastic by the way. Now it's time for Ranove and Lilith to clear things up and move on together.
I have to buy the next book still, but when I do, I'm going to jump right into it.
I don't know what I was expecting when I went into this, but I enjoyed it a lot. There's so much going on here with different beings having their own side to things. There was always something going on and I often never wanted to put the book down.
Lilith and the rest of the humans live inside of domes that protect them from the poisonous environment outside. They are bombarded by religious preaching that is broadcast 24/7 over the radios in every single building. They're practically brainwashed into wanting to be pure and good people. Of course, it doesn't apply to everyone. There is a rebel group that is trying to take down the leadership. But closer to home for Lilith is her best friend, Stacia. Stacia has an insanely rich father and has been flaunting the rules and beliefs thrust upon her her whole life. Lilith may not believe in the Lords that she has been taught to revere, but she does try her best to be good. Unfortunately, it's her association with Stacia that will drag her into a living nightmare.
Arrested for suspicion of working with the rebels, Lilith is thrown into a cell with what she has always been taught was a demon. As it turns out, her cell mate, Ranove, is much much more than that. When Ranove doesn't automatically kill and eat her, these two end up getting sort of closer. Lilith can't help her inquisitive mind and Ranove can't help but indulge her, despite the fact he typically hates talking. It doesn't take long for the people in charge to be bored with not getting the outcome they wanted and Lilith is taken away with the promise of more suffering. It was very believable how Lilith didn't give up and did what she did to escape. Only to be taken by Ranove.
I really love the relationship between Ranove and Lilith and how it kept building. The only thing I found incredibly frustrating was how often Lilith let her obviously untrue teaching always influence her thinking and how she had way too much empathy for the situation she finds herself in. Claimed by Ranove as his concubine, Lilith will want for nothing but it also earns her vicious enemies. These two were pretty hot together...and I really wouldn't have complained if we had more scenes like the first time Ranove took her. But Lilith is due credit in that she really wants to learn about Ranove and his people. Too bad she gets taken again before she makes much progress.
Another nightmare for Lilith is cut short with a rescue from an unlikely person. Not sure if Ranove is dead or alive, Lilith throws herself into her new role and into her training all while keeping her relationship with him a secret. Probably was a good idea because when he finds her again, people no longer treat her the same. But now that Ranove is there, things can move forward. This whole time Ranove has been trying to rescue his prince but he doesn't have the numbers for a successful mission. But with the humans helping, he just might finally succeed. How that whole thing goes down was fantastic by the way. Now it's time for Ranove and Lilith to clear things up and move on together.
I have to buy the next book still, but when I do, I'm going to jump right into it.
February 15, 2021
This is heavy on the Christian symbolism without actually engaging with it. There's definitely a tale to be told about the role religion plays and how it shapes good and bad people. This... Was fairly simplistic which makes me think the author just wanted to reverse the heaven and hell imagery without any actual thought into how Lilith would feel when her entire foundation gets flipped on its head. I would have loved to see more thought into how she comes to terms with abandoning everything and everyone she ever knew for a new culture. Lilith is essentially an immigrant, and there's a complete lack of recognition for this.
While there was so much potential, this story ultimately fell short of anything meaningful. It was pretty exciting for Lilith to be characterized as a computer engineer, a fairly rare occupation in romances. Unfortunately, nothing was done with this. I think this is useful, oh, three times in the entire book. She gets kidnapped and instead of actually trying to escape, she basically just accepts that she's now Ranove's concubine. Her intelligence is used to distract herself, where she tried to figure out a lamp! She's just so disappointing.
But honestly, Ranove had pretty much no character development. If he had more depth, this could have been so much better. There are hints that he's unusual for an umbrose, that he's a lot more driven and cold. Reasons for this, especially in contrast to others of his kind would have made his characteore compelling. He also never really got to know Lilith or demonstrated any growth in terms of respecting humans. I'm not even sure what Lilith sees in him other than physical attraction. There's a lack of actual spark and tension between them.
I think there was a great effort in developing this world and making it more complex. Unfortunately, the characters all fell a little flat. What was the point of introducing Yuki, only to do absolutely nothing with her character? How about Jack? Maybe they're supposed to come back for future installments, but for now these were fairly disappointing plot points that never paid off.
While there was so much potential, this story ultimately fell short of anything meaningful. It was pretty exciting for Lilith to be characterized as a computer engineer, a fairly rare occupation in romances. Unfortunately, nothing was done with this. I think this is useful, oh, three times in the entire book. She gets kidnapped and instead of actually trying to escape, she basically just accepts that she's now Ranove's concubine. Her intelligence is used to distract herself, where she tried to figure out a lamp! She's just so disappointing.
But honestly, Ranove had pretty much no character development. If he had more depth, this could have been so much better. There are hints that he's unusual for an umbrose, that he's a lot more driven and cold. Reasons for this, especially in contrast to others of his kind would have made his characteore compelling. He also never really got to know Lilith or demonstrated any growth in terms of respecting humans. I'm not even sure what Lilith sees in him other than physical attraction. There's a lack of actual spark and tension between them.
I think there was a great effort in developing this world and making it more complex. Unfortunately, the characters all fell a little flat. What was the point of introducing Yuki, only to do absolutely nothing with her character? How about Jack? Maybe they're supposed to come back for future installments, but for now these were fairly disappointing plot points that never paid off.
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