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The Kings #9
The Demon King
Dahlia Kellen has been through hell. Raised in a fae society that slowly drove her mad, she turned traitor against her people and was cast out. But in an act of heroism that clearly exposed her for the good she was, she rose up against the true evil threatening her people, and in her efforts to stop that evil, she was terribly transformed. Now dark, different, and feeling truly exiled in her soul, Dahlia has a chance encounter with a man in Boston. A man whose gaze is as dark and haunted as her own… and whose craven desire for her and dangerous, powerful bloodline will show Dahlia that for her, hell is just the beginning.
“I’ve come with a message about your father,” said the stranger.
“You’re speaking of Marius.” Marius was dead. Laz would know; he’d killed him.
But the messenger smiled. “No, no. Not quite,” he said, white teeth gleaming in an unholy grin. “Think bigger. Think badder.”
Steven Lazarus is a seasoned detective with the Boston police force who has always served and protected, and done so by the book. But the Akyri King’s insides are heating up, a painful yearning is tearing away at him, and his tall, strong body has become capable of a dark, violent magic he can barely control. His dangerous past has caught up with him, and he can scarcely stand to look at his own reflection. He doesn’t recognize the man staring back at him, and that terrifies him.
Because he knows the powerful, hungry man in the mirror wants Dahlia Kellen just as badly as he does. And if he has to, he’ll raise hell to claim her.
The Demon King is the 9th book in the best selling The Big Bad Wolf spinoff series, The Kings, by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Heather Killough-Walden.
“I’ve come with a message about your father,” said the stranger.
“You’re speaking of Marius.” Marius was dead. Laz would know; he’d killed him.
But the messenger smiled. “No, no. Not quite,” he said, white teeth gleaming in an unholy grin. “Think bigger. Think badder.”
Steven Lazarus is a seasoned detective with the Boston police force who has always served and protected, and done so by the book. But the Akyri King’s insides are heating up, a painful yearning is tearing away at him, and his tall, strong body has become capable of a dark, violent magic he can barely control. His dangerous past has caught up with him, and he can scarcely stand to look at his own reflection. He doesn’t recognize the man staring back at him, and that terrifies him.
Because he knows the powerful, hungry man in the mirror wants Dahlia Kellen just as badly as he does. And if he has to, he’ll raise hell to claim her.
The Demon King is the 9th book in the best selling The Big Bad Wolf spinoff series, The Kings, by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Heather Killough-Walden.
337 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 14, 2016
149 people are currently reading
575 people want to read
About the author
Heather Killough-Walden
61 books2,187 followersHeather Killough-Walden is a California native currently living in Texas with her husband and child. She is the New York Times bestselling author of the Big Bad Wolf series. Heather’s educational background includes religious studies, archeology, and law. She has traveled all over the world but hopes to one day live in a town with a world-class hockey team. (Let’s Go Pens!) Visit Heather’s website at www.killough-walden.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter. Also, be sure to keep in touch with her and other fans through her Facebook fan page and through Twitter (killoughwalden)!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
October 17, 2022
3.75 Stars
Read the other books in the series first!
Random Thoughts
Heather Killough-Walden weaves an interlacing tale involving two protagonists from previous books in the series into the romantic story of the Akyri king, Steven Lazarus (who actually has kept a day job as a Boston police detective and lives in an apartment in an old converted motel) and another continuing character, Tuath fae, warlock, vampire Dahlia Kellen (whew! Schizophrenia). Laz was introduced first in one of the very early books. Along the way in this story, Laz becomes the Demon king and Dahlia finds herself changing (again) as well. (Not sure if he stays as the Akyri king, too.)
I really like Killough-Walden's writing. A lot of the things I read are more on the senior-in-high school writing level, and this is much more sophisticated. I have to say that her intelligent complex plots and imagination just blow my mind.
The books in this series are quite spread out in publication dates and if you read a lot like I do, it's easy to forget all the details of previous books written several years earlier. I am thinking about going back to the Big Bad Wolf series and just read all of the books in that and this series again for a refresher.
So much happens in this book, yet I felt a little bit unfulfilled with the character development. It's not actually very 'romantic' (although the two do have good chemistry) because neither character wanted a mate. Neither one is romantic except for a few thoughts here and there. This is definitely not erotica. The one smex scene wasn't very hot, or I guess it could have been more so. Some writers can do panty-melting sex scenes really well, but not most, so I think it's just as well there isn't much of it, rather than ten not-very-good scenes that go on for 10+ pages, so I just skip them. It's not angsty, though, which means the world to me, as that usually involves ridiculous repetition like you find in bodice rippers and historicals that are contracted to be x number of pages but the author doesn't really have that much material.
There was repetition of something that happened in the past. Not angsty stuff... more of a factoid. It was like the author picked the writing up after an absence and forgot that this paragraph has already been told to us before. This is a *major pet peeve* of mine and I have quit reading certain authors because they are so bad about doing this. The particular passage/short paragraph is in there at least three times (that was where I noticed I had read it that many times. There may be more.). Totally irritating. I feel insulted when the same thing is repeated more than two times.
I felt like too much of this story happened in the Earth realm, so we don't know much about what the Demon realm is actually like outside of the castle. Heck, Laz didn't even know! I would have liked a little more slice-of-life before the end, since they both had so much to learn. We don't know what happened to Lenore - that just seemed to be dropped. There is also a tremendous tragedy with a much beloved major continuing character in this series that I felt didn't get the attention it deserved after it happened.
There are also a few typos.
All in all, this is a very good book, but not my favorite book in one of my favorite series.
Read the other books in the series first!
Random Thoughts
Heather Killough-Walden weaves an interlacing tale involving two protagonists from previous books in the series into the romantic story of the Akyri king, Steven Lazarus (who actually has kept a day job as a Boston police detective and lives in an apartment in an old converted motel) and another continuing character, Tuath fae, warlock, vampire Dahlia Kellen (whew! Schizophrenia). Laz was introduced first in one of the very early books. Along the way in this story, Laz becomes the Demon king and Dahlia finds herself changing (again) as well. (Not sure if he stays as the Akyri king, too.)
I really like Killough-Walden's writing. A lot of the things I read are more on the senior-in-high school writing level, and this is much more sophisticated. I have to say that her intelligent complex plots and imagination just blow my mind.
The books in this series are quite spread out in publication dates and if you read a lot like I do, it's easy to forget all the details of previous books written several years earlier. I am thinking about going back to the Big Bad Wolf series and just read all of the books in that and this series again for a refresher.
So much happens in this book, yet I felt a little bit unfulfilled with the character development. It's not actually very 'romantic' (although the two do have good chemistry) because neither character wanted a mate. Neither one is romantic except for a few thoughts here and there. This is definitely not erotica. The one smex scene wasn't very hot, or I guess it could have been more so. Some writers can do panty-melting sex scenes really well, but not most, so I think it's just as well there isn't much of it, rather than ten not-very-good scenes that go on for 10+ pages, so I just skip them. It's not angsty, though, which means the world to me, as that usually involves ridiculous repetition like you find in bodice rippers and historicals that are contracted to be x number of pages but the author doesn't really have that much material.
There was repetition of something that happened in the past. Not angsty stuff... more of a factoid. It was like the author picked the writing up after an absence and forgot that this paragraph has already been told to us before. This is a *major pet peeve* of mine and I have quit reading certain authors because they are so bad about doing this. The particular passage/short paragraph is in there at least three times (that was where I noticed I had read it that many times. There may be more.). Totally irritating. I feel insulted when the same thing is repeated more than two times.
I felt like too much of this story happened in the Earth realm, so we don't know much about what the Demon realm is actually like outside of the castle. Heck, Laz didn't even know! I would have liked a little more slice-of-life before the end, since they both had so much to learn. We don't know what happened to Lenore - that just seemed to be dropped. There is also a tremendous tragedy with a much beloved major continuing character in this series that I felt didn't get the attention it deserved after it happened.
There are also a few typos.
All in all, this is a very good book, but not my favorite book in one of my favorite series.
October 22, 2022
Another great read in this series. I've had all the books since they each came out. But I wanted to read them all one right after the other without interruption. Soooo, I finally am able to do so. And boy oh boy am I having a great walk through these paranormal adventures of hot alpha "men". And the hot mess, but pretty much strong women who make the men work for it.
In this installment the male, Laz, becomes the Demon King in a little different way than the usual way & them add some extra twists, make the female feisty & POOF!! A smoken time! (See what I did there? Hehe)
Anyways, I highly recommend this story. Actually, I Highly recommend the whole series! You don't Need to read them all, as each book does end the couples individual journey. However, the 'trouble' that's in the stories continues on for each of the realms couples & comes to a finale with the last book, The Time King. And frankly, you're seriously missing out on extra info & a a great read if ya don't read them all & read them in order. Just saying. Lol. Either way, they're highly enjoyable how ever you decide to read them.
In this installment the male, Laz, becomes the Demon King in a little different way than the usual way & them add some extra twists, make the female feisty & POOF!! A smoken time! (See what I did there? Hehe)
Anyways, I highly recommend this story. Actually, I Highly recommend the whole series! You don't Need to read them all, as each book does end the couples individual journey. However, the 'trouble' that's in the stories continues on for each of the realms couples & comes to a finale with the last book, The Time King. And frankly, you're seriously missing out on extra info & a a great read if ya don't read them all & read them in order. Just saying. Lol. Either way, they're highly enjoyable how ever you decide to read them.
June 13, 2018
I can’t believe I’m so behind on the King’s series. This was great & sad for me coz my fav character died.I cannot wait to find out who the trader is .....
September 24, 2016
Amazing
This author will rock your world. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry in spots. But I was really happy to read about her white cat in the end. And the suspense of who the traitor is. Uhhhhh. It's killing me. Great book awesome and read. You go girl lol
This author will rock your world. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry in spots. But I was really happy to read about her white cat in the end. And the suspense of who the traitor is. Uhhhhh. It's killing me. Great book awesome and read. You go girl lol
September 17, 2016
Amazing!!!!!!
Wow this series just gets better and better! I love how all the stories link together and each book highlights on one couple but still involves the rest! Who is the traitor????? I literally can not wait for the next instalment x
Wow this series just gets better and better! I love how all the stories link together and each book highlights on one couple but still involves the rest! Who is the traitor????? I literally can not wait for the next instalment x
November 14, 2024
The number of suspects for who could be the traitor dwindles to three as the demon king claims his queen. I love this series and this book was another great edition - but I can't wait for the traitor to reveal himself!
September 27, 2016
Awesome book
Wow! This book has a lot of action, it's fast pace, with steamy love scenes that leaves you saying ahhh? As the series continues and the kings find their queens; they become stronger and more powerful. A must buy and keep them coming.
Wow! This book has a lot of action, it's fast pace, with steamy love scenes that leaves you saying ahhh? As the series continues and the kings find their queens; they become stronger and more powerful. A must buy and keep them coming.
dnf
February 7, 2019DNF
This author's style just frustrates me. I've tried three other books by Ms. Killough-Walden and I've always given up because her stories always start with characters from a previous book, chapters from a previou book, and etc. Introduction, Prologue, Chapter One are always written from a side character's POV or some previous book's epilogue or some unrelated scene. All these differrent stories just can't keep my attention because I'm always screaming "CAN WE GET TO THE STORY ALREADY?" Or the author makes me think, is this chapter important or can I skip?
Aside from that, I just can't immerse myself with these various kings and queens but they're so freaking...SILLY. You know, there's a king that's a cop, then there's a queen that's a best selling author, then there's probably another queen that's maybe a designer or whatever mundane human. These kings reminds me more of frat boys talking about getting shit done without getting anything done, while the queens all gather for some rapport over a cup of tea.
They are kings and queens? Yeah right.
Read
September 17, 2019Simply Amazing!!
This book, like all of the other books in this incredible series, was simply mind blowing!! Heather Killough-Walden is, in my opinion, one of the top 5 best paranormal writers in the business. Her attention to world building is off the charts!! You can close your eyes and be there in the story with these characters you've grown to love over the series, starting with Book One, Roman and Evie's story. She writes strong, but loving (to their mates anyway) heroes, and strong, smart, incredible heroines to match them!! I'm not a very good reviewer, because I'm always afraid I'll spoil something for the next reader, but I feel I MUST say how incredible this series, and this writer is. HKW is a rare talent, and as long as she writes, I'll automatically buy anything she publishes. Yes, she's that good.
This book, like all of the other books in this incredible series, was simply mind blowing!! Heather Killough-Walden is, in my opinion, one of the top 5 best paranormal writers in the business. Her attention to world building is off the charts!! You can close your eyes and be there in the story with these characters you've grown to love over the series, starting with Book One, Roman and Evie's story. She writes strong, but loving (to their mates anyway) heroes, and strong, smart, incredible heroines to match them!! I'm not a very good reviewer, because I'm always afraid I'll spoil something for the next reader, but I feel I MUST say how incredible this series, and this writer is. HKW is a rare talent, and as long as she writes, I'll automatically buy anything she publishes. Yes, she's that good.
February 15, 2022
The good: I absolutely liked Dahlia and Steven together. They seemed to fit.
While I may not come back to the series, it is worth a read.
The bad:
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2020
In this book, we get two people whom we have met in previous books. One is Dahlia who was once taken by the entity and rescued by her sister, Violet, who is the Shadow Queen. Another is Steven Lazarus who has been with us since The Phantom King. Laz is a cop and the Akyri King. Before the book is done he will discover that he is also the son of the Demon King and he will come into his powers. One of the beloved characters will be killed in this story, but is the person really dead? There is, as usual, family animosity, the traitor is still unknown. The Entity will make a brief appearance, at least I think that is who it is??? Enjoy.
November 4, 2017
This jumped around so much between several different situations that sometimes I couldn’t figure out who or what was going on or where the main story was. All the previous books had to have their continuing bit stuck in.
Otherwise I like the whole demon family realm thing. Almost though I knew who the traitor was but we were thrown a red herring.
Fave scenes: the vampire ‘food’, finding the phone, the golden basement and Ninetails,
Otherwise I like the whole demon family realm thing. Almost though I knew who the traitor was but we were thrown a red herring.
Fave scenes: the vampire ‘food’, finding the phone, the golden basement and Ninetails,
April 21, 2020
I enjoyed Dahlia's journey even her attempt to change and out run her destiny.
I am saddened that Lalura Chantelle died.
As I say we are not seeing anything about Re's brother and Roman's past fiance.
What happened to Lord Astaroth, after 3 decades in hiding building back up his magic to finally be with the love of his life Lenore, guess what?
He got possessed!!! Really? Yes.
Who will save him, I hope he doesn't die his son hasn't even met him yet.
On to book 10.
I am saddened that Lalura Chantelle died.
As I say we are not seeing anything about Re's brother and Roman's past fiance.
What happened to Lord Astaroth, after 3 decades in hiding building back up his magic to finally be with the love of his life Lenore, guess what?
He got possessed!!! Really? Yes.
Who will save him, I hope he doesn't die his son hasn't even met him yet.
On to book 10.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2017
I enjoy reading the king series. In this book they are getting closer into revealing who the traitor is that sit at the table among the kings. and we have to say good bye to a very well liked character.
and at the same time narrow down the list of persons who is not the traitor. This book will make you not want to put it down.
and at the same time narrow down the list of persons who is not the traitor. This book will make you not want to put it down.
February 3, 2020
2020 Book Nerd Your Way
Didn't fit in any Categories open for the EBN Challenge.
This is the 9th book of The Kings series. Not as good as the others have been, this was Steven and Dahlia's story. It jumped around a lot and sometimes I felt that with all the jumping around the flow of the story was lost. It was still good, but not near what the first 8 were. We will see how the rest go.
Didn't fit in any Categories open for the EBN Challenge.
This is the 9th book of The Kings series. Not as good as the others have been, this was Steven and Dahlia's story. It jumped around a lot and sometimes I felt that with all the jumping around the flow of the story was lost. It was still good, but not near what the first 8 were. We will see how the rest go.
April 27, 2020
This is Steven and dahlia’s story. She comes to grips with being his queen somewhat quickly. I like how down to earth they both are with liking donuts and Pokémon. Most of the story was about escaping Steven’s cousin who’s out to take his throne. The entity contacts his father at the end, so we’ll see what becomes of this. We still don’t know who the traitor is
June 16, 2020
The demon king, Steven Lazarus was a great character, hard, brooding and dominant. As the story progresses his character gets darker.
As like the other stories he has a battle on his hands to get his queen, Dahlia Kellen. Once considered a traitor she proves herself to be the opposite.
Another quick, enjoyable read. Onto the next!
As like the other stories he has a battle on his hands to get his queen, Dahlia Kellen. Once considered a traitor she proves herself to be the opposite.
Another quick, enjoyable read. Onto the next!
September 17, 2020
It could have been better
This book reads like the author is running out of things to write about and keep up some symbolince of the storyline. If the next book is this bad I will have to find something else to read.
This book reads like the author is running out of things to write about and keep up some symbolince of the storyline. If the next book is this bad I will have to find something else to read.
January 22, 2021
One book closer!!!
While Laz has already gone through some things this book definitely puts his strength to the test! Dahlia is not only the perfect queen but perfect person to calm Laz's actual demon!
While Laz has already gone through some things this book definitely puts his strength to the test! Dahlia is not only the perfect queen but perfect person to calm Laz's actual demon!
June 29, 2017
A great paranormal romance series.
June 30, 2018
It was funny, dark, and a quick read. This was my second favorite book of the series. Looking forward to finishing the series and finding out if I am right about the traitor. This was a good read.
August 13, 2018
Great series to get into.
July 19, 2017
There are so many books in this series and trying to maintain the momentum and excitement of the King finding his Queen is becoming predicable. The scenes are beautifully descriptive and the world building is great but the further we progress in the series I become less invested in the story. I would have preferred this couple to find their love early on and overcome some serious challenges as it seemed to take forever for something to happen between them. The main characters were not as engaging as in previous books and I struggled for awhile but kept turning the pages. The Pokemon references and last couple of pages of the book conflicted with the story as I want to escape reality whereas playing Pokemon Go is something most of us have done. I understand the reason why the author may have wanted to include it but for me it felt unnecessary and interrupted the flow of the story. Overall it was not the best book of the series but I am looking forward to reading The Nightmare King.
July 7, 2018
If you read my past book reviews about The Shadow King you will know Dahlia Kellen as she is the sister of The Shadow Queen. In this book, Dahlia and Laz met because of the chaos going on in Chicago. Laz then was the Akyri King, however deep inside him, there is more evil and dark that wanted to come out. These feelings felt too of Dahlia that is why they are meant for each other.
There were family issues going on in the story. New villains will come out who wants Laz throne which will then the Entity will use of his evil deeds. Then again as most stories, the villain will not get what he wanted which will make it more difficult for each side to protect and kill the beast.
I think I know who is the traitor in the 13 Kings, I am thinking the Time King. The author twisted it at the end which is frustrated and made me change my mind who was the real traitor. And I thought I got it all right. There was too much cliffhanger/mystery which makes it intense and exciting to read.
Additional death of one of the most popular character made me really upset upon reading this book. I couldn't believe it, but in the last chapter, it looks like the lady has still some tricks in her pockets after that showdown with the traitor king.
The story is just getting better. I salute the author and thank her for writing this awesome series.
I recommend this book to everyone except those children who are underage. Some sex to be expected in this book, but it wasn't that bad or too much. I'm happy that the author didn't put too much effort into writing about lovemaking because it will definitely ruin it.
There were family issues going on in the story. New villains will come out who wants Laz throne which will then the Entity will use of his evil deeds. Then again as most stories, the villain will not get what he wanted which will make it more difficult for each side to protect and kill the beast.
I think I know who is the traitor in the 13 Kings, I am thinking the Time King. The author twisted it at the end which is frustrated and made me change my mind who was the real traitor. And I thought I got it all right. There was too much cliffhanger/mystery which makes it intense and exciting to read.
Additional death of one of the most popular character made me really upset upon reading this book. I couldn't believe it, but in the last chapter, it looks like the lady has still some tricks in her pockets after that showdown with the traitor king.
The story is just getting better. I salute the author and thank her for writing this awesome series.
I recommend this book to everyone except those children who are underage. Some sex to be expected in this book, but it wasn't that bad or too much. I'm happy that the author didn't put too much effort into writing about lovemaking because it will definitely ruin it.
October 29, 2016
GENERAL INFO: The Demon King
Year Pub/Re Pub:9/2016
Page Length: 300
Genre:PNR
Standalone/Cliffhanger:no cliffy
Epilogue Included:no
=======================================
Character(s)POV Spoken: H and h
=======================================
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
=======================================
M/F-M/M-M/M/F-etc: M/F
HEA/HFN/etc Ending: HEA
Contains Cheating:no
Contains Children:no
Flashbacks:yes, Laz' past w/ adoptive mom
Jealy/Possy/OTT Rating: 3
Amount of Sex In The Book: none until the end
Overall Smex Rating:2
=======================================
CHARACTER DESCRIPTION:
=======================================
HERO: Steven Lazarus
Hero Description: cop, Akyri King
Hero Likability Rating: 4
HEROINE: Dahlia Kellen
Heroine Description: Fae, vampire,warlock
Heroine Likability Rating: 4
Secondary characters: Violet-Dahlia's sister/Shadow queen, Astraroth and Lenore-Laz birth parents, Apollyon-Laz uncle, Bael-Laz servant? Bowie-Dahlia 's dog/protector
=======================================
H /h RELATIONSHIP INFO: Laz isn't stressed about not having found his queen. But when magic steps in and draws Dahlia and Laz together-they know they are meant to be.
=======================================
OW/OM/Exes:Apollyon- Laz uncle tries to claim Dahlia but Laz is too powerful
=======================================
Cheating Before/During/Outside H/h Relationship:no
Grovel Rating:n/a
Did OW/OM/Ex Ruin the Book For You:no
=======================================
TRIGGERS/WARNING: none that I read
=======================================
AUTHOR OVERVIEW: Heather k. Willough
=======================================
Technical/Editing Quality: 4
Writing/Content Quality:4/4.5
=======================================
PERSONAL OVERVIEW:
Overall Rating:4/4.5
Do You Recommend This Book:yes
Will You Re-read This Book:maybe
Would You Read More Books by this Author:yes
=======================================
COMMENTS/NOTES: The first king that isn't in a hurry to find his queen. Takes his job very seriously. Dahlia isn't a human-she's already powerful without being a queen. The traitor is finally revealed-just who I expected. I think he can be redeemed by his queen though-if she's found quickly. We suffer a great loss too in this installment, but I think things have been put in lace to help the Kings. Kings left-Shifter,Dragon and Time. Who do I want next-Shifter!
Year Pub/Re Pub:9/2016
Page Length: 300
Genre:PNR
Standalone/Cliffhanger:no cliffy
Epilogue Included:no
=======================================
Character(s)POV Spoken: H and h
=======================================
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
=======================================
M/F-M/M-M/M/F-etc: M/F
HEA/HFN/etc Ending: HEA
Contains Cheating:no
Contains Children:no
Flashbacks:yes, Laz' past w/ adoptive mom
Jealy/Possy/OTT Rating: 3
Amount of Sex In The Book: none until the end
Overall Smex Rating:2
=======================================
CHARACTER DESCRIPTION:
=======================================
HERO: Steven Lazarus
Hero Description: cop, Akyri King
Hero Likability Rating: 4
HEROINE: Dahlia Kellen
Heroine Description: Fae, vampire,warlock
Heroine Likability Rating: 4
Secondary characters: Violet-Dahlia's sister/Shadow queen, Astraroth and Lenore-Laz birth parents, Apollyon-Laz uncle, Bael-Laz servant? Bowie-Dahlia 's dog/protector
=======================================
H /h RELATIONSHIP INFO: Laz isn't stressed about not having found his queen. But when magic steps in and draws Dahlia and Laz together-they know they are meant to be.
=======================================
OW/OM/Exes:Apollyon- Laz uncle tries to claim Dahlia but Laz is too powerful
=======================================
Cheating Before/During/Outside H/h Relationship:no
Grovel Rating:n/a
Did OW/OM/Ex Ruin the Book For You:no
=======================================
TRIGGERS/WARNING: none that I read
=======================================
AUTHOR OVERVIEW: Heather k. Willough
=======================================
Technical/Editing Quality: 4
Writing/Content Quality:4/4.5
=======================================
PERSONAL OVERVIEW:
Overall Rating:4/4.5
Do You Recommend This Book:yes
Will You Re-read This Book:maybe
Would You Read More Books by this Author:yes
=======================================
COMMENTS/NOTES: The first king that isn't in a hurry to find his queen. Takes his job very seriously. Dahlia isn't a human-she's already powerful without being a queen. The traitor is finally revealed-just who I expected. I think he can be redeemed by his queen though-if she's found quickly. We suffer a great loss too in this installment, but I think things have been put in lace to help the Kings. Kings left-Shifter,Dragon and Time. Who do I want next-Shifter!
April 25, 2019
Okay so I'm more confused than ever, Lol. I'm pretty sure who I think the traitor is among the 13 Kings but I must say that reading this story, I felt that Ms. Walden is throwing me for a loop, but I'll stick to my gut instinct. That being said, Ms. Walden delivers again! What amazing word building and so many truths found in her writing. This is the story of the 9th King, Steven Lazarus, known as the Akyri King but better known as The Demon King and his queen is none other than Dahlia Kellen. She is sister to Violet who is queen to the Shadow King and her best friend Piper, mated to the Winter King. It's a family affair. Lol. This story is chock full of clues, suspense, mystery, love and action. I really enjoyed this one and look forward to the next one, The Shifter King. Kudos on the Pokemon Go references, loved it!
July 3, 2017
With the release of The Nightmare King and my realization that I hadn't read The Shifter King, I decided to reread The Demon King. When I first read it, I was slightly disappointed because something felt off, as if something was missing from Dahlia and Steven's story. Now that I've reread it, I think it was more of a timing issue of when I read it. I wasn't ready for the book to end when it did and that was what gave me the feeling that it was incomplete. The trials that Dahlia and Steven endure are just as intense as previous couples, thus insuring that their bond is secure once they accept who and what they are AND what kingdoms they will rule over.
Now I don't consider this a spoiler because this is the ninth book in a 13-book series, so readers should not be surprised when The Entity once again fails to intercept a future queen before she's assumed her place. However, Killough-Walden brings readers one step closer to discovering the identity of The Traitor King... kind of. I know I have my suspicions as to which of the remaining kings it is. Also, keep your tissues handy as the good guys will sustain a blow that will leave them reeling. Argh! It's really hard to avoid spoilers, even when reviewing a book that's been out nine months - I don't want to be that reviewer.
Obviously, if you've read the previous installments, then The Demon King will be an automatic buy for you. If you haven't read them, don't start here. While you can start with the first in The Kings series, The Vampire King, I actually recommend starting with The Big Bad Wolf series as a good deal of the world building takes place there and the farther into The King series you get, the more the characters from The Big Bad Wolf series make appearances and have active parts in the storyline. Regardless, The Demon King was another exciting installment in the series and I'm so excited to dive into The Shifter King next.
Now I don't consider this a spoiler because this is the ninth book in a 13-book series, so readers should not be surprised when The Entity once again fails to intercept a future queen before she's assumed her place. However, Killough-Walden brings readers one step closer to discovering the identity of The Traitor King... kind of. I know I have my suspicions as to which of the remaining kings it is. Also, keep your tissues handy as the good guys will sustain a blow that will leave them reeling. Argh! It's really hard to avoid spoilers, even when reviewing a book that's been out nine months - I don't want to be that reviewer.
Obviously, if you've read the previous installments, then The Demon King will be an automatic buy for you. If you haven't read them, don't start here. While you can start with the first in The Kings series, The Vampire King, I actually recommend starting with The Big Bad Wolf series as a good deal of the world building takes place there and the farther into The King series you get, the more the characters from The Big Bad Wolf series make appearances and have active parts in the storyline. Regardless, The Demon King was another exciting installment in the series and I'm so excited to dive into The Shifter King next.
September 23, 2016
And the plot thickens!
I really enjoyed this book for many reasons, first being the tie in with Heather's others books. What a delightful surprise that was! Also what made this book stand out for me was we got to touch base with some of the other kings and queens and get a feel for where they were at regarding life and the mysterious traitor!!!! Heather managed to do this without taking away from the main characters storyline, very clever and smart because now not only do I want to reread my other books in this series but I can hardly wait for the next book. Also I love how she lead us to believe we had it figured out who the traitor was then she hit us with a twist and yet here we are again wondering who the heck is it!!!!!
One of my favorite passages was the very beginning in chapter one, " Time had a funny way. A lot could be said about it, most of that conjecture: Time was fleeting , time was cruel, time flew when you were having fun, time healed all wounds. Time apparently was bipolar ." I knew this was going to be a good book when the I was chuckling to myself within the first few minutes of reading it.
If you have not read the King series you are missing out big time! Great job Heather I can't wait to see what wonderful journey you take us on with your next book.
I really enjoyed this book for many reasons, first being the tie in with Heather's others books. What a delightful surprise that was! Also what made this book stand out for me was we got to touch base with some of the other kings and queens and get a feel for where they were at regarding life and the mysterious traitor!!!! Heather managed to do this without taking away from the main characters storyline, very clever and smart because now not only do I want to reread my other books in this series but I can hardly wait for the next book. Also I love how she lead us to believe we had it figured out who the traitor was then she hit us with a twist and yet here we are again wondering who the heck is it!!!!!
One of my favorite passages was the very beginning in chapter one, " Time had a funny way. A lot could be said about it, most of that conjecture: Time was fleeting , time was cruel, time flew when you were having fun, time healed all wounds. Time apparently was bipolar ." I knew this was going to be a good book when the I was chuckling to myself within the first few minutes of reading it.
If you have not read the King series you are missing out big time! Great job Heather I can't wait to see what wonderful journey you take us on with your next book.
January 7, 2021
It was over too soon!
I managed to wait, rather impatiently, for this book to publish and now I'm finished in less than a day! Withdrawals beginning now! I guess I'll start back at the beginning and read the whole series. Again!
This book is about our former human, Boston cop, Steven Lazarus and his queen, the former Tuathan Fae vampire Dahlia Kellen, whose sister is a queen also.
The plot follows Steven discovering his true heritage and taking on his fated destiny but it also furthers the larger overall story of the entity and the traitor within the ranks of the thirteen kings and the queens who have been claimed. Four kings now remain unbound and the traitor is one of them. Sadly, a central character is lost to the circle of friends during an attack by the entity.
If you haven't read any of the previous books, then much of this will not make sense so I highly recommend reading this series in order. The world building is fantastic and the characters feel like their real and your best friends. I love the way I'm drawn into these stories. Happy Reading!
I managed to wait, rather impatiently, for this book to publish and now I'm finished in less than a day! Withdrawals beginning now! I guess I'll start back at the beginning and read the whole series. Again!
This book is about our former human, Boston cop, Steven Lazarus and his queen, the former Tuathan Fae vampire Dahlia Kellen, whose sister is a queen also.
The plot follows Steven discovering his true heritage and taking on his fated destiny but it also furthers the larger overall story of the entity and the traitor within the ranks of the thirteen kings and the queens who have been claimed. Four kings now remain unbound and the traitor is one of them. Sadly, a central character is lost to the circle of friends during an attack by the entity.
If you haven't read any of the previous books, then much of this will not make sense so I highly recommend reading this series in order. The world building is fantastic and the characters feel like their real and your best friends. I love the way I'm drawn into these stories. Happy Reading!
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