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Ars Numina #2
The Demon Prince
Charming. Irreverent. Haunted.
Alastor Vega is the sole challenger in a brutal battle for succession. Against all odds, he must stop his power-mad brother, Tycho, before he destroys the Numina. Though he never wanted to rule, he must claim the throne and liberate his people, or the consequences will be calamitous. Yet only the surprising support of a beautiful Animari doctor gives him the fortitude to fight.
Focused. Analytical. Solitary.
Dr. Sheyla Halek has always been more interested in research than personal contact, but family ties—and the needs of her pride—keep her in Ash Valley, deferring her dreams. Brusque and abrasive at the best of times, she never expected to bond with anyone, let alone Golgoth royalty. Strangely, Alastor seems to need her as no one has before, and not only for her medical skills.
Their attraction is forbidden, likely doomed beyond the wildness of wartime, but these fires burn too hot and sweet to be contained…
Alastor Vega is the sole challenger in a brutal battle for succession. Against all odds, he must stop his power-mad brother, Tycho, before he destroys the Numina. Though he never wanted to rule, he must claim the throne and liberate his people, or the consequences will be calamitous. Yet only the surprising support of a beautiful Animari doctor gives him the fortitude to fight.
Focused. Analytical. Solitary.
Dr. Sheyla Halek has always been more interested in research than personal contact, but family ties—and the needs of her pride—keep her in Ash Valley, deferring her dreams. Brusque and abrasive at the best of times, she never expected to bond with anyone, let alone Golgoth royalty. Strangely, Alastor seems to need her as no one has before, and not only for her medical skills.
Their attraction is forbidden, likely doomed beyond the wildness of wartime, but these fires burn too hot and sweet to be contained…
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 23, 2017
92 people are currently reading
785 people want to read
About the author
Ann Aguirre
82 books7,067 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Ann Aguirre has been a clown, a clerk, a savior of stray kittens, and a voice actress, not necessarily in that order. She grew up in a yellow house across from a cornfield, but now she lives in Mexico with her family. She writes all kinds of genre fiction, but she has an eternal soft spot for a happily ever after.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
March 26, 2017
I really loved the first book in this series but this one is even better.
The heroine... The hero... The plot... The world building.... The series arc... The romance...
Spot on.
This love story takes place during the start of what will be a long war where the paranormal species must unite and fight together to defeat a cruel enemy.
Our hero is a prince of the demon shifters who must rally the exiles and his people against his brother who is the tyrant who wants more power and to the cull the weak. The hero has suffered a horrible illness his entire life and his out of his meds.
Thus, our heroine, a doctor and researcher, is assigned to him and choses to follow him to the front lines. She is a cat shifter, on the spectrum, and fierce as hell.
The hero is a charmer and burdened with his too large task.
Their love story is epic and so hot. I don't want to spoil with the details but our heroine give the hero a safe place to just be and it is amazing.
The culture building is grand as are all the secondary characters.
This is just top notch story telling. If you like Paranormal Romance, this book is a must read for you.
I was given this book for my honest review (Though I would have bought it anyway), So, there you have it!
The heroine... The hero... The plot... The world building.... The series arc... The romance...
Spot on.
This love story takes place during the start of what will be a long war where the paranormal species must unite and fight together to defeat a cruel enemy.
Our hero is a prince of the demon shifters who must rally the exiles and his people against his brother who is the tyrant who wants more power and to the cull the weak. The hero has suffered a horrible illness his entire life and his out of his meds.
Thus, our heroine, a doctor and researcher, is assigned to him and choses to follow him to the front lines. She is a cat shifter, on the spectrum, and fierce as hell.
The hero is a charmer and burdened with his too large task.
Their love story is epic and so hot. I don't want to spoil with the details but our heroine give the hero a safe place to just be and it is amazing.
The culture building is grand as are all the secondary characters.
This is just top notch story telling. If you like Paranormal Romance, this book is a must read for you.
I was given this book for my honest review (Though I would have bought it anyway), So, there you have it!
dnf
June 8, 2022DNF, this just isn’t the story for me, but I’m going to try to keep going with the series.
Spoilers below…
I started this book, got about to 35% and just couldn’t keep going without knowing more details about the eventual threesome & since I couldn’t find good spoilers, went searching myself. So I skipped around until I got to that part (which is right at the end of the story btw) and I realized that there was zero reason for me to read this book because I will no longer be able to buy into the MC’s “love story”.
This book is probably ok if you’re into ménage. I’m just not. I’m only into very specific three-way scenarios personally, and this isn’t it. I don’t know the full situation here because I did skip around the book. But basically, my impression was that the hero & his second in command had been having sex with each other for a long time before the heroine came along. The heroine is introduced and the hero and heroine start to fall for each other and unintentionally become “mates”, I’m assuming based off of spoilers that most of the sex scenes are with the H&h only.
But then, near the end of the book, the hero asks if they just all want to have sex and they all agree. It’s seemed very awkward to me because this isn’t really the hero having a greater connection with the heroine and the OM joining in. The hero had a great connection with the OM, saying that he knew exactly how he liked it, and vice versa. It made the heroine seem like the third wheel. I truly didn’t feel like he preferred the heroine (his supposed mate) over his long term sexual partner at all. This type of behavior wouldn’t work for me in regular romance, but they are supposed to be a mated couple… so this just seemed even more weird. I know that if the hero’s past lover who joined them had been a woman then more people would have flipped over this. But since it’s a man, it’s somehow ok? I don’t really see the difference & anyways, I’m just not progressive enough for this shit.
Also, for the entire book, the hero and heroine believe their relationship is temporary because the hero plans to find a mate for a political alliance. I’m just not into that looming in the background for an entire book.
Spoilers below…
I started this book, got about to 35% and just couldn’t keep going without knowing more details about the eventual threesome & since I couldn’t find good spoilers, went searching myself. So I skipped around until I got to that part (which is right at the end of the story btw) and I realized that there was zero reason for me to read this book because I will no longer be able to buy into the MC’s “love story”.
This book is probably ok if you’re into ménage. I’m just not. I’m only into very specific three-way scenarios personally, and this isn’t it. I don’t know the full situation here because I did skip around the book. But basically, my impression was that the hero & his second in command had been having sex with each other for a long time before the heroine came along. The heroine is introduced and the hero and heroine start to fall for each other and unintentionally become “mates”, I’m assuming based off of spoilers that most of the sex scenes are with the H&h only.
But then, near the end of the book, the hero asks if they just all want to have sex and they all agree. It’s seemed very awkward to me because this isn’t really the hero having a greater connection with the heroine and the OM joining in. The hero had a great connection with the OM, saying that he knew exactly how he liked it, and vice versa. It made the heroine seem like the third wheel. I truly didn’t feel like he preferred the heroine (his supposed mate) over his long term sexual partner at all. This type of behavior wouldn’t work for me in regular romance, but they are supposed to be a mated couple… so this just seemed even more weird. I know that if the hero’s past lover who joined them had been a woman then more people would have flipped over this. But since it’s a man, it’s somehow ok? I don’t really see the difference & anyways, I’m just not progressive enough for this shit.
Also, for the entire book, the hero and heroine believe their relationship is temporary because the hero plans to find a mate for a political alliance. I’m just not into that looming in the background for an entire book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2017
Alastor's brother is determined to start a war amongst the Numina, he already caused chaos when he bombed Ash Valley while the races were all in the midst of a signing a peace treaty and nobody is exactly sure what he will try next. Alastor never wanted to lead his people but knows that as the sole remaining heir to the throne it is up to him to try and stop Tycho before even more lives are lost. The one thing holding him back is his poor health, suffering with a genetic disease Alastor relies on medicine to survive but with his supply quickly running out his chances don't look good.
Sheyla is a cat shifter and one of Ash Valley's doctors who has been tasked with trying to replicate Alastor's medication. She takes her responsibility for Alastor's safety seriously and even joins him on the battlefield to ensure his survival. Sheyla has never found it easy to relate to others, they don't understand her abrasive personality, but Alastor looks past her harsh exterior and sees the woman underneath. There are a million reasons why a relationship between the two of them would be a disaster but the more time they spend together the harder it is for them to resist giving into temptation.
I really enjoyed The Leopard King but The Demon Prince amps things up to a whole new level and Alastor is definitely my favourite hero of the series so far. I love the way Ann Aguirre turned the tables on usual romance tropes in this book so that Sheyla is the stronger, more alpha character and Alastor is physically more fragile and willing to be led. Sheyla knows exactly what she wants from life and that extends to the bedroom too and Alastor is more than willing to make her every desire reality. I really enjoyed the slow build romance between them and the sexual tension was brilliantly done. They have fantastic chemistry and I was really able to root for them as a couple but I absolutely loved the addition of Alastor's bodyguard Dedrik when the couple choose to play out a menage fantasy. I only really mention that in my review because I know MFM scenes aren't for everyone but it was really well written and definitely raised the heat levels in my opinion!
I mentioned in my review of the first book that I would have liked a little more world building and background on the different Numina factions and I'm happy to say we did start to get a little more history in this book. I think that's only going to increase as we start to spend time with the different groups as the series continues. This is such a fun series and I'm already looking forward to the next book.
Sheyla is a cat shifter and one of Ash Valley's doctors who has been tasked with trying to replicate Alastor's medication. She takes her responsibility for Alastor's safety seriously and even joins him on the battlefield to ensure his survival. Sheyla has never found it easy to relate to others, they don't understand her abrasive personality, but Alastor looks past her harsh exterior and sees the woman underneath. There are a million reasons why a relationship between the two of them would be a disaster but the more time they spend together the harder it is for them to resist giving into temptation.
I really enjoyed The Leopard King but The Demon Prince amps things up to a whole new level and Alastor is definitely my favourite hero of the series so far. I love the way Ann Aguirre turned the tables on usual romance tropes in this book so that Sheyla is the stronger, more alpha character and Alastor is physically more fragile and willing to be led. Sheyla knows exactly what she wants from life and that extends to the bedroom too and Alastor is more than willing to make her every desire reality. I really enjoyed the slow build romance between them and the sexual tension was brilliantly done. They have fantastic chemistry and I was really able to root for them as a couple but I absolutely loved the addition of Alastor's bodyguard Dedrik when the couple choose to play out a menage fantasy. I only really mention that in my review because I know MFM scenes aren't for everyone but it was really well written and definitely raised the heat levels in my opinion!
I mentioned in my review of the first book that I would have liked a little more world building and background on the different Numina factions and I'm happy to say we did start to get a little more history in this book. I think that's only going to increase as we start to spend time with the different groups as the series continues. This is such a fun series and I'm already looking forward to the next book.
November 24, 2018
3.5
There are a number of things I liked in The Demon Prince, but I'll keep this short, without nitpicks.
Alastor Vega was interesting in the first book, so I expected quite a bit from him here. He delivered and more, and became one of my favourite heroes. Sheyla Halek revealed more layers than a brash doctor you've met previously.
I loved the way their romance grew into something precious.
The rest of the story and the way the prince realised his own worth, both as a symbol and the actual leader, are great too.
3.5
There are a number of things I liked in The Demon Prince, but I'll keep this short, without nitpicks.
Alastor Vega was interesting in the first book, so I expected quite a bit from him here. He delivered and more, and became one of my favourite heroes. Sheyla Halek revealed more layers than a brash doctor you've met previously.
I loved the way their romance grew into something precious.
The rest of the story and the way the prince realised his own worth, both as a symbol and the actual leader, are great too.
There's an unexpected development near the end that might surprise some readers, but it didn't ruin the story for me.
There are a number of things I liked in The Demon Prince, but I'll keep this short, without nitpicks.
Alastor Vega was interesting in the first book, so I expected quite a bit from him here. He delivered and more, and became one of my favourite heroes. Sheyla Halek revealed more layers than a brash doctor you've met previously.
I loved the way their romance grew into something precious.
The rest of the story and the way the prince realised his own worth, both as a symbol and the actual leader, are great too.
3.5
There are a number of things I liked in The Demon Prince, but I'll keep this short, without nitpicks.
Alastor Vega was interesting in the first book, so I expected quite a bit from him here. He delivered and more, and became one of my favourite heroes. Sheyla Halek revealed more layers than a brash doctor you've met previously.
I loved the way their romance grew into something precious.
The rest of the story and the way the prince realised his own worth, both as a symbol and the actual leader, are great too.
There's an unexpected development near the end that might surprise some readers, but it didn't ruin the story for me.
May 2, 2020
Alastor- you charming devil!
I loved the hero more than anything in this book. He started out as this tortured soul who always had a smile but was sarcastic as hell with devil may care attitude. He hid his heart and pain fiercely. I was glad when heroine broke it down with her no nonsense, direct approach! In her case I liked her in the beginning, somewhat loved her in middle and liked her again in the last part-does that make any senses?
The action scenes were outstanding as their chance for winning was so low. They won through sheer grit, vivid Strategies and cunning plots. I was very sad to see one of the characters die and it reinforced my belief that this author doesn’t mind killing her characters.
For some reason se*ual dynamics in this book didn’t worked for me. May be because of first book I was expecting something similar. There was also this MFM scene in the last part with hero’s ex/bodyguard/best friend. I like MFM stories if all of them are protagonist or main characters. Here I believe it was mostly for fun purposes and didn’t sit well with me. I appreciate that before this scene heroine and the guard bonded a little bit and they both cared and loved hero in their own way. But that wasn’t enough for me.
Otherwise it’s a superbly written book with good romance, action and plot!
I loved the hero more than anything in this book. He started out as this tortured soul who always had a smile but was sarcastic as hell with devil may care attitude. He hid his heart and pain fiercely. I was glad when heroine broke it down with her no nonsense, direct approach! In her case I liked her in the beginning, somewhat loved her in middle and liked her again in the last part-does that make any senses?
The action scenes were outstanding as their chance for winning was so low. They won through sheer grit, vivid Strategies and cunning plots. I was very sad to see one of the characters die and it reinforced my belief that this author doesn’t mind killing her characters.
For some reason se*ual dynamics in this book didn’t worked for me. May be because of first book I was expecting something similar. There was also this MFM scene in the last part with hero’s ex/bodyguard/best friend. I like MFM stories if all of them are protagonist or main characters. Here I believe it was mostly for fun purposes and didn’t sit well with me. I appreciate that before this scene heroine and the guard bonded a little bit and they both cared and loved hero in their own way. But that wasn’t enough for me.
Otherwise it’s a superbly written book with good romance, action and plot!
January 12, 2022
This was spectacular and I couldn't get enough of Alastor.
In book 1, he came off as arrogant but here we get to see the real Alastor. He's a damaged prince with no home and only a handful of exiles following him. He's trying to save his people from his crazy-ass brother while fighting a mysterious disease.
Sheyla is the perfect foil for Alastor and I loved how strong she was. These 2 burn up the pages with their steamy encounters and they become so deep and meaningful. So beautifully written.
I liked the addition of Dederick but i'm unsure how he'll fit in.
I also wanted more resolution to Alastor's health.
Can't wait for more.
In book 1, he came off as arrogant but here we get to see the real Alastor. He's a damaged prince with no home and only a handful of exiles following him. He's trying to save his people from his crazy-ass brother while fighting a mysterious disease.
Sheyla is the perfect foil for Alastor and I loved how strong she was. These 2 burn up the pages with their steamy encounters and they become so deep and meaningful. So beautifully written.
I liked the addition of Dederick but i'm unsure how he'll fit in.
I also wanted more resolution to Alastor's health.
Can't wait for more.
March 11, 2020
I was going back and forth between writing reviews for each individual book in this series, or just one for all of them and ultimately I decided on just writing one :) mostly, because I devoured all four books currently available in it in three days… yep, I just couldn’t stop… once I started, I needed to know what’s gonna happen next… which is a bit of a pain, because we are still two books away from finishing the series :) and now I am in withdrawal… the fifth one comes out in april, and the last one next year… or so I think :) each book in the series focuses on a different couple, but there is one bigger story arch happening throughout them all… some of them even overlap and we follow different people during the same time… it’s a paranormal / urban fantasy series, where we have an alternate version of our world but with shapeshifters and other paranormal creatures and whatnot :) the series is definitely on the darker side, fast paced with a lot of action… the romances are usually based on a pretty fast forming connection, mostly because a lot of things are happening at the same time, but it worked for me every time, so no complaints here ;) for some reason this series gave me similar vibes to Burned lands by Bec McMaster, as in there's a heavy focus on action and other things happening with characters and not mainly the romance between them… there are a lot of emotional moments so prepare thyselves cause Ann Aguirre is not afraid to kill people… yeah… I learned that the hard way… I gave each story in this series so far 5 stars and even though I liked some of them a bit more and some a bit less, I enjoyed myself immensely while reading them all :) I will probably reread them before the last one comes out next year, and hopefully I will be able to read them slowly this time so that I can write a more coherent and detailed reviews for each individual story ;) but nevertheless, I highly encourage you guys to give this series a try :)
XOXO
A
XOXO
A
July 30, 2024
Outstanding! H has a terminal illness so fights to stay alive to save his people. She's a fascinating doctor with little patience and is surprised when she falls in love with him. This couple are brave, honourable, brave and I love their story. He shifts into a true monster, yet he's angsty about his soldiers. I loved this couple, in my top 10 love stories.
April 23, 2020
Well I'm surprised where this story went and frankly, I loved it.
The fight against the evil Tycho trying to conquer the realms of Ars Numina continues into the city of St. Casimir where the heir apparent to the demon race must make a stand against his very own brother.
Shayla the doctor from the cat shifting pack of the first novel has come along to help as St Casimir is a place she knows well. Plus the disease wasting away the demon prince intriques her. She has made it her mission to develop a medicine untill she can research the disease.
In the process of the fight for both the city and his life they find a bond forming. A bond that seems only they were made for.
I really enjoyed this and if your into mfm kink you might be in for a treat too ;)
The fight against the evil Tycho trying to conquer the realms of Ars Numina continues into the city of St. Casimir where the heir apparent to the demon race must make a stand against his very own brother.
Shayla the doctor from the cat shifting pack of the first novel has come along to help as St Casimir is a place she knows well. Plus the disease wasting away the demon prince intriques her. She has made it her mission to develop a medicine untill she can research the disease.
In the process of the fight for both the city and his life they find a bond forming. A bond that seems only they were made for.
I really enjoyed this and if your into mfm kink you might be in for a treat too ;)
January 21, 2018
I was enjoying this but then an element was suddenly introduced which is something some readers may want to be warned about. Honestly, I am not too sure of how I feel about this series. I may end up following it or not.
March 25, 2017
The Demon Prince was a perfect blend of adventure, action, suspense and romance. I enjoyed every moment of it and can't wait to read the next book in the series.
ARC provided by author in exchange for a honest review
ARC provided by author in exchange for a honest review
May 18, 2021
Compelling worldbuilding + hotfire sex= unputdownable read.
I'm glad that I waited to write my reviews for this series (I've torn through the first three books in 4 days, damn work), because this is a story that is uniquely compelling, smutty AF and keeps me turning that page.
The romance - the romance between Sheyla and Alastor is non-traditional and yet their relationship grows from wary friendship to love in a believeable way. Both are pansexual and sex factors in more scenes than you'd expect. Sheyla and Alastor trade off who's dominant in the bedroom, but I think, more often than not, she's in control, and Alastor loves every minute of it. There's OM contact in this story that may not fly for those who are very much about that strictly het life. Personally, I thought the sex was en fuego, so I enjoyed it.
The 'verse - This series deals with the fallout from the 100th anniversary of the Pax Protocols, cease fire that has become a war between different factions in this Ars Numina 'verse- the Pride, the Pack, the Clan, the Eldritch and the Golgoth. Things went sideways in the first book, and here is where the war is really undeniable. There's blood, violence, and the stakes are high, and deaths happen. But it serves the overall story and kept me riveted. Each book gives insight to a different faction (in this case, the Golgoth, beings who transform into...well, monsters would probably be the best description) and I really liked that the worldbuilding rolls out organically.
The only reason I dinged this at all is I was hoping for a true triad romance, and I didn't get it. I also wanted more details about the Golgoth and their origins but I'm feeling we'll learn more towards the end. Either way, I enjoyed myself thoroughly. Onto the next....
I'm glad that I waited to write my reviews for this series (I've torn through the first three books in 4 days, damn work), because this is a story that is uniquely compelling, smutty AF and keeps me turning that page.
The romance - the romance between Sheyla and Alastor is non-traditional and yet their relationship grows from wary friendship to love in a believeable way. Both are pansexual and sex factors in more scenes than you'd expect. Sheyla and Alastor trade off who's dominant in the bedroom, but I think, more often than not, she's in control, and Alastor loves every minute of it. There's OM contact in this story that may not fly for those who are very much about that strictly het life. Personally, I thought the sex was en fuego, so I enjoyed it.
The 'verse - This series deals with the fallout from the 100th anniversary of the Pax Protocols, cease fire that has become a war between different factions in this Ars Numina 'verse- the Pride, the Pack, the Clan, the Eldritch and the Golgoth. Things went sideways in the first book, and here is where the war is really undeniable. There's blood, violence, and the stakes are high, and deaths happen. But it serves the overall story and kept me riveted. Each book gives insight to a different faction (in this case, the Golgoth, beings who transform into...well, monsters would probably be the best description) and I really liked that the worldbuilding rolls out organically.
The only reason I dinged this at all is I was hoping for a true triad romance, and I didn't get it. I also wanted more details about the Golgoth and their origins but I'm feeling we'll learn more towards the end. Either way, I enjoyed myself thoroughly. Onto the next....
February 21, 2024
This is the second book in the series on my journey to reach The Shadow Warrior. The Shadow Warrior has been on my radar for a while because of the (promised, crossing my fingers) femdom. "Unfortunately" it cannot be read as a standalone. So I decided to start chipping away at the books in the series. The first one I was pleasantly surprised. Enjoyed it a lot.
This one? Even more so. Trust in Ann Aguirre to captivate me with her writing.
🐆 Sheyla was amazing. Normally I don't enjoy reading about doctors (I expect most feel that way about their own profession), but largely I liked how she portrayed the profession.
I loved being in her mind. She's so relatable, and personally I read her as neurodivergent. Sheyla is a bit stiff and not the most sociable, but she cares so much.
She's also incredibly brave and strong, and she takes charge in solving problems. And UGH, I just fucking love her.
Plus she likes being a bit dominant, which is always, always a plus in FMCs for me.
🐆 Alastor is Sheyla's equal in how great his character was.
He is a bit of a charming brat, and at first he takes amusement in teasing and poking at the stiff Sheyla. However, it never felt meanspirited and they quickly develop friendly bond.
The portrayal of a character with a chronic illness was also pretty good. I very much liked that it has an impact, but it is never something that made him lesser. And most importantly, it is not cured through the power of love.
I enjoyed the different sides of his character: someone who barely knows if he wants to live, both lonely and surrounded by people loyal to him, not sure if he is just a figure head or the heart of a rebellion. But always pressured from all sides by expectation.
🐆 Both characters are bisexual 💃🏳️🌈 plus I think Sheyla may be demisexual?
🐆 While I chose not to put this on my femdom shelf, it was veeeeeery close. It's vanilla with a femdom lean. So I fricking loved that.
I also liked:
🐆 I did put it on my rolereversal romance because I think there are quite a few elements of it. It's not 100% RR, but def more than most romance.
So yeah, this gets a full 5 stars from me. I think I'll jump straight into the next book, and hope it too will be a pleasant surprise.
This one? Even more so. Trust in Ann Aguirre to captivate me with her writing.
🐆 Sheyla was amazing. Normally I don't enjoy reading about doctors (I expect most feel that way about their own profession), but largely I liked how she portrayed the profession.
I loved being in her mind. She's so relatable, and personally I read her as neurodivergent. Sheyla is a bit stiff and not the most sociable, but she cares so much.
...and she laughed, for once feeling like part of the whole instead of an alien on the fringes, unable to comprehend the local customs.
She's also incredibly brave and strong, and she takes charge in solving problems. And UGH, I just fucking love her.
Plus she likes being a bit dominant, which is always, always a plus in FMCs for me.
🐆 Alastor is Sheyla's equal in how great his character was.
He is a bit of a charming brat, and at first he takes amusement in teasing and poking at the stiff Sheyla. However, it never felt meanspirited and they quickly develop friendly bond.
"If you tell me where you last saw your sense of humor, I'll help you look for it."
The portrayal of a character with a chronic illness was also pretty good. I very much liked that it has an impact, but it is never something that made him lesser. And most importantly, it is not cured through the power of love.
"If you insist. There's nothing I like better than expounding on my ailments. It makes me feel geriatric in the best possible way."
I enjoyed the different sides of his character: someone who barely knows if he wants to live, both lonely and surrounded by people loyal to him, not sure if he is just a figure head or the heart of a rebellion. But always pressured from all sides by expectation.
"I am not a person," he said softly. "I am a scarecrow, stuffed full of other people's yearnings. My mother's desperation, my sister's charity, my people's hope. Or perhaps it is more that I'm a cracked vessel and no matter how much others pour in, I cannot hold it."
🐆 Both characters are bisexual 💃🏳️🌈 plus I think Sheyla may be demisexual?
🐆 While I chose not to put this on my femdom shelf, it was veeeeeery close. It's vanilla with a femdom lean. So I fricking loved that.
I also liked:
🐆 I did put it on my rolereversal romance because I think there are quite a few elements of it. It's not 100% RR, but def more than most romance.
So yeah, this gets a full 5 stars from me. I think I'll jump straight into the next book, and hope it too will be a pleasant surprise.
March 25, 2018
My goodness did this book work for me! I absolutely LOVED it!!!
Tragic princes are catnip for me and Alastor did not disappoint. While his emotional wounds and burdensome responsibilities fully inform his character, he doesn’t wallow in self-pity. He has accepted his lot in life with grim resignation that rarely devolves into full on cynicism.
Sheyla is a remarkable heroine. At heart she’s a scientist-physician. She has experienced socialization issues her entire life because she’s significantly more cerebral than emotional in her actions and thought processes than her family and packmates. I particularly enjoyed this characterization because shifters in PNR are almost always written as operating with higher levels of feeling/empathy than other supernatural races and average humans.
The romance hit a perfect level of angst for me due to an agreed upon expiration date for the love affair based on solid reasoning (when it begins). The connection that develops between Sheyla and Alastor progresses so beautifully. It is not insta-love. It isn’t even instant attraction. It is fundamentally built upon the understanding and mutual respect that they clearly demonstrate for each other.
The portrayal of Sheyla’s demisexuality is wonderfully done. Every one of the sex scenes are smoking hot and layered with emotional intensity. And each one artfully peels back additional layers of intimacy between the characters.
While I enjoyed reading book 1 in the series (The Leopard King), it felt a little slow and didn’t keep me nearly as emotionally engaged as this installment did. With the introduction to the series provided ahead of the first chapter, I believe that The Demon Prince can definitely be read as a standalone for the romance (though the worldbuilding might suffer a bit?). Your mileage may vary.
It breaks my heart to see that there are negative reviews solely because of the characters’ sexual identities (both the hero and heroine identify as bisexual) and the presence of menage sex scenes in the book. I personally don’t understand why this is such a problem for some individuals, but if those facts will cause an issue for you, this is not the book for you. And I’m sad that you’ll be missing out on a truly lovely story.
Tragic princes are catnip for me and Alastor did not disappoint. While his emotional wounds and burdensome responsibilities fully inform his character, he doesn’t wallow in self-pity. He has accepted his lot in life with grim resignation that rarely devolves into full on cynicism.
Sheyla is a remarkable heroine. At heart she’s a scientist-physician. She has experienced socialization issues her entire life because she’s significantly more cerebral than emotional in her actions and thought processes than her family and packmates. I particularly enjoyed this characterization because shifters in PNR are almost always written as operating with higher levels of feeling/empathy than other supernatural races and average humans.
The romance hit a perfect level of angst for me due to an agreed upon expiration date for the love affair based on solid reasoning (when it begins). The connection that develops between Sheyla and Alastor progresses so beautifully. It is not insta-love. It isn’t even instant attraction. It is fundamentally built upon the understanding and mutual respect that they clearly demonstrate for each other.
The portrayal of Sheyla’s demisexuality is wonderfully done. Every one of the sex scenes are smoking hot and layered with emotional intensity. And each one artfully peels back additional layers of intimacy between the characters.
While I enjoyed reading book 1 in the series (The Leopard King), it felt a little slow and didn’t keep me nearly as emotionally engaged as this installment did. With the introduction to the series provided ahead of the first chapter, I believe that The Demon Prince can definitely be read as a standalone for the romance (though the worldbuilding might suffer a bit?). Your mileage may vary.
It breaks my heart to see that there are negative reviews solely because of the characters’ sexual identities (both the hero and heroine identify as bisexual) and the presence of menage sex scenes in the book. I personally don’t understand why this is such a problem for some individuals, but if those facts will cause an issue for you, this is not the book for you. And I’m sad that you’ll be missing out on a truly lovely story.
July 3, 2021
3 - 3.5
October 18, 2018
I so did not want or expect mmf. Great writer but story line to perverse. Did not finish it, and I am not going to read the next book in the series
January 19, 2020
I haven't read the first book in this series so I may not have understood some of the background to this story. There is a tentative alliance between several packs of shifters, a group of Eldritch assassins and Prince Alastor of the Golgoth as the participants attempt to renew the Pax Protocols between them. Alastor is the younger brother of King Tycho, a vicious, psychotic leader who rules through brutality and feudal rules which can punish families for the misdoings of their ancestors. Alastor has always been sickly, probably the only reason Tycho didn't kill him the way he killed their other brothers. In order to consolidate his position within the Pac Protocols he needs to make a strategic marriage alliance. Tycho is attempting to conquer the Numina and only uniting behind the Pax Protocols can give any hope of defeating him.
Dr Sheyla Halek is a serious woman and a cheetah shifter, I got the impression that she was borderline on the autistic spectrum - totally focussed on her job and slightly mystified by emotions and social interactions. She has been working to replicate Alastor's medication before it runs out. When Alastor and his small band of Exiles march to Hallowell to protect the city from the invading Golgoth army Sheyla has no option but to travel with him as his personal physician.
Amidst the blood and gore of battle the physical attraction between Sheyla and Alastor grows, particularly after Alastor returns from fighting full of bloodlust. But a long-term relationship isn't on the cards for either of them - could they have a war-time friends-with-benefits relationship? Kind of 'what happens in Hallowell stays in Hallowell'?
As seems de-rigueur for shifter novels the sex is steamy and involves more than one partner. The battles are brutal, bloody, dark and scary. Alliances are tentative and full of mistrust.
I really enjoyed being thrust into this new world of shifters where the romance takes a back seat to the story arc. I liked that Sheyla and Alastor aren't perfect, the way in which they bond over stories of their families and Sheyla's honesty.
Overall, I'm glad I gave this series a try after reading that it was one of SYFY Girl's favourite SFF romance series of the decade here and I will definitely read other books in the series.
Dr Sheyla Halek is a serious woman and a cheetah shifter, I got the impression that she was borderline on the autistic spectrum - totally focussed on her job and slightly mystified by emotions and social interactions. She has been working to replicate Alastor's medication before it runs out. When Alastor and his small band of Exiles march to Hallowell to protect the city from the invading Golgoth army Sheyla has no option but to travel with him as his personal physician.
Amidst the blood and gore of battle the physical attraction between Sheyla and Alastor grows, particularly after Alastor returns from fighting full of bloodlust. But a long-term relationship isn't on the cards for either of them - could they have a war-time friends-with-benefits relationship? Kind of 'what happens in Hallowell stays in Hallowell'?
As seems de-rigueur for shifter novels the sex is steamy and involves more than one partner. The battles are brutal, bloody, dark and scary. Alliances are tentative and full of mistrust.
I really enjoyed being thrust into this new world of shifters where the romance takes a back seat to the story arc. I liked that Sheyla and Alastor aren't perfect, the way in which they bond over stories of their families and Sheyla's honesty.
Overall, I'm glad I gave this series a try after reading that it was one of SYFY Girl's favourite SFF romance series of the decade here and I will definitely read other books in the series.
March 28, 2017
This is the second book to the Ars Numina paranormal romance series. I enjoyed reading the first book, The Leopard King, and I was looking forward to reading this book as well! The romance storyline focuses on different characters for each book, but I wouldn't necessarily recommend these as standalone novels. The overarching plot about the shifters and the war that's building up isn't really something that works without reading the previous book.
The Demon Prince focuses on Prince Alastor Vega, a Golgoth royal vying to gather support with his Exiled followers to take back him home from his older brother Tycho. Tycho is the "big bad" in this story and the Golgoth are shifters that everyone fears the most, due to their size after they shift and because no one knows much about them. Alastor is also sick with an incurable disease and the best anyone can do is to give him medicine to slow down his sickness. This is where we meet Dr. Sheyla Halek, a doctor who has always seemed a bit odd to her pack because she always had an interest in the sciences and not something the other Animari would find normal.
I think the beginning of this book started off kind of slow as we're reintroduced to Alastor and being introduced to Sheyla for the first time. I guess I kind of went into this story thinking it was going to be an m/m romance after all the speculation from Pru (one of the love interests) in the last book. Although, I can't say I was entirely disappointed by the end of this book. It's not really mentioned anywhere that I can tell, but SPOILER...this book turns into a bit of a menage romance before everything's all said and done with. It's a m/m/f and it's fairly tame, I think? Or at least it is on the m/m side of things. I liked that the romance between Alastor and Sheyla gives a lot of agency to Sheyla and lets her take control of what happens between them romantically. The mating bond isn't a sure and set thing in these books, and requires both parties to accept it on their own accord, which I liked, even though Alastor could have 100% done better explaining the Golgoth's mating rituals to Sheyla. I liked the sex scenes, but I wouldn't say they were critical to the plot or anything. I actually prefer reading all the strategy and fighting scenes more.
The story is told from both Alastor and Sheyla's POVs and the voices, or at least the situations, were distinct enough that it was easy to tell which POV it was. Alastor and Sheyla leaving Ash Valley to help defend Hallowell means that we're introduced to some new characters, but keeping some old ones as well. We have Gavriel, the leader of the Eldritch (a fey-like group of shifters who have special powers), his second-in-command, Zan, Dedrick, Alastor's closest guard and second, and Rowena, another of Alastor's Exiles and third-in-command. It's an interesting group of travelers and not once did I feel bored reading their journey to Hallowell. Sheyla is accompanying them in an official capacity as Alastor's doctor, in the hopes that she can use the technology in Hallowell to recreate the medicine Alastor received back home.
I think in this book, the modern technology doesn't throw me off as much as it did in the The Leopard King. The weapons and tech is much more integrated into the character's daily lives and it's definitely more believable in that regard. It's an interesting mix of seeing how these shifters use the technology to their advantage, while also being able to fight off the enemy in their shifted forms.
So...I just want to point something out. There is one thing that didn't sit well with me while I read this book. The Golgoth are described by Sheyla as "pale" skinned, compared to her "tawny" skin. The issue I had is that the Golgoth display rank based on the braids of their hair. The more braids they have, or the more intricate, displays higher rank among their people. To undo someone's braids is only acceptable between mates and touching them isn't allowed without permission. I'm not entirely comfortable with this aspect of the Golgoth simply because significance based on a person's braids is embedded in African culture, and yes, while this is a paranormal romance book set outside the world of humans, I was not comfortable reading how Golgoth "culture" regarding their braids are being applied here to a group of people, if like Alastor, Sheyla had described as "snowy pale, so fair that he could be an alabaster statue."
The timeline of the events of this book did confuse me a bit. This is in regards to one of the battles in this book and the time it takes to travel to Hallowell vs the time it took to leave Hallowell. It's not a deterrent from the story by any means though. It's just one of those odd things that stuck out to me rather than what anyone else might notice, I think. But the journey to Hallowell seemed arduous, while the mode of transportation is different, seemed to take no time at all?
I thought the ending was good. It does leave the door open in the overarching storyline for the next book. The very last part did seem a bit rushed, and I'm not sure I fully understood where Sheyla's family was coming from where they seemed loving at the beginning of the book and then yelling at her in later scenes. I loved Gavriel and I honestly can't wait to read more about him. Slay, from The Leopard Prince, and while not really a spoiler, is still missing and we don't really hear much about him at all. Just in case anyone, like me, was hopeful going into this story that something about him was going to come up. At this point, it might not be likely we're getting anything about Slay for a while? Overall, I enjoyed reading The Demon Prince, aside from my concerns stated above, and I can't wait to read The Wolf Lord!
***Thank you to the author for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review***
The Demon Prince focuses on Prince Alastor Vega, a Golgoth royal vying to gather support with his Exiled followers to take back him home from his older brother Tycho. Tycho is the "big bad" in this story and the Golgoth are shifters that everyone fears the most, due to their size after they shift and because no one knows much about them. Alastor is also sick with an incurable disease and the best anyone can do is to give him medicine to slow down his sickness. This is where we meet Dr. Sheyla Halek, a doctor who has always seemed a bit odd to her pack because she always had an interest in the sciences and not something the other Animari would find normal.
I think the beginning of this book started off kind of slow as we're reintroduced to Alastor and being introduced to Sheyla for the first time. I guess I kind of went into this story thinking it was going to be an m/m romance after all the speculation from Pru (one of the love interests) in the last book. Although, I can't say I was entirely disappointed by the end of this book. It's not really mentioned anywhere that I can tell, but SPOILER...this book turns into a bit of a menage romance before everything's all said and done with. It's a m/m/f and it's fairly tame, I think? Or at least it is on the m/m side of things. I liked that the romance between Alastor and Sheyla gives a lot of agency to Sheyla and lets her take control of what happens between them romantically. The mating bond isn't a sure and set thing in these books, and requires both parties to accept it on their own accord, which I liked, even though Alastor could have 100% done better explaining the Golgoth's mating rituals to Sheyla. I liked the sex scenes, but I wouldn't say they were critical to the plot or anything. I actually prefer reading all the strategy and fighting scenes more.
The story is told from both Alastor and Sheyla's POVs and the voices, or at least the situations, were distinct enough that it was easy to tell which POV it was. Alastor and Sheyla leaving Ash Valley to help defend Hallowell means that we're introduced to some new characters, but keeping some old ones as well. We have Gavriel, the leader of the Eldritch (a fey-like group of shifters who have special powers), his second-in-command, Zan, Dedrick, Alastor's closest guard and second, and Rowena, another of Alastor's Exiles and third-in-command. It's an interesting group of travelers and not once did I feel bored reading their journey to Hallowell. Sheyla is accompanying them in an official capacity as Alastor's doctor, in the hopes that she can use the technology in Hallowell to recreate the medicine Alastor received back home.
"I am not a person," he said softly. "I am a scarecrow, stuffed full of other people's yearnings. My mother's desperation, my sister's charity, my people's hope. Or perhaps it is more that I'm a cracked vessel and no matter how much others pour in, I cannot hold it."
I think in this book, the modern technology doesn't throw me off as much as it did in the The Leopard King. The weapons and tech is much more integrated into the character's daily lives and it's definitely more believable in that regard. It's an interesting mix of seeing how these shifters use the technology to their advantage, while also being able to fight off the enemy in their shifted forms.
So...I just want to point something out. There is one thing that didn't sit well with me while I read this book. The Golgoth are described by Sheyla as "pale" skinned, compared to her "tawny" skin. The issue I had is that the Golgoth display rank based on the braids of their hair. The more braids they have, or the more intricate, displays higher rank among their people. To undo someone's braids is only acceptable between mates and touching them isn't allowed without permission. I'm not entirely comfortable with this aspect of the Golgoth simply because significance based on a person's braids is embedded in African culture, and yes, while this is a paranormal romance book set outside the world of humans, I was not comfortable reading how Golgoth "culture" regarding their braids are being applied here to a group of people, if like Alastor, Sheyla had described as "snowy pale, so fair that he could be an alabaster statue."
The timeline of the events of this book did confuse me a bit. This is in regards to one of the battles in this book and the time it takes to travel to Hallowell vs the time it took to leave Hallowell. It's not a deterrent from the story by any means though. It's just one of those odd things that stuck out to me rather than what anyone else might notice, I think. But the journey to Hallowell seemed arduous, while the mode of transportation is different, seemed to take no time at all?
I thought the ending was good. It does leave the door open in the overarching storyline for the next book. The very last part did seem a bit rushed, and I'm not sure I fully understood where Sheyla's family was coming from where they seemed loving at the beginning of the book and then yelling at her in later scenes. I loved Gavriel and I honestly can't wait to read more about him. Slay, from The Leopard Prince, and while not really a spoiler, is still missing and we don't really hear much about him at all. Just in case anyone, like me, was hopeful going into this story that something about him was going to come up. At this point, it might not be likely we're getting anything about Slay for a while? Overall, I enjoyed reading The Demon Prince, aside from my concerns stated above, and I can't wait to read The Wolf Lord!
***Thank you to the author for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review***
March 25, 2017
Oh my goodness, I liked the different sides of Alastor. His lifelong illnesses have given him a unique outlook and he surprises Sheyla at every turn. He can be equal parts kind and charming, yet he also understand the sacrifices he'll have to make to remove Tycho from power. He knows he's going to war against his own people and it eats at him.
But he also sees that the alternative could destroy all of Numina and he's unwilling to take the easy path when so many live are stake.
Then we have Sheyla. She's so focused she's considered a medicine machine by some of her colleagues. She's not great with social interactions and she accidentally crosses a few lines with Alastor before she's aware of what she's doing. Since those lines lead to some sexy, sexy times, it worked out in the end.
This world is big and multi-layered, skating on the edge of war and heartache with a cast of secondary characters as intriguing as our hero and heroine. I'm itching to see where the next book takes us. Itching for it.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
But he also sees that the alternative could destroy all of Numina and he's unwilling to take the easy path when so many live are stake.
Then we have Sheyla. She's so focused she's considered a medicine machine by some of her colleagues. She's not great with social interactions and she accidentally crosses a few lines with Alastor before she's aware of what she's doing. Since those lines lead to some sexy, sexy times, it worked out in the end.
This world is big and multi-layered, skating on the edge of war and heartache with a cast of secondary characters as intriguing as our hero and heroine. I'm itching to see where the next book takes us. Itching for it.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
May 15, 2017
Full review originally posted on Bookworm Wanders
Hey guys, I'm Maf and today I'm going to be reviewing a book that truly took me out of my comfort zone but in the very best ways possible!
I've never read a book about shape shifters before, it honestly wasn't something that seemed like it would interest me, so I just ignored them but when I found out about this new series by Ann Aguirre I was all over it, to this day, her 2B series is one of my fave NA series ever and if anyone could get me to love paranormal shape shifters romance, it was her.
"Is the bitter worth the sweet? For her? Yes. Always."
This book is about Alastor and Shayla, Alastor is the demon prince who has to rally his people against his awful brother who starts a war with all the creature shifters in their world but Alastor is also very sick, he has a diseases that cannot be cured and at the end of the first book, he was running out of medicine which prompted the heroine in the last book to ask Shayla, a doctor and researcher, to help him and try to find out how to make more medicine for him. We get to see their relationship unfold in the middle of one of the most interesting plots I have ever read about, Alastor's brother starts a war that requires all the shifters and non shifters in this world to come together and they all start looking at Alastor for leadership which obviously puts a lot of pressure on him but Shayla is there to help him every step of the way, I absolutely adored this dynamic because Shayla is strong as heck and so is Alastor but Shayla never ever hesitates in helping him and supporting him through everything he goes through and Alastor is never too proud to ask for help.
“Sometimes, the only way out is through, but the distance to the finish is so substantial that gazing at the horizon would weaken your resolve.”
The plot and the side characters are definitely two other aspects of this book I just adored, this isn't the type of book where someone gets mentioned once for plot purposes and then is never seen again, every single character mentioned gets a personality and something that makes them stand out, which is something that I personally think was very necessary for this plot because you cannot have a book about a war and only focus on two characters. Although, when the focus is only on the two characters, things are really steamy and romantic. This books is the second in a series and it is necessary to read the first book (which was also AMAZING) before this one because the plot of the first book follows the new couple into the second book, this is definitely a not to be missed series, with all the amazing world building and all the emotionally consuming love stories, I cannot wait to see where the next book in the series will take us.
* I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Hey guys, I'm Maf and today I'm going to be reviewing a book that truly took me out of my comfort zone but in the very best ways possible!
I've never read a book about shape shifters before, it honestly wasn't something that seemed like it would interest me, so I just ignored them but when I found out about this new series by Ann Aguirre I was all over it, to this day, her 2B series is one of my fave NA series ever and if anyone could get me to love paranormal shape shifters romance, it was her.
"Is the bitter worth the sweet? For her? Yes. Always."
This book is about Alastor and Shayla, Alastor is the demon prince who has to rally his people against his awful brother who starts a war with all the creature shifters in their world but Alastor is also very sick, he has a diseases that cannot be cured and at the end of the first book, he was running out of medicine which prompted the heroine in the last book to ask Shayla, a doctor and researcher, to help him and try to find out how to make more medicine for him. We get to see their relationship unfold in the middle of one of the most interesting plots I have ever read about, Alastor's brother starts a war that requires all the shifters and non shifters in this world to come together and they all start looking at Alastor for leadership which obviously puts a lot of pressure on him but Shayla is there to help him every step of the way, I absolutely adored this dynamic because Shayla is strong as heck and so is Alastor but Shayla never ever hesitates in helping him and supporting him through everything he goes through and Alastor is never too proud to ask for help.
“Sometimes, the only way out is through, but the distance to the finish is so substantial that gazing at the horizon would weaken your resolve.”
The plot and the side characters are definitely two other aspects of this book I just adored, this isn't the type of book where someone gets mentioned once for plot purposes and then is never seen again, every single character mentioned gets a personality and something that makes them stand out, which is something that I personally think was very necessary for this plot because you cannot have a book about a war and only focus on two characters. Although, when the focus is only on the two characters, things are really steamy and romantic. This books is the second in a series and it is necessary to read the first book (which was also AMAZING) before this one because the plot of the first book follows the new couple into the second book, this is definitely a not to be missed series, with all the amazing world building and all the emotionally consuming love stories, I cannot wait to see where the next book in the series will take us.
* I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
April 26, 2017
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Demon Prince picks up where The Leopard King left off.
There isn’t a rehash of the backstory, so while you could read it as a standalone, I wouldn’t recommend it. You’ll be mighty confused in parts.
The book starts out in Ash Valley, where the rebel Golgoth have taken refuge and are helping to rebuild after the attack. Prince Alastor is suffering the effects of his condition, and Sheyla is assigned to care for him.
When Prince Alastor has to travel to Hallowell, Shelya accompanies him on the several days hike, and they begin to bond.
Plenty of action in here, and a host of new characters from different races. We do find out more about the Golgoth society in recounts from other characters, but there truly isn’t a lot of world building. As it’s a paranormal romance above all that makes sense, though I would have liked a little more.
The best part about this book is that the conflict doesn’t come from the romance itself. There is no broody angst where the couple argues over a stupid misunderstanding to give the book tension. The story doesn’t require romance to precede, it’s just there for fun. And I love that! The characters are immersed in their world, not each other.
I would have liked more crossover with the previous characters from the series though, as they were barely mentioned. Hopefully we see them all start to come together as the series progresses.
The Demon Prince picks up where The Leopard King left off.
There isn’t a rehash of the backstory, so while you could read it as a standalone, I wouldn’t recommend it. You’ll be mighty confused in parts.
The book starts out in Ash Valley, where the rebel Golgoth have taken refuge and are helping to rebuild after the attack. Prince Alastor is suffering the effects of his condition, and Sheyla is assigned to care for him.
When Prince Alastor has to travel to Hallowell, Shelya accompanies him on the several days hike, and they begin to bond.
Plenty of action in here, and a host of new characters from different races. We do find out more about the Golgoth society in recounts from other characters, but there truly isn’t a lot of world building. As it’s a paranormal romance above all that makes sense, though I would have liked a little more.
The best part about this book is that the conflict doesn’t come from the romance itself. There is no broody angst where the couple argues over a stupid misunderstanding to give the book tension. The story doesn’t require romance to precede, it’s just there for fun. And I love that! The characters are immersed in their world, not each other.
I would have liked more crossover with the previous characters from the series though, as they were barely mentioned. Hopefully we see them all start to come together as the series progresses.
April 7, 2020
This book would have been a solid 4 stars except for a few things that bothered me.
I didn’t really understand why Sheyla was so concerned for her families opinion. It seemed like they were pretty chill until the end where she kinda threw it that they were more concerned for what others thought. Okay then. Not random at all.
This next part being the MAIN reason I have this book 2 stars: the threesome. Just... no. I’m not much into erotica or reverse harem etc. stuff. I will freely admit I am squeemish and am weird about protagonists having relationships outside of their ultimate love interest. But this... gah! It should have been labeled as erotica. I mean, the explicit sex scenes don’t really bother me but that threesome... not once but twice! I spent a good 5 minutes chanting “WHAT THE FUCK”. It seems like Dedrick was just kinda thrown in for fun and pretty much served no purpose to their relationship. Just extra smut tbh.
I am very, very wary about reading the next books now. Who knows! Maybe we’ll get a surprise orgy next. 😑
I didn’t really understand why Sheyla was so concerned for her families opinion. It seemed like they were pretty chill until the end where she kinda threw it that they were more concerned for what others thought. Okay then. Not random at all.
This next part being the MAIN reason I have this book 2 stars: the threesome. Just... no. I’m not much into erotica or reverse harem etc. stuff. I will freely admit I am squeemish and am weird about protagonists having relationships outside of their ultimate love interest. But this... gah! It should have been labeled as erotica. I mean, the explicit sex scenes don’t really bother me but that threesome... not once but twice! I spent a good 5 minutes chanting “WHAT THE FUCK”. It seems like Dedrick was just kinda thrown in for fun and pretty much served no purpose to their relationship. Just extra smut tbh.
I am very, very wary about reading the next books now. Who knows! Maybe we’ll get a surprise orgy next. 😑
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2017
Liked the first better
I liked the male hero, but didn't find the plot believable. I also didn't care for the romance and the "alternative " sex scenes. I am by no means squeamish, but I like to know what I'm getting into so I can choose to read the book. The first book gave no hint that the author would deviate from the traditional. Any who, will be a little more cautious if I pick up the next book in this series.
I liked the male hero, but didn't find the plot believable. I also didn't care for the romance and the "alternative " sex scenes. I am by no means squeamish, but I like to know what I'm getting into so I can choose to read the book. The first book gave no hint that the author would deviate from the traditional. Any who, will be a little more cautious if I pick up the next book in this series.
September 10, 2024
5 stars. THE BANTER. THE SUPPORT. THE RELATIONSHIP. THE SMUT. THE WORLDBUILDING. I'm fine.
This series is now an autobuy.
This series is now an autobuy.
March 30, 2017
Second in the series and even better than the first. I am loving this world. The war, the various factions, the cultures...it's fascinating. Here we have Sheyla, a cheetah animari, and Alastor, prince and leader of the rebel uprising for the Golgoths. The Golgoths are a kind of dragon shifter race who are feared and a little misunderstood. This is because of misinformation, too little information and because the current king of the Golgoths is a tyrannical monster so some of the atrocities are true.
Anyramble, the point is, on the outside these two don't have any commonalities but they find that thing in the other that helps them fit together perfectly. Sheyla is valued in her community but is still an outsider since she has a hard time relating to them. She is very practical and literal in her dealings and I think this is calming to Alastor.
I can go on and on about the many ways they complete each other, but I won't. These are two phenomenal characters who are living in hard times and making hard choices. I loved that they didn't give the other person shit for that.
It seemed like there was a lot more sexy sexing going on this time but I'm not complaining. It was great seeing Alastor's fierce and gentle sides and I loved the dommy vibe Sheyla threw out. I'm hooked on this series, can't wait for the next one.
Anyramble, the point is, on the outside these two don't have any commonalities but they find that thing in the other that helps them fit together perfectly. Sheyla is valued in her community but is still an outsider since she has a hard time relating to them. She is very practical and literal in her dealings and I think this is calming to Alastor.
I can go on and on about the many ways they complete each other, but I won't. These are two phenomenal characters who are living in hard times and making hard choices. I loved that they didn't give the other person shit for that.
It seemed like there was a lot more sexy sexing going on this time but I'm not complaining. It was great seeing Alastor's fierce and gentle sides and I loved the dommy vibe Sheyla threw out. I'm hooked on this series, can't wait for the next one.
December 6, 2017
Apparently, I really like Ann Aguirre's romance. The first book surprised me with how much I liked it, especially considering that it played on a trope that I don't usually care for. This second book was even better, as far as I'm concerned. These are romances that action-based. They don't feature manufactured drama stemming from a lack of communication, which is something that I hate about a lot of the other romance that I've read. Instead, any drama is driven by the character's personalities and the events taking shape around them. In this case, that means the romance is partially driven by battle and fighting. This works really well for me. I like the action and the high-stakes situations, as it makes the romance feel that much more meaningful to me.
Another thing that I really enjoy is that the sex is not formulaic. Sex in this book is very different from the prior book, and I'm sure that the third book will be different still. It makes things exciting and really enjoyable.
I also was a big fan of the characters in this one. I really liked pretty much everyone, and I felt really invested in their stories. Alastor and Sheyla were both great, and I also really enjoyed the characters of Rowena and Dedrick. They were all fleshed out and real, and I found myself truly upset whenever anything bad happened to any of them. To be honest, I kind of wish the next book would continue to focus on them, as there are plenty of loose threads left that could be used to craft another story. Alas, it is not to be, but I certainly hope that we get some cameos, at least!
In short, I thought that this was a sequel that surpassed the original, and if the third book in the series was out, I might just go out and grab it today...
Another thing that I really enjoy is that the sex is not formulaic. Sex in this book is very different from the prior book, and I'm sure that the third book will be different still. It makes things exciting and really enjoyable.
I also was a big fan of the characters in this one. I really liked pretty much everyone, and I felt really invested in their stories. Alastor and Sheyla were both great, and I also really enjoyed the characters of Rowena and Dedrick. They were all fleshed out and real, and I found myself truly upset whenever anything bad happened to any of them. To be honest, I kind of wish the next book would continue to focus on them, as there are plenty of loose threads left that could be used to craft another story. Alas, it is not to be, but I certainly hope that we get some cameos, at least!
In short, I thought that this was a sequel that surpassed the original, and if the third book in the series was out, I might just go out and grab it today...
March 27, 2020
I. love. this. book!
The political conflict that was introduced and quickly intensified in The Leopard King continues here. This time Alastor must lead an allied army in defense of an unprotected city against his brother's invading forces. There was a lot of action in this one, and I loved seeing what a multi-faceted character Alastor is. The kind of reluctant leader that inspires unending devotion from his followers, the man who's faced his mortality his entire life and uses charm and some wicked gallows humor to cope, the determined commander who is tormented by the deaths of his people, even when they are the ones trying to kill him, and of course, the tender and intense lover. I would read a hundred books about him.
I loved Sheyla as a counterpoint to him. I identified with her in a really visceral way - from her love of science, to how she regarded relationships. Hell, I've even had similar thoughts and opinions regarding sex! She's straight-forwarded, yet compassionate, and unwavering in her convictions, including those about Alastor.
This book was everything I wanted it to be, and will be one I come back to repeatedly.
The political conflict that was introduced and quickly intensified in The Leopard King continues here. This time Alastor must lead an allied army in defense of an unprotected city against his brother's invading forces. There was a lot of action in this one, and I loved seeing what a multi-faceted character Alastor is. The kind of reluctant leader that inspires unending devotion from his followers, the man who's faced his mortality his entire life and uses charm and some wicked gallows humor to cope, the determined commander who is tormented by the deaths of his people, even when they are the ones trying to kill him, and of course, the tender and intense lover. I would read a hundred books about him.
I loved Sheyla as a counterpoint to him. I identified with her in a really visceral way - from her love of science, to how she regarded relationships. Hell, I've even had similar thoughts and opinions regarding sex! She's straight-forwarded, yet compassionate, and unwavering in her convictions, including those about Alastor.
This book was everything I wanted it to be, and will be one I come back to repeatedly.
March 16, 2018
I think this is my favorite still of the first three books released in this series. The world building in Ars Numina is incredible, it keeps adding to it with each book and yet maintains individuality for each storyline. The Demon Prince follows the characters of Alastor Vega, a Galgoth prince who must confront his brother and challenge him to at least slow down or by some miracle stop his destruction of the world of the Numinaris as they know it. He moves to the warfront but accompanied by the Animaris brilliant physician Sheyla Halek, logical and unemotional who does what she is asked simply because well this particular royalty suffers from a disease that has no known cure. Of course the charming Alastor constantly needles the almost stoic Dr. Halek but pretty soon an attraction develops that is so poignant and charming that readers really can't resist becoming invested in their romance. I love how the overarching plot is seamlessly woven within the love story, it truly does harken to those old war time romances and this is the uniqueness and strength of this series. The melding together of paranormal with human events and old with modern technology. The other thing is that Alastor is not your typical hero, some might call him a bit effeminate and physically weak. Although most paranormal beings in this series are near immortal, Alastor is constantly faced with his own mortality and this leads to a very poignant and heartbreaking romance with Sheyla. The Demon Prince is action filled, inspiring, poignant, very sexy, sometimes funny but definitely a page turner.
March 24, 2024
This book disappointed me tremendously. I LOVED the Leopard King. I thought this book had so much potential at first.
Spoiler alert:
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There was all of this anticipation and lead up to when the MC’s would finally hook up. Like, multiple scenes where Sheyla teases Alastor. But then they have a threesome with Ded that comes out of nowhere and is so random. Like, it doesn’t advance the plot at all and makes no sense with the character development. Then Sheyla immediately mounts Ded on the first encounter. But she made Alastor, her fricking mate wait!? WTH!? 🤬
Not sure if I’ll even continue this series TBH. There was no angst in this one even though the setup would’ve allowed for it with the family/royalty responsibilities.
Spoiler alert:
.
.
.
.
.
There was all of this anticipation and lead up to when the MC’s would finally hook up. Like, multiple scenes where Sheyla teases Alastor. But then they have a threesome with Ded that comes out of nowhere and is so random. Like, it doesn’t advance the plot at all and makes no sense with the character development. Then Sheyla immediately mounts Ded on the first encounter. But she made Alastor, her fricking mate wait!? WTH!? 🤬
Not sure if I’ll even continue this series TBH. There was no angst in this one even though the setup would’ve allowed for it with the family/royalty responsibilities.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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