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Guardians of the Underworld #1
Shadow Mine
Destroyer. Guardian. Hellhound.
Soren is known by many different names, but they all mean the same thing. A hellhound created by Hades, Soren is a guardian of the Underworld, both champion of the innocents and executioner of the damned. He embodies justice and duty, breathes loyalty, and lives by an unbreakable code.
Also created by Hades, Ryot had a very different purpose. As Hades’s assassin, she served the Lord of the Underworld faithfully for centuries, eliminating political rivals and helping him amass power without question. She knew where the bodies were buried, having dug the graves herself. It was only a matter of time before Hades saw her as a threat to be eliminated. Betrayed and exiled to Sheol, Ryot resigned herself to an eternity in hell. But when a chance encounter leads to her escape, Ryot vows revenge against Hades, and she’s the perfect assassin for the job.
When Soren learns of Ryot’s escape, he knows the bodies will soon pile up, with Hades like a cherry on top. Time is running out, but this isn’t the first time Soren has tracked Ryot. He knows her well, knows how she thinks, and he knows that she won’t stop until Hades is dead.
But Soren and Hades aren’t the only one interested in Ryot’s impossible escape from Sheol. Ryot has her plans for Hades, but others are also watching, waiting, and plotting. And when the Fates join the game, the outcome is anyone’s guess.
Also created by Hades, Ryot had a very different purpose. As Hades’s assassin, she served the Lord of the Underworld faithfully for centuries, eliminating political rivals and helping him amass power without question. She knew where the bodies were buried, having dug the graves herself. It was only a matter of time before Hades saw her as a threat to be eliminated. Betrayed and exiled to Sheol, Ryot resigned herself to an eternity in hell. But when a chance encounter leads to her escape, Ryot vows revenge against Hades, and she’s the perfect assassin for the job.
When Soren learns of Ryot’s escape, he knows the bodies will soon pile up, with Hades like a cherry on top. Time is running out, but this isn’t the first time Soren has tracked Ryot. He knows her well, knows how she thinks, and he knows that she won’t stop until Hades is dead.
But Soren and Hades aren’t the only one interested in Ryot’s impossible escape from Sheol. Ryot has her plans for Hades, but others are also watching, waiting, and plotting. And when the Fates join the game, the outcome is anyone’s guess.
283 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2016
8 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Kohout
16 books77 followersA former lawyer, Washington native Jennifer Kohout is the bestselling, award-winning author of paranormal & historical romances designed to entice readers to explore the darker side of romance. Her novels Master Of Tides and Queen Of Souls have been nominated for the RITA award.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 17, 2016
Don't mess with the Fates.
An intense story of the underworld and demons. There is Hades and Lucifer and all types of demons. The two main characters are a female assassin that is able to change her appearance like a chameleon and a male demon who is a hellhound. The past for the two wasn't pretty. He put her in hell for a little over a hundred years, but the fates have so much more ahead for them together.
I can't wait to read the next book. This book is meant for adults only due to a lot of violence and some steamy scenes.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of the book.
An intense story of the underworld and demons. There is Hades and Lucifer and all types of demons. The two main characters are a female assassin that is able to change her appearance like a chameleon and a male demon who is a hellhound. The past for the two wasn't pretty. He put her in hell for a little over a hundred years, but the fates have so much more ahead for them together.
I can't wait to read the next book. This book is meant for adults only due to a lot of violence and some steamy scenes.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of the book.
February 1, 2017
All reviews originally posted on the blog: http://www.knockinbooks.com/reviews
I was a little concerned when I started reading this book. I like simple, easy reads. This book, with its mythology and alternate dimensions, seemed overly complicated. But based on feedback from two of my favorite paranormal authors, LE Wilson and Isabel Jordan, (and based on its great blurb) I decided to give this one a read. And, man, am I ever glad I did!
First of all, I could read an entire book of nothing but Ryot as she navigates through the different areas of Sheol. While reading, I felt like I was right there in Sheol, fighting all the horrible, poisonous creatures right alongside Ryot. The descriptions were THAT amazing.
The world building in this story was as well-thought-out and complex as any urban fantasy I’ve ever read. Fans of the Kate Daniels novels would definitely appreciate the world this author has built.
And Ryot was AMAZING. Strong, capable, smart, driven and yet still feminine and (eventually) willing to accept help from others when necessary...she had it all.
Soren was a great match for Ryot. He was also strong, capable, smart and driven, and yet he felt no need to force his opinions on the heroine or lord his strength over her. He was happy to just let Ryot be Ryot, and appreciate all the awesomeness that went along with that.
The only slight blemish on an otherwise outstanding paranormal romance/urban fantasy read was a small incident with one of Hades’ guards and a servant named Abel. It was violent and kind of disturbing, and I didn’t see how that particular scene moved the story along at all. But, given that this was book 1 in a series, I have to think the author will tie up that loose end at a later date.
All in all, this is a fantastic “girl power” read. Highly recommend!
Full disclosure: the author generously provided a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I was a little concerned when I started reading this book. I like simple, easy reads. This book, with its mythology and alternate dimensions, seemed overly complicated. But based on feedback from two of my favorite paranormal authors, LE Wilson and Isabel Jordan, (and based on its great blurb) I decided to give this one a read. And, man, am I ever glad I did!
First of all, I could read an entire book of nothing but Ryot as she navigates through the different areas of Sheol. While reading, I felt like I was right there in Sheol, fighting all the horrible, poisonous creatures right alongside Ryot. The descriptions were THAT amazing.
The world building in this story was as well-thought-out and complex as any urban fantasy I’ve ever read. Fans of the Kate Daniels novels would definitely appreciate the world this author has built.
And Ryot was AMAZING. Strong, capable, smart, driven and yet still feminine and (eventually) willing to accept help from others when necessary...she had it all.
Soren was a great match for Ryot. He was also strong, capable, smart and driven, and yet he felt no need to force his opinions on the heroine or lord his strength over her. He was happy to just let Ryot be Ryot, and appreciate all the awesomeness that went along with that.
The only slight blemish on an otherwise outstanding paranormal romance/urban fantasy read was a small incident with one of Hades’ guards and a servant named Abel. It was violent and kind of disturbing, and I didn’t see how that particular scene moved the story along at all. But, given that this was book 1 in a series, I have to think the author will tie up that loose end at a later date.
All in all, this is a fantastic “girl power” read. Highly recommend!
Full disclosure: the author generously provided a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
June 12, 2019
Non-Spoilers:
First... The world building in this is amazing, to the point that I wish there were more books in this series to continue exploring this world.
Also, I completely fell in love with the characters. They were well-written, and I loved the main two characters' story arcs and watching their romance unfold - the only critique I really have is the development of the romance could have been a little better in terms of build-up, but it was still an enjoyable read. (Also, I wouldn't have hated it if it were smuttier... /js)
The plot is very interesting, and this book kept me interested and focused. I wish there were more books in the series because even though this books wraps up the main story nicely, it definitely left off in a way that made me think more books might follow. Considering that this was written 2016 and haven't seen anything too recent, I don't think it will happen. Still an enjoyable read and worth the time, since you can grab it on KindleUnlimited.
First... The world building in this is amazing, to the point that I wish there were more books in this series to continue exploring this world.
Also, I completely fell in love with the characters. They were well-written, and I loved the main two characters' story arcs and watching their romance unfold - the only critique I really have is the development of the romance could have been a little better in terms of build-up, but it was still an enjoyable read. (Also, I wouldn't have hated it if it were smuttier... /js)
The plot is very interesting, and this book kept me interested and focused. I wish there were more books in the series because even though this books wraps up the main story nicely, it definitely left off in a way that made me think more books might follow. Considering that this was written 2016 and haven't seen anything too recent, I don't think it will happen. Still an enjoyable read and worth the time, since you can grab it on KindleUnlimited.
November 21, 2016
The realms of the underworld bring together two unwilling foes (with a history of course) in a twist of circumstances that reveal the truth of their feelings. I enjoyed reading this book and have to admit that Shadow Mine left me wishing the next book in the series was already published. Needless to say, the story ended too soon for me! If you are into fantasy and romance, you will not be disappointed!
February 10, 2019
Awesome
Hades created hellhounds and Soren silently voted top hound. Hades sent him out a hundred years ago to track down Ryot and it took two years to finally catch and take her to Lucifers' playground. She has found a way out and once again Soren is sent out to dance this dance again. But finding out who she really is takes Soren on an unbelievable journey.
Hades created hellhounds and Soren silently voted top hound. Hades sent him out a hundred years ago to track down Ryot and it took two years to finally catch and take her to Lucifers' playground. She has found a way out and once again Soren is sent out to dance this dance again. But finding out who she really is takes Soren on an unbelievable journey.
November 15, 2016
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
I loved this book, I loved the complex World the reader is transported to. It kept me gripped from the beginning to the end and I finished the book in one sitting. There's action, political intrigue and romance in a world of demons and gods.
This story is set in the Underworld, but also references the Olympian gods. Ryot was Hades' assassin, but he betrayed her and sentenced her to eternity in Sheol. Soren is the guardian/hellhound that put her there. After she escapes he is again tasked by Hades with tracking her down.
The world building was excellent/complex and really had me engaged. The characters and their interactions were well thought out. I enjoyed the political machinations and seeing behind closed doors at their other proclivities!
This is more urban fantasy than paranormal romance, although there is an element of romance within the story. The realisation of feelings of love were a little sudden for me given the history of the characters, but it didn't affect my enjoyment of the book.
I don't want to put any spoilers in this review, but whilst some issues are resolved at the end many are not and this appears to be the beginning of a series. I hope it is and I can't wait for the next one. Would definitely recommend.
I loved this book, I loved the complex World the reader is transported to. It kept me gripped from the beginning to the end and I finished the book in one sitting. There's action, political intrigue and romance in a world of demons and gods.
This story is set in the Underworld, but also references the Olympian gods. Ryot was Hades' assassin, but he betrayed her and sentenced her to eternity in Sheol. Soren is the guardian/hellhound that put her there. After she escapes he is again tasked by Hades with tracking her down.
The world building was excellent/complex and really had me engaged. The characters and their interactions were well thought out. I enjoyed the political machinations and seeing behind closed doors at their other proclivities!
This is more urban fantasy than paranormal romance, although there is an element of romance within the story. The realisation of feelings of love were a little sudden for me given the history of the characters, but it didn't affect my enjoyment of the book.
I don't want to put any spoilers in this review, but whilst some issues are resolved at the end many are not and this appears to be the beginning of a series. I hope it is and I can't wait for the next one. Would definitely recommend.
February 13, 2017
WOW!!
From beginning to end, it's non-stop action. Yes, there's extreme violence and sex; but this is the Underworld. And soon it'll be spilling over into our realm. Definitely looking for book #2!!
From beginning to end, it's non-stop action. Yes, there's extreme violence and sex; but this is the Underworld. And soon it'll be spilling over into our realm. Definitely looking for book #2!!
November 16, 2016
After the first few pages Soren and Ryot get you hooked. Both come from the same good place thinking their Mentor / Father Figure does everything with good intentions. Throughout the book and as they find each other they both learn that what they previously believed as black and white has subtle areas of grey and through this grey they come together. An amazing story of survival against the odds and realising your differences are not as different as you thought. And realising the biggest sacrifices are the hardest to make when your heart is involved. One of my favourite books of this year. I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 16, 2016
i loved this book! In fact I felt almost bereft when I finished it as I wanted to continue the story of the the 2 main characters. I found the descriptions of the realms particularly good and the characters are likable without being smarmy as sometimes characters in romantic books can be. The story line in well developed and I am looking forward to seeing where the next book takes us! This Author is now on my must read list!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews