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Red Order #2

Parasight

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I am drowning in darkness. 
My limbs submerged in inky tar, my lungs asphyxiated by the stench of death's hold. 
My eyes see nothing but black. 
Yet I see him. 
And I am not scared. 
I should be.

Don't look into my eyes, for my demons will eat you alive. 
My devil inside will feast on your soft flesh. His jagged teeth will tear the meat from your bones and drink the light from your soul. 
His scars will turn the innocent into sinful and drag you into his dark pit of hell. 
No light lives within this disfigured shell. 
I am a vessel for pain. 
Giving and receiving. 
It feeds me. 
It nourishes me. 
It holds me close like the arms of a lover and whispers to me in the twilight.

They say the devil was once an angel. 
There is no angel inside me. 
I do not seek repentance nor forgiveness. 
I do not crave things as weak as love. 
My desire for her is purely selfish and once my appetite is sated she will be unlucky to leave with her life. 
When she looks into my eyes, my demons will eat her alive.

*Book #2 of 'The Red Order' series. Can be read as a standalone, but to understand the full storyline consider beginning the journey with Feyness*

234 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 28, 2017

51 people are currently reading
353 people want to read

About the author

E.S. Carter

30 books942 followers

USA Today Bestselling Author, ES Carter, lives in Cardiff, South Wales. The home of castles, dragons and folklore.
Her family joke that she was born with a book in her hand, and the urge to write stories soon followed.
At eleven, she won her school's literary prize. At ages fourteen to sixteen - her poetry phase after falling in love with Dylan Thomas and e.e. cummings - she had a few poems published, but life, love and family overtook her dreams, and she was in her thirties when she began the scary journey of self-publishing.
Her debut and internationally best-selling series, 'Love by Numbers', are a set of interconnected stand alone romances, all with varying themes of love. From second-chance to romantic comedy and M/M romance. These stories do not need to be read in order, in fact, she is often guilty of advising readers to start at the last book and work their way back through.
Contemporary romance is not the only genre she writes, her second series, 'The Red Order', is as dark and twisted as you can get, but there is beauty there too if you can open your eyes and look.
With many more stories bursting to be set free, she hopes you stay along for the ride.
She loves to connect with readers, so please feel free to friend/follow her on Facebook, IG and Twitter or join her reader's group, E's Elite <3

Facebook - https://goo.gl/Ih65tm

Goodreads - https://goo.gl/2b0fDE

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
Profile Image for warhawke.
1,552 reviews2,236 followers
March 28, 2017
Genre: Dark Romantic Suspense
Type: Standalone Book 2 of The Red Order series
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:




Henry (Grim) Renshaw was known as The Reaper of The Red Order. As his moniker suggested, he delivered people wanted by The Red Order, dead or alive. Since he escaped his own hell, he was a soulless shell on a path of vengeance. But at the end of it, he unwittingly discovered a new path.

Calliah (Cal) didn't have a past she could remember. All her memories stemmed from the nightmares of her captivity. Now she was free, she wanted to create new memories, but not until she sever the past.



I love the dark side, but I don't usually go for the bloody kind. However I was intrigued by the secondary characters in book 1, Feyness that I needed to know their stories.

I reap. I rejoice in the death of others. I serve an irrevocable justice. And I enjoy it.


On the surface, Grim is not someone who one would normally be interested in. He was a loner brute. But that's exactly what made him endearing especially when he felt out of depth. Also, I love how he riled up his brothers. I thought that was adorable in a... sinister way haha!

Cal’s existence sucks away everything and claims all of my attention.


Cal started as a fragile character, but she quickly showed some inner strength. I like how one element made her character much more interesting. However, I wish there was more of her past because the lack of specific details made me conflicted in accepting her behavior after.



I really like Grim and Cal individually and I do like how the romance element was downplayed. But to label them as a couple, I felt they needed to be more connected.

Sex and the coppery tang of blood thicken the air, the stench vile, but my Devil loves it, wanting more than anything to come out and play.


I think this book is less bloody than book 1, but as equally cringe worthy lol! The prologue set a powerful tone to the rest of the book. There were definitely some disgustingly fascinating scenes. Let's just say, I might not use a certain innocent looking cooking instrument for a while lol!

From afar we likely look like lovers having an intimate moment, when, in reality, we are two broken people learning to accept the other in the only way we know how.


Parasight weaved a tale of two individuals healing each other amidst the depravity of the life they've been exposed to. It would appeal to readers who aren't afraid to dwell on the dark side.

Note 1:
The epilogue OMG! If you know me well you'd understand how happy (and horny lol!) that made me hahaha!

Note 2:
That little tidbit on Luke, OMG are you trying to kill me E.S. Carter?! Luke has been my favorite since book 1 and now that little teaser *dies*. I knew there's reason why he appeals to me lol!




✜ ⚜ ✜ . . . (F)BR With Loyda . . . ✜ ⚜ ✜





For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:

Profile Image for Alexandra.
433 reviews
April 1, 2017
Let me start by saying WOW!!! Now after I caught my breath and picked my jaw up off the floor it's time to piece together all my thoughts in what I hope will be a coherent review as I was left speechless after finishing this forever haunting story.

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Parasight is book 2 in ES Carter's Red Order series and it's the ONE book I've been waiting for - I'm a sucker for the damaged antihero and Grim provided just that. This book was everything I dreamed it would be: it's dark and gritty, bloody and action packed, but most importantly, full of emotion.

"You don't make friends with Satan when he's thristing for your blood."

Grim, our scary yet lovable leading man - well, at least I think that - is back and better than before. He's still the same old knife loving, axe weilding man , but after one unthinkable event leaves him emotionally shattered he starts showing the one thing we wouldn have never guess he was capabale of, FEELINGS.

"Bait is an unwilling accomplice. I am not bait. I am vengeance."

And the bearer of his attentions is none other than one strong leading lady. Calliah, is what I wished Grim would get. She's a tough and doesn't back down from a 'fight' type of heroine . After everything she's been through at the hands of her masters, she's right there in the midst of the war to get them destroyed.

The love story between these two is one of the many things that make Parasight a must read - from the get go there's chemistry, even in the saddest of times Calliah found comfort in Grim's strong and powerful embrace, while he found solace in the depths of her blue eyes. From there on out it isn't smooth sailing - don't be deluded, they don't instantly fall for each other and profess their undying love - they have to fight against their own reasoning and memories in order to maybe give themselves a fair shot.

What I loved the most about this story is how easily ES Carter dug into her dark and twisted resources to bring her readers a book that left me saying WTF quite often, one that had me stop in the middle of the action to catch my breath; one that made me think that nothing is of limits for her when she says she'll write a dark suspense romance - get ready for a bloodbath!!!

This is all I'll say about the story as it's one that has to be experienced without extra information. Just remember, Parasight is the story of two broken individuals, scarred by their past both on the surface but mosty deep down, who are afraid to even imagine that they are worthy of love, but who in each other find the things that they didn't know they were missing - carrying and understanding.
Profile Image for Betül.
1,067 reviews291 followers
April 1, 2017
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**

description

"The saved girl and the killer. The assassin and his trophy. Grim and Calliah."

Parasight was just as I expected it to be: dark, twisted and pretty disturbing at times. After reading Feyness (the first book in the Red Order series) I already got a taste of ES Carter's dark side, and boy she has one hell of a dark and twisted side to her. If you read Feyness then you already met Grim, who is the main character in this book. He is one scary individual who loves to kill and torture. I couldn't wait for him to get his own book, but was wondering what type of woman would be his perfect match. In my opinion Calliah was definitely a right match for him. The moment they meet there is this unspoken connection between them. We get to see a whole nother side to Grim that I didn't expect him to have. I was really pleasantly surprised the way Grim transformed, but also the way he was still his dark and twisted self.

"From afar we likely look like lovers having an intimate moment, when, in reality, we are two broken people learning to accept the other in the only way we know how."

I am going to be honest, the prologue was very disturbing and that scene broke my heart. But it does show you where Grim is coming from, why he is the way he is. I think it was essential to the story to get a good insight into Grim's mind and behavior. Calliah also didn't have a loving and sweet past, the things she went through were heartbreaking. Both of them had been through hell and back but were still very strong. Especially Calliah, her strength was very admirable. She also didn't let Grim intimate her, which surprised Grim, because he is a killer that is feared my many. The only problem I had with this book was the time between Calliah and Grim. In my opinion this book was too short for them to fully connect as a couple. I was just missing time alone between them. As individuals they did a lot of growing but as a couple much less. I did enjoy the suspense in the book a lot. And the new character that was introduced has piqued my interest a LOT. I just can't wait for the next book to release.
Profile Image for The Reading's Love Blog.
1,340 reviews187 followers
March 16, 2020
RECENSIONE QUI: https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/...

description
ATTENZIONE! Questo è il secondo volume della serie L'Ordine Rosso. Anche se questo romanzo può essere letto come autoconclusivo, vi consigliamo di iniziare dal primo volume, Feyness.
Parasight - Non guardarmi è un dark con i contro fiocchi, adatto a chi ama questo genere nelle sfumature più buie e depravate. Una storia che ci ha fatto conoscere questa splendida serie dark. I libri sono, senza dubbio, pieni di violenza e depravazione e proprio per questo non è adatta a tutti, perché contiene tematiche molto forti. Nel primo libro abbiamo conosciuto Cole e Faye, che ci hanno fatto sognare, sospirare e tremare. In Parasight. Non guardarmi conosciamo il migliore amico di Cole, Grim. Grim nel primo libro ci è sembrato il personaggio più cruento e disturbato ed in questo libro ne abbiamo la certezza. Ha un passato che lo ha reso un mostro, è distruttivo, tutto ciò che tocca brama di distruggerlo e romperlo. È un'anima nera, che gode nel far del male alle persone, ed è senza dubbio un personaggio protagonista diverso dal solito: è il cattivo. Lo è diventato per ciò che gli è stato fatto, per la vita che ha vissuto. L'autrice ha creato un personaggio problematico e devastato e lo ha reso perfetto in ogni suo pensiero e ogni azione ed ogni dialogo è coerente con il personaggio che ha creato. Ci descrive in modo meraviglioso questo personaggio, in modo oscuro e cruento, rendendolo ancor più reale e cattivo. Calliah è una vittima da tutta la vita, un'anima pura, macchiata da un mondo che l'ha risucchiata, resa schiava e sottomessa a un sistema che non ha voluto né cercato. È spezzata, dentro e fuori ed è un personaggio che cerca di non annegare, nonostante tutto ciò che le è successo. Il suo personaggio è in netto contrasto con l'oscurità di Grim. Troverà la forza in Grim, e Grim troverà la luce in Calliah. Insieme possono essere l'uno la forza dell'altro, la luce, l'ancora che li salva da loro stessi. Tra loro, l'affinità è innegabile fin da subito. Uno è la forza dell'altro. Sono opposti ma allo stesso tempo uguali: sono distrutti, martoriati nell'animo, senza nessuno a sorreggerli per non farli annegare. Parasight è un libro molto difficile da digerire, diverse scene si leggono a fatica. Molte volte dovrete fermarvi un attimo per capire ciò che le persone possono arrivare a fare. Un libro cruento e pieno di depravazione, dove i buoni vengono sottomessi ai cattivi e dove i personaggi sono disturbati. La trama è intricata e piena di colpi di scena tanto da riuscire a tenerci appesi ad un filo per tutta la lettura: la vendetta è un tema che in questo libro è presente e persistente. Calliah e Grim sono personaggi perfetti per questo libro così nero e oscuro. La storia è scritta in modo impeccabile, le descrizioni sono minuziose e i dettagli creano suspense e paura nel lettore, ma anche di una sensibilità unica. E.S. Carter riesce a creare nel lettore sensazioni che provano i personaggi, rendendo la lettura reale e tangibile. Questo è senza dubbio un dark perfetto: oscurità e sangue, vendetta e morte. Non è una lettura adatta a tutti, nonostante il bel messaggio che ci viene trasmesso: l'amore trionfa su tutto, vale la pena aspettare l'anima gemella, la persona che ti capisce nonostante tutti i mostri che hai dentro.

CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/
Profile Image for Kira.
1,292 reviews139 followers
July 30, 2017
2.5 stars

Everything about this annoyed me. Grim saw Cal being abused and immediately noticed her beauty. He instantly fell in love with her although he was in denial about it. Why did her beauty have to be mentioned? Does that mean she isn't worthy of love or of being saved if she had been ugly or physically scarred from her abuse?

Cal had been an abused slave her entire life until Grim found her. It was a little odd that after a few weeks of freedom that she was willing to walk back into the lion's den so to speak to bring down the people who hurt her. I would have thought she'd have more emotional issues to work through. She recovered quickly.

Once her secret was revealed all I could think was WTF? For one thing why was that even added to the story? It served no purpose. How the hell could she cover that up? I've never heard of anyone so easily cover up a problem like that. It wasn't believable.

Grim was an ass. I didn't like the guy. Every time any little thing went wrong all he wanted to do was kill people. I can't relate to that kind of a mindset. He was a psycho.
Profile Image for Vicky Sp.
1,820 reviews131 followers
March 26, 2020
Con la morte di Alec, il nuovo capo dell’Ordine Rosso è Cole, un uomo con più potere dei vari governanti dell’Europa e del resto del mondo occidentale. Lo abbiamo lasciato innamorato  prendersi cura di Faye, la sua personale bambola spezzata.
Ma l'Ordine rosso è anche nelle mani di Grim, suo fratello, uomo sanguinario e un assassino. Lui vuole vendicare tutte quelle persone che sono state sottoposte a violenza e schiavitù e che sono finite nella tratta di essere umani, considerati come mera merce di scambio.

Durante una missione resta colpito da una donna assoggettata a violenza indicibile e decide di salvarla. Lei si chiama Calliah e, come Feye, ha un dono speciale. Per quel che ne sa, è nata nel Regno e la sua vita è stata una infinita servitù: era solo un contenitore, per il piacere e la soddisfazione di altri.

In un luogo segreto nel centro di Parigi, il cosiddetto Mercato, vengono perpretati atti di violenza, sottomissione e cattiveria inaudita. Il tutto per una questione di soldi, potere, sesso e depravazione. Le persone schiavizzate, inclusi bambini, rappresentano l’agnello sacrificale in attesa del macello.

La cosa incredibile è che il mondo continua fuori da questo posto, inconsapevole dei terribili orrori che accadono proprio sotto il naso delle persone, in una delle città più belle del mondo. I Padroni si dilettano della loro patetica finzione di potere. La ricchezza e l’appartenenza permettono loro di decidere chi può vivere e chi deve morire, chi proverà piacere e chi un incontrollabile dolore. È una droga inebriante per le persone malate presenti in sala, che hanno puntato gli occhi su potenziali acquisizioni.

La tematica affrontata nel libro non è per tutti. È stato interessante tornare ad Hunter Lodge ma personalmente alcune scene le ho trovate troppo agghiaccianti e atroci, e avrei preferito che non venissero descritte nei dettagli.

Henry, dal cuore che piange, che a undici anni si trasforma in Grim, un violento assassino, mi ha straziato il cuore. È un protagonista sorprendente perché la sua dolcezza, nonostante sia un personaggio oscuro, si rivela, inaspettata.
Profile Image for Dani.
Author 123 books2,350 followers
March 28, 2017
This is the second book in the Red Order series and I'm left with the need for more. E.S. Carter has a way of writing the most beautifully brutal words. Beautiful because it's poetic, and brutal because this is definitely a dark read. There is no doubt this story will be difficult to read for some, but if you like walking that fine line between the romance, intensity, and diving into the darkness, then this is for you.

This is Grim's story and what a heartbreaking, yet intriguing man. We meet him in Feyness, the first book and even then he was a character that begged for attention because he had a presence about him. When we delve a little deeper into his story we find the man beneath the deadly veneer.

I've definitely enjoyed this incredibly touching, yet dark story and if I could give it more than 5 stars I would!
Profile Image for  ✰  Charlie  ✰ Chisholm.
1,984 reviews22 followers
March 19, 2017
5 Big Dark and Twisted Stars!

ARC Provided and Reviewed by We’ve Licked that book blog!

Parasight is the second book in the Red Order series…but can be read as a Standalone… but trust me you should read book 1 Feyness it is so good. Plus, you can understand the story more.
This book was brilliant I really loved Grim and Calliah. I was on the edge of my seat while reading this book sucks you in and keeps you turning till the very last page.

Calliah has been with the kingdom for as long as she can remember she doesn’t remember anything from her life before being taken there, I really liked her Character cos no matter what she had been through she was still fierce, and strong. And she had been through hell.

Grim I really liked him we get an insight to his past and what he went through as a child, I really hated his mother and father what they did to him as a child and what they made him witness. Once he is older, he is out to get revenge on those who hurt him…He is a killer, but I really felt for him…
He saves Calliah and as much as he doesn’t want too he starts to really like Calliah, and he will do anything to protect her.

This book is very well written. I love the way the author writes. I even found myself laughing in some parts, but don’t let that foul you this book is very dark and twisted which I love. If you are looking for a light and fluffy book you will not get that in this book but if you love dark & disturbing this is the book for you.
I can’t wait to see what ES Carter brings us next.
Profile Image for Darlene Avery.
996 reviews3 followers
September 30, 2019
Parasight by E.S. Carter is a dark phenomenal masterpiece, that will take you from the depths of depravity to the highs of hope and expectations.

Carter is one of those rare authors, who is both gifted with her ability as a wordsmith and her ability as a master storyteller.

Parasight brings us up close and personal with Grim. The fascinating killer from Feyness . Grim has so many layers and depths to his tortured soul, that one can not look away.

Grim will meet someone during this journey who will tilt all his beliefs on their axis, and have him even more conflicted about what direction he wants to go, and who he should believe.

This book is one I will read again and again. Yes it is dark, it is twisted, and it is full of raw horrifying scenes that will have you on the edge of your seat. However, it is also beautiful, and real, and full of depths of emotions that only Carter can bring out of such amazing characters.

5 Thousand Phenomenal Stars!!!!
Profile Image for Cathy.
947 reviews6 followers
April 9, 2017
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I thought I knew what to expect having read (and loved) Feyness (The Red Order Book 1) but was I wrong!!!

Hold on to your hats people - don't expect to be led gently into the darkness - you are about to be thrown, headfirst, with a stomach churning prologue, into the world of Grim and from thereon it is a hell of a ride.

In Parasight the violence is graphic and Tarantino-esque, not for the faint hearted, but it is tempered with a wicked sense of humour. I absolutely adored Grim and his sense of 'appropriate' retribution (you will never look at a melon baller in the same way again!).

You would think that Grim's character would be all darkness after his less than idyllic childhood, but when he encounters Calliah you can see this isn't true. Part waif, part warrior, she is the serenity to his storm. Despite her horrific life experience, she oozes a calm that brings out Grim's vulnerable side, she shows us the gentleman behind the Avenger, and she stands alongside him in their efforts to take down The Kingdom. There are some truly gripping, hold your breath moments but I don't want to give too much detail - you need to experience that for yourself!

I'm also excited by the insights into Luke, I cannot wait to see his story develop!

I loved this book, its darkness and its light. I loved the way ES Carter used her well crafted words to take you to places you never imagined, and show how love can blossom even in the darkest places. I love how she shows the beauty in damaged people.

I highly recommend this book, and if you haven't already you should start with Feyness, not only because it will give you more background on the Red Order but because it too is a fabulous dark read!
Profile Image for Lorraine.
306 reviews3 followers
April 1, 2017
5++ Stars.
An incredible story of a very dark and dangerous world. It's not for the faint hearted but if you like your hero's with a blood thirsty edge, then Grim is the hero for you and that, is ultimately, what he is.
This story is covered in blood and gore. The supporting characters, grotesque not only in appearance but in the life they've chosen. Yet, underneath layers of sick depraved behaviour and blood thirsty revenge, there lies a love story.
The lives lead by Grim and Cal to date are not happy. Their childhoods were similar in the respect that neither were happy and both were treated to indescribable torture, both mental and physical. Somehow, through all of this, they find strength in one another and that is the key to the attraction that both of them can not ignore.
I loved every dark, gut wrenching (literally in places) part of this story. The words used to describe Grim and Cal's existence are almost poetic. I didn't want it to end and loved every single moment. It's the kind of story you could easily read more than once. I can't rate it highly enough - I'm still buzzing with excitement at the thought of it. It was amazing.
One thing to take into account. To get a better understanding of the characters and background story, I would highly recommend you read book one in the Red Order Series - Feyness. It's not essential, but I would hate for anyone to miss out on getting to know the key players - Plus, it's also a beautifully dark love story!
Profile Image for Amo Thomson.
617 reviews
March 28, 2017
Holy Shit......

Es Carter takes us on Grim's journey of sweet revenge & destruction.

Growing up with enough hate to Tear down a kingdom should make people take note not to stand in the way of Grim, when he wants something to happen rest assure it's happening.

What he doesn't plan on is picking up a trophy on the way that might do him more harm them good.

But with Grim we never know which way he's going to go especially with so much darkness going on not only in his soul but his whole life.

Will there be hope for the one man to help him see the light?

Will the darkness see the sunshine ?

Will gravel turn to grass?

Will hate turn to love?

This is not for the faint hearted there are some hard hitting moments in this book that even I had to take a moment and go back to it.


Eli I absolutely love that you try new things not only for yourself but to reach all readers & thank you for letting me in on Grim's Journey.


And that little hint to the next book.... well that I just cannot wait for
Profile Image for Najat.
389 reviews16 followers
April 17, 2020
Un dark psicologico dal sapore forte, sanguinoso, e devastante.
Solo per stomaci forti.
(Ancora non so come ho fatto a leggerlo🙈) ma amo lo stile della Carter. 🖤
Profile Image for Libri & SognaLibri.
966 reviews35 followers
March 13, 2020
VOTO: 4,5 STELLINE.
RECENSITO DA QUEEN PER IL BLOG DI "LIBRI E SOGNALIBRI"
description
Dopo tanta attesa, finalmente ho potuto leggere il secondo capitolo della Serie dell’Ordine Rosso di E. S. Carter. Come il primo, il titolo del secondo, Parasight-Non guardarmi, evoca un elemento importante della storia che è emotivamente più intensa rispetto al primo capitolo, per fortuna in senso positivo.

«Non ti può mancare ciò che è sempre qui» sospira lei, posando le nostre mani intrecciate sul mio petto. Il mio cuore batte forte sotto la gabbia toracica, le dita intrecciate fanno sembrare le nostre mani un’unica cosa. «Lo so».

L’autrice questa volta non calca la mano sulle nefandezze umane, che pur ci sono ma restano marginali, bensì sulle emozioni contrastanti che animano i due protagonisti e soprattutto lui, Grim, il temibile braccio destro di Cole Hunter.

Contrariamente a quanto mi aspettavo, il secondo capitolo, infatti, parla di Grim e del suo incontro con la luce, una luce che nasce dalle tenebre più profonde e ha il nome di Calliah.

Grim e Calliah sono due anime perse, spezzate dalla crudeltà, che pensano di non poter più essere salvate. Questo sono Grim e Cal. Agli occhi del mondo. Ma agli occhi l’uno dell’altro sono di più: c’è un legame che li unisce da subito, un legame profondo e imprescindibile che li spinge uno verso l’altro come calamite. Un legame talmente unico che confonde e conquista anche il lettore e lo avvolge in una coperta emotiva che fa dimenticare il passato di entrambi.

“Quel legame fatto di filo spinato che ci ha sempre connessi sta diventando più forte, e più si rafforza, meno affilato diventa al tocco, ma più concentrato. Siamo legati, noi due, e non solo dalle circostanze, ma da qualcosa di più tangibile.”

La storia tra i due è particolare, tanto che la stessa Calliah si chiede se e come potrà andare avanti, ma a sorpresa è Grim che, in maniera timida e goffa, la guida sulla giusta strada. E voi direte, timido e goffo lui?! Bè, Grim è tanto audace e sicuro quando si tratta di coltelli quanto impacciato quando è alle prese con una donna perché a lui nessuno ha mai insegnato come comportarsi in certe circostanze; si lascia guidare dal cuore Grim, dimostrando che anche i mostri assetati di sangue ne hanno uno.

“Poi, lo sento respirare a fondo e lentamente, ha capito le mie intenzioni e le anticipa, e d’un tratto non sono più nervosa. Sa che sto per toccarlo e vuole che accada. Vuole le mie mani sul suo viso.

Io non ero un eroe, né andavo ammirato, ma cazzo se mi piacevano le sue mani sul mio viso. Quando mai ero stato toccato senza provare dolore o senza averne bisogno? Mai.”


Devo ammettere che, se da un lato mi è mancata l’azione (l’autrice questa volta si è contenuta per quanto riguarda i dettagli violenti) dall’altra ho apprezzato questo suo porre l’accento sulla componente umana del mostro, anzi, dei mostri. Se il primo libro sprizzava sensualità da ogni riga, questo emana un vortice di emozioni che ti stravolge, creando una forte empatia con i protagonisti. Quindi non si può non innamorarsi di Grim insieme a Calliah, così come non si può non desiderare di proteggere questo giovane fiore spezzato o voler distruggere chi le ha fatto del male.

E lo so che può sembrare incredibile, ma Grim è un personaggio sorprendente perché la sua dolcezza arriva inaspettata e contundente esattamente come i suoi colpi.

E poi c’è Calliah, la Carter ci ha abituato a personaggi femminili particolari ma non vi dirò niente di lei tranne che è un fiore che nasce in mezzo all’inferno e sembra quasi di vederla brillare attraverso le pagine.
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Profile Image for My Own Bookshelves.
717 reviews136 followers
April 1, 2017
How do you find beauty and poetry in the darkness? You venture here. If you are looking for contemporary romance, turn around and go back where you came from. If you are needing something new, and much darker, follow me.

But first, read Feyness if you haven't. Sorry - this one I standby -book one is a must read first.

"Fear is unwelcome here. I am not that boy; I’m the angel of death."

ES Carter spins a story that haunting reminds me of gothic romances from Charlotte and Emily Bronte or Ann Radcliffe. However you are teleported to modern day where the demons are far more cunning and have endless resources at their disposal.

"Dressed all in white, she appears to be an unblemished angel, while I’m the bruise on a piece of fruit, the part you cut off with the sharpest knife before you sink your teeth into the remaining flesh."

This tale takes off right where Feyness left. But now Ms Carter gives us Grim to walk us through the revenge that he never seems to satisfy. He stands alone, aware of the devil inside, that he cannot share his life. However, Calliah was the unblemished part that caught his bruises unawares. You get to learn about the difficulties these two characters endured. And became stronger - oh so much stronger for it.

If you love paranormal/dark romance, I urge you to stop reading and just one click RIGHT NOW. If you are like me, where hearts, flowers and unicorns rule the Kindle, this is an unlikely but beautiful read. When asked to describe ES Carter's darker side, I say that it is poetry - abet scary ass poetry but bewitching all the same. I am forever impressed with each offering ES Carter gifts her readers; I walked away breathless...and waiting for Luke's story. 5 out of 5 heartstoppingly beautiful stars.

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Profile Image for Pamela Lilley.
2,201 reviews39 followers
March 20, 2017
Welcome to the dark side.
Oh how I love love love this dark side of Ms Carter. A wonderfully written follow on from Feyness that can be read as a standalone (but why would you want to miss out on the wonderfulness that is Cole). Book 2 sees the newly formed Red Order trying to bring down 'The Kingdom'. When Grim saves the battered and abused Calliah from her torturer little does he know the effect it will have on his tumultuous feelings. Grim, unable to feel love and kindness spends his days seeking revenge on those who wronged him. Cal has spent her life keeping her own secrets and had pretty much given up, accepting her own fate and praying for her release from this world, until Grim entered her life. The unexpected bond that they both feel for each other is new to both of them, and Grim, much to my chagrin tries to deny his feelings, unable to believe he deserves happiness. I loved both Grim and Cal and the relationship that slowly starts to build between them throughout the book. I've got to say however, do not read this book if you want a light fluffy romance. Told in dual POV this book is graphically violent with some disturbing scenes, not for the faint hearted. I have to say though, I'm loving this series and I can't wait for more. I'm thinking Luke is going to be a tough nut to crack and I can't wait to find out. I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kali McQuillen.
1,937 reviews36 followers
March 22, 2017
If you haven't read Feyness, the first book in this series, I highly suggest it so you can get more of the back story of the characters. Plus that's one of my favorite dark reads ever.

I literally gasped within the first few pages, going NOOOOO!!!!!! The author doesn't start out slow at all, just jumps right into it from the very get go. Heart pounding action that made me hold my breath and mumble to myself. I'm not a person to chew my nails but I was tempted when I was reading this book. I was even going WOAH, I didn't see that one coming at all. (I'm pretty sure I said that a couple of times while I was reading this.) The author definitely keeps you on your toes that's for sure!

I absolutely loved Cal. The things that she's been through and seen is horrifying but she still has the sweetness about her that tempers Grim's beast. It also brings out his possessive streak that Luke and Cole smirk at and they like to give him crap about it. What are friends for right?

If you like Dark reads then I would definitely grab Feyness (if you haven't read it) to start this ride with ES Carter!
Profile Image for Luigia.
102 reviews4 followers
March 17, 2020
cinque stelle visto quanto mi ha sorpreso questo libro. Rispetto al primo cambia proprio carattere definendosi davvero un dark. Non vedo l’ora di leggere il terzo 😍😍😍
437 reviews6 followers
April 1, 2017
ARC recieved for an honest review

This is the 2nd book in the Red Order series and is just as good as the 1st book Feyness.

Whilst it can be read as a standalone I would recommend reading the 1st book prior to this. It give you an insight into the lives and the characters in the book and will make it easier to follow.

This book follows Grim and Cal. The book reminds me of a modern Beauty and the Beast. However; I don't think the original Beast has a patch on Grim. I think he would even give the devil a run for his money. He does however have a vulnerable side and a side I fell in love with.

Cal is strong, when she should be broken and weak. She has been through so much in her lifetime that I am surprised she is still around to tell the tales.

Can Cal be the one to tame the Beast or will this Beast not be for turning?
Profile Image for Hayley.
269 reviews31 followers
March 19, 2017
Brilliant read! I Love Grim & Cal!! Grim is a bad arse motherfuck literally...I found myself laughing at parts

"Too late...am a bit OCD,not a fan of odd numbers"

Fave quote from grim ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for M.R. Field.
Author 5 books321 followers
April 1, 2017
*6 STARS*

E.S Carter’s novel, Parasite is a dark narrative, that delves into a dark world that captivated us in her novel, Feyness. It was there that we met, Grim. He was a character that caught our attention and even before beginning Parasite, Carter toys with our eagerness, welcoming us to her realm to finally meet him;

“You came back.
You liked the darkness.
You thirsted for more.
Don’t worry, you secret is safe with me.”

Without a doubt as the anticipation begins to simmer, and the pages turn, it’s time to, “dance on the dark side.”

Parasite is about vengeance, that is delivered with a slice of well-deserved brutality.
It is about two broken souls, damaged to an inch of their life, without feeling that they are worthy to have a soul let alone deserve one.

Grim, our anti-hero is scarred both physically and emotionally. His drive for retribution, ultimately leads him face to face, with another damaged recipient, Calliah. Grim is drawn to her, despite his best efforts initially at keeping his distance from the beautiful woman who disarms him. As their connection strengthens, he marvels at her need to be near him, “She fights hidden demons, yet still stopped to one in plain sight.”

Calliah came from a world, too horrid to imagine, where she felt, “barricaded… behind bars of wire and thorns” until Grim saved her and began to restore all that she thought she had lost. “Yet it was my saviour’s arms that wrapped around me and held me close. The embrace of this, strong, powerful stranger enfolded me in a blanket of the very thing they’d all but extinguished. Hope.”

As their friendship grows, Calliah’s desire to be part of his world, intensifies. Her feelings for Grim continue yet he holds her at a distance. “There are so many contradictions to this man that I don’t think I’ll ever work him out, and a part of me doesn’t want to.”

Carter challenges our perceptions of what makes a character evil or what makes them misunderstood. It is a novel, that even in the darkest of places, where all hope can seem lost, the most unlikely person can obliterate any shade of darkness.

Even in the midst of Grim’s brutality, Carter weaves the essence of her broken character with a hint of humour. Softening us to give this antagonist a chance. Which we do. “A scarred maniac, who is always in control even when I lose it, and a thug who names his favourite knife, gets hard when people who beg for their life, and yet listens to the Rat Pack because those men were sheer class.”

Grim will have you wanting him to succeed. His motives at the start might not be what you’d consider just, but once you understand his own story, you’ll be cheering him on the entire time.
While Grim is quick to show us his strength and lust to seek revenge, Calliah is no wallflower. She too, has the compulsion to face her past and be rid of them forever. Even if it means, returning to the Devil’s den.
“Bait is an unwilling accomplice. I am not bait. I am vengeance.”

Parasite is not for the faint hearted. If you are looking for a warm fuzzy rom com, then you’re in the wrong place. A shame really, as it is a phenomenal read. Yet, if you can handle the dark side of things, then this novel is just the one for you.
I will warn however, there are themes that are confronting. You will be shocked then disgusted in parts, to subsequently feeling driven to furiously thirst for revenge. You may as a result, be inclined to message the author herself and ask for your sanity back. I did a few times. I’m still waiting for it to return.

Grim and Calliah’s story is brutal, yet beautiful.
So, get comfortable, sit back and enjoy.

“Did I hurt you?’
“No, you didn’t hurt me. You freed me.”
Profile Image for Il confine dei libri.
4,865 reviews149 followers
March 27, 2020
Salve confine,
oggi vi parlo del secondo volume della serie “L’ordine rosso” di E.S. Carter, ovvero “Parasight – Non guardarmi”, sempre edito Hope edizioni e uscito a marzo.
Appena ho visto l’anteprima, mi sono subito detta che lo volevo assolutamente. Leggere la Carter è stata una vera scoperta, soprattutto con questa serie. Mi piace il suo modo di scrivere, come descrive l’oscurità senza essere volgare o ripetitiva, oppure banale per chi non si sa cimentarsi in questo genere.
Bando alle ciance, ora vi parlo della trama.
Nel primo romanzo abbiamo conosciuto come protagonisti Cole e Faye e sullo sfondo della loro storia abbiamo conosciuto Luke, il fratello di Cole, e Grim. Un nome un po’ ambiguo, ma conoscendo la sua storia direi che gli calza a pennello. E in questo nuovo romanzo l’autrice ci parla proprio di lui.

La famiglia di Henry Renshaw non è una famiglia comune, direi più una fuori dal normale.
Uccidono e violentano ragazzini solo per il semplice gusto di farlo, e questo a Henry disgusta. È il padre a chiedergli una prova della sua fedeltà, ovvero uccidere una sua coetanea, lui però, anche se è ancora un ragazzino, non crede sia giusto uccidere persone innocenti solo per eccitarsi all’idea di farlo.
Henry disobbedisce alla mente malata dei suoi genitori e ciò gli procura una cicatrice sul viso che non gli farà dimenticare mai più quel giorno.
Grazie ai fratelli Hunter, che combattono per la giusta causa, ovvero eliminare persone come i genitori di Henry, il ragazzo viene tirato fuori da quella che un tempo era la sua famiglia, e messo al sicuro con gli Hunter.
Da allora Henry Renshaw è morto, ora esiste solo Grim.
Sono passati anni, ma la vendetta continua a scorrergli nelle vene; il giorno in cui è andato via è riuscito ad uccidere sua madre, ora ciò che desidera è eliminare anche suo padre, che è riuscito a nascondersi in qualche regno.
Grim studia il suo piano nei minimi dettagli, ma quando arriva al nascondiglio del padre lo trova con una giovane vittima, che sembra più morta che viva.
Vedendo ciò Grim non pensa più alle torture che voleva infliggere all’uomo né alla vendetta, pensa solo a salvare quella ragazza.
Questa ragazza ha scaturito sentimenti contrastanti nella mente di Grim. Lui odia le persone, ama il sangue, la vendetta, il potere, la sottomissione, eppure quella giovane donna la vuole solo proteggere.
Chi sarà lei per Grim? Potrebbe aiutarlo a trovare la pace che cercava da anni?

"Io sono Grim.
Io mieto vittime.
Io godo della morte altrui.
Io servo una giustizia irrevocabile.
Io sono Grim.
Henry è morto da tempo."

Bene lettori, ho cercato di riassumere gli aspetti fondamentali della trama e vi rassicuro che non ci sono spoiler. Mi sono trattenuta al primo capitolo, ma credo già abbiate capito che queste pagine gronderanno sangue, soprattutto con un protagonista come Grim.
Come vi ho già detto all’inizio, lo stile della Carter non è per niente banale, anzi mi è piaciuto tantissimo la costruzione del personaggio di Grim, che anche con la dolcezza di Calliah non ha mai perso la sua durezza.
Dall’altra parte ho trovato una donna con un passato sconvolgente, che ha vissuto esperienze che nessuno dovrebbe vivere. La sua forza è totalmente da ammirare.

Il romanzo è breve ma non manca di scene e descrizioni impeccabili. Lo stile è scorrevole e la storia per niente scontata.
Questo romanzo per me rappresenta determinazione, oscurità, rivincita, perché prima o poi nella vita arriva anche il nostro turno alla felicità.
Al prossimo capitolo!
Profile Image for Angie McGuire.
1,126 reviews13 followers
April 1, 2017
This book is unreliably manic and bloody, but we see a side of Grim that is left after the rubble of his childhood. We see him in Feyness, but nothing could've prepared me for this book.

Grim is lost in his own world, set on a lifetime of revenge, but nothing could've prepared him for Calliah. NOTHING. Along with the Hunter brothers, Grim is righting the wrongs of the world through deprivation and gore. This is his light at the end of a dark and cavernous tunnel. Getting off on death and revenge, he saves sweet Cal from the depths of despair. She's nothing like you world imagine due to the horrible life she had led. He is not worthy of her and he knows it.

Calliah is beauty and raw love that only one other person has ever seen, but she feels the goodness in Grim that even he doesn't see. There is a connection that is unbreakable, and it's up to both of them to see through the muck and blood.

I would have never thought that Grim could've been rightness in my eyes, but this book did that for me. Even through the second book, I'm still too shocked to know who I can and cannot trust, but Grim with Calliah is definitely one of them (without hey I'm not sure I could). He brings out someone that is worthy of being loved, which is one of the reasons I adored this book.

I voluntarily reviewed this ARC from the author, as gracious as possible, because this author just does it for me in her writing. It's pure and soulful, and I truly don't think there is a book in wouldn't read of hers. This series is so dark dark dark, and not one I would've read on my own, but I trusted that I would love it, and I have. I implore you to read this, because it's just that good.
Profile Image for Candice.
29 reviews
April 3, 2017
I had been waiting for this book for what felt like forever (in reality only months) and as always ES Carter did not disappoint.
This was a beautiful, dark love story of two broken people that find in each other what they need.
Profile Image for Nicola.
66 reviews5 followers
April 10, 2017
I absolutely love Eli's dark side - it's twisted and brilliant.
I didn't think Feyness could be topped, but I was so wrong. I was taken to places I never imagined, stomach churning, gut wrenching places I had no idea about! And I loved it!

Grim, the "unstoppable maniac", is a very complex man. For someone with such a black heart, he feels everything with deep pain and anguish. We were introduced to him in Feyness, but that only touched the surface of him. He is a tortured soul.
And Calliah, beautiful and ethereal Calliah, is his balm. She drives him insane, but at the same time she settles him in some way.

Eli's words slay me. I also love how she inserts humour to bring a bit of light to the darkness. It's just right.
This book is up there for me, not to be missed.
5 eye popping stars!!
Profile Image for Marieke ~ Marieke's Books.
454 reviews25 followers
June 4, 2017
Parasight is the second book in E.S. Carter’s ‘the Red Order Series’. Like the first book it’s nothing like the author’s sweet other books, it’s brutal and horrific. In the previous book we’ve met Grim, a terrifying guy with a hunger for killing, preferably the sick people preying on the innocent. Parasight gives us his story.
“I’m strong enough for your hurt, Grim. If you need it, give it to me. Give it all to me.”

Grim’s last memories of his parents are brutal, and shaped him into the nightmare he is today. As the Reaper of the Red Order he extortions information and delivers punishments to the scum of the earth. And as you can guess from his name, most of Grim’s victims don’t come out alive. With his brain so differently wired from other people, it’s almost impossible for Grim to form relationships with other people. He basically only trusts his friends Cole and Luke, and to some extend Faye. When Grim is on the hunt for an old enemy he meets Calliah. He doesn’t want to want her, but he can’t stay away from her.
“This girl is ethereally beautiful, but it’s when she opens her eyes that my head spins and I stumble back, almost falling flat on my arse like a spooked child. Those eyes haunt me. Iridescent blue, and almost lifeless, they look like the eyes of the dead yet have a depth that speaks of untold vitality.”

Calliah only knows pain and darkness. All she remembers from her childhood are her older sister and the horrible things done to them. She has hold on to life for as long as she could, but now she’s ready to give up, to escape from her nightmare and the monster that owns her. Being rescued by Grim gives her a change at some sort of life, but strangely she feels something for the man. Gratitude, friendship, something more? She isn’t sure, but she wants to be in his presence.
“I feel his eyes on me the entire way, and I want to turn and go back to him, for no reason other than I felt something in his company; something more than the eternal loneliness and isolation that I’ve felt for most of my life.”

Grim and Calliah are both very damaged people, physically and mentally. What they went through has altered them in so many ways, but somehow they find peace in each other. Grim has rescued Calliah from a horrific situation, saw her at her very worst. But he sees past that, and sees the beautiful sweet woman she is. Despite all the monsters from her past, Calliah is still here, and being with Grim makes her feel safe. Oddly enough this couple makes sense; they are right for each other and you just want them to be loved in their own way.

Like Feyness, Parasight is a romantic story against a very dark background. Horrible things are done to Grim and Calliah, and Grim and his favorite weapon do them to other ‘people’. Reading about it is hard, but the way the author has written it makes it a little less scary. Most of the horrible situations have happened in the past, and are told about. This creates a bit of a distance between the reader and the awful situations. It’s doesn’t make them less terrible, but a bit easier to read. I love Grim and Calliah, and I really like their whole storyline. I can’t wait for Luke’s book. Something tells me the sharply dressed man is the scariest guy of the three men…
“Is it over?” I ask as my senses begin to dull just before sleep claims me once more. “Yes, it’s over,” he whispers into the hair at my crown before inhaling deeply. “But you and me, Cal, we’ve only just begun.”

I’ve enjoyed reading Parasight, I give the story of Calliah and Grim 4 stars.


www.mariekesbooks.com
Profile Image for Alyson Santos.
Author 21 books946 followers
April 12, 2017
Holy melon baller. I'm still reeling, because once again ES Carter's addictive writing took us into the bowels of darkness. I'll admit I wasn't one of the fans clamoring for a Grim book after Feyness. I was intrigued, but not enamored with the creepy villain-hero. But Parasight showed me I did want this story, even if I didn't want to want it. This one hooked me like the first, stealing any spare seconds I could find to return to this twisted world that left my jaw on the floor more often than not. Well done, ES Carter. Well done.
Profile Image for Laura Nelson (Tangents and Tissues).
777 reviews73 followers
April 3, 2017
“Bait is an unwilling accomplice. I am not bait. I am vengeance.”

Do you ever finish a book and think to yourself, “I am one sick puppy.”? No? *shrugs* Must just be me then, lol. I loved every dark, delicious word of this tale.

The author had her hooks in me from the opening prologue which really sets the tone for this instalment of The Red Order Series. Grim and Calliah are two characters whom I will not easily forget.

Grim is one of those characters that both frightens and thrills you at the same time. This is a bad boy on steroids. His demons are many, but what else would you expect from someone who has endured and survived what he has? Who are we to judge how he gets his kicks. Whaaaaaa? Don��t look at me like that! *blushes* Okay, okay – I’ll admit it. I’m slightly in love.

He also, unintentionally, had me in stitches in one scene. See ‘sick puppy’ comment above. All I will say is it involved Grim and a melon baller…. Say no more, says you *snorts*

I wanted to cry for Calliah, but she wouldn’t let me. I wanted to hug her, but again, she was adamant that it was not needed. Did the fact that she had survived all these years in conditions we couldn’t even envisage not attest to her inner fortitude and will to survive?

“Do not wish for the end when you’ve just found your beginning.”

Only once does she falter, but Grim provides all the strength she needs. It was as if she was saying, “See? Save your tears.”

My heart was in my mouth more times than I could count with me screaming WTW or some derivative at my kindle screen *whistles* The suspense was tangible and the action epic.

I always highlight sections as I read and, for me, this sums Grim and Cal up for me perfectly:

“Touch is an intimate awareness…. It can soothe, it can heal, it can comfort, it can create, and it can strengthen. It can also inflict pain and terrorise, but one thing touch never does is lie.”

Now, how long do I have to wait for Luke’s story? Because let me tell you – the snippet! – gave me a metaphorical hard-on lol.

Note: Copy kindly received from author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sheila'S Book Corner.
1,071 reviews78 followers
April 1, 2017
#6DarkStars
I absolutely loved this book! Right from page one it pulled me way out of my comfort zone. Taking the darkest and scariest character from book 1, Feyness, and dropping us feet first into his story!

"You came back.
You liked the darkness.
You thirsted for more.
Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me."

Parasight is the second book in the dark series The Red Order. This book and this series is dark, twisted, a bit horrifying, but also romantic and so full of hope!

"His voice trails off as if he’s now aware he’s sharing too much, so we sit in silence. My fingers are clasped gently in the hand of a vicious killer, while my heart aches for a young boy called Henry."

Parasight continues right where Feyeness left off but gives us more insight into Grim's past and we see what shaped him into the man and monster that he has become.

“I’m strong enough for your hurt, Grim. If you need it, give it to me. Give it all to me.”

Grim is compelled to rescue a young woman, Calliah, who doesn't remember a time before her captivity except for some memories of her sister. In her life she has only known pain and fear till suddenly she sees hope in this scarred and dangerous man.

"I want to mark her, to bite her, to devour all that she is until I’m fat and bloated with her flesh."

Parasight is a beautifully written story that shows the power of hope even in the very darkest and seemingly hopeless of situations.

"Then we are alone.
The saved girl and the killer.
The assassin and his trophy.
Grim and Calliah."

I've loved seeing the darker side of this author and look forward to getting more stories from this world. I do have to say that as much as I can't wait, I'm also a bit terrified to read Luke's book! He might be the darkest and most damaged!
-Diane-
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