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Shadows of the Immortals #3
Rivers of Hell
Rescuing a god? Check. Escaping to the underworld? Also check.
But despite her successes, things aren’t going so well for Lexi and her friends—which is why they’re hiding out in the underworld. The god they rescued has been magically collared, unable to access his power. Worse still, Lexi’s best friend is similarly shackled, blocking her shape-shifting abilities.
Since they have precisely zero collar-opening keys, they need to make one—except the only person who can help them, the god of metalshaping, is dead. The good news? Lexi’s already in the underworld, so she can try to find him. The bad news? The underworld isn’t exactly a meadow full of butterflies, and venturing even deeper into it may be the quickest way to join the ranks of the dead herself.
But for her best friend, Lexi would journey through hell and back. Just as well, because that’s exactly what she must do to save her friend and their allies.
But despite her successes, things aren’t going so well for Lexi and her friends—which is why they’re hiding out in the underworld. The god they rescued has been magically collared, unable to access his power. Worse still, Lexi’s best friend is similarly shackled, blocking her shape-shifting abilities.
Since they have precisely zero collar-opening keys, they need to make one—except the only person who can help them, the god of metalshaping, is dead. The good news? Lexi’s already in the underworld, so she can try to find him. The bad news? The underworld isn’t exactly a meadow full of butterflies, and venturing even deeper into it may be the quickest way to join the ranks of the dead herself.
But for her best friend, Lexi would journey through hell and back. Just as well, because that’s exactly what she must do to save her friend and their allies.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2017
350 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
About the author
Marina Finlayson
31 books252 followersMarina Finlayson is a reformed wedding organist who now writes fantasy. She is married and shares her Sydney home with three kids, a large collection of dragon statues and one very stupid dog with a death wish.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
August 3, 2025
This is the third book in the Shadows of the Immortals series and I have read them all so far.
Rivers of Hell takes place in the Underworld where Jake and Lexi are developing their romance at the same time as trying to find a key which will undo the collars imprisoning Apollo and Syl. They travel with the aid of Cerberus who helps provide the humour in the book.
Very nicely written and entertaining, the story is action and danger packed. The characters are all appealing and their magic skills are excellent. Jake comes to the fore in this regard. It is all very well done and most enjoyable and I am looking forward now to #4
Rivers of Hell takes place in the Underworld where Jake and Lexi are developing their romance at the same time as trying to find a key which will undo the collars imprisoning Apollo and Syl. They travel with the aid of Cerberus who helps provide the humour in the book.
Very nicely written and entertaining, the story is action and danger packed. The characters are all appealing and their magic skills are excellent. Jake comes to the fore in this regard. It is all very well done and most enjoyable and I am looking forward now to #4
May 25, 2017
This is the third of the Shadows of the Immortals series, and it’s another action-packed and dramatic installment. This one is, as you might suspect from the title, set in the underworld, as Lexi and friends try to remove the magical collars that restrict the powers of god Apollo and Lexi’s cat-shifter friend, Syl. As always, there are plenty of twists and turns along the way, and Lexi and hot fireshaper Jake inch a little closer towards the inevitable romance.
Now, I’m going to be honest. I’ve never read a bad book by Finlayson yet, and this one doesn’t break that winning streak. It’s the usual well-written roller-coaster ride, lurching from one crisis to the next, yet always in a way that makes total sense within this world, and with that trade-mark Aussie humour - lovely! But…
It lacks many of the elements that made the previous two books amongst my favourite reads. Lexi’s ability to communicate with animals, for instance, which produced some creative moments in the first two books, is very muted in the underworld (with one glorious exception). Then there are those delightful thought-conversations with cat-Syl, which so enchanted me. None of that here. And finally, that tantalising backstory about Lexi’s mum - where is she? Why is everything different in her home town? I really, really, really wanted to know about that, and with Lexi stuck in the underworld, that didn’t happen. All of this is perfectly understandable, but disappointing.
So this was still a very enjoyable read, and highly recommended, but for my personal choice, I’d have liked a touch less relentless action and a little more of the quirky charm. Four stars.
Now, I’m going to be honest. I’ve never read a bad book by Finlayson yet, and this one doesn’t break that winning streak. It’s the usual well-written roller-coaster ride, lurching from one crisis to the next, yet always in a way that makes total sense within this world, and with that trade-mark Aussie humour - lovely! But…
It lacks many of the elements that made the previous two books amongst my favourite reads. Lexi’s ability to communicate with animals, for instance, which produced some creative moments in the first two books, is very muted in the underworld (with one glorious exception). Then there are those delightful thought-conversations with cat-Syl, which so enchanted me. None of that here. And finally, that tantalising backstory about Lexi’s mum - where is she? Why is everything different in her home town? I really, really, really wanted to know about that, and with Lexi stuck in the underworld, that didn’t happen. All of this is perfectly understandable, but disappointing.
So this was still a very enjoyable read, and highly recommended, but for my personal choice, I’d have liked a touch less relentless action and a little more of the quirky charm. Four stars.
October 13, 2022
With Apollo and Syl collared, unable to access their powers, things are looking pretty grim. But something resembling a plan is thought of; journey across the underworld to talk to Hephaistos, the god of meltalshaping who is also dead, to see if he can help by creating a new key to unlock the collars. However, things never go according to plan, even one as simple as this.
When Hades goes missing, Lexi decides she can't wait around. Jake would never let her go alone, so the pair set of with Cerberus to guide them to find Hephaistos. Things go from bad to worse with Lexi being injured by an arrow of long dead centaur, Cerberus leaving them to go and aid his master, and Jake making a bargain that leaves his life in the balance.
If you say one thing about Marina, it's that she can write a good climax! This is the third book, and the third with an I-can't-put-this-down ending. Well, close enough to the ending anyway. She knows how to build tension and a sense of urgency, and this book is no exception.
Jake and Lexi's relationship continues to grow as they lean on and trust each other more and more. Despite the betrayal Jake was feeling in the previous book, he seems to have moved past it and can understand Lexi and her motives more. It's almost refreshing having a relationship build in a fantasy series without all the sexual tension.
Cerberus has to be one of my favourite characters, he's just so goofy.
Surprisingly, this didn't suffer from middle-book-syndrome for me. It doesn't feel like a stand still in the story as the plot still progresses at a nice pace. Sure, most of it takes place in the underworld, but plenty of things still happen.
I only vaguely remembered part of this book from when I originally read it, and even then it was more remembering it as I re-read that certain part. It's almost like reading the series anew, which is a great thing.
When Hades goes missing, Lexi decides she can't wait around. Jake would never let her go alone, so the pair set of with Cerberus to guide them to find Hephaistos. Things go from bad to worse with Lexi being injured by an arrow of long dead centaur, Cerberus leaving them to go and aid his master, and Jake making a bargain that leaves his life in the balance.
If you say one thing about Marina, it's that she can write a good climax! This is the third book, and the third with an I-can't-put-this-down ending. Well, close enough to the ending anyway. She knows how to build tension and a sense of urgency, and this book is no exception.
Jake and Lexi's relationship continues to grow as they lean on and trust each other more and more. Despite the betrayal Jake was feeling in the previous book, he seems to have moved past it and can understand Lexi and her motives more. It's almost refreshing having a relationship build in a fantasy series without all the sexual tension.
Cerberus has to be one of my favourite characters, he's just so goofy.
“Cerberus, could you carry us?” I asked. Three big heads turned to stare at me. I wouldn’t have thought a dog could look affronted, but he did.
NOT HORSE.
I know, I know, and I’m sorry, I said, switching to inner speech.
I wouldn’t ask, but … I swallowed hard, letting him see my fear. I’m scared. We need help. Fast. A giant, pink tongue licked me gently.
HORSE FOR BOSSY GIRL.
Surprisingly, this didn't suffer from middle-book-syndrome for me. It doesn't feel like a stand still in the story as the plot still progresses at a nice pace. Sure, most of it takes place in the underworld, but plenty of things still happen.
I only vaguely remembered part of this book from when I originally read it, and even then it was more remembering it as I re-read that certain part. It's almost like reading the series anew, which is a great thing.
September 3, 2021
This one starts to really drag.
It takes like 40 pages just to reach Hephaestus and mid way through they are like hey Cerberus give us a ride. Why aren’t we waiting for Hades?
I think I need a break from the series.
It takes like 40 pages just to reach Hephaestus and mid way through they are like hey Cerberus give us a ride. Why aren’t we waiting for Hades?
I think I need a break from the series.
May 31, 2017
Series is getting a little slow and off track
I like the series but it is getting a little slow and off track. Now the next book is another rescue....let's get the party together and go back to the magic that was book 1.
Also Kill Styx by the way.
I like the series but it is getting a little slow and off track. Now the next book is another rescue....let's get the party together and go back to the magic that was book 1.
Also Kill Styx by the way.
August 5, 2017
3.5 stars
I discovered the Shadows of the Immortals series as it came out this year on audio. It was a pleasant surprise containing many elements I enjoy. There is magic, many types of paranormal beings in this fascinating world. After three books, I don't know if I understand very much about how the world works.
Hollie Jackson continues to do a fine job with the narration. She is Lexi to me. There were many new and interesting characters in the underworld for her to give voices. She made it all come to life and allowed me to focus on the story.
Lexi, providing our view of everything, doesn't know much about her family or how she got her skills, which are not typical. Many of her long held beliefs, as far as who the good guys are and who the bad guys are, have been challenged. In Rivers of Hell, she finally seems to have decided and is actively trying to help her friends. Unfortunately, she makes some decisions which border on TSTL and doesn't handle some things well. Her relationship with Jake did not have much sexual tension or romance but they are beginning to trust and support each other.
It's frustrating to take a step forward and then a step back. This is a transition without enough learning or character development for me. It ended on quite the cliffhanger and the next book isn't out yet! There is a blog post from February indicating a plan for two more books which might be out this year. I look forward to moving forward and learning more about these characters and filling in details about this world.
Listen to a clip here.
Read this review in its entirety at The Book Nympho
December 6, 2021
Nossa eu tô amando esses livros!
Muito bons!!
Dessa vez lá no mundo inferior, lexi e jake conseguem chegar até hefesto, que informa que o único jeito para tirar o colar é indo até sua forja para pegar um pouco do metal com que aquilo foi feito, e então, nessa aventura, eles partem para o portão que fica do lado do tártaro, porém o jake faz uma barganha com a styx para conseguir cruzar o rio, o que faz com que ele tenha somente 12 horas para concluir sua missão de pegar o metal e então voltar para a Styx.
Muita coisa acontece, e no final eles levam o jake bem a tempo quase morrendo do veneno para então descobrir que a Styx enganou eles e ela vai ficar com o jake pra sempre kkkk
O único jeito agora é achando o Hades ou o Zeus! E essa é a próxima aventura.
O passado dela ainda é uma incógnita, maaasss agora eu tenho certeza que ela é a Ártemis! Tinha grandes suspeitas que ela era uma deusa e agora eu acho q é a Ártemis mesmo!!
Muito bons!!
Dessa vez lá no mundo inferior, lexi e jake conseguem chegar até hefesto, que informa que o único jeito para tirar o colar é indo até sua forja para pegar um pouco do metal com que aquilo foi feito, e então, nessa aventura, eles partem para o portão que fica do lado do tártaro, porém o jake faz uma barganha com a styx para conseguir cruzar o rio, o que faz com que ele tenha somente 12 horas para concluir sua missão de pegar o metal e então voltar para a Styx.
Muita coisa acontece, e no final eles levam o jake bem a tempo quase morrendo do veneno para então descobrir que a Styx enganou eles e ela vai ficar com o jake pra sempre kkkk
O único jeito agora é achando o Hades ou o Zeus! E essa é a próxima aventura.
O passado dela ainda é uma incógnita, maaasss agora eu tenho certeza que ela é a Ártemis! Tinha grandes suspeitas que ela era uma deusa e agora eu acho q é a Ártemis mesmo!!
June 24, 2017
Having inhaled this in another day after doing the same with the first 2 books I am at a loss for what to do now! I am very impatiently waiting for the next book in this series. It has me totally hooked and I am very anxious to find out what happens to these characters next. My only criticism (and this is primarily my own wish to find out what happens next) is that there were many plot threads left hanging and I am dying to know what is happening with so many of my favourite characters! After braving large parts of the underworld, Lexi is coming to realise that she is the one who has to step up, and maybe she just might be the heroine. More is beginning to hang in the balance than she ever could have imagined after her introduction to the fact of the God's existence. I highly recommend this series if you can stand the agony of the wait for the next book!
February 19, 2018
I completely enjoyed this book. It continues where Murdered Gods left off. Lexi is in the underworld and trying to figure out how to free her friends. Then one goes missing and it leaves them even more in a bind than they had been before. A deal is brokered and it has severe consequences. This one ends on a cliffhanger with lots of unanswered questions but that just makes me anxious to start the next book. The narrartor does a great job with the story and I cannot wait for the next!
It was a 4/5 for me. I won't wait for the next book to come out on audio, I am going to start it immediately.
It was a 4/5 for me. I won't wait for the next book to come out on audio, I am going to start it immediately.
March 19, 2018
Toward the end of book 2, I have had a firm idea of what our intrepid heroine will turn out to be-- I'm now more sure, but the mystery continues as I wait to pick up book 4 (I can't stop now, this series is wonderful). Why the 4-star rating? Simply because this was more of a trip through a maze than a real, complex storyline. There is storyline progression, but I would have preferred more complexity. Still, a good read and I can't wait to read the next books in this fast-paced series...oh, and this ending!
October 28, 2017
Adventure
Hell is about what one would expect. Monsters, gods , and the dead. Oh my! I thi k it was the best part of the story. Lexi and her friends are doing everything they can to release Syl and Apollo from the collars. It is a huge task and it doesn't help that Hades goes missing. Lots of action and adventure.
Hell is about what one would expect. Monsters, gods , and the dead. Oh my! I thi k it was the best part of the story. Lexi and her friends are doing everything they can to release Syl and Apollo from the collars. It is a huge task and it doesn't help that Hades goes missing. Lots of action and adventure.
May 27, 2019
Is it just me or....
I had to flip back and reread it to make sure my mind wasn’t playing tricks... but yep suddenly the water nymph went from being introduced as NYX to suddenly being renamed STYX.... go figure.
This was another fast paced installment and quite a lot was accomplished.
I’m keen on reading more in this series.
I had to flip back and reread it to make sure my mind wasn’t playing tricks... but yep suddenly the water nymph went from being introduced as NYX to suddenly being renamed STYX.... go figure.
This was another fast paced installment and quite a lot was accomplished.
I’m keen on reading more in this series.
August 26, 2021
Well done.
Lexi, Jake, Syl and Apollo travel to Hades' palace in hell to protect them from the Shadow shapers until the collar can be removed from Apollo. Cerberus leads them to Hephaistos so he can tell them how to make the key to unlock the collar. Naturally it isn't very easy. The quest has many challenges which make it quite interesting.
Lexi, Jake, Syl and Apollo travel to Hades' palace in hell to protect them from the Shadow shapers until the collar can be removed from Apollo. Cerberus leads them to Hephaistos so he can tell them how to make the key to unlock the collar. Naturally it isn't very easy. The quest has many challenges which make it quite interesting.
July 4, 2017
Great story
Great read, well plotted and paced. Wonderful characters. A couldn't put down kind of book. Looking forward to the next one and hopefully finding out who Lexi really is, although I have some ideas.
Great read, well plotted and paced. Wonderful characters. A couldn't put down kind of book. Looking forward to the next one and hopefully finding out who Lexi really is, although I have some ideas.
August 31, 2017
Great book
Alexia is trying to stop the shadow shapers from killing the Gods. She is in the underworld in this adventure, she has the great fortune of meeting many of its inhabitants.
Alexia is trying to stop the shadow shapers from killing the Gods. She is in the underworld in this adventure, she has the great fortune of meeting many of its inhabitants.
February 7, 2019
Good story
Each book has been good with good story lines. Have had some loud belly laughs and considering this is not a comedy, that’s great the author can weave that into her work. Still interested enough to continue to the next book to solve the mystery of Lexi.
Each book has been good with good story lines. Have had some loud belly laughs and considering this is not a comedy, that’s great the author can weave that into her work. Still interested enough to continue to the next book to solve the mystery of Lexi.
May 7, 2019
I found this book dragged a little. After reading all five books I wish some of the more mundane things were cut and the series made into four books instead. I did continue reading the series and I do feel it picks back up.
July 17, 2020
Book 3 of 5
As of things couldn’t get more crazy. So much has happened on this book. Very fast paced and I feel as if I may have missed a few details along the way. Two more books to go I hope there’s a HEA after all the Chaos.
As of things couldn’t get more crazy. So much has happened on this book. Very fast paced and I feel as if I may have missed a few details along the way. Two more books to go I hope there’s a HEA after all the Chaos.
August 18, 2020
This book meandered a bit and wasn't as interesting to me as the two that came before it (or the two after, in retrospect). A decent middle entry that did advance the story, but not in the most engaging way.
March 26, 2022
Still going strong
Continues to be a gripping and exciting series. A little more frustrating than the last books with some of the plot elements but overall I think it served as a good transition to what's coming next
Continues to be a gripping and exciting series. A little more frustrating than the last books with some of the plot elements but overall I think it served as a good transition to what's coming next
July 6, 2025
Cute story
I am enjoying the story. Yet I feel.as if each book is several chapters in one story with a lot of descriptions and details. I wish it would just get on with it. Some language and kissing. Otherwise good story.
I am enjoying the story. Yet I feel.as if each book is several chapters in one story with a lot of descriptions and details. I wish it would just get on with it. Some language and kissing. Otherwise good story.
May 7, 2017
3.5 Stars
May 7, 2017
Felt short but better than the others. Interesting underworld building... :)
June 7, 2017
Enjoyable and fun, can't wait to find out what happens next.
February 2, 2018
Thank you
Thank you for your consistency on this series of books I am quite enjoying them. I am ready for the next one.
Thank you for your consistency on this series of books I am quite enjoying them. I am ready for the next one.
March 4, 2018
Great
I am really loving this series and can not wait for the next book. Thank you for the great entertainment.
I am really loving this series and can not wait for the next book. Thank you for the great entertainment.
August 25, 2018
Action and fun
Grab this one for non stop action. All breaks loose in hell.. Can't wait to start the next one this one ended on a real cliff hanger.
Grab this one for non stop action. All breaks loose in hell.. Can't wait to start the next one this one ended on a real cliff hanger.
August 12, 2019
Goodness
More Lexi got in more trouble and needs to get out. That ending was good. The characters are amazing and the plot is refreshing
More Lexi got in more trouble and needs to get out. That ending was good. The characters are amazing and the plot is refreshing
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews