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Luther Cross #2
Devil's Descent: A Dark Crossroads Urban Fantasy
Dive into the abyss! I'm Luther Cross, but you already knew that. Hard to forget a dangerously handsome, effortlessly stylish half-demon like myself. I earn my living using my knowledge of the occult and demonic heritage as Chicago's foremost paranormal investigator. My last case roped me into a potential war between Heaven and Hell, and though I managed to stop the crisis, the big threat's still out there. An angel is trying to kickstart armageddon, but there's only one person who knows that angel's identity. And he's stuck in the one place no one can touch him—Purgatory. There's only one way I can learn the truth, and that's by facing the dangers of Purgatory. Fortunately, I'm not alone. Unfortunately, my traveling party includes a demon trying to corrupt me and an immortal killer I had to con. What could possibly go wrong?
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 14, 2017
129 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Percival Constantine
95 books72 followersBorn and raised in the Chicagoland area, Percival Constantine grew up on a fairly consistent diet of superhero comics, action movies, video games, and TV shows. At the age of ten, he first began writing and has never really stopped.
Percival has been working in publishing since 2005 in various capacities--author, editor, formatter, letterer--and has written books, short stories, comics, and more. He has a Bachelor of Arts in English and Mass Media from Northeastern Illinois University and a Master of Arts in English and Screenwriting from Southern New Hampshire University.
Currently, Percival lives in southern Japan where he continues to work on new projects and also teaches literature, writing, and film.
You can find him online at PercivalConstantine.com and connect with him on Twitter (@perconstantine) and Facebook (Facebook.com/PercivalConstantine).
Percival has been working in publishing since 2005 in various capacities--author, editor, formatter, letterer--and has written books, short stories, comics, and more. He has a Bachelor of Arts in English and Mass Media from Northeastern Illinois University and a Master of Arts in English and Screenwriting from Southern New Hampshire University.
Currently, Percival lives in southern Japan where he continues to work on new projects and also teaches literature, writing, and film.
You can find him online at PercivalConstantine.com and connect with him on Twitter (@perconstantine) and Facebook (Facebook.com/PercivalConstantine).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 28, 2018
Luther Cross, in my mind is Idris Elba. I don't know how you can read this book and not envision him as such. Heck, he even had a BBC show called Luther. Hmmmm, suspicious. In fact, I was just watching the movie the Mountain Between Us, and I was waiting for his inner demon to break out and do some super survival stuff before I realized it was just a crappy movie and not a Luther Cross crashes in the Mountains book. Sad.
Enough blathering. I loved the first book, so I got the second, and realized that I need even more. So, I am actively asking Percival Constantine to write more Luther, and to write it faster, since I am already jonesing for more. This is the way Urban fantasy should be written. Great Characters, great plot, and some drama that keeps you occupied until the big finale. My only complaint is that there is a twist that isn't so twisty, and I figure if I can see that is going to happen then so should Luther. Oh, and please distinguish between her and she. That's all I'm saying.
This book picks up pretty much where the other left off, and I suppose that you could get away without reading the first book, as this is a stand alone story. I very much appreciate the throwback to the early detectives, and can understand the cigarette smoking. It isn't quite as bad as it was first time around. The story is fun and exciting, and I like to see an Urban Fantasy that isn't all Dresdened up. I have to admit that I sort of took umbrage with the whole demonic side thing, until I remembered that Richard Kadrey did the whole split personality thing with his Sandman Slim character of Stark. So, it fit in that sense. Cain made an interesting character for Cross to face off against, and the addition of some archdemons, angels, vampires, and witches fed into the frenzy of fun.
Again, Jackson does an admirable job narrating the tale. I like his style, and his spin on things. He really grasps Luther's sensibilities and has no problem smacking you in the face with the story when he needs to do so. I've only heard him twice now, but I am impressed with his class and skill at the mike. I would like to see some better covers in the future, perhaps something that shows Luther in his entirety doing some magic would be nice, and I would love to see an audible collection of those short stories too!!! Even though I did receive a promo code for this review it in no way influenced my considerations of the material, and in fact, inspired me to be more honest. In fact, getting a code generally makes me harsher as a reviewer as I am more often concerned what someone like Me will decide based on my review.
Enough blathering. I loved the first book, so I got the second, and realized that I need even more. So, I am actively asking Percival Constantine to write more Luther, and to write it faster, since I am already jonesing for more. This is the way Urban fantasy should be written. Great Characters, great plot, and some drama that keeps you occupied until the big finale. My only complaint is that there is a twist that isn't so twisty, and I figure if I can see that is going to happen then so should Luther. Oh, and please distinguish between her and she. That's all I'm saying.
This book picks up pretty much where the other left off, and I suppose that you could get away without reading the first book, as this is a stand alone story. I very much appreciate the throwback to the early detectives, and can understand the cigarette smoking. It isn't quite as bad as it was first time around. The story is fun and exciting, and I like to see an Urban Fantasy that isn't all Dresdened up. I have to admit that I sort of took umbrage with the whole demonic side thing, until I remembered that Richard Kadrey did the whole split personality thing with his Sandman Slim character of Stark. So, it fit in that sense. Cain made an interesting character for Cross to face off against, and the addition of some archdemons, angels, vampires, and witches fed into the frenzy of fun.
Again, Jackson does an admirable job narrating the tale. I like his style, and his spin on things. He really grasps Luther's sensibilities and has no problem smacking you in the face with the story when he needs to do so. I've only heard him twice now, but I am impressed with his class and skill at the mike. I would like to see some better covers in the future, perhaps something that shows Luther in his entirety doing some magic would be nice, and I would love to see an audible collection of those short stories too!!! Even though I did receive a promo code for this review it in no way influenced my considerations of the material, and in fact, inspired me to be more honest. In fact, getting a code generally makes me harsher as a reviewer as I am more often concerned what someone like Me will decide based on my review.
May 29, 2020
I joined the bandwagon for this series due to it's availability with a Kindle Unlimited subscription for free. That said, it's been a truly engaging book!
In general, I'm not huge on surrounding myself with angels and demons, heaven and hell, so on and so forth in the entertainment field. Of course, I have been known to make exceptions to that, such as the TV shows Supernatural and Lucifer. And now Percival Constantine's Luther Cross series.
The plot thickens from the previous book in a rather pragmatic manner. Truthfully, this book could be read as a standalone and not risk missing too much, as the author did a splendid job of filling in necessary relevant information from the previous book.
Puzzling questions and elicited theories piqued as more mysteries were unraveled and more wild cards thrown into the mix throughout the journey of the book. There was no end to the twists and turns page by page. The author left off on an interesting and juicy cliffhanger, too.
My favorite character to date is Tessa. In many ways she seems like your average, mundane nerd who owns a comic book shop (which is really cool!), she's actually a bad-ass witch. From what I've seen, she has a very good head on her shoulders and strong, unshakable morals. Admittedly, I'm disappointed how things seemed to have concluded between her and Luther, but I hope she'll be a player in upcoming books nevertheless. She had a knack for seeing the good in Luther, even if he didn't see it himself.
Luther is half-human, half-demon, and struggles immensely because of the two halves. As he was raised he was spoon fed that he had a higher purpose, a destiny, yet he doesn't seem to want any part of it. Pretty frequently it reminds me of Sam Winchester in the first few seasons of Supernatural when he was struggling with the fact that he was one of the chosen by the Yellow-Eyed Demon. Sam felt like he was a monster, irredeemable. In certain lightnings, I see that in Luther, too.
Overall, the book certainly evokes Supernatural TV show vibes, but takes it in a unique direction. You can feel the inspiration the author drew from the TV series. That said, however, it doesn't feel as if the author is snagging too much or giving us a play-by-play. I like the sheer amount of originality among the inspired tidbits.
I definitely foresee myself diving into the third installment of this series.
In general, I'm not huge on surrounding myself with angels and demons, heaven and hell, so on and so forth in the entertainment field. Of course, I have been known to make exceptions to that, such as the TV shows Supernatural and Lucifer. And now Percival Constantine's Luther Cross series.
The plot thickens from the previous book in a rather pragmatic manner. Truthfully, this book could be read as a standalone and not risk missing too much, as the author did a splendid job of filling in necessary relevant information from the previous book.
Puzzling questions and elicited theories piqued as more mysteries were unraveled and more wild cards thrown into the mix throughout the journey of the book. There was no end to the twists and turns page by page. The author left off on an interesting and juicy cliffhanger, too.
My favorite character to date is Tessa. In many ways she seems like your average, mundane nerd who owns a comic book shop (which is really cool!), she's actually a bad-ass witch. From what I've seen, she has a very good head on her shoulders and strong, unshakable morals. Admittedly, I'm disappointed how things seemed to have concluded between her and Luther, but I hope she'll be a player in upcoming books nevertheless. She had a knack for seeing the good in Luther, even if he didn't see it himself.
Luther is half-human, half-demon, and struggles immensely because of the two halves. As he was raised he was spoon fed that he had a higher purpose, a destiny, yet he doesn't seem to want any part of it. Pretty frequently it reminds me of Sam Winchester in the first few seasons of Supernatural when he was struggling with the fact that he was one of the chosen by the Yellow-Eyed Demon. Sam felt like he was a monster, irredeemable. In certain lightnings, I see that in Luther, too.
Overall, the book certainly evokes Supernatural TV show vibes, but takes it in a unique direction. You can feel the inspiration the author drew from the TV series. That said, however, it doesn't feel as if the author is snagging too much or giving us a play-by-play. I like the sheer amount of originality among the inspired tidbits.
I definitely foresee myself diving into the third installment of this series.
January 6, 2024
Instead of reviewing each book individually as I did with the first, I''ve reviewed the rest of the 5 books as a series:
The novels of this series are written more as one, long, continuous story that was then broken into separate books at a cliffhanger-type break (think like TV episodes in a season of a series) rather than individual standalone novels that progressed a storyline. In my opinion, that caused the character exposition to suffer and made them more superficial, unfinished archetypes than they could've been, which is mildly disappointing because the writing is just so good, otherwise! Even historically "known" characters are given a unique spin, different mythical & mystical elements are woven together well, and action scenes are written believably with characters suffering real consequences rather than the author providing pat solutions. I'll get more books by Constantine in the future, with the hope that he'll eventually spend more time delving into characters through story rather than churning through episodes...this could be an author to watch if he hones his craft.
The novels of this series are written more as one, long, continuous story that was then broken into separate books at a cliffhanger-type break (think like TV episodes in a season of a series) rather than individual standalone novels that progressed a storyline. In my opinion, that caused the character exposition to suffer and made them more superficial, unfinished archetypes than they could've been, which is mildly disappointing because the writing is just so good, otherwise! Even historically "known" characters are given a unique spin, different mythical & mystical elements are woven together well, and action scenes are written believably with characters suffering real consequences rather than the author providing pat solutions. I'll get more books by Constantine in the future, with the hope that he'll eventually spend more time delving into characters through story rather than churning through episodes...this could be an author to watch if he hones his craft.
February 17, 2024
Hmmm
This book took a huge step back, or maybe the novelty of a half demon Constantine wizard in a trench coat wore off after the first book.
The story's pacing felt slow and uninviting. I easy found myself doing something other than wanting to read the next page. Luther went from a decent hero, to a bumbling fool that kept getting knocked down by random characters, only to mysteriously find a way to recover from it due to convenient things that just so happen to be there. I also found it difficult to care what happened to the other characters, with the exception of Cain. I like him until the very end of the book. He went from an immortal hunter capable of being several steps ahead of his adversary, only to be fooled by Luther at the very end.
I'm do not think I'll just chill before grabbing the next installment.
This book took a huge step back, or maybe the novelty of a half demon Constantine wizard in a trench coat wore off after the first book.
The story's pacing felt slow and uninviting. I easy found myself doing something other than wanting to read the next page. Luther went from a decent hero, to a bumbling fool that kept getting knocked down by random characters, only to mysteriously find a way to recover from it due to convenient things that just so happen to be there. I also found it difficult to care what happened to the other characters, with the exception of Cain. I like him until the very end of the book. He went from an immortal hunter capable of being several steps ahead of his adversary, only to be fooled by Luther at the very end.
I'm do not think I'll just chill before grabbing the next installment.
January 6, 2018
I'm confused , I thought. Devil's Descent was the first in the. Luthur Cross series.
Ireguardless it is an equally exceptional continuation in the Luther Cross saga . I. Love the whole idea of there being a character such as Luther Cross who can walk
the line between good and evil maintaining a balance between the two while assisting those in need of his help. These books thus far are nonstop action. Comparable to watching an. Indiana Jones movie. Once you begin reading you hate to put it down until your finished. Keep'em coming Percival ! I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone seeking several hours of reading enjoyment.
Ireguardless it is an equally exceptional continuation in the Luther Cross saga . I. Love the whole idea of there being a character such as Luther Cross who can walk
the line between good and evil maintaining a balance between the two while assisting those in need of his help. These books thus far are nonstop action. Comparable to watching an. Indiana Jones movie. Once you begin reading you hate to put it down until your finished. Keep'em coming Percival ! I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone seeking several hours of reading enjoyment.
August 20, 2018
EXCITING, MYSTERIOUS, STRANGE TWIST AT END?
Another 5 STARS for Book 2 in the series of Luther Cross, that magically enticing paranormal half human half demon investigator in another thrilling entertaining read. This well written ( I heard under magical enhancement, maybe?) storyline is another mystery P.C. has dished out for us using lycans,(werewolves) vampires, yetis, the original earth's 1st murderer, witches, angels, demons and a few other things. So get this book either for the paranormal romance or witchy things that are happening or maybe you just curious what powers Luther has discovered, now!
WARNING: 17 & Up. SEXUAL CONTENT Yes
VIOLENCE: Yes CUSSING: Yes
Another 5 STARS for Book 2 in the series of Luther Cross, that magically enticing paranormal half human half demon investigator in another thrilling entertaining read. This well written ( I heard under magical enhancement, maybe?) storyline is another mystery P.C. has dished out for us using lycans,(werewolves) vampires, yetis, the original earth's 1st murderer, witches, angels, demons and a few other things. So get this book either for the paranormal romance or witchy things that are happening or maybe you just curious what powers Luther has discovered, now!
WARNING: 17 & Up. SEXUAL CONTENT Yes
VIOLENCE: Yes CUSSING: Yes
September 23, 2017
Holy wow what a cliffhanger.....
This was even better than book 1, had more plot and story twists and action and on the edge of your seat suspense , my fingernails have now totally gone . This was fast paced extremely well written and one hell of a ride with a cliffhanger I didn't see coming , I am now totally desperate for book 3, hopefully my fingernails will of grown back by then just ready for me to chew them back off again . Totally enjoyed it and recommend it .
This was even better than book 1, had more plot and story twists and action and on the edge of your seat suspense , my fingernails have now totally gone . This was fast paced extremely well written and one hell of a ride with a cliffhanger I didn't see coming , I am now totally desperate for book 3, hopefully my fingernails will of grown back by then just ready for me to chew them back off again . Totally enjoyed it and recommend it .
September 21, 2017
Awesome read!
Great twist, really didn't see that coming! I really enjoyed this book and CANNOT wait for the 3rd!! Not often sequels are better, but I enjoyed this even more than the first, excited for what's about to come. I am hoping the 3rd book concludes this current storyline as I am quite impatient.
Great twist, really didn't see that coming! I really enjoyed this book and CANNOT wait for the 3rd!! Not often sequels are better, but I enjoyed this even more than the first, excited for what's about to come. I am hoping the 3rd book concludes this current storyline as I am quite impatient.
November 11, 2017
An angel, a cambion, and a demon walk into purgatory...
Constantine evokes Supernatural but with a lead who has real teeth in his Luther Cross series. Both of the books so far have been loaded with twists and turns. These are fun reads. And can we talk about the last page reveal? Don’t keep me waiting on book three!
Constantine evokes Supernatural but with a lead who has real teeth in his Luther Cross series. Both of the books so far have been loaded with twists and turns. These are fun reads. And can we talk about the last page reveal? Don’t keep me waiting on book three!
September 11, 2019
I had to stop
Putting aside the constant need to define the main character by his minor actions, I couldn’t get past how weak he was. For a half-demon who seems to be arrogant to hide his ‘better nature’, he is a complete pushover
‘I want to bring someone to watch my back. I don’t trust you.’ ‘Don’t bring her, bring this other one.’
‘Okay.’
Just so stupid.
Putting aside the constant need to define the main character by his minor actions, I couldn’t get past how weak he was. For a half-demon who seems to be arrogant to hide his ‘better nature’, he is a complete pushover
‘I want to bring someone to watch my back. I don’t trust you.’ ‘Don’t bring her, bring this other one.’
‘Okay.’
Just so stupid.
September 16, 2017
Luther is back!
Luther has evolved so much in this book. He's coming to terms with his past more and he realizes he can't keep hiding from it and his demon half. I can't wait for the next book. I highly recommend this series to everyone.
Luther has evolved so much in this book. He's coming to terms with his past more and he realizes he can't keep hiding from it and his demon half. I can't wait for the next book. I highly recommend this series to everyone.
October 8, 2017
What a ride!
Intrigue and plot twists abound. This book made me stop and question everything I thought I understood all the way through the book. It brought insight to the black/white issue and helps to clarify that there are so many shades of gray. A truly great read.
Intrigue and plot twists abound. This book made me stop and question everything I thought I understood all the way through the book. It brought insight to the black/white issue and helps to clarify that there are so many shades of gray. A truly great read.
November 12, 2017
Keeps getting better and better
I love discovering new authors and new series and I know that this is going to be one of the best yet. I wait be waiting anxiously for the next Luthor Cross adventure.
I love discovering new authors and new series and I know that this is going to be one of the best yet. I wait be waiting anxiously for the next Luthor Cross adventure.
January 20, 2018
Another great read by Percival Constantine. Constantine does a great job of fleshing out the characters in his story. He paces the tale well.
There was only one thing I disagreed with and that was Caine's reaction at the end. He had to know in his heart that what he asked was impossible.
There was only one thing I disagreed with and that was Caine's reaction at the end. He had to know in his heart that what he asked was impossible.
August 12, 2018
Highly entertaining series.
I thought that something would cause the second part of this series to be less, but I was wrong. Constantine tells a good story and he does it well. On to the next book in the series!!!
I thought that something would cause the second part of this series to be less, but I was wrong. Constantine tells a good story and he does it well. On to the next book in the series!!!
December 22, 2018
Wow
Double crossing angels and demons. A soul must be rescued from purgatory. Luther and his crew battle against overwhelming odds to do the rescue.
I am looking forward to reading the continuing adventure. Wow
Double crossing angels and demons. A soul must be rescued from purgatory. Luther and his crew battle against overwhelming odds to do the rescue.
I am looking forward to reading the continuing adventure. Wow
May 11, 2020
Great Characters
I've read a couple of the author's works now and this is my favorite so far. But stayed tuned. I suspect the characters have much more to say. I'm looking forward to trying his other series as well.
I've read a couple of the author's works now and this is my favorite so far. But stayed tuned. I suspect the characters have much more to say. I'm looking forward to trying his other series as well.
September 4, 2022
For now this will be my last book in the series, the rest is currently not available at my usual audio book provider and I don’t really want the ebook version. Maybe at another time but I don’t really have time to sit down and read right now.
January 7, 2025
The second installment of the Luther Cross series took us to hell and back—literally. In trying to prevent Armageddon, Luther Cross and company journey to Purgatory in search of the one man who can identify the angel trying to start the war between Heaven and Hell.
To Be Continued...
To Be Continued...
September 28, 2017
New take on familiar charactors
I like how the charactors develop through tjis book, and enjoyed Percival's take on familiar charactors from the bible.
Will be buying book 3.
I like how the charactors develop through tjis book, and enjoyed Percival's take on familiar charactors from the bible.
Will be buying book 3.
October 17, 2017
This is a really good series.
October 18, 2017
One of the best new series I’ve read
. Can’t wait for the next book.
. Can’t wait for the next book.
October 27, 2017
Liked it!!
Great books! I'm excited to see where it goes!! Keep em coming! We are all waiting! 👍👍👍 🌒🌑🌘 Mystyc Wytch
Great books! I'm excited to see where it goes!! Keep em coming! We are all waiting! 👍👍👍 🌒🌑🌘 Mystyc Wytch
January 1, 2018
This book has a different feel to it than the first. Just as good, very addictive. Hope this series goes a long way.
June 13, 2018
Love Luther
September 5, 2018
Did NOT see that coming but it makes sense now!!
September 5, 2018
Did NOT see that coming but it all makes sense now.
May 12, 2020
I like Luther.
March 28, 2022
The anty is upped, the quest is crazier and more information is teased. I'm in for the ride and cannot wait for the next in the series.
April 21, 2022
In the middle of a series, so is a cliff-hangar but it is a fun book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews