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Vampire Huntress Legend #8
The Wicked
New, deadly enemies of the Vampire Huntress join forces with the old in the battle that will lead to the Armageddon in The Wicked, the eighth installment in L. A. Banks's hot Vampire Huntress series
Damali and Carlos have finally tied the knot, but there is no happily ever after on the horizon.
Cain, the son of Eve and the new chairman of the Vampire Council, is amassing an army of creatures like no one has ever seen before. But while a band of human scientists are conducting secret experiments, they open the dimension that holds Cain and release him into the human world, bigger and badder than ever.
Her family slaughtered, Damali heads for hell to serve justice and faces off with a nemisis the likes of which she has never encountered. Carlos doesn't take his wife's disappearance lightly and races against time to get Damali back...only to learn that his wife might be pregnant. The question: is the child his or the Chairman's?
Damali and Carlos have finally tied the knot, but there is no happily ever after on the horizon.
Cain, the son of Eve and the new chairman of the Vampire Council, is amassing an army of creatures like no one has ever seen before. But while a band of human scientists are conducting secret experiments, they open the dimension that holds Cain and release him into the human world, bigger and badder than ever.
Her family slaughtered, Damali heads for hell to serve justice and faces off with a nemisis the likes of which she has never encountered. Carlos doesn't take his wife's disappearance lightly and races against time to get Damali back...only to learn that his wife might be pregnant. The question: is the child his or the Chairman's?
389 pages, Paperback
First published February 6, 2007
52 people are currently reading
2036 people want to read
About the author
L.A. Banks
59 books1,262 followersA pseudonym used by Leslie Esdaile Banks, she also wrote under the names:
Leslie E. Banks
Leslie Esdaile
Leslie Esdaile Banks
Leslie Banks
Alexis Grant
L.A. Banks, a native Philadelphian, was a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Wharton undergraduate program. With many awards to her credit, Banks also held a masters of fine arts degree in film and media arts from Temple University. She lived in Philadelphia with her family until she passed away on the morning of August 2, 2011.
Visit L.A. Banks' page on the Macmillan website: http://us.macmillan.com/author/labanks
Leslie E. Banks
Leslie Esdaile
Leslie Esdaile Banks
Leslie Banks
Alexis Grant
L.A. Banks, a native Philadelphian, was a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Wharton undergraduate program. With many awards to her credit, Banks also held a masters of fine arts degree in film and media arts from Temple University. She lived in Philadelphia with her family until she passed away on the morning of August 2, 2011.
Visit L.A. Banks' page on the Macmillan website: http://us.macmillan.com/author/labanks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
May 29, 2008
Ok im plowing through this and must admit, I never thought Carlos would GET IT, and Damali would learn to back down ..damn im loving this series!!
July 11, 2012
Plot:
The plot of The Wicked continues were the last book ended, setting up for Armageddon. Damali and Carlos are finally married and her ex-almost-lover Cain is pissed. There is not much to say about the plot, it follows the rest of the books well and is just another piece in the puzzle needed for the final battle.
Characters:
I love the characters in this series. Mainly, I love Carlos. In this installment, Carlos grows a lot as a person. His relationship with Damali is tested but he is able to overcome the past and move forward not only to save their marriage but also for the good of the team. Damali has always been a solid character to me. She pretty much the same character wise. She did learn that she is not invincible and learned a bit of humility.
One thing that has always bothered me about Banks characters is that they all have about the same voice. There was no real variations in the dialogue to distinguish between characters. The only time that the characters "voice" was different was when dealing with hybrids or the vampire from Louisiana, that used French terms. Otherwise there was no variation in speech patterns which is annoying since Banks uses dialogue to give readers important information.
Writing:
LA Banks writing style is very engaging. I finished this book in two sittings, staying up until 3am the first night. I just did not want to put it down. The only negatives in Banks writing other then the dialogue issue is that she tends to do a lot of information dumping. Which I normally skip because sometimes the information is not that important (at least to me). Also, her fight scenes are a little confusing. I don't always understand what is going on and end up having to read some sections several times before I get it.
The plot of The Wicked continues were the last book ended, setting up for Armageddon. Damali and Carlos are finally married and her ex-almost-lover Cain is pissed. There is not much to say about the plot, it follows the rest of the books well and is just another piece in the puzzle needed for the final battle.
Characters:
I love the characters in this series. Mainly, I love Carlos. In this installment, Carlos grows a lot as a person. His relationship with Damali is tested but he is able to overcome the past and move forward not only to save their marriage but also for the good of the team. Damali has always been a solid character to me. She pretty much the same character wise. She did learn that she is not invincible and learned a bit of humility.
One thing that has always bothered me about Banks characters is that they all have about the same voice. There was no real variations in the dialogue to distinguish between characters. The only time that the characters "voice" was different was when dealing with hybrids or the vampire from Louisiana, that used French terms. Otherwise there was no variation in speech patterns which is annoying since Banks uses dialogue to give readers important information.
Writing:
LA Banks writing style is very engaging. I finished this book in two sittings, staying up until 3am the first night. I just did not want to put it down. The only negatives in Banks writing other then the dialogue issue is that she tends to do a lot of information dumping. Which I normally skip because sometimes the information is not that important (at least to me). Also, her fight scenes are a little confusing. I don't always understand what is going on and end up having to read some sections several times before I get it.
August 1, 2008
Wow, Carlos character has really developed in this book. With everything that's going on, it's almost unbelievable. He GREW up a lot! Damali too for that matter! The series is getting better and better, and I'm really unsure how the author can keep coming up with such off the wall plots. The only thing I wasn't too happy about was the ending. It was ridculously over the top, and unbelievable! However, I'm am anxiously awaiting for the next title to get here from my Book Club.
October 9, 2011
I'm just glad Marlene didn't get killed in this book. Geez that mother-seer was starting to look like Kenny from South Park! Instead of being sad, I laughed because it was like if somebody got a mortal wound......it's kill Marlene time, then bring her back to die again!
January 16, 2008
Every time I read one of these books, I find myself conflicted. on one hand, I find them a little tedious. Though the dialogue is really wonderful and really sinks you deep into the world and culture of Damali and her crew, there are gigantic spans of book spent on explaining one problem to multiple people until you are so sick of reading about said problem you could just scream. Also, little catch phrases are used ad nauseum, and they don't always really fit with the character that's saying them. These books are also filled with sex, violence, and language conventionally thought as "foul", and are truly not for anyone who would find any of the above offensive. That aside, Banks displays a cast of characters who are loveable, fallable, and real - human. In a world where good vs. evil is more than political rhetoric and religious debate, these Neteru squads are on the front lines of the ultimate battle, and every new development is a thrill. Best of all, in a genre that glorifies the darkness within, this series is based on a fundamental truth: it's easy to let yourself be led by the promise of great power into darkness, and,in doing so, there is always a consequence beyond your imagining. Conversely, the journey on the road into the Light is difficult and a constant struggle to get to the next clear stretch, but the Light gives you unlimited chances to stay on the path, will reward you for your struggles, and is all powerful and can grant your wildest wish. In the end, the Light (goodness, truth, and GOD) will always win.
August 3, 2023
In book the 8th book of the VHS Series, Damali and Carlos are finally married and are enjoying their honeymoon when something from Carlos'old life jolts him and those in his old vampire line, causing some of the team members( who have now been paired with mates of their own) to act violently towards their mates, meanwhile in Nod Cain get upset when he finds out that Damali has married Carlos when he is sure he is the better man and add to that he also discovers his sword of Heru is fake and Carlos has the real one. This causes Cain to go mad with envy and head to Hell to take over the throne held by his father. Together He and Lilith set out to destroy the Guardian team, kill Carlos and claim Damali as Cain’s mate to produce daywalkers, by making a deal with the Devil & bring back one of the teams old enemies Fallon Nuit. But Lilith, as always, has her own agenda, and she a secret even the Unnamed one will be suprised by. With the threat of Cain , Lilith, and now Fallon the Neterus and the Guardian team w/ its members new and old must fight for humanity again.
This book will have you on the edge of your seat, I love the action, the suspense and of course the drama. I am so happy the author decided to give the team their own mates who also have divine powers they bring to the table in the war against evil. I love this series, it just keeps getting better. I love it.
This book will have you on the edge of your seat, I love the action, the suspense and of course the drama. I am so happy the author decided to give the team their own mates who also have divine powers they bring to the table in the war against evil. I love this series, it just keeps getting better. I love it.
September 14, 2016
Banks had really outdone herself with this book. It's just all around amazing. The big baddie, the fight scenes, the ending. I literally cried during some scenes. And I have never cried while reading this series. I kinda almost wish the story ended here, on such a high note.
Damali and Carlos have their work cut out for them when Cain decides to leave the Land of Nod and go for his father's throne in Hell. All the stops have to be pulled to overcome his literal reign of terror. The council of kings, council of queens, other squads, and angels are brought in for the final battle. It was gut wretching. Some of the deaths scenes had me hollering. I had to put the book down in several occasions.
Everything was just awesome, all of the elements came together for an amazing story. I wasn't even mad at the over detailed writing style or how long the book was. From the first page, I was hooked. The pacing finally felt natural. I now have high hopes for the rest of the series. My standards are at an all time high right now.
Damali and Carlos have their work cut out for them when Cain decides to leave the Land of Nod and go for his father's throne in Hell. All the stops have to be pulled to overcome his literal reign of terror. The council of kings, council of queens, other squads, and angels are brought in for the final battle. It was gut wretching. Some of the deaths scenes had me hollering. I had to put the book down in several occasions.
Everything was just awesome, all of the elements came together for an amazing story. I wasn't even mad at the over detailed writing style or how long the book was. From the first page, I was hooked. The pacing finally felt natural. I now have high hopes for the rest of the series. My standards are at an all time high right now.
September 8, 2018
I just want to start out by saying that this is the first book I've read by L.A. Banks and the first book I've read of the Vampire Huntress series.
Part of me really enjoyed the book while another part was sooooo annoyed while reading it.
The parts I enjoyed was how she incoperated well-known and even popular real people to be on the Kings and Queens Council. And how she paired them (with the exception of Akhenaten, guy wasn't a warrior) with their real life counterparts, genius. The draw on religion without feeling was I was drowning in it was great.
Bad part, which unfortunately, overshadowed the entire book for me was the writing. While the writing itself was decent usually, the constant use of slang for nearly every character was just awful to read. They all sounded the same and seriously, one or two characters talking like 'aw'ight' is more than enough to make me want to punch myself in the face, but when the entire cast (pretty much) is doing it? No fucking thanks.
It's a pity really because I really enjoyed the plot, and was able to follow along, for the most part, considering I've never read any of the other books in the series. The heavy influence of silver, gold, electricity was lost on me. I didn't understand why they were important, just that they were.
If it hadn't been for the constant slang, the outdated verbiage for genitalia, and heavy, knock of the head unconscious, sex with Lilith (sex doesn't bother me, sex is great, but Lilith has sex with everyone and everything for seemingly every damn reason = healing, rituals, negotiations, etc. Shoot me), I easily could have given this book 4 stars. Sadly, it was not the case.
Part of me really enjoyed the book while another part was sooooo annoyed while reading it.
The parts I enjoyed was how she incoperated well-known and even popular real people to be on the Kings and Queens Council. And how she paired them (with the exception of Akhenaten, guy wasn't a warrior) with their real life counterparts, genius. The draw on religion without feeling was I was drowning in it was great.
Bad part, which unfortunately, overshadowed the entire book for me was the writing. While the writing itself was decent usually, the constant use of slang for nearly every character was just awful to read. They all sounded the same and seriously, one or two characters talking like 'aw'ight' is more than enough to make me want to punch myself in the face, but when the entire cast (pretty much) is doing it? No fucking thanks.
It's a pity really because I really enjoyed the plot, and was able to follow along, for the most part, considering I've never read any of the other books in the series. The heavy influence of silver, gold, electricity was lost on me. I didn't understand why they were important, just that they were.
If it hadn't been for the constant slang, the outdated verbiage for genitalia, and heavy, knock of the head unconscious, sex with Lilith (sex doesn't bother me, sex is great, but Lilith has sex with everyone and everything for seemingly every damn reason = healing, rituals, negotiations, etc. Shoot me), I easily could have given this book 4 stars. Sadly, it was not the case.
December 3, 2023
I've read every book in this series so far, and although I'm committed to finishing it, I'm not looking forward to it. The books aren't bad, the story line is good and leaves you wanting to know what happens but not to the "couldn't put it down" level. Like a TV show you're only casually interested in, but you're still gonna scroll your phone while watching.
The author uses turns of phrase so frequently that it becomes obnoxious. Yes, there is AAVE type dialog, which is perfectly in tune with the characters and the setting of the story. It's nice to see representation for other groups of people who aren't white. However, some of the phrases are just overdone.
Additionally, the author doesn't do a good job making the reader love the characters. In this book and in others, the characters face life ending wounds, and the reader should be feeling emotions around the possible loss of a main character, but I was numb. Spoiler alert - so far, none of the main characters have died. In a setting where heroes face off against the worst of the worst, when all characters make it out alive, it's rather flat. It makes it seem like the "big evil" isn't all that big and bad.
Lastly, the two main characters can be rather annoying at times. They play out this dated version of what "male" and "female" should be, especially the image of what a MAN should do or think or feel. Ideas like "he's a man, don't overshadow him with your own greatness it'll make him feel small."
Overall, the books are ok. I spent money on them, I've read 8 so far, and I guess I'll finish.
The author uses turns of phrase so frequently that it becomes obnoxious. Yes, there is AAVE type dialog, which is perfectly in tune with the characters and the setting of the story. It's nice to see representation for other groups of people who aren't white. However, some of the phrases are just overdone.
Additionally, the author doesn't do a good job making the reader love the characters. In this book and in others, the characters face life ending wounds, and the reader should be feeling emotions around the possible loss of a main character, but I was numb. Spoiler alert - so far, none of the main characters have died. In a setting where heroes face off against the worst of the worst, when all characters make it out alive, it's rather flat. It makes it seem like the "big evil" isn't all that big and bad.
Lastly, the two main characters can be rather annoying at times. They play out this dated version of what "male" and "female" should be, especially the image of what a MAN should do or think or feel. Ideas like "he's a man, don't overshadow him with your own greatness it'll make him feel small."
Overall, the books are ok. I spent money on them, I've read 8 so far, and I guess I'll finish.
December 24, 2020
Favorite line from the book happens in chapter 15. Damali has just had a seriously intense night with her husband. Fallon Nuit aired all her dirty laundry not just in front of her man but in front of her whole family! But sis is strong, she wakes up with the intention on loving and forgiving herself. “This morning was about healing through gentle application of body cream and deodorant and balm, and brushing away any remnants of the bitter taste of fury and humiliation out of her mouth.”
Book 8 of the Vampire Huntress Legend
#vampirehuntresslegend #rereading #labanks #vampirehuntressseries #blackvampires #bookstagram #bookreview #healingthroughbooks #comfortbooks
Book 8 of the Vampire Huntress Legend
#vampirehuntresslegend #rereading #labanks #vampirehuntressseries #blackvampires #bookstagram #bookreview #healingthroughbooks #comfortbooks
September 3, 2017
You know what I love about these books? They have it all: romance, drama, fantasy, kick ass battle scenes, historical and mythological threads, everything. And to top it all off, it's very well written. Banks draws you into the story until you feel like you never want to resurface. I am so glad that there are thirteen books in this series. Four out of five stars to The Wicked!!!
January 27, 2018
Cain and Lilith face off with the Neteru's, dealing with possible pregnancies, Banks continues to bring in the interpersonal while keeping the suspense going.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2018
This is a great series. D and Carlos keep it together with love and demons, angels and hybrids Something is always going on.
May 21, 2018
not one of her best installmenta but not the worst either. its entertaining.
January 20, 2021
It's been a while since I have read any Banks novels, but they keep to the story line quite well.
May 22, 2018
Awesome!
Never disappointed with her books. What a great author. How she ties everything going in the world within her books.
Never disappointed with her books. What a great author. How she ties everything going in the world within her books.
November 29, 2017
The synopsis will draw eagerly readers like myself in. The opening chapter or prologue was steamy, wickedly hot and a bit too graphic for my liking. You can get lost in a trance with these two evil creatures: Cain and Lilith. But after this chapter, it went a bit downhill for my reading tastes to see Damali and Carlos discussing miniscule things about a steak vs vegetarian eating until he gives her a bit that takes longer to heal. This love bite is not your normal bite either. When she goes back to the crew, she finds out what's up with Juanita, Carlos ex and his brother's new girlfriend and his vamp issues. This brother Jose sounds quite abusive, or his urges can be beyond belief or repair. However when the couple, Carlos and Damali, explain the thingy with Cain, I was lost (literally) in the explanation and only caught parts of it myself. Not sure if it was gibberish or confusion in the explanation; yet to see the book of Genesis characters: Satan (serpent), Cain, Eve, and Adam aforementioned in the beginning was astounding but all play different roles from the author's creative mindset in reference to good versus evil.
I have enjoyed some books in the series and others have fell off for my reading tastes, but I do love how the LA Banks puts spiritual concepts no matter how eccentric it can be in the storyline and love her writing style at times, especially action scenes which in some cases can be a bit lost in that too. (I hope someday to write as good as this author.)
sadly this book didn't flow well for me nor grasp my attention as normal which seemed like 2/3 was fluff. but I did like the part concerning the genesis of the original sin and mishap with Lilith and eve too. cain's character stood out in beginning and middle parts of novel.
Leisure read 2014
Adrienna Turner
Author of Unleashing the Spirits, www.adriennaturner.net
Dream4More reviewer, www.dream4more.org
I have enjoyed some books in the series and others have fell off for my reading tastes, but I do love how the LA Banks puts spiritual concepts no matter how eccentric it can be in the storyline and love her writing style at times, especially action scenes which in some cases can be a bit lost in that too. (I hope someday to write as good as this author.)
sadly this book didn't flow well for me nor grasp my attention as normal which seemed like 2/3 was fluff. but I did like the part concerning the genesis of the original sin and mishap with Lilith and eve too. cain's character stood out in beginning and middle parts of novel.
Leisure read 2014
Adrienna Turner
Author of Unleashing the Spirits, www.adriennaturner.net
Dream4More reviewer, www.dream4more.org
May 23, 2021
this is still an entertaining series, but overall the novelty of the series was gone for me by the time i read this book. the main character is still with the same guy, even though they've had their ups and downs. still a bunch of demons and angels and end of the world biblical stuff.
January 19, 2009
This was an interesting book and 8th in the series (Vampire Huntress Legend.) I don't know if previous books in the series were milder, but this one contains an extreme amount of sexual violence and horror. The main characters are almost all of non-European heritage and speak mostly in present day black accent & idom. It combines the mythology of Christians, Earth Centered God & Goddess Religions & Wicca. I haven't read any of the previous books in the series.
July 23, 2010
Wow... the Arizona adventures were hard on the eyes... they were nothing compaired to Mexico. Rider is still my favorite Guardian. I felt sorry for Cain until "he pushed Damali in a corner" that is. I almost wish there was more of Yonnie and Nuit; they were almost an after thought in this book - even during the major battle. For some of the characters I thought the ending was a bit much (but then again I haven't gone through what Bobby and Krissy have so who am I to say? LOL)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2015
So where Damali and Carlos are concerned; is there such thing as "happily ever after" or "until death do us part"? By the Gods & Goddesses, what next? Cain's final story is a heart wrenchingly powerfully sad story. The sadness and death within that is caused by Cain crushes every palpitating heart beat in my chest. However, among those devastating after effects, there are great miracles from the Mercies.
May 31, 2011
You have to give this series a chance..yes there is some hip hop language but this saga of books takes you on a journey. It brings in elements of good and evil, heaven and hell, God and the devil.. There are characters such as cain & abel, adam & eve and so on... Give this series a chance before you just say forget it...in the end it will be worth it..check out all 12 or 13 novels!!!!
June 28, 2023
Again the Author does not disappoint and as the books get longer so to do the points of drama. Her style makes and her use of mythos keeps me engaged until the very last page. Another Cliffhanger but lucky for the person able to purchase the whole set and read it through.
Tarot Card -High Priestess
Hidden secrets that can change the course of life.
Tarot Card -High Priestess
Hidden secrets that can change the course of life.
September 29, 2007
This book started off strong, but kind of ended abruptly. Without giving anything away, I thought the resolution of one character was kind of weak and the plot took several turns that were a click or two past believable. We'll just have to wait and see what the next book brings.
May 26, 2009
Enjoy seeing Cain back in the story and we got to see Adam and Eve or more of the Netura Council so that was interesting. Learned how Adam dealt with Eve's transgression. LOL A few unbelievable miracle happened in the story. Also meet a few different Netura fighting teams.
July 8, 2011
This series gets better and better with every book. Each book is action packed with fight scenes, love scenes, heartbreak, miracles and more. I don't know why I waited this long to start reading them. Each book amazes me.
March 24, 2012
This series just keeps getting better and better the further I get into it. I love the history and all the information given which culminates into a huge battle! Yes the format is frequently the same but Banks definitely made sure it does not get old...
Read
January 8, 2009The entire series ROCKS!!! The last book of the series called THIRTEENTH will be available Feb 2009.
December 27, 2009
This is probably my favorite book so far in this series. There was a lot of action, not so much 'drama', and the story got deep. I had a hard time putting it down.
October 8, 2009
Can't wait to read "The cursed".
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews