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Luther Cross #4
Devil's Conflict: A Dark Crossroads Urban Fantasy
Old allies make the worst enemies My name's Luther Cross. I’m dangerously stylish, a tough-as-nails half-demon, and a freshly minted Lord of Hell. Yep, that’s right. I’m in charge of some prime real-estate down in the pit, and it only cost me the loyalty of every ally I’ve ever made. But hey, that's a risk you take when you're trying to stay out of dodge. But now that deal is coming back to bite me hard in the ass. Asmodeus, baddest of the bad, and a former friend, has set his sights on me. Turns out my new kingdom used to be his. And he's not too happy.
- GenresUrban FantasyFantasy
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 7, 2018
About the author
Percival Constantine
91 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 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 4, 2020
I found out randomly that this book was available to read for free with a Kindle Unlimited subscription. After finding that out, I sunk my teeth in and now I'm addicted.
After the last book, I feared that Luther had gone down a path too dark and destructive to return from. He alienated himself from anyone who dared call him an ally, seemed he made more deals than there were hours in a day, and there was no denying he had full on embraced his demonic side.
Since demonic version of Luther took over, things have gotten progressively tenser. While neither demonic-sided Luther or his alter ego shied away from snappy, sarcastic comments, the demonic side of Luther dialed it up from six to twelve. In a nutshell? He managed to piss off everyone around him in no time like it was his daytime job.
Admittedly, I do like how fierce and snappy the "evil" Luther can be. While I adore his friendlier alter ego, it makes for a more interesting story as the way Luther was raised leaves the poor man torn. Before embracing his demonic side, it felt as if he were constantly at war with himself; split between what he thought his genetic makeup meant—that he was part good, part evil—and what he was spoon fed from the Sons of Soloman.
Personally, I think Luther didn't like that both Heaven and Hell kept telling him that he had a destiny for their given side. Sure, maybe he did, but maybe he didn't. Point is, literally growing up as a rare, typically killed-as-a-baby breed and being told by the Sons of Soloman, Heaven, and Hell that he had a destiny that no one really knew the details to? Heck, I think that would give me anxiety, too.
The conclusion of this book was definitely unexpected. Like, I literally didn't think what was explained in the epilogue was happening. Sorta like the mother off all cliffhangers, so kudos to the author for literally having me inch to the edge of my seat in anticipation and a mixture of fear and excitement to see what the next installment will bring.
After the last book, I feared that Luther had gone down a path too dark and destructive to return from. He alienated himself from anyone who dared call him an ally, seemed he made more deals than there were hours in a day, and there was no denying he had full on embraced his demonic side.
Since demonic version of Luther took over, things have gotten progressively tenser. While neither demonic-sided Luther or his alter ego shied away from snappy, sarcastic comments, the demonic side of Luther dialed it up from six to twelve. In a nutshell? He managed to piss off everyone around him in no time like it was his daytime job.
Admittedly, I do like how fierce and snappy the "evil" Luther can be. While I adore his friendlier alter ego, it makes for a more interesting story as the way Luther was raised leaves the poor man torn. Before embracing his demonic side, it felt as if he were constantly at war with himself; split between what he thought his genetic makeup meant—that he was part good, part evil—and what he was spoon fed from the Sons of Soloman.
Personally, I think Luther didn't like that both Heaven and Hell kept telling him that he had a destiny for their given side. Sure, maybe he did, but maybe he didn't. Point is, literally growing up as a rare, typically killed-as-a-baby breed and being told by the Sons of Soloman, Heaven, and Hell that he had a destiny that no one really knew the details to? Heck, I think that would give me anxiety, too.
The conclusion of this book was definitely unexpected. Like, I literally didn't think what was explained in the epilogue was happening. Sorta like the mother off all cliffhangers, so kudos to the author for literally having me inch to the edge of my seat in anticipation and a mixture of fear and excitement to see what the next installment will bring.
December 19, 2018
The saga of Luther Cross continues. These books are guilty pleasures for me. I love the genre and the author has done a good job of incorporating elements from other stories, movies, and television shows (especially Supernatural) into the crafting of this urban, African American supernatural investigator (of demon/human parentage). The author has also done a fair job of writing the African American-ness of the lead character. Although this could be improved by including more of the institutional racism that Luther must have experienced/and is experiencing in the human society of Chicago (especially in his relations with the police). It is however encouraging that the war in heaven is not tainted by human racism, but rather driven by questions of loyalty/obedience to God; free will or lack there of, forbidden liasons (angel/human), and other standard tropes of the genre. One of these standard tropes that I do have some problem with is the "absentee God" as epitomized again in the Supernatural universe (where Chuck (plot reveal: God) at least shows up in key points of the series arc.
In summary, the Luther Cross series is a fun, but not serious read. This last offering stays with the tradition of the series so far. I cannot wait to see what happens next.
In summary, the Luther Cross series is a fun, but not serious read. This last offering stays with the tradition of the series so far. I cannot wait to see what happens next.
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.
August 20, 2018
Brilliance once again . The action kicks up a notch in this one , everyone jumping in to battle , betrayals and unlikely alliances are made . Edge of your seat reading wondering what's coming next. Then the cliffhanger at the end was a total WTF, I can't wait for the next book it's going explosive with all of the powers that are involved now and the world as we know it in mortal danger. Please please please hurry with the next book .
August 9, 2018
This is book 4 in the series.
I really like this series. Luther turns his back on his friends, and neglects his domain as a Hell Lord. There is a lot of action in this book, as Luther's actions come back to haunt him. I like the humor and action in the book. There are surprises.
I really like this series. Luther turns his back on his friends, and neglects his domain as a Hell Lord. There is a lot of action in this book, as Luther's actions come back to haunt him. I like the humor and action in the book. There are surprises.
August 23, 2018
Another great chapter
I consider all these books as long chapters in the Luther Cross series. I was hoping dark side Luther would have stayed around longer, but alas it wasn't meant to be. I'm looking forward for the next 'chapter ' in this series.
I consider all these books as long chapters in the Luther Cross series. I was hoping dark side Luther would have stayed around longer, but alas it wasn't meant to be. I'm looking forward for the next 'chapter ' in this series.
August 23, 2018
Wow!
This series just keeps getting better and better. I was totally invested in Luther's redemption and I was glad that it finally happened and now the "real" Luther can continue his journey towards acceptance of who he is. Can't wait to see what next!!
This series just keeps getting better and better. I was totally invested in Luther's redemption and I was glad that it finally happened and now the "real" Luther can continue his journey towards acceptance of who he is. Can't wait to see what next!!
October 1, 2018
Love me some Luther
Another winner in the Luther Cross series. The last book saw him embracing the dark side, I’m glad this book returned him to the Luther we all love. Keep them coming!
Another winner in the Luther Cross series. The last book saw him embracing the dark side, I’m glad this book returned him to the Luther we all love. Keep them coming!
December 27, 2018
Deals
Wow Luther is in over his head. He is making deals with all types of unsavory characters. He is still searching for the name of the angel that fathered a child.
Lots of action and craziness.
Wow Luther is in over his head. He is making deals with all types of unsavory characters. He is still searching for the name of the angel that fathered a child.
Lots of action and craziness.
February 16, 2019
Another good installment to the series.
Have been a Luther Cross fan from the beginning. The stories just get better and better. Can't wait to start the next book in the series.
Have been a Luther Cross fan from the beginning. The stories just get better and better. Can't wait to start the next book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews