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Zyan Star #1
Martinis with the Devil
When offered a job on the Holy Representative’s special security team, bounty hunter Zyan Star couldn’t be less interested – until she finds out it’s her most hated of exes that they’re trying to track down. He broke her heart and dumped her, which in turn led to the loss of her soul at the hands of an immortal soul thief. Now she too exists on a diet of souls, with the occasional martini thrown in for good measure, and she’s had over two hundred years to fantasize about revenge. She just didn’t quite imagine it playing out alongside the emissaries of Heaven.
Working with Eli, the uptight angel that heads up the HR’s security, is just about as much fun as Zy expects. He of course wants her vampire ex brought to justice through legal avenues, which is very inconvenient and incredibly boring. As she dives into the case, however, she realizes there’s more at stake than her plot for payback. Like, the free will of mankind, and preventing the minions of hell from taking over the sovereign dimensions.
This job is going to push her to the limits of her abilities, and there’s just a slight problem with that: the powers she’s suppressed for centuries after losing control of them are exactly the powers she’s going to need to save the HR, end her millennia-old ex and stop Lucifer’s little plot to join the party and invade Earth.
Savior of humanity? Not so much. Or so she thought.
Working with Eli, the uptight angel that heads up the HR’s security, is just about as much fun as Zy expects. He of course wants her vampire ex brought to justice through legal avenues, which is very inconvenient and incredibly boring. As she dives into the case, however, she realizes there’s more at stake than her plot for payback. Like, the free will of mankind, and preventing the minions of hell from taking over the sovereign dimensions.
This job is going to push her to the limits of her abilities, and there’s just a slight problem with that: the powers she’s suppressed for centuries after losing control of them are exactly the powers she’s going to need to save the HR, end her millennia-old ex and stop Lucifer’s little plot to join the party and invade Earth.
Savior of humanity? Not so much. Or so she thought.
336 pages, ebook
First published April 11, 2016
599 people are currently reading
720 people want to read
About the author
A.A. Chamberlynn
17 books154 followersAlexia writes novels about magic, adventure, and romance. She lives in Florida with her son and a menagerie of animals. When she's not writing or reading, she can be found playing with horses, drinking wine, traveling to the next place on her global wish list, or maybe doing yoga. Dr. Who, unicorns, and katanas make her very happy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
December 3, 2016
Urban fantasy is up there with my favorite genres to read, and A.A. Chamberlynn is quickly becoming my go-to author. Her writing is engaging, quirky, and OMG I love her characters. Zyan is full of sass, and of course that's what you want in a good Urban Fantasy. Zyan has a lot of reasons to be mad with her ex, but it seems there's more going on than she initially thinks... Adored the world building, and I can't wait to read the next instalment to see how things turn out.
Kudos to Chamberlynn for another stunning story... Highly recommended to lovers of kick-ass heroines, supernatural beings, and a storyline to keep you hooked.
Kudos to Chamberlynn for another stunning story... Highly recommended to lovers of kick-ass heroines, supernatural beings, and a storyline to keep you hooked.
May 10, 2016
I enjoyed this - fun heroine and fun side characters too. Ends in a cliffie - wish part 2 would have just been combined into this one...but for a shorter UF, it's well done
Review coming
Review coming
March 21, 2016
Alright so I may or may not have read both part one and part two of this last night in one sitting (and here I thought I would never read anything again because of Lady Midnight).
I'd read the prequel novella for this a couple nights ago, which was 40 pages long and nowhere near enough of these characters for me (Donovan) so I was completely thrilled when the author offered to send me an ARC of this. Honestly, I was hoping that it would be what I needed to stop myself from getting sucked into the apathetic, depression-induced, staring-at-the-wall, unable-to-do-anything-other-than-cry reading slump that I could feel looming over me like a tsunami waiting to break. (I was right).
I'm just going to throw all my thoughts on both parts in here together because I couldn't be bothered to stop and write a review for the first part when I finished it last night and now I can't quite remember what happens where.
Zyan Star is an eternally damned bartender/supernatural bounty hunter who wise-cracks her way through life-threatening situations and carries around a big-ass sword and I love her so much. The rest of the characters are great (Donovan) but I felt like they weren't quite as fleshed out (possibly something to be covered in later books seeing as the big bad in this one was Zyan's backstory).
These books move so quickly, the action never quite stopping long enough for a satisfying conclusion to a lot of the heart-to-hearts the characters seem to have (Donovan) which is continually frustrating but also ridiculously addicting because I need to see how everything ends. It felt like this book jumped from 1 to 100 pretty fast with an impending invasion from hell and some serious end of the world shit. I was a little surprised because, really, once you've stopped the actual devil from destroying the world and taking over, where are you going to go from there? (Apparently to Ireland).
I have mixed feelings about Eli, our new angel pal, because on one hand I like him and the whole "forbidden romance" thing is always a fun one to explore (read: painfully heartbreaking oh god) but also DONOVAN. My poor baby. I'm worried because I have a feeling like Eli is endgame and that will break Donovan's little heart and I just want him to be happy.
I had a few problems, but none of them were important enough for me to stop enjoying myself. To be honest, I could probably happily read 1,000 pages about these characters and this book felt like it was over way too fast.
Excuse me while I slowly die waiting for the next one to be released.
I'd read the prequel novella for this a couple nights ago, which was 40 pages long and nowhere near enough of these characters for me (Donovan) so I was completely thrilled when the author offered to send me an ARC of this. Honestly, I was hoping that it would be what I needed to stop myself from getting sucked into the apathetic, depression-induced, staring-at-the-wall, unable-to-do-anything-other-than-cry reading slump that I could feel looming over me like a tsunami waiting to break. (I was right).
I'm just going to throw all my thoughts on both parts in here together because I couldn't be bothered to stop and write a review for the first part when I finished it last night and now I can't quite remember what happens where.
Zyan Star is an eternally damned bartender/supernatural bounty hunter who wise-cracks her way through life-threatening situations and carries around a big-ass sword and I love her so much. The rest of the characters are great (Donovan) but I felt like they weren't quite as fleshed out (possibly something to be covered in later books seeing as the big bad in this one was Zyan's backstory).
These books move so quickly, the action never quite stopping long enough for a satisfying conclusion to a lot of the heart-to-hearts the characters seem to have (Donovan) which is continually frustrating but also ridiculously addicting because I need to see how everything ends. It felt like this book jumped from 1 to 100 pretty fast with an impending invasion from hell and some serious end of the world shit. I was a little surprised because, really, once you've stopped the actual devil from destroying the world and taking over, where are you going to go from there? (Apparently to Ireland).
I have mixed feelings about Eli, our new angel pal, because on one hand I like him and the whole "forbidden romance" thing is always a fun one to explore (read: painfully heartbreaking oh god) but also DONOVAN. My poor baby. I'm worried because I have a feeling like Eli is endgame and that will break Donovan's little heart and I just want him to be happy.
I had a few problems, but none of them were important enough for me to stop enjoying myself. To be honest, I could probably happily read 1,000 pages about these characters and this book felt like it was over way too fast.
Excuse me while I slowly die waiting for the next one to be released.
March 21, 2016
hot damn
heading straight into part two (haha help me) will be posting a more coherent review once I've finished
(go check out my proper review on part two of this book)
heading straight into part two (haha help me) will be posting a more coherent review once I've finished
(go check out my proper review on part two of this book)
October 30, 2020
I am obsessed with this book!! I adored reading this highly addictive book! I can't wait to get my hands on the next book to find out what is going to happen next!
This author is super talented! I love the way that she is able to create such an amazing storyline and I adore the characters!
Well worth a 5* rating and I would highly recommend this book and this author! Loved it!!!
This author is super talented! I love the way that she is able to create such an amazing storyline and I adore the characters!
Well worth a 5* rating and I would highly recommend this book and this author! Loved it!!!
November 8, 2020
⭐⭐⭐/5
Primero que nada aclarar que me tardé leyendo el libro no porque sea malo, sino que yo no me sentía con ganas/ánimos de leer; recientemente retomé los libros pendientes y comencé otros así que me decidí a terminar este libro sí o sí.
Qué puedo decir, que me ha gustado pero no fascinado al 100%. Los personajes/trama/diálogos/situaciones en ocaciones los amé y en otras nada más volteba los ojos y decía duh!
Aún así la historia me atrapó, y sí, leeré el siguiente libro.
Primero que nada aclarar que me tardé leyendo el libro no porque sea malo, sino que yo no me sentía con ganas/ánimos de leer; recientemente retomé los libros pendientes y comencé otros así que me decidí a terminar este libro sí o sí.
Qué puedo decir, que me ha gustado pero no fascinado al 100%. Los personajes/trama/diálogos/situaciones en ocaciones los amé y en otras nada más volteba los ojos y decía duh!
Aún así la historia me atrapó, y sí, leeré el siguiente libro.
April 15, 2023
3,5 stars
September 20, 2017
What a fun read!
I really enjoyed reading this book, it has a unique storyline and interesting characters. It's fast paced, too with plenty of action and adventure!
I really enjoyed reading this book, it has a unique storyline and interesting characters. It's fast paced, too with plenty of action and adventure!
April 1, 2019
This was the first book I’ve read by this author. It is the first book in the series. It was a fast and entertaining read. Zyan the lead character thinks herself to be a damned soul condemned to hell. To her surprise heaven comes knocking and asking to hire her. This was in the form of Eli a gorgeous angel but slightly annoying. I enjoyed their chemistry and backstory. Zyan has two best friends and an ex (donovan) to help her fight not only her other evil ex but to save heaven. It couldn’t be that hard right?
B2B Sandra
B2B Sandra
October 9, 2020
Loved it can’t wait to read more
April 2, 2016
This part of the book picks up immediately where the first half ended. However, Zyan goes off and does something stupid due to guilt and finds herself learning more about what Hell has in store than she was prepared to know. However, she now has some necessary information and gets to travel to another realm, and have adventures, in order to get them. And along the way realize that maybe Eli the disapproving angel is pretty hot. Too bad her ex Donovan (who I like except for the fact that he cheated) is clearly interested in getting back together. I'm not a fan of love triangles.
Fortunately for me, this is true urban fantasy in that the romantic angle is slow to develop. So, that gives me hope that things can be worked out before there's too much angst. Donovan is pretty kick-ass and fun and willing to jump into the fray. Eli is much more proper and controlled, but there is clearly the potential for something (forbidden) to develop.
There is quite the climactic battle at the end, the conclusion of which makes it clear that many issues have not been completely resolved. There were a few little questions I had left from the first book that weren't answered either, but they didn't keep me from enjoying the story. These were issues like why Seattle? I'm fine with that choice, but there wasn't any reason stated that it was so important. Also, what goes into those martinis with the fun names, and how do they taste (or make you feel) differently? Overall, these were not enough to bother me except when they were 'on stage' so I enjoyed the book a great deal and look forward to seeing how things develop in the next one.
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Fortunately for me, this is true urban fantasy in that the romantic angle is slow to develop. So, that gives me hope that things can be worked out before there's too much angst. Donovan is pretty kick-ass and fun and willing to jump into the fray. Eli is much more proper and controlled, but there is clearly the potential for something (forbidden) to develop.
There is quite the climactic battle at the end, the conclusion of which makes it clear that many issues have not been completely resolved. There were a few little questions I had left from the first book that weren't answered either, but they didn't keep me from enjoying the story. These were issues like why Seattle? I'm fine with that choice, but there wasn't any reason stated that it was so important. Also, what goes into those martinis with the fun names, and how do they taste (or make you feel) differently? Overall, these were not enough to bother me except when they were 'on stage' so I enjoyed the book a great deal and look forward to seeing how things develop in the next one.
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 4, 2020
Never-ending Thrill from Very 1st page
Loving fantasy novels, l started this book with an idea of what to expect and received more than Expected!
Starting off with a usual backdrop of super natural characters brought me into the gold. Zyan Star is the main character and she's a kick-ass beauty that leaves you wanting more. Not only great fighting skills but some kind of super natural power that really needs too be unleashed before the end of the book. But it doesn't because lo and behold, an angel (Eli) and of course a Holy Representative. enter the picture making you wonder wtf is going on. Not being a fan of vamps and the like, I was mildly urged to keep reading when one was introduced along with a werewolf and a cute little witch that happened to be Zyan's roommates. Add owning a bar and a few demons and you're off to the races here. Before the end of the book you'll be living the likes of inter-dimensional worlds and wondering what the hell (figuratively and literally) is going on here. The excitement just doesn't stop and builds into an Armageddonnal war by the end of the book that still leaves you wondering, what can Zyan's powers really do? She faces off against vamps (starting off with the one who broke her heart) Alexander and then you get wrapped up in a demon and goblin attack that doesn't make sense at first but starts to as you hum along into faery land to help fight off demons and. Well just read the book because I couldn't put this book down until I finished it and then bought the entire series when I finished the book! Tus is a Must read if you enjoy Fantasy.
Loving fantasy novels, l started this book with an idea of what to expect and received more than Expected!
Starting off with a usual backdrop of super natural characters brought me into the gold. Zyan Star is the main character and she's a kick-ass beauty that leaves you wanting more. Not only great fighting skills but some kind of super natural power that really needs too be unleashed before the end of the book. But it doesn't because lo and behold, an angel (Eli) and of course a Holy Representative. enter the picture making you wonder wtf is going on. Not being a fan of vamps and the like, I was mildly urged to keep reading when one was introduced along with a werewolf and a cute little witch that happened to be Zyan's roommates. Add owning a bar and a few demons and you're off to the races here. Before the end of the book you'll be living the likes of inter-dimensional worlds and wondering what the hell (figuratively and literally) is going on here. The excitement just doesn't stop and builds into an Armageddonnal war by the end of the book that still leaves you wondering, what can Zyan's powers really do? She faces off against vamps (starting off with the one who broke her heart) Alexander and then you get wrapped up in a demon and goblin attack that doesn't make sense at first but starts to as you hum along into faery land to help fight off demons and. Well just read the book because I couldn't put this book down until I finished it and then bought the entire series when I finished the book! Tus is a Must read if you enjoy Fantasy.
April 2, 2016
This is the first half of the first book in a new series. The heroine is a supernatural being who owns a bar and works as a (very successful) bounty hunter. She lives with her two best friends, each of whom are supernatural in different ways. Unfortunately for her, her nature means that she is categorized with the bad side rather than the good. Then, one day an angel walks into her bar with a job offer and her life changes dramatically.
I had read the prequel novella and really enjoyed it. In this book we get to know a bit more about Zyan's friends and a lot more about her own past. There is also information about how the world is different, but I wasn't sure why Seattle was the base for the Divine Representative. As for the action, there is plenty, and Zyan's previous success and cockiness work against her when she blithely walks into situations that she expects will be troublesome but turn out even worse.
Since Zy will refer to having reasons for not doing magic, but doesn't describe them, the reveal of the reasons is interesting. Especially since the circumstances have brought her past back to smack her in the face. And now she has to face her fears and start using her magic to that she can control it and have it as a tool. Meanwhile the bounty hunter she met in the prequel is back in her life, and she just can't shake that disapproving angel.
And that's all I'll say as this is just the first half of the book. I received a free copy for an honest review from the author.
I had read the prequel novella and really enjoyed it. In this book we get to know a bit more about Zyan's friends and a lot more about her own past. There is also information about how the world is different, but I wasn't sure why Seattle was the base for the Divine Representative. As for the action, there is plenty, and Zyan's previous success and cockiness work against her when she blithely walks into situations that she expects will be troublesome but turn out even worse.
Since Zy will refer to having reasons for not doing magic, but doesn't describe them, the reveal of the reasons is interesting. Especially since the circumstances have brought her past back to smack her in the face. And now she has to face her fears and start using her magic to that she can control it and have it as a tool. Meanwhile the bounty hunter she met in the prequel is back in her life, and she just can't shake that disapproving angel.
And that's all I'll say as this is just the first half of the book. I received a free copy for an honest review from the author.
March 28, 2016
Zyan is a soul-sucker damned to hell for all eternity, because of an ex who decided to break her heart for fun. Then a woman who decided to turn her into said soul sucker. So when the angel Eli comes a knocking why would she ever want to say yes? I mean they are the ones who helped make the rules that no matter what she does, shes damned. Who cares that the head of their HR is under a major threat? And that she might be the only hope. Since when do angels ask the damned for help anyways? Must be a joke right?
Not a joke and Eli, angel sent from HR to ask for her help, doe not take lightly to her "colorful" language or sarcastic attitude. Who else could piss off an angel, other than Zyan? Until she comes to his rescue,which he doesn't need. Flash forward she's helping.
What does it take to bring down a 2 thousand year old vampire? Angels, a soul sucker, shape shifters, a witch, and werewolves are about to find out. Add in it's Zyan's ex and her magical abilities that she has avoided are out of wack and presenting themselves at in opportune times and you might have a city about to blow up. Oh, and don't forget the demons breaking lose all over town whenever they feel like it.
I'm off to part two. Have to see how this plays out.
I was very excited when I was offered an ARC copy. I couldn't wait to see how it played out after Black magic & Mojitos
Not a joke and Eli, angel sent from HR to ask for her help, doe not take lightly to her "colorful" language or sarcastic attitude. Who else could piss off an angel, other than Zyan? Until she comes to his rescue,which he doesn't need. Flash forward she's helping.
What does it take to bring down a 2 thousand year old vampire? Angels, a soul sucker, shape shifters, a witch, and werewolves are about to find out. Add in it's Zyan's ex and her magical abilities that she has avoided are out of wack and presenting themselves at in opportune times and you might have a city about to blow up. Oh, and don't forget the demons breaking lose all over town whenever they feel like it.
I'm off to part two. Have to see how this plays out.
I was very excited when I was offered an ARC copy. I couldn't wait to see how it played out after Black magic & Mojitos
April 4, 2016
I'm not sure why, but I really connected with Black Magic & Mojitos. It was a light, clever, funny, intriguing read, with a light romance element, and it left me with enough questions that I felt I needed to get my hands on the first full-length novel. Martinis with the Devil isn't exactly that, though it is when the two parts are combined, and some answers are here. Who is Zyan? What's her story? What sort of supernatural being is she? What does her regular life look like?
Martinis with the Devil keeps up the snark of the prior novella. The romance element notches up a bit, with some complicated baggage and plenty of intended eye-rolls. The characters are all back, loyal and useful. We have angels and villains and alcohol and vampires and exes, cool swords and plenty of action. A Seattle skyline beautifies the scenery and provides a setting. This is all fine and the work moves along quickly.
But I'm not connecting with this story the way I did with the prior story. It's driving me a bit batty, honestly. I'm hoping the second half will grab me and shake me silly.
*I was provided a copy of this book in the hope that I would write a review. No promises were made and my views are my own and not influenced by any other party.
Martinis with the Devil keeps up the snark of the prior novella. The romance element notches up a bit, with some complicated baggage and plenty of intended eye-rolls. The characters are all back, loyal and useful. We have angels and villains and alcohol and vampires and exes, cool swords and plenty of action. A Seattle skyline beautifies the scenery and provides a setting. This is all fine and the work moves along quickly.
But I'm not connecting with this story the way I did with the prior story. It's driving me a bit batty, honestly. I'm hoping the second half will grab me and shake me silly.
*I was provided a copy of this book in the hope that I would write a review. No promises were made and my views are my own and not influenced by any other party.
March 24, 2016
Don't you go walking slow,the devil is on the Loose...
How can a person not love Zyan Star? You Can't! That's the answer. Martinis With the Devil was a hell of a ride i tell you. Zyan is the portagonist this genre needed,she's fun ,energetic and sexy and she's actually a sweetheart! And she cuts demons down with a mystical katana. Bad.Ass.
The other characters were all fun, but Elijah Whitesong will always have a place in my heart,he's the kind of man i want to be,riley and quinn are always a treat,althought they need more backstory,and donovan and his pack are like hell's angels on steroids,i ust wanna adopt them!
The Bad guys reminded me a lot of the kind of people i hated,pretty boys who think they can whatevever they want because they're pretty,Alexander was one of them. fuck that guy. i won't tell ya but trust me it's fun.
There was however some bad stuff in there. the worldbuilding was kind of lacking,we need to know how those supernatural races deal,and of course zyan keep calling supernatural beings "supes" that's not a good name i tell ya. besides that,it was a lovely book!
How can a person not love Zyan Star? You Can't! That's the answer. Martinis With the Devil was a hell of a ride i tell you. Zyan is the portagonist this genre needed,she's fun ,energetic and sexy and she's actually a sweetheart! And she cuts demons down with a mystical katana. Bad.Ass.
The other characters were all fun, but Elijah Whitesong will always have a place in my heart,he's the kind of man i want to be,riley and quinn are always a treat,althought they need more backstory,and donovan and his pack are like hell's angels on steroids,i ust wanna adopt them!
The Bad guys reminded me a lot of the kind of people i hated,pretty boys who think they can whatevever they want because they're pretty,Alexander was one of them. fuck that guy. i won't tell ya but trust me it's fun.
There was however some bad stuff in there. the worldbuilding was kind of lacking,we need to know how those supernatural races deal,and of course zyan keep calling supernatural beings "supes" that's not a good name i tell ya. besides that,it was a lovely book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2016
It picks up straight from part one. Still saving the world and her friends first of course. I really enjoy these books, the speed is where you can't put them down and when its over your running to grab the next copy to see what happens.
I wanted to see if something happened between Eli and Zyan, forbidden fruit so to say, but then you remember Donovan from the very first one. Hes still trying to get her back, and he is not giving up. Then to see how it went with Riley and Dan, it blew up then it didn't. That one made me mad then made me laugh. But I am still waiting on Quinn to find her someone. The best friends of Zyan are hilarious and as kick ass as she is. All the characters in the story go well together making it a very enjoyable read.
Theyv'e saved the world from Lucifer, theyv'e had him sucked back to Hell. Their thanks? Some government wanting to lock every supe up, but what else can they expect? Now their off to Ireland. Can't wait to see what they get into there.
I received an ARC. And my honest review is these books are addicting.
I wanted to see if something happened between Eli and Zyan, forbidden fruit so to say, but then you remember Donovan from the very first one. Hes still trying to get her back, and he is not giving up. Then to see how it went with Riley and Dan, it blew up then it didn't. That one made me mad then made me laugh. But I am still waiting on Quinn to find her someone. The best friends of Zyan are hilarious and as kick ass as she is. All the characters in the story go well together making it a very enjoyable read.
Theyv'e saved the world from Lucifer, theyv'e had him sucked back to Hell. Their thanks? Some government wanting to lock every supe up, but what else can they expect? Now their off to Ireland. Can't wait to see what they get into there.
I received an ARC. And my honest review is these books are addicting.
May 7, 2016
This action-packed novella has everything a reader could want—colorful characters, mysterious twists, and an exciting plot, not to mention Zyan (the toughest heroine ever!) is full of funny snark and fast to use her sword to fight enemies (and there are a lot of enemies!). And did I mention there's a romantic interest that’s literally out of this world?
In a future time where supernatural beings have come out of the closet and live beside regular humans, and angels have revealed themselves in order to fight off incursions from demons, there’s a precarious balance of power. Zyan fights on the side of good, trying to make up for dark spots in her past, but she’s met her match in Alexander, one of the most powerful vampires in the world—and Zyan’s ex.
The tension in the book keeps ramping up—friends are killed, families are split apart, and there are riots in the streets—and I turned the pages faster and faster. The ending doesn’t answer all the questions because the story continues in another book. Read both! Highly recommended!
In a future time where supernatural beings have come out of the closet and live beside regular humans, and angels have revealed themselves in order to fight off incursions from demons, there’s a precarious balance of power. Zyan fights on the side of good, trying to make up for dark spots in her past, but she’s met her match in Alexander, one of the most powerful vampires in the world—and Zyan’s ex.
The tension in the book keeps ramping up—friends are killed, families are split apart, and there are riots in the streets—and I turned the pages faster and faster. The ending doesn’t answer all the questions because the story continues in another book. Read both! Highly recommended!
May 16, 2016
Zyan Star gets a job offer she wants to refuse in A.A. Chamberlynn's Martinis with the Devil, Part One. Zyan is a bartender, a bounty hunter, and a soul-eater. Despite being eternally damned, she might be heaven's only hope. I loved how Zyan plays off Eli, the angel, and the other characters in the story. Zyan is one fierce fighter with a sarcastic edge, but she genuinely cares about her friends. The story line is fast paced and keeps me wondering what will happen to Zyan, Eli, and her friends. The world building ignites the reader's imagination and has a smorgasbord of different supernatural creatures. Part One ends in a cliffhanger that'll make the reader what to pick up Part Two and keep reading to find out if they can save the Holy Representative or will all Hell break loose. I recommend Martinis with the Devil, Part One by A.A. Chamberlynn to urban fantasy readers who like strong heroines.
July 31, 2020
Good
The main character is a bad ass. Although a little scared to use this obviously great and supreme power she has locked up inside of her. Which I guess I get why; loss of control and then ultimate decimation basically. Especially with the added power of her new demon mark.
I liked the main character's personality and even felt like I noticed other characters' personalities, which is pretty rare.
It was interesting and things were constantly happening. Although I did feel a slight lull in interest, I didn't lose it at all. It was a quick read.
I really have no complaints about the book, but I'm also not blown away. It was pretty good.
The main character is a bad ass. Although a little scared to use this obviously great and supreme power she has locked up inside of her. Which I guess I get why; loss of control and then ultimate decimation basically. Especially with the added power of her new demon mark.
I liked the main character's personality and even felt like I noticed other characters' personalities, which is pretty rare.
It was interesting and things were constantly happening. Although I did feel a slight lull in interest, I didn't lose it at all. It was a quick read.
I really have no complaints about the book, but I'm also not blown away. It was pretty good.
September 11, 2020
Good read
Book 1 has humor, loads of action and danger, demons, angels, vampires, shifters, werewolves, faeries, witches, and Lucifer, himself. All of the supernatural are now known to humans and the devil has big plans. Our heroine is hired on by the Heavenly Representative to work with one really hot angel to find what's going on. If you like paranormal, this is one to read, but you'll want to get the rest. Highly recommend.
Book 1 has humor, loads of action and danger, demons, angels, vampires, shifters, werewolves, faeries, witches, and Lucifer, himself. All of the supernatural are now known to humans and the devil has big plans. Our heroine is hired on by the Heavenly Representative to work with one really hot angel to find what's going on. If you like paranormal, this is one to read, but you'll want to get the rest. Highly recommend.
April 22, 2020
Today was an epic "Found a Great Novelist" Day! I will remember this book and it's Author the way I remember the first time I read Mc Caffrey, Salvatore, Farmer, or Lumley. This writer ranks among the best of the master realm creators! I could not put this book down, and now here it's 7:30 in the morning, and I'm gonna be late for work! Totally worth it! And Thank You for the ride!
August 3, 2016
Great book! Funny, sarcastic, & lots of action. Can't wait to read book 2!
Loved Zyan Star. Very fun character. Will definitely be reading the next book & any other book from A.A. Chamberlain.
Loved Zyan Star. Very fun character. Will definitely be reading the next book & any other book from A.A. Chamberlain.
May 13, 2016
Good book. I really enjoyed what there was of it. Just wish I could read the whole book all at once. lol.
November 4, 2024
Zyan Star is bartending at Noir when an angel named Eli offers her a job, providing additional security for the Holy Representative. She quickly declines but while relaxing with friends that night she bumps into her ex—Alexander, the two-millennia old vampire who cost her humanity. Failing in love and being betrayed led to her conversion into an Anam Gatai and the bounty hunter quickly realizes he’s the assassin targeting the HR. For two hundred years she fantasized about revenge and now she can get some free backup from the emissaries of Heaven. Zyan recruits her friends to help as well but quickly discovers this is connected to the random portal openings around Belltown spewing demons and her allegedly dead sister Anna has been with Alexander all this time. Lucifer tries to recruit Zyan to his side but she escapes with a partial demon mark and more reasons to unlock the powers she has suppressed. Then she must cut a deal with Pan for passage through the Fae Realm when her supernatural roommates Riley and Quinn are taken. By the time she has returned Hell’s forces are already amassing in an attempt to end the accords and invade Earth.
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This is what I would term a brain candy novel. There’s a sassy, reluctant heroine wielding a dragon-fire-forged katana and a sharp tongue. She has superpowers and emotional baggage, mostly because she is a magnet for all the wrong lovers. She’s worn out by immortality but not completely jaded. She’s grounded by her friends (here a gay werewolf and spunky witch). While the details vary, there’s nothing particularly new for our morally grey lead and her destined battle to save the world. Expect love triangles, forbidden romance, secret lineages, and doubts about character alignments. The glitchy magic seems a bit lazy so Zyan can be both OP and vulnerable as the plot requires. The pacing is too quick for readers to ask a lot of pesky questions or to let the emotional impact settle (and only the latter is a shame). The humor forward dialogue seems engineered, wolverine levels of healing lower the stakes, and at least this entry is low spice. Honestly, it’s not a great debut novel. It rushes past the setup and drops readers into the action of the tale without describing why there are hovercrafts, Greek monsters, and fragmenting treaties barely keeping the realms from destroying Seattle. It also escalates quickly to a literal war with the forces of Hell leaving doubt on where things go from here for our motley crew. The resolution ends current events but doesn’t resolve the vendetta or kill the bad guys which is a bit disappointing but acknowledged as the start of a tale. Still the world and the characters are likable, the scenes are well described, and you can have some fun with this urban fantasy as long as you don’t think too hard. (3.5 stars)
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This is what I would term a brain candy novel. There’s a sassy, reluctant heroine wielding a dragon-fire-forged katana and a sharp tongue. She has superpowers and emotional baggage, mostly because she is a magnet for all the wrong lovers. She’s worn out by immortality but not completely jaded. She’s grounded by her friends (here a gay werewolf and spunky witch). While the details vary, there’s nothing particularly new for our morally grey lead and her destined battle to save the world. Expect love triangles, forbidden romance, secret lineages, and doubts about character alignments. The glitchy magic seems a bit lazy so Zyan can be both OP and vulnerable as the plot requires. The pacing is too quick for readers to ask a lot of pesky questions or to let the emotional impact settle (and only the latter is a shame). The humor forward dialogue seems engineered, wolverine levels of healing lower the stakes, and at least this entry is low spice. Honestly, it’s not a great debut novel. It rushes past the setup and drops readers into the action of the tale without describing why there are hovercrafts, Greek monsters, and fragmenting treaties barely keeping the realms from destroying Seattle. It also escalates quickly to a literal war with the forces of Hell leaving doubt on where things go from here for our motley crew. The resolution ends current events but doesn’t resolve the vendetta or kill the bad guys which is a bit disappointing but acknowledged as the start of a tale. Still the world and the characters are likable, the scenes are well described, and you can have some fun with this urban fantasy as long as you don’t think too hard. (3.5 stars)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2018
I feel like I’ve been here done this before only it was more interesting and had romance and sex...
I feel like I’ve been here done this before only it was more interesting and had romance and sex...
The prequel was ok’ish, more of a teaser than a story and I thought I’d gotten a taste for a heroine I wanted to read more about even with the often cliched “gay best friend “ ( just feels soo been there read that, soo not interested) especially since I just read a series where the h who while a different type of “supe” had very similar powers in strength and abilities, carried a sword, was overly snarky even when it just made her look rude and immature, ( like here) not witty or even slightly funny or amusing she even had close friends who were a werewolf/wolf shifter and a witch/mage only in the other series both were male and were a couple ,soo I guess just make Quinn a guy and w/Riley then and there you go......
Soo ok,part of my dislike is too much sameness, soo it feels like this lacks originality but honestly I wanted to like Zyan but there’s not a lot there , too much snack just for the sake of snark but becomes boring and rude really quickly and honestly Riley and Quinn felt more like accessories Ike the katana she straps on than real ppl and to be honest while I’m not into lone wolf types who act like they have to do everything on their own to constantly prove their own self worth ( mainly to themselves) having two ppl almost constantly strapped to her w/no p.o.v in the story felt off as well...
Also this felt more like just urban fantasy than romance, and that’s fine I just wish they’d stop putting together soo if your wanting some romance with your fantasy you can know what your getting...
3 stars for respect two for enjoyment....
I feel like I’ve been here done this before only it was more interesting and had romance and sex...
The prequel was ok’ish, more of a teaser than a story and I thought I’d gotten a taste for a heroine I wanted to read more about even with the often cliched “gay best friend “ ( just feels soo been there read that, soo not interested) especially since I just read a series where the h who while a different type of “supe” had very similar powers in strength and abilities, carried a sword, was overly snarky even when it just made her look rude and immature, ( like here) not witty or even slightly funny or amusing she even had close friends who were a werewolf/wolf shifter and a witch/mage only in the other series both were male and were a couple ,soo I guess just make Quinn a guy and w/Riley then and there you go......
Soo ok,part of my dislike is too much sameness, soo it feels like this lacks originality but honestly I wanted to like Zyan but there’s not a lot there , too much snack just for the sake of snark but becomes boring and rude really quickly and honestly Riley and Quinn felt more like accessories Ike the katana she straps on than real ppl and to be honest while I’m not into lone wolf types who act like they have to do everything on their own to constantly prove their own self worth ( mainly to themselves) having two ppl almost constantly strapped to her w/no p.o.v in the story felt off as well...
Also this felt more like just urban fantasy than romance, and that’s fine I just wish they’d stop putting together soo if your wanting some romance with your fantasy you can know what your getting...
3 stars for respect two for enjoyment....
August 18, 2020
Has potential....but it was just too much
Too many supernaturals (never thought I'd say that). Too much ex boyfriend angst. Too much snark from the Heroine. Too much dead or almost dead but gets resurrected.
This World was a sometimes confusing mix of high human tech and all kinds of magic and supernaturals, including Gods (Pan) and Lucifer. The Heroine is a Soul Thief. But she only kills evil men. For some reason, nobody ever questions her leaving all those dead bodies around, or even the legalities of her species. Her best friends are a Witch and a gay Werewolf. Her ex is a panther shifter and the evil ex is a vampire. Her current interest is a stuck-up Angel. I have to admit that it's an interesting blend of characters.
I'm not sure if I'll continue the series, but I did find this to be an OK read.
Too many supernaturals (never thought I'd say that). Too much ex boyfriend angst. Too much snark from the Heroine. Too much dead or almost dead but gets resurrected.
This World was a sometimes confusing mix of high human tech and all kinds of magic and supernaturals, including Gods (Pan) and Lucifer. The Heroine is a Soul Thief. But she only kills evil men. For some reason, nobody ever questions her leaving all those dead bodies around, or even the legalities of her species. Her best friends are a Witch and a gay Werewolf. Her ex is a panther shifter and the evil ex is a vampire. Her current interest is a stuck-up Angel. I have to admit that it's an interesting blend of characters.
I'm not sure if I'll continue the series, but I did find this to be an OK read.
December 22, 2019
Zyan
This fantasy series opener features a two hundred year old soul stealer/bartender who is hired by an HR (Heaven's Representative) to assist his Angel guard in stopping an interdimensional assassin. As unlikely as that sounds, it actually works. Zyan manages to bring together uncommon friends to fight against several of the most powerful enemies known to mankind. And along the way she picks up some new skills while trying to learn to harness her own unstable, suppressed powers. There's a bare hint of a romantic triangle developing, but it's with a cheating were ex and a stodgy, judgemental Angel. I enjoyed this book more than I thought I might after reading reviews, but won't be continuing.
This fantasy series opener features a two hundred year old soul stealer/bartender who is hired by an HR (Heaven's Representative) to assist his Angel guard in stopping an interdimensional assassin. As unlikely as that sounds, it actually works. Zyan manages to bring together uncommon friends to fight against several of the most powerful enemies known to mankind. And along the way she picks up some new skills while trying to learn to harness her own unstable, suppressed powers. There's a bare hint of a romantic triangle developing, but it's with a cheating were ex and a stodgy, judgemental Angel. I enjoyed this book more than I thought I might after reading reviews, but won't be continuing.
February 11, 2020
Sassy fun!
I absolutely loved this book! Zyan is a rare type of supernatural forced to survive on the souls of others. She was created when an evil vampire broke her heart. Fast forward 200 years or so and the ex is back and Zyan is out for revenge.
The story is well written, the world building is wonderful. Every type of supernatural creature you can imagine and some you’ve never heard of and there’s even a couple of cameos by a Lucifer himself. Sassy, powerful and with a hidden heart of gold Zyan is a delightful character who drives this action packed adventure. Can’t wait to see what happens in book two!
I absolutely loved this book! Zyan is a rare type of supernatural forced to survive on the souls of others. She was created when an evil vampire broke her heart. Fast forward 200 years or so and the ex is back and Zyan is out for revenge.
The story is well written, the world building is wonderful. Every type of supernatural creature you can imagine and some you’ve never heard of and there’s even a couple of cameos by a Lucifer himself. Sassy, powerful and with a hidden heart of gold Zyan is a delightful character who drives this action packed adventure. Can’t wait to see what happens in book two!
May 16, 2020
Very busy
There's quite a lot going on in this book, which isn't bad. Quite a bit of action, and Zyan gets her ass handed to her sometimes.
Biggest issue I had was the politics, actually. Very slapped together, half formed idea of how everything goes along with supernaturals coming out.
Also, I'm really not fond of love triangles. And this one doesn't add up at all.
The plot is okay, it is rather forced though. There was one surprise, but is really only a surprise because you never new it existed until you're surprised with it.
Otherwise, I've read a lot, lot worse.
Two stars.
There's quite a lot going on in this book, which isn't bad. Quite a bit of action, and Zyan gets her ass handed to her sometimes.
Biggest issue I had was the politics, actually. Very slapped together, half formed idea of how everything goes along with supernaturals coming out.
Also, I'm really not fond of love triangles. And this one doesn't add up at all.
The plot is okay, it is rather forced though. There was one surprise, but is really only a surprise because you never new it existed until you're surprised with it.
Otherwise, I've read a lot, lot worse.
Two stars.
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