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Lords of the Underworld #2
Prisoner of Shadows
For more than five thousand years, Prometheus has been chained in the underworld. Every day, an eagle tears out his liver. Every night, he heals. When Hermes releases him in a gambit to save himself from his father’s wrath, Prometheus must adjust to a world that’s forgotten him. Hunted by the twins, Artemis and Apollo, he finds help in an unexpected place.
Julian Bell is a vampire lost. He left his Louisiana home in 1936 and hasn’t settled since. Ten years ago he followed his best friend to New York, but the country they came to wasn’t the America he left. After losing his friend, he found himself unmoored in a strange land. As he nears his hundredth birthday, he’s realizing how truly alone he is.
When Prometheus and Julian’s paths cross one fateful night, they find in each other a safe path through the shadows.
Julian Bell is a vampire lost. He left his Louisiana home in 1936 and hasn’t settled since. Ten years ago he followed his best friend to New York, but the country they came to wasn’t the America he left. After losing his friend, he found himself unmoored in a strange land. As he nears his hundredth birthday, he’s realizing how truly alone he is.
When Prometheus and Julian’s paths cross one fateful night, they find in each other a safe path through the shadows.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 9, 2019
148 people are currently reading
395 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
July 26, 2019
4.5 Stars
Prisoner of Shadows is yet another fun, fast-paced, fantastical romance in Burns and Fawkes’ Greek mythology inspired M/M series, Lords of the Underworld.
Here we follow Prometheus, who has been chained up in Tartarus, all alone and suffering through daily torture for over five thousand years – all because he created mankind out of clay, displeasing the Gods and resulting in Zeus swiftly banishing him to hell for an eternity.
When Zeus’ troublemaker son Hermes comes and busts Prometheus out of the underworld, leaving him scared, lonely, and confused in modern day New York, shit hits the proverbial fan when Zeus sends his warrior twins, Apollo and Artemis, to hunt Prometheus down and drag him back to his own personal hell.
But as the fates would have it, Prometheus promptly runs into one Julian Bell, a high-level ranking vampire of New York, whose job as a hunter/protector of the innocent practically makes him the perfect person to aide Prometheus in his rightful fight for freedom.
The titan and the hundred year old vampire forge an immediate connection, one that although initially is spurred on by adrenaline, fear, and new found freedom (at least on Prometheus’s behalf), seamlessly evolves into a deep emotional and physical bond that both men are willing to risk their freedom and very likely their lives to defend and keep.
I absolutely love the world-building Burns and Fawkes have created in this series. Set in modern times and featuring many remarkable alterations to the long standing myths that relate to the Greek Gods, these authors have imagined up their own really fun and unique take on the Greek pantheon, and so far the results have been nothing but highly entertaining.
I found this sequel even more enjoyable than its predecessor, effortlessly amping up the story in terms of action, romance, and even the quality of writing.
At this point, I’m fully on-board, and I can’t wait to see what comes next for these characters I’m quickly growing to love and enjoy so much.
Prisoner of Shadows is yet another fun, fast-paced, fantastical romance in Burns and Fawkes’ Greek mythology inspired M/M series, Lords of the Underworld.
Here we follow Prometheus, who has been chained up in Tartarus, all alone and suffering through daily torture for over five thousand years – all because he created mankind out of clay, displeasing the Gods and resulting in Zeus swiftly banishing him to hell for an eternity.
When Zeus’ troublemaker son Hermes comes and busts Prometheus out of the underworld, leaving him scared, lonely, and confused in modern day New York, shit hits the proverbial fan when Zeus sends his warrior twins, Apollo and Artemis, to hunt Prometheus down and drag him back to his own personal hell.
But as the fates would have it, Prometheus promptly runs into one Julian Bell, a high-level ranking vampire of New York, whose job as a hunter/protector of the innocent practically makes him the perfect person to aide Prometheus in his rightful fight for freedom.
The titan and the hundred year old vampire forge an immediate connection, one that although initially is spurred on by adrenaline, fear, and new found freedom (at least on Prometheus’s behalf), seamlessly evolves into a deep emotional and physical bond that both men are willing to risk their freedom and very likely their lives to defend and keep.
I absolutely love the world-building Burns and Fawkes have created in this series. Set in modern times and featuring many remarkable alterations to the long standing myths that relate to the Greek Gods, these authors have imagined up their own really fun and unique take on the Greek pantheon, and so far the results have been nothing but highly entertaining.
I found this sequel even more enjoyable than its predecessor, effortlessly amping up the story in terms of action, romance, and even the quality of writing.
At this point, I’m fully on-board, and I can’t wait to see what comes next for these characters I’m quickly growing to love and enjoy so much.
January 13, 2024
Greek Mythology is second only to Arthurian Legend in my list of loves and makes up the second largest section of my factual and historical library of books.
So, when Sam Burns started writing this series with WM Fawkes I was seriously happy and, with book two now finished, I have to say it's been a two for two top quality five star reads for me.
This book goes a bit further down into mythology and steps into the Underworld in a surprisingly different place - with the Titan Prometheus - he who brought fire to mankind after crafting them from clay and so set them on the path of independence from the Gods.
Needless to say, Zeus had a toddler-style temper tantrum and chained Prometheus to a rock in Tartarus while an eagle eats his liver, only for it to grow back overnight - nice!
And that's where this story begins.
Hermes is trying to avoid his father after the events of book one, although this can be read as a standalone, and so he frees Prometheus in the hope Zeus will be distracted getting him back.
Not all goes to plan however and Prometheus ends up crash landing in the path of New York's head vampire cop Julian.
There then follows an absolute gem of a narrative which sees plotting and double-crossing in the vampire world having a parallel with the interference and actions of the Gods while Prometheus and Julian fall into an unlikely relationship.
I loved Julian, he's all about duty and doing the right thing and he has an inbuilt need to look after people, and while Prometheus is the original rebel, after five thousand years underground, he's like a newborn baby in the modern world and utterly out of place.
The passion between them is wonderfully spicy but it quite quickly turns into more as Julian becomes involved in Prometheus' fight to stay out of Tartarus.
I also loved, as with book one, that the authors pulled in another lesser-known member of the Greek Pantheon - in this case Prometheus' daughter Aidos and introduces my favourite Greek Goddess Nemesis.
The pacing in this book is so good, I was still awake at 3am finishing it off (having started it at midnight) because I couldn't find a spot at which I felt capable of leaving it overnight!
As with the first book, there's humour, steamy scenes, romantic scenes and fast-moving dialogue which pulls the reader deep into the world of vampiric New York.
Next up is another hidden gem from Greek mythology Thanatos, the God of Death and Glaucus and I'm interested to see which version of his origins they're going to use!
#ARC kindly received from the authors in return for an honest and unbiased review
So, when Sam Burns started writing this series with WM Fawkes I was seriously happy and, with book two now finished, I have to say it's been a two for two top quality five star reads for me.
This book goes a bit further down into mythology and steps into the Underworld in a surprisingly different place - with the Titan Prometheus - he who brought fire to mankind after crafting them from clay and so set them on the path of independence from the Gods.
Needless to say, Zeus had a toddler-style temper tantrum and chained Prometheus to a rock in Tartarus while an eagle eats his liver, only for it to grow back overnight - nice!
And that's where this story begins.
Hermes is trying to avoid his father after the events of book one, although this can be read as a standalone, and so he frees Prometheus in the hope Zeus will be distracted getting him back.
Not all goes to plan however and Prometheus ends up crash landing in the path of New York's head vampire cop Julian.
There then follows an absolute gem of a narrative which sees plotting and double-crossing in the vampire world having a parallel with the interference and actions of the Gods while Prometheus and Julian fall into an unlikely relationship.
I loved Julian, he's all about duty and doing the right thing and he has an inbuilt need to look after people, and while Prometheus is the original rebel, after five thousand years underground, he's like a newborn baby in the modern world and utterly out of place.
The passion between them is wonderfully spicy but it quite quickly turns into more as Julian becomes involved in Prometheus' fight to stay out of Tartarus.
I also loved, as with book one, that the authors pulled in another lesser-known member of the Greek Pantheon - in this case Prometheus' daughter Aidos and introduces my favourite Greek Goddess Nemesis.
The pacing in this book is so good, I was still awake at 3am finishing it off (having started it at midnight) because I couldn't find a spot at which I felt capable of leaving it overnight!
As with the first book, there's humour, steamy scenes, romantic scenes and fast-moving dialogue which pulls the reader deep into the world of vampiric New York.
Next up is another hidden gem from Greek mythology Thanatos, the God of Death and Glaucus and I'm interested to see which version of his origins they're going to use!
#ARC kindly received from the authors in return for an honest and unbiased review
June 20, 2019
After reading Prince of Death which entertained me quite a lot (nice world building, good pace, clever twists) despite fantasy not being my favorite trope, I decided to give it a go to this new book in the “Lords of the Underworld” series. Quite a fate as I knew it would feature a vampire, and I don’t like vampire 🙈
Once again, I was taken by surprise (in the best way) by the world building: these authors have a talent for getting their inspiration from Greek mythology and fantasy, taking clever liberties with them, and coming up with a story full of interesting fictional characters, some good plots unravelled at a steady pace, a few pointers on today’s society shortcomings and some nice level of steam.
Prometheus has just escaped his life of non-stop torture sentenced by Zeus and ends up hiding in the streets of “today” New York where Julian, the head of the city’s vampire cops, decides to help him hiding from his hunters and dealing with his feud with Zeus, while also dealing with some coup attempts within the vampire’s community. A lot is going on but not enough to overlook this chemistry between them.
Without being spoilerish, there are a lot of passages I found very entertaining (Prometheus discovering “showers” and credit cards - yep, I can so relate - , the dichotomy between human and Godly fights – yep, a brawl between gods can last 10 years, hehehe), some poignant (Prometheus’s daughter fading for lack of human’s memory and empathy) and other funny (Julian freaking out being 100 yo and Prometheus calling him a baby…after all, Prometheus is xx-thousands yo, LOL).
This is a standalone in this series. A new one is supposed to be released soon, and I surely am curious about what new characters will be featured and what plot these authors will come up with.
For fans (or not-fans like me) of fantasy, Greek mythology and some steamy MM romance (“MM” loosely used though, we are talking about gods, titans, vampires, LOL).
ARC of “Prisoner of Shadows” was generously provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Once again, I was taken by surprise (in the best way) by the world building: these authors have a talent for getting their inspiration from Greek mythology and fantasy, taking clever liberties with them, and coming up with a story full of interesting fictional characters, some good plots unravelled at a steady pace, a few pointers on today’s society shortcomings and some nice level of steam.
Prometheus has just escaped his life of non-stop torture sentenced by Zeus and ends up hiding in the streets of “today” New York where Julian, the head of the city’s vampire cops, decides to help him hiding from his hunters and dealing with his feud with Zeus, while also dealing with some coup attempts within the vampire’s community. A lot is going on but not enough to overlook this chemistry between them.
Without being spoilerish, there are a lot of passages I found very entertaining (Prometheus discovering “showers” and credit cards - yep, I can so relate - , the dichotomy between human and Godly fights – yep, a brawl between gods can last 10 years, hehehe), some poignant (Prometheus’s daughter fading for lack of human’s memory and empathy) and other funny (Julian freaking out being 100 yo and Prometheus calling him a baby…after all, Prometheus is xx-thousands yo, LOL).
This is a standalone in this series. A new one is supposed to be released soon, and I surely am curious about what new characters will be featured and what plot these authors will come up with.
For fans (or not-fans like me) of fantasy, Greek mythology and some steamy MM romance (“MM” loosely used though, we are talking about gods, titans, vampires, LOL).
ARC of “Prisoner of Shadows” was generously provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 29, 2023
"Prisoner of Shadows" was absolutely delightful.
I loved the premise, I loved both protagonists and all the wonderful side characters that we get to meet, and I absolutely loved the underlying plot that Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes have weaved into this book. I can't wait to see what they have in store for book three. I adored how every plot point seems to be coming together!
This second book was even more complex and magical, world-building wise. We get to meet new creatures and new gods, new prophecies and new curses. And vampires! The way they're depicted here, as protectors instead of predators, was absolutely fascinating.
Julian and Prometheus's romance stole my heart: it's sweet, lovely, respectful, but it's also spicy and pretty much packed with tension and chemistry since their very first meeting. I loved them individually too, especially sweet, joyful, broken Prometheus. I felt for him so much, and I adored being in his head.
I wish a couple of things had been developed slightly more, and some scenes felt unnecessary at times (I skimmed a few, especially in the second half of the book), but all in all, I really enjoyed this book.
I'm excited for book three, and I'm also damned excited to get to know a few more gods a bit better.
TW/CWs: torture, imprisonment, violence, death of loved ones.
I received an ARC of the "Lords of the Underworld" box set from the authors in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the premise, I loved both protagonists and all the wonderful side characters that we get to meet, and I absolutely loved the underlying plot that Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes have weaved into this book. I can't wait to see what they have in store for book three. I adored how every plot point seems to be coming together!
This second book was even more complex and magical, world-building wise. We get to meet new creatures and new gods, new prophecies and new curses. And vampires! The way they're depicted here, as protectors instead of predators, was absolutely fascinating.
Julian and Prometheus's romance stole my heart: it's sweet, lovely, respectful, but it's also spicy and pretty much packed with tension and chemistry since their very first meeting. I loved them individually too, especially sweet, joyful, broken Prometheus. I felt for him so much, and I adored being in his head.
I wish a couple of things had been developed slightly more, and some scenes felt unnecessary at times (I skimmed a few, especially in the second half of the book), but all in all, I really enjoyed this book.
I'm excited for book three, and I'm also damned excited to get to know a few more gods a bit better.
TW/CWs: torture, imprisonment, violence, death of loved ones.
I received an ARC of the "Lords of the Underworld" box set from the authors in exchange for an honest review.
June 8, 2019
I really enjoyed this, though not as much as the first which blew me away.
Basically, I felt this book was lacking something. I guess it might be how virtually nothing was shared about Julian's past except that he was a soldier who fought in one of the world wars. He was just presented as a badass and we were supposed to just go with the flow.I wish more background was given as to what happened when he was turned into a vampire, how he met Ollie, what he did in Europe for all that time(89 years), how he became a Hound, then a Huntsman, etc.
All of that detail would've have helped relate better with him because Prometheus' story was fairly straight forward:he pissed off Zeus, the asshole went craycray with his punishment, he suffered PTSD on his escape till he overcame and kicked some major butt. Excellent. But Julian's background? Zilch.
That not withstanding I loved it whenever Prometheus and Julian came together. Although the speed of their romance was on a "high speed train" level, they still managed to pull on my heartstrings because of how inherently good they were. Its always a good day when non-jerks get their HEAs. :)
I do hope Thanathos' book, which comes out next recaptures more of the magic in book 1.
Basically, I felt this book was lacking something. I guess it might be how virtually nothing was shared about Julian's past except that he was a soldier who fought in one of the world wars. He was just presented as a badass and we were supposed to just go with the flow.I wish more background was given as to what happened when he was turned into a vampire, how he met Ollie, what he did in Europe for all that time(89 years), how he became a Hound, then a Huntsman, etc.
All of that detail would've have helped relate better with him because Prometheus' story was fairly straight forward:he pissed off Zeus, the asshole went craycray with his punishment, he suffered PTSD on his escape till he overcame and kicked some major butt. Excellent. But Julian's background? Zilch.
That not withstanding I loved it whenever Prometheus and Julian came together. Although the speed of their romance was on a "high speed train" level, they still managed to pull on my heartstrings because of how inherently good they were. Its always a good day when non-jerks get their HEAs. :)
I do hope Thanathos' book, which comes out next recaptures more of the magic in book 1.
May 18, 2019
Thousands of years chained to a rock while a your liver is eaten daily from your still living body is not a great way to live. For all that you could call that living. But when Prometheus is freed by Hermes, the freedom is short-lived and bittersweet. Now on the run from Artemis and Apollo–on the orders of their very annoyed father, Zeus–Prometheus must try to take in as much life as possible before he is dragged back to the rock and the sharp beak. Strange that he would find the most and best of life in the arms of a man no longer living.
Nearly a century has passed since Julian lost his life, and began his un-death, on the killing fields of World War I Europe. Yet even with all the strange things he has seen in is long time on earth, he is surprised to find the world has a few more secrets to unveil. Namely the presence of real Greet gods walking among the mostly unaware populous. Now to keep Prometheus safe he must decide if he can risk the city and people he is oath-bound to protect, or if he must once again watch the world as he knows it go up in flames.
Even after only a short scene in Prince of Death (book one in Burns and Fawkes’ Lords of the Underworld series) I was eager to hear more about Prometheus. He is certainly not the most used character in most modern Greek-god retellings, so I didn’t know a whole lot more the basics about him going into this story. But the premise sounded interesting, and I was curious how the authors planned to integrate vampires into this fascinating alternate universe they created.
Happily I can report that I came away feeling satisfied on almost every level.
The twists on Greek mythology and Vampire lore were familiar enough to not be jarring, but unique enough to make me relish every new facet of their revelation. Prometheus and Julian made a very good fit for each other, bringing each other a sense of safety, but also challenging each other to grow. The choices made in the story by the characters to further the plot never came across as utterly ridiculous or just thrown in there to move the characters from point to point. You grew to care for the secondary characters, so when things happened to them, or they made dumb-ass decisions, you felt sympathy and dismay right along with the main characters.
It was a pleasure to read from front to back.
My only real quibble is that the two antagonists didn’t really work as well as they could have. Zeus is (was, and always shall be) a massive dick. But I pretty much expected that. I just wish his part of the story–especially near the end–had a bit more oomph. His exit left me feeling a bit underwhelmed, to be honest, and since that was pretty much the climax of the story, I was left feeling not as pumped up as I hoped. The other antagonist, which shall remain nameless for spoiler reasons, worked better for me, since they had more page time to build up their character, but I never quite got enough sense of why they were doing what they were doing. “They wanted power” is a kinda bland motivation for me. I wish the authors had given me a bit more than that to work with.
They did a decent job of keeping the story interesting, though, so I’m not faulting that part of the writing too much.
That being said, after these first two books I have to admit that I am completely sold on this world. I find it utterly fascinating, and the excerpt for book three, coming out later this summer, has me really excited. And with this book reading almost as a standalone, new readers can easily jump into this story to discover the world for themselves as well. Though, I honestly find the first book as good, if not a tad bit better, than this one so I would totally recommend you just jump back to book one and start there. The world building you would garner from that would probably be helpful as well. But no matter how they read this series, I think readers will find themselves pleasantly surprised and wholeheartedly in love with these stories.
4.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
Nearly a century has passed since Julian lost his life, and began his un-death, on the killing fields of World War I Europe. Yet even with all the strange things he has seen in is long time on earth, he is surprised to find the world has a few more secrets to unveil. Namely the presence of real Greet gods walking among the mostly unaware populous. Now to keep Prometheus safe he must decide if he can risk the city and people he is oath-bound to protect, or if he must once again watch the world as he knows it go up in flames.
Even after only a short scene in Prince of Death (book one in Burns and Fawkes’ Lords of the Underworld series) I was eager to hear more about Prometheus. He is certainly not the most used character in most modern Greek-god retellings, so I didn’t know a whole lot more the basics about him going into this story. But the premise sounded interesting, and I was curious how the authors planned to integrate vampires into this fascinating alternate universe they created.
Happily I can report that I came away feeling satisfied on almost every level.
The twists on Greek mythology and Vampire lore were familiar enough to not be jarring, but unique enough to make me relish every new facet of their revelation. Prometheus and Julian made a very good fit for each other, bringing each other a sense of safety, but also challenging each other to grow. The choices made in the story by the characters to further the plot never came across as utterly ridiculous or just thrown in there to move the characters from point to point. You grew to care for the secondary characters, so when things happened to them, or they made dumb-ass decisions, you felt sympathy and dismay right along with the main characters.
It was a pleasure to read from front to back.
My only real quibble is that the two antagonists didn’t really work as well as they could have. Zeus is (was, and always shall be) a massive dick. But I pretty much expected that. I just wish his part of the story–especially near the end–had a bit more oomph. His exit left me feeling a bit underwhelmed, to be honest, and since that was pretty much the climax of the story, I was left feeling not as pumped up as I hoped. The other antagonist, which shall remain nameless for spoiler reasons, worked better for me, since they had more page time to build up their character, but I never quite got enough sense of why they were doing what they were doing. “They wanted power” is a kinda bland motivation for me. I wish the authors had given me a bit more than that to work with.
They did a decent job of keeping the story interesting, though, so I’m not faulting that part of the writing too much.
That being said, after these first two books I have to admit that I am completely sold on this world. I find it utterly fascinating, and the excerpt for book three, coming out later this summer, has me really excited. And with this book reading almost as a standalone, new readers can easily jump into this story to discover the world for themselves as well. Though, I honestly find the first book as good, if not a tad bit better, than this one so I would totally recommend you just jump back to book one and start there. The world building you would garner from that would probably be helpful as well. But no matter how they read this series, I think readers will find themselves pleasantly surprised and wholeheartedly in love with these stories.
4.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
May 9, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Prisoner of Shadows is the second book in the Lords of the Underworld series and I am finding these books a lot of fun. I love the way the authors play with mythology and give a twist on the world of gods and goddesses, often with an irreverent spin. This story is set in the same world as the first, but the plots do not overlap, nor do most of the characters. Some of the gods and goddesses that are side characters show up in both books, and we get a super quick cameo from one of the supporting folks from book one, but otherwise this story stands alone completely. While mythology plays a big role in both books, this story has its focus on the vampire world, rather than the magical one of Prince of Death.
What I really love here is the new take on mythology and the way the authors take kernels of the stories and turn them around. There is more to all of them than meets the eye, and the legends are jumping off points for building their stories and their characters. I really enjoyed seeing Prometheus suddenly facing a world totally different than the one he left 5000 years ago. There is something so sweet and naive about him when the book first starts, as he really needs Julian to guide him along this strange world. I loved the idea of this super powerful being who is so out of his element and watching how Julian takes care of him. But as the story progresses, we see Prometheus really come into his own, finding the strength and courage to fight back against those threatening him and the ones he has come to love. It is a great journey for him to finding his inner strength and getting control back over his life.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Prisoner of Shadows is the second book in the Lords of the Underworld series and I am finding these books a lot of fun. I love the way the authors play with mythology and give a twist on the world of gods and goddesses, often with an irreverent spin. This story is set in the same world as the first, but the plots do not overlap, nor do most of the characters. Some of the gods and goddesses that are side characters show up in both books, and we get a super quick cameo from one of the supporting folks from book one, but otherwise this story stands alone completely. While mythology plays a big role in both books, this story has its focus on the vampire world, rather than the magical one of Prince of Death.
What I really love here is the new take on mythology and the way the authors take kernels of the stories and turn them around. There is more to all of them than meets the eye, and the legends are jumping off points for building their stories and their characters. I really enjoyed seeing Prometheus suddenly facing a world totally different than the one he left 5000 years ago. There is something so sweet and naive about him when the book first starts, as he really needs Julian to guide him along this strange world. I loved the idea of this super powerful being who is so out of his element and watching how Julian takes care of him. But as the story progresses, we see Prometheus really come into his own, finding the strength and courage to fight back against those threatening him and the ones he has come to love. It is a great journey for him to finding his inner strength and getting control back over his life.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
March 13, 2023
I enjoyed the first one, but I LOVE this one.
I just want to thank these two authors for making me enjoy Hades and actually not fearing the underworld. Also, maki Zuess the bad guy? That's kind of funny, and seemingly accurate. He does seem like a prick. (Don't tell him I said that!) And Ceberes? Oh my gods, I want to scratch his heads!! I also like the updates done to the God's. Like Hermes and emails, etc... what impact social media has on the God's/Goddesses.
That being said, don't get your hopes up here for a big Hades entrance, he's only in glimpses of this story, even though they're big impacts.
They are so many Gods/Goddesses, it's hard to keep up, but I love these stories, because they aren't confusing at all and explain who each starring God/Goddess is. They also make them kind of fun, or total dicks, but still fun.
Prometheus is the sweetest character (almost) ever. Freed by son of Zuess, Hermes (messenger God). He's been locked away so long in Tartarus that this new world brings a new innocence and wonder about him. His need for closeness and contact is endearing.
I also love what the authors did with vampires. You're probably like, God's and vampires? But it's all paranormal and can be stretched any which way, really. They did a great job with Artemis' role with the hunters. I also like that she cares, in her cold-hearted bitch sort of way.
I'm really curious as to what Hermes is up to, and this Patron of Mercy? What couldn't be!?!? I'm just glad this book pulled me out of my reading funk, at least for a little while.
It was such an adventure with some awesome characters.
I just want to thank these two authors for making me enjoy Hades and actually not fearing the underworld. Also, maki Zuess the bad guy? That's kind of funny, and seemingly accurate. He does seem like a prick. (Don't tell him I said that!) And Ceberes? Oh my gods, I want to scratch his heads!! I also like the updates done to the God's. Like Hermes and emails, etc... what impact social media has on the God's/Goddesses.
That being said, don't get your hopes up here for a big Hades entrance, he's only in glimpses of this story, even though they're big impacts.
They are so many Gods/Goddesses, it's hard to keep up, but I love these stories, because they aren't confusing at all and explain who each starring God/Goddess is. They also make them kind of fun, or total dicks, but still fun.
Prometheus is the sweetest character (almost) ever. Freed by son of Zuess, Hermes (messenger God). He's been locked away so long in Tartarus that this new world brings a new innocence and wonder about him. His need for closeness and contact is endearing.
I also love what the authors did with vampires. You're probably like, God's and vampires? But it's all paranormal and can be stretched any which way, really. They did a great job with Artemis' role with the hunters. I also like that she cares, in her cold-hearted bitch sort of way.
I'm really curious as to what Hermes is up to, and this Patron of Mercy? What couldn't be!?!? I'm just glad this book pulled me out of my reading funk, at least for a little while.
It was such an adventure with some awesome characters.
May 8, 2019
Julian the vampire, saved Prometheus, the god, from Zeus’s twin hunters after he was freed from Tartarus. Not knowing much about mythology, Julian doesn’t realize what or who Prometheus is. When he finds out it’s already to late, the man/god belongs to him and he will go to hell to save him and take on the gods to do it.
Snappy dialogue, sexy men, a god discovering a shower for the first time, and a vampire falling in love with someone he probably shouldn’t. Just a few of the gems in the story.
Such a captivating take on the gods. Their weaknesses mostly defining them. Their pettiness the fuel that keeps them going, because the world is forgetting them.
Julian was the hero that rescued Prometheus, their love for each other made a great story.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
Snappy dialogue, sexy men, a god discovering a shower for the first time, and a vampire falling in love with someone he probably shouldn’t. Just a few of the gems in the story.
Such a captivating take on the gods. Their weaknesses mostly defining them. Their pettiness the fuel that keeps them going, because the world is forgetting them.
Julian was the hero that rescued Prometheus, their love for each other made a great story.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
March 15, 2022
I'm enjoying the series.
I'm looking forward to where we going to be take, and who we'll meet, next. It's interesting to see the different threads of what I assume to be the grand design being sewn into the plots of each book in the series so far and trying to figure out where they're going to go with all we've learned.
Dual POV with some heat and a HFN ending.
I'm looking forward to where we going to be take, and who we'll meet, next. It's interesting to see the different threads of what I assume to be the grand design being sewn into the plots of each book in the series so far and trying to figure out where they're going to go with all we've learned.
Dual POV with some heat and a HFN ending.
May 17, 2019
4.25 Stars!
Prisoner of Shadows is book 2 in the Lords of the Underworld series and while it features a different couple from the one in the first book, I really suggest reading them in order. There's a lot of world-building that you'd be missing out on otherwise.
I loved Julian, he was so steadfast and supportive, a vampire cop who was intent on helping Prometheus from the getgo, even at the risk of his own, well, unlife. I really liked Prometheus, too. I felt bad for what he had to endure in Tartarus, and it made sense that he was so childlike in his wonder at how different New York was from the world he'd lived in so many centuries ago. Julian and Prometheus had a lot of chemistry and I loved seeing their relationship evolve and turn into something everlasting.
There was a lot going on what with Prometheus being hunted by Apollo after Hermes helped Prometheus escape from Tartarus and then the final showdown with Zeus and I'm really liking how the authors are weaving Greek mythology with urban fantasy. It makes for a very interesting read. The first book is still my favorite, but this one was a pretty good story and I'm already looking forward to book 3. Recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Prisoner of Shadows is book 2 in the Lords of the Underworld series and while it features a different couple from the one in the first book, I really suggest reading them in order. There's a lot of world-building that you'd be missing out on otherwise.
I loved Julian, he was so steadfast and supportive, a vampire cop who was intent on helping Prometheus from the getgo, even at the risk of his own, well, unlife. I really liked Prometheus, too. I felt bad for what he had to endure in Tartarus, and it made sense that he was so childlike in his wonder at how different New York was from the world he'd lived in so many centuries ago. Julian and Prometheus had a lot of chemistry and I loved seeing their relationship evolve and turn into something everlasting.
There was a lot going on what with Prometheus being hunted by Apollo after Hermes helped Prometheus escape from Tartarus and then the final showdown with Zeus and I'm really liking how the authors are weaving Greek mythology with urban fantasy. It makes for a very interesting read. The first book is still my favorite, but this one was a pretty good story and I'm already looking forward to book 3. Recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
August 6, 2019
Overall, I enjoyed this.
We kinda of met Prometheus briefly in the first book, in that we saw him chained up and being tortured everyday, but that was about it. In this we got to really know Prometheus, and how unfair and unjust his "punishment" for thousands of years was. Prometheus was also a lot sweeter and gentler and more kind than I was expecting him to be and he totally won me over.
I enjoyed Julian's character too, a century old vampire who runs into Prometheus in an interesting way.
The story was interesting too, although I would have loved to have seen a cameo by Lysandros and Theo, just to see how they are, and was bummed we didn't get that.
Also, I took a star off of this because I felt like this didn't focus enough on Prometheus and Julian's romance. It was there, and I believed they felt something for each other, and there was definite chemistry, but I don't feel we got enough to have the "I love you" near the end be earned, and aside from like first sex scene the rest were pretty glossed over. It felt like when they two were together the story was eager to move onto the next thing and that kind of dimmed my enjoyment of this at times. Sure, the rest of the story was interesting and fun, but I'm here for the romance first and foremost, and this is supposed to be a romance - and I guess fantasy - so I expect good romance.
And while these two were written fairly well, there just could have been more. More connection, more passion, more chemistry. So while I ultimately enjoyed this overall, and thought the writing was well done with a good story, it just felt a little short of the mark for me, so I had to take a star off.
I still recommend this, though, because, it's a good, fun read, I just wish there had been a little more focus given to the romance in this.
We kinda of met Prometheus briefly in the first book, in that we saw him chained up and being tortured everyday, but that was about it. In this we got to really know Prometheus, and how unfair and unjust his "punishment" for thousands of years was. Prometheus was also a lot sweeter and gentler and more kind than I was expecting him to be and he totally won me over.
I enjoyed Julian's character too, a century old vampire who runs into Prometheus in an interesting way.
The story was interesting too, although I would have loved to have seen a cameo by Lysandros and Theo, just to see how they are, and was bummed we didn't get that.
Also, I took a star off of this because I felt like this didn't focus enough on Prometheus and Julian's romance. It was there, and I believed they felt something for each other, and there was definite chemistry, but I don't feel we got enough to have the "I love you" near the end be earned, and aside from like first sex scene the rest were pretty glossed over. It felt like when they two were together the story was eager to move onto the next thing and that kind of dimmed my enjoyment of this at times. Sure, the rest of the story was interesting and fun, but I'm here for the romance first and foremost, and this is supposed to be a romance - and I guess fantasy - so I expect good romance.
And while these two were written fairly well, there just could have been more. More connection, more passion, more chemistry. So while I ultimately enjoyed this overall, and thought the writing was well done with a good story, it just felt a little short of the mark for me, so I had to take a star off.
I still recommend this, though, because, it's a good, fun read, I just wish there had been a little more focus given to the romance in this.
May 15, 2019
I said it after reading book one, and I’m going to repeat it here. If you are a fan of M/M romance and love Greek or Roman mythology, this series is an absolute MUST for you. The way the authors weave the myths of the gods and goddesses into a modern day urban fantasy story—it’s masterful and actually made me feel like something like this could be possible. While not everything they’ve drawn on from those myths stayed the same when brought into this book, there was still a lot that did, reinforcing the commonly-held belief that those deities were some of the most egotistical, narcissistic, self-centered beings about whom stories have ever been told…with a few exceptions.
Once again those ancient deities were humanized in their characterizations, making it easier to relate to their characters as people while still retaining their divine aspects and capabilities. None were more humanized than Prometheus thanks to Zeus’s punishments making him more like the humans he champions. While he may have been a bit of a trickster and acted much like the rest of the gods before his punishment, now we find him much more humble and careful of what he says and does.
Julian is a wonderful character, and as a vampire and a huntsman he makes a fitting match for Prometheus. I love the vampire history connection with the goddess Artemis, and the way this was molded into the concept of vampires as protectors. It’s just one more way the authors have easily blended mythology, along with vampire lore, into the world building of this series. The mythology is just as intriguing as the romance.
Another concept that’s brought up is that ideas—as well as people (in this case, the gods and goddesses)—only have power as long as there are people to believe in them. This concept is particularly relevant to today’s world, not just in a religious aspect, but in the political and societal realms as well.
I could not put Prisoner of Shadows down; add this to the list of books that I’ve stayed up way too late reading! 5 stars is absolutely called for with this one, and I’ll be waiting with bated breath for book 3. In the meantime, this series has me breaking out my old mythology books from my bookshelves to reacquaint myself with the old stories. As with book one, this story is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
Once again those ancient deities were humanized in their characterizations, making it easier to relate to their characters as people while still retaining their divine aspects and capabilities. None were more humanized than Prometheus thanks to Zeus’s punishments making him more like the humans he champions. While he may have been a bit of a trickster and acted much like the rest of the gods before his punishment, now we find him much more humble and careful of what he says and does.
Julian is a wonderful character, and as a vampire and a huntsman he makes a fitting match for Prometheus. I love the vampire history connection with the goddess Artemis, and the way this was molded into the concept of vampires as protectors. It’s just one more way the authors have easily blended mythology, along with vampire lore, into the world building of this series. The mythology is just as intriguing as the romance.
Another concept that’s brought up is that ideas—as well as people (in this case, the gods and goddesses)—only have power as long as there are people to believe in them. This concept is particularly relevant to today’s world, not just in a religious aspect, but in the political and societal realms as well.
I could not put Prisoner of Shadows down; add this to the list of books that I’ve stayed up way too late reading! 5 stars is absolutely called for with this one, and I’ll be waiting with bated breath for book 3. In the meantime, this series has me breaking out my old mythology books from my bookshelves to reacquaint myself with the old stories. As with book one, this story is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
June 17, 2019
4 stars!
Oooh!! This was good! Again, I’m pretty clueless when it comes to Greek mythology so I can’t say I know who is who and who does what. But so far, I’m very intrigued and impressed by the writing. Great plot, great problems and great solutions although, I don’t know what they plan to do to Zeus!
I’m looking forward to book 3 this July! I have to say though that I wish we saw the couple from book 1 😆
Oooh!! This was good! Again, I’m pretty clueless when it comes to Greek mythology so I can’t say I know who is who and who does what. But so far, I’m very intrigued and impressed by the writing. Great plot, great problems and great solutions although, I don’t know what they plan to do to Zeus!
I’m looking forward to book 3 this July! I have to say though that I wish we saw the couple from book 1 😆
August 7, 2019
**grm**
The story was anticlimatic. The plot dragged for many pages but there wasn't much of it. Prometheus and Julian were an ok couple, but they didn't make me root for them and I wasn't really invested in what was happening. The book seemed well written, from the grammar point, but I wished there was more behind all the characters and the scenes we saw. It missed something and many things that we could have wished to know, like Julian's past or a better background story about Prometheus' punishment, weren't really considered. And so much more...
The story was anticlimatic. The plot dragged for many pages but there wasn't much of it. Prometheus and Julian were an ok couple, but they didn't make me root for them and I wasn't really invested in what was happening. The book seemed well written, from the grammar point, but I wished there was more behind all the characters and the scenes we saw. It missed something and many things that we could have wished to know, like Julian's past or a better background story about Prometheus' punishment, weren't really considered. And so much more...
September 7, 2020
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4.5 🌟
I liked this book even more than the first one, and I loved that one. I'm still awed by the authors skill over using Greek mythology and twisting it to create their own universe full of magic, shellfish gods and love.
This time we get to know Lore about Prometheus, the titan trapped in Tartarus for all eternity, chained to a rock while an eagle eats him. This is not a new myth, but as said before, they twist it to create something different. Here Prometheus was jailed because he gave humans magic so that they can protect themselves against gods. This have had its consequences and some think humanity forgetting about gods its partly because of that.
Be as it may, the thing is our MC has been jailed for too many years and suddenly someone helps him escape. Now he finds himself alone in the middle of NY, things are completely changed and he's awed and overwhelmed by his surroundings. Then he meets Julian, a vampire cop with whom he starts pretty badly but that ends being his best ally again his enemies.
I loved their relationship. It was cute and felt natural and sweet. I can't deny I love stories in which one of them is as lost as Prometheus, it's endearing and really funny seeing them discovering modern age technologies. My only complaint is that at some points it felt like Julian could have had more depth. But with all, he's a pretty good character.
Both of them have interesting individual plot lines and then the common plot of them against the Olympus. The only thing I kissed was seeing a little bit of Lys and Theo, I was expecting for the to maybe appear even if briefly and that didn't happened. A pity.
If you like Greek mythology as much as I do, you will undoubtedly enjoy this story. I liked how they depict the gods, how they lack human empathy but also at the same time prove not to be totally emotionless. I'm intrigued by how the last book will go, and I'm hoping for Thanatos's story to be as good as this one. Can't wait!
4.5 🌟
I liked this book even more than the first one, and I loved that one. I'm still awed by the authors skill over using Greek mythology and twisting it to create their own universe full of magic, shellfish gods and love.
This time we get to know Lore about Prometheus, the titan trapped in Tartarus for all eternity, chained to a rock while an eagle eats him. This is not a new myth, but as said before, they twist it to create something different. Here Prometheus was jailed because he gave humans magic so that they can protect themselves against gods. This have had its consequences and some think humanity forgetting about gods its partly because of that.
Be as it may, the thing is our MC has been jailed for too many years and suddenly someone helps him escape. Now he finds himself alone in the middle of NY, things are completely changed and he's awed and overwhelmed by his surroundings. Then he meets Julian, a vampire cop with whom he starts pretty badly but that ends being his best ally again his enemies.
I loved their relationship. It was cute and felt natural and sweet. I can't deny I love stories in which one of them is as lost as Prometheus, it's endearing and really funny seeing them discovering modern age technologies. My only complaint is that at some points it felt like Julian could have had more depth. But with all, he's a pretty good character.
Both of them have interesting individual plot lines and then the common plot of them against the Olympus. The only thing I kissed was seeing a little bit of Lys and Theo, I was expecting for the to maybe appear even if briefly and that didn't happened. A pity.
If you like Greek mythology as much as I do, you will undoubtedly enjoy this story. I liked how they depict the gods, how they lack human empathy but also at the same time prove not to be totally emotionless. I'm intrigued by how the last book will go, and I'm hoping for Thanatos's story to be as good as this one. Can't wait!
June 25, 2021
I-
I'm still trying to process how I am feeling about this book. Obviously I loved it! I can't believe I felt so invested in a book where Prometheus, you know the guy who spends thousands of years getting his organs eaten by an eagle, falls for a vampire in New York City...but here I am. Completely in love with this story and how I liked the twists that the authors put in the mythology! Super interested to know more about Hermes because he seems like an interesting character in this series even if I hated him in the first book.
Prometheus is so cute and naive about the world that some parts it made me laugh so much, especially because Julian seemed so serious when explaining things to the titan.
Their love was intense and fast, but it promised a forever and uau that I feel it. I could sense their chemistry and love and just wanting to be together. Prometheus scared to be thrown back in the dark to be tortured and Julian not wanting to let him go. They fought for each other and it was beautiful ❤️
Also, Aidos and Nemesis are such a power couple!
I'm still trying to process how I am feeling about this book. Obviously I loved it! I can't believe I felt so invested in a book where Prometheus, you know the guy who spends thousands of years getting his organs eaten by an eagle, falls for a vampire in New York City...but here I am. Completely in love with this story and how I liked the twists that the authors put in the mythology! Super interested to know more about Hermes because he seems like an interesting character in this series even if I hated him in the first book.
Prometheus is so cute and naive about the world that some parts it made me laugh so much, especially because Julian seemed so serious when explaining things to the titan.
Their love was intense and fast, but it promised a forever and uau that I feel it. I could sense their chemistry and love and just wanting to be together. Prometheus scared to be thrown back in the dark to be tortured and Julian not wanting to let him go. They fought for each other and it was beautiful ❤️
Also, Aidos and Nemesis are such a power couple!
January 17, 2020
4.5 Stars
This was such fun. I really felt for Prometheus. I mean his story has always been a sad one so I loved him finally escaping Tartarus and escaping the evil eagle always eating his liver. He was so stunned by the changes in the world and at such a loss before Julian saved him. He was a sweet soul. I appreciated Julian's unwillingness to give up on the lost soul he found on the street. No matter the odds he faced he wasn't going to abandon Prometheus to those chasing him. Of course the vampire politics in the mix make everything just a tad bit crazier.
This was such fun. I really felt for Prometheus. I mean his story has always been a sad one so I loved him finally escaping Tartarus and escaping the evil eagle always eating his liver. He was so stunned by the changes in the world and at such a loss before Julian saved him. He was a sweet soul. I appreciated Julian's unwillingness to give up on the lost soul he found on the street. No matter the odds he faced he wasn't going to abandon Prometheus to those chasing him. Of course the vampire politics in the mix make everything just a tad bit crazier.
May 19, 2019
I really enjoyed the first book in the series and I was thrilled when I realised that Prometheus would be the star of the second book. Freed from his torture by Hermes he stumbles out into a world that has changed beyond all recognition. His wide eyed innocence and wonder conflict with his size and godly power. I adored him, he was everything I want in a character. Julian made a great foil for him and their relationship was lovely.
I think the world-building is great and their take on the myths and legends of the Greek Gods is fun and I'm intrigued to see how it will pan out.
Brilliant. I can't wait for the next book.
I think the world-building is great and their take on the myths and legends of the Greek Gods is fun and I'm intrigued to see how it will pan out.
Brilliant. I can't wait for the next book.
January 5, 2020
Hermes isn´t a nice guy and you should be very vary of him. So when he comes to Tartarus to free Prometheus it isn´t to be nice to him but for selfish reasons. Prometheus has been chained in Tartarus for a looooong time so he has no way to find his bearings in modern world before Apollo and his sister will find him. He meats a vampire and they stick together against the siblings, no easy feat as Prometheus still hasn´t gotten his magic back and a vampire is no match for a determined god.
I love those guys. They defeat Zeus himself and stay tru to themself throughout the whole ordeal. Impressive.
I love those guys. They defeat Zeus himself and stay tru to themself throughout the whole ordeal. Impressive.
June 15, 2020
Another absolutely wonderful addition to this series. I adored both Prometheus and Julian, and thought they worked wonderfully together. There was more fabulous world building and it’s still fascinating seeing a modern take on Greek mythology. There were some questions that I really wanted answered that weren’t, but hopefully we learn more with the next installment!
February 16, 2020
The second book in this delightful series wreaking havoc with Greek mythology for the purposes of wildly entertaining M/M paranormal romance features Prometheus, newly freed from millenia of torment and deposited into modern day New York by Hermes, falling for a vampire while on the run from vengeful gods (because why not?). Another fun read, with hopefully many more to come.
June 29, 2019
Loved it, better than the first. Whereas the first book was mainly focused on insecurities, the gods are more involved in this one with the twins hunting down an escaped Prometheus.
Not only the action but I liked this pairing better. Escaped Titan and law upholding vampire is just wow. I liked the mix of personalities as well. Prometheus timid with PTSD but sturdy. Looking forward to the next one. Curious who is gonna end Zeus. Great story would happily read again.
Not only the action but I liked this pairing better. Escaped Titan and law upholding vampire is just wow. I liked the mix of personalities as well. Prometheus timid with PTSD but sturdy. Looking forward to the next one. Curious who is gonna end Zeus. Great story would happily read again.
June 13, 2021
Immortals could be kind and vicious in turn. Humans could do the same, but their mortality saddled them with consequence. It had been a cruel addition, but ine that made their lives matter.
As usual i am weak for mythology and this one was truly unique, i haven't really seen much for Prometheus and his story is fascinating. Julian was interesting too with his own history and role in the world.
While the romance is pretty much instant it worked for these two, Prometheus looking for closeness after thousands of years in solitude and Julian being protective. I kind of love that it bounces between the twos pov, along with a few other characters.
Prometheus is ancient but has spent a long time in prison and has no idea of the world now. Julian has been around a hundred years, has seen the progress and is a protector as a vampire. These two have chemistry from their first scene and i loved it, the bites were great and how contrast between them is stunning.
Their love is rather sweet and to see them working together, showing support in each others worlds and learning as they go was amazing. All of the magic, action and knowledge shared as they move forward is perfection.
I loved the twists upon originals in this world, i adore Artemis and her relation to creation of vampires was amazing! It seemed very fitting and she is my favourite, so i enjoyed that she has such a strong role in this story. Along with Hermes and Apollo who are fun in their own way, the glimpses of Hades were sweet too and enjoy Cerberus his so cute.
Final confrontation and too see events resolved, the importance of getting all the details and how gods/humans are very similar when it comes to emotions. I really enjoyed those scenes, getting to see various gods and goddesses throughout. Aidos and Nemesis were
incredible.
Overall an entertaining read with so much to enjoy, especially if a fan of mythology and enjoy twists to tales. The ending was beautiful, with Julian and Prometheus looking towards their future together 💕
"But the sun keeps rising, and there's a lot left for us to see."
As usual i am weak for mythology and this one was truly unique, i haven't really seen much for Prometheus and his story is fascinating. Julian was interesting too with his own history and role in the world.
While the romance is pretty much instant it worked for these two, Prometheus looking for closeness after thousands of years in solitude and Julian being protective. I kind of love that it bounces between the twos pov, along with a few other characters.
Prometheus is ancient but has spent a long time in prison and has no idea of the world now. Julian has been around a hundred years, has seen the progress and is a protector as a vampire. These two have chemistry from their first scene and i loved it, the bites were great and how contrast between them is stunning.
Their love is rather sweet and to see them working together, showing support in each others worlds and learning as they go was amazing. All of the magic, action and knowledge shared as they move forward is perfection.
I loved the twists upon originals in this world, i adore Artemis and her relation to creation of vampires was amazing! It seemed very fitting and she is my favourite, so i enjoyed that she has such a strong role in this story. Along with Hermes and Apollo who are fun in their own way, the glimpses of Hades were sweet too and enjoy Cerberus his so cute.
Final confrontation and too see events resolved, the importance of getting all the details and how gods/humans are very similar when it comes to emotions. I really enjoyed those scenes, getting to see various gods and goddesses throughout. Aidos and Nemesis were
incredible.
Overall an entertaining read with so much to enjoy, especially if a fan of mythology and enjoy twists to tales. The ending was beautiful, with Julian and Prometheus looking towards their future together 💕
"But the sun keeps rising, and there's a lot left for us to see."
May 15, 2019
It started with ‘the fuck am I reading?’
And then it got so much better. Seriously at the beginning I was considering to dnf it because Prometheus was so… one dimensional and stiff and just not… I didn’t get him at all. For someone who didn’t know anything about modern stuff he read so modern? An naive in a rather annoying way.
So I was really happy when the story shifted to Julian, because at least then it was starting to be fun.
And then. Then they met and I thought ‘okay, fine, this will be a story I read once and then be done with it. At least I’m not wasting my time.’
And then. Then I looked up and had somehow read over 60% without noticing how time flew by? Prisoner of Shadows really grew on me and I ended up enjoying it so much! It was really surprising to me – but a very nice surprise. Also: Fuck yeah consent! Fuck yeah being drunk means not being abe to really consent to something.
Fuck yeah other Gods’ appearances. I didn’t feel Apollo in this though but that is a totally personal opinion. I did feel the way how the greek Gods had to adapt to modern way of living and try to still get worshipped.
Last words: I don’t know if the greek pantheon is one that is really popular and say, the norse is not or if I just always stumble upon these stories? In a way they are all in a way the same but Lords of the Underworld (or at least this one because I haven’t yet read the first one) manages to have its own unique and charming tidbits. Also: Kinda what you’re used to but with a surprising spin that I really liked.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy through Signal Boost Promotions in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
And then it got so much better. Seriously at the beginning I was considering to dnf it because Prometheus was so… one dimensional and stiff and just not… I didn’t get him at all. For someone who didn’t know anything about modern stuff he read so modern? An naive in a rather annoying way.
So I was really happy when the story shifted to Julian, because at least then it was starting to be fun.
And then. Then they met and I thought ‘okay, fine, this will be a story I read once and then be done with it. At least I’m not wasting my time.’
And then. Then I looked up and had somehow read over 60% without noticing how time flew by? Prisoner of Shadows really grew on me and I ended up enjoying it so much! It was really surprising to me – but a very nice surprise. Also: Fuck yeah consent! Fuck yeah being drunk means not being abe to really consent to something.
Fuck yeah other Gods’ appearances. I didn’t feel Apollo in this though but that is a totally personal opinion. I did feel the way how the greek Gods had to adapt to modern way of living and try to still get worshipped.
Last words: I don’t know if the greek pantheon is one that is really popular and say, the norse is not or if I just always stumble upon these stories? In a way they are all in a way the same but Lords of the Underworld (or at least this one because I haven’t yet read the first one) manages to have its own unique and charming tidbits. Also: Kinda what you’re used to but with a surprising spin that I really liked.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy through Signal Boost Promotions in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
May 26, 2019
Prisoner of Shadows is the second book in the Lords of the Underworld series which has so far been a delightful twist on Greek mythology.
Prometheus has been chained up and tortured in the underworld for centuries but due to the schemes of others he is released and forced to try and survive in a world he knows nothing about. I found Prometheus to be utterly charming and sweet. He just seemed to have this innocence about him but as the book progresses his character grows and evolves.
This book also takes vampire lore and put a Greek twist on it as well. Julian is apart of the Hunt, which was tasked by Artemis to help the helpless. Julian tasks himself with protecting Prometheus from those than hunt him. I really enjoyed seeing the relationship bloom between these two.
This book was very enjoyable and can easily be read as a standalone.
Prometheus has been chained up and tortured in the underworld for centuries but due to the schemes of others he is released and forced to try and survive in a world he knows nothing about. I found Prometheus to be utterly charming and sweet. He just seemed to have this innocence about him but as the book progresses his character grows and evolves.
This book also takes vampire lore and put a Greek twist on it as well. Julian is apart of the Hunt, which was tasked by Artemis to help the helpless. Julian tasks himself with protecting Prometheus from those than hunt him. I really enjoyed seeing the relationship bloom between these two.
This book was very enjoyable and can easily be read as a standalone.
March 12, 2023
Fire for the people
This was just such a satisfying way to send the story of Prometheus into the modern world!
Reading the myths of the Greek gods it is hard not to feel bad for Prometheus. After all, the things he does helps out humans, and for those exact things he gets punished. And punished eternally no less! So it would be understandable if he was a bit cynical or untrusting of the world. Instead this book pretty much makes him the original sweet cinnamon roll. Despite years of torture and a completely different world, Prometheus is so hopeful for people and the changes they have made and what more they could do. Even as he worries about going back to his prison he tries to have good experiences and wants to see his daughter and help her out. It is just the absolute sweetest and you can't help but not want anything more bad happen to him.
Julian has a little bit more of that cynicism for the world with what he has lived through in his time. Turned during the World War and dealing with a crisis in his Hunt (like a home pack for vampires) he is a bit more suspicious of people and planning for the bad things that happen. But Julian is still a kind, loyal, and trustworthy person. He is also a good judge of character and very protective, instincts that Prometheus brings out in him. Despite the trouble Prometheus brings Julian wants to help him and figure out a life for him that could be more than just a prison.
A really great read with some fascinating twists on the gods, this continues to be a great series!
This was just such a satisfying way to send the story of Prometheus into the modern world!
Reading the myths of the Greek gods it is hard not to feel bad for Prometheus. After all, the things he does helps out humans, and for those exact things he gets punished. And punished eternally no less! So it would be understandable if he was a bit cynical or untrusting of the world. Instead this book pretty much makes him the original sweet cinnamon roll. Despite years of torture and a completely different world, Prometheus is so hopeful for people and the changes they have made and what more they could do. Even as he worries about going back to his prison he tries to have good experiences and wants to see his daughter and help her out. It is just the absolute sweetest and you can't help but not want anything more bad happen to him.
Julian has a little bit more of that cynicism for the world with what he has lived through in his time. Turned during the World War and dealing with a crisis in his Hunt (like a home pack for vampires) he is a bit more suspicious of people and planning for the bad things that happen. But Julian is still a kind, loyal, and trustworthy person. He is also a good judge of character and very protective, instincts that Prometheus brings out in him. Despite the trouble Prometheus brings Julian wants to help him and figure out a life for him that could be more than just a prison.
A really great read with some fascinating twists on the gods, this continues to be a great series!
November 26, 2019
Prometheus stole my heart
I love, love, love this world, the unique takes on mythology/paranormal and the people in it! It's simply fantastic and I never want to leave once I start reading. Never thought I'd say this but I think I'd much rather live in hell. They seem so much nicer there and have a sense of humor.
Oh Hermes, someday your actions will catch up to you; I look forward to reading about it. I enjoy the verbiage that Julian uses to talk about himself (unlife's work, indeed) and he's so protective and loyal. He's a good man to have at your back in a fight. I feel for Prometheus being thrust back into the world with no clue how to adjust. If anyone deserves hugs and love, it's him. Gah, he's just so sweet and innocent; I want to squish him.
"I like giving you what you need." Mmm, vampires and gods make the best combination. Oh to be in that alley or anywhere they're together. Prometheus should get angry more often and Julian is fierce when he cares. I think Nemesis may be my new goal in life and I want my own Cerberus. I bet he’s fluffy. Twists and turns and so many surprises await in this book and I couldn’t put it down once I started. Another fantastic addition to the series that maybe my favorite.
I love, love, love this world, the unique takes on mythology/paranormal and the people in it! It's simply fantastic and I never want to leave once I start reading. Never thought I'd say this but I think I'd much rather live in hell. They seem so much nicer there and have a sense of humor.
Oh Hermes, someday your actions will catch up to you; I look forward to reading about it. I enjoy the verbiage that Julian uses to talk about himself (unlife's work, indeed) and he's so protective and loyal. He's a good man to have at your back in a fight. I feel for Prometheus being thrust back into the world with no clue how to adjust. If anyone deserves hugs and love, it's him. Gah, he's just so sweet and innocent; I want to squish him.
"I like giving you what you need." Mmm, vampires and gods make the best combination. Oh to be in that alley or anywhere they're together. Prometheus should get angry more often and Julian is fierce when he cares. I think Nemesis may be my new goal in life and I want my own Cerberus. I bet he’s fluffy. Twists and turns and so many surprises await in this book and I couldn’t put it down once I started. Another fantastic addition to the series that maybe my favorite.
November 11, 2020
Similar to Prince of Death, Prisoner of Shadows was an easy read. The romance was quick (this is clearly Exhibit B under insta-love), and while the plot had its exciting bits, there were no nail-biting moments of tension.
I liked Julian a lot. He's both strong and decent. I thought Prometheus would take after the alpha-male stereotype, but he was soft, and it led to a lot of warm moments between the two. I loved all the scenes when Prometheus delighted over little things like donuts or hot showers.
There wasn't a mystery here like in Prince of Death. Rather, the book focused on the threat of Prometheus being taken back to Tartarus. There were other tensions in the Hunt too, but those were secondary.
Again, this book had little angst. It was a fluffy, wholesome love story, interspersed with sexy times. If you're looking for something light with low-stakes, grab this one.
I liked Julian a lot. He's both strong and decent. I thought Prometheus would take after the alpha-male stereotype, but he was soft, and it led to a lot of warm moments between the two. I loved all the scenes when Prometheus delighted over little things like donuts or hot showers.
There wasn't a mystery here like in Prince of Death. Rather, the book focused on the threat of Prometheus being taken back to Tartarus. There were other tensions in the Hunt too, but those were secondary.
Again, this book had little angst. It was a fluffy, wholesome love story, interspersed with sexy times. If you're looking for something light with low-stakes, grab this one.
June 17, 2023
The great escape
I was able to freshen up on my Greek mythology although I knew about whom the Vampires belonged to. Artemis' created them for the hunt to protect the innocent against the gods and any evil threats. Artemis personally changed Julian and she will protect him. Prometheus was imprisoned in Tartarus for not telling Zeus the prophecy of his death. He was later rescued and freed by Hercules but creative reasons was changed to Hermes, not sure why yet but I know the explanation could only be for a creative reason.
I really liked Julian and all the characters in this book. He will help Prometheus and the two of them will try and fix what the Gods have neglected for so long.
A lot of creative liberties have been made so far in this series. Obviously This isn't how Prometheus life went after he was freed. There are a lot of the characters in both books did not really exist but who doesn't want to believe in happily ever after.
I was able to freshen up on my Greek mythology although I knew about whom the Vampires belonged to. Artemis' created them for the hunt to protect the innocent against the gods and any evil threats. Artemis personally changed Julian and she will protect him. Prometheus was imprisoned in Tartarus for not telling Zeus the prophecy of his death. He was later rescued and freed by Hercules but creative reasons was changed to Hermes, not sure why yet but I know the explanation could only be for a creative reason.
I really liked Julian and all the characters in this book. He will help Prometheus and the two of them will try and fix what the Gods have neglected for so long.
A lot of creative liberties have been made so far in this series. Obviously This isn't how Prometheus life went after he was freed. There are a lot of the characters in both books did not really exist but who doesn't want to believe in happily ever after.
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