Death's Daughter

The Banished Gods #4

by L.A. McGinnis

Tyr betrayed her trust and broke her heart.

She promised revenge, the next time they met.

After a thousand years as enemies, their paths will cross again.

Hunter Wallace’s luck just went from bad to worse. Case in point? The immortal god she’s managed to avoid for centuries just became her only hope of survival.

Destined to a life of endless conflict, Tyr never forgot the fierce Scottish princess he left behind. But a thousand years hasn’t dimmed her hatred for him, and when she shows up on his doorstep, he discovers that flame still burns bright.

With her home reduced to ashes and a heart haunted by the past, Hunter’s only chance at revenge is to join forces with the immortal god whose life has been forever intertwined with hers. In a world rocked by war, Hunter must discover why Tyr’s greatest treachery was also his greatest gift.

Finalist in The Paranormal Romance Guild's 2020 Reviewer's Choice Awards for best romantic urban fantasy novel and series—Death Daughter is the fourth installment of the Banished Gods series, and this full-length book includes one unearthly Scottish princess, a broody God of War, steamy love scenes and a revelation with a twist—experience this enemies-to-lovers HEA you'll never forget.

Genres: Mythology

325 pages, ebook

Published October 15, 2019

About the author

Fueled by black coffee, ice cream and bad nineties music, L.A. McGinnis spends her days writing best-selling steamy fantasies filled with damaged heroes who long to be whole and smart, authentic heroines. A life-long fascination with storytelling inspired her to weave these contemporary tales of legendary fated mates where the princess never needs rescuing, but sometimes the hero does.

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever wish you had more than five stars to give? L.A. McGinnis will rock your fantasy world with DEATH’S DAUGHTER when two immortals clash after a thousand years of avoidance and denial of the truth, they just may have been meant for each other, for more than saving the world.

Can the God of War and Death’s Daughter be a match made in heaven or the only chance she has at revenge?

Hunter has lived a millennia with pain, a raging hatred and an undeniable attraction to Tyr, the god who left her high and dry at her weakest moment. Now they are together again and the fur will fly as passions run deep and evil storms the gates and humanity’s every existence hangs in the balance, still.

I do love a good love/hate relationship! Tensions running at peak performance with little chance for resolution because the world is doomed. Secrets are revealed, lives are changed and love is in the air, a sure sign that some of the fiercest battles may not take place on the battlefield, (which I must say are spectacular)!

L.A. McGinnis has the gift of storytelling! She is a master at her craft and it shows in the depth of her characters, the details in her plot and the color in her scenes, and let's not forget amazing dialogue! Exactly what I love about fantasy reading! Strong characters, flawed and in turmoil, nothing comes easy, but good things come to those who read this series!

I received a complimentary copy from L.A. McGinnis! This is my honest and voluntary review.

Series: The Banished Gods - Book 4
Publisher: Fools Journey Press (October 15, 2019)
Publication Date: October 15, 2019
Genre: Paranormal Fantasy Romance
Print Length: 290 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[biblio-sj · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 STARS

I initially requested this book due to the inclusion of Greek and Norse mythology in its premise as well as the paranormal romance genre. I have such a weakness for mythology in the paranormal romance genre and I'm so glad that I decided to give this novel a try!

Death's Daughter is an easy to read and enticingly good book. If you're a fan of Larissa Ione's Lords of Deliverance series then this is for you! The inclusion of Greek and Norse myth was done very well. The story included a complexity in plot and yet still had an easy flow as an understanding of mythology created the perfect foundational background to this story. If you're entirely unfamiliar with Greek and Norse mythology it's still relatively easy to read and follow this book however the plot's complexity may require you to stop and research a few aspects for a better understanding. The inclusion of mythology in this story was interesting as the characters were apparent with their established personalities yet the story was not a re-telling. Rather, the characters added a familiar element to a unique plot line.

While the pacing and dialogue were brilliant (i.e., easy to follow and attention grabbing) the romantic relationship could have used some work. The importance of a sound romantic arc in the paranormal romance genre is the main reason I have rated this book at 3 stars. The swift transition from hate to love in this story did not feel genuine or authentic to me (despite liking the characters). Their long history was alluded to in the story however, flashbacks to this would have added an extra depth and realism to their relationship. Perhaps if this had been explored further the reader could have connected and believed the fast transition from hate to love between the characters.

Overall, this was a surprisingly good story that has made me eager to read the initial three books in the series. As a book in an established series I would say that this is possible to be read as a stand alone but will be most appreciated when read as part of the full series due to the inclusion of characters from previous books. I'll be continuing on with the series!

Arc provided by publisher via Book Sirens in exchange for an honest review.

[Susan Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It just gets better and better

L. A. McGinnis delivers yet another adrenaline rush with Death’s Daughter, book 4 of her Banished Gods series. This time, the center of focus is Tyr, God of War and his millennia long love/hate relationship with Hunter Wallace. As they both battle the evil Orobus, truths are revealed, acceptance of self is achieved and a chance at victory hovers in the wings, close, but still frustratingly still out of reach. McGinnis has a gift of storytelling that will keep you enthralled, rooting for the good guys. But keep the nitro tabs handy in case a heart attack creeps up on you while you read this. I can’t wait for the next book!

[Goth Gone Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Modern mythology done right

This series! First, if you try to read this as a stand alone you'll be missing a lot. The series builds beautifully with each book, perfect for binging.

Hulking gods with munitions and muscles, fierce and intelligent women bearing magic, all set in the dark otherworldly land of Chicago. The narrative describes the scenes beautifully, from destruction to lovemaking and points in between.

An example of the writing:

"Here in the flesh, there was a subtlety to the woman that his memories failed to capture, a delicacy to her scent, a burnished gold in the texture of her skin which he’d forgotten, and the sight of her cracked him open like an egg. Memories, he thought, were such deceitful things."

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am engrossed in this world. 4 books in and I am still surprised by how complex the story is. They have been planning for a LONG time.

I loved Hunter and Tyr together. They are oil and water and yet they are the other's missing piece. She is on a fierce level all her own. It is wonderful to see the gods change, stepping outside of their lane. It will take everything they have to offer to have a chance at surviving.

There is a short reprieve for them all to take a breath, but the war is far from over. I am excited to see what happens next.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Fran · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in this series and I will read the other 3. It has all the elements of a dystopian world, with Gods and Goddesses and a take on magic and technology. Tyr is the God of War and Hunter is a Pict princess. They have a love hate relationship and all she wants to be is NOT be immortal anymore and to hunt Tyr down for vengeance. The characters are well thought out, there's a lot going on but it's an interesting read. I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is based on Norse mythology and gods. In this book Tyr, the god of war, is reunited with a Pict princess with whom he has had a love/hate relationship for years. Now they are together battling the God of Chaos with the other gods and many feelings and secrets have a chance to come out. I really enjoyed reading this story, especially the depictions of the various gods and their allies. I received an advance copy of this book and voluntarily left a review.

[Kendall Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

An imaginative story mixing Norse & Greek mythology. Two immortals locked in eternal conflict must somehow work together in this thrilling story! This book continues the series in style - more well developed characters, more gripping action and more if everything to entertain and spellbind the reader! A great addition to the series!

[Sissy Satterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Mythology, Greek, Norse and anything else that I can read. This story has so much for me. This took me back to the way I felt in High School English when I had a whole quarter of nothing but Mythology. I Love the way this world spoke to me and entertained me as well. This was a Great Great for me!!!

[Kevin McMillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I loved this book as much as I loved all the books by this author. I can not wait to read the next book in this series.

[Cyrene Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the fourth book in this series, we finally find out the back story of Tyr, and his very long history with Hunter. When Tyr saved Hunter’s life with an old spell, he put a piece of dark power inside of her unintentionally. Hunter has hated him for a thousand years. But what happens when the two are thrown together in this massive war against evil?

When the Orubus finally attacks, Hunter throws herself between the evil and Tyr to save his life, knowing that she was forfeiting her own. But one more deal....

If you are an urban fantasy fan, or a romance fan, you will enjoy this series with the Norse gods fighting the evil. The edge-of-your-seat action and the all or nothing love between these warriors will win you over. I don’t recommend reading out of order because of the main story arc and the recurring characters.

[TinaMarie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tyr is the God of War, in his battle to fight Hel's Grims he forever changes the life of a Scottish princess.

Hunter was a Pict princess. When Try forces her father to aid in the fight against the Grims, slaughtering her clan and family she kills him and changes her world forever. When Tyr brought her back from the dead, he also inadvertently bound an evil spirit to her as well.

It's been over a thousand years since they've seen each other. She hunts Tyr and the immortals down after Orobus and his armies decimate New York. She wants vengeance and an end to her immortal existence.

These two developed a bond long ago and only now realize the love they have for one another.
An interesting read, pulling a reader in several directions. There's the fight against Orobus and Hel that seems to speed up then move glacially slow. We have Tyr and Hunter's romance as they move from enemies to lovers, Odin and Ava's relationship and bringing Frery into the spotlight. All of this can leave a reader wondering what to focus on, how can things be so urgent but then take so long for action and ultimately leave things still unresolved.

I received a free copy of this book through Book Sirens and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

If you like my reviews I hope you will follow my blog. https://wyldheartreads.wordpress.com/

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book. It had mythology and romance, which seemed right up my alley. However, within a few pages, I felt as if I had been dropped in to the middle of a story. It turns out I had. I was unaware that this was the fourth book in a series. I did manage to finish the book, but I kept mixing up many of the characters and constantly felt like I was missing something. I am sure this is part of why I never really got into this book, but also I just didn’t find it all that interesting. There were many typos and I felt like the characters didn’t have much development. Hunter goes from hating Tyr passionately to realizing she loves him when she thinks she’s lost him. I just didn’t find it very believable. It took me a month to finish this book, which is a lot for me, someone who normally reads at least two books per week. I found myself reading several other books in the meantime because I just didn't want to read this. Maybe I would’ve felt different about this book if I’d read the previous ones, but I have no desire to read them now after coming in where I did.

I received a free copy of this book from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Sierra Clothier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding! This book rocked my world and I loved every minute of it! This is book 4, but it was very easy for me to jump into the story without reading the previous books. But after reading Death's Daughter? I bought all the others in the series.

This is a dystopian story filled with Gods, Godesses, elves, witches, you name it. And it all works without getting muddled in confusing mythology. It was a joy to read about Odin and his family. McGinnis took the mythology and turned it on its head. It's simplified, concentrating on relationships and winning the war that has devastated Earth. There's a huge monster, the God of Chaos, that has destroyed everything in its' wake. The story revolves around the fight, and the men and women desperate to save the world. It's magnificent in the battle scenes, creating a much better picture than anything from Marvel studios. These people are fierce and brave, and the emotional toll of the war is palpable.

This is a relatively new author, and she writes with style and finesse, making every scene dance off the page. She makes these supernatural beings human in the way they fight for each other's lives. I was riveted. It flowed beautifully from one chapter to the next, with surprises that made a real difference in the storyline. I can't wait to read the series from book one. This author is a wonderfully fresh new face in the paranormal fantasy genre.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read and being the fourth in the series I am missing some of the background information I might otherwise have. That being said, I didn't have too much trouble picking things up.

This is an interesting take on the gods mythology. There's a mix of magic and technology in use here which I did not expect. Gods driving Hummers and having trouble with comms. The gods may be immortal, but they can be hurt and even killed if they're not careful. And boy can they be stupid but omnipotence is not very interesting and this is an interesting bunch. There's plenty of infighting, suspense and drama along with a little romance and some sex too. The ending wraps up things up pretty well but there's obviously more to this story and it piqued my interest enough that it looks like I'll have to swing back around to the beginning of the series to see how the gods got themselves into this mess.

I received a free copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Update: I've just finished reading this (from KU) a second time, after finishing the first three books in the series and the prequel and it holds up very well. Definitely better read in order though.

[Deb Le · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book by this author that I've read, and I was a little concerned about jumping straight in to book 4 in this series. It wasn't a problem, and can easily be read as a standalone. I loved the mix between greek and norse mythology. The characters are wonderfully snarky, grumpy and incredibly flawed which makes them all the more endearing. Fast paced, with a ton of action but not overwhelming to follow. I dived right into this book and barely came up for air. Great read.

[Nikki Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

Firstly let me say that I received this book via book sirens as an ARC

And it is very difficult to write an honest review, simply because I felt like I was dropped into the middle of a series.

And guess what I was!

This is book 4 and therefore anything I say can't do this book justice

However what I will say is that the book is NOT stand alone, there are too many interwoven character dynamics, that can only be unwoven if you've read the series.

On a really positive note, I did enjoy this book and will be going to read book 1 as soon as it becomes available in the UK

I received this book via book sirens and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in this series and jumped in reading this one first. I didn’t have a problem following the following the storyline but I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read the other 3. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and all of the characters and think I’ll be backtracking and reading the first 3. Tyr and Hunter have a past that will blow you away and she hates him. But remember, there’s a fine line between love and hate. There are promises made that could cause devastation if they make it through this monster that’s trying to take over earth.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read from this author, but I wasn't disappointed. I will now however be looking for the rest of the series.
This book concentrates on the story of Tyr and Hunter. She came to the tower where Tyr was living, after a thousand years apart in their hate/love relationship, she came with the sole purpose of killing Orobus, the darkness that was taking over all of the lands with the help of Hel, the leader of the underworld along with her Grims and Demons.
There are battle won and lost, there are love found and lots of great characters.

[Julie Sherman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Epic

Hunter has a problem with Tyr. Both are immortal beings, both are a reason for why the exist but Hunter has revenge and hatred on her agenda while Try only wants to be the reason she lives. They both must find a neural ground with each other but can they both survive.
It's wonderfully written, the characters are deeply scared and the story line is a epic through time that both have to come to Hermes with. Looking forward to the next book.

[JoAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great dystopian story dealing with chaos which involves gods/goddesses, humans, hell and its dominions. A Good vs Evil plot that is very well composed and will keep you turning those pages and totally immersed in the characters' lives. Lots of action and emotions at play certainly makes this story one I found truly intriguing and on the edge of my seat at times.

[Penny Riley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why hadn’t I read this series before! Magic and romance with mystery and intrigue. Familiar characters told from a different view point. Must read if you like fantasy with different twists. Going back and reading previous books in the series.

[Lisa Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tyr and Hunter are fantastic characters love to hate with a connection that is still there and burning hot. Loads of action as they join forces like they have a choice and are forced together to fight the monster that destroys everything in its path. This was exciting and I loved the characters.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has Norse gods, action that grabs you from page 1 and just enough romance. I finished reading the book in one afternoon. Action that grabs you right from page one. This is part of an ongoing story that continues from book to book so they will make more sense if you read them in order.

[Sara Callaway · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read by this author. Even though this is the fourth book in the series it was really easy to follow the story. I am definitely be reading the other books in the series to get the full experience.

[Rachel Lucas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good story! The enemy to lover is so tricky to do and this was so amazing! Their past and connection is so unique it separates them from everyone else! Love how she fought him tooth and nail till she couldn't deny the truth any longer. Denial is so fun!

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know if I should have read the first three books in this series before this one, because there were times that I was lost not knowing exactly if therre was a back story or not!
It was an ok pnr book!

[Samantha Smart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book.... I loved the charcters I got lost in the story which I loved I felt I was there and part of the action.... brilliantly written

[Jill Badker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not read the first three in this series, but that didn't stop this book from drawing me in and blowing me away. Great characters and an amazing story.

[Deborah Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

New author to me, third book in series, read the other books first to follow storyline, which is interestingly epic. Good paranormal romance, nice heat to the read. Recommended.