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Celestial Keys #1
Sentinel: Demon Assassin
When December 21, 2012 came and went without the cataclysmic event the Mayans predicted, the world laughed it off as another "Doomsday Conspiracy".
What we didn't know was that the ancient philosophers and seers were right - just ten years premature.
Luna Ashwind owes her life to the underground band of demon assassins who took her in when they found her unconscious and near dead.
After four years of strict training, she's ready to take her place among their ranks. But, when her first solo mission goes wrong, she learns that there's more to her past than empty memories.
Her existence may mean the annihilation of mankind.
What we didn't know was that the ancient philosophers and seers were right - just ten years premature.
Luna Ashwind owes her life to the underground band of demon assassins who took her in when they found her unconscious and near dead.
After four years of strict training, she's ready to take her place among their ranks. But, when her first solo mission goes wrong, she learns that there's more to her past than empty memories.
Her existence may mean the annihilation of mankind.
- GenresFantasy
244 pages, Paperback
First published April 16, 17
6 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
L.D. Nash
8 books81 followersL. D. Nash was born early one stormy November morning. A warrior at heart, she's only killed people on paper and dreams of becoming a ninja; an idea her husband will tell you is impossible considering her inhuman clumsiness. She began her writing career at the age of 14 and hasn't stopped since.
Never tell her that she can't do something, because she will do it twice and take pictures. She lives in the piney woods of a certain southern state with her husband, two rowdy grandsons, and entirely too many dogs.
Once a month she turns furry and chases her tail, but otherwise, she can be found firmly rooted on her sofa, watching Supernatural, drinking Cherry Dr. Pepper, and living vicariously through her many female heroines.
She's also sort of obsessed with all things supernatural/paranormal, western, Angels, scottish, and pirates.
Never tell her that she can't do something, because she will do it twice and take pictures. She lives in the piney woods of a certain southern state with her husband, two rowdy grandsons, and entirely too many dogs.
Once a month she turns furry and chases her tail, but otherwise, she can be found firmly rooted on her sofa, watching Supernatural, drinking Cherry Dr. Pepper, and living vicariously through her many female heroines.
She's also sort of obsessed with all things supernatural/paranormal, western, Angels, scottish, and pirates.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 2, 2017
Sentinel is a paranormal fantasy novel written about a top assassin named, Luna Ashwind. A secret society of demon hunters finds her injured and unconscious. They save her life and with that, she begins working for them. Luna cannot remember her past or the person who she was before she was awakened again. Her memories are taken away from her. Luna is unaware of her destiny and what she is meant to accomplish. She also possesses the gift of telepathy with her friend Barr.
On the other side, Lucifer is in pursuit of three artifacts that produce a celestial weapon, a sword. He wants to have the talisman forge a biblical apocalypse without God’s consent. He is an angel created by God but sent to Hell when he waged war against him.
There are times when you finish reading a book and then, ponder on it. Not sure how I felt, I believe meant to be a good thing. Besides the fact that I found the storyline is not as original as I anticipated, I still did enjoy reading it. The lead character and her personality were appealing to me. Her backstory and the way she had to overcome fears was described very well. The writing style and the lyrical descriptiveness of heaven and hell were accomplished superbly.
The author manages to portray the characters in such a unique way that you even get to like the evil side of things just as much as you wish good to prevail. I believe that is what makes this book different to others. There is nice and steady pace from the beginning of the story and it is action packed with scenes that are exciting and thrilling to the reader.
I believe the story will appeal to the more younger audience and recommend this to readers that enjoy, magic, fantasy, and science fiction.
On the other side, Lucifer is in pursuit of three artifacts that produce a celestial weapon, a sword. He wants to have the talisman forge a biblical apocalypse without God’s consent. He is an angel created by God but sent to Hell when he waged war against him.
There are times when you finish reading a book and then, ponder on it. Not sure how I felt, I believe meant to be a good thing. Besides the fact that I found the storyline is not as original as I anticipated, I still did enjoy reading it. The lead character and her personality were appealing to me. Her backstory and the way she had to overcome fears was described very well. The writing style and the lyrical descriptiveness of heaven and hell were accomplished superbly.
The author manages to portray the characters in such a unique way that you even get to like the evil side of things just as much as you wish good to prevail. I believe that is what makes this book different to others. There is nice and steady pace from the beginning of the story and it is action packed with scenes that are exciting and thrilling to the reader.
I believe the story will appeal to the more younger audience and recommend this to readers that enjoy, magic, fantasy, and science fiction.
August 24, 2019
I received this complimentary book by the author,through voracious readers. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It was well written and kept me wanting to read.
October 6, 2020
No shortage of action and blood. A woman fighting for her place amongst the guys, that are way to overprotective in her mind. Turns out she needs a little more protection, but not for long. Good start to a series that hopefully won't end soon. Can't wait to read the next one and see where this romance goes.
November 9, 2020
“Sentinel: Demon Assassin” by L.D. Nash is a very good written paranormal fantasy story that mix elements of mythology, adventure, action and urban fantasy into a fully coherent tale around a top assassin, a celestial sword and an end-of-days prophecy.
Luna is a telepathic assassin, whose memories are missing, which makes her unaware of her own destiny and the role she is playing in bring it along. She has been rescued for the blink of death by a band of demons, and now she belongs to them and their assassin’s guild. On the other side we have Lucifer, who is invested in creating a celestial sword with the power to bring out the apocalypse. In order to forge the swords, he needs three mythical artifacts, and as fate would have it, Lucifer’s and Luna’ paths collide with somehow predictable consequences.
The plot relies in the ‘chosen one’ trope, with Luna as the heroine destined to be the sentinel to tip the balances in the final battle. The eternal angels vs. demons’ battlefield and the Nephilim myth (with Luna at its center) are well-crafted. Luna’s character is depicted as a trained military assassin, if erratic sometimes which is consistent with her memory loss, if some of her interaction with the family are discordant, the character is all in all credible and (in a supernatural sense) relatable. An entertaining mix of mythology and literary (Dante, Shakespeare) inspired tropes that flow into a fast-paced, action-packed, enjoyable story.
Luna is a telepathic assassin, whose memories are missing, which makes her unaware of her own destiny and the role she is playing in bring it along. She has been rescued for the blink of death by a band of demons, and now she belongs to them and their assassin’s guild. On the other side we have Lucifer, who is invested in creating a celestial sword with the power to bring out the apocalypse. In order to forge the swords, he needs three mythical artifacts, and as fate would have it, Lucifer’s and Luna’ paths collide with somehow predictable consequences.
The plot relies in the ‘chosen one’ trope, with Luna as the heroine destined to be the sentinel to tip the balances in the final battle. The eternal angels vs. demons’ battlefield and the Nephilim myth (with Luna at its center) are well-crafted. Luna’s character is depicted as a trained military assassin, if erratic sometimes which is consistent with her memory loss, if some of her interaction with the family are discordant, the character is all in all credible and (in a supernatural sense) relatable. An entertaining mix of mythology and literary (Dante, Shakespeare) inspired tropes that flow into a fast-paced, action-packed, enjoyable story.
July 8, 2017
I could connect with the book on a certain level, but it never went to me really caring about the characters worrying whether they are dead. Also, regarding the chosen one and Nephillim, I would want a more subtle approach to the chosen one. And the way it just felt tacked in, without having Luna deal with everything about it.
I just couldn't connect with the characters and couldn't bring myself to believe them. Despite the whole idea about Nephillim being kept hidden, and even kept away from the human and angel side of things. It just didn't feel real, it just didn't feel right. And the way the chosen one was used as it was, without a name change, without really having any real purpose in the story. I just can't buy it.
I'm a skeptical person, and I prefer heroes be normal or skilled rather than some prophesized chosen one. Also, I prefer main characters having more of a drive to do things. Luna didn't have have that development or even a reason why she wanted to do so which I wanted to read about. It just felt as though she accepted it and did nothing. Whether to uncover her memories, which would have been interesting.
And I greatly prefer that the entire confrontation had been dragged out, Finn telling Luna that she needed to see some memories. And her having moments where she was going to doubt herself and the angels. Otherwise, I just don't buy it. I don't even know why Luna decided not to seek answers when it would have been logical, and normal even. Having her memories become a pivotal point would make sense, as she's beginning to learn about herald and it is very important that she learns.
I just couldn't buy the fact that Luna went around and fought, yet she never felt like a character. She's simply the chosen one, the one who was destined for greatness. Except without the depth that would make her a good one, or the depth of why she would accept it.
I do think that the book can be improved a lot, given that I could not connect. But the writing style was readable and enjoyable even, clearly edited very well. But I just couldn't buy the novel as Luna was a very one dimensional character, with little reason to even begin a journey to hell. I think she needs to have more time doubting, more time thinking and more time spent exploring her options and looking through a different perspective.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I just couldn't connect with the characters and couldn't bring myself to believe them. Despite the whole idea about Nephillim being kept hidden, and even kept away from the human and angel side of things. It just didn't feel real, it just didn't feel right. And the way the chosen one was used as it was, without a name change, without really having any real purpose in the story. I just can't buy it.
I'm a skeptical person, and I prefer heroes be normal or skilled rather than some prophesized chosen one. Also, I prefer main characters having more of a drive to do things. Luna didn't have have that development or even a reason why she wanted to do so which I wanted to read about. It just felt as though she accepted it and did nothing. Whether to uncover her memories, which would have been interesting.
And I greatly prefer that the entire confrontation had been dragged out, Finn telling Luna that she needed to see some memories. And her having moments where she was going to doubt herself and the angels. Otherwise, I just don't buy it. I don't even know why Luna decided not to seek answers when it would have been logical, and normal even. Having her memories become a pivotal point would make sense, as she's beginning to learn about herald and it is very important that she learns.
I just couldn't buy the fact that Luna went around and fought, yet she never felt like a character. She's simply the chosen one, the one who was destined for greatness. Except without the depth that would make her a good one, or the depth of why she would accept it.
I do think that the book can be improved a lot, given that I could not connect. But the writing style was readable and enjoyable even, clearly edited very well. But I just couldn't buy the novel as Luna was a very one dimensional character, with little reason to even begin a journey to hell. I think she needs to have more time doubting, more time thinking and more time spent exploring her options and looking through a different perspective.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 14, 2019
This book reminded me of S.J.West’s Cursed/Blessed/Forgiven series and of N.M.Thorn’s Salamander Chronicles. I couldn’t put this book down! It’s got fallen angels, their unsanctioned half-human offspring, the Nephilim, the hunters and the hunted and plenty of other kind of duality : the saved/damned, angels/demons and, of course, the aeons-old stance between Heaven and Hell. I loved the Greek myths of Hell being woven in and the unique explanation of how fairies or Feyd came about as a predator(!) race with the name of their King a clear homage to Shakespear’s Midsummer Night’s Dream. I thought Luna having a Finn was an awesome tribute to Star Wars’ twin prophecy. I didn’t quite like Archangel Michael being portrayed as a sadistic ass-kisser, but that’s just me being partial and it would have been unfair for the traditional baddie being the only one. Loved Cerberus having a half-mortal son falling for Luna and the raw desires, fight for control of self and transmutation descriptions of Kurbane. The story flowed well, the language and descriptions were vivid, the characters believable, the urgency felt real. The angelic neutrality and demonic desires were well-portrayed with traces of humanity woven in on account of human traits rubbing off on (and in 1 case off of) various characters to differing degrees. Loved the epic fight scenes, Luna’s humanity and decisive transition to sentinel and the surprise ending. Whether or not the possession of the three artefacts (celestial keys) moves along the same lines as the hunt for the Deathly Hallows in Harry Potter or not remains to be seen in the sequel(s). Definitely recommended for lovers of action-packed good vs evil paranormal romance.
August 13, 2019
Gifted this book by the author via Voracious Readers. I love Angel stories and this tale has them in spades plus Lucifer, fallen angels, demons, Nephilim and my personal favourite a hellhound. This story is absolutely spell binding - well worth five stars.
August 24, 2019
Sentinel Demon Assassin has what could be a great story, but winds up being only a good one due to a number of execution deficiencies. The pace is erratic and the characters are not well defined. It seems as though their only emotional range consists of rage to not-rage. There are many relationships which could be fertile pretext for character development, but it doesn't occur. The character(s) I cared the most about was Fluffy, and his mother. Luna, the protagonist, has a major mental/emotional disconnect between what a trained military assassin would feel about need-to-know and what this whiny hero constantly displays.
Almost everyone here, angelic origin or otherwise, has rage issues. And the author has them all sneering, a lot. Again, a more nuanced use of descriptive terms would add to character differentiation as well as readers' enjoyment. The cover also could better convey what the book is about with a change.
I enjoyed the story in spite of these issues, but they did drag me down. I rated this story a 3.5 on the FCP standard scale (rounded up to 4), as the story has legs even though the execution isn't clean.
(Disclosure: I received a free copy through Veracious Readers Only!)
Almost everyone here, angelic origin or otherwise, has rage issues. And the author has them all sneering, a lot. Again, a more nuanced use of descriptive terms would add to character differentiation as well as readers' enjoyment. The cover also could better convey what the book is about with a change.
I enjoyed the story in spite of these issues, but they did drag me down. I rated this story a 3.5 on the FCP standard scale (rounded up to 4), as the story has legs even though the execution isn't clean.
(Disclosure: I received a free copy through Veracious Readers Only!)
August 27, 2019
Such a great journey!!
I enjoyed this story so much!! Luna was a wonderful character! The drama and imagery really brought the story to life!! I couldn't get enough!!
I enjoyed this story so much!! Luna was a wonderful character! The drama and imagery really brought the story to life!! I couldn't get enough!!
September 8, 2019
I found this book reminded me of the Shadow Hunters series with enough differences to be very enjoyable on its own. I definately recommend this book.
October 4, 2019
I really liked the idea of this book. Found I warmed to the characters easily. However sometimes there is a little too much description of who someone is, by this I mean a lead character being explained halfway through the book for the 3rd time with no additional information. There are a few typo's but overall I enjoyed the story and look forward to the next installement.
June 2, 2020
You'll have to read the book for yourself, my opinion is biased.
March 29, 2020
Sentinel is a fascinating book. There are angels and demons who show such human frailties as emotion, biblical canon, and elements that are found in what are commonly called the forbidden books of the Bible.
All of these elements are woven together to create a fast-paced, action centered story that revolves around Luna Ashwind: demon hunter, amnesiac, and a woman who faces a destiny larger than she can imagine.
I love how Nash peppers the seriousness of the book with little shots of snark and sarcasm. I like how the characters evolve and learn from past mistakes; how they forge new relationships and band together when the time comes.
All in all, this is a 5 star read, and I'm eagerly awaiting book two.
All of these elements are woven together to create a fast-paced, action centered story that revolves around Luna Ashwind: demon hunter, amnesiac, and a woman who faces a destiny larger than she can imagine.
I love how Nash peppers the seriousness of the book with little shots of snark and sarcasm. I like how the characters evolve and learn from past mistakes; how they forge new relationships and band together when the time comes.
All in all, this is a 5 star read, and I'm eagerly awaiting book two.
February 5, 2019
This is an intricate story centering on the millennia old battle between good and evil. The author has used some biblical characters, added her own and woven an imaginative tale of love, loyalty, family, allies and enemies. There are fierce battles, verbal sparring and good old fashioned fist fights all blended together in a race to save mankind. The characters have great depth and the settings and scenery is very well developed. It’s a great read which pulls you in from the start and holds your attention till the very end.
March 5, 2019
Omg! Definitely left me speechless!
I literally loved this book...like LOVEDDDDD. It was well written, including the language and imagery. I quickly fell in love with the characters. Kurbane is dreamy, although I didn’t like him in the beginning. I love the whole bibical background of the story. I’m so impressed with how good this book was. I couldn’t put it down, and before I knew it, I was finished and definitely wanting more. I CAN’T WAIT until book 2!
I literally loved this book...like LOVEDDDDD. It was well written, including the language and imagery. I quickly fell in love with the characters. Kurbane is dreamy, although I didn’t like him in the beginning. I love the whole bibical background of the story. I’m so impressed with how good this book was. I couldn’t put it down, and before I knew it, I was finished and definitely wanting more. I CAN’T WAIT until book 2!
February 2, 2020
Through Voracious Readers, I was able to receive an ARC from the author. What a ride!
Though there were a few minor editing issues, the story was fabulous. The characters were believable and full of surprises. I found it difficult to lay the book aside to eat, sleep or work. You can bet I will be eagerly awaiting the next one!
Write on!
Though there were a few minor editing issues, the story was fabulous. The characters were believable and full of surprises. I found it difficult to lay the book aside to eat, sleep or work. You can bet I will be eagerly awaiting the next one!
Write on!
February 15, 2020
I did enjoy reading this book but, to be honest, I’m not sure that I would rush out to read the next in the series. Why? I’m not sure that I really connected with Luna. There was nothing that really had me on the edge of my seat, rushing to read the next page.
February 28, 2020
I loved this book. The story kept me intrigued and on my toes. The only thing I didn't like was all the typos and small detail changes during the story, like Lunas hair colour. Other than that, I can't wait for the next one to come out!
I received this book from Voracious Readers Only.
I received this book from Voracious Readers Only.
January 22, 2020
Throughly enjoyed this book! Kept me on the edge of my seat! Fantasy meets history in one story!! I received a complimentary copy of this book through Voracious Readers Only.
May 11, 2019
This book is a page turner from beginning to end. I’ll admit that this is my first time reading this genre. I wasn’t sure what to expect. But I was truly captivated from the beginning. This book is a must read. You won’t be disappointed. The physical warfare between good & evil, God & Lucifer, angels & demons, is truly captivating. The book reminded me of a Biblical Independence Day.
December 31, 2020
I love urban fantasy with kickass female assassins!!! This book had everything that I enjoy. I Loved it! I Recommend!!!
December 14, 2019
Interesting, I read every word of this book. Storyline is based on Demons, Angels and the Creator as seen in Christianity. Luna is a demon assassin, Nephilium, The Chosen One and the Sentinel, but has a forgotten past which is revealed as you turn the pages. Kurbane is a hellhound, who has claimed a Nephilium as a mate, the two can never be together. Then comes the twist of schemers from Hell (if you like the TV series Lucifer, then you'll love this) and to Luna's surprise The Cursed One is revealed. She has a destiny to fullfil, a hard task if demons of hell are against you. Think fallen angels, action, thrill, anger, badass female lead, suspense and with a promise of more to come.
Somehow the cover has this feel of a mysterious angel like woman and guess what, the story is pretty much about it. The author's writing style is amazing especially the way emotions are described. I really liked this book and looking forward to the next one.
Somehow the cover has this feel of a mysterious angel like woman and guess what, the story is pretty much about it. The author's writing style is amazing especially the way emotions are described. I really liked this book and looking forward to the next one.
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January 26, 2020Loved this book. Kept me right in the story rhe whole time. Would read more for sure
January 26, 2020
Great epic story of good and evil, light and dark. Family, loss and betrayal. I cant wait to read the next one in this series.
December 22, 2020
Luna is a in for the fight of her life. She has been trained as a demon hunter for the last five years. She has no memory of her life before five years ago. Her first hunt she is hurt and it turns out for the best. She learns that she is not human but part angel. She has lived with the Watchers they are Grigori and they stop demons. She has a lot to learn concerning her past. Why doesn't she know who or what she is? Is there a reason she has been trained for battle? Who are the Grigori to her?
Lots of intrigue and you want to read this book do to all the fast paced and action packed drama.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lots of intrigue and you want to read this book do to all the fast paced and action packed drama.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 16, 2020
Angels - or in this case, Fallen Angels - vs. Demons. Add in Nephilim, and Heaven and Hell, a generic/predictable plotline, and litter it with typos/grammar mistake/comma and semi-colon misuse/formatting errors, and there's the story.
Others have commented on this issue and I will too: the characters felt flat; 2-D; not 'realistic' enough. Perhaps one can argue that 'they're Angels/Demons/Nephilim, they don't HAVE emotions' (that's hinted at in the story), but it doesn't come off that way. I didn't care what happened to a character - I had no connection.
The story being littered with mistakes was another reason for my 2 stars.
Others have commented on this issue and I will too: the characters felt flat; 2-D; not 'realistic' enough. Perhaps one can argue that 'they're Angels/Demons/Nephilim, they don't HAVE emotions' (that's hinted at in the story), but it doesn't come off that way. I didn't care what happened to a character - I had no connection.
The story being littered with mistakes was another reason for my 2 stars.
January 11, 2020
Really great book to read... couldn't put it down... it captures you from start to finish
January 31, 2025
I received this book in return for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book I found it very well written and easy to read. I loved the characters and their arcs. I look forward to the sequel if there is one.
I really enjoyed this book I found it very well written and easy to read. I loved the characters and their arcs. I look forward to the sequel if there is one.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews