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To start a new life, all I have to do is seduce one of the legendary Talon warriors.

Cazien "Demonbane" Talon is searching for the Lost King's treasure and he hires the Hallows to help. For what he's paying, I'm willing to go back to the island haunting my past.

I have a second secret task: get close to Cazien, so when the time is right, we can take the treasure for ourselves.

I can't say no, but I can't let anyone know I'm completely inexperienced in love.

When the fierce, arrogant, and devastatingly handsome warrior breaks down my walls, my body and soul burn for his touch.

If my betrayal is discovered, Cazien will kill me without hesitation. If I'm successful, I'll finally have my new start.

Either way, one of us will be shattered.

Demonbane is a fiery fantasy romance, perfect for fans of From Blood and Ash and A Court of Thorns and Roses. It is a standalone, but the family’s story continues in the next book.

The Dark Talon series is Bridgerton with magic, sword fights, and fae. Gritty men meet headstrong competent women, and come together with sparks like swords. Passion and possession flares between the pages and with men who alternate between foul-mouth curses and swoon worthy feelings.

520 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 24, 2021

62 people are currently reading
222 people want to read

About the author

Marie Robinson

28 books206 followers

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5 stars
109 (50%)
4 stars
64 (29%)
3 stars
32 (14%)
2 stars
7 (3%)
1 star
3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
Profile Image for Alex (HEABookNerd).
2,443 reviews
November 13, 2022
DEMONBANE hit the perfect fantasy romance spot for me and I loved how fiery Minerva and Cazien were together. Their chemistry jumped off the page and I thoroughly enjoyed their fighting as foreplay mentality. I mean they have a running joke that Cazien's fantasy is pleasuring Minerva while she holds a knife to his throat. These two were absolute fire!

Cazien might be feared with a dangerous reputation that precedes him everywhere he goes but Minerva had no issues going toe-to-toe with him. I also loved how tough Minerva was on her own and how she could take care of herself and kick some serious butt.

I will say that the overall world building was a bit light in some areas and Minerva and Cazien's personal histories were sparse but the fast paced action, adventurous treasure hunt, and steamy romance more than made up for that in my eyes.

Content Warning: past attempted rape

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Favorite Quotes:

Gods, his voice was sin and my cheeks flushed with anger and desire. So I did what I’d done to other men who thought they could get me between the sheets with a few words. I slid a dagger the length of my palm from the bandolier and threw it. It landed in the lip of the chair exposed by his spread legs. A clear threat.

Instead of shock, or instinctual panic, Cazien’s eyes grew hotter and his smirk turned positively lustful. “Violence, my favorite form of foreplay.”

- - - - -

“Why do you call me that?” Our voices had dropped to a whisper, hardly heard above the storm battering the ship outside.

“Because I like the way you look at me when I say it.”

I raised an eyebrow. “With annoyance?”

The left side of his lips quirked up, like he knew a secret I didn’t. “With challenge. No one, especially women, look at me the way you do. The only people who look at me the way you do are on the battlefield.”

- - - - -

“The first time I met you, I knew you were beautiful and full of so much fire. And when you threw that dagger between my legs, I wanted to beg you to do it again.”

- - - - -

His lip curled into a smirk, twisting the embers of arousal inside of me until they burned towards my heart. “I doubt you’ll ever need a hero, Min.” Oh, I liked it when he called me that. “Perhaps someone to watch your back. But you’re not a damsel in need of rescuing.”

- - - - -

“I see you, Cazien.” I wanted to wrap my arms around him, but his grip was adamant. “I see the darkness inside of you. The monster you hide behind. But I see the good, too. The good you refuse to believe in.”
Profile Image for Deanna.
584 reviews96 followers
May 4, 2021
3 stars! This book had like an Indiana Jones-esque quest for treasure, but with the main focus being on the romance between Caz and Minerva. For a book that was 520 pages, it didn't actually seem that long, so I think that's a testament to the author's writing! However, there were a few character/relationship aspects that prevent me from rating this higher.

There's kind of a hate-to-insta lust dynamic going on and declarations of love happen relatively early on in the book (without the requisite actions/conversations that would make that development make sense). Though I will say, I did enjoy the frequency of the smut scenes which is honestly the reason I pushed through!

The main reason I marked down my rating (apart from instalove) is because I think a lot of the characters' backstories were missing. Given how long the book is, and because this is a standalone, I expected much more individual character and relationship development to happen, so that was a bit disappointing. Things were alluded to, and Caz's reputation precedes him, but all we know is he's infamous for his fighting/violent prowess. We don't actually know anything else about him, and not much is revealed later on. Same with Minerva. I just never felt attached to the characters. Though one small, random thing I liked about this story is the way a mature conversation about periods was handled haha, love seeing those realistic (and not taboo!) conversations addressed in fantasy books!

All this to say, I wasn't into this book for the plot, so I'm grateful for the frequency of the smut scenes hahaha.
Profile Image for Amber.
998 reviews15 followers
May 11, 2021
Just no

Ok first of all, this book is sooooooo awkward. There are quite a few mistakes and a ton of contradictions. Like the author couldn't make up her mind or forgot what she had previously said. For example, Cazien tells Minerva, "I fight, I drink, I fuck, but I never love." Then TWO pages later he is giving a tender-loving first kiss to Minerva (btw is she a virgin or not?). The next chapter gives us the first sex scene where they cuddle afterwards... I just don't understand why she took so much time building up these gruff, emotionally unavailable characters just to undo it all in the first QUARTER of the book. She was so impatient to get to the sex scenes that she didn't even bother to develop these two characters and their dynamic. And what street rat would ever sleep deep enough to not be aware when someone took something from her? Sleep on the streets, run with a gang and you learn to sleep with one eye open. As a reader I have way too much respect for my time to read a half-ass book for just the sex scenes. There are plenty of great books out there that have a great plot plus sex... Now since I've already trashed this book Imma go off on a tangent. Why is it that none of these men have body hair? Real men are hairy, and no, your average warrior did not take time every day to shave his body hair. That's just not realistic. Also, real men do not just smell like sage and pine or whatever. If he was Fae, then sure. Fae are magic they can smell like whatever they want. Average men are sweaty and gross. Now some have an amazing body smell and a good author can describe it perfectly. (Like heat and leather) I'm just saying please make your men more realistic. It's that whole, "mixing reality with fantasy," make enough of it believable and you bring the story to life. Ok, tangent over. I'd shelve this one right next to Armentrout's From Blood and Ash in the garbage. I'll give it an eye roll.
Profile Image for DebbieDoesBooks.
349 reviews22 followers
March 29, 2021
Hello. My name is Debbie and I love Cazien "Demonbane" Talon. I am so happy to have gotten an E-Arc because this book kept up a great pace from start to finish.

Minerva Remon's life was a good one as a child but not for long. Almost sold as a child bride, she proved herself a fighter and survivor by escaping but life wasn't musicals and swooning after that. She's strong and she'll find a way to pay back her debt so that she can finally leave Constinbul and start a new life where nobody knows her. Even if it means going back to where her happiness ended.

Cazien "Demonbane" Talon. “I don’t love, darling. I fuck, I drink, I fight. But never love.” CLEARLY A FAE AFTER MY OWN HEART. Caz is looking for a certain relic that may or may not exist so that he can save his younger brother from a fae realm where he is being held captive. He needs a guide to a certain island only a tough, sassy, won't drop to his feet type of woman knows her way around.

Fantasy. Romance. Magic. Fae. A fae whose eyes turn black when he fights. YUM. I love Caz. I love Min. I love Caz and Min together. This book is a standalone so the stories continue on with the rest of the family. Which does make me kind of sad because I'd love more of Caz and Min but I'm very ready for more Talon brothers. I'M LOOKING AT YOU, GAVRET.
Profile Image for Renée.
862 reviews136 followers
April 8, 2021
Demonbane by Marie Robinson is the first book in the fantasy romance series - The Dark Talons.

Cazien "Demonbane" Talon has a goal to find Lost King's treasure so he can finally get his brother back from the fae kingdom.

Minerva Remon has an opportunity to leave behind her life and the Hallows gang, but she just needs to be with them for a little longer to help find the treasure and help double cross the man who has hired them. Unfortunately this also means that she needs to return back to her homeland and face her memories.

The chemistry between the two main characters is immediately underlying, but not rushed as this builds throughout the story. There’s moments of beauty as you become addicted to their love story, along with heartbreak and moments of grief that will tear you apart. You’ll experience a roller coaster of emotion throughout the story.

I also really loved the names and nicknames of these characters, as they perfectly fit with the world created which I feel like there’s so much more to explored.

I can’t wait to read Gavret “The Hunter” Talon’s story next in The Hunter, after getting a little taste of his character in this book.
Profile Image for Vikki.
209 reviews12 followers
April 6, 2021
ACTUAL RATING 4.5 STARS.

SPOILER-FREE REVIEW!

I received an arc and couldn't help but leave a review :)

I enjoyed this so much. Cazien was a perfect love interest for Min. There was a lot of intrigue and Min's past piqued my interest, as did Cazien's. The steam/smut was absolutely perfect and was just what I was looking for, and was exactly what I expected, there were no "bad" surprises when it came to the smut which is always a relief. I thought Min was very kick-ass, she had a drive to her that could be matched only by Cazien's. I'm going to be reading the second book, and I need it--like yesterday.

Robinson knocks this one clear out of the park. A must-read for fans of A Court of Mist and Fury, The Bridge Kingdom, and From Blood and Ash. Cazien and Min are the best duo I've seen in far too long.
Profile Image for Lit.
298 reviews7 followers
May 9, 2021
“Violence, my favorite form of foreplay.”

Passions run high in this adventurous tale as Cazien and his hired guide Minerva race to find a relic to save Cazien’s enslaved brother.

But it’s never as easy as it seems.

Caught between a rock and a hard place, Minerva must choose who to betray: the leader of the Hallows gang who took her as a runaway child bride, or the man who tears down her emotional barriers and conquers her heart as he invades her body?

Death stares her in the face no matter what.

Oh, and did I mention there’s only one bed?
Profile Image for Jill Gauger.
1,226 reviews11 followers
March 25, 2021
Non stop action from start to finish. The characters are strong and fierce. Full of betrayal and some romance.
On a quest to find a lost treasure Cazien “Demonbane” Talon hires the Hallows Gang and specifically Minerva Remon as his guide. Cazien is out to find one ancient artifact to try and barter with a Giant King who has his younger brother captive. The storyline is thrilling and you will not be disappointed.
Profile Image for Katy.
331 reviews19 followers
April 6, 2021
I LOVED this book so much! Perfect for fans of steamy romance coupled with adventure, a treasure hunt, and a fair amount of violence (not in the romance).

Minerva is the perfect blend of innocence and fiercely strong independence. After watching her parents murdered, she is sold off to be a child bride. Escaping that fate and landing in a brutal street gang, she has grown into a woman who has no interest in anything other than escaping her life.

Cazien is bloodthirsty and brutal - imprinted by a darkness in his very soul. His quest is single minded and he will say and do anything to attain an ancient relic needed to save his brother.

When these two meet, the forces guiding both will clash. This story was fast paced and adventurous. It both broke my heart and healed my heart at different points. And in case you didn’t catch it above, this one has ALL the steamy romance. Definitely not for the younger or teen readers.

Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of this gem in exchange for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Sonja.
990 reviews24 followers
April 23, 2021
This book was so much better than the synopsis would have you believe. I absolutely loved the main characters and the story completely pulled me in. I never wanted to stop reading. There were so many myths, creatures, magic, and other interesting things that there was never a dull moment.

As a child, Minerva was being raised as a lady by her mother and a map maker by her father. Until it comes to light the shady deals her father was doing on the side using her as a distraction, and her parents are killed right in front of her. She is taken to be sold as a child bride. Luckily she manages to escape once they cross the ocean and arrive on new land. It's there that she is found by the leader of street gang that controls that area. When caught stealing from him, instead of taking her hands or her life, he instead takes her under wing. In a way at least. She spends the next 10 years (I think) learning to fight and carrying out whatever tasks he gives her. Violence has now become a part of her life and she has no qualms about killing in self defense or doing anything else she needs to to survive.

Cazien Talon is known as the Demonbane because he was able to kill a demon. Despite the kind of family he grew up in, Cazien was such a good guy. Especially with Minerva. The girl would have had to be dead not to fall for him. He is on a mission to find a dead king's treasure hoard in order to save his brother. To do so, he needs a guide for the island where it is located and crew to provide support. Lucky for him, he finds both at the same place.

From the moment these two meet, the tension is high between them. Minerva has refused to ever go back to the island where she lost everything, but if she takes this job she will have enough money to leave the gang and start a new life. So she decides to get the job done and take the cocky Cazien where he wants to go. Even if she believes he's a fool for thinking the legend can be found.

Truly, these two were awesome together. Their bickering, bantering, and fighting were so entertaining to the reader and clearly a form of foreplay for them. Once the trek gets on the way, it's inevitable that they will get closer and closer. Which is good in a place where trust is key to survival and success. Of course, though, things can't go smoothly and you need a bad guy to stir things up. As the synopsis says, Minerva is forced to betray Cazien by the leader of her gang. I really liked how when Minerva decided on what she was going to do, she did it. And she accepted the consequences of her actions right away. Even better was the fact it didn't take long at all for these two to work things out because they acted like adults about it. Such a rare thing in books these days! Even with these two okay again, the trek across the island only gets harder and more deadly with too many close calls. But eventually they do get to where they believe the treasure is and it's a few more fights to reach it. I'll be honest about that part. All things considered, it seemed really easy for them to find the hoard and then escape. But really, I didn't care because it was still so good.

I loved seeing these two fighting for their happy ending. Even when it was thought they were finally there. The second epilogue that was free to download at the end of the book was definitely better than the first though too.

I cannot wait for the next book. And I'm going into it with super high expectations after this one, so don't let me down.
Profile Image for Shivani.
175 reviews42 followers
March 24, 2021
**I received an Advanced Reading Copy from the author, and am leaving this review of my own accord.**
That being said, damn am I glad I chose this. Just WOW! What a plot! What awesome characters!! And, what beautiful names!!!
I got a thing for names and was impressed by the ones used in this work.
Take these ones, Cazien 'Demonbane' Talon (now you know how the book got its name ;D ) and his brother, Gavret Talon - The Hunter and of course, Minerva Remon.
Don't know if it's in my mind, but they sing of power. Even the land where all this takes place is named quite unique - Aeaea.
Then there are the gods, Agni, I was impressed by the use of Sanskrit here and Prospero and many others.

There were some really good phrases that I just had to mention here. While enjoying her food, Minerva makes some sounds of pleasure to which Cazien remarks that it seems food is her preferred lover. Wait for the comeback, "Food can disappoint, but never as much as men." Sassy, isn't it? I know I am going to find creative ways to fit that into my conversations.
There was another phrase, when Minerva recounts her past, she describes the place saying "where I was stolen from my innocence". That is such a curious expression. I mean, it's the first that I've heard of it being used this way, normally it's put in reverse.

I was hooked from the first page, and only put it away at the last word. It's really one of those un-put-downable types. Does that mean, I did not skip some in the middle?
Naah, some places, the smut scenes became too much. After the first one or two, I think, I started jumping words.
But, that may not be the case for all readers. Incidentally, my last book was 'From Blood and Ash' by Jennifer L. Armentrout(the series mentioned in the blurb above),
so the smut scenes gave strong déjà vu vibes. Thankfully, as the plot thickened, those became scarce and the primary feelings returned back to those of intrigue.

There was a point when Minerva was cornered and she came to know that the one whom she was relying on to be her backup had abandoned her to the wolves.
And, then she was beaten, kidnapped, and caged in a ship to be sold off in another land. Her thoughts at that point, how she fortified herself and gathered her strength together, that never-giving-up spirit - I absolutely loved her there and, then, loved her some more.

It is an absolute delight for all fantasy lovers. The plot for the next books in the series is hinted at nicely and there is no cliffhanger - thank God, or thank the author rather.
Profile Image for Katie Holem.
111 reviews
April 5, 2021
I received an ARC and am leaving my honest review. I was pleasantly surprised by this book, all I knew going into it was that it was a fantasy and for fans of From Blood and Ash and A Court of Thorns and Roses. I loved both of those books and I loved Demonbane. I also think that people who loved the gang trope in books like Throne of Glass, and Mistborn would also love this book. This book had it all, the gang trope, traumatic backstory, magic, lore, swordfighting, traveling on the high seas, and some steamy steamy smut scenes. I wasn't not expecting the smut, but I was here for it. I could not put this book down- I eventually had to, the second covid vaccine knocked me out and as soon as I woke up the next morning, I instantly went back to reading and read it all in one setting. The characters were amazing and the progression of the character arcs was just *chef's kiss*. The first interaction of the two main characters had me laughing so hard with all their little quips and batter and it lasted throughout the entire book. I loved how strong both the main characters are and how they each have their own weakness that they have to struggle through and how they sometimes relied on each other during moments of their weakness. Especially for the main female character, its always great seeing strong female characters that don't always need rescuing but also isn't afraid to ask for help. There was also such a variety of characters and some that we had just heard a little bit about and I honestly can't wait to get into those other character stories at a later time. I had so many reactions reading this book. I was on video doing a reading sprint with a friend and I know I had some crazy reactions during those sprints! I know at some point I was just thinking to myself and out loud 'there's less than 50 pages left, they can't do this to me'. It got so intense and nail-biting at times and I was on the edge of my seat the last half of the book. I loved this book so such and I can't wait until the release date, so I can buy a physical copy for myself. I really can't wait for the next one! I'm super excited for it!

Final Rating: 5 stars
Profile Image for Sarah | Retro Girl Reads.
1,617 reviews92 followers
April 11, 2021
Minerva is part of the Hallows, a gang who will do pretty much anything for as much money as they can get out of their clients. This time, the Hallows have been hired by Cazien “Demonbane” Talon, a notorious warrior who is looking for lost treasure. The payout is big enough that Minerva is willing to go back to the island where it all went wrong... where her past could come back to bite her. But then the leader of the Hallows gives her a second task: seduce Cazien, and help the Hallows take the treasure for themselves.

If Minerva succeeds, it will be her ticket out of the Hallows and into a better life. She also knows that Cazien will kill her without hesitation if her betrayal is discovered. Even worse, this darkly sensual man is breaking down her walls, making her wish things weren’t the way they were. The fire and lust in Cazien’s eyes tells Minerva that he wants her just as much as she wants him. So either way, someone’s going to get burned.

Oh. My. Gosh. This book was perfection. In this first standalone book of the Dark Talon series, Robinson weaves a world full of witty banter, scorching hot steam, and amazing action. Minerva is a strong, confident heroine with seemingly endless amounts of sass. I love how she doesn’t let anyone cow her into submission. As for Cazien, well... he infuriated me, but I adore him and have claimed him as my fictional husband. Minerva and Cazien’s chemistry is off the charts, and I’m absolutely obsessed with them and how their relationship evolves over the course of the novel. You will absolutely love this book. Go get your copy right now! :)

I received an ARC of this book from the author, and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Courtney Delgado.
95 reviews6 followers
April 9, 2021
Magically Entertaining Introduction

This is my first time reading a work by Marie Robinson and I will definitely be reading more. This was a wildly good intro to both a new fantasy world and this author.

Demonbane had me hooked from the first chapter. The world-building is well done, supporting the story and painting pictures without slowing the pace. The characters are well fleshed-out, developing and growing with the story. And let's not forget the romance, which is spicy but moves at a believable speed (there's a lot of chemistry between the leading characters, but not insta-love). As stated, this is definitely a fantasy romance, so the love story is central to the book and becomes part of the focus the further along you read. But Robinson does a fantastic job at balancing that with adventure and character development.

Minerva is a gritty leading lady. Life has not been the kindest, but she is an unapologetic survivor. I really enjoyed her confidence and character. This isn't a coming of age story, Minerva already knows who she is and what she is capable of doing. And the sparks fly when she meets the darkly haunted Cazien.

As far as content, I'll say it again, fantasy romance. So you should expect some magic, some adventure, and some spice. There is also some darkness in this book, especially around Minerva's past and the portrayal of Cazien. However, my favorite part is the balance of all these elements, which come together in strong character stories and a breath-taking adventure. Go read it now!
Profile Image for Elise.
193 reviews7 followers
April 6, 2021
I have one word for this book: HOT!!! I could not put this book down and flew through it in one day. Demonbane is a fast moving, action packed and steamy fantasy book that flows so well and leaves you not wanting to put it down. The chemistry between Minerva and Cazien "Demonbane" Talon jumps off the pages and does a wonderful job of adding to the story.

Minerva is the perfect mix of being strong, independent and fierce but has not lost her ability to be compassionate. She wants nothing more to escape the life she is stuck in and will do what is necessary to achieve it. Cazien is your brutal, mysterious, cheeky, touch her and you will die male character that we all love. He will do anything to protect his family and those he loves so you better not get in his way.

I do wish that the magic in this book was a bit more fleshed out and explained because there is mention of fae, magical relics, witches and more but I feel we just got the tip of the iceberg explanation for them.

4.5/5 stars for Demonbane and I cannot wait for the next book in this series. If you love sexy, action packed fantasies with a bit of treasure hunting thrown in, you need to pick up this book!
Profile Image for The Lusty Literarians.
828 reviews45 followers
July 7, 2022
Great Series!

I really liked this story and I’m glad I found this author. Demonbane sets the stage for a whole new fantasy adventure series. This story focuses on Cazien and Minerva, who go on an island adventure for a treasure seeking mission. This book has a lot of world building in it, possibly a little too much for me. I could have done with less of the island/gods/general information. However, I did really enjoy it, the banter between the two main characters and the overarching plot that is going to carry throughout the whole series. I’ve already read the next two books in the series and I will definitely read the last two once they are released!

Check out Bonded Books Podcast for our episode on this book!



22 reviews
March 27, 2021
Received an ARC and am leaving my honest review.

Minerva is a street tough woman dealing with darkness from her past; Cazien is a nobleman also dealing with his inner demons. Of course they are perfect for each other - after a rough start. I enjoyed seeing their love story unfold and want to see what is next for them.

I’m a sucker for any story involving magic but I wish this one had a bit more world building. Minerva and Cazien were the only characters fully fleshed out though I suspect Gavret’s story is next.

The villians were fairly predictable. I would have liked for there to be a bit more - I dunno - villainous activity.

The love scenes were good. A bit graphic for those that aren’t into that but I don’t mind. Pet peeve though is the constant referral to her “core” - I’d prefer a bit more variety lol

Overall this was a good read and I did enjoy it. Looking forward to the next one!
Profile Image for Kenzie  Ryan.
195 reviews1 follower
April 11, 2021
Obsessed with this World!!

Well it’s official.....I’m completely obsessed with the world Marie Robinson has created in Demonbane. Think Bridgerton, but with demons, fae, magic, and throw in some good old fashioned treasure hunting and sword fighting for good measure and you have Demonbane.

Demonbane is a stand-alone, fantasy romance and book 1 in the new Dark Talons series. I absolutely loved Caz and Min together. Caz is all things growly, protective, dark, and alpha, but he never doubts Min’s ability to protect and take care of herself as they fight side by side. Trust definitely doesn’t come easy for Caz and Min, but I loved the tension that Marie created between their characters. I’m already dying to read Gavret’s story when it comes out in June, because I need more of this world!!
Profile Image for Kara Mishmash.
6 reviews2 followers
April 13, 2021
***SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS***




This was a really well developed story! The characters, the magic, the romance, the setting. It was all really good! I loved the banter between Min and Caz. I loved how the romantic moments were saucy without being raunchy, I actually really appreciated that! Really, the only reason this didn’t get 5 stars was because it was fairly predictable. This didn’t lessen my enjoyment, necessarily. I just felt like I’d read the story before. Same story, different characters, place and monsters. Very well developed “monsters” tho! Also, I was surprised with the resulting commitment at the end. Made my romantic little heart squeeze! I’m excited to read the next! I’m ready to see what happens in the journey to save Viridian as well as see the dynamic between Min and the rest of the Talon family.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Bee Happy.
33 reviews
April 6, 2021
Steamy and Fast-Paced

This was a quick read for me. Once the action started, it did not let up until the very end. The author mixed adventure and romance for a fun ride through a fantasy setting. Though fae are mentioned, the focus is on the more human aspects of a land with magic.

I long to see more of the world that Robinson is building and how many of the Talon siblings we will be following. My only critique is that the characters followed well-trodden tropes. The leading lady Minerva is a tough beauty who's survived a lot of adversity. Cazien, her love interest, is a scarred warrior with a dark past of his own. Romance sparks between them instantly.

I received a free copy of Demonbane in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Vivian.
62 reviews10 followers
September 8, 2021
Fun story. Good world-building. First chapter had me hooked. I did wish more of the magical elements came into the story sooner than it did. But I loved the road-trip adventure vibes.

The main character is interesting and fleshed out. She did annoy me a little with her rationalizing figuring it all out on her own. It's one of those "if you had just told the others so many problems would have ended" kind of deal. But then there wouldn't be any story to tell.

I also wish that . But I guess that's just personal preference.

Anyways, great entry into a new series/world. I'm excited to get started on book two.
Profile Image for Elise.
493 reviews4 followers
March 23, 2021
I received an ARC and am leaving an honest review

And she does it again! How this author is able to suck you into the world she creates and keep you from wanting to do anything else but read more, I don't know! I don't like to give too much away in a review because I feel that it can steal the suspense, but....... this is a must read. A strange land with a strong woman(you know she's strong and don't have to be told! Love that!), the struggle with confronting a difficult past, adventure and hot men! I felt like I was balancing on the edge of a sword most of the book wondering if he lies would catch up with her. Would she survive? What's going on with the ship?
Profile Image for Briana Briggs.
243 reviews20 followers
April 7, 2021
With that kind of name I expected more demons. I was pleasantly surprised to not have that much to do with demons and more to do with the man. It was great! I would love some prequel books detailing how the Talon Brothers got their names! I loved the slow-ish burn of not-quite-enemies to lovers. Cazien is one of my new favorite book boyfriends. I love that he's this big, bad, dark lord, but not immortal, he's got a soft side for Minerva, he has his flaws, but you love him all the more for most of them. The banter between Caz and Min was awesome, so flirtatious, so sharp, love it. Gavret at the end was epic. The sweet little wrap-up in the last chapter was unexpected, but perfect. Can't wait for Gavret's story, and can't wait to meet Brannen, Morgan, and Viridian!!
Profile Image for Kati.
45 reviews
April 6, 2021
Note: I’m voluntarily leaving a review after receiving a free ARC, this is my honest review.

I really like Marie Robinson books. Her characters are always interesting, with good characteristics about them. Our main girl this time is full of secrets, which I love to find out. And a book about a treasure hunt, while we’re all still stuck inside during a pandemic, so we can travel with Minerva to an island that full of mysteries and haunts her past? I love.
I can’t pretend Cazien is my favorite, but I do love some of his traits.
Marie’s books always leave me ready for MOREEEEEEE.
If you need a good adventure with all the fun times and heart-racing moments, go for it, read Demonbane.
Profile Image for Sarina.
433 reviews
April 18, 2021
2.5 stars ✨
This started out so promising!! But then it quickly became a low budget From Blood and Ash (in terms of the hero, at least). I just ... don’t even know where to start? It had so much potential but Cazien didn’t feel like some big bad warlord, he trusted Minerva from the start and was just all into her so I don’t get it. And Minerva went all Insta love on him and completely lost her brain? They had literally 1 millisecond of chemistry if that...Also the world building and lore felt a little rushed/very shallow. I enjoyed this for the smut and the fantasy aspect but that was pretty much it 🤣
Profile Image for D.
1,069 reviews
March 31, 2021
I've been missing out; I should have been reading Marie Robinson's books sooner. Now I will have to make sure I read all the ones that are on my Kindle. Demonbane was outstanding; it had adventure, intrigue, romance and more. This book is definitely a dreamer's happy place. You see, we dreamers love books that allow us to escape and take us to other worlds. Minerva and Caz were great characters and I love the dialog between the two of them. I want more of this series. Please tell me that Jenny will get her own story.
2 reviews
April 7, 2021
I received an ARC of this book.

Pros:
-Minerva is an intelligent, sarcastic badass woman and I love her.
-Quick, easy read; everything flowed nicely.
-The banter between Minerva and Cazien was so much fun to read.

Cons:
-Very predictable; I found myself figuring out what was going to happen way before I got there.
-Cazien was a very cookie-cutter character. He didn't feel unique at all.
-I would have like a bit more worldbuilding.

Overall I liked this book but I found it to be very predictable overall. I would have liked it more if it were a bit longer and the romance was more of a slow-burn build to something more epic.

So with that said if you're looking for a quick-read romantic fantasy type book than I would say give this book a shot.
765 reviews2 followers
April 8, 2021
Eeeeee!!!

So! Flipping! Good!
Strong warrior Alpha lead and a just as strong smart mouthed leading lady.
I can’t say enough about how much I loved Minerva. That woman was amazing, strong willed, strong fighter, took no ones shit and could throw down with the best of them.
I was cracking up more than once over the character’s back and forth throughout the story. Awesome action sequences, lots of steam 🔥and a great smooth moving plot with unique twists.
I also loved getting to know the inner Cazien and his family. I can’t wait for more of the families stories. This one concludes very nicely with this couple and I’m hooked for the rest of the series.
1 review
April 6, 2021
This book delivered everything I expected and more. Not only is Minerva a strong woman, Cazien is my new book boyfriend. Marie Robinson fulfills her promise of Bridgerton, Treasure Island, A Court of Thorns of Roses (without the Tamlin ; ) ), and From Blood and Ash. The adventure and constant twists made this hard to put down. Not to mention the steamy scenes which are all there but not overly graphic and are woven perfectly in the story. Basically not just smut for smut's sake. This was the perfect book to get me out of my reading slump.
Profile Image for Raina.
4,197 reviews34 followers
April 9, 2021
This story had me from the start. I did not want to put it down. I instantly loved Minerva. She is one tough female that doesn’t take it from anyone. If they tried they would be lucky to keep their life minus a few fingers. She has a past she seems to always be running from but soon she will be facing it head on. And then there is Cazien. Most women would run from how dangerous and Intimidating he looks. The two will butt heads from the start. The book is beautifully written and very detailed. There is plenty danger, adventure and death at every turn. I so can’t wait to read the next book.
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