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The Demon Accords #18
Blood Cull
Before the end, there is often change, and change can be very painful. Declan and Stacia come face-to-face with the most powerful elemental of them all, one with the power to eliminate mankind before the Vorsook ever show up. It’s time to confront his destiny, and decide what it means to be the most powerful witch of all time.
379 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2022
289 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
John Conroe
35 books1,702 followersI'm the Urban Fantasy author of the Demon Accords series. For more information, check out my website or follow me on Facebook at the Demon Accords page.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
October 18, 2022
Epic fail
This review was hard because I absolutely love the series but this one was a hot mess. The best part of the series is the interaction and dialogue between the characters and that was mostly absent in this book. Instead we have characters going off the rails completely against their character and then trying to justify it in the end. Prime example, Declan, who is horribly bothered by killing a mouse, goes on a mass killing spree and the other characters are completely ok with it. No discussion, no condemnation, no consequences.
Another major problem I have is the author rushed to tie up some major loose ends in basically a single paragraph. Declan previously endured great angst before reluctantly accepting rulership of the middle realm of Faerie. An entire book was devoted to it! And now he severs all ties to the realm with no hesitation in basically a single paragraph. Absolutely untrue to his character!
I could go on but I think you get the point. This book was an epic failure all across the board. The author should admit his failure and rewrite the entire thing instead of rushing off to his other series!
This review was hard because I absolutely love the series but this one was a hot mess. The best part of the series is the interaction and dialogue between the characters and that was mostly absent in this book. Instead we have characters going off the rails completely against their character and then trying to justify it in the end. Prime example, Declan, who is horribly bothered by killing a mouse, goes on a mass killing spree and the other characters are completely ok with it. No discussion, no condemnation, no consequences.
Another major problem I have is the author rushed to tie up some major loose ends in basically a single paragraph. Declan previously endured great angst before reluctantly accepting rulership of the middle realm of Faerie. An entire book was devoted to it! And now he severs all ties to the realm with no hesitation in basically a single paragraph. Absolutely untrue to his character!
I could go on but I think you get the point. This book was an epic failure all across the board. The author should admit his failure and rewrite the entire thing instead of rushing off to his other series!
August 8, 2023
Oof!
What a shitshow this book was. I’ve never had such a lengthy series (this is instalment 17 with 5 additional collections and spin offs) go so bad as this one did so deep into the series. Usually by this stage series are safe bets! This was honestly so awful I’m not sure I see any future books of the series being that appealing to me.
What went wrong? John Conroe went full Terry Goodkind! After a dozen books of folks worrying Declan would go bad with all his power, and him proving them wrong all the time, he finally decided to prove them right and go on a murderous rampage Richard Rahl himself would applaud. Oof talk about a full personality transplant! At least Goodkind’s characters were consistent with their fucked up sociopathic behaviour. Sadly in true Goodkind fashion the rest of the cast also imploded by justifying Declan’s actions. Effectively ruining every character in the series from a likeability POV.
In an additional negative Conroe decided to pull the plug on his whole Fairy story arc in a rushed throwaway chapter. Effectively torpedoing the most interesting ongoing story arc in the series while also further damaging Declan’s character and personality consistency.
Awful stuff.
Rating: 2 stars.
Audio Note: James Patrick Cronin was his usual self with the audio.
What a shitshow this book was. I’ve never had such a lengthy series (this is instalment 17 with 5 additional collections and spin offs) go so bad as this one did so deep into the series. Usually by this stage series are safe bets! This was honestly so awful I’m not sure I see any future books of the series being that appealing to me.
What went wrong? John Conroe went full Terry Goodkind! After a dozen books of folks worrying Declan would go bad with all his power, and him proving them wrong all the time, he finally decided to prove them right and go on a murderous rampage Richard Rahl himself would applaud. Oof talk about a full personality transplant! At least Goodkind’s characters were consistent with their fucked up sociopathic behaviour. Sadly in true Goodkind fashion the rest of the cast also imploded by justifying Declan’s actions. Effectively ruining every character in the series from a likeability POV.
In an additional negative Conroe decided to pull the plug on his whole Fairy story arc in a rushed throwaway chapter. Effectively torpedoing the most interesting ongoing story arc in the series while also further damaging Declan’s character and personality consistency.
Awful stuff.
Rating: 2 stars.
Audio Note: James Patrick Cronin was his usual self with the audio.
October 18, 2022
No. No. No.
While I typically await the latest book of the Demon Accords, this book is just an abomination to the series. It is not so much urban fantasy and a continuation of the characters’ journey, as it is a personal manifesto of the author denigrating pollution, deforestation, corporate greed, over-population, corrupt politicians, and other ills that exist in the world. Now, while I may concur with the author's vilification of certain evils in society, this was not the place to expound those views. Plausible character development has vanished. Major characters have been relegated to the background and other major characters have undergone absurd personality shifts. Multiple murders are rationalized as a means to cure society's ills. Character consistency and development has been abandoned so that characters’ prior personalities are rejected in order to fit the narrative. Some books are character drive, other plot driven, this one appears to be driven by the author's own diatribe against the troubles of the world, and pushing the characters into those views, despite all prior character development. It does not feel like it was written by the same person that wrote the prior books.
This book should never have been part of the Demon Accords, nor should it have been forced upon the existing characters as it is truly a bastardization of their existing personalities and the developed mythology. If the author wanted to publish his views on the problems of the world, then he should have written a wholly separate book with different characters that would better fit into his narrative.
Urban fantasy is a form of escapism. It's a mythology that does not, and cannot, exist. It allows people to forget about the real problems of life for a short period of time. Yet, here, instead of providing that temporary escape from reality, the author pushes reality into the plot to the detriment of the existing mythology in the series. If I wanted to read about the evils of society, I'd read one that is non-fiction and based on facts, real events, and real people.
If I could “unread” this book, I would do so. If this book were not part of a series that I enjoyed, I would have stopped reading early on; but I kept hoping that at some point it would all make sense. It did not. It’s just a diatribe against the ills that exist in our world, and that is not the escapism I sought in starting this book. It was, in short, a betrayal of my expectations from having followed this series since its inception. I don’t believe that I can follow the Demon Accords if this is where the author is taking it.
While I typically await the latest book of the Demon Accords, this book is just an abomination to the series. It is not so much urban fantasy and a continuation of the characters’ journey, as it is a personal manifesto of the author denigrating pollution, deforestation, corporate greed, over-population, corrupt politicians, and other ills that exist in the world. Now, while I may concur with the author's vilification of certain evils in society, this was not the place to expound those views. Plausible character development has vanished. Major characters have been relegated to the background and other major characters have undergone absurd personality shifts. Multiple murders are rationalized as a means to cure society's ills. Character consistency and development has been abandoned so that characters’ prior personalities are rejected in order to fit the narrative. Some books are character drive, other plot driven, this one appears to be driven by the author's own diatribe against the troubles of the world, and pushing the characters into those views, despite all prior character development. It does not feel like it was written by the same person that wrote the prior books.
This book should never have been part of the Demon Accords, nor should it have been forced upon the existing characters as it is truly a bastardization of their existing personalities and the developed mythology. If the author wanted to publish his views on the problems of the world, then he should have written a wholly separate book with different characters that would better fit into his narrative.
Urban fantasy is a form of escapism. It's a mythology that does not, and cannot, exist. It allows people to forget about the real problems of life for a short period of time. Yet, here, instead of providing that temporary escape from reality, the author pushes reality into the plot to the detriment of the existing mythology in the series. If I wanted to read about the evils of society, I'd read one that is non-fiction and based on facts, real events, and real people.
If I could “unread” this book, I would do so. If this book were not part of a series that I enjoyed, I would have stopped reading early on; but I kept hoping that at some point it would all make sense. It did not. It’s just a diatribe against the ills that exist in our world, and that is not the escapism I sought in starting this book. It was, in short, a betrayal of my expectations from having followed this series since its inception. I don’t believe that I can follow the Demon Accords if this is where the author is taking it.
October 26, 2022
Rating 4.0 stars
I am a little sad with that rating. I would still give the series a 5 star rating but this book is somewhat of a departure from what happened before. The change was so jarring I am not sure how to feel. The author simultaneously took the series in a new direction AND rehashing old narratives that have been used to exhaustion IMO. The story starts with Declan and Stacia being taking into the earth and meeting Gaia/Mother earth. She talks to him directly and directs him to perform a few tasks otherwise she will cull the human race. Even if he does complete the tasks there will still be a huge amount of deaths to the human race. Up until this book we dealt with just elementals. Ones that didn't even notice the humans on the planet. They have vast power and are extremely old. It took Declan a long time to have basic communication with these elementals. Now out of nowhere there is this new entity that can talk and give commands. She is pissed about how the human race has treated her and she wants payback. I didn't like this change. Other elementals didn't care about the human race. A forest fire is just a forest fire. But now Gaia is pissed off about environmental pollution and people who start forest fires for profits and wants them punished? Is Gaia an elemental just bigger? Is she something different? The first 1/4 of the book deals with this before the story gets back to the alien invasion. One of the things I liked about the book is the characters. The main characters are good but after 16 books there is a plethora of really good side characters. The author seemed to through in all those old characters in this book but only gave them passing parts I still really like the series and I love John Conroe's work but I feel it has lost a little something in this one.
I am a little sad with that rating. I would still give the series a 5 star rating but this book is somewhat of a departure from what happened before. The change was so jarring I am not sure how to feel. The author simultaneously took the series in a new direction AND rehashing old narratives that have been used to exhaustion IMO. The story starts with Declan and Stacia being taking into the earth and meeting Gaia/Mother earth. She talks to him directly and directs him to perform a few tasks otherwise she will cull the human race. Even if he does complete the tasks there will still be a huge amount of deaths to the human race. Up until this book we dealt with just elementals. Ones that didn't even notice the humans on the planet. They have vast power and are extremely old. It took Declan a long time to have basic communication with these elementals. Now out of nowhere there is this new entity that can talk and give commands. She is pissed about how the human race has treated her and she wants payback. I didn't like this change. Other elementals didn't care about the human race. A forest fire is just a forest fire. But now Gaia is pissed off about environmental pollution and people who start forest fires for profits and wants them punished? Is Gaia an elemental just bigger? Is she something different? The first 1/4 of the book deals with this before the story gets back to the alien invasion. One of the things I liked about the book is the characters. The main characters are good but after 16 books there is a plethora of really good side characters. The author seemed to through in all those old characters in this book but only gave them passing parts I still really like the series and I love John Conroe's work but I feel it has lost a little something in this one.
May 9, 2023
I am a true fan and lover of this series... it is one of the best series i have ever read. So this is difficult to say....This book is very disappointing. Besides the fact that it is all about Declan ( who I love as a character). There is too much wrong with this book.
***Spoilers***
1) It is completely outside Declan's personality to just accept that he must bend his will to Gaia! He has shown in the past a direct disdain for ALL authorty...particularly when it is being used to control, manipulate, or incite fear in him...
2) The angels and God are completely ignored.
From the previous books we know that angel's are given charge over God's creations. To suggest that God or the angels would just sit back and let Gaia destroy 1/3 of the human race is not reasonable.
3) As an elemental Gaia was created and under the authority of God. The angels could have given Declan her name an that would have subdued her.
4) Declan who was upset at killing mouse is suddenly ok with killing people who he does not know or has not attacked his friends or family
5) Declan considers elementals to be spirits of nature, even sacred. So how could he just turn over the elementals of Fairie to those evil, selfish queens and princesses of Fairie! When he knows the Queens of Fairie will just exhaust the elementals until they die. He essentially made them slaves to the Queens of Fairie who are hostile to earth!
6) From College Arcane on we, the readers know Declan as a character who is constantly looking and thinking of alternative ways to win his way to victory. It is completely a break in character for him to just submit.
7)There is just too much wrong with this book.
just no..... I am going to try my best to forget this book exists in the series. Truly horrible
After much consideration I have 2 possible theories
1) A ghost writer wrote this book. This happens more often than you would suspect, especially if a book is running late to be finished for release. This ghost writer did a horrible job.
2) We, the readers, along with Gaia, the Queens of Fairie and population of earth have been tricked by Declan. * The following is a possible way to redeem blood cull*
1) Declan convinces elementals to temporary submit to queens of fairies with the promise he will come back for them....maybe Declan has their true names .... and can easily remove all power from the queens thereby making Fairie and Earth safe.
2) Using power from the Fairie' pure magic environment ( which we know he has access to through Omega's drones on Fairie) plus the power of the elementals of Fairie and some of the earth elementals as well he will have enough power to take on Gaia and Win!
In my opinion this is the only way to redeem this storyline...besides just burning Blood Cull and pretending it never existed.
***Spoilers***
1) It is completely outside Declan's personality to just accept that he must bend his will to Gaia! He has shown in the past a direct disdain for ALL authorty...particularly when it is being used to control, manipulate, or incite fear in him...
2) The angels and God are completely ignored.
From the previous books we know that angel's are given charge over God's creations. To suggest that God or the angels would just sit back and let Gaia destroy 1/3 of the human race is not reasonable.
3) As an elemental Gaia was created and under the authority of God. The angels could have given Declan her name an that would have subdued her.
4) Declan who was upset at killing mouse is suddenly ok with killing people who he does not know or has not attacked his friends or family
5) Declan considers elementals to be spirits of nature, even sacred. So how could he just turn over the elementals of Fairie to those evil, selfish queens and princesses of Fairie! When he knows the Queens of Fairie will just exhaust the elementals until they die. He essentially made them slaves to the Queens of Fairie who are hostile to earth!
6) From College Arcane on we, the readers know Declan as a character who is constantly looking and thinking of alternative ways to win his way to victory. It is completely a break in character for him to just submit.
7)There is just too much wrong with this book.
just no..... I am going to try my best to forget this book exists in the series. Truly horrible
After much consideration I have 2 possible theories
1) A ghost writer wrote this book. This happens more often than you would suspect, especially if a book is running late to be finished for release. This ghost writer did a horrible job.
2) We, the readers, along with Gaia, the Queens of Fairie and population of earth have been tricked by Declan. * The following is a possible way to redeem blood cull*
1) Declan convinces elementals to temporary submit to queens of fairies with the promise he will come back for them....maybe Declan has their true names .... and can easily remove all power from the queens thereby making Fairie and Earth safe.
2) Using power from the Fairie' pure magic environment ( which we know he has access to through Omega's drones on Fairie) plus the power of the elementals of Fairie and some of the earth elementals as well he will have enough power to take on Gaia and Win!
In my opinion this is the only way to redeem this storyline...besides just burning Blood Cull and pretending it never existed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2022
really not a good effort by Conroe.
He changes his entire writing style and themes so that he can "address world events that are happening right now".
Admirable, but maybe he can just post that on his blog and leave his art to craft itself. For example, he copies Avatar (the film) and creates a sort of environmental crusade for our protagonists, Declan and Stacia. Because he uses this plot device to propel the narrative, it plays like an infomercial. Essentially, "mother earth" is pissed, and our team runs around doing goody-work.
There is no tension in any of it, and comes across as 'preachy', rather than absorbing. The reader's veiwpoint is entirely a narrative. We never enter the thoughts of any character. And many have already criticized Conroe for making the Team, far too God-like.
In the end, I like his motivations, but he should leave it either to more 'subtlety'. or missing entirely from his work... because this entire project feels like it is a bull being led around by its nose.
He changes his entire writing style and themes so that he can "address world events that are happening right now".
Admirable, but maybe he can just post that on his blog and leave his art to craft itself. For example, he copies Avatar (the film) and creates a sort of environmental crusade for our protagonists, Declan and Stacia. Because he uses this plot device to propel the narrative, it plays like an infomercial. Essentially, "mother earth" is pissed, and our team runs around doing goody-work.
There is no tension in any of it, and comes across as 'preachy', rather than absorbing. The reader's veiwpoint is entirely a narrative. We never enter the thoughts of any character. And many have already criticized Conroe for making the Team, far too God-like.
In the end, I like his motivations, but he should leave it either to more 'subtlety'. or missing entirely from his work... because this entire project feels like it is a bull being led around by its nose.
October 13, 2022
The writing quality is still there...BUT
I've eagerly awaited the arrival of each installment of the Demon Accords story. Blood Cull is, however, by far the weakest entry in the series. The dialogue remains crisp, and reasonably witty, but the underlying plot/conflict to be resolved has gone completely off the rails. I don't know whether the failures of the Democrat government of 2020-22 triggered Mr. Conroe, but for whatever reason he decided to make the Apocalyptic Environmentalist Vision the central point of this novel. More damning is that he failed to develop any background for the threat; Mother Earth sucks our protagonists underground and just postulates both the problem and the solution. Very lazy writing and, consequently, a weak novel that fails to engage the reader.
I've eagerly awaited the arrival of each installment of the Demon Accords story. Blood Cull is, however, by far the weakest entry in the series. The dialogue remains crisp, and reasonably witty, but the underlying plot/conflict to be resolved has gone completely off the rails. I don't know whether the failures of the Democrat government of 2020-22 triggered Mr. Conroe, but for whatever reason he decided to make the Apocalyptic Environmentalist Vision the central point of this novel. More damning is that he failed to develop any background for the threat; Mother Earth sucks our protagonists underground and just postulates both the problem and the solution. Very lazy writing and, consequently, a weak novel that fails to engage the reader.
August 15, 2025
Once again, John Conroe manages to surprise me because this was not at all the book I expected after reading Blood Drawn. I expected that this series might settle into a more traditional battle-focused war story for a couple of books to finish off the Vorsook invasion arc… I should have known better.
I have to admit to being a little unsure of this new direction at first. It felt a little jarring as everything was happening so suddenly. This was especially noticeable after the first quarter of the book was behind us and the story explored a little more about what the changes brought about in this book means for our favourite characters and humanity as a whole. However, this unsurety felt more like an adjustment period than anything else (one that history with this series tells me will go away on subsequent reads). It wasn’t long before I was back in sync with this book and was loving every new page.
One of my favourite elements about this book was the return to the first-person format with Declan. I love the mixed viewpoints from other characters, but Declan has fast become my favourite character in this series and it was good to see a whole story from his point of view again.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, one of the best elements of this series is that it is not afraid to shake things up and have serious consequences to character actions. Whether it's the exposure of the supernatural world to normal people in Forced Ascent, or the steady introduction and potential takeover of the world by Omega, this world that John Conroe has created is in a constant state of change. This has never been more true than in this book, and it’s one of the biggest reasons I rate this series so highly. Over 20 books in, and this series never gives you chance to get bored because it is constantly changing things up.
As always I can’t wait to see what happens next, but knowing me, I’ll have read this book a few more times before then. So of course it’s another 5-star read for this series.
I have to admit to being a little unsure of this new direction at first. It felt a little jarring as everything was happening so suddenly. This was especially noticeable after the first quarter of the book was behind us and the story explored a little more about what the changes brought about in this book means for our favourite characters and humanity as a whole. However, this unsurety felt more like an adjustment period than anything else (one that history with this series tells me will go away on subsequent reads). It wasn’t long before I was back in sync with this book and was loving every new page.
One of my favourite elements about this book was the return to the first-person format with Declan. I love the mixed viewpoints from other characters, but Declan has fast become my favourite character in this series and it was good to see a whole story from his point of view again.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, one of the best elements of this series is that it is not afraid to shake things up and have serious consequences to character actions. Whether it's the exposure of the supernatural world to normal people in Forced Ascent, or the steady introduction and potential takeover of the world by Omega, this world that John Conroe has created is in a constant state of change. This has never been more true than in this book, and it’s one of the biggest reasons I rate this series so highly. Over 20 books in, and this series never gives you chance to get bored because it is constantly changing things up.
As always I can’t wait to see what happens next, but knowing me, I’ll have read this book a few more times before then. So of course it’s another 5-star read for this series.
February 15, 2023
Let me start of by saying that I have only just finished this book because I was on a complete re-read through of the series (around my 10th overall so far) and didn't want to stop that.
So, this review is hard to write.
This is my least favourite book of the series so far. For a a few different reasons.
Declan has gone from being absolutely against killing anything, the pain he felt when he had to kill a mouse in Rouges and the anger that stemmed from it are simply forgotten here when he and Stacia go on a killing spree of humans. Yes I understand the choice he was given but throughout the books the theme has always been, there is always another way.....
Also I think the relinquishing of his status as a Realm Holder could of been delved into alot more rather than what we actually got. It was simply, yeah that's nothing to do with me anymore. No sorrow, no hurt and no pain at losing that connection with the Realm that took a FULL book to accomplish.
The ghost Lucy storyline had lots of potential for where it could go and ramifications for the actions they had taken but simply didn't lead anywhere exciting. In the end it seemed she had completely forgiven Declan for killing her, albeit accidently.
There are more examples that I could note but these are my thoughts and my opinions and I'm sure others will agree and disagree with.
Overall it's got some good parts and some flaws. I just felt this didn't do justice to the character development that has been brilliantly good so far.
So, this review is hard to write.
This is my least favourite book of the series so far. For a a few different reasons.
Declan has gone from being absolutely against killing anything, the pain he felt when he had to kill a mouse in Rouges and the anger that stemmed from it are simply forgotten here when he and Stacia go on a killing spree of humans. Yes I understand the choice he was given but throughout the books the theme has always been, there is always another way.....
Also I think the relinquishing of his status as a Realm Holder could of been delved into alot more rather than what we actually got. It was simply, yeah that's nothing to do with me anymore. No sorrow, no hurt and no pain at losing that connection with the Realm that took a FULL book to accomplish.
The ghost Lucy storyline had lots of potential for where it could go and ramifications for the actions they had taken but simply didn't lead anywhere exciting. In the end it seemed she had completely forgiven Declan for killing her, albeit accidently.
There are more examples that I could note but these are my thoughts and my opinions and I'm sure others will agree and disagree with.
Overall it's got some good parts and some flaws. I just felt this didn't do justice to the character development that has been brilliantly good so far.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2024
Not terrible, not the best
Well that escalated quickly.
Don't know if this book is coming or going, but it 90% wrapped up the Vorsook story arc and took off on some crazy new tangent. enter the low key apocalypse where everyone is starving to death except all the characters in this book. I guess all that other stuff got boring so lets find a new end of the world.
Well that escalated quickly.
Don't know if this book is coming or going, but it 90% wrapped up the Vorsook story arc and took off on some crazy new tangent. enter the low key apocalypse where everyone is starving to death except all the characters in this book. I guess all that other stuff got boring so lets find a new end of the world.
May 16, 2025
While I personally enjoyed this book immensely, I can see why it may turn some fans/readers off. There's definitely some serious social and political agendas tossed around here by the author, which is where I can see some people hating it, I personally don't care much, authors have been doing it since the written word and will keep doing it until the end of time, so while I'd rather not have it put so bluntly, these things don't put me out. Now that we're past the obvious issue a lot of people had, there's a few things that really made me enjoy this book more than some of the others lately. The biggest thing is that the start of the book with Declan and Stacia being on their own was a breath of fresh air and something that I personally think was needed a few books ago. We finally get to see why these two are more than just a pair due to forced proximity and attraction, they work well together and have to get through something that is devastating to their psyche and in their opinions to their soul. It really showed us that yes, they are a tribe of two and are truly in love and are there for each other through thick or thin. So while in their eyes the task Gaia gave them was brutal and something they'd rather not do, their trip away from the rest of the team was truly entertaining to read.
The next thing that some fans may not like, but I truly did, was the conflict between Team Demidova and Team Declan, that needed to happen a few books ago as well. The lack of trust that the Demidova crew have towards Declan (minus Nika, she's the real angel and by far the best person in that crew) has been pretty shitty since Lydia first brought up Declan going to the dark side in book 9. Declan is a person that has shown since he was a child that the power he holds was given to him for a reason, that reason being he's basically the persofication of a good guy who would never let his abilities turn him bad, yet time and time again his "friends" doubt him for no reason at all and talk behind his back like he's a snake ready to strike. So when the demon ash taints everyone into basically showing their true feelings, we see Tanya being a hypocritical asshole who throws tantrums when things don't go her way, and while this isn't new to her character, which has bled off onto Chris as well, is a total breaking point for Declan and Stacia. Declan finally shows them that he can't be bullied anymore and Tanya once again shifts the blame to Declan for "creating omega" when Omega decides to take over, which is honestly laughable because she basically forced Declan into being on the team that made Omega, so Declans crew decide they need some space. While I really do like Chris, I've never been a huge Tanya fan, just tolerated her because the rest of the story is highly entertaining, so this split isn't heartbreaking to me.
As for the rest of the book, it's typical Demon Accords, crazy magic, lots of action and visits from side characters we either love or hate. Also I personally love when they go back to college Arcane and start teaching the students and the little DMT trip Declan has with Omega had me in stitches. So while this book had it's flaws, there were a few things I really felt needed to happen as I said above. I'll give it a solid 4/5, it's not the best of the series and can be very polarizing to some fans, I was highly entertained either way.
The next thing that some fans may not like, but I truly did, was the conflict between Team Demidova and Team Declan, that needed to happen a few books ago as well. The lack of trust that the Demidova crew have towards Declan (minus Nika, she's the real angel and by far the best person in that crew) has been pretty shitty since Lydia first brought up Declan going to the dark side in book 9. Declan is a person that has shown since he was a child that the power he holds was given to him for a reason, that reason being he's basically the persofication of a good guy who would never let his abilities turn him bad, yet time and time again his "friends" doubt him for no reason at all and talk behind his back like he's a snake ready to strike. So when the demon ash taints everyone into basically showing their true feelings, we see Tanya being a hypocritical asshole who throws tantrums when things don't go her way, and while this isn't new to her character, which has bled off onto Chris as well, is a total breaking point for Declan and Stacia. Declan finally shows them that he can't be bullied anymore and Tanya once again shifts the blame to Declan for "creating omega" when Omega decides to take over, which is honestly laughable because she basically forced Declan into being on the team that made Omega, so Declans crew decide they need some space. While I really do like Chris, I've never been a huge Tanya fan, just tolerated her because the rest of the story is highly entertaining, so this split isn't heartbreaking to me.
As for the rest of the book, it's typical Demon Accords, crazy magic, lots of action and visits from side characters we either love or hate. Also I personally love when they go back to college Arcane and start teaching the students and the little DMT trip Declan has with Omega had me in stitches. So while this book had it's flaws, there were a few things I really felt needed to happen as I said above. I'll give it a solid 4/5, it's not the best of the series and can be very polarizing to some fans, I was highly entertained either way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2025
I am conflicted. The book was okay. There was some humor, as well as some YES! moments. Omega’s testimony and his reaction to being labeled “hostile” were great. I am probably the targeted demographic for a book about environmental concerns. The fact that I feel the story was rather heavy-handed means it was pretty extreme. Also, at this point Omega is too powerful. I once remarked to an author that I missed a character. He explained that having a character that “knew” everything on the net made it hard for any of the others to grow. Even though I still miss that character, the author was correct. With that one character leaving the stories were able to show everyone else having to do things for themselves again. Now not only do we have Omega, but Declan is as near to a god as can be. He is stronger than actual angels! Gaia comes off as a bit of a diva. Granted to me the Judeo-Christian God is one as well. I mean he actually says, “For I am a jealous god”. Insecure much? I understand Gaia's frustrations with humans. I once read a short story where humans were no longer giving birth, but animals that had been extinct for years were being produced by their closet living relative. The Tasmanian wolf was one such animal. It was such a cool concept. Anyway, I hope the next book has a less drastic story line.
I am adding this after reading the book for the second time, back-to-back with all of the others:
There were some random mistakes that most of the books in the series have. The editors really need to pay closer attention to what has occurred and how the characters behave. In this book Declan says, “Ash, it’s a big planet”. He would never leave off saying “Aunt”. When you have been taught something your whole life it, would be second nature. Tanya had a few statements that were out of character for her as well such as, “Get to it, bitch, before I rip you apart”. She is much too erudite for such a thing. Stacia would say that, as would Holly. Of the Darkkin Lydia might. But not Tanya.
I am adding this after reading the book for the second time, back-to-back with all of the others:
There were some random mistakes that most of the books in the series have. The editors really need to pay closer attention to what has occurred and how the characters behave. In this book Declan says, “Ash, it’s a big planet”. He would never leave off saying “Aunt”. When you have been taught something your whole life it, would be second nature. Tanya had a few statements that were out of character for her as well such as, “Get to it, bitch, before I rip you apart”. She is much too erudite for such a thing. Stacia would say that, as would Holly. Of the Darkkin Lydia might. But not Tanya.
February 9, 2023
I wonder how many interviews we will get in this book.
Ah. The ole' "I'm sure you are wondering how I got to this point, to tell you that, we have to go back X amount of days" start.
Kill the few to save the many. The story is a meh. I don't care either way.
The author is pulling this shit again? Chris and Declan falling out to drum up artificial drama. Getting real tired of this shit. Unless this is to show off how strong Declan got? ugh.
Lol. I really thought the author wouldn't have held an interview this book, then just as were are ending, he springs it. I'm not even surprised. Conroe really has an interview fetish.
I think this series has gone on for too long. The author needs to end it. I wonder if next book God will give Chris the horn of Jericho or something. It just feels stretched out.
2.5/5 Stars
Ah. The ole' "I'm sure you are wondering how I got to this point, to tell you that, we have to go back X amount of days" start.
Kill the few to save the many. The story is a meh. I don't care either way.
The author is pulling this shit again? Chris and Declan falling out to drum up artificial drama. Getting real tired of this shit. Unless this is to show off how strong Declan got? ugh.
Lol. I really thought the author wouldn't have held an interview this book, then just as were are ending, he springs it. I'm not even surprised. Conroe really has an interview fetish.
I think this series has gone on for too long. The author needs to end it. I wonder if next book God will give Chris the horn of Jericho or something. It just feels stretched out.
2.5/5 Stars
December 22, 2022
I can remember much earlier in this series making a minor comment about the author's politics, which seemed to be a right leaning/ libertarian perspective, were bleeding through a bit.
With this installment I figure those same right leaning people's heads are exploding over all the granola/tree hugger content. LOL It really did make it much more enjoyable than the more recent additions to the series for me, though.
There were a few times when peripheral things and characters happened that I have no clue about, so I'm thinking I've either missed a short or two somewhere or I've forgotten the intricacies of the series and it's time for a reread.
Perhaps the latter. ;)
With this installment I figure those same right leaning people's heads are exploding over all the granola/tree hugger content. LOL It really did make it much more enjoyable than the more recent additions to the series for me, though.
There were a few times when peripheral things and characters happened that I have no clue about, so I'm thinking I've either missed a short or two somewhere or I've forgotten the intricacies of the series and it's time for a reread.
Perhaps the latter. ;)
August 1, 2023
Pretty good.
Alot changed really fast. Im not a fan of dictators and tyrants. It made me not like team Declan for this story and i empthized with the humans here. Nobody asked to be born on the surface of earth and its not like there was ever an instruction manual given for how we are supposed to exist and conduct ourselves. Information like that was obtained through trial and error. So for Terra to just decide randomly that shes tired of us and wipe us off the face of the planet was disappointing. I expected more from the Goddess ashling worshiped. This whole event just seemed rather petty and I expected more from a higher being. I don't blame the humans one bit for fighting back against tyranny. Better to die for the ideals of freedom than complacently accepting the arbitrary decrees of a tyrant. Looks like in the end power does eventually corrupt everyone
Alot changed really fast. Im not a fan of dictators and tyrants. It made me not like team Declan for this story and i empthized with the humans here. Nobody asked to be born on the surface of earth and its not like there was ever an instruction manual given for how we are supposed to exist and conduct ourselves. Information like that was obtained through trial and error. So for Terra to just decide randomly that shes tired of us and wipe us off the face of the planet was disappointing. I expected more from the Goddess ashling worshiped. This whole event just seemed rather petty and I expected more from a higher being. I don't blame the humans one bit for fighting back against tyranny. Better to die for the ideals of freedom than complacently accepting the arbitrary decrees of a tyrant. Looks like in the end power does eventually corrupt everyone
December 25, 2022
A definite change in style and plot. Certain past gains disappear in a sentence and completely change the balance. Personalities, that have been very consistent up to this point, change in a jarring fashion. The concept of a Mother Earth is problematic on several levels.
The preaching about evil mega corporations and the green agenda propaganda got annoying quickly.
There was some major action. While the plot is getting a bit strange, there is movement.
Would I recommend the book? Sure. It is interesting. Is this one of the better books in the series? Absolutely not. I rank this as the worst. Is the author running out of ideas? Was the time between books too short? I don't know.
The preaching about evil mega corporations and the green agenda propaganda got annoying quickly.
There was some major action. While the plot is getting a bit strange, there is movement.
Would I recommend the book? Sure. It is interesting. Is this one of the better books in the series? Absolutely not. I rank this as the worst. Is the author running out of ideas? Was the time between books too short? I don't know.
October 24, 2022
Too much
Well this was terrible. This sort of thing happens when a series is dragged on to long. I have loved most of the other books but everything is overpowered now it's almost a parody. There is a lot of pressure on author's to keep producing more when a series is this popular but at some point it needs to be over. I can recall the Blade books of the 60s, 50 books with one plot. This feels like it could go there so I can't recommend it.
Well this was terrible. This sort of thing happens when a series is dragged on to long. I have loved most of the other books but everything is overpowered now it's almost a parody. There is a lot of pressure on author's to keep producing more when a series is this popular but at some point it needs to be over. I can recall the Blade books of the 60s, 50 books with one plot. This feels like it could go there so I can't recommend it.
January 18, 2023
I have throughly enjoyed this entire series until this book a good story and story line was corrupted by intellectually dishonest woke agenda.
I have throughly enjoyed this entire series until this book a good story and story line was corrupted by intellectually dishonest woke agenda. I seriously doubt Gaia would think the strip mining that is done for the batteries in electric vehicles is acceptable. Not to mention the power for these vehicles primarily so from coal plants.
I have throughly enjoyed this entire series until this book a good story and story line was corrupted by intellectually dishonest woke agenda. I seriously doubt Gaia would think the strip mining that is done for the batteries in electric vehicles is acceptable. Not to mention the power for these vehicles primarily so from coal plants.
January 19, 2023
It may be time to wrap up the series now, giving it a decent finale. The series has been good, but I feel it has declined the last books, with just more of the same and little character development. The power displayed has only escalated to silly proportions, and with this book it just got a lot more ridiculus. More personal power and adverseries becoming more stupid, and nothing really new.
I'm sorry to say this was the first book in the series I was looking forward to be finished with.
I'm sorry to say this was the first book in the series I was looking forward to be finished with.
December 30, 2022
With enemies all around, namely the demons, aliens and fey, the NEW enemy is... climate change. That's gonna get a VERY sarcastic "yay" from me.
It would be one thing if the new enemy didn't really interest me, but it's another when it's also a political subject.
It would be one thing if the new enemy didn't really interest me, but it's another when it's also a political subject.
October 5, 2022
Not as good....
Not sure if the sun has finally set on this vampire and witch series. Not as much fun, plot feels more contrived and full of deus ex machine moments.
Not sure if the sun has finally set on this vampire and witch series. Not as much fun, plot feels more contrived and full of deus ex machine moments.
November 14, 2022
Chaotic Good
I've read all of the books in this series and I can honestly say that John Conroe is masterful in his ability to keep the pages turn worthy. His plots are intelligent, the conflicts are both relevant and logical within his World building and storyline. It has been an entertaining long journey from meeting Christian Gordon and Tanya in book one. Now in this book all the wonderful and varied characters have earned their page rights. So much goodness within the chaotic Demon Accords novels.
I've read all of the books in this series and I can honestly say that John Conroe is masterful in his ability to keep the pages turn worthy. His plots are intelligent, the conflicts are both relevant and logical within his World building and storyline. It has been an entertaining long journey from meeting Christian Gordon and Tanya in book one. Now in this book all the wonderful and varied characters have earned their page rights. So much goodness within the chaotic Demon Accords novels.
October 21, 2022
Look, I get what others might think about the plot-line of the story. However, as the story has progressed it's not a bad continuation of what is going on. A lot of what I hear in the other reviews comes across as being in a hurry to finish the story. An aspect of the day and age with everything instantly available.
To me, this story reflects an aspect of the human condition and what we, as a species, would do if faced with similar circumstances. Let's face it, after 200K+ years of existence you think we would be better as people but deep down we know we suck.
There are a lot of moving parts to these stories and at times I have to re-read them just to keep everything straight including the compendiums. It seems to have gotten away from Chris and Tanya for now but I feel the next couple? of books? will go back to that side of the story-line.
Enjoy the story for what it is.
To me, this story reflects an aspect of the human condition and what we, as a species, would do if faced with similar circumstances. Let's face it, after 200K+ years of existence you think we would be better as people but deep down we know we suck.
There are a lot of moving parts to these stories and at times I have to re-read them just to keep everything straight including the compendiums. It seems to have gotten away from Chris and Tanya for now but I feel the next couple? of books? will go back to that side of the story-line.
Enjoy the story for what it is.
October 5, 2022
escalation
When your choice is to kill a little or kill a lot.
MC gets to play with vast cosmic powers. But mostly at the end of the book.
I wasn’t entirely pleased with the environmental aspect. As much as this is fiction, logic has been shown to play a part. The elemental should not have known about the politicians who were connected to the problem. It just all felt very convenient. By the rules stated, either the elemental should have ignored everything or simply destroyed humanity. It just all felt a little clumsy and forced. Like the rules weren’t carefully considered.
I fully intend to purchase the sequel as soon as it becomes available.
When your choice is to kill a little or kill a lot.
MC gets to play with vast cosmic powers. But mostly at the end of the book.
I wasn’t entirely pleased with the environmental aspect. As much as this is fiction, logic has been shown to play a part. The elemental should not have known about the politicians who were connected to the problem. It just all felt very convenient. By the rules stated, either the elemental should have ignored everything or simply destroyed humanity. It just all felt a little clumsy and forced. Like the rules weren’t carefully considered.
I fully intend to purchase the sequel as soon as it becomes available.
January 2, 2025
This book is dreadful.
I have liked earlier books in the series, and loved several episodes.
But this book is largely an ode to dictatorial control of society (by only the best people, of course). If only the right people could force their preferred solutions to everything, then things would be so, so much better. After a few billion people (2.8 billion by the description in the book) die and modern society is completely destroyed, things will be ever so much better.
When you add to this the absurd powers granted to Declan by the author, this is the worst sort of wish-fulfillment fantasy. And the wishes of the author are truly vile.
This book is bad enough that even the best entries in the series are tainted by its existence.
If you read the series, stop before you read this book.
I have liked earlier books in the series, and loved several episodes.
But this book is largely an ode to dictatorial control of society (by only the best people, of course). If only the right people could force their preferred solutions to everything, then things would be so, so much better. After a few billion people (2.8 billion by the description in the book) die and modern society is completely destroyed, things will be ever so much better.
When you add to this the absurd powers granted to Declan by the author, this is the worst sort of wish-fulfillment fantasy. And the wishes of the author are truly vile.
This book is bad enough that even the best entries in the series are tainted by its existence.
If you read the series, stop before you read this book.
June 17, 2024
Another Excellent Story
Declan has been placed in an impossible situation by Gia. In the aftermath humans; the politicians, power brokers, rich and powerful all want to remain atop of the heap screw the rest of humanity. Begging the question, are we even worth saving..... The others attack and still the Queens of Fae plot.
Declan has been placed in an impossible situation by Gia. In the aftermath humans; the politicians, power brokers, rich and powerful all want to remain atop of the heap screw the rest of humanity. Begging the question, are we even worth saving..... The others attack and still the Queens of Fae plot.
October 23, 2022
dull and tedious effort
I’ve loved this series until the last few books . This is by far the worse so far. Dull and tedious with a lot of preaching about the damage to the environment.
It only returned to individual characters interacting with each other towards the end.
I’ve loved this series until the last few books . This is by far the worse so far. Dull and tedious with a lot of preaching about the damage to the environment.
It only returned to individual characters interacting with each other towards the end.
February 16, 2024
This series is a guilty pleasure for me. No lessons to be learned, no morals, no interesting facts. However, is is well written and a wild ride!
This, the (currently) last in the series was my favorite.
This, the (currently) last in the series was my favorite.
November 9, 2022
Much like many others I've read, reread, re-reread and re-re-reread these books over and over again. I love this series! This book though!! I'm convinced Conroe had a ghostwriter or team of them because of just how disjointed everything felt. Let me back up. When this first came out I hurried to read it. But about a quarter to one third of the way I had to stop, verify that it was a Conroe book and not a fan fiction. It reads like a writer being told of a great series, immediate then started writing a book based off the original series and characters but only after intentionally not reading any of the books themselves!
I read through the entire thing. Then tried to read it through a second time and got about half way when I stopped and reread the entire series and then tried to read it fully a second time. I'm about halfway and it hurts! It physically hurts to read. The dialog is lack luster. The writing style feels juvenile. Everything about this book is just awful! It's one massive advocate posting for The Green New Deal! That's it! It's so overtly political and without any real research I feel that someone should track down Conroe and do a wellness check as he's clearly been taken hostage.
Let me explain. Each writer has their own style. Their own vocabulary that they inadvertently use over and over and over again. Like a literary fingerprint. His finger prints aren't any where in this book. The one word he puts in all his books: formidable. I've yet to see that anywhere in my now 3rd pass of the first half of the book. While this is not a smoking gun. It is extremely odd, for 17 books a standard vocabulary choice is now gone. Never mind that character values and intrinsic behaviors are now wiped clean?
I want to add something before I get to my examples. I realize he lost a valued and cherished family member. Anyone who has lost someone knows there's no amount of well-meaning platitudes or best wishes that can take that pain away. Even if you know it's coming, you're still cored and hollowed out. For weeks, for months and sometimes even years. That said. I'd rather he take the time to properly grieve and come back and rewrite this flaming hot mess express of a raging dumpster fire than keep this in the series as is. Come back and call it a fever dream or psy-ops hellscape. I'd accept this and even welcome it, so long as it's him writing the story.
Spoilers:
Steclan are crazy killers now?? He actively avoided death magic, killing rats and mice, felt guilty when he had to fight people, but today! *TODAY*!! WE EMBARK ON VIOLENCE, DESTRUCTION AND **DEATH**!! What even is this?
Lydia didn't have a single snappy or witty response other than the canned expected type? It's like she completely went brain dead.
Fan and Daiyu are reintroduced in passing. And the entire interaction is what, 3 pages? The Fairy Court, same thing.
They are cut off from Fairy. Entirely. Just like that. No more middle realm. You have this rich and amazing story in the works for post War of the Vorsook and its just over??
TJ and Simon team up. But then boom. It's over. I swear it was so fast that I half expected Hope to be in there too because that how off these rails we are.
That's just a tip of the iceberg. Of you choose to read this book then get it for free or wait trust me. You're not missing much.
I read through the entire thing. Then tried to read it through a second time and got about half way when I stopped and reread the entire series and then tried to read it fully a second time. I'm about halfway and it hurts! It physically hurts to read. The dialog is lack luster. The writing style feels juvenile. Everything about this book is just awful! It's one massive advocate posting for The Green New Deal! That's it! It's so overtly political and without any real research I feel that someone should track down Conroe and do a wellness check as he's clearly been taken hostage.
Let me explain. Each writer has their own style. Their own vocabulary that they inadvertently use over and over and over again. Like a literary fingerprint. His finger prints aren't any where in this book. The one word he puts in all his books: formidable. I've yet to see that anywhere in my now 3rd pass of the first half of the book. While this is not a smoking gun. It is extremely odd, for 17 books a standard vocabulary choice is now gone. Never mind that character values and intrinsic behaviors are now wiped clean?
I want to add something before I get to my examples. I realize he lost a valued and cherished family member. Anyone who has lost someone knows there's no amount of well-meaning platitudes or best wishes that can take that pain away. Even if you know it's coming, you're still cored and hollowed out. For weeks, for months and sometimes even years. That said. I'd rather he take the time to properly grieve and come back and rewrite this flaming hot mess express of a raging dumpster fire than keep this in the series as is. Come back and call it a fever dream or psy-ops hellscape. I'd accept this and even welcome it, so long as it's him writing the story.
Spoilers:
Steclan are crazy killers now?? He actively avoided death magic, killing rats and mice, felt guilty when he had to fight people, but today! *TODAY*!! WE EMBARK ON VIOLENCE, DESTRUCTION AND **DEATH**!! What even is this?
Lydia didn't have a single snappy or witty response other than the canned expected type? It's like she completely went brain dead.
Fan and Daiyu are reintroduced in passing. And the entire interaction is what, 3 pages? The Fairy Court, same thing.
They are cut off from Fairy. Entirely. Just like that. No more middle realm. You have this rich and amazing story in the works for post War of the Vorsook and its just over??
TJ and Simon team up. But then boom. It's over. I swear it was so fast that I half expected Hope to be in there too because that how off these rails we are.
That's just a tip of the iceberg. Of you choose to read this book then get it for free or wait trust me. You're not missing much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2023
Where to start, as you read through the Demon Accords series there are times when inconsistencies will show up, but they appear rarely and aren't the focus of the book. This entire book is nothing but inconsistencies and it is driving me crazy, not to mention it has all become about Declan with all the other characters becoming side characters, as well as the consistent fact that they still fight between each other and can't seem to find trust (still, I mean come on why do we rehash the same fight, it is getting old).
So in this book mother earth reaches out to Declan to tell him that she is going to destroy humans as they have no purpose. Take away the idea that they are the children of God and that, while they are doing things that damage mother earth, the Vorsook sending in the shock troops that would have decimated life on the planet would have been far worse. Did she not notice this fact or think about the destruction of the planet itself with the invaders? Not to mention the fact that the Vorsook have destroyed thousands of planets that all have personification much like "Mother Earth" (or should...) and yet nothing has happened to them? What about fairy whose queens have destroyed the elements, the "children" of the personification of fairy? Do the rest of them not care and we just have the fussy one that is going to complain.
I honestly had a super hard time finishing this book, and that is not great as I am pretty sure this ends my desire to read the rest of the series. Really a shame as I enjoyed so much of the series up to this point, goodbye Tayna and Chris, I will remember you foundly... in the previous books.
So in this book mother earth reaches out to Declan to tell him that she is going to destroy humans as they have no purpose. Take away the idea that they are the children of God and that, while they are doing things that damage mother earth, the Vorsook sending in the shock troops that would have decimated life on the planet would have been far worse. Did she not notice this fact or think about the destruction of the planet itself with the invaders? Not to mention the fact that the Vorsook have destroyed thousands of planets that all have personification much like "Mother Earth" (or should...) and yet nothing has happened to them? What about fairy whose queens have destroyed the elements, the "children" of the personification of fairy? Do the rest of them not care and we just have the fussy one that is going to complain.
I honestly had a super hard time finishing this book, and that is not great as I am pretty sure this ends my desire to read the rest of the series. Really a shame as I enjoyed so much of the series up to this point, goodbye Tayna and Chris, I will remember you foundly... in the previous books.
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