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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
4.5 stars - Bargains and Sacrifice - it wouldn't be a Guardians novel otherwise, September 7, 2011
This review is from: Demon Marked (Guardian Series) (Mass Market Paperback)
Icily controlled and focused solely on gaining vengeance against the demon who 'raised' him, Nicholas St Croix, is human but - having learned to think like a demon in order to survive - he is just a step way from being a demon himself. So when Ash, who has no memories from 'Before', comes looking for clues to her past wearing a familiar face, Nicholas is quick to strike a bargain - She'll help him find his 'Mother' and he'll help her find out 'who' she is - while planning on using Ash as bait.
It always amazes me how different each of the Guardian books are from each other, and though Demon Marked doesn't have the fiery sensuality of Demon Forged or the brilliant scheme in the background like Demon Blood, the development in the relationship between Ash and Nicholas, and Khavi's use of them to bring about a significant event in the series arc, are both really interesting.
Don't worry, there still is some steamy payoff in the romance, but it comes late in the book - with a decent amount of tension building coming before. But what I found fascinating is that from the start as the pair interact with each other, both characters are on the lookout for nuances and clues into each other - knowing better than to take an 'enemy' at face value - and often the act of hiding a reaction is quite telling. And I really liked how both Ash and Nick actually go from being emotionally blank to being passionate over the course of the story. And I also really enjoyed that finally learning how to be a demon, makes it possible for Ash to win in the no win scenarios she and Nicholas will face along the way. I guess if I had a nit with the story, it would be that I could have lived without Ash having horns in her demon form, but that wasn't a deal breaker for me.
With Demon Marked being book seven or so of the Guardians series, and with only a novella in Angels of Darkness to go before the final book (Michael's), this story is remarkably friendly to those new to the series, as well as acting as a good for a refresher for fans. Since Ash starts out knowing nothing about the "world", there's a recap woven into the story while she's relearning - though, I will admit that I went back and reread the 'series so far guides' on Brook's website before reading this one to pick up on any details I might have forgotten.
So bottom line is that I enjoyed Demon Marked, and this series is still one of my favorites even if it isn't mindless head candy and requires a bit more focus than some of its competition in the paranormal romance genre. But now I am mixed between being sad to see the Guardians coming to a close, and looking forward to seeing how author Meljean Brook finishes up the series. After I was done reading Demon Marked, I couldn't guess who the short would be about, I hadn't really noticed anyone popping up and saying 'me next' but after web-hunting for the description, one of the leads does appears briefly and the other is at least mentioned.
So now the wait begins, the short will be a nice taste to hold me over until the finale, but after developments in this book, I am really wondering what Taylor and Michael's book is going to be like.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Addition To The Series, September 11, 2011
This review is from: Demon Marked (Guardian Series) (Mass Market Paperback)
I cannot believe I did this to myself again. I opened this book and didn't stop until I had inhaled it. And it was so good to revisit this world, but now I'm horribly aware of the looooong wait for the final book. And it's Michael's book, so that just makes it even harder. I don't want to say goodbye, but I want it so bad. I know I'm not going to be able to hold out a whole year. I'm going to crack and have to reread them all to torture myself some more.
I was really surprised to discover how different this entry felt from the earlier books in this series. That's not a bad thing, I actually liked seeing things from another perspective, but it was unexpected. I think if you were completely new to the series you could jump into this book without a lot of the same issues you would experience by jumping into one of the other ones. The third book, Demon Night, also seems like an easy place to jump in. I DO NOT recommend it, however, because I think this series is best experienced from the beginning, so you can watch each twist and turn develop in the story arc. And I seriously cringe in horror over the thought of someone starting with this book and spoiling themselves for the intense events in Demon Forged.
One of the most surprising things about this book was how removed it was from the Guardians. The hero tried his hardest to steer clear of them so he could fulfill his own mission, so we spent most of the story solely focused on Ash and Nicholas. We occasionally cut away to spend some time in Taylor's POV (squee!) and eventually get some time with the Guardians, but for the most part it's just them. Luckily, they were great together. Ash was especially hilarious, owing to her problem feeling emotion, and watching Nicholas become frustrated by her lack of memory was fun.
Ash is the worst demon ever, but that's what makes her so fun. She cannot remember anything, so we get a crash course on the ins and outs of demons right alongside her. I really enjoyed getting a deeper look at the Rules and what was and was not allowed and how that could be twisted. Nicholas finds her a little frustrating at first, and is very suspicious of her--big surprise. Who isn't he suspicious of? I loved watching him be bothered by her staring--she's isn't worried about making people uncomfortable--and I laughed to myself as he tried to figure out whether or not she really was that clueless and actually did want him. I can't blame him for being suspicious, especially because what he knew about demons was pretty concrete, but I wish he had let it go earlier. Luckily, neither of them were unreasonable and both were willing to own when they screwed up.
I loved watching Ash and Nicholas grow into themselves together. They both started the book in a kind of childlike state. They inadvertently helped each other discover themselves, but it wasn't without bruised feelings along the way. I also really, really liked how the author played with what makes a person who they are. I, personally, agree with the decision that Ash made, and the reason she did. I would have been very unhappy if it had gone any other way. I am firmly of the belief that the person you are is what life and experience has made you. Change one thing and it might change everything. You might never had ended up the person you are today.
In addition to a lovely romance, we are also treated to an ever deepening story arc. Each book has layered onto this storyline, which is why I really think people cheat themselves if they skip around. I am constantly impressed by the depth and intensity we get in each book and am amazed at how well balanced they are. Not only do we get a great romance, we also get an intricate story full of well developed characters and plots galore. I am really excited to see how this will all resolve in the end.
Favorite Quote:
""And I wasn't thinking of a plane." When she looked at him blankly, Nicholas clenched his teeth and counted to three. "I know you can fly."
Her eyes widened and she looked down at her hands. "I can shape-shift into a bird? How?"
Jesus H. Christ. The next time he made a bargain, Nicholas would damn well make certain the demon knew more than a bag of bricks."
Review originally posted on Fiction Vixen.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful! Meljean You've Done It Again!!, September 7, 2011
What a glorious book! I won't go thru the plot. Other reviewers before me have done so. But believe me when I say that if you love Ms. Brook's Guardians series, you will adore this book! It is awesome. I loved both of the main characters, and their growth and love was a delight to see. I am a HUGE fan of Ms. Brook's NewSteam Punk series, but the Guardians will always be my first love. Kudos Ms. Brook.
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