Customer Reviews

Demon Marked (Guardian Series)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

For the last three years, Ash spent her life locked away in a mental institution with no idea as to who she was before she woke up there. For her, there is no sense of loss or sorrow, merely an intense curiosity of who she is, and why she can do things no one else can do. She cares for nothing or no one. Using her preternatural abilities and the internet, she discover a tenuous link to millionaire businessman, Nicholas St. Croix and his stepmother Madelyn. Nicholas has devoted the majority of his adult life to destroying his stepmother Madelyn, or rather the demon who has possessed her body since Nicholas was a child. When he discovers his very dead girlfriend breaking into his stepmothers home, he knows right away that Ash is an earthbound demon. Her pathetic ruse of amnesia doesn't wash with him, he's seen and lived through too much hell to be taken in by one of her kind. If not for the fact that Ash can lead him to Madelyn, her head would already be rolling on the floor.

Meljean Brooks has an unbelievable talent for bringing humor to unbelievably dark situations. This book absolutely cracked me up. As a die hard fan of this series and a Lilith wannabe, I patiently wait for the next book to hit the shelves. This is one of those exceedingly rare series where the next book is always better than the last. Ash has to be hands down the best heroine of the series (aside from my role model Lilith of course). Her stoicism and lack of mental filters lead to great dialogue and side splitting scenarios. It is the rapid shift from uproarious laughter to heartbreaking sadness that causes the reader to gasp for breath and to feel their own heartbreak at the character's pain. It is an emotional upheaval I live for time and time again.

The details on the world building in this series is without peer. I have to remind myself occasionally that this is a work of fiction, especially when I do a marathon re-read of the entire series. The characters are as diverse as they are compelling and this is definitely not a series where the reader has any "yawn" moments. Meljean Brook hits every element that it takes to create a blockbuster series, and there is not one paragraph that wasn't crafted with master precision. From the snarky dialogue, the dark humor, the mind blowing romance or the dramatic situations, Demon Marked carries the flag for the Guardian series without missing a beat. I would be sorely remiss if I didn't strongly encourage you to read this book.

I totally love this series! This book was just as good as all the others...Nicholas was in the previous book, his story is a sad one..His character is very complicated, but revenge is his primary emotion...He comes upon Ash, and their relationship takes awhile to really get going, but when it does, you wont be able to put the book down...The story flowed and held interest..I would not recommend anyone read this book without reading all the others..The storyline is a continuing one, along with the characters..I am sad to know that there will only be one more book in this series-Michael's, I cant wait!. Hopefully, Meljean Brook comes up with another good idea for a series, as I am not really into the Steampunk thing...I highly recommend reading this book!

In a stunning blend of action, moral tension, and romance, the book Demon Night grabs all of your attention and does not let go, put some time aside for this one. The main and supporting characters of each novel grow and develop into stronger more admirable people and past characters continue to play important roles (you even slip into their perspectives on occasion).

Meljean Brook's world is a modern one inhabited by Guardians, Demons, Nosferatu and Vampires. The Demaons and Nosferatu are Angles that did not side with God in the war in heaven. Demons faught against God while Nosferatu stood on the sidelines (ending up living on earth). There is evil in the book that is deserving death, but the actions of those on the side of good are more balanced. The Guardians are, after-all, humans that sacrificed their lives in order to save the life of another from the harm caused by a Demon or Nosferatu (and maybe even a vampire, I am not sure). It is too complex to break it all down but that is enough to get the general idea.

You should simply be aware that it is a well realized world and the story arc for the series has as much momentum as the romantic arc found in each particular story in the series. Be warned, you will want to know about previous works, either after reading this one or before, and so I would recommend starting from the beginning or near enough (maybe book 2 since book 1 is not out on kindle).

If you have discovered the authors Nalini Singh (psy-changlings), Ilona Andrews, Faith Hunter (Skinwalker), Larissa Ione, Carolyn Crane, Harry Connolly (Twenty Palaces Novel), and Richard Kadrey (Sandman Slim), then Meljean Brook is an author you would devour with equal pleasure. I have read all of these authors works, that I am aware of, and Meljean stands as high or higher than all of them.

The astounding and riveting accomplishment of Meljean is that each character is an entirely new person, fully realized and envisioned with flaws, quirks, mannerisms, strengths and a life history. Often we will encounter characters that are in some respects (but not all) markedly similar to previous ones with other authors. How they talk, their humor, their strengths and weaknesses, there is often a vague similarity when other characters are brought into the romance parade of a series (think psy-changelings).

Now, don't get me wrong, there are differences between the characters in those other authors works, but the point I am making is that none of them surpass the fantastical level of imagining Meljean Brook's accomplishes with her works (as in terms of characterization). I absolutely love getting to know the histories and particular character of each of the people introduced in her works. This is one of her strengths, not that the other authors I mentioned aren't authors I also love, but Meljean really does excel at the depth created by introducing entirely unique romantic characters that result in a romantic entanglement that is entirely believable, new, and riveting (not all those authors I mentioned are as strongly romantically inclined as most of the others).

If you have enjoyed the authors I mentioned above, or ones like them, you will love all of Meljean's books. People of variant tone, personality and life history all meeting their perfect but unique counterpart is quite enjoyable to read.

4.5 Star Review

The Plot:

Awakening in a psychiatric hospital from a three year catatonic haze, Ash has no memory of the past or who she is except for fleeting nightmares of ice and terror. Escaping with what little information she could find in her patient files, Ash heads to London, to Nicholas St. Croix and the possibility of discovering who and what she is for she's decidedly not human but something...other. While this otherness would undoubtedly cause fear in any normal person, little affects Ash. The blistering cold winter weather in London, while uncomfortable, doesn't slow her down. She needs no nourishment and no sleep. And while people and their thoughts fascinate her, Ash can't manage to produce any emotion of her own. That is until something, someone or some action sparks a moment of familiarity, not exactly a memory, but rather a sense of déjà vu. Upon finding Nicholas, Ash doesn't sense the familiarity she seeks until he captures her mouth in a ravenous kiss.

Concluding what must be a demon wearing the guise of his long dead girlfriend, Rachel Boyle, Nicholas St. Croix feels a rushing gush of hatred and malevolent glee as the opportunity to finally slay the demon that ruined his life now stands before him, snared in his trap. Wanting answers and expecting the demon executing Rachel's mannerisms with perfect ease to lie just as easily, Nicholas enters into a bargain that completely benefits his cause. The demon will tell him everything she knows, never lie, and if she's not the one he seeks, then she'll help him find her; her being Madelyn, his mother. In exchange, Nicholas will help the demon discover who she is. Momentarily leaden with disappointment when the demon confirms under the bargain that she's not Madelyn, Nicholas does however discover that his demon is the perfect bait and he'll use her to draw Madelyn in then slay her just as he'll slay Madelyn. Until then, he'll continue to believe that everything the demon says is a lie or some manipulative effort to discover his weaknesses and divert him from his goal of revenge.

Ash can easily discern Nicholas's distrust but that's about it. The first human she's come across that can completely shield their emotions from her, Ash finds herself forced to analyse other aspects of Nicholas's behavior in order to figure out what he's thinking. An amusing game to be sure but it also draws her focus to his body arousing her mentally and physically. She wants him badly and she tells him as much only to meet his vocal refusal but his body says differently. However, sex falls to the back burner when Ash has a telling run-in with another demon. Equipped with no fighting skills and no ability to fly, Ash is tossed around like a rag doll and nearly killed begging the question: what is Ash?

Nicholas, experiencing a rush of unfamiliar protective instincts, re-organizes his priorities. Determined to train Ash to the best of his capable abilities, they hide out at Nicholas's hunting cabin in rural middle America. It's there that Nicholas discovers, and more importantly, that he believes Ash is the exception to the rule. But just when he accepts that he's fallen in love with a demon, the Guardians descend upon their hideaway and flay open the tenuous trust between him and Ash while unveiling a plot that will send her straight back to Hell. For years, Nicholas has derived relentless propulsion from his obsessive need for revenge against the demon that crushed his father, killed his mother, and verbally stripped him of his innocence. Now, having found Ash, having reawakened his heart to life and love, Nicholas will turn all that obsessive, single-minded focus on saving her from a fate he'd sooner die from himself rather than endure.

The Heroine:

Embodying an empty but malleable shell of a soul, Ash, a halfling demon, molds herself from her immediate experiences, her mind like a sponge soaking up everything she comes into contact with. Despite her early inability to convey emotion of her own, there's a gentle caring and hollow sadness to her that quickly and effectively captures your heart. You believe in Ash and you want her to have her Happily Ever After for you know instinctively that she deserves it.

Truthfully, Ash's hollowness is the perfect shield to Nicholas's scathing and unveiled opinion of her. Any other woman would shrink beneath the coldness of his unrelenting gaze and blade of a tongue. But while most are immediately rebuffed, Ash has the patience to look beyond Nicholas's ruthlessly composed exterior, hunting effectively for cracks that lead to his true self. She thinks like the demon she is to unravel the mystery that is Nicholas but she talks and touches him with all her growing humanity. Seriously, the guy stood no chance.

The Hero:

Nearly stone cold to the depths of his marrow, Nicholas St. Croix isn't the easiest hero to fall in love with. His distrust for all but himself shines lethally from his icy blue eyes and coats every word that slips bitterly off his tongue. While Nicholas doesn't think himself damaged, it's clear to the reader that he is and fundamentally so. But when Nicholas falls, he falls exceptionally hard. Suddenly wielding a fierce brand of love, Nicholas becomes an unstoppable, self-sacrificing force that launches him straight to Herodom!

A beguiling character to be sure and one that effectively draws you in like a moth to a flame, Nicholas is a hero I won't be forgetting any time soon. With his entire motivation stemming from revenge, Nicholas eschews life to pursue a demon who couldn't care less if he lives or dies. All that he is and all that he does culminates from this deep-seeded and greedy drive. But this revenge of his defines him in such a unique way. While it could for all intents and purposes, debilitate him in the end, Nicholas has the means and the intelligence to recognize the real meaning in life and that meaning is Ash. But seriously, to meet the guy in reality would be terrifying but oh to be the center of that intense focus. Wow.

My Final Thoughts:

A tight, well plotted, and fantastic addition to the Guardian series, DEMON MARKED ushers fans into the red zone of Michael's long awaited story with a gutsy romance and a most terrifying trip to Hell.

Meljean Brook, fearless as ever, tackles two incredibly difficult characters, breaking them open oh so very slowly, page by page, to unveil an interesting and incredibly unique hero/heroine pairing. An alternate name suggestion for DEMON MARKED is Demon Awakened for both Nicholas and Ash go through an awakening; a rebirth. Nicholas, dead to all but what directly influences his means of revenge, awakens gloriously when he finally accepts his love for Ash. Similarly, Ash is numb, an emotionless being stripped of all that she once was seeking now the answer to her unknown identity. It's Nicholas that awakens her heart. He forces her to re-experience the emotions brutally taken from her and helps her reshape and claim herself as Ash. Standing back and absorbing the novel as a whole, the character growth is fierce and merciless but stunningly beautiful.

In addition, DEMON MARKED offers a new unfettered view of the Guardian world. It offers a new test on what makes a character worthy of this dangerous but rewarding world while also re-examining the Rules that govern it with such cutting brutality. For a steady number of installments, characters have known and understood the land upon which they fight but Ash and Nicholas, theirs is one of new learning. Perhaps a revisit of the building blocks is necessary to go on but whatever its reason, the closer look at the basic elements - basic but no less important - was welcomed by this reader. I had forgotten the power of these simple yet deeply layered rules.

Finally, I must draw attention to the rather excellent pacing of this book. These are no easy reads by any stretch and each one is packed to the brim with important and specific information heralding a clear indication that considerable time is spent on their creation and subsequent choreography. It's clear that Meljean Brook has honed her craft and wields now it with incredible daring. I will always look forward to what she delivers for it will undoubtedly be a new addicting flavor for this particularly ravenous appetite.

Topping a very short list of unparalleled paranormal romance authors, Meljean Brook has built a stunning work of collective art with her Guardian Series and has only managed to strengthen it that much more with DEMON MARKED. A novel forged from the icy numbness of its hero and heroine and ultimately shaped by their inevitable and spectacular melting destiny, DEMON MARKED is an absolute must read. Enjoy!

This series just gets better; this is my favorite book, which is saying a lot. Ash is a terrific heroine. I enjoyed watching her figure out her abilities and learn to deal with emotions, but I also really liked how resourceful and determined she was when she didn't have help or much awareness of who she was/what she could do.

The romance arc in this book worked very well for me. There was logic and believability behind the obstacles keeping the main characters from trusting each other, and they both acknowledged that and (when the time came) worked on it. It was great that they learned to work as a team, and they built a really solid foundation for being in love and committed to each other (something I don't always buy into in paranormal).

I won't spoil the ending, but I loved it!

My Rating: 4.5 stars: Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)

Full review posted at my blog.

I was immediately drawn into this story from the get go. Thanks to Meljean's amazing ability to create engrossing, detailed worlds and plots, I became wrapped up with finding out about Ash's past. Who is/was she and how did she become this way? The story unfolds at the perfect pace, mixing the mystery-solving with action and romance.

Ash is a great character. She has none of the typical demon personality traits (lying, scheming, out to ruin humans). I loved watching her discover feelings and try to logically process the world around her. She never gives up and has an innocent faith that things will work out. Nicholas has lived his entire adult life trying to bring down his mother. It is no wonder that he cannot trust Ash when he realizes Madeline may be responsible for creating Ash. Yet, Ash continually challenges his perceptions, and he gradually learns to accept Ash for all that she is. He is flawed, but caring and I adore his love for Ash.

Although this book isn't one of the more sex-filled romances in the series (and I like smut in my romances!), it really works for Demon Marked. The story moves at such a natural pace, I never felt cheated in the romance. Demon Marked stands on its own as being one of my favorite Guardian novels.

Demon Marked by Meljean Brook
Paranormal Romance - Sept. 6th, 2011
4 stars

Demon Marked is part of the Meljean Brook's Guardian series. Unlike many of the complex stories in this series, I found this book could easily be read by itself. In this story, a cold-heart businessman and a reincarnated demon find unexpected love.

Nicholas St. Croix had a nightmarish childhood when his mother was possessed by an evil demon. Through his formative years he could never understand why he felt so unworthy. That is until he realized that his 'mother' fed on his misery and was responsible for the death of his poor father. As an adult, his single drive was to hurt his mother and kill her. He ruthlessly worked to attain wealth in hopes to take over her business and seduce her protégée named Rachel.

But Rachel fell in love with Nicholas and saved him from death. Now she has been reincarnated as a demon by his mother. But this woman who was once called Rachel has no memory of her past and now calls herself Ash. As she seeks to find answers, she stumbles on the ruthless Nicholas who actually feels some guilt at her human death. He immediately realizes that Ash is a demon and doesn't trust her but finds himself emotionally connected to her. For both of them have suffered at his mother's hands. As he reluctantly tries to help Ash and plot against his mother, he must make a decision between revenge of saving the woman he has slowly come to love.

Nicholas is a hard man. He only lives for vengeance. And although Ash features prominently in this novel, the book is really about him. As he falls for Ash, he starts to become more human and must make some difficult decisions. Nicholas must change his hard core opinions, specifically his hatred for demons, and change his life if he wants to move forward. Ash does not have a memory and sometimes seems a bit childlike but has moments of wisdom that made me wish the author had includes a prologue where I had the chance to get to know about the human Rachel. Ash is a victim to the terrible feud between Nicholas and his mother but does not waste time to pity herself. I really felt bad for her plight. In a way, it was a blessing she couldn't remember her past. Although this is not my favorite in the series I liked the flashes of humor in the story and sympathized with the courageous heroine.

Those who love dark paranormals and urban fantasies with romance will enjoy this latest installment in the Guardians series.

Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club