Customer Reviews

My Demon's Kiss (Bound in Darkness) (No. 1)

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

 

 

So far I am the odd man out and I'm sure that I'm going to get bashed for this but I just could not rate this story 5 stars. I am big fan of paranormal romance; especially vampire romance novels. I couldn't wait to start this book. Maybe if I had not just finsihed Night Play by Sherrilyn Kenyon I might have rated the book 4 stars but on the heels of such a fantastic story the flaws in my Demon's Kiss were too obivious.

I will not summarize the story others have already done a good of out lining the plot. I did like that Simons killing wasn't sugar coated and that he wanted to be human again. I liked Isabel a little. She wasn't as interesting as I like heroines to be. However, I know that this was part of the story. Her father kept her ignorant about the mysteries of the catacombs and the scrolls hidden within them. Simone and Isabel had a medium chemistry. I think that it was circumstances that drew them together rather that genuine attraction. I mean Isabel had never had any contact with men other than peasants.

My biggest problem with the story was the anitclimatic ending. I can't really go into details without revealing too much of the story. I will say that half way through the story it really picked up and I started to enjoy it. The mystery of the druid's writings and Isabels role in Simons quest was really orginal.
But then after all this build up about her role in Simons quest and her bravey in saving Simone life, she ended up being the helpless victim. Maybe Ms. Blue next novel will continue the story of Isabel and Simon. There is definitly a link between Simon and Tristan Dumaine the vampire of her next story.

I found that this book was a bit slow in the beginning. I got worried that it was going to be total dud. However, once the story jumps ahead ten years, the characters are well developed and the action gets exciting. The romance becomes powerful and the hero steals your heart. The first love scene between the main couple is unique and steamy.

The Story:

Simon is a loyal knight who has fought in the crusades. He would follow his lord, Sir Francis, to the ends of the earth. When a royal leader of the infidel army, Lucan Kivar, offers his daughter to Sir Francis in marriage, Simon and the rest of the knights are present for the big occasion. Once they are all in the hall, Kivar opens an attack upon the knights. They are slaughtered by Kivar's Vampires. In the end, only Simon is still standing against Kivar. Kivar attacks, making Simon a vampire.

10 years later...

Simon is on a quest to find a chalice that is believed to hold the key to returning his soul. With his loyal friend, Orlando, he has spent the past 10 years roaming the world. They believe they have finally found the hiding place of the chalice. It is hidden in catacombs beneath Castle Charmot.

Years ago, Isabel's parents passed away. To keep greedy knights from taking control of Castle Charmot, Isabel and her most loyal knight, Brautus, have claimed that the castle is haunted by a demon. They call the demon "The Black Knight." The demon is actually Brautus in disguise. Brautus dresses in demon armor and kills any knight who seeks to take Charmot. However, Brautus is getting old. Isabel is afraid he won't last through another battle. She says a prayer to her father, asking him to send her a real "Black Knight."

When Simon arrives at Castle Charmot, he claims to be the cousin of Isabel's father. The Black Knight challenges him. Simon convinces Isabel to let him enter without a sword battle. She agrees to let him stay at Charmot, hoping he would be willing to take over the role of The Black Knight.

Simon claims to be cursed from his time of battle during the crusades. He tells Isabel that he must do penance in order to break the curse. This gives him an excuse to "fast" (eat no food) and to lock himself away during daylight hours. He also claims that the solution to his curse can be found in the catacombs, convincing her to let Simon and Orlando spend their nights searching. In truth, they hope to find the chalice.

Over the following weeks, Simon and Isabel fall in love. Simon gives her his oath that he will protect Charmot. Isabel's people embrace him as their new lord. But Simon must focus on finding the chalice.

Lucan Kivar thinks of himself as Simon's father. He is disgusted with Simon's lack of malice. Simon will only kill and feed from people who deserve death for horrendous crimes, or from animals. Kivar makes a plan to force Simon to turn dark. Kivar attacks Isabel. Simon has no choice but to bring forth his vampire strength and fangs to fight for her. Now Isabel knows the truth and she must decide if she can trust Simon. Kivar has taken him prisoner. Isabel knows that only she can save him.

Again Kivar snatches Isabel. When the chalice is found, Simon must choose between saving Isabel or using the chalice to become human. The chalice will only appear for a few moments. Once it is lost, so are Simon's chances to reclaim his soul. However those few moments are all Isabel has left as she bleeds in Kivar's hands.

I don't read many vampire romances. Actually I think this is the first one I've ever read intentionally (I thought, hey, medieval vampire story, sounds cool). Anyway, I can't say with any authority that this IS an original vampire story because I don't read them often enough, but it certainly felt new and fresh to me.

Simon was a young, idealistic Crusader devoted to his liege lord. Ambushed and attacked at his lord's wedding by a castle full of vampires, Simon is the only survivor of his group. Not by chance, but because he is a ruthless and dedicated warrior. He is "turned" by the vampire leader Lucan Kivar. Though he defeats Kivar, he is cursed to the life of a vampire, and embarks on a quest at the urging of his lord's intended bride Roxanna who had also been turned and by the wizard Orlando (who happens to be a dwarf). Simon is to find "the Chalice" which can cure vampires.

Isabel is the orphaned mistress of Castle Charmot. At age 26, she has cleverly avoided the machinations of the king and the would be suitors he has sent her way. Her father's aging knight has helped her to keep her independence by playing the part of the "Black Knight" who challenges any suitors and bests them, but he is growing to old to protect her any longer and so Isabel prays for true Black Knight to rescue her.

In writing out premise for this novel I feel like I'm not doing justice to the story. It's a well planned and very believable tale. Blue's prose is clean and sharp, with no fluff. And does she ever use it effectively, beautifully shaping her characters with some of the best "show, not tell" characterization I've ever seen in a romance. If you're looking for the heavy-handed, infantile typical romance novel means of revealing the characters' personalities, this is not the book for you. I'm so sick of having authors tell me how independent a heroine is--I want to be shown. Don't tell me fifty times that the hero is tortured--let his actions and thoughts speak for themselves. Blue does just that, and does it very well.

Simon comes to Castle Charmot ten years into his quest, believing that the Chalice (or a clue to its whereabouts) is there. He's been living like a vampire, and trying to keep from killing the innocent, but he does feed on humans from time to time. I realize that the whole "tortured hero" thing is pretty much stock for a vampire hero, but he just feels so real to me. There's nothing contrived about him. He's not perfect, but he tries to do the right thing--and unlike so many vampire heroes he's not trying to do good because he's been converted by the virgin heroine's innocence of by some silly supernatural interference, he fights his vampire nature and wins most of the time. When he meets Isabel he starts falling for her almost immediately, and I really like that, when there's no silly, contrived reason the hero won't make a move for the heroine. Simon is just wonderful in his angst-ridden love for Isabel.

Isabel is a great heroine. She really is independent (for years she's gotten by on her own), but she's not afraid to seek help when she needs it (none of this "I must do it on my own or become a martyr!" business with Isabel). She's practical, she's smart, and she's willing to be ruthless to achieve her goals.

Kivar returns to play the villain and causes mostly believable havoc for our protagonists. He's fairly one dimensional in his evil, but a horror setting is one place I'm willing to overlook simplistic villain characterization. Pushing our lovebirds through the story toward what is a remarkably good ending. No over-the-top fairy tale epilogue for Simon and Isabel--oh no, they're together, but still fighting for their happily ever after.

"My Demon's Kiss" isn't perfect. There's a plot hole or two (Roxanna & Orlando; and the man Simon turns into a vampire) that are really lead-ins for future books. I don't mind that, but I'm not a fan of introducing things like that in what should be a stand-alone book and then leaving them hanging. Isabel gets a little ditzy for the sake of some plot twists toward the end, but I'm willing to forgive it. Also, Isabel's mother died when she was born, but Isabel is alarmingly uninformed about her mother which doesn't really fit in with the sharp sort of character she is. And then there's Simon whose dream has been to return to Ireland, the country of his birth, but he never gets there and it seems he never will...so why introduce it at all? But oh well, these are small quibbles with what is otherwise a very good book.

A great and refreshing read, "My Demon's Kiss" is a must buy for all romance fans. I give it four stars, about the highest rating I ever give, and anxiously await Ms. Blue's (who apparently has written under the name listed for the copyright, Jayel Wylie, as well) next installment.

Simon was a six years old Irish slave to a nasty Saxon overlord when the Normans invaded and killed his lord which made the lad very happy. Two decades later, Simon is fighting to retake the Holy Land when the Caliph Kivar provides Roxanna as a bride to the Duke leading this Crusader quest. She refuses and hell breaks out; Simon intercedes on her behalf only to be bitten. A virtual slaughter ensues, but Simon and two others including the girl survive.

As Simon wonders whether a vampire can be a Christian, he wants his affliction gone. He learns from a scroll Kivar possessed that a holy chalice allegedly hidden in Charmot Castle in England may provide the cure he desperately seeks. He travels to England accompanied by Orlando the dwarf and the girl he saved. In England, Simon meets Lady Isabel, whose castle is allegedly where the Chalice can be found. As the Christian vampire and the English lady fall in love, someone wants him dead because he interferes with plans for Isabel.

MY DEMON'S KISS is sort of taking Angel and placing him mostly in eleventh century England. The story line is action-packed from the moment that Simon "rescues" Roxanna and never slows down until the final altercation. Readers will appreciate the romantic subplot that brings new enemies to Simon who simply wants to become human again. He and Isabel are likable heroic lead characters while Orlando and Roxanna add depth to a fine medieval vampire romance. A terrific tale with an intriguing final twist that will have fans praising Lucy Blue while looking forward to more adventures starring Simon with Orlando the Wizard at his side.

Harriet Klausner

There's not much more that I can add that hasn't already been said by prior reviewers. I'm not a huge fan of vampire stories, but for some reason have read several this past year and I have to say that this book and Cyndi Friberg's terrific Born of the Shadows are the best and most interesting I've yet read.

Simon is a knight who is turned into a vampire while on Crusade. He hates what he is and when he learns that there may be a way for him to become human again, he can't help but hope and believe. He and his wizard sidekick Orlando have been on their quest for ten years when they finally arrive at Charmot, a castle in England built on the ruins of an old Druid stone circle. Legend holds that a chalice that could "cure" Simon can be found there and so Simon and Orlando present themselves to the Lady of Charmot.

That lady is Isabel and since the death of her father she has been responsible for her castle and her people. She has successfully held would-be husbands and marauders at bay with the help of her father's (unfortunately aging) good friend and a little deception. She worries that their luck will run out if they are set upon again, and fears for the safety of her castle. But Simon presents himself (okay, he lies!) as her distant cousin who is cursed and who was led to Charmot by a vision from her father. He and Orlando explain that somewhere within the castle they will find a cure for Simon's curse. Isabel is not sure she believes them, but lets them stay for two reasons: 1. She gets him to agree to protect her castle against any attack and 2. She finds herself very much attracted to the angelic-looking yet slightly dangerous Simon.

Though Simon tries to stay away from her, he is helplessly attracted to her and feels a strong need to protect her (even from himself). Isabel is wary of Simon's true motives, but she also needs his sword arm to protect her people and she finds herself falling for this kind, handsome enigma. They become lovers and Simon's quest continues but will an evil that has followed him from the Holy Land crush all their hopes?

Simon is adorable, sexy, kind and just a really good man who refuses to abandon his humanity and his faith after he is turned. Isabel is smart, pragmatic and independent - a heroine that readers can like and respect. The villain is really evil and vile and scary! The author's descriptions and tone are vivid, dark, mystical pulling reader into her story's time and place. This is the first in a series and there will be more vampires and adventures to come. I for one will be reading them.

Being someone who reads all things vampire I was intrigued enough to buy this book.It was a good read, though I put it down several times which is not something I normally do. Hence the three star rating.The idea of the holy grail being a cure for vampirism is sort of different.But if being turned into a vampire against your will as the main charactor was, you would want to find a way out.I would recomend this book to someone who is just starting to read this genre as it has a different twist then the normal vampire tale.

I just loved everything about this one. The sex scenes were very hot and steamy which is a must for any romance that I read. The villians were convincing and the plot behind the whole story was terrific. If this author keeps writing books as good as this one then I will be sure to get all of them.

Oh and I totally loved the excerpt in the back I am so going to get that one. Its about a Tristan that appears in this book. I am waiting rather impatiently for that one it called The Devil's Knight. I just wish that we could have a cover already I mean the book comes out in December. I loved the leading lady in My Demon's Kiss she knew what she wanted and she went for it I hate it when authors write women that are so gung ho against the main hero finally a woman who actually likes the hero!

This is the first time I've ever read Jayel Wylie and her new series under her pen name Lucy Blue is off to a great start with the first in the series "My Demon's Kiss."

Ms. Blue has taken the vampire legend and re-worked it taking a few myths from here and there thereby creating her own workable legend. Add to this new storyline, bright and life like characters and you have the makings of a very good story.

Simon, Knight of Lyan life changes while on the Crusades. His lord is about to take to wife a demon and the night of the ceremony Simon not only looses the one man that was both mentor and adopted father (Duke of Lyan) he also looses his mortality with the deadly kiss of Kivar. After he turns into the immortal vampire Simon he is told of a legend that could break the curse of the vampire. He must find the Chalice of King Arthurs fame. His quest takes him back to England and Castle Charmot. Here he will find more than he ever thought possible. He finds love and he will do all that he can to protect the one thing he never thought would be his.

Isabel holds Castle Charmot by a very frayed thread. When Simon shows up at her door in the middle of the night claiming to be her cousin she opens her door to him and his companion not realizing that her life would never be the same after that one action. Isabel is drawn to the dark Simon. He smiles but it doesn't reach his eyes. He tries to maintain a distance that she doesn't understand...or want. He makes her feeel things that are new to her and no matter how hard she tries she can't escape the attraction that she feels. When demon's seem to be hunting the woods near her home, and horrid murders are being discovered she realizes her life could be in more danger than ever before. She implores Simon to help keep her and her people safe. What she doesn't understand is that the mysterious actions that began taking place were in direct result of Simon.

Simon tries but can't turn his back on Isabel. Soon the become lovers and it's only a matter of time before Isabel is made aware of Simon's dark curse. He doesn't want to see fear and revulsion in the eyes of his love. He soon learns that he didn't have to worry about that. Isabel loves him and with her help he begins to set wrongs right...but not before he makes a very important mistake.

This was a very fast paced read. I can understand why this was a "Top Pick" for RT magazine. Ms. Blue has penned a romance that is at once suspenseful and sensual. The legend of the Vampire can be done either in the tried and true way or as in this case with a twist. We are left with our appetites wetted for the next in the series. I highly recommend this read and this series if you like vampire romance but are looking for something different. You won't be disappointed here!

Official Reviewer for www.romancedesigns.com