The Darkest Fire (Lords of the Underworld)

I got one book, for free from my libary (# 3) so at that time I did not even realize these were a series. But I really enjoyed that one so I went back to start at the beginning with this book. I don't think you have to read them in order, there is enough information that I did not feel lost reading them out of order. I really liked the story of this first book, the characters were very endearing in my opinion. I hope this helps someone else enjoy a good series.

This short story almost kept me from reading the Lords of the Underworld series completely. With little to no character development or interaction, I found the whole romance aspect of this stories ridiculous. Honestly, I think it detracts from the series (which I like less than Kresley Cole's or JR Ward's series) and would not recommend reading if you're thinking of getting into the series. And if you are wanting to read it, get the free version that people have posted about... don't pay for it!

So I actually started The Darkest Night first then realized this one was first so had to pause DN to read this one :P

I liked this short, first look into the series. Kadence and Geryon were a heartbreaking but sweet tale. Although this story was very short and at times it seemed a little rushed, I loved the emotion behind this couples need for each other.

The fact that they could forge that connection while in hell made it that much more potent.

I never thought I'd like a half-beast man...oh, who am I kidding? I want aliens, vampires, Lykae, Gods and Demons at this point. Half-beasts actually seem tamed compared to that :p

Now that I have the back story, I'm dying to go and finish Maddox. He was KILLING me. Ungh Violence, I'm coming back for ya baby!

Despite the negative comments, I read this book as a prequel to the Lords of the Underground series. I am now reading book 4 of the series and I am not sure what help this book gives to the series?!? The story was pointless and there was a very thin line connecting this story to those of the Lords. Read it, I guess because its free. But it doesn't impact the series at all.

I really enjoyed reading "The Darkest Fire." It was exciting and dramatic. I feel like it was a great setup for the Lords of the Underworld series. I'm definitely hooked on this series. I know I'm really late getting around to reading it. If you are like me and haven't read it yet, you should definitely try it if you like stories with rich mythology and intense romance.

*This was originally released in 2008. I read it in the INTO THE DARK story collection.

For a more detailed review, please visit Books That Hook.

Book Description

He is the guardian of hell, more monster than man. She is the goddess of oppression, more angel than woman. Together they will enter the flames to battle a dangerous horde of demon lords -- and discover a passion unlike any other....

Fine Printings' Review

Written by award winning author, Gena Showalter, this story is not one of her sexiest or captivating though it does prepare the reader for the tantalizing series that follows. Due to the size of the story, the reader may find it hard to form a bond with the characters within. Though, it is an appropriate prequel, which makes it a "have to read" before delving into the fascinating world of the Lords of the Underworld. Currently this novella is available only as an eBook from the author.

This prequel seemed a little odd to me at first, not knowing anything about the series, but as I continued in the series I liked it more and appreciated it more, for its backstory. The characters are good, if what a little confusing at first, but overall a short, but good read.

Not for me. I was confused as to what was going on and I was not into the whole beauty and the beast theme. Animal magnetism? I mean, he is part animal...it was just not for me. I don't mind a good book about a demon as the hero, but he needs to be a little more humanoid...just my opinion

I actually read the first book of the series before finding this little ebook. It provides a lot of background and is really good...it tells of the Goddess of Opression and how the box was created. I would deifnitely recommend this book first, but I read it out of order and wasn't lost.

This is totally a beauty and the beast pre-quel to the main books in the series. It's mildly entertaining but isn't going to keep you wanting more.

What I found most surprising was that in choosing to have a "sample" of the bundle sent to me I got this book in it's entirety. I think that says more about the book than I can.

I'm still debating the actual purchase of the bundle.

I really enjoy reading most of Gena Showalter's books but I couldn't seem to get past the fact that the male character is described as having fur and hooves. I can do horns, claws, sharp teeth and scars...but fur is just too much for me. I liked this story because it gives some insight to what happened before the Lords of the Underworld carried their demons...but other then that it didn't hit the spot for me.

EDIT: Review is for The Darkest Night!!! SORRY!

I had been putting off reading this book for a while now. Gena was so nice to even post the first three chapters but I couldn't bring myself to read them knowing that I would be highly disappointed that I wouldn't be able to finish the story! Well, I'm glad I did that.

This was a very good book! I'd have to say it wasn't my favorite Gena book though. However, with it being the first book of the series which required a brief introduction to all the demons in the story it was good. It had a great cast. I'm loving the demons. I'm looking forward to reading about the rest of them.

This book centers around Maddox the demon of Violence. He is cursed because he was the one to slay Pandora trying to prove that he should have been the one to guard the box that held the demons. His punishment in addition to housing Violence he must be slain each night in the same fashion that he killed Pandora. One night Ashlyn, who has her own unique curse of being able to hear the conversations of the past where ever she stands, ventures to the estate that the demons live in. Maddox, nearly upon his death bed for the evening, ventures out to slay the men following her and to find out who or what she is. She's quit to figure out that Maddox is the cure to the voices in her head. When he's around all is silent.

Maddox is forced by some inner thing to take her with him back to the castle. She witnesses and tries to save him from being slain that evening. Which evolves into a full blown love story between Maddox and Ashlyn. It's a very charming story.

9/10

I bought the 'Bundle' for kindle never having read Ms. Showalter's work before. I read the first book and thought 'oh NO! I can't go through this torture for the next thousand pages!' It is hastily thrown together, obviously meant to answer some questions from the series that never get answered. The characters are mere sketches and there is no reason for them to like each other, much less do the 'deed.' Do not read this book first, whatever you do. The subsequent books are MUCH better. I'm actually ordering the next book out in August now. Read at least the first book in the series before endeavoring to muddle through this one. That is my opinion.

This was a horrible book. It had a silly storyline and the writting was poor. I hope the rest of the series is better. I love paranormal romance but this was just ridiculus. This was a terrible way to begin the story. Im just glad it was short.