The Darkest Warrior (Lords of the Underworld)

Wow...I'm amazed that I enjoyed this book as much as I did! For not being the biggest fan of The Darkest Promise and thinking all the LotU books were becoming repetitive, The Darkest Warrior shocked the hell outta me!
I didn't think I would like seeing Gillian with anyone but William (since as we all know the trajectory of their story has been leading us to believe a romance would bloom once she turned 18) but I happily stand corrected.
Gillian and Puck just fit perfectly together. They make sense. They compliment each other. They understand each other. They have chemistry and respect and they adore each other.
I was sad at first that Gillian didn't end up with William, but if you give her and Puck a chance, I think you'll find their romance is far more powerful and loving. William was always afraid of his prophecy, enough so that he couldn't give his life for Gillian. Guess what? Puck did and it paid off in spades for them!!!
I love Gillian's progression in this story. She grew and strengthened and became the warrior she was always meant to be. And William? He'll find his perfect lady soon enough...and it'll be a spectacular ride!!!

"The Darkest Warrior" begins with a battlefield betrayal of Puck by his brother Sin. After a prophecy where one brother would fall in love and then kill the other, both have avoided romantic love out of loyalty to the other. Everything changes when Sin tricks Puck into opening a box containing the demon Indifference who possesses him and punishes him for feeling any emotions. Since then, they have become enemies and Sin has been terrorizing Amaranthia. Another prophecy comes to light where Puck must wed William's woman in order to defeat Sin and retake the crown.

On her 18th birthday, Keeley gives Gillian a potion that would turn her immortal. However, Gilly is not yet strong enough and weakens, dying rather than becoming immortal. The only way to save her is to Bond with an immortal who is stronger. Fearing his curse, William is unwilling to do so. Puck, however, knows this is his chance. He will bond with Gilly and then convince William to help him defeat Sin when he will sever the bond to give her back to William.

However, once he meets and then bonds with Gillian, he finds it harder to imagine going back than he ever would have expected. During the time he leaves Gillian in Amaranthia and goes to find and make a bargain with William, Gillian spends 500 years remaking the kingdom and growing/strengthening herself. She is different than she was before that time- she has evolved into a person she admires and loves, something she couldn't have said before her time in Amaranthia. During those 500 years, she has also been unable to forget the goodbye kiss Puck gave her. Drawn together by lust and a common mission, they must forge ahead to save Amaranthia.

While I have read only a few of the previous books in this series, I have heard of the controversies in terms of the pairing presented from more loyal fans of the books. I can't comment on this too much, except to say that I agree with the revelations Gillian has about William and her personal growth/maturity that leads to the romantic changes in this book. The way Showalter presents it here flows well and makes a lot of sense to me- however, I was not at all emotionally invested in Gilliam from previous books. The attraction between Puck and Gillian heats up the pages, but nothing happens for a long while into the story- and after they get to know each other better.

Overall, it's an adventure story with some romance attached, and I enjoyed it throughout, all the way to the great ending. There aren't so many steamy scenes, but the sexual tension really built up throughout the book. I really liked the slow build and the action/adventure that keeps the plot moving quickly.

Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Lords of the Underworld is one of my favorite series ever and this book just kept up my love for the Lords of the Underworld!!

This is one couple that is unconventional but is amazing together. I am probably one of the minority here that is glad that Gillian did not end up with William. I didn't see the connection between William & Gillian besides friendship, maybe even family, because when Gillian met Puck, that's when we started to see a side of Gillian that William never brought out in her.

Puck is a very strong warrior and he brings a strength out in Gillian that I haven't seen from her and I really liked it. Gillian brought out a softer side to Puck that he isn't used to feeling and his possessiveness towards her knows no bounds. I loved the way they did everything with passion; they fought with passion, they loved with passion, they lusted with passion and they ruled with passion.

This story is a little unconventional, but at the same time, it was just such a wonderful read. This book also made me that much more excited for William's book!!

I LOVED THIS BOOK !
This was an excellent read by Gena, she likes to take you on a journey and this book was no exception. I was thrilled to find out Spoiler ALERT that Gillian and William did not end up together ( romantically) . I was super excited to see how Gillian grows up and becomes a strong women. She needed time to find herself, live her life and make choices that did not involve William.
When Puck showed up. I was not sure he would be a good fit, until he saved her. The choices he made at first were for him but that changed once he realized , she was HIS. Puck is a knight in shinning armour...or furry armor but a knight just the same.
Both Gillian and Puck grew as people and learned to love and trust another, that's just what the doctor ordered.
I look forward to continuing the journey with Gena, I never judge the authors I read. I like the surprises they give us. Thank you Gena, I appreciate you and the magic you write !

Gena Showalter is a genius. And her Dark series is nothing short of inspired. Gillian who since being introduced I have wanted to read her HEA, because if anyone deserves it she does. Just a warning.... this book has triggers so you have been warned. The amount of growing that Gillian does in this book compared to where she was in the beginning is huge. She has really transformed from a shy, timid mouse afraid of her own shadow into a badass warrior capable of fighting her own battles and never being a victim again.
Puck saddles with the demon of Indifference had to learn that his list that had kept him sane for centuries were not going to work on Gillian and if he wanted to keep her he had to battle her feelings for another man, his own brother and even himself. This HEA was hard won, there are epic battles and amazing beasts thrown in. An awesome addition to the Lords of the Underworld Series.

This edition to the Lords of the Underworld series is not to be missed. There is a lot happening in the timeline. Not to mention all of the developments, large and small, to the various stories of other characters in the series.

In the beginning I had very mixed feelings about Gillian ending up with anyone other than William. With so many books where the two of them seemed meant for each other it was jarring to change course. I felt like I was invested in their relationship, no one else would do. However, I didn't need to worry. Ms. Showalter handled the situation like the pro she is and I was left completely happy with the outcome. I honestly didn't think it was going to be possible, but luckily I was wrong. Whew!

I can't wait to find out who gets their chance at happily ever after next. Not to mention the progression of the story!

Sorry I couldn't finish the book. I tried. The goat legs really is sick. I felt 0 chemistry between Puck and Gilly. The book seemed forced. And for some reason while reading Kresley Cole kept coming in my mind.
Another thing about the book I felt it had no connection to the other books of the series.

Gillian has been a broken child for so long! William has been her comfort, her savior but even though many of you will not admit this, he has also held her back. Puck is unexpected! He is unbelievably strong, surprisingly gentle and unaware of Gillian's past. In Puck's world Gillian is finally able to grow up, to become the woman she was meant to be and to go through new trials to create a stronger woman. Puck supports and admires Gillian's growth. This may not be the story the readers wanted or expected but it is the story that Gillian needed and Puck is the man she was destined to conquer!

I do not typically write reviews, however I had to write one for this book. I almost didn’t make the purchase after reading the negative reviews, however I am so glad that I did. This turned out to be one of my favorite in the series. Although I like William, it was clear from the last book that he and Gillian were not meant to be together. The hero in this story, Puck, obviously turns out to be perfect for her. I found Gillian a very likable heroine, who overcomes great personal tragedy to become strong and courageous (though not in an overbearing and egotistical way like many heroines in paranormal romance books). Puck is strong and fierce and protective, and basically anything you could ask for in a hero. I thought the author did a great job polishing and rounding out the strong platonic bond between Gillian and William by the end of the story. As a big fan of the LOTU series, this is definitely one for my “keeper” shelf!

I went into this not happy about the William decision and read other reviews. I thought I would just read it and get thru it so I could continue on with the overall LOTU saga. I quickly fell in love with Puck. Gena is a master storyteller and the way she wove this tale from the first page... I am very happy and satisfied with how this turned out. It was a fantastic journey that all made sense as it went along... Bravo! I love knowing William will find his true love...

The Darkest Warrior
Gena Showalter

The Darkest Warrior #14 in Showalter’s Lords of the Underworld series is a bit of a shocker, but refreshing. The love story of Puck the Satyr-like keeper of the demon Indifference and Gillian Shaw the girl William the Dark, adopted son of Hades rescued and who most fans thought would end up with, so readers get a love triangle too. The author’s putting Puck and Gillian together is understandably upsetting for some fans but give them a chance because they ROCK as a couple and watching Gillian mature from a frightened former abused tragic figure to a fierce, take-no-prisoners warrior woman is fantastic and there is no Lord more honorable than Puck plus their story is amazing so give them a chance to grow on you. The storyline closely follows the previous installment in the series but long time fans can skip around a bit without losing too much information, but newbies need to start from book one. It’s unexpected and un-put-downable and if readers will give them a chance they’ll see they really are the perfect match. Besides author bashing is not cool

SUMMARY:
Puck the keeper of the demon Indifference needs a wife, to fulfill a prophecy to regain the throne of Amaranthia and overthrow his brother who centuries ago betrayed him and forced him to a hellish eternity. Not any bride will do, he must have the woman/girl belonging to William the Dark but she must come to him willingly. He’ll need to learn to taper his surprisingly intense desire for her or she’ll bolt before the prophecy is fulfilled. Gillian Shaw was ready to celebrate her eighteenth birthday by seducing the immortal man who saved her from her abusive stepfather and stepbrothers, the man she loves with all her heart but still finds intimacy torturous. Instead she finds herself tossed down the rabbit hole with a half man half beast immortal demon-keeper who claims her for his wife. Strangely enough she’s not afraid of him, but there’s definitely others out there that she should fear.

"He kissed her as if his survival depended on it, demanding total surrender. Surrender she happily ceded"

The Darkest Warrior by Gena Showalter begins with a bitter betrayal between two brothers. A prophesy has been fulfilled. One shall find love and happiness while the other will parish and die by his own brothers hand. Puck the keeper of Indifference has come to terms of his beastly looks and would do whatever it takes to take back what was rightfully his. And to help him claim back his crown.... Gilly.

On Gilly's eighteenth birthday, with one simple potion, changes her life forever.
She is dying. Rather than becoming immortal... she is not strong enough for the change. Until she is bonded to the Keeper of Indifference. Gilly is saddened by the fact that she can't be with William, but this is the only way.

What starts out as hatred for one another, Puck and Gilly slowly but surely fall in love. He loves her for what she is, she brings him peace. But he must save his city from his diabolical brother and soon... or Amaranthia will be lost.

"He had an entire solar system in those irises, and she felt like she was the sun."

In the Darkest Warrior, the attraction between the beast and his beauty was undeniable. It's a slow burn but the sexual tension was off the charts. I will admit like all the other fans of this well known series, that when I discovered Gilly would not end up with William my heart was crushed. I shipped them from the very beginning. But Gena makes us understand why these two wouldn't work. It was honestly a great transition, its time to let go of the past and look forward to the future.

Overall it was a great addition to the Lords of the Underworld, and I can't wait for William's story. I am so incredibly intrigued to see just who will break down those heavy walls of his, and warm her way into his heart.

I have to say, that like a lot of other readers I was disappointed when I found out the William and Gilly would not be a thing. That being said I went into this book with no expectations and was surprised to find that I really enjoyed Gilly and Puck as a couple. In fact, this may be my favorite Gena Showalter book thus far. Very well written and extremely entertaining.

I'm a little over half way through the book and I'm super conflicted on one hand I kind of enjoy the book and on another hand I HATE it, I would have been happy with puck and Gillian being together if there was no build up between William and Gillian in previous books. Also the fact that Gillian lives through 500 years in a different world while puck was really only gone for a couple of weeks really irked me for some reason especially since he had been incredibly cruel to her before he left and she just has to wait for him to come back. When he finally does come back she's all over him and wants everything she previously never wanted with him, it just seemed completely unrealistic and pathetic on her part which i disliked. Besides all of that the writing is good I just would have enjoyed the book more if it had gone the way I was expecting.

Review: THE DARKEST WARRIOR (Lords of the Underworld) by Gena Showalter
Publication Date: June 26, 2018
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Cori
Rated 5 Stars #TopFav2018

I loved this book! If you’re on the fence about reading this one because you wanted William and Gillian to end up together I’d recommend reading it. I think Gillian ended up with the right person and I can’t wait to see who William will end up with now. THE DARKEST WARRIOR is the fourteenth book in Gena Showalter's Lords of the Underworld series and features Puck, the keeper of indifference and Gillian. The storyline was unique and gave Gillian a chance to grow and become stronger. She became one of my favorite female characters in this series. William and Puck fight against and with each other in this book, I loved their antics and I still adore William, but Gillian and Puck were made for each other. I just loved their story. I recommend reading the series in order to fully enjoy the series storyline. I highly recommend this series for paranormal romance lovers. Gena Showalter always delivers a great love story.

*Review copy provided by Harlequin in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book. I never got the whole William and Gilly thing. They just never made sense to me. Gillian was not really one of my favorite characters but I ended up really liking her in this book. She's not one of Gena's over the top, sometimes annoying, female leads so that made me happy.

Okay so yes I was originally a little disappointed about the pairing as were a lot of readers, however I still wanted to give this story a chance and put my faith in the author's writing that I have come to love.

I am so glad I did, because I absolutely loved Puck and I thought he was great for Gillian. I thought the storyline was creative and I loved the interactions between the characters.

This world has definitely been a favorite of mine for quite some time and definitely one of my top paranormal series and I definitely can't wait to read more and to see what Gena brings us next because it always seems a surprise.

I am going to be up front. I was one of those people that got upset when Gena Showalter announced that Gillian was going to be with Puck and not William. I had been looking forward to there story for a long time. I listened to the authors reasons and knew that she knows the characters better than we do and was going to give the book a try.

This book is now my favorite Lord of the Underworld. All the characters were great but Gillian was my favorite. He transformation from a scared and broken girl into a beautiful, strong and independent woman in this book was amazing to read. I was so happy to see her grow into this woman that could now run into battle to protect other people she cared about. The love between her and Puck was beautiful and showed hoe the author was right Puck is the only man for her.

If you were upset like me about William and Gillian not getting there story, don’t be. After reading this book you will see why she needs and has to be with Puck.

Even though Gillian means to be fierce, Puck just finds it adorable, “you better mean those words. The prince of Fiáin lied to me a few months ago, and he’s just now learning to walk again.” His wee little wife had immobilized a warrior who’d trained for battle for eons? Puck almost laughed." There are times Puck means business, “I’m going to tend to her wounds. Anyone tries to stop me, they die.” Puck is a possessive one, "Puck was on his feet and punting William in the stomach. His grip on her never slipped. “Only ever mine. Never yours.” I liked this book, I loved Puck

Like many others I've been anticipating Gil/liam's finally getting together and was very surprised when Showalter revealed that William was not Gillian's mate but I respected her reasoning and gave it a shot. I was not disappointed at all! I truly believe that Showalter was completely right about this pairing and styled true to her characters.

The Darkest Warrior by Gena Showalter is book 14 in the Lords of the Underworld series. This is the story of Pukinn 'Puck' Neale Brion Connacht IV and Gillian Shaw. I have not yet read the books in this series, so for me this was a standalone book . Although this book makes me want to find every book in the series and start reading it.
Puck was a hardcore warrior out to protect his brother Sin and letting nothing come between them. Puck was also a one night only man to the women not wanting to encourage or start a marriage rumor. But the his brother betrayed him that set him off on a path to over take his brother. Then when Gillian enter into his life things started to change.
This was just a very exciting hot read! Loved it!

I have been a staunch Gilly Willy fan since their characters were cast in the LOTU series. I almost wanted to cry when Gena announced that she had decided to go a different direction. I am so glad she did because Puck and Gillian are my newest favorite LOTU couple. Sorry Keely. This book has got it all: adventure, betrayal, love, hate, humor, gore, and it is hawt hawt hawt!

Ok, I haven't read every book in the series so I wasn't as attached to the Gillian/William ship. I actually didn't really care for William so I was thrilled to see another path for Gillian. And I thought Puck was perfect for her! He didn't treat her like she was spun glass and he pushed her to learn about herself. He can seem harsh at times but its exactly what Gillian needed! I also liked the way Showalter handled giving Gillian some time to grow up. At 18, she was just too young and immature. Overall, I thought this was a great addition to the series.

I don’t often review books, but I thought some of the other reviews were overly harsh because of the disappointment over Gillian ending up with Puck instead of William. As someone who was not overly invested in that relationship, I thought this was a great book.

I loved this novel! I was not of the team that William and Gilly had to end up together and I think if you go into this novel with that mindset you will enjoy it so much more. It was fast paced and it has some unexpected twists right at the beginning that set the tone for the novel. There are also so many loose ends that I am waiting on the edge of my seat for the next novel! I can't wait to see where this will go but if you want a fun, fast paced novel, and you trust that whatever Gena writes will be gold you must pick up this novel!!

As always a perfect balance of humor and substance. I don’t remember a book in this series I haven’t liked.
Yes...It’s not “ War And Peace “ It is however very fun read that’s very hard to put down.