| Title | : | Kingdom of Lies (Imp, #7) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle , Hardcover , Paperback , Audiobook & More |
| Number of Pages | : | 289 |
| Publication | : | First published September 9, 2015 |
But Gregory also needs her help. Interdimensional rifts are opening, spilling supernatural creatures into the world of the humans. Locating and closing the gateways takes a team of two – an angel and a demon.
It’s the opportunity Sam has been waiting for, the very thing that might allow demons and angels to put aside nearly three million years of hate. But the gem has a dark power – one that could shatter any hope of peace between heaven and hell. Which task takes priority? Sam is at a crossroads, where either choice leads to a dark future.
Kingdom of Lies (Imp, #7) Reviews
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You’re probably wondering what a pic of this adorable puppy (and her equally adorable "aunt") has to do with my review… Well, nothing – and everything.
The tiny, black bundle of joy on the right is Tilla; my new miniature dachshund/hellhound puppy and she's too sweet for words. She’s also he reading why I haven’t been reading much lately, because… well, just look at that face! Shockingly, I haven't even missed fictional escapism all that much, until...
Ladies and gentlemen of Goodreads, meet the bane of Tilla's spoiled existence: As soon as the ARC (generously provided by Debra in exchange for an honest review) made it's way to my inbox, I found myself petting my too-cute-for-words puppy absentmindedly on the head because I was too engrossed in Kingdom Of Lies to pay proper attention to her adorable puppy dog eyes. Don't blame me, Debra's books are THAT good!
Kingdom of Lies has the trademark humor I've come to expect from Debra Dunbar's Imp series:
- Speed dates from Hell (literally)- featuring desperate angels that are looking for luuuuv in all the wrong places. (Hey, a 2.5 million year long dry spell will do that to everyone (with one notable exception, of course...) Yep, our imp turned Angel of Chaos and the archangel Rafael have started a dating agency called Infernal Mates. And if you think you’ve been on the worst blind date ever, well, I can assure you that these angels are doing much worse. Who would YOU choose if your choices were a demonic date that’s into projectile vomiting or his rival who wants to take you on a joyride then infect a group of preschoolers with Ebola?
- Sex jokes (and hilarious American place names) that surely must degrade archangelic vibration pattern by centuries - if not millennia:
"I can get there faster," I choked out between laughter that nearly brought me to my nees. "Because four hours from intercourse (guys, this is an actual place name in the US! Demonic influence, perhaps?) to climax (again, there is a place that goes by that name! I wonder what the vibration patterns look like in that particular town?) is cause for immediate medical attention." He waved a hand. "For paltry humans, maybe. Four hours for an angel is a quickie." (*fans myself*)
But impish behavior aside, Sam's life has gotten a whole lot more complicated since her happy-go-lucky days prior to Gregory's arrival. Not only has Gareth finally decided to call in Sam's favors by asking her to retrieve an Alexandrite gemstone with dangerous properties from the hands of a Greed demon, she's also got her hands full trying to raise the credit scores of lowlife humans as per agreement with the Ruling Council. Oh, and did I mention that the entire race of Elves has got it in for her?
Those accursed elves even manage to disrupt her sexcapades with the oldest angel in existence. Even though Gregory's unloaded many of his Aaru responsibilities onto his younger brother's shoulders, he's frequently got his hands too full trying to seal interdimentional gateways that are bringing cuddly, but dangerously deceptive creatures to Earth to pay our imp the loving attention she deserves. But at least the guy knows how to arrange romantic dates in faraway places. I admit to being a tiny teensy bit jealous of the Ancient Revered One's loving attention to his imp... The chips must have done him a world of good!
I loved the storyline and Sam's many disastrous romps in Hel and on Earth. She might have inherited the Iblis title, but that doesn't mean that she's earned the demons's respect. In fact, the opposite is more often the case. And as usual she soon finds herself in a shitload of hilarious trouble. To the readers's delight, of course;-)
Speaking of delight: I quite enjoyed the way we got under the skin of some of the residents from Aaru and Hel in this novel. Like the newest member of Sam's household; the nerdy demon librarian. Not to mention the angelic Gate Guardian with the sweet and sour sauce obsession. We finally get to know the poor gal's name and background a little better! But as always, it's the archangels I love the most: Rafael, Sams's Infernal Mates partner has been my favorite since we first met him. He's as close to a bad-boy as Aaru's seen in 2.5 million years, and with hidden depths I yearn to discover.
But Gabriel, oh Gabriel. Naturally, he's his disgustinglybut also oddly endearingpious self in this novel, and you can really sense that Debra's setting he stage for the next book in her Imp World series, and that just happens to be Gabriel's book. (Yay!) You won't believe how long and hard my Goodreads friends and I have been plotting his sexual fall from grace. Sully those flawless vibration patterns! Work that man snake! As readers of the series already know, Sam was delighted to hear that Gabriel enjoys punishment method known as "naked and restrained" in Aaru. Of course, that turned out to be an extremely disappointing version of what sounded like a demonic favorite. Time to turn the tables on Aaru's most pious resident!
I'm sure Gabriel will say that's not going to happen until Hell freezes over, but guess what, Gabe, you're in trouble:
So there you go. I recommend this series to all lovers of humorous UF, and if you haven't read it: SHAME ON YOU!
Okay, time to wrap up this review and return to my pup who’s ripping apart my notebook as we speak.
But only six days from now, I will immerse myself in Sam's world yet again. Debra has promised us a Sam short/Halloween story in the Nightshade anthology that's due in only six days. Two Sam stories in one month; please excuse me while I squee loudly! I will never EVER get enough of this wonderful world that Debra has created. I'm in a devouring state of mind, and an extra Imp world story is my food of choice. MOAR! -
You'd think the life of a Choas Demon would be freeing if not a laugh a minute. Unfortunately poor Sam's bogged down by responsibility. Her duties as the Iblis are time consuming resulting in high stress & no time for romance.
In Kingdom of Lies (Imp, #7) Sam & one of my fave archangels Rafael (I heart Rafi) have gone into the matchmaking business together. Infernal Mates pairs interested Demons & Angels together in hopes they're breeding compatible. Think: A hybrid between a game show & match making service. FUN TIMES!
But love isn't the only finicky bitch Sam's having to deal with. The elves have joined forces & placed a reward on her head literally they prefer her dead. Gareth & Kirby have asked Sam to repay her favors/debt AKA provided Sam impossible tasks. Kirby has asked that Sam solve an agricultural problem & Gareth has tasked Sam with a retrieval job. Sam's help is also required to locate previously closed portals which are now being mysteriously opened in mass allowing dangerous species into the human realm.
Needless to say this book was fast paced, filled with adventure & comic relief. The author as usual did an excellent job moving the overall story arc forward. I for one can't wait to see what those elves are plotting.
I recommend this book to any readers who enjoy raunchy humor, mischief, & UF.
As an example of said raunchy humor I'll leave you with three of my fave quotes:
“This is a complete assembly intercourse.” It took me a second to realize what he meant. “Cluster fuck, babe. The term is cluster fuck.”
"First, we’re going to take some time for us.” Sounded lovely. I thought through all the shit I needed to do and came up with about fifteen minutes I could spare. “Okay. Coffee shop? If we hurry, we might be able to get in some barbeque and a beer.” “No, I was thinking more like a lesson in teleportation.” “I think I’ll pass.” Seriously? That was his idea of “us” time? Of me taking a break. Angels. My idea of taking a break was sprawling naked while he took a journey south of the border along my skin.”
“I’m assuming the widened eyes and squished up mouth are your way of entreating me to take you to the train station and help you question the humans. Either that or you’re constipated.” “I’m not constipated.” I resumed The Look.”
I rate this book a solid four stars.
Disclaimer: ARC generously provided by Debra Dunbar (author) in exchange for an honest review. -
Remember that game show where a (lonely) contestant would ask three potential dates questions and they would do their best to woo said contestant from behind screens? Most times, 2 out of 3 of said wooers were fugly, and you always hoped and prayed the non-fugly would get chosen. The Dating Game. Still with me? Now -- imagine The Dating Game, only replace the contestants with a mix of demons and angels, add in Sam Martin as the host and that, ladies and gents, is Infernal Mates. Sam's dream of finally pairing Angels and Demons together again has come to fruition and I have to say, only an imp at heart would take such a devilish approach :)
In Kingdom of Lies, the resident Iblis and Angel of Chaos has her plate full. More like overflowing. Both Gareth and Kirby have called upon Sam to finally repay some of the many favors owed to both of them. Kirby has asked that Sam help with failing crops in the elven lands, while Gareth has asked Sam to retrieve a gem stolen by an elf. Retrieving a gem should be easy. Retrieving one from an elf, easier still, since elves haven't been to the human realm in millions of years. Unfortunately for Sam, things aren't ever simple, and the gem is more than what Gareth initially reported. Much more, as the little gem carries enough power to destroy realms, especially when placed in the wrong hands. Adding to that little conundrum, Gregory and Sam have to work together to figure out who or what is opening portals left and right, allowing creatures a free ride to the human realm. Most of the critters are dangerous, killing and destroying whatever lies around the portals. Time is of the essence to both close the portals and retrieve the gem, as both situations have the potential to bring about mass destruction.
I don't want to sound cliché and say, this is the best installment yet, but you know what? This is the best installment yet. Dunbar continues to delight me with her naughty imp, her sexy angel, and his severely uptight brother. I love how with each new book, Gregory slowly unwinds a little more. Once upon a time, he would balk at the thought of consuming anything. Now, he's a coffee swilling, chip snacking dude. And the best part? His sense of humor is almost as wicked as Sam's.
I composed my face into what I hoped was 'adorable kitten' and waited.
"I'm assuming the widened eyes and squished up mouth are your way of entreating me to take you to the train station and help you question the humans. Either that or you're constipated."
Ok, so it is a little corny. But come on! Gregory's cracking jokes! He's made great strides concerning his relationship with Sam and I dare say, there were some awfully sweet moments between the two of them. And with a formerly straight-laced Ancient One and an imp, one wouldn't expect sweet, but oh how they were.
Gregory loved me. He loved a little cockroach of an imp with a whole lot of potential, but not a lot of skill. He'd loved a foul-mouthed, sensation-loving demon who held enough raw energy to blow up an entire state, who devoured, who did foolish reckless things and didn't always put two-and-two together. He loved the only Angel of Chaos in two-and-a-half-million years, the imp who seized a part of his angel-essence, who defied him and mocked him at every turn. He loved me.
I also liked how in this installment, Sam hinted at hooking someone up with Gabriel (through Infernal Mates, of course), and let it be known: I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE MIGHTY TO FALL. The only thing better than Kingdom of Lies is the possibility that Gabriel may finally have the stick (forcibly) removed from his behind and I'm truly hoping Debra tortures the hell out of him (and his vibration pattern) with many earthly delights.
In closing, I'll leave you with this tasty treat because hells yes!, there was a laser cat.
** Many thanks to Debra Dunbar for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. -
It's been two years since I read the previous book in this series, so I have been long over due in picking this one up. The good news is that my library actually got the audiobook for this one and the narrator does a great job with Sam's impish humor. The bad news is that her voice for the angel Gregory is seriously kind of terrible. I'll stick to ebooks for future books in this series.
And I definitely will pick up the next book in this series, hopefully in less than two years this time around, because it's just so light and funny despite how much hell/demons/destruction occurs in basically every book. I mean, the bargain with the and the laser-eyed both really had me chuckling. Just what I needed to lighten my mood. -
Another great book in the Imp series. Kingdom of Lies is book 7. I adore these characters and their stories. I can't wait to read book 8.
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This one was good, but not great. Not great because we didn't get a lot of intimate moments with Gregory, which was rather annoying. I have no idea what this Nirvana plan is the Elves are interested in, but its creating a lot of chaos for Sam and the Grigorie (which I'm sure I misspelled) keeping them on a never ending chase of gateways, other beings and on top of that Sam is on the hunt for a gem that keeps creating more and more problems and working on her debt to Kirby, the mage with the marble. Lots going on, but nothing is going on either, because not everything is well thought out or explained. The ending wasn't an ending at all because I don't know where we are left with the Veil and the elves and all that was mentioned in the synopsis. So don't read this until you can get your hands on the next book.
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Kindle Unlimited.
I feel like I missed something. This book alludes to a bunch of things that happen in side stories: Wyatt and Sam are broken up, Nyalla killed a ghoul, something happened with Wyatt and a genie, and Dar is in love with an angel. As the reader, it's frustrating to hear about things like that without further explanation, even though the only one of significance to the main character is her breakup with Wyatt.
Anyway, this installment was OK, definitely not my favorite, though. I'll probably take a break from this series for a bit. -
Oh Lordy, this plot-line is so fast. It's like being on a bullet train compared to the previous two books in this series. Though there is even more humor.
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This book has very little plot compared with others in this series...but fuck me it's hilarious. I love Sam, her antics, her attitude, her life, her chaos. I love Gregory and his stodginess, his quirks, his attitude.
Such a great cast of characters, the mischief they get into, the ongoing drama between heaven and hell....and narrated by The fabulous Angela Rysk. Brilliant combo! -
The series just gets better and better. The comedic relief is the best, and I LOVE watching Sam develop in herself and relationships. It's packed with paranormals of all kinds, action, twists and turns, romance, laugh out loud moments and more!
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These are definitely getting better as they go.
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Kingdom Of Lies is book seven of the Imp series of urban fantasy tales.
To get the very best experience from this series I highly recommend reading them in order.
Samantha Martin (Sam) is a demon; an angel of chaos. Sam has a very busy life with her new role as Iblis, the leader of Hel. However, when Sam is attacked by a creature from another realm, it is just the beginning of a long list of supernatural creatures who are crossing gates to the human world.
Sam's life is never straightforward, and as she helps the angels capture the creatures and close the gates, Sam is also on her own mission to retrieve a stolen magical gem.
More humour, more paranormal beings and a whole host of trouble. I still love this series. -
I love this series. Sam, an imp turned angel of chaos, continues to be one of the best heroines in urban fantasy. She's funny and hasn't stopped being the demon she was in the earlier books. While she has a newish conscience and her character is developing, Sam has the ruthless, pragmatic edge she started with. So many times a main character is watered down over the course of a series to a pale version of themselves. You read the series because you fell in love with the original character, but now they're unrecognizable. That is absolutely not the case in Kingdom of Lies.
Gregory continues to be my all time favorite hero. He is enigmatic, affectionate, funny, arbitrary, serious, teasing, ruthless, and he is as old as the universe. Debra Dunbar never forgets the age difference between Sam, who is just under a thousand years old, and the unimaginably old and powerful Gregory. While the books are Sam-centric, Dunbar avoids the common trap of having a hero who was originally interesting become no more than a sidekick. Gregory is no one's sidekick.
The plot moves quickly as task upon task falls on Sam's shoulders. Usually I get bored and mentally check out when the main character is hit with one problem after another, but this book is much more than a series of problems to be solved. I stayed glued to it all the way through and had a hard time putting it down. I think this is because all the characters, including the minor ones, are so well fleshed out. They interact with each other and have distinct personalities and motivations. This adds a depth to Kingdom of Lies that most urban fantasy/PNR books lack.
Kingdom of Lies is better than the previous book and I think it's a lot better than the last few spinoff books. If you're not sure if you want to continue this series, let me assure you that this book is really fun and you'll be glad you read it. Kingdom of Lies is not a stand alone. Too much has happened since book one in terms of plot and character development to fully understand the characters and events if you haven't read the previous books. -
This is kind of a review
I'm copy/pasting my response to Shelly from the MacHalo buddy group. I talked (typed, whatever) about this book & series. Oh, fine, I gushed about it. So, it's not really a review. It just kind of is.
TADA. TADAA? Fucking hell. Kind of review is below. Oh, and this is the review for books 1-7.
I just finished up my reread of the whole series with book 7 (the most recent book) yesterday. I found more depth in the series via subtext than I realized on my first read. Keep in my, I do it via audiobook (snickered. I'll grow up later. I'm too tall to be a Betty White.) My favorite quote is from book 2. You'll know it when you get there. (And the narrstor is good.)
I love the whole series. The parts I really cringe at are like the stupid embarrassing moments in potty humor movies or SNL skits where I just can't watch because UGH. That's just one of my things. I want to scream at the obviousness, but the author really does it on purpose. Because Sam isn't human. And it's one of the few books or series that really conveys that in any visceral way.
I had to wash all my socks. Because they got rocked off.
I just did a kind of review again, didn't I?
Fine. I'm copy/pasting it. I'll take out the not-me stuff. Put in some context. Maybe first & last book.
Rereading this series. Meant to be doing it as a little extra buddy read w/Shelly in the MacHalo group. As usual though, I started reading and just haven't stopped. Just started my reread on book 4, Devil's Paw.
Definitely one of my favorite series. Sam is so very very bad. And it's wonderful. -
Action, action, action. lol
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I love LOVE L O V E this series. And Angela Rysk's narration.
Coherent review to follow. -
It is easier, in its way, to just rate series books instead of putting anything in the review box. Mostly because, after a certain point, everything you could say is likely spoiler-y for the series, and maybe for the book itself.
But let me see, ‘Kingdom of Lies’. What happened here . . . hmms.
The book, as expected, bares some connection to the book description on GoodReads. More vague than exact, more misdirect than revealing what exactly is going on. But . . . whatever.
The description mentions that Sam owes a lot of favors, and retrieving a gem will wipe out all of her favors. Well . . . that’s kind of incorrect. She does owe a lot of favors, a bunch to a sorcerer, and two or more to a mage. It was the task for the mage, not even mentioned in the book description, that would wipe out her favors . . . to the mage, not to the sorcerer. And that retrieving of the gem? Her initial bargain would have that task wipe out 1 or a few favors owed to the sorcerer. Though both the gem itself, the nature of it, and the bargain changes over the course of the book. And by changing nature, I just mean that the sorcerer both lied, and didn’t provide enough information to Sam, not that the gem literally changed. But yes, that is one of the plot lines in this book. Sam doing stuff to reduce her favor debt load.
Meanwhile she’s also ‘playing’ with dragons, angels, and other demons (well, ). And while the teaming up of demon and angel to close gates is in fact a plot line in the book, it is also not a very detailed or . . . anything like that plotline.
Bah. This is what I get for trying to write something for a book I read a while ago, both in time and in other books read since then. Mmphs.
Good book. Loved it. Off to put 8 words or more down for the sequel.
Rated: 4.75
July 28 2017 -
You'd think by book 7 a series would be getting stale or predictable , well not this one . Debra Dunbar just goes from strength to strength , not content with collecting a menagerie of paranormal waifs & strays , Samantha now has to help Gregory close down all the gates that are opening up all over the world & letting long banished creatures back to Earth . She also owes a couple of people a huge amount of favours & when she gets an offer to clear most of the debt in one go she jumps at the chance but being Sam nothing is ever easy as it seems . Be careful where you read these books because you just won't be able to help laughing out loud at parts of this book .Can't wait for the next one .
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3 stars
This book is definitely on my lower rank of this series so far. Kingdom of lies wasn't terrible, I actually don't have much bad things to say about it sadly I don't have much praise for it either. Generally this book was just about Sam and Gregory giving chase and fixing all the mess ups that was happening. Not anything really I could sink my teeth into. I think this was more so a book to set up for the next installment which is why I felt nothing much happened (even though stuff did happen.)
Overall was fine nothing note worry personally and will probably be forgettable once I've finished all the main books in the series. -
4.5 stars
It has been a while since I read the last Imp book and as soon as I started this one, I was wondering what took me so long to pick it back up again. I had forgotten how much I love Sam. I love how she balances that IDGAF attitude with her newly developed conscious. I love how she sometimes tries to be better because of Gregory, and he has learned how to loosen up because of her. I also love how she gets things done, no matter if she has to revert to plan H when all the ones before fall through. -
I felt there a was a bit too much going on in this book. With the portals opening up, elves preparing for war, Sam trying to nullify her debts to a couple of mages, while juggling her duties as Iblis, setting up angels and demons through Infernal Mates, and chasing otherworldly beings back to their homes and closing gates, it's pretty crazy.
I still liked the book though. It ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. I really enjoy this series, and can't wait to read the next book! -
Fun, mayhem and snark
Samantha's recovered her snark as well as her impish seriousness in book seven of Debra Dunbar's Imp Series. Gregory, Wyatt, Gabriel, Nyalla and a new cast of Lows return in an ever evolving tale of the redemption of a Fallen Angel/Imp Demon with an increasing conscience. Mayhem, destruction and fun surround Sam's world saving antics. I'm looking forward to book eight. -
3.5 stars. Well, that was fun. Sam (aka The Iblis) is at is again, working with Gregory to close gates to other worlds and stop fantastical creatures from appearing all over Earth, while trying to clear her debt with Gareth by finding a powerful gem stolen by an elf.
This was faster-paced than usual, and I’m excited that the author is keeping this series fresh. I’m looking forward to the next one! -
What can say other than "LOVE SAM"!!! Gregory too, I guess. This is a good series and this book packed just as much action and mayhem as all the others. There's always sooo much going on, it sometimes get a little confusing sometime. The last few had Sam spending sooo much time in Hel, that I miss hearing about her human friends. Hopefully, the next book has her spending a little more time on Earth.
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Hooked from the 1st page
Having read all 7 books in this series, over the last week or so..
I am eagerly awaiting the next books, reading more about the main characters and impish plots !...
Loved every page..
Gutted that I've got to wait for more..
Time to dip into other books by this amazing author <3 -
Sigh
What more could a reader want?
A book full of unicorns, trolls, dragons and koala like creatures who lure you in with such cuteness, then kill you!!
An Imp with no self preservation installed in her.
An Angel who loves her and a whole host of other goodies in said book.
Oh and can't forget Destructo Kitty 😉😂😂
Add in a fight or three and you have an awesome book 👍👍👍 -
Although the plot is engaging I very much wonder...whatever happened to Wyatt - he is so conveniently just not in Sam's life anymore. The plot just runs away with the most exciting themes and forgets some characters all together.
