| Title | : | The Demon Slave (Shadow Quest #2) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 392 |
| Publication | : | First published October 19, 2011 |
Marik Radkov believed the only thing left from his tortured past were the scars that adorned his body. When he is stranded on a foreign planet and held captive by a beautiful stranger, he is forced to face his past once more.
Years after she was forced to take refuge on the icy planet of Undewla, Nadua has all but lost hope that her people will return for her. When the threat of a native rebellion arises, she is inexplicably recused by a ruthless demon who ignites a desire in her she cannot deny.
As danger draws near, Marik struggles to contain his powerful lust for her while keeping them both alive.
The Demon Slave (Shadow Quest #2) Reviews
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Man, I'm not sure why I'm even giving this book two stars... Wistfulness, I suppose. This one totally killed the series for me. I liked the first one just fine, though sometimes the characters were so daft is was painful and it was riddled with editing errors. In this one, the errors have been dramatically reduced. It is literally the only improvement made.
Demon Slave was, incredibly, a DNF for me- probably one of maybe three books ever. I was seven tenths of the way through the book when I threw my hands into the air with a hysterical "REALLY?!" and couldn't go on. THAT'S BAD, when the end is in sight, you're that far in, and you can't even give the book a pity finish. Nadua, this is your fault.
Ok, the male protagonist wasn't exactly a shining star either. He was kind of dense and caveman-like in his pursuit of an uppity bitch. It did not escape my notice that the Marik from the first book and the Marik from this book are almost completely different people. The Marik in this book is too busy grunting and gyrating to have an actual formed personality. It's as if the author wanted to stuff this book SO FULL of drama and angst that she employed bad plot devices (chapters upon chapters of meaningless misunderstandings, lack of proper communication, pridefulness without reason, mental black-outs, and let us not forget random hot secks between every character possible- all of whom are TORTURED for some reason or other) rather than actual character development. But, I digress. Marik could not have single-handedly made this book as hard to stomach as it was. The real reason that this book is terrible is NADUA.
I love a strong female protagonist. Notice I said strong female, not "a bitch devoid of feelings." Nadua is created from a female archetype that could best be titled "The woman everyone hates for a very good reason." She's unapproachable, selfish, and doesn't earn her arrogance. It's not like she's a super badass or anything, so she needs to calm the hell down. She's ill-mannered. She's rash and simple-minded. She doesn't stop to puzzle things out at any point. She is a woman who is so pigheaded and self-absorbed that she KNOWS she's right. Even when she's dead wrong, she's right. She's so busy shrieking wild accusations, spit flying and arms waving, that she literally can't see shit that is RIGHT in front of her. Then, suddenly, it's time for SEX! Then she's pissed, dumb, and mean as a snake again right afterwards.
Also, jeez, ANYA wasn't close enough to ANALIA? Like, you wouldn't think to yourself "oh hey I DO happen to have a sister with a somewhat similar name that I haven't seen in 400 years. She may have gained a nickname in that time."
When I was most of the way through the book it sort of hit me that yeah, sure, there were some faceless minions trying to kill her in the beginning and some minimal dastardly plotting going on, but the biggest enemy in this book is Nadua herself. Throughout the huge majority of it, the only real conflict is that some demons are stuck in a cave with a huge bitch. -
I loved this book! Kiersten Fay's Shadow Quest series is now cemented as one of my favorites - right up there with IAD, LotU, Demonica, Alien Huntress... well you get the idea :)
While you can easily see Fay's influence from other paranormal/sci-fi romance series (see my fav's listed above) she does a great job of making it seem fresh and exciting all over again. Many of her alien species share characteristics with well-loved paranormal creatures, but her story arc is unfolding as an amazing space opera which is keeping me on the edge of my seat. While reading both 'Demon Possession' and 'Demon Slave' I suffered (quite happily!) with the dichotomy of not wanting to put them down and pacing myself because I didn't want them to end.
This book picks up where 'Demon Possession' (no, I just can't shorten it to DP!!) left off - Marik, the gruff former slave turned cook Demon has been captured by the indigenous inhabitants of an inhospitable winter planet (planet Hoff anyone?) while looking for Analia's (the heroine in the last novel) sister , Nadua. She is part of the group that captured Marik and sparks, of course, ensue. Marik is one of my favorite types of hero - a little gruff, tortured/scarred (emotionally and physically) and while sexy is endearingly unsure of himself (*sigh*). While the book mainly focuses on Marik and Nadua, we are also treated to snippets of life from the other characters that we fell in love with in 'Demon Possession'.... and let me just say, I hope Ethan and Sonya get a book soon, because aye ca rumba! Now I'm anxiously awaiting the next in the Quest, 'Demon Retribution'. Not sure who it features - there was no teaser chapter - but I have a feeling it will be Cale's book... please hurry :)
NB: 'Demon Slave' was relatively free of those pesky typos that plagued 'Demon Possession'... thank heavens ;)
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WHY DO THE HEROINES ALWAYS HAVE TO BE STUBBORN, PRIDEFUL BITCHES? It is NOT entertaining and I'm shocked that authors think it appealing for their main charater to be so rude, disdainful, and mean!
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3.5 stars
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The second book in the Shadow Quest series by Kiersten Fay. Marik was captured by blue tinted creatures called Cyrellians on the planet Undewla while searching for Princess Nadua. But one of his captors is unlike the others and dresses in furs. He discovers she is the leader of these people.
I wasn't in love with the heroine for the most part but she got me in the end. Loved Marik, but I loved him from the previous book in the series,
The Demon's Possession. A good series that kept me interested and made me download the next book. -
3.5 'ICY COLD' STARS
One thing I really loved about Demon Slave is the world-building. Everything is explained in very a great detail, I could almost feel the freezing coldness of the Undewla planet. It's got an authentic feel to it -- from the trees to the creatures who could withstand an extreme cold surroundings without bundling themselves with layers of fur -- I could imagine them all very vividly.
Author Kiersten Fay's writing's also is better in this one. There's this scene in a cave with the characters that made me feel claustrophobic. Also, this book is very much angsty than the first one. While this book is mostly written in the main characters' point of view, we also got a lot of scenes in Sonya's and Ethan's POV (YASSSSS!!!) and Bastian's and Anya's POV which I loved immensely.
As for the new character, Princess Nadua. I really disliked her at first. Her immediate distrust for Marik who was only trying to save her annoyed me so much that I contemplated DNF'ing it a few times. But I stayed strong (lol) and thank god I did because she did get better after that but I still don't like her. Her distrust towards Marik and Demons alike is very understandable but it annoyed me that she caused trouble for Marik... so.. whatever.
Rex, Ava and Wren are a wonderful addition to the series because I loved them all so much! Even better than Nadua to be honest! But we can't all have nice things. Haha. -
I was excited to read book 2 of the Shadow Quest series by Kiersten Fay since I so greatly enjoyed book 1, Demon Possession, when I read it last year. However, I was disappointed with the scope and character development here. Demon Slave did a good job of continuing the major plot line established in book 1 but lacked the depth that I so enjoyed.
Marik, who I liked as a supporting character in Demon Possession, often annoyed me as the hero in this book. His actions and thoughts, along with Nadua’s (his love interest/counterpart), were irritating. They were so stubborn and distrusting. I could concede some understanding on Marik’s part based on the history established in book 1, but Nadua’s constant mistrust, anger, and temper-tantrums seemed to come out of nowhere. She had lived a relatively easy life especially in comparison to her sister Anya.
Overall, the story was just too short, vague, and unfinished. It read like a pointless filler episode of a long running TV series where you just go, “Why the heck did they have to include this?” It was a sad let down after my excited reception of the beginning of the series. At least I wasn’t deterred from finishing the series based on this book because Demon Retribution more than made up for what was lacking here. -
Another trip on the Marada in the depth of space. This time most of the action finds us on the ice covered planet of undewla (I can't help picturing the Ice Plant of Hoth - yep, geek girl strikes again). This planet is where we find the 2nd of our three sisters in this series.
Nadua, was sent here by her father to escape the take over of their home planet. Nadua was taken in by the king and has since ruled in proxy for the young soon to be Queen, Ava. Nadua is brave, a bit of Kick A** warrior. I have to admit I really liked Nadua - although her confusion and stubbornness regarding her feelings for Marik was about to get old - when she finally realized she loved him.
Marik - I mean who doesn't love a big tough strong man that can cook? He is immediately taken by Nadua but believes his past of being a captive and forced to fight in a gladiator like setting makes him unworthy of her.
Have to say this series is one of my favorites - that's why I keep signing up for the voyages. -
I don't buy books...but I bought this one. Great new author! I was captivated with a sample of the first book, couldn't put it down once I got the whole book in hand, and the second was the same. The second couldn't compete with how great the first book was but it for sure kept the momentum going. A bit confused still with one scene but it was so good I just didn't care.
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I just love this book. It was a amazing reading. Demon Slave, incorporated much of the main characters from Demon Possession, but is mainly the story of Marik and Nadua (Anya’s sister).
The book did a good job of continuing the story from the first book with different characters added to the mix. I like that we have several other story lines to look forward. That makes you look forward for the next couple of books. I found it hard to put this book down. I'm very anxious to find out what happens next.
THIS BOOK WAS F*KING AMAZING. FIVE STARS -
Loved Marik. Couldn't stand Nadua. She was a nasty piece of work to him thoroughout most of the book and a tortured soul like Marik deserved so much better. Because of this, I just couldn't fully enjoy this otherwise awesome story.
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These demons and their Princesses.
Format: Kindle Edition
Is this only book 2 😢. I really adore all these characters and love to see these demons struggling to get their mates as well as the Princesses coming into their power. This story about Marik's life and Nadua's life and how the end up becoming mated. Nadua is the middle sister and she's been hiding out on the ice planet Undewla. She has become interim queen until Ada can become old enough to take over as she is the real queen of that planet. This is causing internal fighting as rebels who are called Cyrellians are wanting to kill the false queen Nadua. There are traitors in the place as well as in her army. They capture a demon as the think the demons are attacking them again. That demon is Marik.
So now you get to wonder how he gets to be mated to Nadua and how their going to meet up with all the rest of them on the ship Marada. Plus you'll meet another individual that joins this story for the first time. I can't wait to see in the next book when Cale finds Princess Kyra who is the oldest sister.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book and am so enjoying it. -
Overall rating: 5
This author did a stellar job of making sure a reader could experience every facet of this heart pounding tale! Reading became obsessive while following the ever changing relationship between Marik and Nadua. I actively wanted to shout at the characters for their blindness of heart. The turmoil between worlds, warring factions, devious relatives, lost souls, this tale truly reeks of action and excitement! This is book 2 of a greater saga, however it can be enjoyed on its own as well. Needless to say, you definitely will want to read all of this series! All of my reviews are always voluntarily written. -
Kiersten Fay has a wonderful talent for writing a perfectly balanced romance with an entrancing plot and just the right amount of spice to keep you turning the pages. Nuada's story was just as entrancing as her sisters. I loved the differences in the characters, how fierce Nuada was compared to sweet Anya. I loved how she help Marik face the demons of his past and finally see the other side. I can't wait to read what happens next.
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This book brings you back to Marik who was left on an iced planet while the others follow Sebastian to save Analia. And from there it just gets better. Marik & Nadua’s story is a bit wild & a lot steamy. Added to all that steaminess is the flame between Ethan & Sonya back on the ship. I love how these characters are brought to life on the page as well as the intricate adventures they bring.
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This book just kept me so hooked. Action after action! Absolutely LOVED it! Now I have to go backwards and read the first one so I can get the full story line. I really liked how it mainly focused on one couple but you got little glimpses of everyone’s life that is a part of the story.
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4.5 stars. Maybe not as good as the first book, but great none the less. Can't wait to read the third book, and I can say I have high expectations for it.
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This is the 2nd part to a series, but you could almost read this one as a standalone with a little background knowledge of the underlying main story line, as the story is surrounding 2 different characters than the main ones in the first part. This one takes us to a frozen planet in search of another of the princesses/sisters who have been separated from their people due to an invasion. We also get more introduced to another demon and his personality and background. Fey does not disappoint. Loved the main characters….there’s the usual steam she adds to her books…the story line flows along fairly smoothly….I ended up purchasing the 3rd book before I was done with this one as I knew I’d immediately want to keep going to see what happened next. This series was my first in the paranormal romance genre, and it has certainly gotten me hooked!
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Romance:2
Steaminess:2.5
Action/suspense:1
Overall:2
Uninteresting.
Nadua, Marik and every other character in this book felt very two dimensional. Nothing interesting or unique about them. I’ve read too many stories with these exact same character profiles. The romance was inauthentic and started from physical romance; which is understandable. But the author didn’t build anything else from that. So it felt emotionally shallow.
Besides that, I think it was a complete missed opportunity when the author neglected to dig into Marik’s past. He’s been through substantial trauma and a little character growth could have gone a long way in connecting me to his character. The whole plot line was predictable beyond belief. The action and sexual scenes weren’t well written.
Overall, boring and I don’t think I’ll remember this story beyond next week. -
I re-read this book when I was sick. Let me say, having a headache was not going to deter me from seeing the relationship grow between Marick and Princess Nadua. You have no idea how happy I was to see a story told from Marik's perspective. I adored him in the first book, and I am so excited to learn more about him in this one. If you need a good book to read, when you are sick or even when your not I would highly recommend this one. Kierston once again blows me away with the depth she puts into her stories.
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This book had me giddy to catch up with all the previous characters and meet just a few more, however with more than once point of view it got a little messy. I know it added to the overall story, but i would have preferred just Marik and Nadua's telling only.
I loved seeing all the other characters and catching up with how they were getting on and the twists and turns that brought together the story continuing to bring us further into the plot and one more sister found.
I cannot wait to read Calics story to see what happens next. -
What a fantastic read!! This book is as good as if not better than the first. So happy to read Marik's story with Nadua. Both of these characters were well developed and likeable. The story had extra little plots playing in the background that just made it even more entertaining as a read. Lots of action and the secondary characters were just as engaging and likeable. Loved it from beginning to end!!
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This is a continuation of the first book, but the story follows Marik and Nadua. I do like this series because as far as smut goes the storyline is pretty good. I feel like the MCs in the first book were more likable than in this one. At times Marik is annoyingly overprotective, and then Nadua is supposed to be some badass fighter but I felt anytime she was in a fight it was less than impressive. Other than that, still a good smut book.
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*1.5 Stars*
Officially worse than
The Demon's Possession. The characters are less interesting and the the plot was boring and also highly convenient. I do not recommend. -
I love it sooooooo freaking much!!!! I actually could not put this book down. Love knowing more about Marik, his past and his heart. Also getting to know Nadua and how fierce and loyal she is. And there might be a little something more going on in that ship. Love it and totally recommend it!
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I'm enjoying this series. I liked Marik in book one and was happy to read his story. Nadua was an interesting character. Looking forward to reading the next book.
*I received an ARC of this book which I am voluntarily reviewing*
