Series: Sons of Wrath #1
Genre: Dark Urban Fantasy, Urban Fantasy
Published by: Author on February 6, 2013
Format: eARC
Pages: 533
Source: Author
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Passion is blind in vengeance and love…
Ayden’s suburban home was invaded by a pack of Lycans.
The brutal attack is the only memory she carries of her former life.
Now, one motive burns in her soul:
KILL THEM ALL.
The Sons of Wrath—a brood of vengeance-dealing warrior demons—band with Ayden to hunt the Lycans on Detroit’s most deadly feeding grounds.
Kane Walker should’ve been her easiest kill.
Unfortunately, the newly bitten Lycan has something she wants—clues that may finally lay her past to rest. To reach them, she must be willing to submit to the sensual pleasures awakened by his touch.
Time is running out.
In seven days, Kane will become what Ayden despises most. She can halt his transformation but the antidote requires the ultimate sacrifice. As the beast takes hold, Kane becomes more of a threat. Ayden must choose between her lust for revenge, or surrender to her enemy and discover a horrible truth.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A fierce heroine, a forbidden romance and non-stop action…a must read for urban fantasy lovers!
Ayden’s normal world was changed the day Lycans killed her family, leaving her the only survivor. Now an Alexi soldier with no memory of her former life, Ayden’s sole purpose is to hunt and slay Lycans, hoping to find the one responsible for her attack. Joining her on the hunt are the Sons of Wrath, demon brothers under contract with Ayden, who aid her in exacting vengeance on the streets of Detroit. When she encounters a newly turned Lycan that might hold a clue to unlocking her memories, Ayden goes against everything she stands for and spares his life. She believes Kane has the power to help her get answers but must act quickly before his transformation from human to Lycan is complete. In seven days, Kane will become her enemy and Ayden will have to choose trusting her instincts or listening to her heart.
“. . . personally, I think you’re serial-killer-in-a-clown-suit kind of creepy.”
Keri Lake’s gritty supernatural world of Lycans, demons and ghouls is definitely not for the light-hearted. The dark tone of the story is the perfect setting for the fierce heroine, Ayden. While some might argue that her character is a little too tough, I loved her instantly. She’s rough around the edges, has a smart mouth and can hold her own against a pack of Lycans, this is no damsel in distress! Being turned into a killing machine has made her cold and detached, but as the story progresses we see a more gentle side to her and come to understand her actions. The banter between Ayden and Kane is fun, flirty and adds a lightness to the ongoing tension between them. She’s a tortured heroine who’s lost and vulnerable in the inside and tough as nails on the outside. Whether you love or hate her, Ayden’s character makes a lasting impression.
“You’re…the elusive prey. The one I never want to catch for fear I’d never hunt again.”
There’s no shortage of hot alpha men in Soul Avenged and they each bring their own brand of charm. Meet the Son’s of Wrath, demon brothers with a taste for vengeance. Gavin is the suave and charming leader, Logan: the brooding powerhouse, Zeke: the sarcastic, cocky ladies’ man, Calix: the kind soul and Zayne, Zeke’s twin, is the resident bad boy, piercings and tattoos included. We’re only introduced to five of the seven Sons of Wrath, but if the other two are as entertaining and sexy as their brothers, I can’t wait to meet them! They’re powerful warriors but the bond and loyalty shared between these brothers proves there’s more than meets the eye with them. Ayden has a past with Gavin and a special relationship with each brother and it’s refreshing to see these alpha men treat her as an equal and not as a helpless woman. I couldn’t get enough of them and I’m hoping to learn more about each brother as the series progresses.
“Don’t mind him. Logan is what happens when kids don’t get hugged enough.”
And now for the male lead…Kane. It’s hard to think that a strong woman like Ayden could find a “regular guy” attractive after spending her nights around the sexy Wrath brothers but Kane brings his own brand of sex appeal. His flirty personality, confidence and warm heart make this doctor the perfect match for Ayden, yes ladies he’s a children’s cancer doctor. The sexual tension slowly builds between these two and delivers some scorching sex scenes that will leave you hot and bothered…brilliant Ms. Lake! I can’t deny that I love a hot and heavy romance, especially when it’s forbidden, but the best moments between Kane and Ayden are the ones where they’re most vulnerable, talking and learning about one another.
“As long as there’s a human heart inside my chest, Ayden, it beats for you. And I will continue to love you, even after death finally silences it. You are my immortality.”
I can go on and on about how fabulous this book is but I won’t spoil it for you. It covers all the essentials of a great urban fantasy and throws in some extra heat. The world building is well developed and fresh, with elements of sci-fi, bad guys and monsters…you won’t find any pretty furry werewolves in this story. SOUL AVENGED is filled with suspense, flawed characters, unexpected twists and plenty of things that go bump in the night!
Excellent review. I too LOVED this book & can’t wait for the next!
Thanks Terri…I’m anxiously awaiting the next book too!
Thanks for the review, I have never heard of this series before. On the wishlist!