City of Gods and Monsters

House of Devils, Book 1

Welcome to the city of Angelthene. We hope you survive.

Loren Calla has only ever been ordinary. As a human struggling to survive in a city that caters to the needs of vampires, werewolves, witches, and other supernatural creatures, she always assumed her life would remain simple, predictable, and as safe as her world would allow.

Until she barely escapes abduction at the hands of Darkslayers—supernatural bounty hunters that possess the Sight, a magical tracking ability that allows them to see a person's aura—and one of her friends is taken in her place. The abductors are demanding a ransom: Loren's life in exchange for her friend's safe return. Loren will do whatever it takes to get her friend back—even if it means accepting help from Darien Cassel, the leader of the Seven Devils, the most feared Darkslaying circle in the city.

Darien specializes in tracking down demons and criminals that are better off dead than alive, so when he takes a job to track down Loren and finds out she is human—and couldn't hurt a fly if her life depended on it—he decides to protect her instead of turn her in for a reward. As much as Loren doesn't want to admit it, Darien is her best and only chance at finding her friend alive, if she can somehow manage to get along with him—and not fall head-over-heels in love with him in the process, which is far easier said than done.

When more women start disappearing, and some of them slowly turn up dead, Loren and Darien's search for answers takes them deep into Angelthene's corrupt underbelly, where they discover a dark secret that threatens to unravel their world. And when tragedy strikes, Loren learns that love can make an ordinary person do extraordinary things.

From the author of Dreams of Ice and Iron comes a new fantasy romance perfect for fans of Sarah J Maas, Ilona Andrews, and Cassandra Clare.

©2022 Kayla Edwards (P)2024 Podium Audio

Oof

The male narration ruined this story. I played it at time and a half, and even then it was barely tolerable.

Ready for the next Audiobook in the series

As I listened to the audiobook, I couldn't help but draw comparisons between this book and other popular series. It gave me vibes similar to "The Mortal Instruments" and "Crescent City" series.

Darien reminded me of Xaden Riorson from "Fourth Wing," with his reserved and stoic demeanor. He presents a tough exterior and exudes the confidence of a leader, while remaining fiercely loyal to those he cares about. Book boyfriend material.

However, I must mention that the book did feel a bit too long, similar to "Zodiac Academy". It could have benefited from being about 15 chapters shorter, as some parts felt too fluffy and deviated from the main plot.

P.S. The deal Darien made for the dog won me over. I melted.

I didn't guess the ending, I still have questions and I have pre-ordered the next Audiobook. This book would have been a great graphic audio.

"Monsters are only what you make of them"

Loved it!

This book was recommended to fans of Crescent City and it was so good! If you liked Crescent City then you’ll definitely like this one. I like that it’s urban fantasy and I thought it was very well executed. I took away one star for the male narration was a bit more whiny/ nasaly than I imagined Darien’s voice in my head and I think a duet narration would have been really good but once I was able to get past the narration issues the story was overall very good.

Great audiobook.

I love this book, only thing I wish is that it was duet style of even better graphic.

Great Book

Story was awesome. Kept you on your toes around every turn. Never a dull moment. Loved it