The Demon Master's Wife

Forced to Serve, Book 2

By: Donna McDonald

Narrated by: Allyson Johnson

Length: 11 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's Summary

Ania Looren would have chosen death over becoming a demon host, if she'd had a choice. But her mate Liam is master of the Demon of Synar, and made that decision for her in order to save her life. Her spirit now grieves for what she has become Ania fears the great harm she can cause using the demon's power. Unfortunately, Liam's reluctant embrace of being the demon's master, along with his refusal to discuss Malachi with her, leaves Ania facing her destiny alone.

Their personal relationship war vacillates between full out conflict and a cease fire, yet she is drawn into becoming one of his crew. But can she really let the only male she's ever wanted back into her bed without risking her heart?

©2012 Donna McDonald (P)2014 Donna McDonald

A Hidden Gem and a Great Story!

If you could sum up The Demon Master's Wife in three words, what would they be?

This was a well developed story that was unique, complex, and exciting with great character.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved how this story follows multiple characters, and sets up future books in the series.

What does Allyson Johnson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Listening to Sci-Fi romances, you are expecting the voices to be different and Allyson definitely delivered on a great performance. She gave each character their own voice by using different accents, tones, and inflections. She really brought the story to life and my favorite voice was the demon, Malachi. Kudos to Allyson!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The scenes that I really enjoyed was when Gwen was rescued from the slavers and what she had to overcome. Also, when the demon, Malachi, was finally able to go into a body of his own.

Any additional comments?

I loved this story and gave it five stars because it was different and captivating. I will definitely continue the series.

It appears things are sorted, then another problem

The story of a disgruntled demon master, a mate who contains said demon, in a bid to save her and a brother who is intent on recapturing the right to be the demon master, regardless of the cost to other people's lives.

There are also backstories occurring to make a fast paced saga.

Very enjoyable series

Really enjoyed the unique view of the supernatural beings in this series. Very well written and narrated. Looking forward to remaining books in this series

complex and rich with characters that are distinct

Picking up right where the first book left off, I think that the novella was able to present much of the background information that is integral to this story, without dragging down the pace and flow with too much information. These books will not stand alone: you are well-served by reading them in order as only a nod is given to provide information from the first book.

Aria is dealing with her hosting of Malachi, yet Liam’s brother Conor is still a great threat. In a secondary thread, Dorian and Gwen are still struggling with their on again off again relationship and attraction, it’s quite funny to see Dorian: an enlightened being totally and completely flummoxed by Gwen’s independence, sharp tongue and guarded heart.

It is interesting to note that even though things are rather curiously jumbled in the relationships, and the men are really no more able to understand their women’s needs, that the underlying conflicts are all really about communication and honesty with the couples.

But, Conor is providing a serious threat to all: wanting to claim Malachi for himself, and not all is well in the universe: Dorian is in trouble, and an ambassador that should have been working for peace is tied to Conor and determined to cause upheaval in Liam’s life.

Each story is treated with respect and pacing that fits the action, even as all of the subplots do circle back to revolve around Aria and Liam. We also see a growth and development for Malachi, from demon with a very jaded approach and outlook toward the humans he encounters, he starts to see that he is also an integral cog in the works: and that there are those who will deal with him as a being worthy of acknowledgement, not just an unwanted tool. If you are looking for pure sexy talk and erotic moments, the use of some strange phrasing keeps the steam levels down, even as reactions are described in detail, although the emotional components are well detailed and explained.

Narration is again provided by Allyson Johnson: she again does a nice job of bringing the characters to light with her use of changes in pitch and tone. Unfortunately, there were several sections where it took a moment for her to get into the voice that I had come to associate with a particular character, as well as obvious moments of ‘cutting in’ phrases that perhaps didn’t make the editing cut. There were several of these fluctuations in the production, and sadly they did pull me from the story for the moment until resolved. Compared to the first book’s recording there were some misses here that I did not expect.

This has been a fun ride through these two stories: they are complex and rich with characters that are distinct and unique, even as they have traits that are all too human and familiar. I’m curious about the next step in the series.

I received an AudioBook copy of the title via AudioBook Jukebox for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Have the book this is better than a MOVIE!!!!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Demon Master's Wife to be better than the print version?

This is better than a movie but the book is excellent in its own... I recommend listening to this after reading the book!

Who was your favorite character and why?

I am in love with Malichi... I want to be his... Oh to be loved by a demon... UMMM!

What does Allyson Johnson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Love the characters voices... Never knew that an Irish accent was in the future...

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Laughed out loud many times... And felt so sorry for Gwen ....

Action Packed Sci-Fi Read

Book two in the series is so much better than the first!! Possibly because I fully understand everything that is happening from the start. These books are connected and definitely not stand alone reads. If you can get past the first book this one answers tons of questions and resolves major conflicts. Warning, it does lead directly into the next book in the series and the main characters of that book are left hanging in the end of this one. Great device for building anticipation of the next book!

The leads in this story are still Liam and Ania. I really like Ania and can not see why she puts up with Liam and all his issues. He is very contrary and I want to throw a shoe at him. But she loves the big lunkhead, so I have to endure him. She really is too good for him, but the heart wants what it wants.

I love that these books mix in other stories with the main romance. There are three other connections made in the supporting cast that are at varying stages of development. I can see where the series will head with those romances, and I am definitely hooked! Very smart choice on Ms. McDonald's part. She is also clever in using a mixed narrative and letting supporting characters have POV through out the book. It adds depth to the story and makes the series more engaging to the reader.

There is some steamy action this book, and while it has some detail it is strangely worded. I get this is a sci-fi but the terms they use for sex, or bonding are off-putting and far from sexy. I can not believe I am going to say this, but I wish it were closed bedroom door. Sorry, it was just not sexy at all and felt clinical at times. I usually love the steam but this was lukewarm, at best.

The side story is detailed and has many twists and turns. I loved the creativity in the story and all the action. It felt like a lot happened in a short time, but never came off as rushed or too much coming at you. I really liked the resolution of the conflict with the brother and am eager to see how things develop for Malachi.

There are moments for some of the characters where you want shake them! For supposedly old and enlightened beings they get pretty stupid! Why is it the youngest member, who is part Earthling, has the most sense? I do love Gwen and she is seriously kick butt!! She is my fav gal in the series! She has a real, you go girl moment with her mate and a taser! That will teach him!!

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Allyson Johnson. She does a much better job this time maintaining consistency. I liked the changes she made to the voices and they are now very distinct. She has a great pace and a terrific energy to her voice. I really enjoyed the emotions she was able to instill into the characters. This second book was a real improvement for her as well. I love the way she does Malachi's voice, he is positively delicious now!!

I can not wait to see the next book come out on audio. I am eager to find what is to become of the Gwen and Zade, in addition to the other crew members. Such possibilities!! I am so happy I decided to give the second book a shot!

Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.

Awesome job

Would you consider the audio edition of The Demon Master's Wife to be better than the print version?

Actually I do the lady who narrates the book just brought it to life for me

What does Allyson Johnson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She brought it to life

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Annaya made Conner go in the charm