Superb dark gothic tale

Would you consider the audio edition of The Demon of Darkling Reach to be better than the print version?

I loved reading the book, but the audio version brought the book to life.

Which scene was your favorite?

Any time the sister threw a fit.

Any additional comments?

This is a great dark gothic tale that made me get totally absorbed in the characters. It takes you through every emotion and leaves you wanting to know the rest of their tale. I immediately bought the second audio book in the series.

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MUCH better than I expected!!

After reading the description, I didn't know what I was going into. I like fairytale retellings and while this sounded somewhat like beauty and the beast so that was on the plus side. What I wasn't so sure about was the over the top sounding description. If you like retellings or fantasy tales along the lines of a cross between Jane Eyre, a horror movie beauty and the beast with some erotica thrown in. (Jane Eyre is being used for story reasons only. While I did really like this book, it's not reminiscent of Charlotte Bronte's writing style.) Definitely a worthwhile listen and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this audiobook from the author, narrator or publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.

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smartly written and a journey worth taking

So, I'm a huge fan of Grace Draven, and have been looking for a similar read. This book really hit the spot for me. Although very different from Ms. Draven, the story was beautifully written and full of love, heartbreak, and an amazing setting. I loved the narration here, and gelt like each character was portrayed so perfectly! I really enjoyed the themes in this book also, because they are very relatable the times we're living in, yet are set in the dark ages type era. All together it was wonderful and I'm looking forward to book 2. *I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.

A Dark, Beautiful Work of Art

This is probably one of my favorite novels of all time. The story is captivating, as are the writing and narration. The characters are complex, intricate people with whom I felt a deep connection. The writing style is extremely wordy-- you may feel that it is overkill, however I enjoyed hearing the detailed world-building that the author chose to include. Magic, mystery, fantasy, and (most importantly) EXCELLENT writing are all present. I loved seeing the relationship between Isla and Tristan change from antagonistic to hesitantly tolerant to magnetically drawn together over the course of the book. Every character has a well-developed personality, so much so that I couldn't help but think "I know someone who is EXACTLY like that!" The book had me questioning my own beliefs in a way that few novels achieve: What is good? What is evil? How can the two possibly be... the same?? Or perhaps irrelevant?? This mind-blowing work of art is a must-read (listen) for anyone who loves a dark and complicated love story with compelling characters who will keep you on your toes! Narration is also excellent-- with Tristan, Shiromi Arserio portrays the sibilant words of a deeply conflicted... person? demon?... BEING with exactly the right flavor. This book is a MUST READ!!! I would give it 10 stars if I could!

not bad

the author banters on with a lot of unnecessary things, but overall, the story is a good one.

Beauty Meets Dark Shadows

The Demon of Darkling Reach begins with Peregrine Cavendish, 12th Earl of Enzie sacrificing his younger daughter, Rowena to the Tristan Mountbatten, infamous Duke of Darkling Reach in turns that Tristan will forgives his debt. Isla is the only one who could that the Duke is not a man but a demon. No one and not even her father's guests were able to see the Duke for what he is.

The Duke of Darkling Reach is rumored to have married several times and mysteriously has disposed of his wives and have practiced the dark arts. Because of her love for her sister Rowena and in order to save her sister from such fate, Isla made a deal with Tristan that he wed her instead of her sister.

The more time that Isla spent with Tristan, the more that she found the people she has loved are more cruel and conniving in their quest for power. They are willing to use her against Tristan and even to overthrow Tristan's brother, the King.

The Demon of Darkling Reach is a dark romance story. The story goes into human nature. Even if story has presented Tristan as human, the story wouldn't have deviated from the storyline and its content. Isla would still be able to see how politics played out from her father, Rowena, and even the priest. Isla has even changed her opinion of Tristan from fear to loving him even though he is a demon.

The story has a touch of Beauty and the Beast and Dark Shadows theme. At the beginning of the story, Tristan is more of a monster to Isla because she is able to see what he is. But as the story progress, Isla is able to accept Tristan. The way the story ended, I wanted to know what is in store for Isla as she makes her journey into Tristan's world.

The narrator, Shiromi Arserio does an excellent job in narrating the story. This book would have been overlooked by readers/listeners and even by me due to the blurb as a horror story. The narrator makes the story enjoyable to listen to. I wouldn't mind having her to come back for the next two books in this trilogy.

I was given this audiobook by the author/narrator/publisher via Audiobook Blast in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated or influence in any way for writing this review.

Excellent Story - Kept my attention throughout!

This book was provided to me through Audiobook Blast free of charge in return for my honest review.

The storyline is one that keeps the readers attention and though the early part of the book requires quite a bit of layout to give the reader the information needed for full comprehension of the period and background, it is not too much. I found it difficult to press pause/stop when I needed to go about my day. The allure of the "Demon" while dark and mysterious at the same time shows that he still has some humanity and compassion left. I especially liked the part where he struck Rowena for being such a nasty twit to Isla and Asher. Something I was certainly craving myself based on her childish and arrogant behavior. Isla and Tristan together are a wonderful combination and I am looking forward to the next book in the series The White Queen.

The narration was superb and flowed so smoothly, it was almost hypnotic.

Maiden Sacrifice

The story takes place in a fantasy land much like middle age England. The earl Peregrine Cavendish is strapped for cash due to his gaming and mismanagement of finances. His younger spoiled manipulative daughter Rowena goes wailing to her older sister Isla that she fears that their father is about to betroth her to the infamous Duke of Darkling Reach Tristan Mountbatten who has a habit of disposing of wives. Furthermore Rowena sobs that she is in love with a neighbor and childhood friend Rudolf.

The Duke is also rumored to be a demon possessing the original Duke's body, Isla offers herself to the duke to save her sister, Believe me her selfish, conniving sister does''t deserve such a sacrifice.

The story is a composite of favorite fairy tales and legends. Isla for example is very much like Cinderella and the spoiled Rowana is very much like the ugly step sisters.

There is also a fanatical priest in the mix who is much more evil than the demon duke. The duke himself is a paradox. He is a demon who seems to want to be human and who has very human traits, yet he needs to feed on humans in order to survive. He is not cruel and he is a protector however he is also ruthless. In contrast the priest was a cruel sadist who enjoyed inflicting pain on others.

The book was well performed and narrated. I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.



“I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via AudiobookBlast dot come”

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Dark and Mysterious

What did you love best about The Demon of Darkling Reach?

The mystery surrounding Tristan. What is he and are the rumors true?

Who was your favorite character and why?

Tristan Mountbatten. He or his character was the only reason that I wanted to listen to the book. I love paranormal romances and read as much as possible.

Which scene was your favorite?

I am very interested in herbs so I think the part where the witch was describing what each herb is used for. Very interested in the hair growing remedies if I had the gumption to try them.

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

It did not make me laugh or cry but kept me intrigued enough to keep going. If I wasn't expected to review this book, I probably would have stopped after the first 3 hours or so. I am glad I finished it because it did get better and better.

surprisingly great story.

loved this it was hard to put down. the narrator was easy to listen to and the story was engrossing.