by Larissa Ione
Series: Lords of Deliverance #1
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
They are here. They ride. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. His name is Ares, and the fate of mankind rests on his powerful shoulders. If he falls to the forces of evil, the world falls too. As one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, he is far stronger than any mortal, but even he cannot fight his destiny forever. Not when his own brother plots against him. Yet there is one last hope. Gifted in a way other humans can't-or won't-understand, Cara Thornhart is the key to both this Horseman's safety and his doom. But involving Cara will prove treacherous, even beyond the maddening, dangerous desire that seizes them the moment they meet. For staving off eternal darkness could have a staggering cost: Cara's life.
Eternal Rider is the first book in the Lord of Deliverance series by Larissa Ione. The series features the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse and this book features War. Mini review: Intense, hot and captivating tale that kept me on edge and thoroughly engaged.
Caffeinated Aspect:
• I love Ione’s interpretation of the Four Horsemen and the Apocalypse. The Four Horseman consists of three brothers and their sister. We learn of their history and it was fascinating. Reseph- the Horseman Pestilence has had his seal broken, and disease is spreading throughout the world. The next seal to break will be Ares (War), and together the remaining siblings must stop the Apocalypse and find a way to save Reseph. Limos, is slated to become the bride of Satan and Thanatos will become Death.
• This story belongs to Ares, who represents War and Cara a human healer. I found Ares to be strong, and full of anger (and rightly so). Ares is very rough around the edges, and at times he behaved like a Neanderthal. He does have redeeming qualities, and we slowly come to learn them. Cara is one tough cookie, and boy is she stubborn. I enjoyed their interactions and bickering. Which I found to be hilarious at times like a mouse talking back to a lion.
• The characters especially the Horseman are complex, and their histories are rich. I am eager to get to know each of them.
• This is a dark fantasy that is intense with one action scene after another. Ione brought the world to life and did a great job of fleshing out the four horsemen and side characters.
• The romance is hot and err savage. This is War after all; you didn’t expect he would be cuddly did you? So it was hot, primal and intense. Ione still managed to make me see Ares tender side, and I was rooting for this couple.
• Ares is torn between stopping the seal from being open, and his feelings for Cara and the tension was addictive.
• Hellhounds, Demons, Angels, and humans working together, betrayal, back-stabbing, and quests for needed artifacts. I loved all of these aspects and Ione brought me a panoramic view.
Decaffeinated Aspects:
• While this is the first of the Deliverance series, it is a spinoff of the Demonica series. Eternal Rider is a dark paranormal that has elements of high fantasy from its world building to its multitude of characters. Some readers may be better severed to read the Demonica series first.
• Ione did an excellent job of explaining the world, the history and prophecy, and I liked her interpretations of Revelations. This is not a one sitting read, plan to spend a little time with this book as you will need to digest and process information.
• I am very curious about the angel Reaver and want to know more.
• There were a few editing errors but with a plot this complex I immediately noticed. I found the need to double check mentions in previous chapters regarding the seal to be sure I hadn’t misunderstood.
• There is violence, death, and abuse.
Eternal Rider was a captivating and intense tale, and I am looking forward to continuing the Lord of Deliverance series. The next books are as follows: Immortal Rider, Lethal Rider, Rogue Rider and Reaver. Revenant is due to release November 2014. There are also a few novellas in this series.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
aurian
I did not really like the first Demonica book, but thanks to your review I would like to try this one.
Lindy
This sounds pretty good! I love complex characters, and rich histories. Too bad The Demonica series needs to be read first. Great Review!!!
kimbacaffeinate
No it doesn’t but if you struggle keeping track of characters then I recommend it
Tanya
I am SO glad you said it would be good to read the Demonica series first! I was going to start with this one soon, and I would have a fit if I got into and found there was actually stuff before this book. I’m so bad about having things in order, even if they are meant to be two different series. Like Gena Showalter’s Lords of the Underworld and Angels of the Dark. I don’t think I would have enjoyed some of the characters in her Burning Dawn book if I hadn’t of known them from the Lords of the Underworld series. And yes, I’m reading backwards in my bloglovin’ so my comments are probably so old on this post! LOL
kimbacaffeinate
You are welcome, I was able to enjoy it, Even though I read high fantasy etc and have a knack for piecing things together..I would have benefited from reading the Demonica series first. You can comment as late as you want sweetie (well up to 90 days, then I shut comments down) LOL Have an awesome weekend Tanya!
Dani
You are totally spot on about this book! I love Larissa Ione’s books and this is a nice spinoff to the Demonica series.
kimbacaffeinate
Sweet, it’s nice to hear you agree Dani 🙂
Lily
It’s been an embarrassingly long time since I have popped in and said hi! May I start with saying that I luv the new blog look!
This post caught my eye, because the third in this series is one of the first novels I got from Netgalley, not realizing that it was the third book. I hate reading series out of sequence (My OCD self cringes). So I am a little discouraged that you mentioned reading another series before this one! ARGH! LOL
Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
*waves* Yes this is a spin-off, and while I think if you have experience reading urban fantasy, high fantasy and detailed paranormal series you would be fine starting with this one..I am not at all recommending you begin this spin-off at book three..*shakes head* I am so glad you love my new design. It happened last Thursday and I am still grinning 🙂
Glass
This was my first and last Larissa Ione novel and I hated it. 🙁 But everyone keeps telling me that I should have read Demonica first. I don’t think it would help much, to be completely honest.
Great review.
kimbacaffeinate
They are right, unless you read a lot of high fantasy it is difficult to keep track of everyone and you are left flapping in the wind regarding some of the players.
Jennifer Bielman
I always loved the Demonica series and the spinoff is no exception. But these are very heavy books, you know. Complex with a lot of stuff happening. People need to be ready for that. Happy this series has started out good for you.
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed, and I had no idea going in that it was a spin-off. Thankfully I read high fantasy and was able to slide into and keep track, but I think most would appreciate reading the Demonica series first.
Jessica
1. I LOVE the new look!
2. I’m definitely interested in trying out this series. I’m pretty sure that with the four horseman AND Greek gods, I’ll find Ione’s interpretation to be kind of awesome too. BUT I am definitely going to take your advice about starting with the previous series first. Looking forward to it 😉
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Jessica! I plan to finish this series first, but will eventually read the other.
kimbacaffeinate
hehehe..you know what is even better..When you got to buy an eBook and B&N or Amazon tell you, “It looks like you previously purchased this book” *facepalm*
Julie
Perfect timing! I just rediscovered (uh, okay found it in one the massive stacks of unread books) the copy I purchased a while ago. I will have to work it into the reading schedule.
Melliane
When I read your review, I was like “No, she wrote a series about the Four Horsemen?” and after a minute or 2 I realized we had it in French but the covers are so different that I didn’t realize it was the same. They’re so much more beautiful! But I confess that I haven’t read any books by this author even if I heard a lot of great things about her. I should try.
kimbacaffeinate
Whose are more beautiful ours or yours? I really enjoyed this and cannot wait to start the next book. Thanks Melliane
Melliane
I would say ours. Look it’s book 2: http://www.amazon.fr/Les-Cavaliers-lApocalypse-T2-Famine/dp/2352947065/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1398547194&sr=8-3&keywords=ione
kimbacaffeinate
Oh my, that is lovely and Ares is hotter looking for sure!
Christy
The Four Horsemen? Ooo I like that. But it sounds like I would want to start with the other series. Knowing me, anyway.
kimbacaffeinate
I had no idea when I read Felicia’s review and honestly did fine, she does provide some history, but I plan to read the other series now as well.
Braine Talk Supe
Love the new look of the blog! I need a makeover too but not now, still recovering from the swift domain change… I love this series! I still have some catching up to do but I love the series plot, very intriguing. I wonder which apocalypse is going to happen, the biblical one or the demon one… hmmm…
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Braine, and I hear ya! I am so glad you love this series and cannot wait to start the next one!
Melissa (Books and Things)
First… love the new look! Purty!! 🙂
Second… I have been wanting to get into this series ever since I first heard of it. I haven’t yet, but you go ahead and write this great review that makes me want to get into it NOW! *shakes fist* 😉
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Melissa I am glad you like the new look. I hope you try this, and I will try to sound less excited next time *rolls eyes*
Lauren
This sounds like an interesting version of Four Horsemen, very cool! I don’t mind spending time with a book and processing it slowly if it’s worth it. I’ll have to check this out! BTW, absolutely love the new look on the blog! And yay the commenting system remembers me now 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo I am glad we recognized you Lauren..LOL Glad you like the blog. I am always fascinated by anything to do with the Four Horsemen and this was quite good!
Lily B
wow look at your new design! I think I am in love. So very pretty!
I have not read anything by Ione, I feel like I been missing out. It sounds like I will have to start with the other series first.
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Lily I am glad you like my new design. I am so glad I tried Ione and this will not be the last series I read by her.
tonyalee
I had to double check to make sure I was at the right blog! I LOVE the new design!
This series is new to be but it sounds really good. But it’s a spin off!? 🙁 I’ll look into the original series first
Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
When I started this I had no idea it was a spin-off Tonyalee but it was so good! I am glad you like the new digs and I would have done the same thing when I arrived..lol
Franny
Oh, how I love thee! 🙂 I discovered Eternal Rider through a meme a long time ago and it’s the first Ione’s book I’ve ever read. I read the Demonica series last year and Silvia’s right, you understand many things better if you read those books first. I have yet to read the rest of LoD and Reaver, and I really can’t wait!
Also, congrats on the new design, it’s gorgeous and very refreshing!
kimbacaffeinate
I am excited. Apart of me wants to go read the other series first, but then I am dying to begin book two in this series..LOL
Franny
I know!! I was like that too. Right now I have other priorities, though, but I believe I will find the time for them soon, hehe
Candace
I think I have the first book from the Demonica series but I haven’t read it yet. This sounds interesting, I’m not yet sure if it’s something I would like.
kimbacaffeinate
I plan to read those as well Candace. Have a lovely weekend 🙂
Debbie Haupt
Hi Kimba, I really enjoyed this series. I’m a fan of spin-offs especially ones I don’t want to leave and her Demonica series was definitely one of them.
Thanks for the honest wonderful review
deb
kimbacaffeinate
I added that one to my list, Debbie and really enjoyed this 🙂
Jenny
I really enjoyed her Demonica series Kim, but I haven’t gotten into this spinoff series yet. I have heard good things, particularly about Reaver who you mentioned, so I’m hoping to make time for these soon!!!! Have a fabulous weekend:)
kimbacaffeinate
I am excited about it and of course I now want to read the Demonica series. You have a wonderful weekend too Jenny!
Michelle
LOVE the new look!!!
This is one of MY FAVORITE series (only one I really keep up with) and I love Larissa Ione’s characters. Team SHADE!!! 🙂
Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
Yay I am so glad you love this series Michelle. I am glad I finally tried Ione
Carmel
I just finished listening to Sin Undone, so this one is next on my list after Greywalker (which BTW I am LOVING! So, thanks for the recommendation!). Ione is such a talented writer; glad to hear that her Lords of Deliverance are just as good as Demonica. Love the new design Kimberly!
kimbacaffeinate
Squee.. if you love book one, then the rest of the series is going to rock your face off Carmel. It is one of my favorite UF series. Glad you like my new digs and I will be reading more of Ione.
kindlemom1
Ooooo LOVING the new look so sleek and fun!!
Great review as always Kim!
I hope you have a fantastic weekend!!
kimbacaffeinate
Thank you Ali. I am loving it 🙂 Hope your weekend is wonderful too!
Victoria (aka Zemfirka)
Cool! The Horseman of the Apocalypses — I think that’s a fresh idea. 🙂
Btw, I love the new look Kim. Gorgeous! 😉
kimbacaffeinate
This was intense and fun, Felicia @ Geeky Book Blog turned me on to it 🙂
Kristin
Well HELLO there sexy!!!! I can’t stay long but WOWZERS!!!! Gotta say… finally!! NO MORE WHITE!!!!!! I love it!!!! I want to roll around in your site and cuddle in it!!!! Gotta run…
… one more roll 😉
kimbacaffeinate
I wondered who was rolling around my site..should have known it was you *winks*
Nick
Kim, firstly the new design is gorgeous! I love the brown tones. 🙂
I haven’t ever read a book by Larissa Ione, but I’ve heard some great things about her series. I love the sound of this one being so action-packed. And yeah, this totally made me giggle “The romance is hot and err savage. This is War after all; you didn’t expect he would be cuddly did you?”
Are heroes in UF novels ever cuddly? 😀
I’m just a little worried about the quantity of information given in the book though.
Lovely review!
kimbacaffeinate
Awe thanks Nick. Oh but the sexy times were kinda savage..LOL and you are right UF heroes are kinda bad-ass in bed and out…hehehe
Melanie Simmons
I love the new design.
I’m glad you enjoyed this book and I agree that you can read this series without reading the Demonica series, though that is a great series, so I highly recommend it. Great review and I hope you enjoy the rest of the series.
kimbacaffeinate
Thank you Melaine 🙂 I am glad you agree with me!
Lupdilup
I love the new theme!
I love Larissa Ione, and this is one my favorite series. I’m really glad this worked without having to read the Demonica series, although I highly recommend that one 🙂
Great job Kimba !!!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Loupe, I am loving my new digs. I have added Demonica to my wishlist!
Jenea
OMG! I love the new look!!! Okay on to the review now. 🙂 Ares sounds like a badass and Cara seems to what he needs. Love the dark tones it sounds like it has. Great review.
kimbacaffeinate
Thank you Jenea. This was a fun read, and I am anxious to read book two.
Silvia
I can’t tell you how happy I am that you loved it! I devoured every single instalment of both series Demonica and Lords of Deliverance and yes, it should be better to read the Demonica books first, especially because this way you have a pretty clear vision of every character and relationship whatsoever. And you die to see different characters (let’s face it, everyone, LOL) making at least an apparition every time. *Thanks Ione for plenty of those*
Loved your review, Kimberly and hope you’ll keep up with the reading, it’s just going to get better and better and can’t wait for you to reach Reaver 😉
P.S.: The new design is lovely! Already put your banner in Blogs I <3 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks for updating my button, and yes I totally plan to continue. I read high fantasy, so I managed but think I would have enjoyed this history of all the characters I encountered.
blodeuedd
WELL this is new 😀
kimbacaffeinate
why yes, yes it is 🙂