It seems I am reading the Demon series out of order. I read--devoured-- The Assassins Love last week, and saw this one is earlier. but in the same vein. I don't think it really matters if you read these out of order. They stand alone just fine.

After TAL, I wanted to read more about the Yama and their world. It is a very interesting world. This one takes place fully within their royal kingdom, sort of a cross between ancient Japan/China and I don't-know-what. The royals have this weird state of "heat" where they are uncontrollably horny and have just one or a couple of true mates that can relieve them completely. That set up lends itself to all kinds of interesting machinations....

The two main characters, Corum (The Prince) and Xishi, his mate, are very cute and not experienced when they get together. That is refreshing and their love story is sweet.

There is some classic villainy thrown in, but they get their HEA. It got a little sloow for me near the end, I guess I just wanted to finish, and sadly, the love scenes were getting a little boring because it was just the same two.. ..no menage to shock and titillate... or anything like that.

This was a much lighter read than The Assassins Lover, and the sexy scenes are a little less intense, more on the sweet side, but still pretty darn hot.

Funny enough, one of the more intriguing characters appeared in the beginning and reappears at the end. he is featured in a later book, which I will be reading soon. A little treat for me!

As always, loving Emma Holly and her tales of the Yama. Sooner or later, I will find them all...

I read this Emma Holly book after reading raves about her in Sarah Wendell's Beyond Heaving Bosoms. It is certainly explicit, but I would place it as a paranormal romance with explicit sexual scenes rather than as erotic fiction because the love story was paramount. It's set in a convincingly created world, where demon species live in an isolated land reminiscent of a techno-infused alternate Imperial China. It's an excellent blend of storytellings, characterisation and hotness and the character's are certainly sympathetic. I would have given it 4 stars, but that I felt the heroine Xishi became quite passive and was more naive than I would expect some who had experienced what she had experienced to be. I loved her as a child - and I understand that part of her character's journey was to lose that spark, and regain it when reunited with the hero - but I felt she became less interesting as a result. However, I am most intrigued by the character of Prince Pahndir who I think appears in the sequel, so will be buying it.

Rated E: Excellent, erotic, entertaining.

I did not know this was the third in a series when I picked it up. I still haven't read any of the others, but this story worked well as a stand alone.

I *really* loved this book. It reminded me in a way of Memoires of a Geisha, only with daemons and a heavier erotic style to the writing.

Hot!

I love this series. They are super racy (explicit would be another word), though, so consider yourself warned. Love the setting, the different races...

So I read this and I liked the story but I didn't love it. I think because there is a bit of court intrigue happening. I have a hard time with users and the people surrounding Xishi and Corum are using them. From childhood to adulthood, they are treated like pawns. Their desire and need for each other is heartbreaking especially because they are each so tortured. It's like while they were raised together they were raised without shame but as soon as they are separated they are taught to feel shame for who they are and the connection they have. It's so wrong.

Once they are adults, the sexuality becomes more of an issue. They make a connection and that is dangerous to Corum position. He is torn and she loves him but doesn't want to ruin him. It's actually a fairly dramaful story.

Yes, read it because the Author's last name is Holly , However I enjoyed the book. Xishi is one of my favorite characters. She is simple and complex. She is like a ruby. She gains color and vibrance when put through the fire.

This is my first read from Emma Holly and it will not be the last. I am going back to read the series as I am now hooked. I love her writing style and imagination.

Intense and hot!

Five stars for the first chapter, if I'm going to be honest about it.