Book Review--ETERNAL RIDER, by Larissa Ione

Review for:
Eternal Rider, by Larissa Ione
ISBN: 9780446574495
Publisher: Grand Central (Hachette Book Group)

New York Times bestselling author Larissa Ione grew up reading Stephen King and Dean Koontz. She began her writing career with horror and fantasy, but soon learned to love romance. She is able to combine her two loves into one genre- paranormal romance. She also writes under the pen name Sydney Croft. Titles include: Seduced by the Storm, Sin Undone, Ecstasy Unveiled, Passion Unleashed, Desire Unchained, Hot Nights Dark Desires, Unleashing the Storm, Wet Dreams, Snow Bound, Riding the Storm, Flesh to Fantasy, and Shadow Play. Her title, Pleasure Unbound was named Best Paranormal Romance of 2008 in the First Annual Reviewers Choice Awards at Romance Novel TV. She was born in Oregon, but resides now in Virginia.

This is the first installment in the Lords of Deliverance series, following the five books in her Demonica series. The second book, Immortal Rider, is due out in December 2011. Though these books are part of a series, they are stand alone reads, and the author does a great job of explaining previous events so readers can catch up or jump right in. However, I recommend reading the rest of the books.

Four siblings, the four horsemen of the Apocalypse, were born in a match between good and evil. Known as the Lords of Deliverance, they have the power to ward off Doomsday, or let it ride. Ares' brother, Reseph-- guardian horseman for the seal of Disease-- has just fallen. Ares knows as the protector of the seal for War, should he fall, Armageddon will happen. He also knows he can't fight his destiny forever, especially now that his brother has turned evil and plots against him. There is one hope. Gifted like other mortals aren't, Cara Thornhart is the key to Ares safety and his destruction. Ares doesn't want to involve Cara, especially not with the heat and passion now consuming them, but he has no choice. Staving off eternal darkness for all mankind may also have a staggering cost-- Cara's life.

I've enjoyed Larissa Ione's books for some time now. Jumping into paranormal romance can be jarring, but she creates worlds unlike anything you've seen. This book, as her others, has a glossary of terms to refer to if you should get stuck. I was wondering where she was going after I heard of this new series following Demonica, but I'm glad for the ride. The back story for both main characters was surprising and interesting. That, and the great secondary characters, added dimension and depth. Larissa also has an exceptional talent for setting, putting the reader right there without thinking about it or trying to figure it out. Sexy characters, a demon realm, end of days-- what's not to love?

Kelly Moran,
Bookpleasures