Review: Fantastic Read
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 9, 2013
Lyssa is a typical woman looking for a decent guy to go out with. Her boyfriend--if that's what you want to call him--has stood her up again. Thinking the night is a total flop, she's ready to leave the noise and crowd of the bar and head home. Then she spots him. Across the room, looking as out-of-place as her is the most gorgeous specimen of raw power and muscle she's ever seen. Suddenly, the night doesn't seem such a waste after all. And if she's reading the silent message in his eyes correctly as their gazes meet across the dance floor, he's feeling the same undeniable attraction. This is definitely going to be a night to remember, just not in the manner she hopes.Gideon was forced into a role he didn't want, but when one mistake sends an innocent woman to Hell, it's almost more than he can bear. Guilt has eaten at him for almost eight years. He distances himself from his immortal family and friends in what seems like a self-punishment for his mistake. No matter how far he runs though, the terror in Lyssa's eyes as she was pulled into the Abyss by a Scelero demon named Damien haunts him relentlessly. Unable to enjoy the things he once loved, Gideon does the only thing he can--hunts and kills anything that crawls out of Hell.Eight years later--and with the help of an unlikely friend--Lyssa escapes the abyss. No longer the weakling she used to be, she now goes by Nyx. A hardened shell of the woman she was, Nyx begins a journey of rediscovery. And believe me, is a very tough road. Gideon is determined to convince her that she's not the monster she thinks she is, even when there are changes about her that heighten his guilt, stoke his desire, and shake him to his very core. A true immortal bound by honor to destroy all evil, he not only has to fight to help Nyx discover the woman he believes is still buried deep inside her, he'll also make decisions that go against his hunter instincts that demand he kill her.This was book four in Ms. Coi's Immortal series and was, hands down, my favorite. I've loved all of them, each seemingly more than the one before. This one, however, really took hold right from the start. Ms. Coi always does a wonderful job with character development, but she really outdid herself this time with Lyssa/Nyx. The internal struggles of this woman were really palpable. I felt the emotional turmoil and struggles that she felt. I understood her fears, her self-doubt, and even her self-loathing. This wasn't one of those women who bellyache and whine about themselves to the point that you want to puke. No, I fully got her internal struggles. It made sense and was completely believable. Besides her physical strength--thanks to a friend she met in the Abyss--Lyssa is one of the strongest, most moving characters I've read about in a long while.Gideon's growth and depth were no less intense. Aside from his good looks and toe-numbing charm, his heart and determination to save Lyssa really struck me hard. I can't help but sit here thinking, "I want one of those!" Oh, if only guys like Gideon were so easy to find.  A true hero and warrior, he will likely stay in my heart for a long while to come.A writer myself, I tend to notice editing errors and point-of-view violations--not that I don't make them myself, I most certainly do--but if there were any, I was so engrossed in this story that I missed them. Nope, no complaints on this end. I would like, however, to take a moment to inform the author that there's at least one more Immortal who could use a good story, if she hasn't cooked one up already. After what he's gone through thus far, I believe Kane needs, no deserves, a tale of his own. No pressure. Really. *grin*What can I say to accurately summarize my thoughts on this story? It was awesome, plain and simple. I loved it from start to finish. Ms. Coi pens deeply moving characters that stole their way into my soul. The action is heart-pounding, the sex scenes are smoking hot, and her Immortals are true warriors that won my trust, my respect, and my love.Originally posted at Long and Short Reviews