Review: Super Steamy & Entertaining Series Starter
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 01 31, 2014
Thanks to Jane Kindred I'll never picture Heaven the same way again in this cleverly crafted and highly sexualized first book in the Demons of Elysuim series.  From start to finish readers are taken on an unexpected and unique journey into the world of demons, fallen angels, and a political plan to create chaos that unwittingly forces the arrogant and sexy Beli to become embroiled in after his young lover Vasy is accused of the crime.  From this decadent and gritty view of Heaven to the perceived safety of a parallel Russia here on Earth, Beli and Vasy race to stay one step ahead of the real criminals while Beli uses his unique abilities to gain the help he needs, especially from the Heavenly guard Phaleg, in clearing Vasy's name.Beli's youth was one of living on the edge doing whatever necessary to stay alive.  It's made him smart in maneuvering through the different levels of society but it's left him a bit jaded too.  He's considered a master of thievery, gambling, and sex but deep down it's also made him leery of love.  Vasy is sweet and naive at times, which leads him into trouble, but his kind heart and playfulness bring out a softer side to Beli.  Vasy doesn't ever seem to learn from his mistakes so it's a good thing he has Beli looking out for him.  For so long he fought the love and affection Vasy was offering him as he saw it as a weakness but when he finally does claim him it leads to unexpected events.  Beli then has to use all of his strengths to save the young man he's just starting to care for which leads readers on a super sexy journey from one demon to another and, in a very unexpected twist, shows what it's like to be a woman in a world where they have the least power.Ms. Kindred has created an entertaining roller coaster ride full of all sorts of naughty sex.  Here Heaven is an adult's playground, like Las Vegas, a bit gritty and rough around the edges.  There's different classes of demons and angels who are constantly fighting to be on top.  This world is vividly depicted and grabs your attention from the very start.  In contrast is the Russian parallel world which is just as corrupt and dangerous and puts the Russian words Beli's always speaking with Vasy to good use.  From one world to another you're constantly on the edge of your seat waiting for the next unexpected thing to happen and Ms. Kindred doesn't disappoint.  Another area that didn't disappoint was the sexual interludes where readers witnessed m/m, threesomes, menages, and a bit of f/f, though these scenes did take over the story at times.  Sex was seen as a commodity, as entertainment, as well as for genuine affection.  Throughout it all Beli was the master, always knowing what others wanted and needed as he blazed a sexual path to get the info he needed to save Vasy.  Those who don't like their main couples with others though might be turned off by this but it slowly becomes clear that his time with Vasy is more meaningful than time spent with others.  With their sweet and heartfelt concluding scenes this is especially apparent.With its vivid world building, steamy sexual interludes, and compelling main character of Beli this becomes an unforgettable read and an exciting start to what promises to be a unique and entertaining series.  Though I never felt a strong connection to Vasy as he always seemed to be in Beli's shadow, the character of Phaleg and his steamy scenes with Beli left a lasting impression with me and I look forward to his story being told soon.  Those looking for a very different kind of paranormal series, one with lots of sweat-inducing scenes, will want to add the Demons of Elysium to their library!