***5 ‘So. Damn. Good’ Stars***
Actually this book, and series as a whole, deserves more than 5 stars. It was dark, decadent, sensuous, sinful and brutal and yet held such beauty despite, or because of, theses excesses that it sunk it’s greedy claws into me and I couldn’t put it down. I was absolutely hooked and needed to find out how all the pieces would fall into place but more importantly I simply needed to spend as much time as I could with this cast of characters. They got under my skin and I dare say into my heart with each turn of the page as I started to question who the real Masters and Monsters were.
Things start off right where Isadora ended and Thanos is on the chopping block, in more ways than one. Blessed with panty melting good looks, he’s as arrogant as they come and yet after a series of events feels more the monster than ever before. I loved Thano’s cocky nature and then finding out about his life before being turned and what it truly meant for him to be Eton’s first sired, I couldn’t help but adore him. He’s had to do as he promised for centuries and lock away his own needs, but with their lives on the line he finds that some things never die.
Paris, the youngest and softest, at least on the surface, of his friends is trying to hold to his sanity as he is thrust into the world of vampires. He’s so twisted around that it appears he will completely splinter from the stress. But after spending time in the dark with one of the vampires he discovers a strength he never knew he possessed. I swear I thought Paris would lose it numerous times, but through his compassionate nature he finds the strength to look beyond his fear and reach out to find the heart of a monster who believes he doesn’t have one.
Paris and Thanos probably have the sweetest relationship of them all, and that’s saying something considering the situation, but the connection between them is potent and with time running out the need to dive in is put into overdrive. The sexual tension is intense and despite everything going on around them a connection is made that if they can take a moment to explore it, it could turn into something life changing.
And as with the previous books the other colorful characters are never in the shadows. We are continually updated with what they are all going through as they deal with not only the changes going on in their personal relationships but the impending implosion of their way of life. I won’t deny that Alasdair, Leo and Vasilios are my favorites, the sexual chemistry between them is off the charts and watching as the dynamic of their relationship changes and grows is pure entertainment. But that doesn’t diminish what occurs between Isadora, Elias and Diomêdês. The fight for dominance, for the upper hand between Elias and Diomêdês is a sight to see, as is watching Isadora sooth both of their beasts.
But while they are all navigating their new relationships, death is looming like the Sword of Damocles over their heads. I must say that I’ve loved the twists and turns of this story. One second you truly believe that the end is near and then Ms. Frank tosses in a little twist and while you’re relieved that things go the way you were hoping, you realize that it will probably be short lived. I’ve loved how the culture and mores of everyday life of ancient Greece was intertwined with the story as well as the capricious nature of the Greek Gods. And as everything came to a head and the final blow was struck I have to say that I am thoroughly satisfied. That epilogue was brilliant and I must give Ms. Frank major kudos for what it because I didn’t see it coming, but loved it even as it left me aching for more.
As this is the final book in the Masters Among Monsters series(and please, please do NOT start with Thanos, you must start with Alasdair), I find it to be a bittersweet farewell because Alasdair was my very first book by Ella Frank and I was hooked from the very start. The prose, the storyline, and the characters were all so well crafted it was hard to put down and I hate that I have to say goodbye, though I have already put the request out there for more: I begged Ms. Frank prettily and asked for it with Vasilios on top *BSEG* But at least I have the books as well as the audiobooks, so will be able to hang out with/lust after these amazing characters whenever I desire.
~ Copy received from Social Butterfly PR ~
CHARMED FOR LIFE?
Thanos Agapiou has always been a charmer. For over two millennia, the vampire had no problem acquiring whom and what he wanted with a flash of his handsome smile. He took for granted the boyish good looks he presumed he’d possess for the rest of eternity.
How very wrong he was.
A nearly fatal attack distorted his entire existence. With his appearance now matching the title many have bestowed their kind—monster—he hides away from the world and all of those who know him, including his Ancient, Eton.
Until one night when a stranger draws him out from the shadows.
OR CURSED FOR ETERNITY?
Ever since Paris Antoniou was thrust into a world of vampires, his reality has become stranger than the history and the myths he’s studied for the past decade.
When he learns the truth about his origins and the power he wields, his confusion and fear have him running for his life. What he doesn’t expect is to run into the arms of Thanos—a vampire who doesn’t intimidate him as much as he intrigues him.
WHAT HAS THE POWER TO MAKE YOU WANT TO SURVIVE?
As their worlds collide under extraordinary circumstances, an attraction neither can deny takes hold. But will that be enough to save Thanos from his demons, or will he condemn Paris to his fate?
Destinies have been changed. Lines have been crossed. And, with tales of the vampire race coming to an end, who will make the ultimate sacrifice?
After all, in a world run by vampires and gods, only one can be the true Master among the Monsters.
Ella Frank is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the Temptation series, including Try, Take, and Trust and is the co-author of the fan-favorite erotic serial, Sex Addict. Her Exquisite series has been praised as “scorching hot!” and “enticingly sexy!”
A life-long fan of the romance genre, Ella writes contemporary and erotic fiction and lives with her husband in Portland, OR. You can reach her on the web at www.ellafrank.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ella.frank.author
Some of her favorite authors include Tiffany Reisz, Kresley Cole, Riley Hart, J.R. Ward, Erika Wilde, Gena Showalter, and Carly Philips.
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