HD Smith (1)

My original Dark Contender audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.

Dark Contender by H.D. Smith is the fourth novel in the Devil’s Assistant series. Claire, who started as a desk assistant for the Boss/the Devil, is now the unofficial Queen of the fourth (of four) realm, Fallen. Set on fulfilling prophesies and taking official control of her realm, Claire needs to track down the other contender for fulfilling the prophesies and gather all the logistical pieces show more of the ritual to take over her realm. But the Oracle has returned after hundreds of years and she brings with her a type of time-bending chaos that Claire hasn’t dealt with before and for some reason she seems very interested in Claire. Claire and her team must figure out a way to beat the remaining contender and take her realm without being brought down by the machinations of the Oracle and the other power players in the realms.

H.D. Smith delivers another fantastic novel in what appears to be the finale of this series, filled with an exciting story, a really cool world, and great well-developed characters. It’s a really complex world that only gets more complicated in this book with the addition of the time manipulating Oracle, but it’s masterfully done. The story is fast paced and exciting and definitely absorbs the attention of the listener. As with each of the other three novels in the series, there are so many twists and turns as Claire and her team try to figure out not only what is going on around them, but also what to do as they get new information. It’s been great watching Claire come into her powers and to see her ability to make decisions and lead grow. Similarly, the relationships that have changed as the story progressed have been really great to read. However, this is not a stand-alone novel – to understand what is happening it is necessary to have read the previous books in the series. Overall, this is a great wrap-up novel. Any hanging threads from the last three novels area tied off nicely. The new story of the Oracle and the continuing story of the different prophesies intersect nicely and end in a really satisfying way.

The narration by Lauren Fortgang is excellent as usual. She really brings the characters to life and gives them personality. The production quality of the novel is also great. I would recommend this novel and this series to anyone who enjoys complex fantasy novels that include twisting plots and coming of age stories. Also, I would recommend this novel to anyone who loves strong female characters in young adult fantasy novels.

Audiobook was provided for review by the author. show less

In their early teens, Matty and his friends were runners for the mob in New Jersey. Matty managed to escape the life, but thirty years later events conspire to bring him back to town and an encounter with an old friend who still holds a grudge.

The story is skillfully constructed, with alternate chapters revealing the events of Matt's teenage years and his current dangerous dilemma.

An unusual, compelling crime story. H.D. Smith is a born storyteller.

ABR's full Dark Hope audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.

Dark Hope by HD Smith is an amazing urban fantasy. The main character, Claire, is the Devil’s personal assistant, but she quickly becomes wrapped up in the politics of the non-human world around her. Sent on a quest to save her life, she encounters troubles in the form of magic, beings that hate her, and mysteries. This quest takes her all over the human and non-human world as she not only has to try show more to save herself, but also beings that she dislikes as she tries to solve the mystery of who is trying to get her killed, or so she thinks.

I pretty much loved everything about this book. The beginning sucked me in, and I was constantly trying to figure out what was going on as Claire discovered new clues and questions. Claire herself is a spunky 21-year-old with a deep well of sarcasm and skepticism to draw from which she wields with rebellious attitude even when perhaps she shouldn’t. Every character from the big three non-human world rulers: the Devil, Mab, and Harry, to their children and lackeys, are fantastic and have depth. While some characters are definitely evil, many are in a gray area – at least to the reader, which makes trying to figure out motives even more fun. Other than Claire, who is the main character, I didn’t specifically have a favorite character, but I think that I loved and hated, and was unsure about all the right characters. While some of the magic/dream states were a little difficult to follow, other settings were easy to imagine. The end of the novel had a clear wrap-up, but left a healthy amount of questions and openings to lead to future novels. The world building is rich with many different avenues to explore and I can’t wait to keep reading/listening to them.

Lauren Fortgang did an amazing job with the narration. The characterization of each of the different characters, male or female, was spot on. The voices and tones of voice for the characters changed and were well-suited. It was easy forget that someone was even reading the book and to be engrossed with the storyline. The production quality was great. I one hundred percent recommend this book to anyone who likes urban fantasy with strong central female characters.

Audiobook provided for review by the author. show less

What I Thought:

How could you not love this book, especially if you are a fan of anything with the underworld, paranormal or just a fantasy lover. This book has all of it wrapped up together with a little bow on top, albeit that bow is made of flames, but still.

I loved that this book portrays exactly what I would imagine a real-life (or death) underworld being like. Poor Claire was once just a human, selected to be the assistant to The Boss. She's been used as a dog's body, treated rough, show more but taken care of. Then she falls into Purgatory and a lot changes. She's not longer little human Claire and she's part of a bigger picture, a prophecy. However, the three don't know she has powers, nor do they know just how many powers she wields. So, everyone, including her new lover and ex-lover, the Devil, play her down as little human Claire still. All the while, she's learning to hold her own, she's making her own plans and carving her own path in the worlds.

Claire finds herself in a mix of messes and eye-opening situations, most mean bad and a few give her a bit of good. She's still getting used as a pawn and treated rubbish, by most, but what could you expect from the three and the underworld? I wouldn't expect ANY less!

I loved Claire's character. Yes, she made some poor decisions - who hasn't - but she is a smart character. She plays her cards close and is excellent at biding her time, to make the most of what she's got. She may seem as though she is lost, but she is a problem-solver and a tough girl. The perfect strong female lead. Yet, she still has her human side, making her real and easy to relate to.

I loved the pace of the story. It did start out slower, but the pace picked up swiftly and carried on into a whirlwind of adventure and excitement. I found the characters to be deep and full of the emotion expected of them, especially the three.

Overall, after Dark Hope and Dark Awakened, I am hooked on this series. I cannot wait to read the third book...is it out yet? This series is very well written and has a great outlook on a paranormal, otherworldly (or other dimensionally) life. I LOVE it! show less