Hell has come to collect… grey than she can count.
Who can she trust to help save the city as Baltimore burns to the ground and ghouls roam the streets?
With a white-hot attraction burning between them and secrets blocking their path, Gisele must face her past and venture into the twisted heart of the demon royal court.
But with no memory of her past…
…will she be able to save their future?
If you like Ilona Andrews, Kim Harrison, Nalini Singh, Karen Marie Moning, Michael Anderle, K. F. Breene, or Shayne Silvers, you’ll walk comfortably inside the pages of this paranormal fantasy world.
Get it now.
“Starks doesn’t waste a moment launching readers into the heady, paranormal world of her action-packed debut. The complex mythology and feisty characters will hold readers’ attention. An enjoyable fantasy from an author with a lot of promise.” – Publishers Weekly
What reviewers are saying:
★★★★★ “The relationship between the two main characters, Gisele and Shade, was by turns compelling, original, heartbreaking, and HOT–and the suspense was of the nail-biting variety.”
★★★★★ “A fun mix of action, romance, and demonic intrigue, full of memorable characters and sultry tension. Fans of urban fantasy: here’s your next binge read.”
★★★★★ “Packed with deliciously dark humor, steamy romance, and heart-stopping action, Gisele is a fierce heroine sure to appeal to fans of Nalini Singh and Sarah J Maas.”
★★★★★ “Shade and Gigi are my new UF power couple.”
★★★★★ “A thrill-ride adventure helmed by a badass, take-charge heroine and the hot-as-hell demon who loves her.”
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House of Ash and Brimstone is an action-packed urban fantasy with searing heat and soul-rending heart. Gisele is a strong, powerful warrior who knows how to take care of herself in an intensely dangerous world. I can’t wait to read the next novel in this series from this brilliant new author!
I love reliving into a new world of fantasy and magic that unravels in a complex, logical way to bring you right into the adventure. This book does exactly that. Gisele is a kickass strong heroine with no real knowledge of her past. Shade is a gorgeous demon, a seriously hot badboy in all the right ways with the OMG annoying-but-amazing ability of getting Gigi into even more trouble. No spoilers here but it’s a rollercoaster, fast-paced adventure to figure out Gigi’s past to save her future.
There was literally so much to fangirl about when it comes to this book! I love when a new-to-me author snags me from the start. Every scene was depicted in such a way that I could easily picture it, whether it was the false calm found here on Earth or the scary things that go bump in the night in the author’s version of Hell. The characters came to life with ease and I couldn’t help but be intrigued by them… especially Shade. Gosh, I would have given anything to really get his perspective on things. ANYTHING!!
I had a real hard time liking Gigi. She was impossible. I happen to love strong and fearless heroines and she was definitely all of that. But she was also impulsive, reckless, rash, rude, and a huge brat. She was impudent and irrational and it drove me absolutely nuts! However, her character gave me one heck of a story so I can’t really complain. Actually, yeah I can. She did many things that stuck in my craw, but the most glaring error she made was hitting a man with no provocation other than her own insane thoughts. That’s a major no-no in my book. She was also quick to abandon Shade although he constantly put himself in harm’s way to protect her. Harm’s way that she created!!
She’d done something horrible and rash. She’d bolted and left him to the wolves, knowing he was too hurt to fend them off. She’d known and hadn’t cared. What the hell kind of person was she?
See? Awful! Shade was forever at the edge of death because of her and she was always picking a fight with him over some nonsense and then not trusting him and abandoning him. WTH?! There were other things that bothered me, such as Gigi’s memories and the fact that she kept ignoring them, forcing everyone into problems that could have been avoided. This girl was a mess. And yet, I couldn’t get enough. I burned through the pages and now I’m anxiously waiting for the next book in the series. I’m crossing my fingers and toes that we’ll get Shade’s voice throughout and that Gigi’s experiences in this book have matured her for the future.
If you like fierce heroines, mysterious heroes, and creatures that will scare the snot out of you, read this book!
This was an amazing read! The detail and depth given to the characters, setting and story line was stunning!
The emotional charged relation ship between Shade and Gigi was off the chart!
This story sucked me in and had me riveted the whole way through!I
Action packed, perverse and brutal but heart warming to!
I hope there is a follow on!!!
Highly recommended
House of Ash & Brimstone (Gatewalkers Book 1) Kindle Edition
by Megan Starks
I received a complimentary review copy via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I don’t know which character I like more, the Minotaur or the Dragon. It’s a definite toss up.
In Giselle’s world, Demons, angels and humans all walk the same roads. She is half-demon but doesn’t know what the other half is. She is an indentured bounty hunter who took out a contract with a demon. Oh, an she can’t remember her childhood.
That kicks off the story that will soon include, Beast, the Minotaur and Shade, her own private dragon.
Ms. Starks has a talent for a turn of a phrase. Some of her prose is down right scary and some are romantic as all get out.
Ms. Starks presents us with a trip into Hell that does not originate with Dante. Her vision is more modern – more psychological than physical. She also sets up an original cast of demons.
I enjoyed the trope twist where Shade is submissive to Giselle and Giselle is definitely a heroine to watch. All that said, I really liked Beast, from his gentleness or Giselle to his pretty eyes and endearing blushes.
I am waiting with bated breath for the next book.
4 stars out o 5.
https://www.amazon.com/House-Ash-Brimstone-Gatewalkers-Book-ebook/dp/B07XZMQ2KQ
House of Ash & Brimstone is the first book in a new paranormal romance series by Megan Starks. The main character. Gisele, is a half-blood demon and human who lives in the mundane world as a bounty hunter; avoiding Hell as much as possible and only with a large police escort. She also doesn’t have any memories prior to the age of 11. She only remembers from the time she was placed in a convent for protection; although, protection is not at all what we learn she received. Shade is he new partner. He is dark, handsome and full of secrets. Shortly after being paired with Shade, Gisele begins to have very life-like dreams that appear to be from prior to the age of 11. She doesn’t understand them and for the longest time brushes them aside. As the story moves forward she learns a lot about her past life and how is intersects with Shade.
The characters and character development are excellent. Gisele has a hard time accepting that her dreams are actually memories resurfacing. Shade is secretive and when asked any questions he either avoids the question, changes the subject, or deflects, causing Gisele to find him untrustworthy and just plain annoying. The natural progression of the story allows for circumstances that Shade is able to prove his trustworthiness, however; Gisele is jaded and either doesn’t believe him or misconstrues what happens and why. The only issue I have is Gisele’s stubbornness when it comes to Shade, who he is, why he’s there, and what he means to her. Plus, she’s pretty hot and cold for awhile. Her mood swings and beliefs gave me a serious case of whiplash as I tried to keep up with her.
The world building in this novel is so creative and vivid the story pops right off the pages. I was able to envision the story the author was telling and I felt like I was there. House of Ash & Brimstone is full of heart-pounding action and heart-stopping decisions. There are multitudes of twists, turns, and suspense. I couldn’t breathe during certain scenes, as I waited in anticipation for things to be revealed. The story is romantic, dark, and full of betrayal. I was on the edge of my seat throughout most of the book.
I was provided a copy of this book to review but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
House of Ash & Brimstone
Gatewalkers Book 1
Megan Starks
Great story. I love the characters, and the story. It was full of adventure. I could not put it down!!
Heady mix of everything good in this half-breed’s world
—>>> This job will bring in a lot of money, but it seems that chasing after an important relic lands Gisele in a fight for her life, and she also ends up with a Beast, whom she has to hide in her apartment. This story’s pace does not slow down much as we follow her through her journey for answers to questions about her past and what her dreams are trying to tell her. Feisty character who is determined to get through her challenges one at a time but knows how to think on her feet and roll with the punches!
I started reading this, because it is supposed to be based in Baltimore, my old home town. I started disliking it, because the heroine was a totally rude brat. I adored it over Shade, because even though you’re not supposed to feel sorry or fall in love with a demon, Shade made me. Actually, it’s because of Shade I gave it 4 stars. He redeemed the book.
I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Gigi has one life but has forgotten another. Shad drives her crazy in many ways soul bonds and deadly contracts. They may love each other but that doesn’t mean they wont try to kill each other.
I dont want to give anything away about the book to much its gory and violent and has a really twisted family dynamic but its a good read only problem you get to the end of the book and just know the next book is going to drive you crazy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was an interesting read. My first by this author and her writing captured my imagination. Her characters are great and the storyline is fantastic. Gisele is an unknown, well for her anyway. What little she knows is blocked and her history is somewhat sinister. Things have happened and her memory has been wiped for all intents and purposes, but it seems after her last job a few secrets have been unlocked and now she has a million more things to worry about. Shade her dragon partner has history with her it seems, because these dreams of hers as a child he is in them, but in the here and now, he is blocked from speaking the truth of her.
All of these characters are flawed, whether by being impulsive, strong headed and sometimes silly, but that’s what makes this book such a good read. Also can i say how much i love Beast.
This was a great start to the Gatewalkers series. The unique book cover and entire story captured my attention! The cast of characters (Gisele, Beast and Shade) were awesome and really brought dimension and humor to the story. Can’t wait to see what else Megan Starks brings forward in the next installment.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
a really good book by this author. The characters were great and the entire storyline was well written and one I was hooked in from the very first page. I honestly can not wait for more.
This is a great book. The story is very well written. I loved the characters. A really great fantasy book that keeps you drawn in. I recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The author starts strong and keeps the heart pounding action going throughout the story. Gisele, a half-demon, has stolen an artifact that can open a gate to hell. Shade is trying to keep her safe, but has his own agenda. Gisele gets snatches of memories with a different Shade, but doesn’t understand them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A great start to the Gatewalkers series. Smart, Witty, Bad-*** half demon Gisele and her co-worker, babysitter and dragon shifter Shade who is a pain in her backside are both paranormal bounty hunters. When a job brings up plenty of complications for Gisele and her new friend/bodyguard Beast as well as the help of one unexpected person- Shade. A love story and a hell of a joyride (literally!!). Great characters, great book and a great read too. All you can ask for really
I really enjoyed Gigi and Shade’s story. Megan’s unique spin on an old and well used trope had me binging this book in huge chunks.
A particularly confusing introduction to the book House of Ash & Brimstone. A demon looking for his soul-bounder and when he finds her realizes she doesn’t recognize him. I can get that out. But why he cannot explain to her how he knows her name is completely unclear to me. The end shows that the story is a start, not an end ….. very curious about the story then
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Before she even gets to know him, Giselle and Shade act like an old married couple. Not the sweet kind. Giselle is both attracted to and repelled by Shade. Their relationship is frustrating, irritating and maddening but there are reasons. At least some of which will be revealed by the time you get to the end of this book.
There’s lots of action and intrigue as Giselle tries to finish one last job to get the payoff she needs to be free of Shade to the depths of hell and the rediscovery of who she is and what Shade really means to her. I am looking forward to the next installment.
I received a free copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This series starter by debut author Megan Starks was a fun read from beginning to end. The unexpected characters (a minotaur side-kick!) and unique world-building were top notch. I quite enjoy a story with plot-driven action and a healthy side of romantic tension, which the relationship between Giselle and Shade had in spades.
Overall it was a fun mix of interesting characters, slightly angsty romance, and high-stakes adventure. Everything I love in an Urban Fantasy! I can’t wait for the next book!