When desire rises, angels will fall. One, by one, by one…
Demons of Elysium, Book 1
Over the past century, Belphagor has made a name for himself in Heaven’s Demon District as a cardsharp, thief, and charming rogue.
Though the airspirit is content with his own company, he enjoys applying the sweet sting of discipline to a willing backside. Angel, demon, even the occasional human. He’s not … demon, even the occasional human. He’s not particular. Until a hotheaded young firespirit steals his purse–and his heart. Now he’s not sure who owns whom.
A former rent boy and cutpurse from the streets of Raqia, Vasily has never felt safer than in the arms–and at the feet–of the Prince of Tricks. He’s just not sure if Belphagor returns those feelings. There’s only one way to find out, but using a handsome, angelic duke to stir Belphagor’s jealousy backfires on them both.
When the duke frames Vasily for an attempted assassination as part of a revolutionary conspiracy, Belphagor will do whatever it takes to clear his boy’s name and expose the real traitor. Because for the first time in his life, the Prince of Tricks has something to lose.
Warning: Contains erotic sex: m/m, m/m/m, m/m/m/m…oh hell. Let’s just say “mmmmmm!” and be done with it. Also one m/f scene. Smart discipline meted out with a great deal of love and charm. Erotic sex acts requiring copious amounts of elbow grease.
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Steamy with intrigue, angels and demons and so much more. This was a really complex story that took me a while to figure out what was happening. I really did enjoy the MC’s and thought the world-building was pretty good.
Belphagor and Vasiliy are unusual characters that have a difficult time figuring out how they feel and communicating those feelings. Their journey to finding their HEA is definitely a very complicated and rocky road. The struggle for Belphagor to clear Vasilly is interesting and creative. I really loved Phaleg!! Hope he gets his story.
This is book one of the Demons of Elysium and i will definitely be looking forward to the next one.
I was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review
I loved both Belphagor and Vasily. They were each a bit on the shady side but with charm to spare. They are immediately attracted to each other, but Vasily’s plan to win Belphagor completely backfires in a spectacular fashion and then we are off on a wild ride of schemes by another who plays for keeps and could get both of them killed. Can’t wait to see where this series goes.
Prince of Tricks is the first book in the Demons of Elysium. This appears to be the same world used in a previous series by the writer. Reading the prior series is not a requirement to understand this story.
What got me into giving this book a try is the blurb and what really hooked me is the world this is set in. There are not a lot of stories that uses or references Russian things in general but this book did it. Belphagor and Vasily live in the Demon district of Heaven. Heaven is a strange but fascinating mix of a typical fantasy world setting for angels and demons fused with Soviet Russia creating for a unique experience while reading the adventures, trials and tribulations of the main leads. It also heavily references numerous religous and mythical elements which the author utilized deftly.
Belphagor and Vasily are interesting characters in their own right. Belphagor is young-looking for an old demon. He is utterly skilled in gambling and has seen a lot of terrible things in his lifetime being a former rent-boy as well. He is self-assured, quite gifted as a lover but very guarded as he had been hurt previously. Vasily is young, insecure and very much needs to figure things out. Their relationship begins when Vasily tried to steal from Belphagor and it has been an intense ride from there. Both leads push each other to their limit both sexually and emotionally. There are a lot of sex scenes in this book which includes multiple partners so if things like those is not one’s cup of tea, please be warned.
Overall, the plot of the story had a very intriguing start but petered out much later on. It was a bit of a disappointment as the initial premise had been promising. Still, Jane Kindred had a very interesting style – descriptive, imaginative and clearly has that penchant for linguistic. The prose flowed nicely enough though there are certain parts that gets a bit turgid so it might not be for everyone.
Overall, I enjoyed this story and would give it a 4 stars out of 5.
I received an ARC of this book via GRR and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.
This is a new author for me and a very different and unique read but it was definitely very enjoyable! The characters were great and the world building was awesome! Lots of action and suspense that had you turning the pages! It was actually a very sweet romance! I would definitely recommend this! Received arc and am voluntarily leaving an honest review
This is a new author to me and I the concept of the book , Demons, fallen angels but it took me awhile to figure out what what’s going on. Vasily and Belphagor have complicated relationship, they have many misunderstandings because of the lack of communication between them. Trying to make Bel jealous Vasily get in to so much troubles. There’s an attempt of assassination and conspiracy that makes both MC flee, Belphagor will do everything to expose the real traidor to save Vasily. I don’t like that they have multiple partners, this have D/s interaction. I enjoy the world that the author created, I like the demon/angels books!
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Belphagor has spent years as a Prince of Tricks. He is an excellent gambler and thief as well as charming. For years though, this airspirit has been content with his own company and with meting periodic to punishment to whomever may need it. When a young firespirit tries to steals his purse, Belphagor finds himself captivated by Vasily. Vasily also finds himself captivated with Belphagor but is not sure his feelings are returned. He decides to use a handsome Duke to make Belphagor jealous with disastrous consequences. Vasily finds himself framed for an assassination attempt. Belphagor finds himself doing whatever it takes to clear his name and save Vasily.
Both Belphagor and Vasily have no problem using sex to get what they want. Just about any combination imaginable is used as a tool for success. So be prepared for lots of amazing heat. The world Jane Kindred created is very well done and since this is book one, we will be anxiously awaiting more set in this world. The plot kept your interest and with so much tension and misconceptions going on, you could not sure how everything would be resolved. Excellently done, Prince of Tricks is perfect for those of us who like something unique added to high heat levels.
Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review. Belphagor taking in a younger Vasily after trying to steal from him because something called him where the firespirit confusing to him maybe like calls to like in this case. Claiming Vasily his was both hot and bothersome to me as Belphagor is not willing to commit himself here, but will that change as Vasily turns elsewhere only to be tricked? On the run a different path opens for these two. With Vasily as most wanted, to live they are making a route as the fallen will they every be allowed to return home? This was one darkly delicious read of thrilling adventure, hurt and comfort one is easy to show while the other is difficult for Belphagor to show. Pain is easier to show his love but can Vasily live with just that. I was torn between laughs and cringing at the brothel scene for the big bad Belphagor.
This story is long and worth the read. I never would have guessed Heaven was so much like earth in so many ways. Some good and some bad. Demons are treated as low life’s and taken advantage of. Angels are rich and at times so much more evil. This is a love story mixed with angst, mystery, and romance. A story that will make you wonder “what if”. I love the imagination of the author and would read another book by her.