Into The Dark by Gena Showalter

Publisher:  HQN, Harlequin Enterprises
Pages:  361

From the Cover:

Three otherworldly tales from the master of paranormal romance.and a brand-new Lords of the Underworld bonus guide!

The Darkest Fire - a Lords of the Underworld prequel

Geryon is the guardian of hell, more monster than man. Kadence is the goddess of Oppression, more angel than woman. Together they will enter the flames to battle a dangerous horde of demon lords - and discover a passion unlike any other.

The Amazon's Curse - a tale of Atlantis

Zane, a fierce vampire warrior, has been enslaved by the Amazons. Nola, a lovely Amazon soldier, has been cursed with invisibility. Now, these two stubborn enemies must overcome the pasts that haunt them and embrace a love that can set them free..

The Darkest Prison - a Lords of the Underworld tale

Once, Atlas, the Titan god of Strength, was the Greek goddess Nike's slave. Now, he is her master. And soon these sworn rivals destined to destroy each other will be forced to risk everything for a chance at love..

Into the Dark by Gena Showalter is an anthology of three tales plus a couple of bonus features that were truly enjoyable.

 

The Darkest Fire

Kadance is the goddess of Oppression, sent to the domain of Hades to make sure the wall between the topworld and underworld, demons constantly worry the wall.  Geryson, cursed to to the domain of Hades, his life bartered to save another.  Now, he's the beast, Oppressions opposite, making sure demons and underlords don't escape Hades wrath.

This is an excellent short story, finding Kadance and Geryson together, if they can find a way to stay together.  What will they give up to stay together?

The Amazon Curse

Zane has one love, and it's a love he can't have.  Captured by the Amazon warriors, he's held prisoner, to be bartered away to the most powerful, to sire children to become Amazon warriors.  His love, the only touch he can tolerate, is Nola.

Nola, curse by the gods, exists in a different plane, she can see Zane, but never touch him.  She will have to find a way back to him if she's going to save him.

Another excellent short story of vampire and Amazon warrior, who heat up the pages.  Zane is an unique character, this isn't your average vampire tale.  Nola is his one true love, if only she can understand, saving herself and him.  I want to read more about these characters!

The Darkest Prison

Atlas, the Titan God of Strength was imprisoned in Tartarus for centuries, but with Cronus's release, the Titans imprison the Greek Gods in their place.  But, Atlas and Nike, the goddess of Strength, have a past, one where she would have set him free, but Atlas couldn't be true, so she marked him with her name.  Now, the table are turned, and Atlas seeks nothing but revenge from his warden.  Or does he, after he marks her with his name, he has to fight to control his desires, because, they might get him killed.

Nike and Atlas's story is a classical love story, one where they're damned if they stay together, and damned if they're apart.  Both deny their desires until both will combust if they're not together, but to be together, they'll have to escape their respective kings, or face their anger.

Bonus Features:

Bonus Guide  -  Lord of the Underworld series; including her gods, goddess, demons, and other characters, as well as having fleshed out their backgrounds, making them more real.

Twenty(ish) Questions with Kresley   -   She includes an interview with Kresley Cole, which was fun, interesting, and lets you have a peek into both Gena's and Kesley's worlds.

Behind the Scenes & At Home with:  Lord of the Underworld   -  more background information

Round Table:  Women of the Underworld  -  interesting background for the women too

Awakening Pandora

Pandora came to King Maddox's realm promising great magic if he would hide her treasured.  Upon agreeing, Pandora gifts Maddox and each one of his men with one of her "treasures".  To Maddox, she give Destruction.

This little short tells a tiny piece of King Maddox's story and how he's set free from his boxed cage.  Though it's just a tiny bit, it kept me turning pages and waiting for, wanting more.


Frequently Asked Questions:   Gena answers questions from readers

Sneak Peek of The Darkest Passion


The Sacred Scrolls

Glossary of Characters and Terms - very comprehensive for anyone who wants to know more about the characters

Into the Dark by Gena Showalter is a nice little taste of the Lord of the Underworld series.  We get to met some of the characters in greater detail, see how they came to be, explore Ms. Showalter's world.   I recommend it for anyone who loves her Lord of the Underworld series, excellent companion piece with four tasty short stories.

I received my copy for review from Net Galley and Harlequin.  All opinions expressed are my own.