House of Pain (The Forsaken Ones Book 1)
by Denna Holm
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Pub Date Sep 22 2018 | Archive Date Mar 28 2020
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Description
Maggie Shelbador is a half-breed succubus with a heart. Though raised inside one of the worst whorehouses in the world, all she wants is to find one man who will love her despite what she is. She dreams of one day being free of her nightmarish life but fears no man will ever truly trust her.
The year is 3515 and most of the world has been destroyed by a combination of natural disasters and man’s neglect. The whole human race faces extinction. To survive, the leaders of the day approach demons for help, not understanding the high price they will be forced to pay. Normally bound by the summoner’s magic, the demons know Maggie is the key to giving them free access to Earth.
Daniel is a widower with a young son. He is out hunting one day when his settlement is attacked and his son abducted. He tracks them to House of Pain, not realizing a trap is being set for him. Though tortured, Daniel refuses to break when they try to force him to prostitute himself—until a beautiful blonde woman is brought into the room, her power stripping away his self-control.
**This book is intended for mature readers only. Sexual scenes are involved that touch on the taboo.**
Advance Praise
House of Pain, by Denna Holm, is a dark, provocative and devilish book that will leave you lusting for more! The novel opens with a brother and sister cowering before a terrifying demon to whom they have made a promise. They must deliver on this promise or spend eternity kept alive simply to be tortured by this diabolical creature. Their promise comes in the form of the beautiful Magdalena, Maggie, who is half human/half demon. Although raised in a whorehouse she is our lovely virgin full of kindness but also the ability to suck life from people through sex! Holms paints a grim story of the future and it is not one of hope but one in which humans and nature have destroyed the Earth and demons can enter the planet and are on the cusp of entering to stay.
This is a dreary story in many ways, due to the state of the world in which it is set and the predicament of many of the characters but also ends up being very much a love story. Yes, there are erotic scenes and themes, but this story is truly about the endurance of family and the strength of love. It is slightly odd to write that about a book which includes incubus’s and succubus’s, a whorehouse full of debauchery and more but it is truly fitting in this first novel in what seems will be a series. I can definitely see future challenges arising for our main characters as well as the possibility of the portal re-opening. Demons are quite clever, after all!
I was impressed with the originality of this story. I love when authors create truly original story lines. It felt like this was a story in which the author was truly enmeshed. I want to know how she got the idea for this story. It was so uniquely creative and unlike any other fantasy story I’ve come across.
As stated earlier, there are some adult scenes, which are done respectfully but not appropriate for people under 17. I loved Holm’s writing style. It was dripping with tension, drama, romance, and a dark-side that I truly found intriguing. Her story did not drag on, the scenes moved quickly, and I did not want to put it down. I found it quite easy and fun to read! Be certain you are one who is down for some macabre, some romance and some sexiness in this fantasy fiction novel.
Available Editions
| ISBN | 9781681606873 |
| PRICE | $3.99 (USD) |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Diana D, Reviewer
House of Pain (The Forsaken Ones Book 1) Kindle Edition
by Denna Holm
I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley and am choosing to leave a fair and honest review.
This is a post-apocalyptic, Wild Western themed, paranormal romance/adventure where love alone keeps the evil at bay.
What a mouthful! But it is so worth it. Magdalena is a half succubus in 3515 CE. A time that is roughly 1500 years from now and a time that the world is sill recuperating from a nuclear war. The war was egged on by demons who wanted access to our realm. These demons are not your average fallen angels. They are nasty, evil critters that live in an even nastier realm that they are unable to leave without a summoning from a human and not able to stay here for long.
Like most post-apocalyptic stories, the world is not the nicest place. This isn't a Mad Max Hellscape with fast cars and nutters all about. The world is more like the Wild West, in fact there are several places with Maggie's true mate Daniel sounds like Clint Eastwood.
My only issue is the overriding mode of moving the story along is Maggie gets in trouble and the men must rush to save her. I wish she would grow a back bone a little sooner. I did like her most of the time, once she got out of her 'it's all my fault' attitude. Something she had help from Daniel to overcome. Daniel is a strong, Alpha in the midst of other Alphas who are Maggie's body guards. As I wrote earlier, he has an Eastwood feeling about him, even though he consistently makes sure he has consent and makes sure Maggie understands it is her body and her choice, right down to her hair. This is a great, new trend in the romance field and Ms. Holm creates a character and scenes where asking for consent is still sexy and caring.
The world is well created, with hints of Joss Whedon's unfortunately canceled masterpiece Serenity. The only thing separating that world from the novel's is there is no Whedon-speak. I also question some of the remaining garbage, IE.. I don't think cars would still be around AFTER a nuclear war, the acid rain caused by that war, the nuclear winter and so on. Even American Muscle Cars would probably be melted or rusted piles of steel. But I went with it because --- a Mad Max/Fast and the Furious. In this horrible future, instead of water being a form of money, cash is still accepted and sex is what the men seek. This results in a nightmarish sex trade that can and often does include small children. One of the drivers of the story is Daniel's son, Erik, who the party of heroes are trying to keep out the trade. And of course, much like today, Canada is the only safe place to flee to!
The sex scenes are sweet and steamy, even with some of the corny names for body parts. The scenes are sparse and this is a slow burner. The payoff is worth the wait.
5 spurs out of 5
https://www.amazon.com/House-Pain-Forsaken-Ones-Book-ebook/dp/B07HLP7QN1/
Alycia C, Educator
This book is a must read, I didn't like the prologue I would have given the master a name, but I truly loved this book can't wait to read the rest of the series, if you are looking for a paranormal book with some action and romance this book is it
Julie W, Reviewer
I gave this book a 5 out of 5 star review. It was an enjoyable and I would recommend. to others. Generously provided to me through NetGalley
Tonya L, Reviewer
Thank you to Net galley and BookGoSocial for the review of this book.
It did take me a while to get to it but I really did enjoy this. This was set in 3515 CE where we are met with Magdalena that is a half succubus. I love these types of stories. Any time there is a Succubus, please call me up!!
You have a story full of demons. This is roughly 1500 years from now and a time that the world is sill recuperating from a nuclear war. The war was egged on by demons who wanted access to our realm. These demons are not your average fallen angels. They live in an nasty realm that they are unable to leave without a summoning from a human and not able to stay here for long.
I love the world building in this book. This does say that this is book one so I am not sure when book 2 will be released but make sure I will follow up on it!
Adrianna L, Reviewer
This was my first time reading a book written by Denna Holm. I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review. The characters were believable, the plot well thought out. Action packed, hot and steaming, ups and downs, with twists and turns. Overall, a good book!
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