Series Review: Devil’s Kiss by Sarwat Chadda

Series: Devil’s Kiss
Author: Sarwat Chadda
# of Books: 2 (Devil’s Kiss, Dark Goddess)
Complete?: Yes
Genre: Young Adult, Action, Supernatural, Fighting
Heat Rating: cold

Thoughts:

I was really excited to read Devil’s Kiss–in fact I went to the library with the expressed purpose of getting the book. There were a few things that intrigued me about this book:

1. The Knights of Templar — I had yet to read a book about this fascinating group
2. Billi herself — she seemed like a kick-ass and strong female lead
3. The apocalyptic plot — need I say more?
4. The cover looked pretty sweet

Unfortunately, Devil’s Kiss didn’t do much for me. Overall, I felt like the book was depressing. Billi wasn’t as awesome as I had hoped she would be personality wise–she too was depressing–but she was just as kick-ass I thought she would be. That was one thing the book did well–the action. The plot was suspenseful (albeit predictable at times) but I found I didn’t care for the other characters enough to get really into it. The romance options for Billi didn’t make me sway to one side or another and the other knights were gruff but not in a real loveable way. I didn’t end this book saying “that was AMAZING” more like “it was alright”.

After reading Devil’s Kiss I was hesitant to pick up Dark Goddess. The only reason I did was because they were going to Russia and for some reason, I LOVE novels set in Russia (probably because I am desperate to travel there) so I decided to give it a chance.

I enjoyed Dark Goddess more than I thought I would and a hell of a lot more than Devil’s Kiss. The plot was better, faster paced and overall less depressing. I also loved Ivan and I think the introduction of his character really saved the series for me. I had a hard time putting this one down and I have to say if this was the first book in the series, I would have a better impression of the series and enjoyed it more.

I know that Chadda had started to write a third novel in the series but due to sales, it was cancelled. One of the great things about Dark Goddess is that its plot starts and ends within that book (same with Devil’s Kiss) so you won’t be left hanging on for a conclusion to some cliffhanger. I really appreciate that on his blog he writes about how second books in a trilogy often build up to something that will happen in another book and how he didn’t want this to be the case with his own novels–so I give you props Mr. Chadda for understanding the dilemma of book series readers everywhere and making sure we get an action packed sequel that satisfies the reader. Kudos.

Conclusion:

I think there are better novels out there that have the kick-ass heroines but the blend of the Knights of Templar and a female knight make this series unique. I definitely enjoyed the second novel a lot more and I think it could be read as a stand-alone (I probably would have preferred it). While I am disappointed there won’t be a third novel, I am glad at the same time because I would feel obligated to read it and wouldn’t really know what to expect from it.

Rating: 3/5

Similar Reads: Grave Mercy by R.L. Lafevers (His Fair Assassin Series, #1) and Crusade by Nancy Holder (Crusade Trilogy, #1)

Synopsis for Devil’s Kiss (from Goodreads):
As the youngest and only female member of the Knights Templar, Bilquis SanGreal grew up knowing she wasn’t normal. Instead of hanging out at the mall or going on dates, she spends her time training as a soldier in her order’s ancient battle against the Unholy.
One of the order’s ancient enemies has resurfaced, searching for a treasure that the Templars have protected for hundreds of years — a cursed mirror powerful enough to kill all of London’s firstborn. To save her city from catastrophe, Billi will have to put her heart aside and make sacrifices greater than any of the Templars could have imagined.