REVIEW: The Last Slayer by Nadia Lee

Title: The Last Slayer (Amazon)
Series: The Heartstone Trilogy, #1
Author: Nadia Lee
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Source: review copy from author
Published: December 2011 by Carina Press

Ashera del Cid is a talented demon hunter, but when she kills a demigod's pet dragon, the hunter becomes the hunted. Her only potential ally is Ramiel, a sexy-as-hell demon. Now the two must work together to battle dragons and demigods...and the chemistry crackling between them.

Ramiel has his own reasons for offering Ashera his protection. He knows her true identity and the real reason the demigods want her dead. What he can't predict is how she'll react when she discovers he knew who she was all along...

Ashera is shocked to discover that she is the only daughter of the last slayer. To claim her destiny, she and Ramiel must join forces to face down danger and outwit their enemies. Only then will she be able to truly accept her legacy...

Why I Read this Book: I had not read a book involving incubi/succubi before so now’s a good as time as any, right? Plus I’ve been wanting to read one of Nadia Lee’s books. 

What I Liked: The author did an incredible job with the world-building. It was interesting; it was unique. Every twist and turn made the story even more fascinating. Like Sex for instance – where ‘sex’ is an act in our world, it’s a power booster of sorts that’s bottled up and ingested in The Last Slayer.

One of the secondary characters I adored was Toshi (think petite dragon a la Tinkerbell), one of Ramiel’s house servants. He reminded me of Dobby from Harry Potter. Toshi was constantly awaiting punishment whenever he felt he was being disobedient.

“I have sinned, exalted one. Punish me!”

I appreciate how genuine Ashera’s character was. She didn’t say what she thought others would want to hear just to make them feel better. Like when Ramiel reveals a handicap.

Ramiel: “So. Do you find me repulsive? Disgusting?”

What do you do with a question like that? There was no right answer, honest or otherwise.

That’s what I was thinking when I read Ramiel’s question! How do you answer a question like that?

And thank goodness there wasn’t a panic-stricken cliffhanger for the ending. (Though the last line in the epilogue did raise an eyebrow.) It had move of a until next time feel.

What I Didn’t Like: I didn’t find Ramiel likable and I’m not sure why Ashera is interested in him. I’m curious to find out what becomes of their relationship. I’m also intrigued by the mystery behind Ramiel’s vow.

Ashera starts off as a plain-Jane type heroine, which was refreshing because let’s face it, a strong, fierce, tough-as-nails heroine doesn’t have to be gorgeous to be kiss ass. And what she lacked in the ‘beauty’ department, she more than made up for in her skill and talent as a demon hunter. But that changed in the middle of the story.

Memorable Moment:

Opening line:

“Here, have some Sex.”

Overall Impression: If you’re looking for an Urban Fantasy read with originative world-building, then I recommend The Last Slayer.

The Book Vixen’s Rating: