Devil's Punch: A Corine Solomon Novel

I can easily say this was the darkest of the novels in this series to date. I normally do not read dark themed novels, but, Ann Aguirre finds the light no matter how dark themed it gets. Once I joined our angel/demon Corine Solomon on her journey to Sheol, I was amazed at the descriptive powers of Ms. Aguirre's pen. The scenes became alive and you could visualize the characters.The quest was to save her best friend, Shannon. We met Shannon earlier in the series, so we know how deeply Corine feels for her. Having her kidnapped by demons was not something our Corine could sit by and not try to save Shannon.Along for the journey is Chance, Corine's boyfriend who also possesses the gift of 'Luck.' We get to learn a great deal more about him and why Corine is so attracted to him.This is an adventure novel. Written with dimension and care. I hope that Ms. Aguirre keeps the series going for a long time, but, maybe a wee bit lighter? Corine deserves a break, perhaps in the heavens?

This book is in no way urban fantasy. It was basically a 300 page tour guide of demon land. The main characters developed in ways that can only be described as bizarre. I never really liked Corine but at least there were a couple of good characters in books 1-3. This book is one long running narrative inside Corine's head with little to no action. And the big scene where she "unplugs" dear old dad evoked a gigantic eyeroll from me, I can only assume that was not what the author was going for. Most of the writing was just over the top, melodramatic. I had hoped the series would develop into a nice urban fantasy series with good characters but alas this book leads me to believe that will not be the case. She definitely jumped the shark on this one.It feels like she wrote this book on auto pilot and got mixed up with her other sci-fi/fantasy writing job. I really hated this book in particular and the series thus far as a whole.

I loved this series.

Another great chapter in Corinne Solomon's story--lots of adventure, romance, danger, excitement, and magic. But such a cliffhanger at the end--why do authors feel the need to leave major plot twists unfinished? I don't need that to make me want to buy the next book... Definitely worth the read, but make sure you read the earlier books first.

The last book headed in the over the top direction that this one takes- to hell and back, really. Corine's romantic dilemmas are settled-sort of. But the arc of this story feels like a sell out of the original premise and its story line based in hell is overset by the the need to introduce the demonic hierarchy and bestiary of this world. Supposedly, the next book finishes the series, but I'm not sure I'll bother as this has taken such a turn from the original story that drew me in.

Since Blue Diablo I have awaited each new installment of Corine Solomon's adventures with baited breath. I should have watched Survivor or some other pointless television show. Devil's Punch is a dreary never-ending whine about lost love and demon life. No wonder they call it hell, if I had to listen to this all of the time I'd find a way to jump ship. I never liked the character Chance and am happy he's met an end although there are signs he'll make a come back. If you find Harlequin Romances too challenging this is just the thing. So long Binder don't hurry back.

same review as previously. Good fun read. Not complicated. Good characters you invest in. A good quick distraction that won't take 10 years to get through the series. Hopefully.

I like this series and wish for more.

There is a tendency for fantasy writers to over do the peril/darkness after a while and I think it happened here. Nonetheless I would recommend at least the first 3 novels even if you don't like Cocktails. This one was OK but not as good as the first three.

Not the best tale in the series, but still an enjoyable easy read. Only get it if you loved the others!