HARRIET KLAUSNER REVIEWS

They were the magnificent seven Spartans of the mighty three hundred led by King Leonidas of Sparta who tied up the powerful Persian army at the battle of Thermoplyae. They sacrificed themselves to give the Greek army to the south time needed to prepare for the invaders. After observing these warriors die for the common good, the God Ares offered the chosen seven soldiers immortality in return for being humanity’s protectors; they accepted without a second of thought.

Twenty-five hundred years later one of the immortals Ajax Petrakos knows his loneliness will end soon as the Oracle has informed him his other half lives in Savannah, Georgia. He immediately travels there to meet Shay Angel before his ancient enemy a malevolent demon abducts her. However, Shay is not helpless as she and the male members of her clan see and hunt demons; she is the first female to be able to see the evil ones. As they come together to fight the immoral demonic djinn, he knows his passion for her is a distracting emotion in combat especially if a prophecy is true predicting death while she sees his dark wings and knows he is not an angel although he seems to offer her love.

RED FIRE is a fabulous urban romantic fantasy in which Knight’s mythos combines the ancient Greek Gods with the Spartan three hundred in a modern day setting. The story line is action-packed from the moment Ajax and Sable search for Shay and never slows down as one escapade leads to another. Although somewhat similar in tone to the numerous urban fantasy sagas inundating the market, sub-genre fans will enjoy this fine opening entry as Deidre Knight makes Greek Gods, Immortals, demons, and demon hunters seem real through a solid cast especially the doubts of the rude heroine. - Harriet Klausner, Harriet Klausner Reviews

FRESH FICTION

"Fascinating new series involving immortal warriors who are in a race to solve a chilling prophecy."

Ajax Petrakos is one of seven Spartan warriors who became immortal when they accepted a deal with a god to protect humankind. But after 2500 years of fighting and living a solitary existence with only his brothers in arms, Ajax is bored and tired of answering to a higher power. Unfortunately, that higher power is asking Ajax to travel to Savannah, Georgia, to locate Shayanna Angel, the woman promised to him long ago by their oracle. The scene he comes up on as he arrives at his destination of the beautiful woman and a demon is one of awe and urgency.

Shay Angel's grief for her beloved mother is all-consuming, yet the letter she keeps in her pocket changes her understanding of who her mother really is. Shay is always trying to get into the family business of demon hunting, but both her mother and brothers claim that since their ability to see demons only runs in the male side, it's too dangerous for her to go on the hunt. But Shay has a secret and it guides her to the local cemetery to meet a demon. What she finds is a black-winged angel.

What an exciting beginning to this new Gods of Midnight series! Very well-done by the talented Deidre Knight. I loved it!

-- Mandy Burns, Fresh Fiction

KWIPS AND KRITIQUES

Ajax “Jax” Petrakos is a warrior of old. Sworn into the service of Ares as an immortal protector of humanity, Jax and his fellow Spartans take their oaths very seriously. But the years have taken their toll on Jax as he holds onto the prophecy of Shay Angel, a woman the Oracle has predicted will be his beloved. Little does he expect to find her in Savannah, Georgia. Unfortunately, Shay has already attracted the attention of Elblas Djiannas, a powerful demon who has a deep hatred for Jax. Will the prophecy come true or will Shay and Jax lose everything?

Deidre Knight always writes complex but very well crafted tales. RED FIRE is no exception! The mythology behind the Spartan warriors is carefully thought out and explained so that the reader is able to easily dive into the current day struggles. One can feel Jax’s anger and the strain his immortality has taken on him. His losses are all the more painful once the history between Jax and Elblas is revealed. Deidre Knight makes the inner struggles of her characters seem vividly real.

RED FIRE is yet another creative and unique story from an author who never disappoints. Deidre Knight continues to show that she has a gift for creating stories that are both intense and imaginative. Her characters make you want to return, again and again, just to see how things unfold. Be forewarned before reading RED FIRE, however: Deidre Knight definitely leaves readers hungering for the next story as RED FIRE is only the beginning of what is sure to be a fantastic series. Stunning!

-- Debbie, Kwips and Kritiques

NIGHT OWL ROMANCE

Ajax Petrakos is disillusioned and weary of life. After living and fighting for thousands of years he only wants to lay down his sword and finally rest. Ajax is called again to defend the greatest of treasures, Shay Angel. Shay was revealed to Ajax long ago as the one woman who would complete his soul. In order to keep her he must protect and win her. How can this be possible when the very gods have turned against them? Ajax is an immortal Spartan warrior and even in life Spartans never give up no matter the odds.

This is a stunningly passionate new series by Deidre Knight. These seven immortal Spartan warriors make you sit up and beg for more. Write faster Deidre I can hardly wait for the next book in the A Gods of Midnight series.

-- Karla, Night Owl Romance, 4 ½ hearts

ROMANCE JUNKIES

Ajax Petrakos is tired. He has struggled in his duties as a warrior for the last few months. His only salvation is the knowledge that his mate is out there. Will he see her out before it is too late?

Ajax “Jax” Petrakos is a warrior. Born a Spartan, he along with his brothers and three other warriors follow King Leonidas to become the immortal protectors of humanity. Yet after twenty-five hundred years, he wonders if it all worth it. Is eternity all that it should be especially if Jax still hasn’t found his mate, Shay Angel? As he searches for his destiny, he finds that she is being hunted by his enemy. Can he save her and himself along the way?

RED FIRE is the beginning of an exciting new series featuring King Leonidas and his loyal warriors. The premise is quite interesting and Jax was the perfect person to start the series. He is a strong and loyal man who seems to have lost his way. Although he knows that his calling is important, he needs Shay to bring out a different, better part of his soul out. She gives him part of his humanity back, the piece that he lost so long ago. The secondary characters are an extremely important part of the book because they help lay the foundation for what is to come. I am already eagerly anticipating a potential pairing that is so intriguing, my imagination runs wild with the possibilities. RED FIRE is an interesting and sensual beginning to what looks like a fantastic series. My mind is already wondering about the possibilities.

-- Ann, RomanceJunkies.com, Blue Ribbon Rating: 4

Romantic Times

Knight provides an intriguing new twist to both Greek mythology and legendary Spartan warriors with this searing new series, as she sets up an alternate world that begs to be explored. Plenty of high-risk action, treachery and danger force these two protagonists into extreme choices. Knight's alternate realities are always most intriguing."

SUMMARY: Seven of the legendary Spartan warriors who fought and died at Thermopylae were given immortality by the god Ares in return for their becoming the protectors of mankind. Of the seven, Ajax Petrakos is the only one who can see and translate the Oracle's prophecies. When the Oracle tells Jax that his long-destined mate is in Savannah, GA, and threatened by his old enemy, the evil djinn demon Sable, Jax knows he must face this battle alone.

Shay Angel's family have been demon hunters for generations, but she is an oddity. Until her, no female has ever been able to see the demons.

Although Jax saves Shay from certain death, his dark wings imply that he is anything but angelic. Does she dare trust him?

-- Jill M. Smith, Romantic Times, 4 Stars: HOT

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