Format read: ebook
Series: Book #2 in the Children of the Undying series (Book 1 : Demon Bait)
Release Date: 3 Jan 20122
Number of pages: 333 pages
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Formats available: ebook, paperback
Purchasing Info: Goodreads, Author’s Website, Amazon, Samhain Publishing, Barnes & Noble

Book Blurb:

When hell reigns on earth, love is a luxury they can’t afford.

Children of the Undying, Book 2

While the tattered remains of humanity huddle underground, hiding in their virtual world, Devi prefers living topside, making dangerous hauls through the demon-infested wasteland earth has become. The wealth that comes from smuggling supplies to those shunned as summoner-born or demon-touched doesn’t hurt, either.

The man she meets to arrange one of those under-the-table hauls is complicated…and handsome as hell. Literally. A glimpse of the predator beneath his silver gaze and she’s tempted to break her cardinal rule: never mix business with pleasure.

Zel’s first look at the wild-haired hauler threatens to distract him from his mission—and reminds him just how long it’s been since he got laid. As the leader of an outcast settlement, he can’t afford to trust too easily. Devi’s got a reputation for running a tight, disciplined crew, but her very willingness to deal with him means she has something to hide.

Not to mention a hot, tempting package like her could be the cleverest trap his enemies have ever set.

Warning: Contains demon bars, virtual (and literal) fights to the death, forbidden love, renegade AIs, a badass truck-driving heroine who will do anything to protect her crew and the half-demon warrior who will move heaven and hell to make her his.

My Thoughts:
Hammer Down is the first full length novel in Roger’s new Children of the Undying series. Even if you haven’t read the previous novella, Demon Bait, you won’t have any problem to jump into this new world with relish.

We find ourselves in a world of screaming opposites after the apocalyptic rise of the demon-kind upon earth. The world lies in ruins and society as we know it is gone forever. We have the world of the humans who depend on their technology to escape from their post apocalyptic world into a virtual  reality that immitates life as they wish it to be. Their society is very restricted and ruled ruthelessly by the upper class. It’s a life without real freedom where the only escape is to the virtual world. On the other hand we have we have the magical society- a world of summoners and halfbreeds. The latter are the unwanted offspring of demons and either humans or summoners. They live a secluded life away from the human world who paint them as evil just because of their parentage.

Hammer Down is set in Rochester, a community of these Outcast led, by Zel.  He inherited this responsibility from his stepdad. He is a strong warrior and more than fitting to rule a bunch of temperamental halfbreeds. His kind soul with all its’ rough edges really did me in. He’s alpha and can be bossy but he tries really hard to be reasonable. When Devi enters his life he is nearly undone from day one. He never felt like this before and Devi being an outsider doesn’t really help matters.

Devi is an hauler- she spends her days transporting cargo of any kind from one settlement to the next. It’s a risky life where she’s in constant danger of demon attacks while venturing into the wild and unprotected world which is left of our earth. She loves the excitement and constant movement. She and her crew are a very tight knit group- more like a family than friends. She would do anything for them and then some more.

Devi and Zel are combustible in every way. The sexual tension rises exponentially with each page and well you will need some cold showers or ice-cubes for this read. I loved to see that their emotional connection developing shyly.  It was a contrast to their sexual chemistry but it showed their consideration for the people around them and the influence of their relationship on them.

I’m sure I’m saying this in all of my Rogers’ reviews but I adore the way Rogers creates a community of unique and vivid characters. As always I can’t decide who’s story I want to read next. They all do have their own appeal. I have to mention my two favorites though- the techies Trip and Cache. I do have a soft spot for the geeks. Cache’s background broke my heart and Trip well I can’t say much but I so wanted to hug him hard.

Hammer Down is a great introduction into a new post apocalyptic world. The mix of science fiction and paranormal is very refreshing and the endearing characters are the cherry on top. I loved the mix of emotional intense situations and the action and suspense of the mainplot. I wasn’t able to put this one down. A must read for all those who do have enough of the same old genre tropes and aren’t scared to try something re-invigoratingly new.

I give Hammer Down 4 1/2 stars!

About Susi

Susi is a geeky vegetarian from Gemany. She just finished university and now works as a civil engineer in steel construction. Besides her reading addiction she also knits like a maniac while listening to audiobooks. Susi also blogs at the Secret HEA Society.

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