Lords of the Underworld series by Gena Showalter

I've read the first three books in Gena Showalter's Lords of the Underworld series. In order, they are The Darkest Night, The Darkest Kiss and The Darkest Pleasure. It's important to read them in order.

This series has an interesting concept. It features a group of immortal warriors who were each cursed with a different demon. Some of the demons are Pain, Death, Misery, Wrath, Defeat, Doubt and Disease. A real cheery bunch. In addition to dealing with their demons, they are fighting a group of humans who want to destroy them, searching for four powerful artifacts and trying to placate the Gods.

I've read several other books by Showalter and although I enjoyed them all, this series seems to me to be a step above. The writing is better, the pacing is better, even the characters are better.

The series is reminiscent of J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series, but different enough that it doesn't feel like an imitation. Yes, they both feature a band of supernatural warriors who struggle with their own demons (literal in Showalter's series), but otherwise are quite different. J.R. Ward's books are more full of angst, deeper and more complex.

It's tough to pick a favorite from the three books, because there were all quite good, but I really loved the heroine of the second book, The Darkest Kiss. She is Anya, goddess of Anarchy, and a lot of fun. The hero of this book is Lucien, who is host to the demon Death. The ending of their story was surprising, emotional and very satisfying.

Things I like about this series:
The concept is fascinating. It is fast moving and exciting, with lots of action and touches of humor. The characters are all well written and sympathetic, which is quite a feat in some cases. Each book is quite different than the others and there are a lot of surprises.

I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series, which unfortunately will not be out until May 2009. I'd rate these three books each 8 out of 10.