PDF Immortal Hope Curse of the Templars The Curse of the Templars Claire Ashgrove 9780765367587 Books

Product details Series The Curse of the Templars (Book 1) Mass Market Paperback 368 pages Publisher Tor Books (January 3, 2012) Language English ISBN-10 0765367580

Immortal Hope Curse of the Templars The Curse of the Templars Claire Ashgrove 9780765367587 Books Reviews

• I recently read and enjoyed Claire Ashgrove's debut paranormal romance, Immortal Hope. I had read a couple of her erotic romances written under her pen name, Tori St. Claire, and I was curious to see what she would be like as strictly paranormal romance author writing for Tor. I have read a many paranormal romance and was pleased to see this book match what I expected from the genre.
  
  The main characters Anne and Merrick are believable and compelling. This is even with a hero who was not in his original place in time. The characters seemed to experience conflict and yet gravitate toward each other in true romantic fashion. Ashgrove's use of the Templars was a neat twist and the world she built made me want to read more, so I am looking forward to the rest of the series.
• The subplot was the current day action. "Centuries ago, Templar knights defied the archangels and unearthed the copper scroll that reveals the the locations of the gates to hell." It is well written for the most part. The sword fighting is believable. The outlook of the men and their speech are believable. That tension is extremely well done.
  
  With a little tweaking, her protagonist, Anne McPherson, could at least match Robert Langdon as a character and probably surpass it. "Anne has six weeks to complete her thesis on the Knights Templar."
  
  The hero, Merrick du Loire, is very well constructed and believable. But his goal, to kill his cousin because he has become the devil's pawn, is not shown to be strong but merely an obligation.
  
  The main plot is their romance. If this had been a standard romance, it would have been a fine romance and one of the better romance sellers. But she chose the erotic side of romance and thereby at least somewhat limited her sales.
  
  She is Best Sellers Rank #1,124,626 in Books & has been reviewed 11 times.
  
  Da Vinci Code is still Best Sellers Rank #6,872 in Books & has been reviewed 4,133 times.
  
  Her twist that the Templars are immortal and living in modern day America is a great idea. The copper scroll that was found with the locations of the gates of hell is brilliant. Even her choice as to who is in charge of the demons is excellent.
  
  Had she flipped the plot and subplot and kept the main plot on the Templars action, I think this would have been at least a fantasy bestseller, but possibly a Dan Brown type bestseller.
  
  Her website says she writes various levels of erotica under various names. If she makes the choice to write straight paranormal or thrillers, she will become a best-selling author.
• The book started out ok, but then it became boring and nothing much really happens. Every time you think something will happen it doesn't. Not entertaining enough for me.
• keep the story going
• First time I have read this author and was blown away! Can't wait for next book in the series. This was a great read about Templar knights and set the stage for what looks to be a promising series.
• Honestly, I wasn't so sure I was going to like Immortal Hope. After all, the subject of the Templar Knights is uncharted territory for me. I wasn't sure what to expect or if it would even hold my interest.
  
  Maybe it was due to my doubts about this book. But the story was a bit slow to pull me in. But I am delighted to say that this impression did NOT last long! WOW!! This book is packed full of fast paced action, heartache, smoldering hot tension and a VERY lustful and passionate romance! I couldn't help but fall in love with Immortal Hope!
  
  The Knights have been cursed with immortality. They have sworn an oath to protect humans from evil. They fight demons and with each battle, the evil taints their souls a bit more and eventually the darkness will take over and they will fight against their own brothers. Their only hope for redemption is for each Knight to find their one fated mate. A woman (seraph) who shares their own unique mark. Only their seraph will let the light back into their souls and chase away their darkness.
  
  The characters were very well developed. Not only do you get a very vivid picture of who the main characters are, but you also get to know and love many of the secondary characters. I'm sure we will be able to indulge in more of their personal stories in future installments in this series. *Hint* ;)
  
  Once that spark of interest ignited there was NO turning back! I am now HOOKED on this series and will be going into the next book with my eyes wide open!!
  
  ~Reviewer for WereVampsRomance~ werevampsromance.blogspot.com