I liked this one. I haven't read any of the previous books other than Angel's Keep, which I think explains why I was confused in some parts. I'd definitely recommend starting at the beginning. I think I will probably re-read this once I've read the others. I really loved Kayla's character.

Review of eBook

As Herman Christianson recalls the horrors he has experienced in the containment zone, he continues to form his seditious plan against Lilith; eventually, he will find a way to have Kayla Winslow in his control. And, although he manages to hide his plans and his true feelings, he tries to remain patient.

Meanwhile, Kayla remains caught between accepting a professorship with North Carolina State University and starting her own research business. Cerberus Virgil remains at her side, providing protection.

But with Lilith’s attacks on Boston leaving hundreds of innocent humans dead, the Celestial army prepares for war. Will the one-time brothers find themselves on opposite sides in a war that no one can win? And what will happen when Christenson decides to overthrow Hell?

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Third in the author’s fantasy series “The Devil’s Trill,” here Lucifer’s story becomes the focus. Told in both the present and the past, the narrative provides the backstory for the character as it gives readers some insights into the relationships between the archangel brothers. [For readers wishing to follow the complete story in order, the books and novellas are: “The Devil’s Trill,” “The Master’s Court,” “The Angel’s Keep,” “The Harpy’s Lullaby,” and “Ballad of the King.” The fourth and final book in the series, "The Angel's Requiem," is scheduled for release at the end of the year.]

Readers begin the story with Herman Christenson, who uses his relationship with Lilith for his own evil purposes. Doctor Kayla Winslow plays a major role in the unfolding story, with readers gaining insight into her relationships with Lucifer, Lilith, and Christenson.

Strong characters and inventive world-building pull readers into the telling of the tale from the outset. Tensions build as it becomes clear that a confrontation looms in the very near future. As with the earlier stories in the series, the interactions are realistic. The twisty plot takes offers some unexpected turns; continually building suspense leads to a climax that may surprise readers.

With fantasy and magical elements firmly embedded in the narrative, readers will find much to appreciate here. The only downside is the use of some offensive, crude language that is certain to offend some readers. Although many of the questions readers may have had after reading the earlier stories are answered here, this story leaves readers breathless . . . as the promised conflict now seems inevitable.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book from the author ( )

This is number 3 in the series and is even more complicated than the previous books. As a Young Adult series it’s certainly more well written than normal. One has to give Saltsman credit for creating a heaven and hell that’s completely different from the traditional concept: even though everyone on either side seems to hate everyone on the other side, and everyone seems to exhibit positive qualities that are completely ignored on both sides.

The ruler of Hell is an angel that is not “fallen” but has volunteered to be the king of Hell in order to correct the mismanagement of the prior king. And this angel is reviled by his brother arch-angels while trying to defuse the roiling emotions on both side—especially while he’s trying to put down a potentially catastrophic coup by an upstart human who has gained incredible power and has convinced several very important denizens of Hell to back him in his push to become the new king of Hell. Meanwhile, humans are being slaughtered on Earth causing much consternation in Heaven: shall we allow Hell to weaken itself to the point where Heaven can easily beat them in a war? Or shall we send angels to die in an effort to help them put down the revolution in order to protect the humans? And THEN try to beat them in a great “battle of good vs. evil”?

The weakness, and strength, of this series is that immortal beings have the same emotional drives and failings as normal, short lived, humans. It all depends on the reader’s age and ability to suspend disbelief as to whether you enjoy this ‘God-awful soap opera’—(conveniently, God is never mentioned and allows all characters to muddle along doing the best they can).

There’s more to this story than I need (or want) to get into…like why, after his first wife (a human) becomes utterly diabolically powerful & corrupted and is attacking humans in an effort to provoke the King of Hell to weaken himself in his efforts to protect humans—so that she can use her warriors to defeat his then remnants—does he find himself emotionally captivated by another human woman? Or why humans are horrendously punished for eternity for horrendous crimes they committed in a few years on Earth?, etc. [Is there no rehabilitation? Or forgiveness? Ever?!]

Anyway, don’t look for any great moral messages here…just a fun story. ( )

Dr.Kayla abandoned all hopes of harmony long ago. Hunted by the harpy queen and caught in the deadly crosshairs of the vengeful Herman, she had grown accustomed to her constant state of peril. But when the harpy queen turns the city of Boston into a battlefield she refuses to hide behind the shield of Lucifer’s magic.

This book started off interesting and strong but just leveled out. I wish there were a bit more ups and downs, though the mystery and putting the pieces together were good it didn’t pick up until towards the end. I do love how Kayla has matured and grown through the book and how her human brightens everything. The characters were amazing as well and I do believe this author is going places if he continues to write. ( )

Okay, I confess I owe an apology to N.B. Saltsman. I have read all three of the Devil’s Trill novels now and, while I stand by my review of the original “Devil’s Trill” I never would have thought they would go this far. And they aren’t done!

In Ballad of the King, Dr. Kayla Winslow is being hunted by the harpy, Lillith. She has net and dealt with many denizens of Hell and come out on top, but things keep getting weirder. The archangels are divided on how to deal with Lucifer “Lou” with some finally realizing how badly they hurt him millennia ago. Boston is teeming with dead people and Kaylsa’s dog, Virgil (hellhound!) is not happy.

This book brings back all the characters from the first two novels and adds many more. If you don’t like violence and bloodshed, this is NOT the series you want to start.

That said, this is not a skip-ahead series. You must start with “Devil’s Trill” or nothing will make sense. ( )