The Darkest Secret

Showalter's seventh Lords of the Underworld novel (after 2010's The Darkest Lie) focuses on Amun, one of the dozen immortal warriors who absorbed evil demons from Pandora's box. The demon of Defeat captures Haidee, a part-demon Hunter whose relatives were slain by the Lords in ancient Greece, and takes her to the warriors' fortress, where Amun is recovering from a journey to hell. Everyone is surprised when Haidee and her icy touch soothe the tormenting demons that burn within Amun. Their roles as Lord and Hunter create obstacles to their growing attraction, as does Haidee's plan to find closure with her boyfriend before committing herself to a relationship with Amun, and another quest in hell tests their skills and commitment. A complicated backstory, dozens of recurring characters, throwaway references to rape, and graphic sex and violence may limit the book's appeal to new readers. (Apr.)