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    Black Night
    Black Night
    Black Night
    Audiobook7 hours

    Black Night

    Written by Christina Henry

    Narrated by Coleen Marlo

    4/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    Madeline Black is an Agent of Death, meaning she escorts the souls of people who have died to the afterlife. Of course, not everyone is happy to see her...

    If obstinate dead people were all that Maddy had to worry about, life would be much easier. But the best-laid plans of Agents and fallen angels often go awry. Deaths are occurring contrary to the natural order, Maddy's being stalked by foes inside and outside of her family, and her two loves-her bodyguard, Gabriel, and her doughnut-loving gargoyle, Beezle-have disappeared. But because Maddy is Lucifer's granddaughter, things are expected of her, things like delicate diplomatic missions to other realms.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherTantor Media, Inc
    Release dateJul 26, 2011
    ISBN9781452673523
    Black Night
    Author

    Christina Henry

    Christina Henry is a horror and dark fantasy author whose works include Horseman, Near the Bone, The Ghost Tree, Looking Glass, The Girl in Red, The Mermaid, Lost Boy, Alice, and Red Queen. She enjoys running long distances, reading anything she can get her hands on and watching movies with samurai, zombies and/​or subtitles in her spare time. She lives in Chicago with her husband and son and tweets @C_Henry_Author.

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    Reviews for Black Night

    4/5

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    • 4/5
      Still a stupid theme, but I found this one much funnier. I laughed out loud all through it. Enjoyed it far better than first one!
    • 4/5


      Loved this sequel to Black Wings. Our heroine Maddy is up to her eye balls again in intrigue and mysteries. Some one is killing werewolves and it's up to lucifer's grand-daughter to catch a killer, while negotiating with the fairy queen on behalf of Lucifer. As if her to do list isn't crowded enough, Gabriel has disappeared.

      One hung I will say about Maddy, she maybe human, but she sure is resilient. Unlike the previous installment, there is less romantic overtures and more testing of Maddy's fortitude . In each trial that she encounters, a new sense of just how much she is of Lucifer's blood line unfolds.

      While many questions raised in Black Wings are answered a number of new ones are brought forth. I can't wait for the next installment.
    • 3/5
      Well, at least Maddie realizes that she's surviving against all odds. The magical threats of Maddie's life are difficult to take seriously, as they're all deadly, all powerful, and undefeated for eons, but Maddie always manages to triumph through happenstance and innate magic. Political threats are the only things that can stymie Maddie, and it was fun to see her behind to hold her own (through a process more involved than chance). By book's end, I was heartily sick of knowledgeable people giving Maddie advice, her doing the exact opposite but surviving anyway, but at the same time, Maddie was starting to sound a bit more savvy and adult. Book three looks like it will be a lot of fun, my fingers are crossed that the entourage will either stop giving, or Maddie will start taking, advice.

      Full review at All Things Urban Fantasy.

      Sexual content: Kissing,an attempted rape, oblique reference to rape.
    • 4/5
      Wow, there's a lot going on in this story. First, for those who haven't read the first book, Maddy is an Agent; a person whose job it is to guide the newly deceased to the "Door" so they can move on. She inherited the job upon her mother's death, along with the wings needed to do the job. She suddenly becomes a target of demons and a nephilim when her father, a fallen angel and Lucifer's right hand, decides it's time for her to know him. This world is all new to her, as is the discovery that she's also a many-times-removed grandchild of Lucifer. And in this world, Lucifer is NOT the ruler of Hell. Hell isn't even mentioned.We're introduced to werewolves when something starts killing them, and Maddy establishes a relationship with the pack without realizing that they are enemies of Lucifer. We also learn about faeries when Lucifer calls in the debt Maddy owes him for killing one of his sons and tasks her with being his ambassador in negotiating a treaty with their queen. Maddy is not what you would call diplomatic. Gabriel, the bodyguard she's in love with and Beezle, her gargoyle and best friend, both disappear and she's determined to get them back.There are plenty of twists, intrigue, action and politics in this story as Maddy learns more about herself and what she can do. I feared after reading the first book that she could become a Mary Sue with all of these new powers suddenly coming out when she needs them, but I no longer have that sense when reading this book. Yes, she's still learning and more abilities become evident, but she never walks away unscathed and she's certainly not overconfident. She does stand up for what she believes is right, even when it goes against protocol and will cause problems for her. Maddy seems to have more enemies than friends, but those on the friends side is slowly increasing.I find I enjoyed this story more than the first book. There is still a great deal we don't know about the secondary characters, but we learn more about them as Maddy does. I was sucked into the story from the beginning and would have read it in one sitting if I didn't need some sleep.
    • 4/5
      When Lucifer's your great-grand, you don't expect to live a normal life. For Madeline Black, the knowledge - and her new powers - are still sinking in. She's been enjoying a brief hiatus in the action, keeping her head down and keeping up with her day job of ushering souls through the Door. But when a glowing green something blasts an unsuspecting werewolf into bloody gibbets and snuffs out Maddy's powers at the same time, the hiatus is over. As if a mysterious killer isn't enough, Lucifer has a mission for her. No big thing, really, just negotiate a new treaty with the Queen of the Fae... who had the last ambassador decapitated.Maddy's more capable than she gives herself credit for, but the surrounding males are getting a bit annoying.
    • 5/5
      I absolutely loved the first book in Christina Henry's series "Black Wings" so it was a no brainer that I would read the sequel "Black Night". What is surprising is that I enjoyed "Black Night" as much as I did the first novel. This time agent of death Madeline Black is investigating the murders of local werewolves when Gabriel suddenly disappears. Maddy knows that Gabriel would never leave her of his own free will so what happened to him? Plus this time around we get involved with J.B. and his powerful mother. "Black Night" is a fast action, non stop book. Once I started this book I didn't want to stop until the last page was turned.I love Madeline Black. She is smart and kind and will do whatever it takes to protect those she loves. I adore her sense of humor even in the face of danger. The plot lines are intriguing but there are a lot of good urban fantasy stories out there. What makes this one stand out in the crowd? It must be the supporting characters. I am iffy on Gabriel, the hot hunk that Maddy can't have but I adore J.B. and have from the start. He is a smart aleck and can be rude and yet very endearing. I liked him from his first scene in the first book. In "Black Night" we find out he is more than he seems as well. Beezle, Maddy's gargoyle, is also a hoot! He eats her out of house and home and the banter between the two is very charming. I guess the sidekick is becoming somewhat overdone and I know people have complained that he is too much like some other popular fictional sidekicks but I just enjoy him so much that it doesn't detract from how much I enjoy his character.I'd recommend this book for readers of Kim Harrison's Hollows series or Diana Rowland's Demon series. I know that I am charmed by the series and will continue to read the future installments.
    • 3/5
      Even though it is Book 2 of a series, BLACK NIGHT works well as a standalone – and I did not too overwhelmed by the backstory that I could not enjoy the present dangers for Maddy and company. Too often I find urban fantasies with badass heroines who delivers cute yet overly girlish one-liners, and I was pleasantly surprised to find Maddy more of a wham-bam-thank-you-ma’am type of girl who would rather engage in a pissing contest with the faerie queen and not obsess over her missing bodyguard to the point where she is utterly useless. There was a forbidden romance story arc, but it did not dominate Maddy’s entire attention.I mentioned earlier that BLACK NIGHT can be enjoyed as a standalone. What happens in BLACK NIGHT, stays mostly in BLACK NIGHT. However, I do get the impression that there is an underlying current of trouble that is slowly building to a crescendo for the entire series. Which means that reading from the beginning BLACK WINGS and continuing with the rest of the series will only bring Maddy and company closer to whatever devious plans Lucifer has in store for them. I had been hoping to learn what it means for Maddy to be an “agent of death,” but it does not seem to come into play in BLACK NIGHT. Which only means that I will have to check out Book 1 to learn more about it :)I think Christina Henry has created a smart and action-packed series that will appeal to a more bloodthirsty reader. Fans of Lilith Saintcrow’s Dante Valentine series will be thrilled for a new series to devour and a favorite new heroine to kick some demon butt. I am hoping that BLACK HOWL will bring the Maddy-Gabriel relationship into the spotlight, especially since these two were left with an awfully sticky situation that definitely changes the playing field.
    • 4/5
      Review Courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales Quick & Dirty: A woman forced to face her fears alone while being pursued romantically by lots of men save the one she wants. Witty and full of action; sprinkled with political machinations beyond the abilities of our heroine. Opening Sentence: I stood in the alley between Damen and Wolcott in the recently trendy neighborhood of Wicker Park. The Review: When we left Madeline in the last book, she found out she is related to Lucifer and that he knows about her true feelings for Gabriel. For the offense of killing one of Lucifer’s sons, Ramuell, Madeline agreed to do him one favor in the future. Lucifer has called upon that favor. Not only does she have to go on a goodwill treaty negotiation to the faerie court (which she knows nothing about) with her fiancé (that she can’t stand), but she must also navigate her way around without the help of Gabriel (who has gone missing). She also (by accident, really) agreed to help the werewolves (who have a long standing hate of Lucifer) find out who is killing off their packmates. All the while she dodges getting killed by her half-brother, Antares, and other assorted assassins. I believe Madeline said it best when she said, “…I’m just a thirty-something thrown in the deep end of the pool without a floatie.” Several factions of supernaturals meet together in this book. Let’s start with the faerie court where Amarantha rules. She is queen of the local faerie court. She also happens to be J.B.’s mother, Madeline’s old boss and sometimes friend. This is where Lucifer is sending in Madeline as an emissary. There are so many protocols and ways to break them that Madeline is not sure whether she should feel honored or terrified by Lucifer’s request. She has no idea if she is sent in as a show of faith, or as a sacrifice. Maybe a little of both. No worries though, J.B. will be there to help her out. Not sure if that will help Madeline in the long run or not. So why is J.B. all of a sudden being so helpful? It certainly can’t be because he has feelings beyond friendship for Madeline, right? Next are my personal favorites, the werewolves of the Red Pack of Wisconsin. Not only had Madeline inadvertently declared herself a friend of a pack that happens to be her (many greats) grandfather’s, Lucifer’s, sworn enemies but there is someone out there killing off members of their pack and trying to blame it on Madeline. Like she doesn’t have enough enemies as it is. A neat little fact about the Wisconsin Pack: their leader was chosen because he is the reigning Star Craft Champion. The alpha, Wade, always says, “En Taro Adun.” Don’t know what that means? Well, me neither. But then again, I haven’t ever played Star Craft. I just really enjoy the idea of werewolves sitting around a basement, playing computer games. Makes me giggle every time. They add a little extra to the long list of characters in this book. They are strong in their own right, enough to be taken seriously by the other supernatural factions, yet they are surprisingly upfront with Madeline. They take her side without really knowing about her personally. And that takes some serious cojones. Finally, there are the fallen. Madeline is representing these guys even though her knowledge of them is scarce. Nathaniel, Lord Azazel’s right-hand man and Madeline’s fiancé, is there to help her out in the negotiations. Not that she wants his help but let’s face it, diplomacy is not Madeline’s area of expertise. Can she accept his help even if she doesn’t like or trust him? How far will Nathaniel push this engagement and his “rights” over his fiancé? Will Madeline stand for that? Surpise! There is another faction of the fallen involved, Lord Focalor’s court. Can Lucifer deal with these guys? If there is to be a rebellion among the fallen, can’t he just come and take care of it himself? Why is Madeline getting involved anyway? Doesn’t she have enough people that want her dead? The rebels are also “courting” the faerie queen, and they brought a gift, the captured Gabriel. How far will Madeline go to rescue him? What are the potential repercussions of doing so? So what the heck do all these factions have to do with Madeline? Easy, she is now a major player in the fallen community and she has to learn to play the political game. For someone that needs help in the tact department, this is quite a quandary. It’s fun watching her, a newbie, deal with these political heavy weights. Can she learn to survive in this new arena? Or will she be killed before she gets a chance to try? I truly enjoyed the second installment in this series. I look forward to what’s next for Madeline and her doughnut-loving gargoyle, Beezle. I also hope that the feelings between Madeline and Gabriel get addressed and resolved in the next book. I don’t like novels that drag out love interests too long. It doesn’t feel authentic to me. A person can only take so much before they either give in or move on. Notable Scene: “So where’s the big reveal? How come you were so all fired up that I shouldn’t come and get you?” I said. Beezle sighed, closed his eyes for a moment and pointed behind me. “Because of that.” As he said it, I became aware of fine earthquake tremors in the ground, and the water lapping against the backs of my legs. The scent of sulfur grew stronger, and Nathaniel stood up, eyes hard and watchful. I huffed out a deep breath. “It’s something huge, isn’t it?” Beezle nodded. “Yup.” There was a sound of several limbs splashing in the water. “Is it all squishy and tentacly?” “Yup.” “I hate my life.” The Madeline Black Series: 1. Black Wings 2. Black Night 3. Black Howl FTC Advisory: Penguin/Ace Books provided me with a copy of Black Night. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review. I get paid only in hugs and kisses from my little boys.
    • 4/5
      Maddy is investigating the mysterious death of a werewolf when she is ordered to go to the fairy court to negotiate for the court of the Fallen (as in angels). Well her grandfather is Lucifer afterall. But when her guardian and her faithful gargoyle Beezle both go missing, Maddy is determined to find them even if it means defying the fallen, the fairies or whoever gets in the way.This second book in the series rocks as much as the first. There is more world building and you really get a feel for the complications Maddy has to live with. I have to admit that I groaned when I realized she was going to the fairy court because that is not usually my favorite thing, but I have to say that this fairy world was not too bad and lent itself to the story very well. I just love the way Maddy stands her ground, even though sometimes I wish she would listen to the advice her friend try to give her. She always manages to pull herself out though and the more she fights the more powerful she becomes. Looking forward to the next book.
    • 4/5
      This is the second book in the Madeline Black series by Christina Henry. The third book in this series, Black Howl, is due out in 2012. Right now there are three books contracted for this series, although Henry has stated she'd like to write an additional two after that. This book was a great addition to the series, we learn more about the Fairy realm and about the past of some of the angels Maddy has to deal with.Maddy is recovered from being killed in the first book. With Gabriel assigned as her body guard and Beezle, her gargoyle, at her side to help she is hoping to just chill for a while and continue her job as an agent of death. Then werewolf deaths start occurring outside of the natural order of things and Maddy is determined to figure out why. Things get even crazier when members of her fallen angel family start trying to kill Maddy and on top of all that Lucifer wants Maddy to act as the diplomatic head for a mission in the fairy realm.This book has a lot going on and I was initially worried that the story would be too scattered. I shouldn't have worried, Henry does an excellent job of tying the multiple story lines together and forming a surprising and cohesive plot.Maddy has gained more power, but is still getting the stuffing knocked out of her quite often. The saying, takes a licking and keeps on ticking, definitely applies to Maddy in this book. Maddy is learning how to use her power and her personality in better and more forceful ways, so this was great to read about.I was a little disappointed that any relationship between Gabriel and Maddy is stalled in this book; their love is still starcrossed but Gabriel is missing for a large portion of the book. Stepping in to fill his role is Nathaniel, Maddy's fiance. Nathaniel accompanies Maddy throughout the book and causes all sorts of trouble. Nathaniel is an interesting and complex, if not very likable, character and it was fun to learn more of his background. JB is also a big part of this story and you learn a lot about his background as well.I enjoyed that time was spent in the fairy realms. This is a part of this world we hadn't interacted with before. There are definitely a lot of politics and intrigue throughout the story. That is not to say there isn't any action, there are a number of well done action scenes as well. The book was well-paced and well-written.The story was well wrapped up, with some dangling threads to be addressed in future books.Overall I am enjoying this series. The angel mythology is interesting and it was great to see the world expanded into the fairy realm. Maddy is a great character who is finally learning how to use her power. There is a lot going on in this story, at points almost too much. We go into new worlds, meet a number of new races and characters, and have a number of storylines. In the end though I enjoyed the complexity and thought everything game together nicely. This is definitively an urban fantasy, not much romance here, so just FYI. If you like this book I would recommend you also check out Seanan McGuire's October Daye series.
    • 4/5
      BLACK NIGHT picks up not long after BLACK WINGS ends. Someone still has it in for Maddy, she's trying to learn to navigate this convoluted world she's become a part of, albeit unwillingly, and she's still in love with Gabriel while forced into an engagement with Nathaniel. Her grandfather, Lucifer, is assigning Maddy tricky diplomatic duties, with Nathaniel no less, to other courts in different realms. Maddy also makes the acquaintance of some werewolves when she keeps coming across mutilated were corpses. Did I mention that the weres are no friends of Lucifer? Any way you look at it, Maddy is one busy agent of death.BLACK NIGHT is one amped up ride. Non-stop action kept me pretty much glued. Maddy is really starting to come into her own. She may not know all the rules, the protocol, or the extent of her powers but she's gaining in confidence. Despite her parentage she always tries to do what's right, not always the easy option but the right one. I like the way characters, relationships, and events are progressing so far with some unexpected surprises. Maddy learns about the treachery of the fairies, the steadfastness of the wolves, gets a glimpse of what her grandfather has in mind, or what he lets her think he has in mind, and learns that things aren't as cut and dried as she thought regarding Gabriel and Nathaniel. There's action galore, secrets revealed, crises averted, and a lot of growth for Maddy. Not to mention my favorite gargoyle, Beezle...I adore Beezle. BLACK NIGHT is an awesome read and I'm really looking forward to Maddy and Beezle's next adventure