Death Doesn't Bargain

Deadman's Cross #2

by Sherrilyn Kenyon

The Deadmen are back...

But so are the demons who have broken free of their eternal prison and are bent on mankind's destruction. The worst of the lot is Vine, determined to claim their lives for taking hers. She will see the world burn...and has the perfect lure to destroy them all. One of their own.

Kalder Dupree has never known a day of mercy. Born to the cruelest of mer-races, he sacrificed himself for his crew and is in Vine's hands. He expects no mercy or rescue.

Yet Cameron Jack is determined to set Kalder free. As a Hellchaser, it's her calling, and she cannot allow even a not-so-innocent to be tortured for an act of kindness that spared her damnation.

To defeat evil, it sometimes takes an even worse evil, and Cameron is willing to do whatever she must to make this right. If Vine thought she had her hands full before, she hasn't seen anything nearly as powerful as Cameron's resolve.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Romance, Demons, Magic, Pirates

384 pages, ebook

First published May 8, 2018

About the author

Official Author site
Official Nevermore site
Official Deadman's Cross site
Official Chronicles of Nick site
Official Silent Swans site
Official Hunter Legends site
Official Witch of Endor site
Official Lords of Avalon site
Official Facebook site

New York Times and international bestselling author Sherrilyn Kenyon is a regular at the #1 spot. With legions of fans known as Paladins (thousands of whom proudly sport tattoos from her series and who travel from all over the world to attend her appearances), her books are always snatched up as soon as they appear on store shelves. Since 2004, she had placed more than 80 novels on the New York Times list in all formats including manga and graphic novels. Her current series are: Dark-Hunters, Chronicles of Nick and The League, and her books are available in over 100 countries where eager fans impatiently wait for the next release. Her Chronicles of Nick and Dark-Hunter series are soon to be major motion pictures while Dark-Hunter is also being developed as a television series. Join her and her Paladins online at MySherrilyn.com and www.facebook.com/mysherrilyn

Fan Run International Sites:

Argentinian FB Page 

Fans de Sherrilyn Kenyon en Columbia 

Fans de Sherrilyn Kenyon en Chile 

Filipino Fans on FB 

France/French 

Italy/Italian 

Portugal 

Soy Fans de Sherrilyn Kenyon 

Dark-Hunter Spain 

Spanish

Reviews

[Kat valentine ( Katsbookcornerreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another awesome adventure with captain bane and his deadmen crew!! In death doesn't bargain we find out more about kalder dupree one of devyl deadmen crew. Kalder is one of my faves and when he was taken away by vine in the last book deadmen walking we were left not knowing if he'd survive. He did,vine imprisoned and was torturing him and he also found out that vine had his brother who died, their also . Thorn is able to get kalder released and back to the crew.But once again vine and her cronies are out to cause mayhem,so when kalder's brother muerig is released by vine and shows up,the deadman crew know that trouble is gonna come knocking on their door!!! Kalder not only finds out secrets from his past,but he also is falling more in love with cameron Jack and together between all the chaos that surrounds them these two different souls find a happiness and connection that neither has every known. Kenyon is a hell of a storyteller!! She pulls you in with characters that seem like family and I love her world,it's never boring!! Anytime thorn,acheron ,Simi or savitar are around you know shit's about to go down!! And their was even a appearance by jaden!!! I want to know more about all these immortals and their back stories!!

[Yodamom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook- excellent narration
4.5 Stars
Death, devils, pirates, princes, demons, love and friendship. All that and there was still some room for smexy time ! You know SK knows how to smex her characters right ! Just thinking about it all hot and bothered. Somebody grab me a fan it's hot in here. If you love her other series you'll love this one.
Man that was a fun ride. I can't tell you anything without ruining the story. it does pick up just after book 1 so go read that one first. it would also help if you read her Dark Hunter Series at least too. She pulls characters in from her other books and doesn't reintroduce them nor tell their back story. You'd be missing out on some seriously good characters if you don't. Acheron, Simi, Thorn, and a few other favorites make an appearance and set up for the next book. The ending is a humdinger of a cliffhanger. You have been warned.

[Lyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I should point out straight off that I’m a big fan of Sherrilyn Kenyon and I’m totally biased when it comes to her books. Yes, book dragons, if it’s her books (or Nora Roberts/J.D. Robb), prepare yourself to be mowed over by unrestrained gushiness.

That said, I went into this book full of expectations. And you know what they say about expectations? The bigger they are, the harder the fall.

It was great to see the characters from Deadmen Walking, their interactions with each other, the fast-paced action, the romance. Add in a new storyline that kept you at the edge of your seat.

At 81% of the book, this story was a solid 5 stars for me. I practically had to clutch my belly to keep from bursting out with spoilers left and right because I got to see some of my favorite warriors. Their interactions cracked me up.

As from 82% however, my rating sadly suffered a fast descent. The ending happened way too fast without the detailed scenes that are Sherrilyn Kenyon’s trademark. The ending fight scenes were sorely lacking in important details. I was left with the annoying question, how?

Yes, this side wins over that side, this side gets the best over that side, but how? The ending scenes were disappointing for me but other than that, the story was pretty good.

Posted on Blog

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

an epic read 5 out of 5 all the way round

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a fan of Sherrilyn Kenyon’s storytelling, I was really looking forward to the next installment in the Deadmen’s Cross series. This book features Kalder and Cameron, two characters that fit this deadly and dangerous crew but who also have their own great personalities to add to the mix. If you haven’t read Kenyon before, she tends to write angsty and emotional stories and although this has touches of that, I don’t think this is one of her more angsty books. It was a nice change because it shows off her capacity to write different things.

However, if you are a fan of the deep and emotional romance, I don’t think you will be very disappointed in this book. There are a lot of moments that capture the center of each character and Kenyon runs with it, creating a beautiful story between the hero and heroine.

I’m a big fan of this series because of its writing style and darker tone. Paired with the epic worldbuilding and interesting characters, you really have a series that stands out from the crowd. Even if you haven’t read any of Kenyon’s Dark Hunter books, I think you can enjoy this one. Be warned though… once you start, you may not be able to devour her extensive backlist.

DEATH DOESN’T BARGAIN captures true love while also giving readers the ride of their lives. This is definitely not a book that you want to miss out on!

Read my review onFresh Fiction

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devyl Bane and the rest of the Deadman's Cross Pirate crew is back in a brand new action-packed adventure. When Kalder Dupree the Mercian warrior is spat out of hell after being tortured by their enemies, Kalder thinks it isn't over with. Now there is Hell to pay as they must fight Vine and her minions to save their souls. Will they survive her wrath? Read on and find out for yourself.


This was a great second installment of the Pirate series Deadman's Cross by Sherrilyn Kenyon. Fans of the dark hunter novels will enjoy this book series. I look forward to continuing this book series when book 3 premieres to bookstores in the future. Look for the Deadman's Cross series so far at your local library and wherever books are sold.

[Pamela(AllHoney) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second book in the Deadman's Cross series by Sherrilyn Kenyon. Devyl bargains to get Kalder back. But there are those who want him badly! Dead. But the crew of the Sea Witch stick together and fight the forces of evil that plot the destruction of the world.

It's hard to describe exactly what's going on in this book. It's non-stop action and adventure on the high seas. But it started a bit slow for me and ends with a cliffhanger. Still I would recommend to Sherrilyn Kenyon fans with a warning. You may want to wait until the whole series is done so you won't have to wait for the next book like me.

[Megzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Scholar inArmor · Rating 4 out of 5]

AFTER READING:
SPOILERS AHEAD, BE WARNED!



There is one thing that is definitely a misconception - you cannot read this series as a standalone. I mean, technically you can, but you are missing so much of the bigger picture. There are so many characters and so many unfinished plots (Acheron's parentage, Savitar, Thorn, Jaden, Primals, Malachai, who is related to whom, etc.). I just don't know how anyone could pick this series with "I want to read a book about pirates" in mind.

I loved Cameron and Kalder. They were great, strong main characters and I can't think of anything that I did not like about them or their relationship in this book. It is revealed that Kalder is not only the Myrcian King he is also a son of the River Goddess Melusine.

There is one person who is definitely my favorite female character ever. Vine. She is so angry and hurt and tortured by her own insecurities and all of that combined makes me feel for her. She is really one of the better-written characters by Sherrilyn Kenyon, in my humble opinion. I hope that she is going to survive and that she is going to get her own series. When Sherrilyn was in process of updating her new website there was one link for Nevermore series and there I found every copyright that is owned by Kenyon. There were many things, mainly some character names, names of the certain species, or names of the series. There was one copyright that said "Blackthorn Lady" series which obviously got me all worked up for Vine. A boy can hope.



BEFORE RELEASE:

Cameron Jack & Kalder Dupree.

[Ivy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 🌟

Enjoyed the next book in the series. Nice to see the Deadmen again. Happy to see Thorn, Savitar, Ash, and Simi as well. Happy that Cameron and Kalder were able to tell each other their feelings and get together. Congratulations to Mara and Cameron. Hope they get Mara and Valynda back.

Can't wait to read At Death's Door!!!

[Marishka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable but it gets bogged down with all the characters, words, legends and everything else. The whole time I'm reading I am sitting there trying to remember what the hell it is and it's meaning from the previous books and other series. It just has way to much going on. I would have enjoyed it better if it was separated from the Dark Hunter world.

[Chelsies Reading Escape]

WHAT I CANT WAIT A YEAR

[iva · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Look at me, Kalder,” she breathed. “And remember. Out of death, there is life. Out of devastation comes hope. Out of tragedy comes strength. Out of pain comes wisdom. Out of sorrow comes insight. You will never know how high you can soar until you’ve learned to fly with wings that were broken by enemies and re-forged by your own determination to succeed and let no one hold you down ever again. To show them all that their cruelty will not define you. That you will not live by their rules or dictates.���

[Reading In Pajamas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved! Review to be posted this week

[WiseAssAssassin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I live for Savitar and Thorn’s interactions. ���😭

[Jan Murphree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!!

Another awesome bokk !! By Sherrilyn Kenyon!!!
Loved it!!! Was a great read!!!!
But this book!
Love this series!!!
Outstanding!!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Sherrilyn Kenyon!! I have never been disappointed with one of her books and that's still true with this one!!
Devyl bargains to get Kalden back. Though mant want him dead the crew all stick together and fight hard to keep evil at bay.

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, um... that's it? I mean, it good and all, I guess, but I feel like it didn't add much to the series overarching story arc started in book 1, with the gates crashing open and a possible Apocalypse looming over the horizon. Most of the story was about Kalder and Cameron, their backstory, and their burgeoning love, which was all fantastic but feels a little rote at this point. It's not very different from any other couple's love story in the DH Universe.

There is some family drama/baggage. Some sort of existential crisis or identity issues are brought up, in the lines of character who have been pretending to be something their not or have acted badly throughout their lives and now wonder who they are. Both main characters struggle with some inner impulse to do bad things, literally conquering their inner demons. Long-lost family members show up...

Also, as much as I like each of SK's books, I feel like characters tend to be the same sets of repeated qualities. Typically they are varying degrees of sarcastic, sweet, shy/sheepish, determined/take-no-shit attitude, and gloomy or hopeful. In particular, Kalder and Cameron felt like the 1700s' pirate version of CON's Nick and Kody. Kody/Cameron: angel, strong-willed, hopeful, tender-hearted, literally spreads goodness with hugs. Nick/Kalder: sarcastic, gloomy, demon, take-no-shit attitude. All of them are insecure for some reason or another.

I don't know if this is intentional on the part of the author, as a way to show the human qualities that unite us all, but it's getting harder to bond with and care for characters who fail to distinguish themselves from all the other that came before. Kalder and Cameron are great, don't get me wrong, and their story is lovely, but I doubt if I'll remember it a few months from now aside from the few tidbits of pertinent information on Savitar and Thorn that I care a LOT more about.

[Dee Fraser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love their sarcastic comments! I want a Simi!!!!!

[Schells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved getting back to this series and characters! Can't wait to read the next one in this series. I love this world!

[Taylah Bromilow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every single time!! Her books are perfection and then they end and I’m left to wait months on months for the next book. This book was amazing. Please give me another.

[Teodora · Rating 1 out of 5]

Kalder Dupree & Cameron Jack

Death Doesn't Bargain is the second book in the Deadman's Cross series. I don't know what it was about this one but I had a hard time finishing it. Even though I started this series in order to read and find out more about Thorn I ended up liking Deadmen Walking and At Death's Door.

I found their relationship a little plain, and nothing actually got my attention during the book. Both characters were pretty much meh to me. I gave it 3 stars only because I got lots of information about Thorn, also it was a funny book here and there but other than that it wasn't my best Sherrilyn experience.

[Under the Covers Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.


My love for Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Pirates from her Deadman’s Cross series continues.  Death Doesn’t Bargain, the 2nd installment focuses on Kalder Dupree, who captured my heart from the last book.  As a tortured soul, love does not come easy, but for his crew and his Cameron, he would give anything. It’s not hard to see that Cameron Jack and the Deadman’s Crew feels exactly the same way.  They would plow through the land and ocean and hell for that matter to get Kalder back.

Kalder and Cameron are the cutest couple.  Don’t get me wrong, they were nowhere close to being a sappy couple.  They are actually pretty kickass but super cute. They had danced around each other, until shit hit the fan and made them pretty much own up to their feelings.  I honestly like them more from the previous couple. I thought there were less angst.

What I liked most about the book is the continuous update of what is going on in this world and how the crew is tied in to the DH world.  Most especially tidbits of information about Thorn, whom the next book is suppose to be about. There’s of course the constant bantering between the crew and some action…the typical Kenyon fun.

*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Angela❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤

[Tanya Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Death Doesn't Bargain ends not long after Deadmen Walking. In the beginning the crew is trying to find a way to save Kalder from what happened to him in that first book. That was one of the things from book one that bothered me. I hated his fate in that book. He chose it and I knew then that something was brewing between him and Cameron Jack. I knew the Captain and Cameron would not let Kalder down and they would do something to rescue him.

One thing that is not lacking in Death Doesn't Bargain is action. The crew gets hit constantly from different forces. They end up in Kalder's old home and a lot of interesting things are revealed to Kalder and the crew while there. His magic is a lot stronger than I originally thought and he was able to do a lot to greatly help out his crew during the tough times.

I loved the scenes with Thorn, Savitar and Acheron together. They had such great banter and it was funny to see the resentment between Thorn and Savitar. They were like little kids with their name calling and petty remarks.

The romance was sweet. Cameron was innocent, but she is very determined to have what she wants, despite knowing that it cannot be forever. That she cannot have her Kalder and the life she has planned out. I really enjoyed her drive and will to jump into the middle of the fray. She does her fair share of saving lives, and I think is greatly suited to this motley crew.

Death Doesn't Bargain was exciting and thrilling and I truly enjoyed the story. Holter Graham kept the pace with the sweet times as well as the exciting fast-paced times. His voice has become a pleasure to listen to and I feel like I've really latched on to the accents. Holter does such great accents, it is as if I am truly in that time period, struggling to understand the locals! This book I had a much easier time of it with the accents as I had become accustomed to how the characters spoke. It made it much easier to enjoy the book.

Death Doesn't Bargain was a lot of fun and like I have found so many times in the past, I am glad I progressed beyond book one. This series just gets better and I cannot wait for the third book, At Death's Door coming up on May 15, 2019!This review was originally posted on Rantings of a Reading Addict

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death Doesn’t Bargain is the second book in Kenyon’s historical fantasy trilogy set in the same world as the Dark Hunters. Kenyon uses a plethora of mythologies, along with various religions, reincarnation, magic, revenge, and romance to bring to life pirates, monsters, and high sea hijinks. Fans of Pirates of the Caribbean and Black Sails will enjoy this antisocial sea captain and his deadly crew who are charged with saving the world in return for redemption. Picking up where book one left off, Kenyon continues this epic adventure, bringing in old and new characters while using the historical base to address some issues in the present. Lots of fun, Kenyon’s Deadman Crossing series reminds me of her earlier works-wildly entertaining and brimming with the good, the bad, and the hilarious.

Hellchaser Cameron Jack and her brother were saved from the vicious Vane’s clutches only to learn that another has been kidnapped to take their place. Kalder Dupress has never known a moment of peace until he met Cameron Jack. When he has the chance to save her, he takes it, sacrificing his own life for her. But fates, those fickle bitches, have other ideas Cameron Jack isn’t letting anyone take the fall for her. If Vane wants a war, she’s going to get it. Because nothing gets in a Hellchaser’s way and lives to tell about it.

Grade: B

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really didn't care for the 1st book, didn't really plan on reading this one, but then it popped up on my library's website and I thought what the hell, why not. I knew if I still didn't like it would be done with it and dnf the book.

This book was so much better for me. It connected more with the other books in the Dark Hunter universe. Like we've come to expect from Kenyon the hero had a bad past, one where his family wasn't a safe place and he has since created his own and through the love of a good woman is a better man.

I liked Kalder, liked how he was protective of him men and how he was with Cameron. Cameron saw the good in Kalder and let him know it by words and actions, yet wasn't afraid to stand up to him. I loved the talk after marriage came up. It showed Kalder that he was wanted for himself and not anything else.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Deadmen return as secondary characters in this story of Kalder and Cameron. Kalder is a merperson who has family issues and Cameron is a girl who has been to hell and back. Both are smitten with each other but have a lot of family baggage to deal with. As they fight against their desires, they must also fight against the demons who are out to destroy the world.

Throw in Ash and Savitar along with the characters from the first book and the gangs all here. Taking place in pirate times, the fantasy characters are a thrill to read. However the storyline was confusing with keeping track of who was bad and who was good.

A good read for fans of Sherrilyn Kenyon's other books.

[Karen Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Series is Incredible!

I won't recap the story, the synopsis will more than do it's job.
What I will do is RAVE about this incredible world!
Ms. Kenyon has put in an incredible amount of detail that must have taken months to research. It's not just about the period the story is staged in. The language and phrasing is so cool! There is just no other way to describe it!
Again, Ms. Kenyon has given us brutal information about the crossover characters that has flabbergasted me. I plan on rereading just to ensure I didn't miss a critical gleaning.
If you are a Dark Hunger fan, this is a can't miss series.

[Wolf (Alpha) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't really care for this book. It didn't really have anything to do with the rest of the books. I did like Acheron showing up in the end, but it didn't tie into the other books as well as most of them do. I liked Thorn even though a lot of people don't. I love how he was able to get Kalder back to the ship and back to Cameron. I hate how Vine is so determined to kill him and Cameron and destroy the captain. I will definitely read the next one and try to get into it. 4.5 stars.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has to be one of the most addicting series that I have ever read! The only sad part is the fact that since I received this novel early, I will have to wait an even longer time to read the next installment. 

This book FINALLY focuses on Cameron, and gives her a new love interest, Kalder! I appreciate the fact that these novels actually focus on one couple at a time, as we learn their backstories and they learn each other. It helps me to connect with the characters even more and learn to appreciate their stories. 

Cameron is definitely a worthwhile character, and in this novel, we learn more about her and her brother, and their family life before the seas. She is a strong woman who is determined to set Kalder free and teach him that he deserves kindness. 

Kalder has been hardened against the world for many years after a horrible experience with his family. He doesn't give mercy, nor does he expect any back. He knows that Cameron is not the right woman for him. He doesn't deserve someone so kind and pure. However, Cameron is determined to change his mind, and slowly he falls for her. 

I can't express how much I LOVED this book. A: There are MERPEOPLE. I love merpeople so much, it's not even funny. B: Cameron and Kalder were so sweet to each other, I lived for the romance in this novel. C: The action scenes were even more intense in this novel. This novel scared me a few times, it is definitely a dark fantasy novel. If you read the first one and didn't think it was dark enough, read this one. The scenes with Kalder and his brother nearly made me cry. 

The world-building was definitely even better in this novel, and the pacing was perfect. I read this book nearly in two school periods or about 2 hours. I was completely drawn in and addicted to this novel. There were no editing errors even though I had an advanced copy, and as a plus, the cover art was beautiful. I have absolutely no complaints about this novel. 

I would recommend this novel to lovers of romance and dark fantasy. 

I received an advanced copy of this novel and this is my voluntary review.