DEADMEN WALKING is the first installment in Sherrilyn Kenyon's Deadman's Cross series. For Dark Hunter fans, this is an entirely new series that features new mythology. However, there is mention of Acheron and the Dark Hunters so if you're a fan, you'll be happy to note some cross over between the series. This is why I suggest being at least familiar with the Dark Hunters world before reading this series because the worlds do connect in some areas.

That being said, as a fan of Kenyon's book in general, I had some very high expectations with this book and the author absolutely succeeded in delivering something refreshing to the genre. Deadman's Cross is a mix of Pirates of the Caribbean and Kenyon's advanced worldbuilding. There are a bunch of interesting characters, all with their own stories, that are brimming with personality. Kenyon spends a lot of the first half of the book on the worldbuilding, which is expected since this is the first book of the series. I haven't come across mythology like this one, so I found myself glued to the pages as I read about this brand new world. Of course Kenyon would be the one to blow me away with her imagination. Her mind works in such wonderful ways.

The romance between Devyl and Mara really develops in the second half of the novel. There, we get a lot of their backstory that is told in various ways, such as flashbacks and dialogue so we do get plenty of chances to get to know who these characters are. This is turn deepened the bond between the hero and heroine.

I was really impressed by the way Kenyon was able to bring these two together. They have gone through a lot together and it seemed nearly impossible to see a happily-ever-after for them, but she manages to bring them together in a believable way. By the head, I was as head over heels with the romance as I was with the world.

DEADMAN WALKING is a strong start for Sherrilyn Kenyon and the Deadman's Cross series. With worldbuilding unlike ever before, this is a series that must be on your summer to-read list!