A Beginner's Guide to Revenge, Chaos, and Other Absurd Escapades: Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures, Book 3

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars | 957 ratings

Price: 26.16

Last update: 12-29-2024


About this item

Arioch

Arioch loves his job; creating chaos and encouraging revenge is fun, and if he pranks a few demons, angels, and humans along the way, all the better. When an archangel shows up with a message from god, Arioch knows he ought to take it seriously, but what's the fun in that? Michael, the human he's supposed to help, takes everything seriously enough for both of them, and Arioch is determined to teach the guy how to have a little fun with life. If he starts to fall for the human along the way, well, another human-demon pairing can only cause more chaos, which is definitely Ari's specialty. Now he just has to convince Michael that although the two of them are polar opposites, they actually work perfectly together.

Michael

Michael has been the dependable, practical older brother his entire life; he took the weight of the world on his shoulders when he was too young to realize how heavy the burden would be. If he can guarantee happiness for his siblings, that will be enough for him, even if all he can see in his own future is loneliness. However, when Michael realizes that someone from the afterlife lied to him and attempted to cause his family harm, he is determined to do something about it. With the help of a certain demon, maybe he can figure out who targeted his family and get a little revenge. He'll just have to refrain from killing the demon that is messing up his perfectly ordered existence. When the cheerful prankster actually starts looking attractive to Michael, maybe he'll finally step out of his comfort zone and find out how fun chaos can actually be.


Top reviews from the United States

  • cassie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect
    Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2024
    Ari and Michael are perfect together. They balance each other perfectly! Ari makes me laugh! I can’t wait to see what is next.
  • Mokee
    4.0 out of 5 stars Dude
    Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2023
    Ok, I did enjoy the book, I really liked the plot and resolution. The only reason I can’t give it five stars is the way Ari speaks. Like an 80's valley girl and a 90's fraternity dude bro. The word “dude” is used 273 times! “Bruh” comes up 60 times. And I cringed every single time. I dare you to try ignoring it.
    “Little dude” aka Michael lived up to his stick in the mud reputation. His superpower was not finding Ari annoying. Yet somehow they worked as a couple.
    The plot itself was well thought out and really interesting. It honestly saved this book. It felt like a complete novel with a decisive ending.
    In the final chapters we got a little progression with the Yah and Luce storyline and the hint that Kushiel would star in the next book. I’m looking forward to it. I like Kushiel and can’t wait to see him get his happy ending…
    I continue to recommend this entire series. It’s good fun.
  • NightOwlz
    5.0 out of 5 stars It just keeps getting better!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2023
    This series has been an absolute joy to read, this entry being no exception! After the previous book, I was left with mixed feelings towards Michael. Of course, there is more to the story than we knew, and the moment the mystery was revealed I couldn’t put it down! We also met Ari in the last book and seeing how he’s a chaos demon I couldn’t wait for him to meet Michael.

    Turns out, Ari brings the perfect amount of excitement and joy into Michale’s life! It was so much fun seeing these two complete opposites develop in their relationship. The banter was hilarious and the spice was spot on! Of course, Az and Gabe are a part of the story but Adam and Minos also make an appearance!

    Apart from the romance, the story and world-building are better than ever! We finally get some answers as to what’s going on in the overarching story and it has me patiently awaiting the next book! Shannon Mae has created a world of diverse and compelling characters that I can’t wait to visit again!
  • Mitsea
    5.0 out of 5 stars Cute
    Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2024
    This is a silly cute demon x human romance series. This volume involves Gabe's uptight brother Michael and a dude bro chaos demon. The romance parts are fine, but it's the overarching storyline of the series that's really interesting. I want to know how this all works out, particularly for Yah & Luce.
  • Molly Otto
    5.0 out of 5 stars Just gets better
    Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2024
    This series just keeps getting better with each addition! This is what happens when a dude bro demon gets paired with a heavily burdened realist. The two may appear as complete opposites, but together, they just balance each other beautifully. We met Michael in book 2 (where he made a poor decision with the best intentions from a lie) and Ari has popped in and out throughout the series, yet that doesn't completely prepare you for this dude bro. He is just one of those characters you will either love or be annoyed by.
    The plot thickens with each story for Luce & His beloved Yah to right the past wrongs and get their chance to be forever united. Their love is one for the ages, and I'm chomping st the bit for their turn. With series always keep to heart not all from above are good, as well as not all from down below are bad. Their is a beautiful balance that one day will change everything.

    This book can technically be read as a standalone, yet I would not suggest it would take away from the overall plot being drawn throughout.
  • Kates_Currently_Reading
    4.0 out of 5 stars Chaos Plus Structure Equals Love
    Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2023
    Arioch is a Vengeance and Chaos Demon. He also happens to be an Infernal King of the Underworld. Michael is a Nephilim, a former cop, and as straight-laced as they come. He was also tasked by an Angel at the age of seven to destroy the Infernal Kings of the Underworld. Unfortunately, this almost destroyed his brother’s happiness. Michael also discovers this was not actually sanctioned by God. So Michael decides to summon a demon to seek revenge.

    Arioch is not what Michael was expecting when he summoned a demon but discovers he is exactly what he needs. He likes his chaos and how touch-feely he is. He also finds himself attracted to a man for the first time in his life. Arioch adores his serious human and likes how he balances him out and accepts him completely. He quickly decides he wants to keep him. Once the two give in to their attraction for each other, the chemistry between them is super hot.

    This book is definitely a four-star read, however, it makes more sense when read in order of the series. The way Arioch compliment and bring out the best in each other is super sweet. Plus I love how much Michael enjoys how touchy-feely Arioch is. Their spicy scenes are super steamy and it’s fun watching Michael experience everything for the first time with Arioch.

    I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
  • Synren
    5.0 out of 5 stars Everyone needs an Ari ????
    Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2024
    ????????‍♀️ This! This, right here was so cute and sweet! That it gave me the big feels. It might be because, I saw a lot of myself in Michael, I don't know. But I would love to find myself an Ari, (feeling super single right now.) Not only is Ari supportive, he is caring not just about his mate, but also about everyone else, plus the really cute nicknames for Michael, S'more ???????????? I love it, it was so very sweet. Now instead of thinking of cavities, I'll be thinking of something that had love behind it. Michael was a gem, yes he is very protective and supportive of his family, with innocent reactions to things, that it was so endearing. I would just find myself saying how cute he was out loud a lot. But the best thing is that they both grow in this story. It was done in such a subtle way that I didn't really catch on to it until a little bit after reading it, like a day. And that's the aha moment ???? that made this so much better to me, that they each contributed to each other's growth. ???????? Plus, a few questions were answered in this one ???? So yes give it a read and fall in love with a S'more and a Demon, nothing wrong with that ❤️
  • LilMommi
    3.0 out of 5 stars 3.5 Surfs Up....... Not
    Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2023
    This was an opposites attract tale and was very well done with plenty of humor, heart and steam. The plot and world-building were good, the only thing that bothers me is the way too much overused "dude" "bruh" made me keep picturing surfers.

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