Characters Ethan is a sweet, open minded, and surprising character. Jag is a demon, totally unfaThe story The blurb says it all.
The Romance Unconvincing.
Characters Ethan is a sweet, open minded, and surprising character. Jag is a demon, totally unfamiliar to the human world and customs which results in funny situations.
Story 6000 years earlier, Cratus, a sentinel of Zeus, had defied Zeus’ order and had spared a life he should have taken. He had been punished severely,Story 6000 years earlier, Cratus, a sentinel of Zeus, had defied Zeus’ order and had spared a life he should have taken. He had been punished severely, his godhood taken, and forced to live on Earth as a mortal, deprived from even the tiniest morsel of happiness or satisfaction. Plus, he has been tortured and killed every night, and resurrected by the morning ever since.
The story sets in the present: the Greek pantheon is threatened by two Source gods, Noir and Azura. As Cratus (now Jericho) is a Source god himself, the Greeks send two Oneroi gods, Phobos and Delphine, to convince him to fight on their behalf, and in return he’d get back his godhood and powers.
The first 30 percent is very repetitive and boring. The rest seems chaotic and soap-opera-like. New and old characters are thrown randomly into the plot: Greek Gods, Source Gods, Oneroi, Skoti, Atlanteans, Daimons, Dark-Hunters, Gallu demons, the “original gods of sun and of fire” – I’m not sure I mentioned everyone. Plus the maze in which they are all connected somehow.
Romance The insta-love is justified with fate, no development.
Characters Jericho is tortured yet he has compassion and a soft side – unexpected even for him. He is tall and handsome with a lethal aura, and insanely hot.
Delphine is beautiful and perfect, with grace, a playful and caring attitude, and incredible fighting skills.
By the way, in this world all of the male characters are insanely handsome and tall, with a lethal aura, and all the women are petite (except Astrid, who is tall), beautiful, funny and wise.
All in all I read Dream Warrior two years ago, but I had to re-read it now because I didn’t review it then and I couldn’t remember a word from it.
I started to read this series more than 10 years ago, and I loved it back then. But obviously, my reading taste has changed a lot, and I don’t enjoy PNR books as much as I did. I’ve abandoned not only this one, but many PNR series I had started to read because of the same reason. Sometimes I feel guilty about it, so I read the next one in line, but they usually don’t satisfy me. Sadly, it happened again with Dream Warrior....more
Sugar and lover boy... Oh, my... Everything was so OTT - the sex scenes, the inner drama, the dialogues, the fight scenes. So pompous, so exaggerated,Sugar and lover boy... Oh, my... Everything was so OTT - the sex scenes, the inner drama, the dialogues, the fight scenes. So pompous, so exaggerated, so theatrical. I've got unused to this writing style. Was PNR always like this?
Seemingly, I'm alone with this, but this story didn’t work for me. It was meant to be comical, but I found the plot annoying and the characters irritaSeemingly, I'm alone with this, but this story didn’t work for me. It was meant to be comical, but I found the plot annoying and the characters irritating. It goes to my 'everyone-liked-it-but-me' shelf. It happens.
An ARC copy was kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Shadow’s Awakening is the first book of the Shadow Warder series, the sAn ARC copy was kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Shadow’s Awakening is the first book of the Shadow Warder series, the story of Hannah Green, a Shadow, held captive by Vorati demons and Conner Munro, one of the most devoted Warder soldiers, living totally for his job. But things change, so Conner needs to change, too…
For the first time in his adult life, he was deliberately going against Warder laws. And for what? A woman—a Shadow—he didn’t know? Conner stared blindly into the woods surrounding the cabin. If he was caught with Hannah he’d have no reasonable explanation for his behavior. Worse, he didn’t care.
The world-building is outstanding: it is complicated, well-structured, interesting, with lots of potential. The conflict between Shadows and Warders has its roots deep in the ancient times. Their history, magic, and abilities are complex and rich.
Shadows and Warders’ common enemy, the Vorati demons, are more than capable to keep up the thrill and anxiety level of the events. They are creepy, disgustingly evil, and powerful.
The story starts well, but it slows down after the first rescuing scene. After 50% it is exciting again. Till the very end, it is full of unexpected twists and turns. I loved its structure – it was like a movie. Exciting and frustrating – in a good sense. The alternating multiple viewpoints add a lot to the story: I enjoyed being dragged from one scene to the next.
Ms. McGregor’s writing style is refined and impressive, she easily keeps all the lines together.
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Fierce, badass and likeable hero and heroine, well-drawn and engaging secondary characters. I want almost everyone’s own story, right now! My favorite is Kiernan, with his love for the ladies and explosives… [image]
“So then what? We knock on the front door and ask if they’re holding a Shadow captive and can we have her?” “Not exactly. How do you feel about blowing up one of the cars?” “I always feel good about blowing something up,” Kiernan said with a grin.
BUT. Yeah, sadly there is a but… The romance has serious shortcomings. It’s insta-love again, just like between Celeste and Gabe in the prequel, Shadow's Passion. I understand the mystical ancient bond, and all that things, but I felt the romance rushed and most importantly the non-communication pissed me off throughout the story. I’ve been fed up with Hannah and Conner’s inner monologues, and misassumptions about what the other might think. Hannah’s way of thoughts was especially inconsistent. Please, please, talk to each other!
All in all, although the romance didn’t knock me off my feet, the paranormal aspect of the story is close to perfection and refreshingly unique. Recommended!
An ARC copy was kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Shadow’s Passion is a prequel to a new paranormal romance ser4.5 stars
An ARC copy was kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Shadow’s Passion is a prequel to a new paranormal romance series, Shadow Warder by Molle McGregor.
The story. Celeste is a Shadow, with special but volatile abilities, exiled by her people, and hunts Vorati demons. Gabe is a Warder assassin, hunting Vorati demons as well, and renegade Warders. Because of some ancient reason, Shadows and Warders are forbidden to interact, despite their mutual enemy. Needless to say, Celeste and Gabe team up, and soon they are interested not only in the hunt, but in each other as well.
He laughed. "Of course I'm hiding things from you. We just met and you're a Shadow. Not an enemy..." "But not an ally," she finished.
World-building. Well-thought-out, logical and unique. Many things remain unrevealed, but just the right amount to intrigue you to read the following books.
The demons fed on emotional energy. Any emotional energy would do, but the Vorati savored the negative. Pain, fear, hatred, and rage were a gourmet buffet. Eventually, the demands of the demon spirit in a human body would burn out the host. The body would crumble, leaving the Voratus once again incorporeal, searching for a new human to infect.
Plot. Well-paced, dynamic and exciting, with lots of action.
Characters. Well-balanced and engaging characters, with very composed behavior and attitude. I find their colliding powers and the potential in that very interesting. Celeste and Gabe are very likeable, even if they are a tad clichéd. Celeste is petite and blonde, strong and independent. Gabe is dark, tall, handsome, with darkness in his heart, and a hunger for revenge.
On the outside all looked as it should. On the inside, Gabe was a wasteland of pain and rage. The sunlight of her touch spread through him, dragging every cell back to life with a prickling awareness not unlike a sleeping limb waking back up.
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Romance. A little bit rushed, insta-love, but sweet.
If he turned her down, she'd be embarrassed. Mortified. But it wouldn't kill her. And if he didn't turn her down, she thought she might be in for a very good time.
Erotica. Hot, intimate, but not cheesy.
"I was thinking we should have sex."
Writing style. Well-structured and captivating. Very professional.
All in all. It is a surprisingly fresh and gripping novella, a great start of a new series. I’m definitely going to read the next book!
And the Biggest Disappointment of the Year Award goes to...The Darkest Touch. Or, to be precise, to Torin.
This Torin is not the Torin I gotDNF at 40%
And the Biggest Disappointment of the Year Award goes to...The Darkest Touch. Or, to be precise, to Torin.
This Torin is not the Torin I got to know and fell in love with in the previous books of this marvelous series.
I felt something like this:
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Eleven chapters of the book couldn’t convince me that this is the real Torin. This Torin here, this arrogant, self-conceited, self-proclaimed badass and bloodthirsty champion of constant erection is NOT the “hero” whose story I wanted to read.
The first 40% of the book from Fake Torin’s viewpoint: “I feel so guilty.” “I want that girl in the next cell.” “I’m a big, bad, ancient, bloodthirsty warrior.” “I have an erection.” “I want to fuck Keeley, but I can’t. I don’t want to infect her.” “I feel so guilty.” “I’m such a badass.” “I have an erection.” “I touch her anyway.” “She has gotten sick. I never touch her again.” “I feel so guilty.” “I’m such a badass.” “I have an erection.” “I want to fuck Keeley, but I can’t. I don’t want to infect her.” “I touch her again.” “She has gotten sick. I never touch her again.” “I’m such a badass.” “I feel so guilty.” “I’m a big, bad, ancient, bloodthirsty warrior.” “I have an erection.”
Keeley is the Red Queen. Who is the Red Queen, you ask. Well, she is an ancient, all-powerful being (a goddess?). Everyone fears her name (but why?)…
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She is in constant tantrum mode, and overall very irritating. Only incoherent and vague information about her in the first half of the story. To make her enigmatic?
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She was imprisoned by Cronus for centuries; maybe that’s why she has no idea how to flirt, so she simply spreads her thighs. And it works, ladies!!
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In short, they are both ancient, badass, bloodthirsty beings, and they spread things. Torin spreads the plague…
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… and Keeley… oh, you already know…
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The Story In the first eleven chapters almost NOTHING happens. Torin and Keeley want to get out of the Realm of Wailing Tears. It’s like a chamber drama, with only the two of them, who just talk and talk (blah blah blah), think about fucking each other, and occasionally slay insignificant tertiary characters. That’s all. Very repetitive.
So the blurb is absolutely correct because it is the only dilemma here: to fuck or not to fuck?
There are only a couple of pages about Cameo and Lazarus, oh, and Baden, but the rest of the Lords don’t show up (again, I read 40%).
Overall, I was super-excited about this book, but it proved to be a disappointment. Yes, I’m very upset, but I’ll survive.
Not the face I pictured for Torin before, but I love this cover! The monochrome look is cool, his tattoo is in the right place, and love the gloves too!!
“You make me crave things I never thought I’d crave again.”
This book is very different from the previous installments of the seri4.5 stars
“You make me crave things I never thought I’d crave again.”
This book is very different from the previous installments of the series in many ways, and it also represents a turning point. A very important thing is revealed that could give a completely new turn to the events.
In The Darkest Craving the relationship between Kane and his demon, Disaster differs very much from the other Lords’ relationships with their own demons.
While the other warriors have never liked their demons either, they have used the demons’ abilities, strengths, and have established some kind of agreement and peace with them.
Unlike Kane. He hates Disaster. He hates his demon with infinite and immeasurable hatred. He hates him with every fiber of his being. He has been suffering from Disaster in a very different way than the others. Disaster is a malevolent, humiliating, useless being for Kane. It's like as if Kane carries an extra enemy within his body.
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Kane is unexpectedly fierce and brutal and ferocious. He was always in the background before, playing coy, keeping distance from the others in order to protect them from his demon. In his story, he is amazing from the very beginning. He is a true warrior, unstoppable, and fearless, despite the fact that Disaster is always against him.
The story presents a new paranormal race, the Fae, and also shows their realm Séduire in details. Set in mainly Séduire, the story takes you to a completely different scene than the previous books. The Lords here are celebrities, there are even fan clubs. But it's not really a pleasant place.
In Séduire, beauty mattered more than brains and clothing mattered more than food. Political intrigues were always in full swing. An open mouth was a lying mouth. Power was just as valuable as cash. Lust, greed and torture were always on the menu. Josephina hated it here.
Josephina's life is miserable and tragic. She can’t see any other way out of it but death. Though she fought against his family before and tried to get free, she always failed, and she just gave up hope. She is all alone, without help or anyone’s sympathy. Everyone around her is cruel, selfish, and cold. Her family hates and brutally uses her, and she has no friends. (Just one thought: it seems pretty impossible that there is not even a single positive or compassionate person in Séduire. It's too black and white.) But Josephina is also very brave, playful, and compassionate.
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Kane and Josephina’s relationship is different from the other couples’ in the series. In every other case the warriors’ demons are either tamed or intimidated by the women. Unlike Disaster. Disaster hates Josephina, wants to make Kane leave her; eventually wants to kill her. He actually hurts her physically many times.
Josephina has very special abilities, but she is confused, insecure in her own capability and worthiness. She is all alone, until she meets Kane, so it is hard for her to accept help. First she refuses Kane's help because she sees her situation hopeless. She knows even if Kane rescues her from Séduire, they will have no peace from her family ever. Josephina slowly learns to recognize the situations when she needs help, and becomes confident enough to ask for it. It takes both of them time to figure out what to do and how to do it. On their path, battles, adventures, and danger accompany them.
I loved Kane and Josephina together. Their love is sweet, passionate and based on mutual understanding. I especially loved their mental connection.
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When they’d met, they’d both been in a very dark place. They’d lacked hope. Their fears had overwhelmed them. Together, they’d climbed out of the depths of hell — literally and figuratively. They’d found reasons to laugh. They’d let go of hate and embraced love. The weaknesses they’d had had been blasted by fire and were now strengthened with steel. They hadn’t broken. They wouldn’t break.
Secondary characters All of the Lords and their beloved ones are amazing! And OMG, Cameo and her new companion! I just can’t believe it, but like it very much! And Torin... Oh. My. God. But there is not enough of Paris and Sienna.
The ending Maybe it's too dramatic and miraculous, but it makes sense. No deus ex machina this time, like in the case of Aeron's comeback. It is well done: complicated, coherent, makes you think a little bit.
There are many more things in this book that could be talked about: William and the Horsemen of the Apocalypse; Kane: his feelings, his suffering, and his very complex personality; Josephina’s life, abilities, and possible future; the imaginary world of the series, which is becoming more and more complicated; and the secondary characters. But this review is already too long, so I won't. :)
Ward’s talent of portraying characters, their emotions, and the labyrinth of their relations is well-known from the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. EWard’s talent of portraying characters, their emotions, and the labyrinth of their relations is well-known from the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Envy is like a BDB story, with the same character types, same basic plot elements, same writing style, etc. It is interesting that despite this Ward's heroes and heroines are so memorable: Jim is impressive in this book, Veck is likeable, and Devina is an exquisitely evil character, with a funny maniac personality; she is strong and dangerous enough, but also has weaknesses. But her faceless and nameless minions are just like the Lessers in BDB.
The storyline is predictable, and I really disliked Reilly. Her behavior is inconsequent and/or simply stupid.
The soul that needs to be saved in the following book is revealed at the end of the story, and I couldn't be less interested, so I think I'm going to skip Rapture. ...more
After her boyfriend runs off with all her money, Grateful Knight moves into an unsaleable therefore rent-free house on the edge of a graveyarThe Story
After her boyfriend runs off with all her money, Grateful Knight moves into an unsaleable therefore rent-free house on the edge of a graveyard.
She immediately gets under the charms of the gorgeous and mysterious cemetery caretaker, Rick. Her attraction to him seems supernatural, and despite her resolve to not get involved, she literally can't keep her hands off him.
Furthermore, not so surprisingly, the house is haunted, and Grateful finds herself in a very cozy relationship with the handsome Logan, who – despite being a ghost – is capable of doing a lot of things, for example making her breakfast, cleaning the house and even much more… ((view spoiler)[Yes, I mean sex and it was really creepy… (hide spoiler)])
So, here is this weird love triangle, but that’s not all.
Grateful is the reincarnation of the Monk’s Hill Witch and her task is to guard to gate of the cemetery and keep inside all the freaks who want to come out and munch on people…
“Your work awaits you. All you have to do is accept your role and it will be done.” “This isn’t funny.” “I assure you, I’m not trying to amuse.”
The Characters
Grateful is not only a witch, but also the Queen of the Damned and the sorter of the souls. So she’s got enough on her plate, but she is too focused on her “love” life. She seems to be gullible and tends to make hasty decisions.
Rick is very intense and carnal but not always in the good sense. He is too weird. I bet he is hiding things from Grateful.
Logan is weird too. Outwardly he is benevolent and kind, but I feel him being clingy and pushy.
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World-building, storyline and romance
Everything is related to everything else, and it is really great. The web of relations and the intertwining lifelines between the characters are complicated and interesting. Plus, there is magic, paranormal beings (a witch, a shape-shifter, ghosts, demons, vampires, zombies, ghouls), some great action scenes, and a surprising revelation at the end. Overall it is pretty exciting.
BUT. I generally don’t like love triangles, and this one is particularly awful. Neither of the male characters really impressed me, and sadly neither did the heroine.
It could have been better if the romance (and the love triangle) was less accentuated.
Erotica Weird. I didn’t like it at all.
All in all I know I already said that a couple of times, but it was weird.
Blake Turner is possessed by a demon for six months now, and wants to die.
“Blake lusted after death as though it were a beautiful woman. Death mean
Blake Turner is possessed by a demon for six months now, and wants to die.
“Blake lusted after death as though it were a beautiful woman. Death meant he’d never hurt anyone again. Death meant his family would be safe. Death meant his remaining friends never had to open their doors and see a demon standing on the other side of it, concealed in Blake’s skin. Death was Blake’s only way of beating the thing inside him, and Blake wanted to beat it more than he wanted anything else.”
When he meets Elise, a vampire, hope surges in him. But Elise doesn’t kill him, she saves him.
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This story sets after the events of At Grave’s End. Cat and Bones make a short appearance, Mencheres has a more significant role.
Surprisingly lot happens on only a couple of pages. Well-structured, enjoyable short story....more
We first met Xypher in Devil May Cry where he helped Sin and Kat. For his help he is allowed to take a break from his eternal torture in Tartarus and We first met Xypher in Devil May Cry where he helped Sin and Kat. For his help he is allowed to take a break from his eternal torture in Tartarus and granted a month on Earth to avenge his death and kill the woman who betrayed his trust and caused his downfall.
Hatred is your enemy. Vengeance is your friend. Hold it close and let it loose.
Simone Dubois is a medical examiner and has a special ability: she is able to see and communicate with ghosts. Her best friends are Jesse, a teenage ghost from the ’80s and Tate Bennett, a Squire and the parish coroner for New Orleans, whom we also met in the previous books by the way.
"Great history lesson on demons and their feeding habits." Tate slapped his hands together. "So, out of curiosity, how do I write up my report? Random demon slaying? Yeah. That's going to read real well." He turned to Simone. "You think I can get a job as a janitor with a medical degree?"
Xypher and Simone are forced together by accident and of course they fall for each other. Rushed romance, lukewarm erotica, but the rest is pretty good.
“We're bound together. If we get too far apart we die." "That sucks." "Tell me about it."
The plot is perfect, and the Dark-Hunter world is enriched with new aspects. Many kinds of demons appear in Dream Chaser – you get a complete guide of demon races here. Just like in Kiss of the Night, where we learned that not all Daimons are evil, in Dream Chaser we get to know the Dimme demons from a very different side. Ms. Kenyon smoothly changes the basic attributes of antagonistic paranormal creatures to make them likeable.
The secondary characters, Jesse, Tate, Acheron, Julian, Jaden are all awesome!
One serious problem though: the story is narrated alternately from both Simone and Xypher’s viewpoints. Annoyingly, the POV changes from paragraph to paragraph, totally randomly, making the story fragmented and hard to follow.
Not for the romance, but for another adventure in the Dark-Hunterverse, Dream Chaser is really worth reading.
He couldn't breathe as those words sank into his consciousness. She thinks I'm wonderful...
“It's not fair to show someone the sun and then to banish him from it. Even the devil may cry when he looks around hell and realiz
Feb 12, 2014
“It's not fair to show someone the sun and then to banish him from it. Even the devil may cry when he looks around hell and realizes that he's there alone.”
Devil May Cry is the story of Sin of Sumeria and Katra Agrotera.
Kat already appeared in previous books of the series. She is the daughter of (view spoiler)[Artemis and Acheron (hide spoiler)], bearer of not only unimaginable power and strength, but also kindness and honesty. She is fair-minded and caring.
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Sin is an ancient Sumerian ex-god of the Moon and Fertility, with stolen powers and undying hatred and hunger for revenge.
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Kat is sent to kill Sin, an assignment with which she didn’t agree even initially. When she meets him, she soon realizes that Sin is not the loner and the psycho as he was pictured before, but a lethal warrior, and a wounded soul who needs to be tended to and cared for. He is compassionate and tender. He has humor and loyalty.
"Cowards aren't the only ones who die a thousand deaths. Sometimes heroes do, too."
The romance I truly appreciate that there is no love at first sight, even the attraction is not instant. But the conflict is kind of lame and forced as Sin’s wrath for Kat is not entirely righteous. But it is understandable why it is so hard for him to let someone into his heart. (view spoiler)[So about the crucial question of Kat’s assumed betrayal. I don’t think it is that big an issue. She was young and inexperienced at the time it happened, and actually she was forced by emotional blackmail by the person she loved and trusted the most. I don’t condemn her for that. Yes, it was a mistake, but it was not malicious or with ulterior motives on her part. (hide spoiler)]
The plot is pretty good with the imminent Sumerian Armageddon, and the genuinely creepy gallu demons and the Dimme.
The main and the secondary characters are all loveable and/or highly refined. The antagonist, Kessar is strong, ferocious, and dreadfully evil. Sin’s brother Zakar is a mystery.
Acheron is too good to be true – he is breathtaking, captivating, kind and wise. He is a true legend.
"You know the incredible thing about hearts is their unbelievable capacity for forgiveness. You’d be amazed what people will overlook when they love someone."
Artemis shows a surprisingly soft side – but still, it is not enough to like her.
Artemis smiled through her tears as she lifted the blanket higher around Kat's shoulders. "I made a horrible mistake." Her young brow was furrowed in puzzlement. "But you're a goddess. You can't make mistakes." Artemis took Kat's small hand into hers and placed a tender kiss on it. "Trust me, little one. Everyone makes mistakes. Even the gods, and ours are much worse than those of humans. Unlike humans, we don't suffer alone. Rather, we share the pain with thousands. That's why you must learn to be like your father. To hold in your tears and anger. Try not to punish what you love."
Xypher is promisingly savage and wild. I'm about to yield to temptation and read his book out of order.
"Any game plan?" Xypher asked Sin. "Don't die." "I like it. Simple, bold. Impossible. Works for me." Kat scoffed at his sarcasm. "What are you bitching about, Xypher? You're already dead."
Deimos goes with remarkable principles. Simi and Xirena are fun and hungry, as always!
"Oh poo," Simi said petulantly, "we can't let the heifer-goddess die. Akri will die too if he can't eat from her." Her eyes flaming, she put herself between Artemis and the tomb. "C'mon, Xirena, you gots to help the Simi protect the bitch-goddess."
I loved the appearance of all the unexpected help at the final battle.
My favorite parts are Kat and her father’s interactions. (view spoiler)[
Acheron crossed the distance between them. "Is there something I can help with?" "No," Kat said petulantly. "You're a man and I hate all of you right now." He took two steps back. "Fair enough. Since my presence is obviously causing you pain, I'll take my manhood outside to the terrace, where you can join me if you can overlook my obvious birth defect."
All in all Aside from small odds and ends (view spoiler)[
(11000-year-old virgin heroine; Kat forgetting about the gallu bite – I understand it considering the plot, but maybe she could have remembered it a day after, when it is too late to cauterize it; Kat’s zero reaction or reflection on her new entity)(hide spoiler)], it’s a heartbreaking, thrilling, and well-balanced story and an actual milestone installment of the Dark-Hunter series.
“You don’t knock on the devil’s door, unless you want him to answer.”
Nicely developed story, many secondary storylines and characters, so
“You don’t knock on the devil’s door, unless you want him to answer.”
Nicely developed story, many secondary storylines and characters, so much emotion, mystery and fate, love and pain, wrath, woe, guilt, and grief wrapped in one novel.The plot is exciting, well-paced, and well-worked-out with constant fights, but still followable. The final fight is excellently constructed. I loved both the humor and action in it.
Susan She is irritating, bitchy, and nosy. A real smartass with sarcastic humor that is highly appreciated by Ravyn. But she is also brave, and a damn good fighter.
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He laughed gently at her never-ending humor. Sometimes it was gallows and dark, but it never failed her. She wore it like armor.
Ravyn He is a typical Dark-Hunter (Were-Hunter): dark, tall, lonely, and brooding, larded with a heartbreaking past.
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He was exceptional. But it made her wonder what he’d be like if he was just an average guy on the street. No, she couldn’t imagine that. He was so much larger than life. A guy like this could never be average.
The romance The development of the romance seems slow because so many things happen, but actually it takes only a day for them to fall in love with each other. I loved the parallel viewpoints: when they first notice the appeal in each other, when they both think they have no chance with the other, and so on.
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“Her kiss was tender and precious, and there in the darkness it chased away the shadows of his past and eased the pain that had lived way too long inside him.”
Secondary Characters
Cael and Amaranda: great secondary storyline, I’m really curious about them.
Squires and Dark-Hunters: you get a glimpse into the life and work of squires.
Nick: well, Nick is back just to cause more calamity…
I’m not satisfied with this book. Sins of the Night is mediocre at best, both in storyline, characters, and style.
The story starts good, a paradoxicalI’m not satisfied with this book. Sins of the Night is mediocre at best, both in storyline, characters, and style.
The story starts good, a paradoxical situation given and a man (or being) without equal. That already makes you expect something peculiar.
Doubt stared out from the dark depths of her eyes. “Then prove it.” That was easier said than done. “Prove it how? The only way to prove to you that I’m not out to kill you is to not kill you.”
But it is all ruined. Another rebellion against Acheron? Really? How stupid one has to be to try this?
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The romance resembles the plot of Dance with the Devil. There Astrid was to judge Zarek, and as they were locked together they had the opportunity to get to know each other. In Sins of the Night Alexion is here to judge Danger and other Dark-Hunters. The story is mainly about the two of them, the development of their relationship. But while the development of the love between Zarek and Astrid was impressively detailed, the delineation of Alexion and Danger’s love is superficial.
The story is of full of repetitions. Not only phrases, but action-lines, and thoughts are repeated as well. • The reader is continuously reported to about Alexion’s thoughts revolving around his loneliness, his inability to taste, to feel, etc. • You are also told many times how Danger was betrayed and killed by her husband – yes, it’s sad, but repeating it again and again doesn’t make it more impressive. • Danger is repeatedly surprised by Alexion’s godlike powers. Even Alexion finds it strange. The dialogues are monotonous and all alike. • Repetitions in the erotic scenes: page 182: “… a moment before she pulled her shirt…” – page 184: “… an instant before he pulled her pants…”; page 184 – “… he swore he saw stars…” – page 185 – “… she swore she saw stars…”
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The story didn’t touch me as much as it should have. I didn’t feel their emotions, their sufferings, doubts. I couldn’t see the reason for falling in love with one another. Their HEA is solved by deus ex machina, a.k.a. Ash. Fate can’t be changed, but there is always a loophole, isn’t there?
The main characters Alexion was the third Dark-Hunter Artemis had created. He became a Shade as his beloved wife’s love wasn’t pure toward him, and she had dropped the medallion that contained his soul. Acheron felt himself responsible, and brought him back from Shadedom in a certain form. Now he could only observe life, he couldn’t live it. He has no emotions, nor a corporeal form, but has godlike powers. He is incarnated here on Earth for only ten days to rout a Dark-Hunter rebellion. One of the renegades is his once-best friend, Kyros, whom he knows more than 9000 years.
He was Acheron’s Alexion, an Atlantean term that had no real translation into English. Basically, he would do whatever was necessary to protect Acheron and Simi. And he truly meant “whatever”. He had no conscience. No morals. In his world, the only right was Acheron’s will. It governed everything about him. Yes, he could and did argue with Acheron at times, but at the end of it all, he was Acheron’s protector. He would always do what was in Acheron’s best interest no matter the personal or physical cost to himself.
Alexion’s character is erratic: once he is rigid, cold, and nonchalant, then suddenly he is lecherous and funny. His thoughts revolve around how he misses tasting food, his sorrow that he has no feelings, that he is so lonely, and how much he wants to have sex. He has much more difficulties with his erection than the dilemma of judging his best friend, Kyros.
Danger was betrayed and killed by her husband during the French Revolution, so you would think it would be difficult for her to trust a man again. Well, she is so impressed by Alexion’s superpower that she easily forgets about the trust issue.
I was told about Danger’s “inner glow, warm”, but I didn’t feel it either. In the first half of the story she is constantly wondering about Alexion’s powers, as if she weren’t a paranormal being as well. This wow-you-have-so-cool-powers thing seemed so fake.
Secondary characters Urian… [image]
Dark-Hunters [image] Dark-Hunter enters, expresses his skepticism, Dark-Hunter leaves. Then comes another one, repeat… It was like a stage play with very limited facilities.
The action scenes are totally unbelievable. Right before the first fight, Alexion and Danger have a three-page-long conversation with the Daimons they are supposed to be fight with! Is there really that much time for chatting before a fight? Except for the final fight scene, which is pretty exciting and monumental, and a seriously significant fact is revealed (for Stryker), they get over the problems and attacks boringly quickly.
“Love isn't easy. Anyone who says differently is lying to you. But it is worth fighting for.”
As for me, Seize the Night is one of the best
“Love isn't easy. Anyone who says differently is lying to you. But it is worth fighting for.”
As for me, Seize the Night is one of the best books of 2012. It is the 6th book of the Dark-Hunter Universe series, the story of Tabitha and Valerius.
The story is just perfect, I loved it! It is filled with unforgettable characters, incomparable romance, mesmerizing erotica, real drama and tragic losses, vicious and powerful antagonists, witty and deep dialogues, sparkling humor, forceful emotions, thrilling and dynamic action.
The romance What I liked the most was the development of the relationship of Tabitha and Valerius. It is a relationship with no doubts and no games. Their problems come from external sources. Even though they both know that they couldn’t be together, when they realize that they can’t live without each other, they decide to make it possible, somehow. Together.
Tabitha is the heroine I would choose to be. She is exquisite. Strong, brave, and beautiful with unmatched intelligence. She is perceptive, honest, open, and reasonable.
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"Life is serious." "No," she said, her passion glowing in her blue gaze. "Life is and adventure. It's thrilling and scary. Sometimes it's even a bit boring, but is should never be serious."
From their first encounter, throughout the story, Valerius is continuously stunned by her actions, intelligence, kindness, and unbiased attitude. I really enjoyed his perceptions about her, and seeing as he slowly lets her into his heart.
“Saeva scaeva,” Valerius muttered under his breath. “Saeve puer,” she shot back. Valerius actually gaped at her. “Did you just insult me in Latin?” “You insulted me first. Not that I’m particularly insulted by being called a rampant she-devil . It’s kind of flattering, but still, I’m not the kind of person to take an insult in silence.” In spite of himself, he was impressed. It had been a long time indeed since he’d met a female who knew his native tongue. Of course, he didn’t like being called an oafish boy, but there was something to be said for a woman who possessed such intelligence. And it had been an eternity since he was around someone who didn’t openly disdain him. She wasn’t biting in her retorts. Rather she was sparring with him like a champion debater who took none of this to heart. How unusual… How frighteningly refreshing.
She is vivacious, and outspoken, with no holding back. Okay, there is one teeny-weeny bit of information she holds back from Valerius, but when it is revealed, her reasoning is clear and comforting. It is one of my favorite parts of the story.
Valerius is the most misunderstood Dark-Hunter so far. His childhood was a real horror, his human life ended in unimaginable misery. Since then, he has had no peace. He is displeased, hated, and mocked by his fellow Dark-Hunters and the Squires as well. No one wants to know his real personality, because they are not willing to see over their own prejudices. No one, but Tabitha.
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When one was an immortal, the freshness of life had a way of dying even more quickly than one's body had. As the centruies blended together, it was easy to forget the human side of oneself. To remember why humanity needed saving. It was hard to remember how to laugh. Then again, laughter and Valerius were virtual strangers. Until Tabitha, he'd never really shared a laugh with anyone.
His rigidity is only a façade. He is incredibly lonely. Underneath his behavioral “defense mechanism”, he is passionate, loving, and caring. He is an equal partner of Tabitha. He respects her above all. He has no intention to change her in any way.
The plot is precisely structured. Valerius and Tabitha’s first encounter and the scene when Tabitha (view spoiler)[finally gives him his soul back (hide spoiler)], give a great – and funny as hell – frame of the story. The story is complex, with multiple layers. The action line and the development of the romance are perfectly composed. The merging of the background stories of Kyrian and Zarek with Valerius’s is brilliant.
I appreciate the author’s bravery to sacrifice some precious characters in order to write a truly heartbreaking story.
The final scenes – (view spoiler)[the one where Valerius gets his soul back, and the one with Tabitha and Valerius’s wedding (hide spoiler)] – are hilarious!!! It is a perfect ending: not sentimental, not cheesy or awkward, but amusing and intimate.
Seize the Night goes into the collection of my all-time favorite novels.
"There's something inside you that scares me, Vane. Are you sure you're normal?"
Vane's character looked so promising in the previous books
"There's something inside you that scares me, Vane. Are you sure you're normal?"
Vane's character looked so promising in the previous books, but in his own book he disappointed me. I understand his unwillingness to force Bride into anything, as “claiming can never be forced on a female", but his doubts and uncertainties are exaggerated. His magical powers are impressive: they are unique and superlative, but sadly there is no real action in the story where he can actually show how powerful he is. He uses his powers mainly to poof in and out, to take clothes on and off Bride and himself, to repair things, and to tidy up. I also expected him to be more spirited and determined: his vacillation about what to do annoyed me to no end. So did the repetition of his stunning appearance and masculinity. Okay, I get it, he is gorgeous...
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I really appreciate Bride's appearance - finally a pretty and hot heroine with curves. One of the most moving scenes is where Vane and Bride meet first, and she is so skeptical and suspicious about Vane's intentions. It is so sweet!
But I really don't know what to think about Bride: she is kind and brave, but sometimes she is also irritating: when she gets hysterical and freaks out because she is not able to accept the idea of the existence of the supernatural world.
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The story is amusing at the beginning, but it falls flat soon: there is no real action, and the plot is predictable. I foresaw Bride's kidnapping as clear as Ash did the lottery numbers. That cliché looks like a compulsory element that gives the opportunity to the hero to save the heroine. The rescue, by the way, was quick and effortless. I was okay with the story up to the scene where Bride’s standing up for Vane which is one of the best scenes of the book. But, at the end, two things totally ruined the book for me: the over-romanticized singing to Bride, and the public love confession and engagement.
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And although I love Simi, and Ash’s kind and patient attitude toward her is amazing, the (view spoiler)[Macarena dance (hide spoiler)] was too much for me. He really "spoils that demon."
Night Play is my least favorite from the series, but I'm still up for the following books.
A really heartwarming Christmas story! It makes you ache and also makes you
"Yes, Simi, I would like to be your family."
Five stars again!!
A really heartwarming Christmas story! It makes you ache and also makes you smile.
It is a Simi short. Simi is one of my favorite characters. I adore her charmingly childlike attitude, unique personality, and extravagant appearance.
It is also a Gallagher short. Ms. Kenyon has the talent to create background stories you never forget for all of her Dark-Hunters, not only in full-length novels, but in a couple of paragraphs. I really hope I will meet Jamie Gallagher sometime later in the Dark-Hunterverse.
A Dark-Hunter Christmas is a perfectly constructed short story without idle words, with some intriguing new details about Acheron, and an engaging punchline at the end.
Dance with the Devil is a perfect romance, the beautiful love story of Zarek and Astrid. Certainly
“Dying’s easy. It’s living that’s hard.”
Dance with the Devil is a perfect romance, the beautiful love story of Zarek and Astrid. Certainly, it's not simply a romance: there is an incredible plot and fast-paced action, suffering and dread, twists and turns, revealed secrets, humor, one of the most heartbreaking background story ever, and fascinating secondary characters.
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But the main attraction of the novel is the story of the two of them, the development of the love and relationship of Astrid and Zarek. Their every thought and emotions are meticulously captured and conveyed.
Zarek is tired of pain; he is unimaginably lonely, mad and angry at everyone, especially himself. He is full of hatred and rage, has lost faith in goodness, and is incapable of trust. He is totally broken, but at the same time, unexpectedly vulnerable, kind and gentle, with poetic and artistic skills. He is generous, merciful, and tender.
She held her hand out to him. “You have to learn to trust someone, Zarek. You’ve been brave your whole life. Now show me that courage. Take my hand. Trust me and I swear I won’t betray you.” He stood there indecisively, his heart pounding. He’d never been more terrified. Not even the day they’d killed him.
His personality is complex, and brilliantly layered. While there are many attributes to describe his character, there are no words for the cruelty of his past.
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Astrid is a perfect mate for him. She is strong, sensible, caring, and loving. I admire her perceptiveness, as she is able to see through Zarek's façade.
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It was not my first read of the novel, and not the last either. Dance with the Devil will always remain one of my all-time favorites.
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