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Dark #11.5-12
Darkest at Dawn
In one volume for the first time-a Dark novel and novella from the #1 New York Times bestselling author.
For the first time together, two of Christine Feehan's most seductive tales of savage prey and sensual predators: Dark Secret, the story of a vampire hunter on the scent of a human female; and Dark Hunger, which tells of a caged Carpathian, his thirst for vengeance, and his lust for the woman who will release him.
For the first time together, two of Christine Feehan's most seductive tales of savage prey and sensual predators: Dark Secret, the story of a vampire hunter on the scent of a human female; and Dark Hunger, which tells of a caged Carpathian, his thirst for vengeance, and his lust for the woman who will release him.
451 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2005
381 people are currently reading
2121 people want to read
About the author
Christine Feehan
156 books53k followersChristine Feehan is a #1 New York Times bestselling author multiple times over with her portfolio including over 100 published novels, including five series; Dark Series, GhostWalker Series, Leopard Series, Drake Sisters Series, the Sisters of the Heart Series, Shadow Riders, Torpedo Ink and her Romantic Suspense novels. All of her series have hit the #1 spot on the New York Times bestselling list as well. Her debut novel Dark Prince received 3 of the 9 Paranormal Excellence Awards in Romantic Literature (PEARL) in 1999. Since then she has been published by various publishing houses including Leisure Books, Pocket Books, and currently is writing for Berkley/Jove. She also has earned 7 more PEARL awards since Dark Prince.
Her series include:
The Dark Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/darkb...
The GhostWalker series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/ghost...
The Leopard Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/leopa...
The Shadow Series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/shado...
Torpedo Ink series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/torpe...
IN HER WORDS:
I've been a writer all of my life -- it is who I am. I write for myself and always have. The ability to create pictures and emotions with words is such a miracle to me. I read everything; I mean everything! All kinds of books, even encyclopedias. I am fascinated by the written word and I love storytellers. It is a great privilege to be counted one myself. (www.christinefeehan.com)
Her series include:
The Dark Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/darkb...
The GhostWalker series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/ghost...
The Leopard Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/leopa...
The Shadow Series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/shado...
Torpedo Ink series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/torpe...
IN HER WORDS:
I've been a writer all of my life -- it is who I am. I write for myself and always have. The ability to create pictures and emotions with words is such a miracle to me. I read everything; I mean everything! All kinds of books, even encyclopedias. I am fascinated by the written word and I love storytellers. It is a great privilege to be counted one myself. (www.christinefeehan.com)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
January 9, 2020
90th book of 2019.
Actual rating 3.5, rounded down.
Actual rating 3.5, rounded down.
May 28, 2012
Darkest at Dawn combines the first 2 stories (previously released in an anthology and a separate novel) featuring the De La Cruz brothers into one novel.
Dark Hunger takes place in the jungles of South America, where Juliette and her sister Jasmine are freeing wild animals held captive by scientists using them for illegal experiments. Juliette comes across a different type of captive, a man chained and drained of blood, barely alive. As she frees him, she discovers he's not what he appears to be, and Riordan finds his freedom through this woman in more than one way, as she is his long sought for Lifemate!
Dark Secret brings the brothers Nicholas and Rafael to a New Mexico Ranch as a favor to the Chavez family. Colby Jansen has been running her step-father's ranch in trust for her younger siblings until they come of age. She does not trust the Chavez family, who did not come when her step-father was dying, and are afraid that they are going to take her younger siblings away from her. Rafael de la Cruz is sent to try and persuade her, and he is surprised to find that Colby is his lifemate!
In both stories, both of the De la Cruz brothers are surprised to discover that strong independent women are their lifemates. Both have some serious trust issues, and hate feeling like their lives are being taken over by these Carpathian men!
Juliette's situation is different, as she actually has heard of the Carpathians and is familiar with the supernatural world. She also has no problems with the strong sexual connection lifemates feel. She learns to trust Riordan as they work together to save one of her family members, and accepts him and his world eventually.
Colby's situation is different. She has been forced to take responsibilities for her family at a young age, and is overwhelmed with rumming the ranch short-handed. Her ranch is also being sabotaged by someone, and the sheriff is not much help. She also is very much afraid to lose what she has been entrusted with, her siblings. She doesn't trust Rafael, who has a reputation as a ladies' man, and is afraid of how she feels he is taking away her independence , and fights it every step of the way. It doesn't help that Rafael makes some mistakes in how he deals with her, as the situation changes when he discovers that she is his lifemate. When a Master Vampire appears, they must learn to work together and trust each other, and it takes Colby a long time to accept the situation. I loved that Rafael really tries to strp back from his sinstincts and tries to give her the time she needs. Unfortunately, the vampire takes away some of that time.
It was great to get a chance to re-read these stories again!
Dark Hunger takes place in the jungles of South America, where Juliette and her sister Jasmine are freeing wild animals held captive by scientists using them for illegal experiments. Juliette comes across a different type of captive, a man chained and drained of blood, barely alive. As she frees him, she discovers he's not what he appears to be, and Riordan finds his freedom through this woman in more than one way, as she is his long sought for Lifemate!
Dark Secret brings the brothers Nicholas and Rafael to a New Mexico Ranch as a favor to the Chavez family. Colby Jansen has been running her step-father's ranch in trust for her younger siblings until they come of age. She does not trust the Chavez family, who did not come when her step-father was dying, and are afraid that they are going to take her younger siblings away from her. Rafael de la Cruz is sent to try and persuade her, and he is surprised to find that Colby is his lifemate!
In both stories, both of the De la Cruz brothers are surprised to discover that strong independent women are their lifemates. Both have some serious trust issues, and hate feeling like their lives are being taken over by these Carpathian men!
Juliette's situation is different, as she actually has heard of the Carpathians and is familiar with the supernatural world. She also has no problems with the strong sexual connection lifemates feel. She learns to trust Riordan as they work together to save one of her family members, and accepts him and his world eventually.
Colby's situation is different. She has been forced to take responsibilities for her family at a young age, and is overwhelmed with rumming the ranch short-handed. Her ranch is also being sabotaged by someone, and the sheriff is not much help. She also is very much afraid to lose what she has been entrusted with, her siblings. She doesn't trust Rafael, who has a reputation as a ladies' man, and is afraid of how she feels he is taking away her independence , and fights it every step of the way. It doesn't help that Rafael makes some mistakes in how he deals with her, as the situation changes when he discovers that she is his lifemate. When a Master Vampire appears, they must learn to work together and trust each other, and it takes Colby a long time to accept the situation. I loved that Rafael really tries to strp back from his sinstincts and tries to give her the time she needs. Unfortunately, the vampire takes away some of that time.
It was great to get a chance to re-read these stories again!
October 28, 2012
Book Dark Hunger Info - Juliette is a beautiful activist devoted to the liberation of animals confined in a foul and humid jungle lab. But then she stumbles upon an unexpected prisoner unlike any she's ever seen. Or touched.
Riordan De La Cruz, an immortal Carpathian male, is trapped and caged, his desire for revenge only beginning. She will release him from his bonds. He will release her from her inhibitions. Both have voracious appetites that must be sated.
I have read a lot of negative reviews about this book…mostly based not on the actual stories but on the fact that it’s a reissue of two books, which I think is pretty unfair.
I was aware of that fact and have read Dark Secret but I wanted to read Dark Hunger, the story of Riordan, one of the de la Cruz brothers, the South American Carpathians, that I like in Christine Feehan’s fabulous Dark Carpathians Series – so I am going to “vent” my feelings on the story itself. I have written a review on Dark Secret http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62... and now on with Riordan & Juliette’s love story.
Having met Juliette in other books I was very happy to find a bit more about how she became part of the de la Cruz family.
Because the length of the novella, it focused on how the met and became lifemates.
I enjoyed seeing the chemistry between Riordan & Juliette and how she rescued him from his imprisonment, where he had been tortured and cruelly tested, deep in the jungle by evil humans, shape shifters and vampires. Her strength and determination to save him and the jaguar women, is really admirable. She’s a loyal and loving character and endearing. Also liked seeing a gentle side to the usual domineering Carpathians males in Riordian.
What I really like about this series is the sense of family, so apparent in how they all care and look after each.
I have happily added this book to my growing collection of this series.
Riordan De La Cruz, an immortal Carpathian male, is trapped and caged, his desire for revenge only beginning. She will release him from his bonds. He will release her from her inhibitions. Both have voracious appetites that must be sated.
I have read a lot of negative reviews about this book…mostly based not on the actual stories but on the fact that it’s a reissue of two books, which I think is pretty unfair.
I was aware of that fact and have read Dark Secret but I wanted to read Dark Hunger, the story of Riordan, one of the de la Cruz brothers, the South American Carpathians, that I like in Christine Feehan’s fabulous Dark Carpathians Series – so I am going to “vent” my feelings on the story itself. I have written a review on Dark Secret http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62... and now on with Riordan & Juliette’s love story.
Having met Juliette in other books I was very happy to find a bit more about how she became part of the de la Cruz family.
Because the length of the novella, it focused on how the met and became lifemates.
I enjoyed seeing the chemistry between Riordan & Juliette and how she rescued him from his imprisonment, where he had been tortured and cruelly tested, deep in the jungle by evil humans, shape shifters and vampires. Her strength and determination to save him and the jaguar women, is really admirable. She’s a loyal and loving character and endearing. Also liked seeing a gentle side to the usual domineering Carpathians males in Riordian.
What I really like about this series is the sense of family, so apparent in how they all care and look after each.
I have happily added this book to my growing collection of this series.
January 13, 2017
I love Christine Feehan's dark hunter series. This book contains stories about 2 of them. One of 5 brothers from South America. The first book called Dark Hunger is the story of the youngest brother Riodan. He had been captured by an ancient vampire and tortured by his followers and near death. Juliette & her sister are trying to save the lives of 3 animals that had been captured & brought to the facility. They both hated the hunters who had come into their jungle and built the facility to experiment on animals , some endangered species. They know how to get in and set the 3 animals free but Juliette feels drawn to another room where she finds and frees Riodan. She doesn't know the powerful being she has unleashed. She is his life mate, but they have to fight for their lives and save her sister and cousin from the very men who built the facility that Riodan destroyed.
The second book is called Dark Secret and is about Rafael & Colby. RAfael is an older brother of Riodan. Colby is running a ranch since her father died and taking care of her young brother and sister.
Rafael is there with the Chevez brothers who have come to take Paul & Ginny to South America to live with their fathers family. They run Rafael De La Cruz's ranch.Ginny thinks he is arrogant. There are forces working against Colby. Accidents missing tools, fences down,missing old man who helped her. She works like 2 men to keep things going but then the accidents turn deadly with a fire in the barn full of horses, the old man 's body is found. A ancient vampire has taken over several people and more have gone missing.Colby has some powers of her own that she keeps secret. She is Rafael's life mate. After waiting thousands of years for her he has no patients but wants what is his NOW. Sparks fly and enemies surround them. The vampire takes control of Paul and kidnapped Ginny. After a battle with the vampire they finally win . Colby has been converted and goes with Rafael to south america to join her brother & sister. This is a great book and as always Christine manages to make everything work out in the end. if you like paranormal, you will love this book.
The second book is called Dark Secret and is about Rafael & Colby. RAfael is an older brother of Riodan. Colby is running a ranch since her father died and taking care of her young brother and sister.
Rafael is there with the Chevez brothers who have come to take Paul & Ginny to South America to live with their fathers family. They run Rafael De La Cruz's ranch.Ginny thinks he is arrogant. There are forces working against Colby. Accidents missing tools, fences down,missing old man who helped her. She works like 2 men to keep things going but then the accidents turn deadly with a fire in the barn full of horses, the old man 's body is found. A ancient vampire has taken over several people and more have gone missing.Colby has some powers of her own that she keeps secret. She is Rafael's life mate. After waiting thousands of years for her he has no patients but wants what is his NOW. Sparks fly and enemies surround them. The vampire takes control of Paul and kidnapped Ginny. After a battle with the vampire they finally win . Colby has been converted and goes with Rafael to south america to join her brother & sister. This is a great book and as always Christine manages to make everything work out in the end. if you like paranormal, you will love this book.
June 16, 2013
This book just made me mad. The first story Dark Hunger was the better of the two and I did enjoy it. Dark Secret was the one that had me fuming and appalled. Feehan made Rafael unbearable. While I appreciate an aggressive and dominant man, and love a man who is dominant and rough - Rafael is just cruel and disrespectful. He forces Colby into his world and take away all of her choices all in the name of l"love". Then you have Colby who is a nymph and prefers to open her legs than stand up for herself and show the independent woman she is.
Pg 186 - 188 you have Colby crying and accusing of Rafael of rape and "taking [her] over without [her] consent". Yet later he starts kissing her and she's already to go another round.
Pg 273 - 276 Colby is pissed at Rafael for giving her his blood without her consent and then further stating that she is the one who decides her fate not him, yet; she goes one more round again with Rafael because heat stirred within. Rafael claims her as his lifemate and then she's mad because Rafael insists she love him and she is adamant that he can't force her to love him.
The back and forth between these two characters really made me mad. Colby is an idiot who hides behind the facade of being an independent woman who decides her own fate instead of admitting that she's weak and would forget who she is for a good lay. This is one of the weaker books for me from Feehan. Hopefully the next one I pick up from her is better because I can't stand another one like this. Women like Colby really irk me - especially since I am an independent woman who doesn't bend on her character & principles for any one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2014
I'd already read the main chunk of this, and whizzed through the 'manga' version of the novella, so reading the actual words took no time at all. Usual brooding domineering Carpathian, determined heroine, tho at least here she's a shapeshifting jaguar, for a bit of variety. Plenty of 'thrusting into velvet sheaths' going on, random fight with a vampire, then some jaguar males, blah blah. One for completists only.
September 6, 2018
And so it continues
Colby is all country and very independent until she meets Rafael. Two more stubborn people you have ever met before. After many disagreements, discussions, and near death situations, Colby realizes how much she actually loves Rafael.
Colby is all country and very independent until she meets Rafael. Two more stubborn people you have ever met before. After many disagreements, discussions, and near death situations, Colby realizes how much she actually loves Rafael.
November 23, 2011
Doggammit! I didn't realize when I bought this that I have already read both of these separately. But they are still good stories so if you have not read them then this is your chance.
September 12, 2013
Ugh. This reminded me why I stopped reading the Dark series several years ago. Arrogant men who bully the women into submission. Cliches galore and rather boring.
September 3, 2019
Another wonderful book
I can't get enough of Christine Feehan's books. I am in love with her dark series with its not Carpathians. I'm on to the next one, I can't wait!
I can't get enough of Christine Feehan's books. I am in love with her dark series with its not Carpathians. I'm on to the next one, I can't wait!
February 1, 2020
Just great loved it.
March 3, 2024
If I had a nickel for every book I read with “mates” who could read each other’s minds and used that during sex I would have two nickels. Which isn’t a lot but it’s weird that it happened twice
March 11, 2022
Contains 2 books. There is a warning on Book 2 as I feel readers should be aware if a book may cause triggers.
Book 1: Dark Secret - very good read as per the norm with a Christine Feehan book.
Book 2: Dark Hunger - Well written and good read however MAY CASUE TRIGGERS to readers who have been the victim of Domestic Violence or under a controlling male partner, especially if there is a history of sexual abuse where a male partner turns a female's body against her.
Spoiler to assist people in deciding if this book may be a trigger for them: Carpathian uses their bond to enflame his Lifemate sexually so her body betrays her mind by liking what he does to her even though her mind is saying no, causing confusion and fear when she cannot understand why her body finds it pleasurable and she feels owned. When she says no to anything or appears to want to get away in day to day interactions, Carpathian asserts his dominance and control, often using her sexual bodily needs to get his way and keep her near him. Mention of it being similar to rape mentioned in book. Forced conversation (which occurs in other books without the female consent but in this particular book it is worse with the other components combine). In the end she gets through her confusion and fear and they become typical Lifemates and the Carpathian learns he cannot control his Lifemate or demand whatever he wants in all aspects (he is accustom to everyone doing what he wants when he wants at the start).
Again... very good read and I enjoyed it and hopefully you didn't read the spoilers if you didn't want to know but I wanted to be sure anyone who may experience triggers with the content but loves Feehan's books as much as I do, is aware going into the book.
Book 1: Dark Secret - very good read as per the norm with a Christine Feehan book.
Book 2: Dark Hunger - Well written and good read however MAY CASUE TRIGGERS to readers who have been the victim of Domestic Violence or under a controlling male partner, especially if there is a history of sexual abuse where a male partner turns a female's body against her.
Spoiler to assist people in deciding if this book may be a trigger for them: Carpathian uses their bond to enflame his Lifemate sexually so her body betrays her mind by liking what he does to her even though her mind is saying no, causing confusion and fear when she cannot understand why her body finds it pleasurable and she feels owned. When she says no to anything or appears to want to get away in day to day interactions, Carpathian asserts his dominance and control, often using her sexual bodily needs to get his way and keep her near him. Mention of it being similar to rape mentioned in book. Forced conversation (which occurs in other books without the female consent but in this particular book it is worse with the other components combine). In the end she gets through her confusion and fear and they become typical Lifemates and the Carpathian learns he cannot control his Lifemate or demand whatever he wants in all aspects (he is accustom to everyone doing what he wants when he wants at the start).
Again... very good read and I enjoyed it and hopefully you didn't read the spoilers if you didn't want to know but I wanted to be sure anyone who may experience triggers with the content but loves Feehan's books as much as I do, is aware going into the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2021
The first part of this combined book is a brief novella that helps set the scene for the main act.
The second part of the book is similar to other works by Feehan but this time around the story is a bit different to the usual formula which made a nice change.
At last we have a female character who is not completely submissive and this was most refreshing. Skipping over the overly 'intimate' parts of the novel is advisable, especially as they don't really add much value.
There is a fair bit of drama in this installment but at times it felt a bit too drawn out / repetitive. Overall a reasonably satisfying read although I am starting to tire of this author.
The second part of the book is similar to other works by Feehan but this time around the story is a bit different to the usual formula which made a nice change.
At last we have a female character who is not completely submissive and this was most refreshing. Skipping over the overly 'intimate' parts of the novel is advisable, especially as they don't really add much value.
There is a fair bit of drama in this installment but at times it felt a bit too drawn out / repetitive. Overall a reasonably satisfying read although I am starting to tire of this author.
November 28, 2022
Fantastic Read
I found this book compelling on many levels it gave us a look into the mind, soul and heart of a man who was afraid to relinquish control a dominant being and a woman not all human but realized she had unusual gifts but not knowing where they came from. Bring these two beings together and let the fireworks begin. The combustible relationship between these two characters was Intriguing. I liked the way the author wove a beautiful story between these two antagonist and made then to finally believe in each other and fully love each other. I don't want to give any specific details of this story only that it was a great read.
I found this book compelling on many levels it gave us a look into the mind, soul and heart of a man who was afraid to relinquish control a dominant being and a woman not all human but realized she had unusual gifts but not knowing where they came from. Bring these two beings together and let the fireworks begin. The combustible relationship between these two characters was Intriguing. I liked the way the author wove a beautiful story between these two antagonist and made then to finally believe in each other and fully love each other. I don't want to give any specific details of this story only that it was a great read.
May 29, 2017
Full length novel dragged!
I love the dark Carpathian Novels but this one just grated on my nerves. Colby was just too pigheaded for my taste and although Rafael was arrogant he at least looked at his faults and tried to make better decisions. Colby just flat out couldn't help but be stubborn to the point of not looking at any alternative then what she wanted. I was hoping she would develop in the course of the book but she didn't until of course Rafael was nearly killed trying to make her happy. Sorry just frustrated me to no end. I will say I liked the novella it was good.
I love the dark Carpathian Novels but this one just grated on my nerves. Colby was just too pigheaded for my taste and although Rafael was arrogant he at least looked at his faults and tried to make better decisions. Colby just flat out couldn't help but be stubborn to the point of not looking at any alternative then what she wanted. I was hoping she would develop in the course of the book but she didn't until of course Rafael was nearly killed trying to make her happy. Sorry just frustrated me to no end. I will say I liked the novella it was good.
January 10, 2022
wonderful Story
I love all of Christine e all her books and await books especially the Carpathian and Shadow Riders books, I also love the Leopard, the sisters and the ones on the farm and let’s not forget the motorcycle gang. To put it plainly I love all her books and await the next one……..
I love all of Christine e all her books and await books especially the Carpathian and Shadow Riders books, I also love the Leopard, the sisters and the ones on the farm and let’s not forget the motorcycle gang. To put it plainly I love all her books and await the next one……..
March 12, 2018
I do not like when authors make the female so crazy and weak minded. I have disliked this behavior since I was younger in scary movies. I do not like when the character falls to the ground and nearly moves as death walks up to her.
November 14, 2017
Christine Feehan is one of my favorite author's. I have read these two books several times over the since first published.
February 27, 2018
Enjoyed this book immensely!Uh
Feehan never fails in her story telling and this one is loaded with emotions and danger and insights to the Carpathian families
Feehan never fails in her story telling and this one is loaded with emotions and danger and insights to the Carpathian families
October 15, 2018
Enthralling
Didn't put it down. Emotionally charged plot. Enticing love scenes. Endearing characters. Last review i will submit because of the minimum words required.
Didn't put it down. Emotionally charged plot. Enticing love scenes. Endearing characters. Last review i will submit because of the minimum words required.
December 27, 2020
Did anyone else notice the terrible formatting of this book?
August 16, 2021
Dark Hunger is great. 5/5. Dark Secret...4.5/5 because it took me a while to finish but it's still great. Now onto another read!
June 9, 2022
Great book
Love Christine Dedham books never 2 alike. Action n love galore. Love them so much I collect them n read them again n again
!
Love Christine Dedham books never 2 alike. Action n love galore. Love them so much I collect them n read them again n again
!
September 22, 2022
I couldn't put this book down!! I LOVE this series so much!!
November 9, 2022
2 in 1
Great book.. this one had 2 stories for 1 price.. least think it did.. 2 brothers 2 lifemate .. in in jungle one in the states ..
Great book.. this one had 2 stories for 1 price.. least think it did.. 2 brothers 2 lifemate .. in in jungle one in the states ..
September 22, 2023
I've always loved the de la Cruz story lines, manolito being one of my favorite brothers so nice to see Rafael and Riordan find there mates only wish Riordan had a full book not just a novel
September 29, 2025
gotta love a strong woman!
March 21, 2022
Dark Hunger: 5 stars
Taking a small break from the major vampire plot line to advance the jaguar plot line the readers learned about first in Dark Symphony, but this time with non-evil women who can shift.
The relationship happened super fast but don’t they all when it’s a novella? Riordan is so sweet and funny, I don’t know if it’s him being the youngest of five brothers or not but Rafael could use a few lessons on how to court your lifemate.
I would say that the reaction of Solange and Jasmine to Riordan was a little fast but it’s a short story so, things need to happen quickly.
Riordan is also a little different from others I’ve read about, he’s a little more laid back and teases her almost straight away instead of wondering when was the last time he was teased, even though he was tortured.
The manga version, or comic since it isn’t done like a traditional manga, is a great companion to have. Little things from the actual book have been changed but not major things.
The art is excellent, the characters are drawn so well that I can’t imagine them looking any other way and I don’t want too.
Having both the book and the manga gives the readers an excellent visual when reading other books, such as when Jasmine and Solange pop up again.
Dark Secret: 3 stars
This was a rather long read, not because of the length but because I had to struggle through the first couple of chapters. I do remember dreading reading this book because I didn’t really like Rafael and I remember never really feeling a connection between the couple.
When I re-read this, when he wasn’t being such a dominating jerk and not acting for Colby’s happiness, I did feel a little bit of a spark between them. If Rafael had been less of a self-serving jerk and been more patient, this would have been a great book.
It was a big part of the series long plot and gives more a background of the five brothers, even if it’s just a brief glimpse of Rafael’s first shape shift. It also gives a little insight into how the plot came about.
When Vikirnoff shows up with his picture of Natalya, I wish the difference in the color of the eyes was brought up. In Dark Destiny, her eyes in the picture are an icy blue but in this book, when Rafael and Colby actually meet her, they are a startling green. When Vikirnoff shows Rafael the picture, he doesn’t mention the eye color at all.
I thought I would be giving this book at least two star since I didn’t really think much of it before but after those first couple of chapters, I warmed up to it. Still not my favorite and I haven’t forgiven Rafael for his earlier behavior but, I can actually see them together now.
Thank you for reading my review.
-Sam
Taking a small break from the major vampire plot line to advance the jaguar plot line the readers learned about first in Dark Symphony, but this time with non-evil women who can shift.
The relationship happened super fast but don’t they all when it’s a novella? Riordan is so sweet and funny, I don’t know if it’s him being the youngest of five brothers or not but Rafael could use a few lessons on how to court your lifemate.
I would say that the reaction of Solange and Jasmine to Riordan was a little fast but it’s a short story so, things need to happen quickly.
Riordan is also a little different from others I’ve read about, he’s a little more laid back and teases her almost straight away instead of wondering when was the last time he was teased, even though he was tortured.
The manga version, or comic since it isn’t done like a traditional manga, is a great companion to have. Little things from the actual book have been changed but not major things.
The art is excellent, the characters are drawn so well that I can’t imagine them looking any other way and I don’t want too.
Having both the book and the manga gives the readers an excellent visual when reading other books, such as when Jasmine and Solange pop up again.
Dark Secret: 3 stars
This was a rather long read, not because of the length but because I had to struggle through the first couple of chapters. I do remember dreading reading this book because I didn’t really like Rafael and I remember never really feeling a connection between the couple.
When I re-read this, when he wasn’t being such a dominating jerk and not acting for Colby’s happiness, I did feel a little bit of a spark between them. If Rafael had been less of a self-serving jerk and been more patient, this would have been a great book.
It was a big part of the series long plot and gives more a background of the five brothers, even if it’s just a brief glimpse of Rafael’s first shape shift. It also gives a little insight into how the plot came about.
When Vikirnoff shows up with his picture of Natalya, I wish the difference in the color of the eyes was brought up. In Dark Destiny, her eyes in the picture are an icy blue but in this book, when Rafael and Colby actually meet her, they are a startling green. When Vikirnoff shows Rafael the picture, he doesn’t mention the eye color at all.
I thought I would be giving this book at least two star since I didn’t really think much of it before but after those first couple of chapters, I warmed up to it. Still not my favorite and I haven’t forgiven Rafael for his earlier behavior but, I can actually see them together now.
Thank you for reading my review.
-Sam
May 15, 2018
Dark Hunger features Riordian and Juliette’s story while Dark Secret is Rafael and Colby’s story. Two stories for the price of one as both of these novellas were published in the Darkest at Dawn book. This story featured more ancients who Mikhail’s father, Vlad, had sent out into the world to battle vampires. There are so many more characters and lineage lines that we don’t even know about which helps make the Carpathian world even more enriching.
Dark Hunger was a really short story about Riordian and Juliette. It’s also the first time since Dark Symphony that we are introduced to the Jaguar species. Juliette, her sister, and her cousin are full-blooded Jaguars with more abilities than Antonietta had, including the ability to shape-shift into a Jaguar. As with all short stories, there wasn’t a lot of time to go into a lot of detail so the story went pretty fast (including the romance between the hero and heroine). My favorite thing about these two are Riordian’s reminders to Juliette to breathe; every time he would remind her, my heart would melt.
For Dark Secret, I confess I got annoyed with Colby’s constant fighting against herself and Rafael. Logically, I do understand her actions and why she was struggling, but I was happy when she was able to let go in the end and she finally realized the reason she was fighting so much was because she was afraid of letting herself feel the love she had for Rafael and then having the courage to be herself with him. An interesting look into the Carpathian Dragonseeker family linage and mage/wizards which were previously hinted at in prior stories: Dominic, who made his cameo appearance in Dark Symphony and the mages/wizards which were hinted at in Traian's story, Dark Descent. I like seeing all these things come together; I have a feeling it all will be lending itself to a bigger role in the main overreaching plot line that has developed in the last couple of books.
Rated: 4.0/5.0—Overall, an interesting book. We are introduced to a new family of Carpathians, the De La Cruz brothers. I am eager to continue to read more about this universe, uncovering more secrets of the Carpathian world, and seeing how all these different species and characters will interact with each other.
Dark Hunger was a really short story about Riordian and Juliette. It’s also the first time since Dark Symphony that we are introduced to the Jaguar species. Juliette, her sister, and her cousin are full-blooded Jaguars with more abilities than Antonietta had, including the ability to shape-shift into a Jaguar. As with all short stories, there wasn’t a lot of time to go into a lot of detail so the story went pretty fast (including the romance between the hero and heroine). My favorite thing about these two are Riordian’s reminders to Juliette to breathe; every time he would remind her, my heart would melt.
For Dark Secret, I confess I got annoyed with Colby’s constant fighting against herself and Rafael. Logically, I do understand her actions and why she was struggling, but I was happy when she was able to let go in the end and she finally realized the reason she was fighting so much was because she was afraid of letting herself feel the love she had for Rafael and then having the courage to be herself with him. An interesting look into the Carpathian Dragonseeker family linage and mage/wizards which were previously hinted at in prior stories: Dominic, who made his cameo appearance in Dark Symphony and the mages/wizards which were hinted at in Traian's story, Dark Descent. I like seeing all these things come together; I have a feeling it all will be lending itself to a bigger role in the main overreaching plot line that has developed in the last couple of books.
Rated: 4.0/5.0—Overall, an interesting book. We are introduced to a new family of Carpathians, the De La Cruz brothers. I am eager to continue to read more about this universe, uncovering more secrets of the Carpathian world, and seeing how all these different species and characters will interact with each other.
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