The Black Dagger Brotherhood Novels 1-4

Black Dagger Brotherhood #1 - 4

by J.R. Ward

The first four books in the #1 New York Times bestselling series that features a secret band of vampire warriors. The Black Dagger Brotherhood series has become a phenomenon with readers who thirst for supernatural action and sensuality.

Dark Lover
Lover Eternal
Lover Awakened
Lover Revealed

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Vampires, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Erotica

1914 pages, ebook

First published March 26, 2011

About the author

J.R. Ward is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of numerous novels, including the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. She lives in the South her family.

Reviews

[Aiyanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was thouroughly pleased when they put these books in groups. Becuase I'm a serious fan girl of the series and love rough and tough vampire men as much as the next vampire crazy, I've read all the books and feel a review for all of them is just a bit obsessive. But onto the good stuff. I love JR Ward's vampire series, and mostly for the fact that she does a good job of stripping the mystique of vampires and puts them into a new world that still intersects with our own reality. Though a lot of her characters are similar in personality she still maintains a unique take on each character and inmerses them into a plot that can sometimes repeat itself. The first few books in the series are by far greater in detail than the rest and grab my attention for to this day I still re-read them. But by the fifth book you felt that Ward was running out of plot lines or I was just getting use to her writing style. But overall as a romance novelist Ward is awesome. I do enjoy her writing style and creativity to create a world that is fresh and allows for romance junkies like myself feel good in our addictions.

Book 1 -- Was a great introduction and set up a good series that kept me reading over and over. 3.5/5 stars

Book 2 - Is my favorite. Something about Rhage makes me happy on the inside. 4.5/5 stars

Book 3-- Was interesting setup in that it gave you compassion for the character you're suppose to fear and thought it was a good choice to bring that story out early into the series. 4/5 stars

Book 4 -- Saw it coming but the angling was interesting. . . was a good ride. 3.5/5 stars

[Susan Gold · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Simply love this series. I must admit Rhage and Zadist stories are my favorites.

[Justine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is wonderful. The fantasy, the possibility and the romance. Oh yeah and the mouth watering sex of course. Great writing and an uncanny ability to keep you begging for the next book.

[Mary Ann Kackley · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I’m late to the party on this series--being a Fan of the Fang, some Twitterfriends turned me on to it and I am OVERJOYED! I cheated and got the first 4 books on download--no it doesn’t save you money, but it’s SO worth having the next one right there at the ready when you finish the previous one! I know a series ‘has’ me when I stay up until the wee hours because I just can’t put the damned thing down--this one did it for me! It’s rare in this day and age to come up with a new and unique take on the mythology of vampires, but the author has done an epic job of that, and you don’t even have to resort to googling terminology. There’s a glossary at the beginning of each book that is built on in successive books--SWEET! It’s a tale of a super-secret gang (hence The Black Dagger Brotherhood) of linebacker-size, leather-clad, avenging brother (by birth or by bloodline) biker-type dudes, each with their own personalities, idiosyncracies, paranoias, gifts, curses, and might I add mates? Who like to chill out listening to rap and hacking computers! NOTE TO SELF: I must discover the author’s obsession with the letter ‘H’. She creatively uses it in the terminology and names throughout. Lemme give you an example with some of the Brother’s names: Tohrment, Rhage, Vishous, the twins (lol) Phury and Zsadist, Dhestroyer, are you catching the drift? We also have a full complement of enemies and bad guys (yeah, the leather dudes are the Good Guys, lol!) both on Earth and in a ‘temporal’ plane (as in other-worldly). Paranormal (and might I add, erotic) romance, emotional, gut-wrenching, and heart-wrenching to read. Book 1 is Dark Lover, centering on Wrath, the last purebred vampire left on Earth, struggling with his birthright, and out to avhenge (lol ‘H’) his brother’s murder. A brother that left in Wrath’s charge the unwilling and unwanted protection of his clueless to her ancestry half-breed daughter, Beth. Of course, the then unmated Wrath is inexplicably sexually attracted to her, and we’re taught the intricacies of bonding, mating, and it brings a whole new meaning to the words ‘marking your territory’! Book 2, Lover Eternal, centers on Rhage, the panty-dropping gorgeous one of the bunch, who carries a ‘beast’ inside courtesy of a century-long curse. A curse that also robs him of his ability to feel and love. The heroine of this particular tale is the human (yes, cross-species is in this one!) Mary, who’s already been through one life-threatening bought of leukemia (you KNOW where this one is headed). Their struggle to find and save each other from their respective ‘curses’ will have you asking for a box of Puffs, please! Vishous has seen Rhage’s future (one of his ‘gifts’), and Mary doesn’t seem to fit, unless…In Lover Awakened (Book 3), we get REALLY kinky, just so you know! Zsadist is the most fearsome (even to his Brothers) one in the bunch, scarred physically and emotionally beyond belief. His story is detailed in all it’s sordid past, but I don’t wanna spoil it for you, just to say he has some really deeply ingrained sexual and emotional dysfunctions, a twin brother Phury who sacrificed a limb and his own emotional manhood to save Z from a century of living hell, and an unholy and self-denying attraction to the courageous and aristocratically beautiful Bella (don’t wince, I know you are!). To complicate matters, as twins, BOTH brothers are drawn to Bella--she only has eyes for (dot, dot, dot). This one in particular is really emotional, raw, and gripping. Are you seeing a pattern here? Each of the novels revolves around a central character and mate, as you learn about the other Brothers, friends, enemies, and families. But pay attention, because one of those secondary and ‘lesser’ (you will TOTALLY get why I put that in quotes after your read the books) characters may take center stage in the next novel! As is with Book 4, Lover Revealed--up to this point, on the periphery of The Brotherhood has been Butch, the disgraced human cop that the Brothers took in because he knew too much, but also fit right in with this cast of miscreants. With nothing to ‘go back’ to, Butch has become part of the gang, and struck up and odd and close personal relationship with one of the Brothers in particular, Vishous. They were like two peas in a pod from the get-go, and Butch and the gang find out exactly why Butch fits in so well in this installment. He pines for ages for Wrath’s cast-off match, Marissa. Born to aristocracy, matched to Wrath in a loveless 300-year union, he never ‘bonded’ with her, disgracing her aristocratic lineage. Butch and Marissa will have you yelling at the page they are SO ENRAGING with their self-denial! The Big Bad comes along in this one (The Omega, he‘s been there all along, but really has a central role in this one), nabbing Butch for info on the Brotherhood, and bringing about what ultimately has Butch, Marissa, and the entire Brotherhood closer than they ever were before! Also throw in the mix getting close to the reasons behind Vishous’ attachment to the human cop, his slow descent into near madness and changing of his gifts/curses, and, well, you just gotta read it for yourself, but I was in tears by the end! The series (thus-far) is frankly erotic, vehemently violent, emotionally sentimental--ALL the good adjectives! There’s lots omitted from this review (especially the scathingly brilliant comments I made before I accidentally deleted the first draft before saving), but if you love paranormal romance, this is the series for you! I’ve already downloaded the next 4 in the series, and I hope it’s endless! You will be drawn in to this blended family of courageous misfit warriors trying to save their race!

[Airy M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best series I have ever read. It has action, steamy romance and the books are so well written. Ward is able to evoke really strong emotions in her following that make you empathise with even the most difficult of characters. I loved these 4 in the series and have yet to finish the rest but look forward to a time when I will.

[diann bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

❤️

[Reva Gaines · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Butch's Story

Finally, I get to read Butch's story and fill in the blanks. For anyone also interested to know his story this books loops you in to Butch's tie in. I totally liked that he finds family in the Brotherhood after a lifetime of feeling unloved and shunned and finding love with Marissa!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. Each book is about a different character and allows you to get lost in the exciting and passionate world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. I especially love that all of the characters linger in each book. So while you get to focus in on one particular brother, you still get to read about the other characters you have grown to love. The plot of each book is focused around the brotherhood, which is a team of vampire warriors who fight against an evil race called the Lessers to keep their species alive. The vampire and lesser societies coexist among humans, although the humans are kept in the dark about these differing species. They are fun, exciting reads with action, a love story, and some steamy moments that are sure to keep you turning the page.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm loving this series. It's sexy, inventive and involving. Each book focuses on one of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, a group of vampire warriors who protect their race, finding his mate. The back stories are moving and interesting, and there are plenty of intriguing subplots. This is a great group of characters and a whole new vampire mythology that doesn't rely on what we think we already know about vampires. I can't believe I'm just now discovering this fantastic series.

[Rossy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having abandoned this series when the Qhuinn/Blay drama started, it was incredibly hard to get back to it years later. My OCD would never allow me to skip a boo, and honestly knowing the series flaws was not encouraging.
I was able to start, and just like the first time I read the series became hooked. I'm still not in love with Butch's book because Marissa annoys me, but the scenes with V made it worthwhile. The rest were just great reads though.

[Anastacia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed these books and love how each one tells a separate story but all the stories tie together. I will be reading the rest of this series very soon!

[Gia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series!

J.R. Ward doesn't disappoint. I can't put them down..the moment one book ends I have to pick up another! Sigh....

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read these in paperback previously and am re-reading on my Kindle.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black Dagger Brotherhood
Book 1
Omg. Everyone u every talk to raves about this series. I now totally understand. Story is amazing the world the writer creates is amazing and u can't help but be sucked in the life of the characters. Their are things I struggle with like names of characters and words in old language used. I STRONGLY advise to read quick glossary first before u jump into it. I did quick read or even skip bit to do with the baddy just because he creep me out so much. Totally worth more stars. Great story and amazing HEA LOVED IT.

Book 2
When u first meet Rhage he's a slut and a brawler. He looks like brad Pitt and sleeps around like on a pornstar set. U only see glimpse of the guy under all that every now n then. After he meets Mary after bringing John into the brotherhood homes. He become infatuated with her and they begin a very complicated and a little weird relationship. Rhage story made my heart clench and break at times through book especially when Scribe Virgin got involved because she alway wants a sacrifice and its alway a soul destroying type. Loved the new side of Zsadist and his budding possible romance with Bella. Great HEA

Book 3
LOVED IT. this has to be my favourite. Ever since meeting Zsadist I liked him, he's damage with huge insecurities. When he meets Bella a lot of his past come to haunt him but with Bella and his brothers he becomes part of the man he was always suppose to be. Devastating things happen to the brothers in this book, deaths and brake ups. Great story and HEA.

Book 4
Amazing. This series just gets better and better. A lot of heartache and upset in this book with a lot of different characters. Rehv makes more of an appearance and V has major melt down. Love the ending HEA was perfect.

[Jason · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I read the first one, I picked out 10 notable quotes:
1 Wrath was off the chain when it came to the business of vengeance.
2 No offense, but I'm outtie.
3 Her body was about to need something only he could provide her. So sooner or later she would come around. Or she would die.
4 Had plenty of pimp juice.
5 "It's bad enough knowing I don't turn you on. But that pity on your face is a real ass burner."
6 “You got a point or are you just shooting your lip off?"
It wasn't an invitation to elaborate, but Tohr marched right through the opening anyway. "You're way into her."
7 "My boy's got to learn to zip it."
8 “Helluva set of pipes on that SOB. Some serious beautiful."
9 And they could hear Biggie in Montreal, [X] thought as he climbed in.
"Damn, my brother," Rhage said, getting into the back. "This a new system?"
10 “Like Wrath was her cub, you feel me?"


9 years later: I'm going through the most popular paranormal books, which include a lot of these, so picking up where I left off. 2, 3, and 4 are all decent enough after that embarrassing beginning. Rhage is a bit stalker-y but Mary does react properly; I do get more interested in John and Bella here than the leads. Alas, Bella is less interesting in her own book, but Zsadist makes up for it with his Traumatic Back Story, a theme that seems very common in the series so far. Butch's character development is either awfully convenient and/or satisfying; I do enjoy Marissa's which is the best of any of the female leads so far.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

BOOK 1
Well I finally did it, I jumped on the BBD bandwagon and I'm loving the ride so far, what's better than Alpha Male Vampires kicking serious butt and being all crazy romantic with their Shellans. After the death of one of his brothers, wrath decided to find Darius's daughter Beth to see if he may need help during her transitioning to being a vampire = HEA.
BOOK 2
Love this series. It's hard to break these stories into who's story this as as we are constantly being introduced to new characters but lets just say that this is Mary and Rhage's story. When Rhage makes the decision to save Mary's life it comes with a price from the Sribe Virgin.
BOOK 3
Zsadist & Bella - after being captured and tortured by a Lesser, Z has to work through his emotional torment in order to be close to the woman he loves. Oh and there's a baby on the way for these two.
BOOK 4
Butch and Marissa - when Butch the cop find out earlier in this series that there's a whole world of vampires he never knew about and that he actually had some vampire blood in him, his whole world was turned upside down and I'd say for the better. He meets Marissa who used to be Wrath's Shellan and is the Vamps Doc's sister. They fall for eachother - HEA.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved

Loved the first four books of this series. I can’t wait to read the next one.
Each book for a member of the brotherhood was different. It starts out with Wrath and Beth the daughter of one of the brothers. And it ends with Butch and Marissa who does the most growing as a character and changing. She’s this very proper lady who has been stuck in time until she finds herself out of her home. Her way of dressing as well as her way of being changes.
We have Rhage and Mary’s story and though I would have loved to have had Mary turned into one of them it was nice how sue gets to live her life with Rhage until she wants to.
Zhadist and Bella’s story was great. We get to know why he is the way he is and how he starts to change and grow but by bit. In all of those stories we see John and what he’s going through. I can’t wait to see how his change comes about and if he really uses one of the chosen ones or uses someone else.
Highly recommend these books.

[Christina Bahnsen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nope I’m done. Honestly, I just feel I read the same 4 stories lines in 4 books. I think I’ll DNF the rest of the series from here.
Make that doesn’t feel they are good enough for the same types of woman in 4 books. All, having something that holds them back, and all the woman’s end up not really living the “bedroom” for some reason. And overall that is fine, but when you have the same types problem right after each other for 4 books? It does get tiring. For not talking about the whole god thing. Which were the ones who annoys me the most, like the brother do something, then the goddess comes, the brother stops which what he was doing, for slow respect to the goddess and she is talking… telling him something that he knows, something that he already were doing, for then get a bit offend for the brother have stopped in their task and not keep going. I mean, girl you interrupted him?!

[Kelli Grimes · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not worth your time

The characters lack substance and the story lines are simplistic. The stories are filled with soft core bdsm tropes. The author would have been more effective if she had just written true bdsm as it is her soft core version is like being 15 and reading playboy thinking it’s erotica. Or just be a fantasy/romance novel and take out all the crappy soft core.

In the end a good novel is when the characters and situations become real. These novels offer nothing real.

[Jamie-Kay Whatley Raney · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Addiction

I had no idea that I was starting in on a new addiction when I cracked open the first book in this series. Starting with Dark Lover, I have been hooked from page one with a compulsion to keep reading. Each book in the Brotherhood builds on each other making the story more intricate the farther you go. J.R. Ward has interwoven action, suspense, sorrow and spiritual healing to creat each of these books. I can’t wait to see where this crazy ride goes.

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're in need of fluff for a break this is an oldie but goodie. Lots of violent, wealthy, damaged men with fangs and women to save them from themselves. Author likes to name drop fashion, music and other possessions so it dates itself. Decent writing for romance even if I do get bored and skip a lot. Sometimes a gal just wants to escape.

[Guylaine Boisvert · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are my guilty pleasure books, be careful you can become addicted real fast!
I love the storylines interwoven between each books and the recurring characters, as this helps to flesh out the "BDB world", but at the same time the characters have enough personnality so that each book can stand alone on its own.

[Jasmine Filley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has me hooked!

At first I thought the names were corny and I didn't pick up the book for a while. Once I gave it a thorough shot it spun me. I am soooo in to these characters and the world that is formed around them. Vampires have always been a fascinating read for me but this series is so damn hot!

[Yvonne Barbosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Brotherhood

I do not have enough words for how much I love this series. Each and every story grabs you and keeps you turning the pages. J R Ward takes you in and brings the characters to life. I want to know each character in the books. To laugh and cry with each of them.

[KDLediting · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

These books will get you all up in your feels. If you want a storyline that's engaging and keeps you entwined in its world you must read these books. If you pass you'll forever be missing out

[Tracy Stillman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great!

Have been enthralled since I started reading. I have the box set so all four books back to back and it got a bit long winded in book 4 but still a great series and I’m getting the next four books

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Black Dagger Brotherhood, 1-4

I love J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood world. I read the Books 1-4 insult years ago and when I wanted to re-read them I picked up this box set.

[Monica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Way too much sex and way too little storyline. The vampires teeter on the fence on rape several times. The dialogue doesn't fit the actions. They also mark females without their knowledge or consent. And for the love of all things, "shit kickers" are boots. Just call them boots.

[Heather Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

This was a good collection, with #3 as a stand out - though I think I liked Butch’s and Marissa’s story best. I just love Marissa, such a classic strength that bloody deserves a happy every after. And Butch? Love him.

[Isabelle Paquet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

Even though I have access to lots of free books with my kindle membership, some books are still worth paying for, and this is one of those series. I can’t wait to read the next book!