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Paladins of Darkness #7
Bound by Darkness
Caught between two worlds, a powerful warrior must choose between impossible destinies when he meets a woman whose love will either make or break him...As the daughter of a Regent, Sasha has long known about the secret underworld of the Paladins and their work protecting her kind from the dark forces on the other side of the energy barrier. So when she is sent on her first solo investigation, on the path to becoming the first female Regent, she is determined to get the Seattle Paladins in line. Offering sanctuary to their Kalith enemies is simply unacceptable! But when she meets Larem, she is inexorably drawn to a dark and valiant warrior who is not at all what he appears to be. As the power struggle between Regents and Paladins rages on, someone starts making attacks on her life. Sasha must choose between loyalty to her own kind and the warrior she loves...with the very fate of humanity hanging in the balance.
402 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 26, 2011
30 people are currently reading
823 people want to read
About the author
Alexis Morgan
97 books999 followersAlexis Morgan grew up near St. Louis and received a B.A. in English from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She and her husband have made the Pacific Northwest their home for more than thirty years, where she launched her career as a writer. She is published in paranormal romance, fantasy romance, American West historicals, and most recently, contemporary romances with her new Snowberry Creek series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
September 15, 2011
Too much of the book was conflict between the couple that was vague and uninteresting. I wanted it to be over.
STORY BRIEF:
Kaliths (Others) live underground. Many get a sickness which makes them insane. The barrier between their world and the human world periodically weakens, and the sick ones cross through with swords - killing anyone they see. Paladins appear human, but they have the ability to come back to life after being killed. They heal quickly. They are sword fighting warriors. Humans pay the Paladins to be on call and to fight the Kaliths every time the barrier opens. Humans are governed by Regents. Kincaid was a corrupt Regent governing the Seattle area. He stole money that should have been used for the humans and Paladins living in Seattle. He has been stopped. Sasha is the daughter of a Regent. She is sent to Seattle as a temporary administrator until a permanent replacement can be found. She hopes to be the permanent replacement. She cares about doing a good job.
Larem is a Kalith who did not get sick. He lives among the Paladins in Seattle and trains with them. Not many Kaliths live on the human side, but a few do. Some humans are prejudiced against Kaliths and want them dead. Larem and Sahsa are attracted to each other and start a relationship. More than once someone tries to kill Sasha.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
There was nothing different, special, or surprising about the plot development or relationship development. There was nothing different or special about the characters. It felt like a collection of things thrown together in the form of a story. This felt like a reading assignment rather than something I wanted to get back to. I’m sad to say I wanted it to be over. It’s not good storytelling. There are two excerpts below which show the major conflicts between the couple which last for most of the book. They are the kind of things that are overdone in romance novels and do not interest me.
Another example shows a typical stupid heroine comment. Page 283: Sasha is in the hospital after someone tried to kill her. Larem tells her he will stay until someone else arrives. Sasha says “But I’m not alone. If I need anything, the nurses are right outside.” I’m ok with someone saying something stupid if there is a reasonable reason. But this type of comment has no thought. It annoyed me.
The story is set in current day (meaning airplanes and guns). So why is all the Paladin and Kalith fighting being done by sword? Why wasn’t anyone there with a machine gun or other advanced weapons when the Kaliths crossed the barrier with only their swords? I’m willing to suspend disbelief for paranormal reading, but this didn’t feel right. I see it as an excuse to have some sword fighting warriors for modern day women to enjoy.
The author never got into the story about Kincaid, what he stole, his accomplices, how he got caught, where he is now, and how Sasha’s computer guys found the money, etc. That would have added interest to the story, but it wasn’t done. Instead it seems the main story is this back and forth between Larem and Sasha. Then at the very end, we have a bad guy “telling” us his motivations and plans in his “before I kill you monologue.” It would have been better to be in the bad guy’s mind earlier in the story to see his actions and thinking.
There were a few sex scenes. They were ok but not memorable.
EXCERPTS:
Pages 150-151:
They like each other and have an intimate encounter. Then Larem is thinking about how some humans don’t like him and want to kill him. He decides that being a couple would “put Sasha in the same kind of danger. He had to drive a wedge between them and make a clean break of things.” A few paragraphs later Larem says to Sasha “Maybe it makes me sick to think that I kissed a human. Ever think of that?” She says “No, I can’t say that I did. Sorry I’ve burdened you with my human cooties. I didn’t realize you aliens found us so repugnant.” She walks away angry. “He wanted to charge after her, to admit he hadn’t meant what he said, but he wouldn’t. For her sake, it was the right thing to do.”
Pages 258-259:
They have been pining for each other and avoiding each other. Then a guard attacks Sasha intending rape. Larem is nearby and fights the guard, injures him, and has him arrested. Sasha is now angry with Larem because he used “violence.” She said she would have suspended and maybe fired the guard. She starts to leave saying “I can’t do this.” Then he grabs her, they have intense sex (both wanting it), and then they part – not seeing each other again for weeks.
DATA:
Story length: 370 pages. Swearing language: strong. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: 4. Estimated number of sex scene pages: 11. Setting: current day Seattle, Washington. Copyright: 2011. Genre: paranormal romance.
STORY BRIEF:
Kaliths (Others) live underground. Many get a sickness which makes them insane. The barrier between their world and the human world periodically weakens, and the sick ones cross through with swords - killing anyone they see. Paladins appear human, but they have the ability to come back to life after being killed. They heal quickly. They are sword fighting warriors. Humans pay the Paladins to be on call and to fight the Kaliths every time the barrier opens. Humans are governed by Regents. Kincaid was a corrupt Regent governing the Seattle area. He stole money that should have been used for the humans and Paladins living in Seattle. He has been stopped. Sasha is the daughter of a Regent. She is sent to Seattle as a temporary administrator until a permanent replacement can be found. She hopes to be the permanent replacement. She cares about doing a good job.
Larem is a Kalith who did not get sick. He lives among the Paladins in Seattle and trains with them. Not many Kaliths live on the human side, but a few do. Some humans are prejudiced against Kaliths and want them dead. Larem and Sahsa are attracted to each other and start a relationship. More than once someone tries to kill Sasha.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
There was nothing different, special, or surprising about the plot development or relationship development. There was nothing different or special about the characters. It felt like a collection of things thrown together in the form of a story. This felt like a reading assignment rather than something I wanted to get back to. I’m sad to say I wanted it to be over. It’s not good storytelling. There are two excerpts below which show the major conflicts between the couple which last for most of the book. They are the kind of things that are overdone in romance novels and do not interest me.
Another example shows a typical stupid heroine comment. Page 283: Sasha is in the hospital after someone tried to kill her. Larem tells her he will stay until someone else arrives. Sasha says “But I’m not alone. If I need anything, the nurses are right outside.” I’m ok with someone saying something stupid if there is a reasonable reason. But this type of comment has no thought. It annoyed me.
The story is set in current day (meaning airplanes and guns). So why is all the Paladin and Kalith fighting being done by sword? Why wasn’t anyone there with a machine gun or other advanced weapons when the Kaliths crossed the barrier with only their swords? I’m willing to suspend disbelief for paranormal reading, but this didn’t feel right. I see it as an excuse to have some sword fighting warriors for modern day women to enjoy.
The author never got into the story about Kincaid, what he stole, his accomplices, how he got caught, where he is now, and how Sasha’s computer guys found the money, etc. That would have added interest to the story, but it wasn’t done. Instead it seems the main story is this back and forth between Larem and Sasha. Then at the very end, we have a bad guy “telling” us his motivations and plans in his “before I kill you monologue.” It would have been better to be in the bad guy’s mind earlier in the story to see his actions and thinking.
There were a few sex scenes. They were ok but not memorable.
EXCERPTS:
Pages 150-151:
They like each other and have an intimate encounter. Then Larem is thinking about how some humans don’t like him and want to kill him. He decides that being a couple would “put Sasha in the same kind of danger. He had to drive a wedge between them and make a clean break of things.” A few paragraphs later Larem says to Sasha “Maybe it makes me sick to think that I kissed a human. Ever think of that?” She says “No, I can’t say that I did. Sorry I’ve burdened you with my human cooties. I didn’t realize you aliens found us so repugnant.” She walks away angry. “He wanted to charge after her, to admit he hadn’t meant what he said, but he wouldn’t. For her sake, it was the right thing to do.”
Pages 258-259:
They have been pining for each other and avoiding each other. Then a guard attacks Sasha intending rape. Larem is nearby and fights the guard, injures him, and has him arrested. Sasha is now angry with Larem because he used “violence.” She said she would have suspended and maybe fired the guard. She starts to leave saying “I can’t do this.” Then he grabs her, they have intense sex (both wanting it), and then they part – not seeing each other again for weeks.
DATA:
Story length: 370 pages. Swearing language: strong. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: 4. Estimated number of sex scene pages: 11. Setting: current day Seattle, Washington. Copyright: 2011. Genre: paranormal romance.
May 11, 2011
I love the Paladin warriors, but it turns out that they haven't cornered the market on pathos as Larem, former guardian to his people now living in our world takes the spotlight. Unlike the two other Kalith past leads, Larem is not in our world by choice and he hasn't had an easy time resigning himself to his exile. Even though he has won acceptance from many of the Paladin, and made a few close friends, he is still haunted by what he has lost - his home and the woman he loved but never pursued.
Where I've loved the very alpha Paladin warrior past leads, I absolutely adore the Kalith ones. Larem, like Barak before him, has an understated power and there is just a different kind of nobility and quiet sense of honor to the displaced former enemy trying to fit into a world where his kind is thought to be crazed killers, that I found to be really appealing. His heroine, is likable too and even though she has plenty of reasons as acting Regent not to pursue a relationship with Larem – and I know this is going to make me sound a bit schizophrenic, since I often whine about heroines letting their hormones do their thinking – I liked that she lead with her heart.
So I loved Larem and I liked his heroine, my only nit with the story is that I'd have slowed down the physical part of there relationship just a tad – stopping at 'second base' on the first date would have fit better with Larem's character and made the eventual 'home run' even more dramatic. Still I loved Bound by Darkness and was very satisfied with Larem's HEA and am looking forward to DJ's. As a side note, I rediscovered the 'members only section' on Morgan's site which has a whole slew of snippet short stories which add depth to her characters and give glimpses of after the happily ever afters – fans of the Paladins should definitely check them out.
Where I've loved the very alpha Paladin warrior past leads, I absolutely adore the Kalith ones. Larem, like Barak before him, has an understated power and there is just a different kind of nobility and quiet sense of honor to the displaced former enemy trying to fit into a world where his kind is thought to be crazed killers, that I found to be really appealing. His heroine, is likable too and even though she has plenty of reasons as acting Regent not to pursue a relationship with Larem – and I know this is going to make me sound a bit schizophrenic, since I often whine about heroines letting their hormones do their thinking – I liked that she lead with her heart.
So I loved Larem and I liked his heroine, my only nit with the story is that I'd have slowed down the physical part of there relationship just a tad – stopping at 'second base' on the first date would have fit better with Larem's character and made the eventual 'home run' even more dramatic. Still I loved Bound by Darkness and was very satisfied with Larem's HEA and am looking forward to DJ's. As a side note, I rediscovered the 'members only section' on Morgan's site which has a whole slew of snippet short stories which add depth to her characters and give glimpses of after the happily ever afters – fans of the Paladins should definitely check them out.
June 16, 2011
Larem q'Jones is an Other, meaning he is from a parallel world called Kalithia. He was brought into our world by Paladins, super human warriors who protect the secret barrier separating the two worlds. Adjusting to a new life is hard enough without a new Regent sent in to clean up the mess left by corrupt administrators. A Regent who may or may not allow Larem and his fellow Kaliths stay in this world. Sasha Willis knows the Seattle contingent of Paladins is harboring a few Kalith refugees in their midst, but she is unaware that Larem is one of those Kaliths. She does know she finds him irresistibly attractive.
I adore this series but I feel like it has lost some of it's passion since Devlin and Blake's books burst onto the scene and pulled me into the Palladin/Kalith world. I mean that literally. Those first two books had some steamy scenes. I appreciate gentle and tender .....some. Maybe if I have a broken bone or a torn muscle, but come on. These guys are trained warriors, they have muscles and LOTS of testosterone. Larem had gone without for a long time. I think he would have been a tad bit more aggressive and enthusiastic. I still love the series, but I hope DJ's book picks up some of the missing heat.
I adore this series but I feel like it has lost some of it's passion since Devlin and Blake's books burst onto the scene and pulled me into the Palladin/Kalith world. I mean that literally. Those first two books had some steamy scenes. I appreciate gentle and tender .....some. Maybe if I have a broken bone or a torn muscle, but come on. These guys are trained warriors, they have muscles and LOTS of testosterone. Larem had gone without for a long time. I think he would have been a tad bit more aggressive and enthusiastic. I still love the series, but I hope DJ's book picks up some of the missing heat.
July 20, 2011
I really liked this book. Larem was an interesting hero. He hadn't come to this world by choice, but he was trying to make it work. Sasha was trying to get ahead in her career and she wanted to do it by helping the Paladins, not controlling them. They fell for each other hard and fast, but were both afraid of how their budding relationship could possibly progress with so many differences and obstacles. But when push came to shove, they were both willing to take the chance. Once he gave in to his feelings, Larem was very protective and loving, as all good heroes should be!
Overall, another good installment in the series. These books are good, quick reads for me. I also liked getting to see lots of characters from the previous books.
Overall, another good installment in the series. These books are good, quick reads for me. I also liked getting to see lots of characters from the previous books.
March 6, 2016
4.5
I really love this series. This might be one of my favorite books in the series. I really liked Larem.
I really love this series. This might be one of my favorite books in the series. I really liked Larem.
May 17, 2011
Fabulous book! Love Larems story. Read the review on my website: www.demonloversbooksandmore.com
May 28, 2017
Another great read from this series. I love how the author can keep us glued to the pages with this storyline. It just keeps evolving without becoming uninteresting or repetitive. And it isn't just about the romance. There is a strong paranormal aspect to this book, and as with the others, it is packed with action and suspense.
In this instalment Larmen finally gets to find peace in the human realm. Having been forced across the barrier, he was finding it harder to adjust than his fellow Kalithians. He was met with hostility and discrimination from the guards, and even some of the Paladins. Yet he kept his head held high and fought with everything he was. I really like this character. I also have a soft spot for his woman. Head strong and stubborn, Sasha just seemed the perfect match for Larem. Their relationship had its ups and downs, but in the end true love won out, and they got a special kind of HEA.
In this instalment Larmen finally gets to find peace in the human realm. Having been forced across the barrier, he was finding it harder to adjust than his fellow Kalithians. He was met with hostility and discrimination from the guards, and even some of the Paladins. Yet he kept his head held high and fought with everything he was. I really like this character. I also have a soft spot for his woman. Head strong and stubborn, Sasha just seemed the perfect match for Larem. Their relationship had its ups and downs, but in the end true love won out, and they got a special kind of HEA.
June 5, 2017
This was a poor almost mind numbing installment . Sasha was bland when she was not antagonistic, demeaning , or self absorbed. Why Larem gave her the time of day is beyond me. I really was hoping for a terrific story after the sacrifices Larem had to make & he gets Her?!?! I found their interactions full of tension Larem was always apologizing in order to resolve the problem or Sasha walked away. Chance was a far better companion- he should have stuck with the dog. I made it to the end and when Sasha tells Larem she loves him it was just too difficult to believe. I hope we do not hear from this character again even if she gets the Regent job
February 8, 2020
This one definitely took me back to the magic of book one. Larem is a great male lead, and Sasha is many of the things I love in my heroines. There is a trope in this one that a lot of people complain about, but I still enjoy it once in a while. This one was very well written and a first in this series, so yeah!
August 11, 2020
These boys!
I love these boys as if they were my own! The plot line was following almost the same cadence (predictable) but over the last 2 books it's changed a lot. I can't wait to dig in to the next! They aren't bad little short stories. (It only take me about 3-4 hours to get through them) I am a hardcore page Turner with these!
I love these boys as if they were my own! The plot line was following almost the same cadence (predictable) but over the last 2 books it's changed a lot. I can't wait to dig in to the next! They aren't bad little short stories. (It only take me about 3-4 hours to get through them) I am a hardcore page Turner with these!
August 26, 2017
Enjoyable continuation of the Paladin series. Loved learning more about Lareum's healing abilities.
July 3, 2019
Great book. Love this series
February 8, 2024
Enjoyable and entertaining. Larem is a good character and I liked that Sasha lived up to her sazzy name. Loved the dog, but I'm partial to doggies.
May 3, 2011
4.5 STARS
Review provided by Black Lagoon Reviews:
It's safe to say that Alexis Morgan can included one more among her fan base! After reading the latest novel in her Paladins of Darkness series, the seventh installment titled Bound by Darkness, I am undeniably hooked. This action packed paranormal romance has a little bit of everything --especially if you love interesting immortal warriors who are sexy as all get out! --and enough action and suspense to keep you riveted until the last page.
The world building was definitely one of the many things that initially struck me about this novel. In the Paladins, Morgan has created not only a complex structure of warriors and an interesting and somewhat mysterious enemy, she's also created a series of worlds that are intricate and complex in nature. From betrayals to out right prejudices, there is nothing simple about it. Of course, if you've read the previous novels that you have a better understanding of how the world works, but if you come in fresh like me, then it takes a little bit to place all the different layers of control humans have placed over the Paladins and all the different temperments of the Paladins themselves to essentially having a traitor in the midst, again and again.
The characters were likewise intricate and complex, but what I think I loved the most was the dynamic the ensemble of characters as a whole. All of the warriors are so interesting with great personalities and their interactions between one another was just plain refreshing. I loved the bond between them, how they would stand up for Larem, a Kalith and Paladin enemy. But, because he had proved himself, there was such an easy acceptance between him and his friends as if they'd forgotten almost completely about his heritage. When Sasha is sent in to wrest back control of the Paladins for the Regents, a group that oversaw the group of immortals, things become extremely tense as the question lingers what the Regents will demand of the Paladins to do their friend. Naturally, they could care less because they would fight and die again and again to protect him, yet another thing that I dearly loved! However, while the group dynamic is indeed important, it is the individuals that make it so. And the individuals that this novel focuses on, Larem and Sasha, are wonderfully portrayed with great strength, resilience and above all they're just plain likable. Larem, having suffered for a long while about the loss of his life back in Kalithia is struggling to find his place in the Human world. Yet, despite his displeasure at being stranded in a world in which he doesn't belong, he doesn't brood and rage, instead, he is determined to carve out his own niche and not rely on the kindness and whims of others. Sasha is likewise tough and determined and certainly a mirror to Larem in all but species. Occasionally, she can be a little annoying throughout the story, but otherwise, Morgan did a phenomenal job of bringing these 'people' to life.
But, since this is a paranormal romance I suppose I should focus a bit on that, and wow! So much there to explore, but I just can't because I don't want to spoil anyone. Let it be said though that Alexis Morgan knows romance! There's so much wonderful tension and build up between these two great characters with chemistry that was simply smoldering. You can't help but be drawn in to their inner struggle to understand their feelings that complex and wide ranging consequences of giving in to their desires. Naturally, the consequences don't exactly seem to cover all of their bases and I was a little surprised by the results, though I really shouldn't have been. Over all though I really enjoyed the never ending resistance between these two, finding myself hooked no matter how irritated I got by their idiocy.
I think this also had a lot to do with the fast pace of the story. It seemed to fly by with what seemed like minutes turning in to hours only to stare in wonder as I devoured the final page. But, a lot of this also must be attributed to the wonderful writing style that was fluid, utilizing great action, mystery, suspense, and of course romance. While the mystery was a little bit of a dud (I knew the conclusion nearly from the moment that events were set in to play) the over all appeal was what kept me interested. I loved seeing the varying twists and turns that the assassination plots and sabotage caused pushing the characters in to making decisions that were always something of a surprise making them seem all the more organic for them.
In the end, if you haven't read the Paladins of Darkness series, be sure to add it to your wish lists! I can't believe I've been missing out on it for this long! It's a great read, with some truly endearing characters that you will love to visit again and again.
Review provided by Black Lagoon Reviews:
It's safe to say that Alexis Morgan can included one more among her fan base! After reading the latest novel in her Paladins of Darkness series, the seventh installment titled Bound by Darkness, I am undeniably hooked. This action packed paranormal romance has a little bit of everything --especially if you love interesting immortal warriors who are sexy as all get out! --and enough action and suspense to keep you riveted until the last page.
The world building was definitely one of the many things that initially struck me about this novel. In the Paladins, Morgan has created not only a complex structure of warriors and an interesting and somewhat mysterious enemy, she's also created a series of worlds that are intricate and complex in nature. From betrayals to out right prejudices, there is nothing simple about it. Of course, if you've read the previous novels that you have a better understanding of how the world works, but if you come in fresh like me, then it takes a little bit to place all the different layers of control humans have placed over the Paladins and all the different temperments of the Paladins themselves to essentially having a traitor in the midst, again and again.
The characters were likewise intricate and complex, but what I think I loved the most was the dynamic the ensemble of characters as a whole. All of the warriors are so interesting with great personalities and their interactions between one another was just plain refreshing. I loved the bond between them, how they would stand up for Larem, a Kalith and Paladin enemy. But, because he had proved himself, there was such an easy acceptance between him and his friends as if they'd forgotten almost completely about his heritage. When Sasha is sent in to wrest back control of the Paladins for the Regents, a group that oversaw the group of immortals, things become extremely tense as the question lingers what the Regents will demand of the Paladins to do their friend. Naturally, they could care less because they would fight and die again and again to protect him, yet another thing that I dearly loved! However, while the group dynamic is indeed important, it is the individuals that make it so. And the individuals that this novel focuses on, Larem and Sasha, are wonderfully portrayed with great strength, resilience and above all they're just plain likable. Larem, having suffered for a long while about the loss of his life back in Kalithia is struggling to find his place in the Human world. Yet, despite his displeasure at being stranded in a world in which he doesn't belong, he doesn't brood and rage, instead, he is determined to carve out his own niche and not rely on the kindness and whims of others. Sasha is likewise tough and determined and certainly a mirror to Larem in all but species. Occasionally, she can be a little annoying throughout the story, but otherwise, Morgan did a phenomenal job of bringing these 'people' to life.
But, since this is a paranormal romance I suppose I should focus a bit on that, and wow! So much there to explore, but I just can't because I don't want to spoil anyone. Let it be said though that Alexis Morgan knows romance! There's so much wonderful tension and build up between these two great characters with chemistry that was simply smoldering. You can't help but be drawn in to their inner struggle to understand their feelings that complex and wide ranging consequences of giving in to their desires. Naturally, the consequences don't exactly seem to cover all of their bases and I was a little surprised by the results, though I really shouldn't have been. Over all though I really enjoyed the never ending resistance between these two, finding myself hooked no matter how irritated I got by their idiocy.
I think this also had a lot to do with the fast pace of the story. It seemed to fly by with what seemed like minutes turning in to hours only to stare in wonder as I devoured the final page. But, a lot of this also must be attributed to the wonderful writing style that was fluid, utilizing great action, mystery, suspense, and of course romance. While the mystery was a little bit of a dud (I knew the conclusion nearly from the moment that events were set in to play) the over all appeal was what kept me interested. I loved seeing the varying twists and turns that the assassination plots and sabotage caused pushing the characters in to making decisions that were always something of a surprise making them seem all the more organic for them.
In the end, if you haven't read the Paladins of Darkness series, be sure to add it to your wish lists! I can't believe I've been missing out on it for this long! It's a great read, with some truly endearing characters that you will love to visit again and again.
February 27, 2016
Paladins: Bound by Darkness (No Spoilers)
Yet another fantastic instalment in the series from Alexis Morgan, I have just finished reading it and certainly wasn't disappointed! This is the seventh book in the series and features Sasha a Regent's daughter and Larem a Kalith warrior (otherwise referred to as an other).
For anyone who hasn't read the series so far then I will try to quickly explain what the series is about before I delve into the book some more. I would also recommend reading the series from the beginning otherwise some of the story probably won't make sense.
The Paladins are warriors who defend our world from the others (also known as Kalith), they are a secret organisation headed/ran by the Regents (who aren't Paladins just normal human beings). The Paladins are not only warriors but warriors who can come back to life from fatal wounds, however they can only come back so many times before the madness envelops them and they ultimately have to be killed permanently. The series is based in Seattle with the Paladin contingent based there, where in the tunnels below the three peaks of Mount Rainier, Mount Adams and St Helens there is a barrier between our world and the Others (Kalithia). The Paladins job is to stop the Others (Kalith) from crossing over that barrier into our world when the barrier fails due to earthquakes as for the Others to attempt to cross over means that they have already gone crazy with the madness that is destroying their people. In Kalithia there is no light like in our world and they are surrounded in darkness apart from the light they make from the crystals in their world. The majority of the Kalith succumb to a sort of madness from the dark that has them trying to enter our world of light when the barrier fails even though they know that they are either going to be killed by the Paladins waiting for them to try to cross over or be thrown back into their world when the barrier is down again. The whole other world and Paladins are kept secret from the rest of humanity and the world has no idea of the battles that take place regularly.
Larem is a Kalith who has been living in our world since crossing over the barrier with Lusahn (see the book Redeemed in Darkness for her story) and along with Lusahn's brother Barak and her 'adopted' children Shiri and Bavi is one of only five Kalith living in our world. Larem is different to the others as where they were happy to come and live on our world Larem had no choice and still misses Kalithia. Larem is charged by the other Kalith with getting close to the new administrator Sasha in the hopes that before she discovers who he is that she will have built up a different view of him and hopefully change her preconceived ideas about the Kalith. Sasha as a Regent's daughter has come to Seattle to try and put right all the wrongs her predecessor had done and try to forge a bit of trust between the Paladin warriors and Regents again, she also dreams of being made Regent in charge of the Seattle Paladins. Sasha has no idea that Larem is Kalith when she meets him and they both find themselves inextricably drawn together even once Sasha finds out that Larem is in fact Kalith. Although a lot of the Seattle group have accepted the new Kalith into their midst there are still some (in particular a group of guards) who do not approve so when they see their new administrator getting overly friendly with an 'Other' they are not happy and set about correcting the situation. Can Larem and Sasha conquer each others doubts for their relationship and will that relationship end in one or both of them being hurt or worse?
I have got to say that Larem's story is now by far my favourite of the series so far. When his character first appeared in one of the earlier books I didn't really like him but that has all changed with this book! I love the way he is quietly strong, not cocky and that he doesn't really feel part of our world until he meets Sasha even though he has a strong group of friends around him. I also liked Sasha's character in that she is a very strong female lead who knows exactly what she wants but is willing to look past her preconceived ideas about people to the person inside. The series just keeps getting better and I can't wait for the next instalment which will be DJ's story.
Yet another fantastic instalment in the series from Alexis Morgan, I have just finished reading it and certainly wasn't disappointed! This is the seventh book in the series and features Sasha a Regent's daughter and Larem a Kalith warrior (otherwise referred to as an other).
For anyone who hasn't read the series so far then I will try to quickly explain what the series is about before I delve into the book some more. I would also recommend reading the series from the beginning otherwise some of the story probably won't make sense.
The Paladins are warriors who defend our world from the others (also known as Kalith), they are a secret organisation headed/ran by the Regents (who aren't Paladins just normal human beings). The Paladins are not only warriors but warriors who can come back to life from fatal wounds, however they can only come back so many times before the madness envelops them and they ultimately have to be killed permanently. The series is based in Seattle with the Paladin contingent based there, where in the tunnels below the three peaks of Mount Rainier, Mount Adams and St Helens there is a barrier between our world and the Others (Kalithia). The Paladins job is to stop the Others (Kalith) from crossing over that barrier into our world when the barrier fails due to earthquakes as for the Others to attempt to cross over means that they have already gone crazy with the madness that is destroying their people. In Kalithia there is no light like in our world and they are surrounded in darkness apart from the light they make from the crystals in their world. The majority of the Kalith succumb to a sort of madness from the dark that has them trying to enter our world of light when the barrier fails even though they know that they are either going to be killed by the Paladins waiting for them to try to cross over or be thrown back into their world when the barrier is down again. The whole other world and Paladins are kept secret from the rest of humanity and the world has no idea of the battles that take place regularly.
Larem is a Kalith who has been living in our world since crossing over the barrier with Lusahn (see the book Redeemed in Darkness for her story) and along with Lusahn's brother Barak and her 'adopted' children Shiri and Bavi is one of only five Kalith living in our world. Larem is different to the others as where they were happy to come and live on our world Larem had no choice and still misses Kalithia. Larem is charged by the other Kalith with getting close to the new administrator Sasha in the hopes that before she discovers who he is that she will have built up a different view of him and hopefully change her preconceived ideas about the Kalith. Sasha as a Regent's daughter has come to Seattle to try and put right all the wrongs her predecessor had done and try to forge a bit of trust between the Paladin warriors and Regents again, she also dreams of being made Regent in charge of the Seattle Paladins. Sasha has no idea that Larem is Kalith when she meets him and they both find themselves inextricably drawn together even once Sasha finds out that Larem is in fact Kalith. Although a lot of the Seattle group have accepted the new Kalith into their midst there are still some (in particular a group of guards) who do not approve so when they see their new administrator getting overly friendly with an 'Other' they are not happy and set about correcting the situation. Can Larem and Sasha conquer each others doubts for their relationship and will that relationship end in one or both of them being hurt or worse?
I have got to say that Larem's story is now by far my favourite of the series so far. When his character first appeared in one of the earlier books I didn't really like him but that has all changed with this book! I love the way he is quietly strong, not cocky and that he doesn't really feel part of our world until he meets Sasha even though he has a strong group of friends around him. I also liked Sasha's character in that she is a very strong female lead who knows exactly what she wants but is willing to look past her preconceived ideas about people to the person inside. The series just keeps getting better and I can't wait for the next instalment which will be DJ's story.
March 18, 2017
Great series.
May 4, 2011
The former Regent of Seattle was crooked and misused his power for financial gain at the cost of innocent life. Sasha is sent to the city to investigate and figure out exactly what happened. Her father is a Regent and she looks at going to Seattle as an opportunity to get out of his shadow and earn her own recognition. I found Sasha to be a really good heroine because she is surrounded by very dominate men and she doesn't let any of them intimidate her or command her to do what they want all while not abusing her position just to show she's the boss. She has a witty mind and she knows how to use it to get the job done while still being liked by those around her.
Sasha also intends to find out if the rumors that the Northwest Paladins offered aid to enemy Kaliths, people from an alternate world who's barrier the Paladin's patrol. Her preconceived opinions are proven wrong once she meets Larem. He's intelligent, handsome and radiates a power that Sasha is instantly drawn to. I too fell for Larem. When we first met him earlier in the series he comes off as being nothing but bitter for having to live in our world after being branded a traitor in his. In Bound By Darkness, we get to know the compassionate warrior he is. Larem teaches Sasha, and a few other of the Paladins, that he is nothing like the crazed Others (Kaliths that fight the Paladins) that come through the barrier. A lot stands in the way of them being together, including themselves at times, and rooted for them every step of the way.
Not all the Paladins or those working with them approve of Larem and the other Kaliths being in our world. The developing relationship between Larem and Sasha fuels an already existing hate and enemies begin scheming to remove their unwanted visitors permanently. All of my favorite Paladins appear in Bound By Darkness to lend support, and a bit of comedy, to their friend and comrade. The support the Paladins showed Larem was touching without crossing the line of being cheesy.
Violence, drama and discrimination was lightened by romance and comedy in Alexis Morgan's latest chapter of her Paladins series. At times it was predictable but I was still entertained through out the entire book. Fans of the series will find this installment hard to put down.
-Stephanie
Sasha also intends to find out if the rumors that the Northwest Paladins offered aid to enemy Kaliths, people from an alternate world who's barrier the Paladin's patrol. Her preconceived opinions are proven wrong once she meets Larem. He's intelligent, handsome and radiates a power that Sasha is instantly drawn to. I too fell for Larem. When we first met him earlier in the series he comes off as being nothing but bitter for having to live in our world after being branded a traitor in his. In Bound By Darkness, we get to know the compassionate warrior he is. Larem teaches Sasha, and a few other of the Paladins, that he is nothing like the crazed Others (Kaliths that fight the Paladins) that come through the barrier. A lot stands in the way of them being together, including themselves at times, and rooted for them every step of the way.
Not all the Paladins or those working with them approve of Larem and the other Kaliths being in our world. The developing relationship between Larem and Sasha fuels an already existing hate and enemies begin scheming to remove their unwanted visitors permanently. All of my favorite Paladins appear in Bound By Darkness to lend support, and a bit of comedy, to their friend and comrade. The support the Paladins showed Larem was touching without crossing the line of being cheesy.
Violence, drama and discrimination was lightened by romance and comedy in Alexis Morgan's latest chapter of her Paladins series. At times it was predictable but I was still entertained through out the entire book. Fans of the series will find this installment hard to put down.
-Stephanie
August 9, 2021
BOUND BY DARKNESS was another interesting addition to the Paladin series and now that the corrupt Seattle Regent is gone, the Paladins are hoping things can change for the better. I loved Sasha's dedication to the Paladins and her determination to find ways to protect them. Most of the Regents have been older men who have become jaded by their distance from the actual fighting, but Sasha wants to see things up close, to understand what the Paladins are going through. Her tenacity earns her a lot of respect among the Paladins but siding with their desires also sets her at odds with the Guards who were loyal to the old Regent.
In the earlier books I didn't really like Larem because he's pretty judgmental and while his anger over being forced out of his world is justified, it's also a bit off-putting. But as he's spent more time in the human world and been welcomed by some of the Paladins and their mates he's lost a lot of his anger. Larem is immediately intrigued by Sasha but he's also sure she'll hate him once she realizes what he is, so he tries to stay away. Sasha too is trying to keep her distance because she knows that becoming the assigned Seattle Regent means she can't become personally involved with the men she is supposed to be protecting. While Larem and Sasha had a lot of chemistry they also have a lot of push and pull that got to be a bit tiring after a while.
In the earlier books I didn't really like Larem because he's pretty judgmental and while his anger over being forced out of his world is justified, it's also a bit off-putting. But as he's spent more time in the human world and been welcomed by some of the Paladins and their mates he's lost a lot of his anger. Larem is immediately intrigued by Sasha but he's also sure she'll hate him once she realizes what he is, so he tries to stay away. Sasha too is trying to keep her distance because she knows that becoming the assigned Seattle Regent means she can't become personally involved with the men she is supposed to be protecting. While Larem and Sasha had a lot of chemistry they also have a lot of push and pull that got to be a bit tiring after a while.
May 22, 2011
I read this book right after Deafeat The Darkness so there is continuity in the reading process. So this book started off alright. Then it became slower as I progressed. That has to be strange! Like, I expected to finish this book within a few days, a week the most. But it's been like, what, a month? That's slow! I have to give the pace a lower rating than the other Paladin books with that. The book is not bad, it's just not a quick read for me. Or it could be that my reading experience has been affected by my having the flu.That flu was one heck of a virulent one. It knocked me down flat for two weeks!! Having said that, the pace still felt a bit slower compared to the other books in the series though. However I still like the story telling quality of this author and will continue to read other work by Alexis Morgan. Like the way she tells a story!A lovely enough read that I would give it a 4 out of 5. But this being book 7 in the series, I would suggest that you read the previous books first before reading this one because it will give you a better understanding and greater appreciation of characters and events.
Story telling quality = 4
Character development = 4.5
Story itself = 4
Ending = 3.5
Cover art = 4
Pace = 3
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5
Story telling quality = 4
Character development = 4.5
Story itself = 4
Ending = 3.5
Cover art = 4
Pace = 3
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5
November 16, 2015
3-1/2-4 stars.
First, I will start out by saying that I've loved the previous books in the Paladin series. They've been suspenseful and well put together. Alexis Morgan is a very talented writer. Unfortunately, this one fell a bit flat for me.
It seemed to me that Sasha was like a little girl playing pretend when it came to her job. She never really did anything consequential to the story. There were two times when she played the "I'm your boss" card, but they were weak and ineffectual.
Without giving any spoilers, I will say that the ball was really dropped when it came to the main antagonist. There was hardly a mention of the secret antagonist, so when it came to the inevitable unveiling of the mastermind, it was completely anticlimactic. It really ruined the effect for me.
Larem didn't really have an actual job. I get that he was finding his purpose and his place in the new world, but I was disappointed that in the end, he still hadn't found his niche among the Paladins.
I just didn't really feel like I was in this book like the others. It's like with the others, I was in a story, but with this one, I was reading a book.
I still love the series and Alexis Morgan's writing, so I will definitely be reading the next in the series.
First, I will start out by saying that I've loved the previous books in the Paladin series. They've been suspenseful and well put together. Alexis Morgan is a very talented writer. Unfortunately, this one fell a bit flat for me.
It seemed to me that Sasha was like a little girl playing pretend when it came to her job. She never really did anything consequential to the story. There were two times when she played the "I'm your boss" card, but they were weak and ineffectual.
Without giving any spoilers, I will say that the ball was really dropped when it came to the main antagonist. There was hardly a mention of the secret antagonist, so when it came to the inevitable unveiling of the mastermind, it was completely anticlimactic. It really ruined the effect for me.
Larem didn't really have an actual job. I get that he was finding his purpose and his place in the new world, but I was disappointed that in the end, he still hadn't found his niche among the Paladins.
I just didn't really feel like I was in this book like the others. It's like with the others, I was in a story, but with this one, I was reading a book.
I still love the series and Alexis Morgan's writing, so I will definitely be reading the next in the series.
February 2, 2017
The Seattle Paladins are getting a new Regent overseer and are not happy. Laren in particular is worried about his status as a Kalithian refugee. That is until Laren meets her and then can’t do enough for her.
I love the dog: Chance. He’s so smart and protective. You can tell a lot about people on how animals react to them. I love all the scenes with him in them. Hope he shows up later.
Footnote: 1) I’m surprised that some of the other new couples aren’t expecting yet (which since they’ve been very active sexually should be a distinct possibly). What are Kalithian men more virile or something? This seems awfully fast too, they’d only knew each what reads like a few weeks.
Fave scenes: Sasha’s reaction to Larem’s accident, Devlin’s list, Larem handling the guards and escaping the smoke bomb.
I love the dog: Chance. He’s so smart and protective. You can tell a lot about people on how animals react to them. I love all the scenes with him in them. Hope he shows up later.
Footnote: 1) I’m surprised that some of the other new couples aren’t expecting yet (which since they’ve been very active sexually should be a distinct possibly). What are Kalithian men more virile or something? This seems awfully fast too, they’d only knew each what reads like a few weeks.
Fave scenes: Sasha’s reaction to Larem’s accident, Devlin’s list, Larem handling the guards and escaping the smoke bomb.
June 7, 2011
This was a great read. I loved to read from an "Other's" POV again. I will always prefer the paranormal aspect of the series, so when one of the Kalith is involve I enjoy the books much more. While I had a great time with it, I still thought something was missing. I mean, I loved many things about it, but I know that a month from now I won't remember a thing about it. I guess it just wasn't one of those books which made a huge impression on me. I did enjoyed it big time, don't get me wrong. I just wasn't crazy about it. some of the books in this series were better. I think my main problem was that I prefer the alpha type of hero and this guy was just a bit soft.
Still I love this series and can't wait to read more books in it.
Still I love this series and can't wait to read more books in it.
February 18, 2012
I liked Larem which is weird because I wasn't impressed with him by the end of the last novel. Sasha...she wasn't bad. I just wasn't into her that much. Plus overbearing dads are annoying they should be put in their place. All in all I liked the story I appreciated the way that we learn more about Sasha and Larem through their interactions with other characters in the book and not their interactions with each other. I'm not sure I believed they loved each other in the end. Their story felt like it was about sex and not love. Maybe the difference is because Sasha is a Regent and therefore she isn't carried away by passion the way the other women are. Don't know but I'm on to the next book in the series
May 14, 2011
I have loved all the past Paladian books. It took me a minute to get into this one. I was expecting a little more from Larem's story. I feel like somehting was missing and that the end was wrapped up nice and tidy-too neat and too soon. This book was Alexis Morgan's normal formula but with something lacking. I think it was the romance between Larem and Sasha- I just did not feel the chemistry/intensity that I felt in the past books. I also wanted the dog, Chance, to play a more intricate role. He was integrated into the story I just would have liked more. I enjoyed the book but it just did not grab me like I was expecting it to. I was just a little disappointed with the story since I had been waiting for it for so long.
July 28, 2016
All I have to say is Larem is yummy and I wouldn't kick him out of bed alien or not.
I love her characters and her snarky sense of humor. I have a hard time not giggling out loud.
The books are quick reads, but I did still have nights where I had to tell myself, 'Look, you need sleep. The last fifty pages can wait.'
I've actually just finished the series. So maybe I'm sensitive to this, not sure, but despite being in a different character's head, she still uses similar phrases. Yes, there are only so many ways to say certain things, but it sort of takes you out of the moment when you have to stop and think, 'Hey, didn't X say the same thing in the other book?' But that's being nit picky.
I can guarantee, I'll be picking up the series again at some point.
I love her characters and her snarky sense of humor. I have a hard time not giggling out loud.
The books are quick reads, but I did still have nights where I had to tell myself, 'Look, you need sleep. The last fifty pages can wait.'
I've actually just finished the series. So maybe I'm sensitive to this, not sure, but despite being in a different character's head, she still uses similar phrases. Yes, there are only so many ways to say certain things, but it sort of takes you out of the moment when you have to stop and think, 'Hey, didn't X say the same thing in the other book?' But that's being nit picky.
I can guarantee, I'll be picking up the series again at some point.
May 13, 2011
Cute, sweet, not the action packed passion Morgan usually display's, but a nice book anyway. Larem is the kind of character every woman loves, quiet, strong, and a little lost in our world. He finds his attraction to Sasha grounds him in some way. The overall Paladin war makes a little headway with the discovery of the traitors in the organization, and a few suprises are in store as to is actually allied with Kincade. Sasha and Larem's story is sweet, not a page turning obsession, but still a very nice part of the overall Paladin world. If you haven't read this series, start at the beginning, its a great one. You will love the Paladin's as much as I do.
July 4, 2011
I had a hard time getting into this book, but once I did it took off. Sasha is a regents daughter and Larem is a Kalith, also known as Others. If you've read the previous books you already know the regents despise the Kaliths and want them dead. Sasha is there trying to clean up the mess Col. Kincade left when he was caught. The guards which are humans didn't like Sasha becoming friendly with Larem. Soon chaos erupts and Sasha and Larem are targets for a bunch of Kincade followers. It's was a really good story with a great plot. Lost of action and pretty steamy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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June 21, 2011A continuation of the Paladins. This story is about the Kalith named Larem who has traveled across the energy barrier to earth. He meets Sarah who the daughter of the Regent. She comes to the Paladins to investigate and try to figure out what needs to be done to improve the Paladins operations. But Larem does not know how Sarah will react when she finds out he is considered one of the enemy. She mistakes him for a Paladin soldier when they become involved. Good read but it helps to have read the previous stories in this line.
October 2, 2011
I very much liked the story of Larem and Sasha, probably better than some of the other stories I've read in this series. Larem was definitely one of my favorite characters. I'm glad he got his HEA. I do wish the last two chapters of the book hadn't finished as quickly as they did! But then I'm mean like that, I'm usually always wanting another chapter or two.
I'll be reading the next books in the series. :)
I'll be reading the next books in the series. :)
October 24, 2011
The Paladins are a great series. I love each book better then the one before. This book is one of her better ones and I'm not sure if I feel that way because I enjoyed reading about an other that falls in love with a Regent, or if the story line was just that great. I think it was a little of both. Both Sasha and Larem each had so many things that they had to work out both in their personal and business lives. I also love the rest of the Paladins and the way they all interact.
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