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Dark Sword #6
Darkest Highlander
In the acclaimed Dark Sword series, the darkest, fiercest warriors of Scottish legend finally meet their match—in the brave, fiery hearts of the women they cherish…
For years, Broc has watched over her, protected her—and hidden his love for her. But when his beautiful Sonya, finds herself in a hopeless situation, the Highlander flies to her side to save her. Unfortunately, before the Druidess can thank him, Broc is captured by his enemy and destined for eternal pain…
Sonya vows to help her noble warrior, though he is imprisoned in a mountain of pure evil—bound in chains of the darkest magic. With Sonya’s own magic fading, she must summon the greatest power of all to save the man she loves. But even if these two hearts are united, will they be strong enough to defeat the heart of darkness? Or will their undying love doom them for all eternity…?
For years, Broc has watched over her, protected her—and hidden his love for her. But when his beautiful Sonya, finds herself in a hopeless situation, the Highlander flies to her side to save her. Unfortunately, before the Druidess can thank him, Broc is captured by his enemy and destined for eternal pain…
Sonya vows to help her noble warrior, though he is imprisoned in a mountain of pure evil—bound in chains of the darkest magic. With Sonya’s own magic fading, she must summon the greatest power of all to save the man she loves. But even if these two hearts are united, will they be strong enough to defeat the heart of darkness? Or will their undying love doom them for all eternity…?
322 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 31, 2012
58 people are currently reading
1823 people want to read
About the author
Donna Grant
299 books4,767 followersDonna is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over a hundred novels. Her most popular series is the breathtaking Dark King (aka Dragon King) series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.
In addition to her novels, Donna has written short stories, novellas, and novelettes for digital-first and print release. She has been dubbed as giving the “paranormal genre a burst of fresh air” by the San Francisco Book Review. Her work has been hailed as having “deft plotting and expert characterization” by Publisher’s Weekly and “sizzling” by RT Book Reviews.
She has been recognized with awards from both bookseller and reader contests including the National Reader’s Choice Award, Booksellers Best Award, as well as the coveted K.I.S.S. Award from RT Book Reviews.
Donna travels often for various speaking engagements, conferences, and book signings. She is also a frequent workshop presenter at national conferences such as RT Book Lovers Convention and Thrillerfest, as well as local chapters.
Born and raised in Texas, she also has ties across the border in Louisiana. Growing up with two such vibrant cultures, her Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding. She is never far from her faithful 80 pound dog, Sisko, or her three cats. She can often be found at the movies or bookstore with her children. Or buying makeup. And shoes.
You an find her at www.DonnaGrant.com
as well as her website devoted entirely to the Dragon Kings and all series that encompass the Dark World at www.MotherOfDragonsBooks.com.
In addition to her novels, Donna has written short stories, novellas, and novelettes for digital-first and print release. She has been dubbed as giving the “paranormal genre a burst of fresh air” by the San Francisco Book Review. Her work has been hailed as having “deft plotting and expert characterization” by Publisher’s Weekly and “sizzling” by RT Book Reviews.
She has been recognized with awards from both bookseller and reader contests including the National Reader’s Choice Award, Booksellers Best Award, as well as the coveted K.I.S.S. Award from RT Book Reviews.
Donna travels often for various speaking engagements, conferences, and book signings. She is also a frequent workshop presenter at national conferences such as RT Book Lovers Convention and Thrillerfest, as well as local chapters.
Born and raised in Texas, she also has ties across the border in Louisiana. Growing up with two such vibrant cultures, her Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding. She is never far from her faithful 80 pound dog, Sisko, or her three cats. She can often be found at the movies or bookstore with her children. Or buying makeup. And shoes.
You an find her at www.DonnaGrant.com
as well as her website devoted entirely to the Dragon Kings and all series that encompass the Dark World at www.MotherOfDragonsBooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
June 30, 2018
3 1/2 Stars!
Even though I did like both main characters, This one was a little bit meh for me. Especially on the romance side, but also, Diedra (bad bad evil person) was so DRAMATIC! Too many monologues. (insert eye roll) Plus the story leads you on a merry chase to nowhere. The story arc continues into a "spin-off" series. This was supposed to be the last book of The series, but there is no conclusion. The way this one ended, the series should just continue IMO. I thought we'd get some kind of arc closure, but no. What we got was a very likeable side kick and potential later MC killed. Kinda mad about that. But I will move on with the "spin-off" soon-ish. Because
🍭=me.
There has to be an ending at some point... Happy reading .
Even though I did like both main characters, This one was a little bit meh for me. Especially on the romance side, but also, Diedra (bad bad evil person) was so DRAMATIC! Too many monologues. (insert eye roll) Plus the story leads you on a merry chase to nowhere. The story arc continues into a "spin-off" series. This was supposed to be the last book of The series, but there is no conclusion. The way this one ended, the series should just continue IMO. I thought we'd get some kind of arc closure, but no. What we got was a very likeable side kick and potential later MC killed. Kinda mad about that. But I will move on with the "spin-off" soon-ish. Because
🍭=me.
There has to be an ending at some point... Happy reading .
February 2, 2012
Finally Broc, our winged warrior gets his day in the sun! We begin Darkest Highlander where Shadow Highlander ends. The evil Deirdre is still wreaking havoc and suddenly Sonya is missing. The Druid, Sonya is lamenting the disappearance of her powers. Feeling useless to the the ones that need her at MacLeod Castle she goes off on her own. When it is found out by the MacLeod that she is gone, Broc is sent to find her.
Broc has been looking after Sonya and her sister for most of their lives. As she grew to womanhood Broc's feelings for the beautiful Druid evolved into desire. Alas it's a desire that he doesn't want to pursue for fear of being Sonya's downfall. After saving Sonya from a wolf attack he goes off with he only to unknowingly place her into the hands of Deirdre's evil henchman. Broc must save Sonya from Deirdre and most of all from herself as she becomes doubtful of her abilities, especially the ability to speak to the trees.
Broc and Sonya eventually set out to find an artifact that could very well either help or hinder in the maintenance of the warriors way of life. Of course, Deirdre and her army of wyyran on hot on their tails attempting to reach the artifact before it could be used by the warriors and the MacLeod.
A back-story here is that of Malcolm who also leaves the protection of the MacLeod holding. After losing use of an arm he knows he will never be Laird of his clan and also feels useless. The path Malcolm chooses to take will shock the reader.
All the trials an tribulations of Broc and Sonya's journey come to a head when the unbelievable happens. Something so shocking that the reader isn't even prepared.
I was waiting with bated breath for this book. Broc is one of my favorite warriors and he had to be paired of course with Sonya. Their story is one of extreme desire and need. I was very happy with this book. By now all the warriors and their females are like old friends and we root for each and every one of them. At first I was sorry with the knowledge that this is the last in the Dark Sword series, but once again Donna Grant surprises us and hope springs eternal for the next series Dark Warriors. I know you will enjoy Donna Grant's Darkest Highlander as I did. Donna's passion for her warriors shines through and brings you into the MacLeod world until you become part of it.
~KIMBERLY~
March 30, 2012
Well... unfortunately, this book totally jumps the shark, which is tough to do in the fantasy-paranormal-Druid genre.
This 6th book is about Broc and Sonya - finally! Except that most of the book is Broc & Sonya, Deirdre, some Malcom, and some Phelan. We barely see the Castle MacLeod folks at all, and once again, when we do, they're such background and say and do such obvious things that they might as well not have been in the book at all.
Sonya left Castle MacLeod because she thought she lost her magic, which is primarily healing. She barely healed the little boy injured in the big battle and she couldn't heal Reaghan. Then she saw her sister, Anice, dead with many other Druids from her village, AND she saw Broc hugging Anice and acting as if she were his soulmate; he was bellowing and demanded that Sonya heal Anice. But Anice was already dead.
So Sonya left and wandered outside Isla's magic protection circle all by herself. No food, no water, no clothes, no provisions... yeah, she left in a hurry and quite a state. And she's too stubborn to go back. So when we see her, she's battered and being chased by a mean, hungry wolf. Who comes to her rescue but... Broc! These two have had an obvious thing since Broc first came to Castle MacLeod, and I'm not talking about when he came for good; we got a glimpse of their story when it was mentioned that Broc rescued Anice and Sonya (twins, but not identical) and relocated them to a Druid village. We also got the idea that Broc and Anice had an affair... but why? If Broc was so enamored of Sonya, why did he sleep with Anice? *Then* we learn in this book that Anice wasn't quite "right"; so Broc took advantage of Anice. And he's not supposed to be a villain? Hmmmm....
So Broc takes Sonya to a village and checks in as husband and wife. Through the innkeeper's wife's eyes, Sonya realizes that Broc is originally from noble stock; which is later confirmed, as Sonya finds out Broc's father was laird of his clan, and Broc was next in line. We also discover that Broc has lots of coin hidden around Scotland in places where supposedly only he can get to. He uses plenty of it in this book.
When wyrran come to the village, Broc assumes they're after Sonya, even though she adamantly tells Broc that her magic is gone; but Broc can still sense her magic, and he's afraid that the wyrran are there to take Sonya (a Druid) to Deirdre. Broc lures the wyrran away from the village, only to discover that they weren't after Sonya, they were after him. Sonya doesn't stay put like she's supposed to, she follows the wyrran and sees them take Broc. She also sees Dunmore.
And now we get to the "jump the shark" bit... I realize for a fantasy, paranormal, Druid, Warrior tale that it's tough to jump the shark. But this book does: Sonya follows Dunmore and the wyrran back to Deirdre's mountain, undetected, AND she manages to enter the mountain, AND she manages to save Broc. Yep. Now to be fair, she uses Dunmore to do it (and manages to get him killed in the process - yay!), and Broc manages to hold off Deirdre. But still. Oh yeah, and Broc manages to mumble back Deirdre's spell to her - the one that unlocks his magic chains. Uh huh - jumping the shark for you yet? But there's more! You see, when the wyrran captured Broc, Dunmore poured blood from The Demon's Kiss all over Broc, so he shouldn't have healed, right? In fact, Broc had a hard time fighting the drough blood... but somehow, after leaving Deirdre's mountain, Broc is fine. No trace of lingering affects or damage from The Demon's Kiss. In the past, we've seen Lorena have to have Warrior blood - and lots of it - to heal. But not Broc. And unless I missed something, it wasn't even Sonya's returning magic that healed him.
While Deirdre was torturing Broc, he tricked her into delivering a villain's monologue - you know, where the villain basically spills his or her entire evil plan and gives away lots of details because, hey, the listener won't be able to defeat the villain! Broc finds out that Deirdre thinks he's the only one who can get inside an ancient Celtic tomb and get another artifact. So when Broc and Sonya flee the mountain, they head off to find the tomb. AND of course, they finally give in to their raging passion... and of course, we have lots of confessions and secrets about their growing up and many of the things that plague Broc, such as his believing that there's a curse on him that kills any female he takes an interest in. And of course, they waste a lot of time looking for the tomb when they could have flown back to Castle MacLeod and gotten help. But no. Of course they find the tomb just before Deirdre, and Broc manages to decimate the stone tablet that points to the artifact being somewhere else. And of course it takes both Broc and Sonya to enter the tomb. And of course Broc is captured by Deirdre, leaving Sonya sealed inside the tomb. The only surprise is that Phelan has seen Sonya and Broc, and because he's seen their "love", he uses his powers to confuse Deirdre and the wyrran into believing that there are many Warriors fighting for Broc, and Broc manages to fly back to Castle MacLeod - finally!
So using Gaelen's power of thought transfer, Fallon, Gaelen, and Broc jump inside the tomb and grab Sonya. Except she's trying to tell them something important about the sword she's discovered; she wants them to look at it. But it's too late, they've already jumped back. Sonya does have an amulet that was around the dead Celt's neck, something that points to a summer equinox, when the day and night are equal in length. And all the stuff you'd expect to happen at the castle does. Sonya and Broc avoid one another. Everyone gossips about them. Marcail still hasn't had that baby. And so on.
Meanwhile, Malcom left Castle MacLeod, too. And Deirdre finds him and unleashes his god, because of course, Malcom has the god from the Monroe clan inside him. (Lorena always suspected.) It seems that to regain the use of his damaged right arm, damaged by Deirdre's Warriors, Malcom is willing to go to the Deirdre side. Hmmm.... Deirdre decides that he's the perfect Warrior to lead her new army of Warriors that she intends to amass and fight against those in Castle MacLeod. Since many of her Warriors were killed when her mountain was destroyed and it was assumed she was dead, Deirdre knows that she only needs to venture out to those clans and unleash the god in the next fiercest Warrior of that clan. (The god moves to the next in the bloodline.) And Deirdre thinks that Warriors with no experience or knowledge of how to tamp down their gods will willingly work for her; if not, she'll kill them and resurrect them to make their god stronger and the god's evil take over until she gets her way. Hmmm...
Deirdre even boldly goes to Castle MacLeod to deliver a message, which she does - to Sonya, who's never seen her before. Sonya had to go "hear the trees", so she had to step outside Isla's magic circle of protection; Broc, of course, went after her, and they ended up naked and making love - yep, outside the circle. Smart, huh? So Deirdre tells Sonya that they're all marked. That's it.
When Logan and Duncan venture out in search of the 2nd artifact, Deirdre and Malcom catch up to them. Deirdre wastes no time in commanding her new Warriors to kill Duncan, which they do. But suddenly, Deirdre is shimmering and ... she disappears. Logan knows that even greater drough magic is at work, but whose? Logan takes Duncan's body back to Castle MacLeod to face an irate Ian, who already sensed Duncan's death and is irate - so much so that most of Castle MacLeod's Warriors have to hold him down while the Druids cast a spell of sleep over him. Except suddenly, Ian starts shimmering, and Logan yells at everyone to stand back. Sure enough, Ian disappears.
And then we discover that someone from the supposed "present" time (400 years past the early 1600s, which makes it approx. 2003) has brought Deirdre forward in time. He thinks that he's all powerful and will use Deirdre to help him rule the world. Why he needed Ian, I don't know. But in the teaser for the next book (not yet published), it seems that now the mission to stop Deirdre will take place in the future. What about Castle MacLeod? Why did we have to jump into the present time? And if this was going to happen, why not make it pre-9/11/2001, so this villain can take credit for the awful event?
I've already spent waaaaay too much money and time on this series. I think it's time to throw in the towel, which is tough for me since I have this need to complete things I start - even bad series. Sorry, but I think I'm finally done.
This 6th book is about Broc and Sonya - finally! Except that most of the book is Broc & Sonya, Deirdre, some Malcom, and some Phelan. We barely see the Castle MacLeod folks at all, and once again, when we do, they're such background and say and do such obvious things that they might as well not have been in the book at all.
Sonya left Castle MacLeod because she thought she lost her magic, which is primarily healing. She barely healed the little boy injured in the big battle and she couldn't heal Reaghan. Then she saw her sister, Anice, dead with many other Druids from her village, AND she saw Broc hugging Anice and acting as if she were his soulmate; he was bellowing and demanded that Sonya heal Anice. But Anice was already dead.
So Sonya left and wandered outside Isla's magic protection circle all by herself. No food, no water, no clothes, no provisions... yeah, she left in a hurry and quite a state. And she's too stubborn to go back. So when we see her, she's battered and being chased by a mean, hungry wolf. Who comes to her rescue but... Broc! These two have had an obvious thing since Broc first came to Castle MacLeod, and I'm not talking about when he came for good; we got a glimpse of their story when it was mentioned that Broc rescued Anice and Sonya (twins, but not identical) and relocated them to a Druid village. We also got the idea that Broc and Anice had an affair... but why? If Broc was so enamored of Sonya, why did he sleep with Anice? *Then* we learn in this book that Anice wasn't quite "right"; so Broc took advantage of Anice. And he's not supposed to be a villain? Hmmmm....
So Broc takes Sonya to a village and checks in as husband and wife. Through the innkeeper's wife's eyes, Sonya realizes that Broc is originally from noble stock; which is later confirmed, as Sonya finds out Broc's father was laird of his clan, and Broc was next in line. We also discover that Broc has lots of coin hidden around Scotland in places where supposedly only he can get to. He uses plenty of it in this book.
When wyrran come to the village, Broc assumes they're after Sonya, even though she adamantly tells Broc that her magic is gone; but Broc can still sense her magic, and he's afraid that the wyrran are there to take Sonya (a Druid) to Deirdre. Broc lures the wyrran away from the village, only to discover that they weren't after Sonya, they were after him. Sonya doesn't stay put like she's supposed to, she follows the wyrran and sees them take Broc. She also sees Dunmore.
And now we get to the "jump the shark" bit... I realize for a fantasy, paranormal, Druid, Warrior tale that it's tough to jump the shark. But this book does: Sonya follows Dunmore and the wyrran back to Deirdre's mountain, undetected, AND she manages to enter the mountain, AND she manages to save Broc. Yep. Now to be fair, she uses Dunmore to do it (and manages to get him killed in the process - yay!), and Broc manages to hold off Deirdre. But still. Oh yeah, and Broc manages to mumble back Deirdre's spell to her - the one that unlocks his magic chains. Uh huh - jumping the shark for you yet? But there's more! You see, when the wyrran captured Broc, Dunmore poured blood from The Demon's Kiss all over Broc, so he shouldn't have healed, right? In fact, Broc had a hard time fighting the drough blood... but somehow, after leaving Deirdre's mountain, Broc is fine. No trace of lingering affects or damage from The Demon's Kiss. In the past, we've seen Lorena have to have Warrior blood - and lots of it - to heal. But not Broc. And unless I missed something, it wasn't even Sonya's returning magic that healed him.
While Deirdre was torturing Broc, he tricked her into delivering a villain's monologue - you know, where the villain basically spills his or her entire evil plan and gives away lots of details because, hey, the listener won't be able to defeat the villain! Broc finds out that Deirdre thinks he's the only one who can get inside an ancient Celtic tomb and get another artifact. So when Broc and Sonya flee the mountain, they head off to find the tomb. AND of course, they finally give in to their raging passion... and of course, we have lots of confessions and secrets about their growing up and many of the things that plague Broc, such as his believing that there's a curse on him that kills any female he takes an interest in. And of course, they waste a lot of time looking for the tomb when they could have flown back to Castle MacLeod and gotten help. But no. Of course they find the tomb just before Deirdre, and Broc manages to decimate the stone tablet that points to the artifact being somewhere else. And of course it takes both Broc and Sonya to enter the tomb. And of course Broc is captured by Deirdre, leaving Sonya sealed inside the tomb. The only surprise is that Phelan has seen Sonya and Broc, and because he's seen their "love", he uses his powers to confuse Deirdre and the wyrran into believing that there are many Warriors fighting for Broc, and Broc manages to fly back to Castle MacLeod - finally!
So using Gaelen's power of thought transfer, Fallon, Gaelen, and Broc jump inside the tomb and grab Sonya. Except she's trying to tell them something important about the sword she's discovered; she wants them to look at it. But it's too late, they've already jumped back. Sonya does have an amulet that was around the dead Celt's neck, something that points to a summer equinox, when the day and night are equal in length. And all the stuff you'd expect to happen at the castle does. Sonya and Broc avoid one another. Everyone gossips about them. Marcail still hasn't had that baby. And so on.
Meanwhile, Malcom left Castle MacLeod, too. And Deirdre finds him and unleashes his god, because of course, Malcom has the god from the Monroe clan inside him. (Lorena always suspected.) It seems that to regain the use of his damaged right arm, damaged by Deirdre's Warriors, Malcom is willing to go to the Deirdre side. Hmmm.... Deirdre decides that he's the perfect Warrior to lead her new army of Warriors that she intends to amass and fight against those in Castle MacLeod. Since many of her Warriors were killed when her mountain was destroyed and it was assumed she was dead, Deirdre knows that she only needs to venture out to those clans and unleash the god in the next fiercest Warrior of that clan. (The god moves to the next in the bloodline.) And Deirdre thinks that Warriors with no experience or knowledge of how to tamp down their gods will willingly work for her; if not, she'll kill them and resurrect them to make their god stronger and the god's evil take over until she gets her way. Hmmm...
Deirdre even boldly goes to Castle MacLeod to deliver a message, which she does - to Sonya, who's never seen her before. Sonya had to go "hear the trees", so she had to step outside Isla's magic circle of protection; Broc, of course, went after her, and they ended up naked and making love - yep, outside the circle. Smart, huh? So Deirdre tells Sonya that they're all marked. That's it.
When Logan and Duncan venture out in search of the 2nd artifact, Deirdre and Malcom catch up to them. Deirdre wastes no time in commanding her new Warriors to kill Duncan, which they do. But suddenly, Deirdre is shimmering and ... she disappears. Logan knows that even greater drough magic is at work, but whose? Logan takes Duncan's body back to Castle MacLeod to face an irate Ian, who already sensed Duncan's death and is irate - so much so that most of Castle MacLeod's Warriors have to hold him down while the Druids cast a spell of sleep over him. Except suddenly, Ian starts shimmering, and Logan yells at everyone to stand back. Sure enough, Ian disappears.
And then we discover that someone from the supposed "present" time (400 years past the early 1600s, which makes it approx. 2003) has brought Deirdre forward in time. He thinks that he's all powerful and will use Deirdre to help him rule the world. Why he needed Ian, I don't know. But in the teaser for the next book (not yet published), it seems that now the mission to stop Deirdre will take place in the future. What about Castle MacLeod? Why did we have to jump into the present time? And if this was going to happen, why not make it pre-9/11/2001, so this villain can take credit for the awful event?
I've already spent waaaaay too much money and time on this series. I think it's time to throw in the towel, which is tough for me since I have this need to complete things I start - even bad series. Sorry, but I think I'm finally done.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2019
The last book in the historical series Dark Sword, I was thinking this book would wrap up the series plot a lot. I knew there was a spin off series that jumps to modern times. Frankly, I wanted the evil Deirdre to meet her end in this book. Alas, such was not the case. And I really didn't expect for the series to move to modern times in quite the way that it did. Very interesting.
This book is Broc's story. Broc is such an fascinating character. As a warrior, he is powerful. He can fly and he can find anyone at any time. Deirdre captured him and released his God many years ago with others. He agreed to stay and spy. I first met him in Deirdre's service. I admit to being unsure if he was good or evil. Even when he does some things that help those warriors fighting Deirdre, I wasn't sure. And I admit to still not trusting him but after I got to know him better in this book, I found I loved him. What an interesting warrior Broc turns out to be.
Sonya has always been around. Her healing magic has helped from the beginning. But she defines herself based on that healing magic. As she loses that power, she has to decide who she actually is and what's important to her. She doesn't think she has value to those in the castle without that magic. So she leaves.
A great part of this story takes place away from the castle. Both characters have a lot of growth as they figure things out between themselves. As a result, this book feels more like a stand alone then the others have. It still hangs on the series plot and has the same great characters but it has a different feel. That may partly be the fact that it ends the historical part of this series.
Broc's curse and Sonya's lack of faith in herself drive this story. I enjoyed how they both came to terms with that. I enjoyed how it plays out both away from the castle and with old friends. I enjoyed the world where these warriors defend the droids and fight the evil.
It wasn't really a series ending book though. It was just a bridge between the historical series and the modern day one. The series plot isn't resolved and all the characters are still in play. It's a unique way of doing things. I wonder why the author decided to move things 400 years into the future? I'm happy to read on in this modern version of a world I very much enjoy.
This world continues to intrigue me and make me happy to keep turning the pages.
This book is Broc's story. Broc is such an fascinating character. As a warrior, he is powerful. He can fly and he can find anyone at any time. Deirdre captured him and released his God many years ago with others. He agreed to stay and spy. I first met him in Deirdre's service. I admit to being unsure if he was good or evil. Even when he does some things that help those warriors fighting Deirdre, I wasn't sure. And I admit to still not trusting him but after I got to know him better in this book, I found I loved him. What an interesting warrior Broc turns out to be.
Sonya has always been around. Her healing magic has helped from the beginning. But she defines herself based on that healing magic. As she loses that power, she has to decide who she actually is and what's important to her. She doesn't think she has value to those in the castle without that magic. So she leaves.
A great part of this story takes place away from the castle. Both characters have a lot of growth as they figure things out between themselves. As a result, this book feels more like a stand alone then the others have. It still hangs on the series plot and has the same great characters but it has a different feel. That may partly be the fact that it ends the historical part of this series.
Broc's curse and Sonya's lack of faith in herself drive this story. I enjoyed how they both came to terms with that. I enjoyed how it plays out both away from the castle and with old friends. I enjoyed the world where these warriors defend the droids and fight the evil.
It wasn't really a series ending book though. It was just a bridge between the historical series and the modern day one. The series plot isn't resolved and all the characters are still in play. It's a unique way of doing things. I wonder why the author decided to move things 400 years into the future? I'm happy to read on in this modern version of a world I very much enjoy.
This world continues to intrigue me and make me happy to keep turning the pages.
March 10, 2012
I have been infatuated with Broc ever since Wicked Highlander, when Quinn MacLeod was abducted by Deirdre and taken to Cairn Toul, the mountain where she kills Druids and uses her black magic to unleash the gods inside the Highlanders. The wyrran and Warriors gather there, waiting for the time when Deirdre will send her army to destroy the world. Broc played the good and bad guy so well, you never knew which side he was really on until recently. Broc has Poraxus, the God of Manuipulation bound to him and is the only warrior with wings and able to fly. His power is that he can locate anyone, anywhere.
Broc has been watching over Sonya and her sister Anice ever since he found them as babies and rescued them. He was one of Deirdre's Warriors back then so he hid them in a safe place where Deirdre could never find them. Being that Sonya and her sister are Druids, Deirdre would kill them to steal their life force. Broc has secretly been in love with Sonya ever since she became a woman but is determined to stay away from her. He believes himself cursed because any woman he has ever cared for has died and he's determined to protect Sonya from his curse. When Broc finds out that Sonya is gone from the castle he sets out to find her before Deirdre does.
When the last book "Shadow Highlander" ended, Sonya's life was turned upside down. Her healing powers have been failing her and her sister Anice was murdered by Deirdre's wyrran. Grief stricken over the death of her sister and heartbroken over Broc's harsh reaction, Sonya leaves the safety of MacLeod Castle and runs into the forest. Injured and not able to heal herself because of her failing magic, Sonya is in grave danger.
When Broc finds her, Sonya is near death with an infection from a cut on her hand. Because of a bad storm, Broc takes her to the nearest town and stays at a hotel to nurse her back to health. While there they run into Deirdre's wyrran and Broc is captured and taken back to Cairn Toul. Sonya follows and is determined to save Broc from Deirdre's wrath.
SO much happens in this book. I'm going to leave the review at this because this book changes everything in the series and leads into the new DARK WARRIOR series so I don't want to give away any spoilers. I've been waiting a long time to learn more about Broc and I could not wait for him to get together with Sonya and as always, Donna Grant did not disappoint. The ending happened a little too quickly but it's because the entire plot and story line have been taken into a new direction so it was understandable.
The DARK SWORD series is one of my top favorite series and always will be. I can't wait for the first DARK WARRIORS book, "Midnight's Master" to be released (which BTW is on May 22) to see the new journey Donna has sent these amazing warriors on.
I give DARKEST HIGHLANDER 5 out of 5 stars
Broc has been watching over Sonya and her sister Anice ever since he found them as babies and rescued them. He was one of Deirdre's Warriors back then so he hid them in a safe place where Deirdre could never find them. Being that Sonya and her sister are Druids, Deirdre would kill them to steal their life force. Broc has secretly been in love with Sonya ever since she became a woman but is determined to stay away from her. He believes himself cursed because any woman he has ever cared for has died and he's determined to protect Sonya from his curse. When Broc finds out that Sonya is gone from the castle he sets out to find her before Deirdre does.
When the last book "Shadow Highlander" ended, Sonya's life was turned upside down. Her healing powers have been failing her and her sister Anice was murdered by Deirdre's wyrran. Grief stricken over the death of her sister and heartbroken over Broc's harsh reaction, Sonya leaves the safety of MacLeod Castle and runs into the forest. Injured and not able to heal herself because of her failing magic, Sonya is in grave danger.
When Broc finds her, Sonya is near death with an infection from a cut on her hand. Because of a bad storm, Broc takes her to the nearest town and stays at a hotel to nurse her back to health. While there they run into Deirdre's wyrran and Broc is captured and taken back to Cairn Toul. Sonya follows and is determined to save Broc from Deirdre's wrath.
SO much happens in this book. I'm going to leave the review at this because this book changes everything in the series and leads into the new DARK WARRIOR series so I don't want to give away any spoilers. I've been waiting a long time to learn more about Broc and I could not wait for him to get together with Sonya and as always, Donna Grant did not disappoint. The ending happened a little too quickly but it's because the entire plot and story line have been taken into a new direction so it was understandable.
The DARK SWORD series is one of my top favorite series and always will be. I can't wait for the first DARK WARRIORS book, "Midnight's Master" to be released (which BTW is on May 22) to see the new journey Donna has sent these amazing warriors on.
I give DARKEST HIGHLANDER 5 out of 5 stars
February 2, 2012
Posted on Under the Covers
DARKEST HIGHLANDER is the final book in the Dark Sword series by Donna Grant. This is Broc and Sonya’s story. For years, Broc has watched over Sonya and Anice. However, when Anice dies, Broc finds himself revealing his feelings to Sonya as if he can’t stop the words from flowing out of his mouth. He is drawn to her in a way that is undeniable. So when Sonya runs away and is almost attacked by a wolf, Broc takes his Warrior form and goes on a frantic search to rescue her.
Our hero and heroine have some unique abilities that make them very special. Broc is possessed by a god called Poraxus. With this inside him, he is able to grow bat-like wings while his skin turns into an indigo blue, giving in a much needed advantage against the wyrran. Meanwhile, Sonya is Druid, though when we start the book, she doesn’t have access to her powers. I really enjoyed the paranormal elements of this book. It added such a nice touch to the characters, especially Broc who I couldn’t resist.
“Ever so slowly, he leaned toward her. His eyes held all the passion, all the yearning, she had ever hoped to see. His forehead touched hers, their breaths mingling as time halted.
Excitement bloomed and built within her, drowning her in the fervor of the desire that grew between them. It was palpable, tangible. Real.”
I am having a hard time rating this book because I did think that the first part of the book was slow. It isn’t until midway through the book that the magic really happens. When the village that Broc and Sonya are hiding in is attacked by wyrran, Broc tells Sonya to lock herself in the room while he kills them all. When things turn for the worse, Broc finds himself in his enemy’s hands; Deirdre now has her claws into him and it is now up to Sonya to try to help him.
I had a hard time liking Sonya in the beginning. At the start of the book, she whined a lot about her fading powers. She kept telling herself that she was a Druid and that without her powers, she was nothing, meaningless. I wanted her to see past that. And thankfully, she does! There is a lot of growth in her character and I loved reading about it.
The chemistry between Broc and Sonya is potent and undeniable. You can feel it from the very first page. I was definitely rooting for these two to be together.
There is also some insight into the spinoff series that Grant has planned called the Dark Warriors. I love it when authors weave their series together. Midnight Master’s sounds promising so I’ll be sure to check that new series out!
*Review copy provided by publisher
December 21, 2012
Just finished reading Darkest Highlander. Broc and Sonia's story and the last of the Dark Sword series.
I was so excited to finally read about Broc. When we first met Broc we find out he's been with Deirdre for centuries, but as a spy. What kept him from losing all control was keeping Sonia in his heart.
This story starts off at the end of the last one, Shadow Highlander. Sonia runs away thinking that not only has she lost her magic, but also Broc blames her for not saving her sister.
I really enjoyed this story. So much happened in this installment.
Sonia is such a great match for Broc. When Deirdre recaptures Broc, most women would have gone back to the MacLeods for help. Sonia instead takes a chance and decides to go after Broc herself. Although just a Druid, whose magic has temporarily disappeared, Sonia is a very strong lead character. She uses her wit and thinks up a plan on rescuing Broc.
This story was very fast paced and as usual I loved the romance in this. I also loved the battle scenes. The one thing I would have liked, is to see more of the rest of the Warriors. In the past books in this series, all the Warriors and Druids were a prevalent part of the story. But unfortunately we only got to see them a few times.
Additionally, I would have loved to understand more about Broc's curse. There didn't seem to be enough about it. How or even if it would have affected Sonia, etc.
The end was a great lead into the Dark Warrior series. Awesome teasers and a few shocking scenes.
Definitely got me excited to read this next series.
I was so excited to finally read about Broc. When we first met Broc we find out he's been with Deirdre for centuries, but as a spy. What kept him from losing all control was keeping Sonia in his heart.
This story starts off at the end of the last one, Shadow Highlander. Sonia runs away thinking that not only has she lost her magic, but also Broc blames her for not saving her sister.
I really enjoyed this story. So much happened in this installment.
Sonia is such a great match for Broc. When Deirdre recaptures Broc, most women would have gone back to the MacLeods for help. Sonia instead takes a chance and decides to go after Broc herself. Although just a Druid, whose magic has temporarily disappeared, Sonia is a very strong lead character. She uses her wit and thinks up a plan on rescuing Broc.
This story was very fast paced and as usual I loved the romance in this. I also loved the battle scenes. The one thing I would have liked, is to see more of the rest of the Warriors. In the past books in this series, all the Warriors and Druids were a prevalent part of the story. But unfortunately we only got to see them a few times.
Additionally, I would have loved to understand more about Broc's curse. There didn't seem to be enough about it. How or even if it would have affected Sonia, etc.
The end was a great lead into the Dark Warrior series. Awesome teasers and a few shocking scenes.
Definitely got me excited to read this next series.
September 27, 2013
Oh I loved Broc and Sonya’s story!! Broc having saved Sonya and her sister and then all these years later the connection is still there. I so love the stubbornness of these warriors (even if it does aggravate me sometimes lol) Sonya is such an amazing druid and being paired with Broc it’s an amazing duo! Seeing their love unfold and blossom was amazing!! I was in tears and hoping that Duncan was saved somehow after Malcolm did that.. I wasn’t ready for that part, I will admit. But I am interested to see where this story leads after this being thrust in the future!!
I give this book 5 out of 5 shields!!
I give this book 5 out of 5 shields!!
September 11, 2021
It took the b*tch a 150 pages to finally go and kiss the idiot.
This book was boring. I have dreaded reading it ever since I started the series in February. It took me 7 months to finally convince myself to pick it up even though I was 100% sure I was going to hate it, and I was right. Broc slept with Sonya's sister even though he wanted Sonya for years simply bc he was a man in needs 😑 I hate men who sleep with both sisters so this was a big no for me. I was willing to give it a try, and I did. I listened to Antony Ferguson reading a 150 pages of this boring book but enough is enough. Not even Antony's hot accent can save this.
This book was boring. I have dreaded reading it ever since I started the series in February. It took me 7 months to finally convince myself to pick it up even though I was 100% sure I was going to hate it, and I was right. Broc slept with Sonya's sister even though he wanted Sonya for years simply bc he was a man in needs 😑 I hate men who sleep with both sisters so this was a big no for me. I was willing to give it a try, and I did. I listened to Antony Ferguson reading a 150 pages of this boring book but enough is enough. Not even Antony's hot accent can save this.
February 9, 2012
Fantastic. The lead up to this was amazing. Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Sonya is one of my favourite charaters I loved that she and Broc finally found each other, although I did feel this story was a little rushed but only because I love this series and I never want it to end. Donna Grant has a wonderful talent of bringing you so far into the story that you feel you are right there experiencing everything, I have to shake myself sometimes to return to reality. really looking forward to the next installment a spin off series involving time travel.
February 12, 2016
Finally, the story about Broc and Sonya! I've been wanting to read about them ever since book 3! Broc was the ultimate spy! And Sonya isn't too shabby herself, with her healing magic and ability to talk to trees. I have to say that the back story for these characters is fascinating! The ending for this book seriously comes out of nowhere and rips your heart out! No! That can't be the ending! Darkest Highlander is the end of the Dark Sword series but the story will be picked up in the Dark Warrior series by Grant. On to book 1 of that series!
March 16, 2012
I am so happy that Broc finally gets his book! He's one of they mysterious characters that keeps popping up leaving you desperate for more and thankfully I wasn't disappointed! Sonya turned out to have more of a backbone than I expected which is always a bonus.
I'm sad that this is the end of The Dark Sword series but I'm excited about The Dark Warriors that come next. I'm looking forward to Malcolm's book but he's last... :(
I'm sad that this is the end of The Dark Sword series but I'm excited about The Dark Warriors that come next. I'm looking forward to Malcolm's book but he's last... :(
March 17, 2012
This was my favorite of the series, so far!! The story of Broc and Sonya has been one I have been waiting for, it was worth the wait. The lead in to the new series was great and somthing I am looking forward to getting into. I just hope we don't leave the other warriors in the past, gone and forgotten. I need to know whats going on them!!
May 28, 2015
This character is one I eagerly waited for and it blows me out of the ballpark! Broc and Sonya have endured and loved from afar. Donna Grant weaves her tale of her Darkest Highlander with passion and endearment. I simply can't say more without giving it all away, but just know your time reading this latest installment will be so worth it and more.
March 1, 2012
This series is so amazingly good! I can't wait for "Midnight's Master" in June, 2012. I have been spoiled reading them non-stop, one after another (thanks, in so small part, to my friend, Nisha). I want the new one now! :)
June 10, 2019
We finally get Broc and Sonya's story and what a story it is too as they each try to not want the other one. Him through guilt and what he thinks is his curse. Her for some totally different reasons that cause her to run right into danger. Thankfully he finds her in time and after healing they find themselves forced to work together. No matter how they fight it life has other plans for them but man is it fun to follow along. There are also quite a few surprises pertaining to Deidre leading to an ending that I never saw coming in a million years though it sets things up beautifully for the a start of the next series. Perfect for fans of paranormal romance. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
February 8, 2017
This picks up right where Shadow Highlander left off. I got tired of Sonya's woe-is-me attitude because she believes her magic is gone. So, Sonya leaves the safety of the castle and runs away. Broc uses his ability to find her. The first half is slow, with the last half picking up more.
This is one of the weaker books for me. Part of it was Sonya's self-pity. Another is the majority of the other characters that I like are missing from most of the book. They make an appearance in the last quarter (approximately). Lastly, rather than an end, with the villain dead, since this is the last book in the series before the spin-off, Deirdre is still very much alive. I didn't like all the loose (IMO) ends. Having said that, I am interested in knowing where this is going. I peeked and know Logan's is the next story.
Sad about Duncan. Happy about Dunmore.
This is one of the weaker books for me. Part of it was Sonya's self-pity. Another is the majority of the other characters that I like are missing from most of the book. They make an appearance in the last quarter (approximately). Lastly, rather than an end, with the villain dead, since this is the last book in the series before the spin-off, Deirdre is still very much alive. I didn't like all the loose (IMO) ends. Having said that, I am interested in knowing where this is going. I peeked and know Logan's is the next story.
Sad about Duncan. Happy about Dunmore.
January 8, 2013
A solid 5 star read. Superb story, phenominal series. Darkest Highlander is a no bars hold story delivering fast paced page after page of adrenaline adventure, shocking suspense, emotional turmoil and sensual romance. Every book so far in this series is based on one warriors tale intermingling with the previous and future characters for one common goal yet his story is unique to his own personal tragedy to where he finds true love. It is just so brilliantly told that after reading each story, you will want to have the next book on hand to continue following along where the other book left off and really it should be read in sequence but Donna does provide an synopses of the events that occurred previously in each book but the feel just isn't the same had you read the books in the order intended.
December 30, 2022
This is the sixth book in the Dark Sword series and is a part of the greater Dark World. Donna Grant does create a wonderful world, with many fantastical creatures. So, if you find this book compelling and entertaining, the world does continue and evolve. This series was read as a part of the Audible Escape package.
This is the story of Broc and Sonya. He is the winged Warrior who was double agent in Diedre’s mist. He saved people when he could, an example of this was when he saved two little druids one of which was a baby Sonya. Sonya is a healer that talks to the trees. When she believes she loses her power she runs away from the safety of the Castle and Broc. Will she gain the confidence that will give her all she has lost and everything she has ever wanted?
This is the story of Broc and Sonya. He is the winged Warrior who was double agent in Diedre’s mist. He saved people when he could, an example of this was when he saved two little druids one of which was a baby Sonya. Sonya is a healer that talks to the trees. When she believes she loses her power she runs away from the safety of the Castle and Broc. Will she gain the confidence that will give her all she has lost and everything she has ever wanted?
September 2, 2014
I loved Broc and Sonya's story. Broc is the ultimate warrior and of course, he's cursed (or so he thinks). Every girl/woman he's ever had a thing for has died under suspicious circumstances so he's convinced he should leave Sonya except that he can't. He has to protect her from Deidre at all costs even his own recapture. Sonya has one too-stupid-to-live moment where she enters Deirdre's mountain to save Broc but he ends of rescuing her.
It's weird that The Dark Sword series ends with this book but the antagonist (Deirdre) still lives and the remaining warriors continue their own series - The Dark Warriors. I will definitely be continuing the adventure. That bitch has to die!!
It's weird that The Dark Sword series ends with this book but the antagonist (Deirdre) still lives and the remaining warriors continue their own series - The Dark Warriors. I will definitely be continuing the adventure. That bitch has to die!!
December 9, 2013
An exciting turn of events!
The story of the warriors and druids continue with Broc and sonya's story. Sonya is a strong heroine and a pleasure to read about. Her match, the strong silent type, Broc, is altruistic and honest despite his deeds. With her ever changing plot and subplots Donna Grant delivers again throughout the book and with an unexpected cliffhanger!
The story of the warriors and druids continue with Broc and sonya's story. Sonya is a strong heroine and a pleasure to read about. Her match, the strong silent type, Broc, is altruistic and honest despite his deeds. With her ever changing plot and subplots Donna Grant delivers again throughout the book and with an unexpected cliffhanger!
February 6, 2021
Hm.
Well, at no point did I find myself struggling to get through the book, which indicates that this was still a well written novel. So, that’s a good thing.
Maybe my high expectations leading up to Broc’s eventual story was what made my disappointment worse than what it really is?
Let me see, how to best illustrate this...it’s as if Gerard Butler was painted indigo and given wings and possessed the coolness factor of Sean Connery...but had the insecure personality of Shrek. To clarify, there’s nothing ‘wrong’ with Shrek’s personality. It’s just that, a character comprised of those three otherwise awesome guys doesn’t seem to work and, as a result, falls flat. I had been expecting more from Broc, and Sonya as well.
The book was definitely packed with action...and a can bursting with worms, that’s for sure. Yes, I want to find out what happens next, but a lot of questions were raised by the end. There was so much going on that I’m still processing everything. Rather than turning my review into The Neverending Story, I will simply say that the one written by Goodreads member OpenBookSociety.com pretty much sums up how I felt about it, also mentioning that the Dark Warriors series is even better which I’m happy to hear.
Excuse me, I’m going to pour myself a drink before proceeding further down the rabbit hole that is The Dark World.
I think I’m gonna need it.
Well, at no point did I find myself struggling to get through the book, which indicates that this was still a well written novel. So, that’s a good thing.
Maybe my high expectations leading up to Broc’s eventual story was what made my disappointment worse than what it really is?
Let me see, how to best illustrate this...it’s as if Gerard Butler was painted indigo and given wings and possessed the coolness factor of Sean Connery...but had the insecure personality of Shrek. To clarify, there’s nothing ‘wrong’ with Shrek’s personality. It’s just that, a character comprised of those three otherwise awesome guys doesn’t seem to work and, as a result, falls flat. I had been expecting more from Broc, and Sonya as well.
The book was definitely packed with action...and a can bursting with worms, that’s for sure. Yes, I want to find out what happens next, but a lot of questions were raised by the end. There was so much going on that I’m still processing everything. Rather than turning my review into The Neverending Story, I will simply say that the one written by Goodreads member OpenBookSociety.com pretty much sums up how I felt about it, also mentioning that the Dark Warriors series is even better which I’m happy to hear.
Excuse me, I’m going to pour myself a drink before proceeding further down the rabbit hole that is The Dark World.
I think I’m gonna need it.
August 29, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of these 6 books in the Dark Sword series. Thanks to my pal Jo for recommending them to me. I will continue on with the Dark Warriors series very soon and I'm sure they will be every bit as entertaining. The plot is engaging, the love stories melt me, and ok, not going to lie, Immortal, Fierce, Protective, Sexy, Strong Highlanders, well, what's not to love?!!!
May 26, 2023
CANT WAIT FOR THE FUTURE
May 26, 2012
Broc story is here!! I suppose I could just stop there.. Broc’s story Darkest Highlander is the sixth in Dona Grant’s Dark Sword Series and by far her most compelling. It was so intense, I was forced to put it down and walk away on a regular basis. Now, I know that sounds just wrong but for me.. when something is so gripping, when you are never quite sure what is going to happen next and when you are held on the edge of suspense.. to me I have to put it down and walk away.. or I go nuts. This was one of those stories.. I spent most of my time while reading this book on the edge of my seat.. chewing my nails and wonder what was going to happen next.
Broc has always been my favorite, he was broody, intense and BLUE.. well when his god took over he’s blue and of course Broc is the only warrior with wings. And there is just something sexy about wings. I wonder what I would do if I actually met someone with wings? They are just so very sexy in books.
Broc spent centuries of his life, once his god was unbound as a spy in Deidre’s fortress under the mountain. Forced to round up druids and deliver them to Deidre he never really thought he would find a way out. Then when the Warriors chose to stand together against her, Broc stood with them. Finally able to share his true feelings and loyalties.. he is a true asset to the Warriors.
Sonya, the strongest of the Druids had a crisis of faith and lost the use of her magic. Feeling lost, alone and just a little betrayed she flees the safety of the castle and strikes out on her own. I am not quite sure why such a practical character would do something quite this stupid but I kind of liked it. So many smart women find themselves doing stupid things then later asking themselves what the heck was I thinking?
Broc and Sonya find themselves in one adventure after another.. From Sonya fleeing the fortress and falling victim to wolves to Broc falling into Deidre’s hands these two seem determined to save each other and yet never quite admit how they feel. Ms Grant does an excellent job keeping us entertained and hiding the fact that these two really do act without thinking just a bit too much.
Sometimes books tick me off because it is so obvious characters are meant for each other, I just want to smack them upside the head. The fact is if they did then the story would really pretty much be over before it ever began. And Broc and Sonya had a wonderful story..
We saw some interesting previews on what is going to happen next in the series and one whammy of a surprise. Obviously I can’t share but this book was worth reading if only for the surprise..
For more reviews find my at Tea and Book
Broc has always been my favorite, he was broody, intense and BLUE.. well when his god took over he’s blue and of course Broc is the only warrior with wings. And there is just something sexy about wings. I wonder what I would do if I actually met someone with wings? They are just so very sexy in books.
Broc spent centuries of his life, once his god was unbound as a spy in Deidre’s fortress under the mountain. Forced to round up druids and deliver them to Deidre he never really thought he would find a way out. Then when the Warriors chose to stand together against her, Broc stood with them. Finally able to share his true feelings and loyalties.. he is a true asset to the Warriors.
Sonya, the strongest of the Druids had a crisis of faith and lost the use of her magic. Feeling lost, alone and just a little betrayed she flees the safety of the castle and strikes out on her own. I am not quite sure why such a practical character would do something quite this stupid but I kind of liked it. So many smart women find themselves doing stupid things then later asking themselves what the heck was I thinking?
Broc and Sonya find themselves in one adventure after another.. From Sonya fleeing the fortress and falling victim to wolves to Broc falling into Deidre’s hands these two seem determined to save each other and yet never quite admit how they feel. Ms Grant does an excellent job keeping us entertained and hiding the fact that these two really do act without thinking just a bit too much.
Sometimes books tick me off because it is so obvious characters are meant for each other, I just want to smack them upside the head. The fact is if they did then the story would really pretty much be over before it ever began. And Broc and Sonya had a wonderful story..
We saw some interesting previews on what is going to happen next in the series and one whammy of a surprise. Obviously I can’t share but this book was worth reading if only for the surprise..
For more reviews find my at Tea and Book
February 7, 2015
http://openbooksociety.com/article/da...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi
Ever since Broc saved Sonya and Anice as babies, he has made it his personal mission to watch over them and keep them safe, even while living in the evil mountain, Carin Toul, doing Deidre’s bidding. He failed Anice though, but he refuses to fail the beautiful Sonya! So when he discovers that she has left MacLeod Castle he wastes no time in using his power to find her. But convincing her to come back could prove more difficult.
The last book or two in the series have been leading up to a romance between Broc and Sonya, one I was really excited for, with all that pent up emotion and lust between the two. But somehow the execution fell a little flat for me. I didn’t ‘feel’ their connection is this book and found them to be a bit on the bland side.
In this book, we discovered Broc’s curse and I really thought it would play a bigger role in this novel than it did. It was mentioned, thrown out there for us all to see, it caused his reservations of the relationship with his fear of Sonya dying, and Sonya wanted to prove he wasn’t cursed … but she really didn’t. He decided he couldn’t live without her curse or not, it didn’t really feel like he overcame the curse though.
Sonya is just too much of a straight-shooter goodie-two-shoes for me to truly like. It overall just made her come out as bland and boring, not really having much of a personality to speak of. I also found her going into Carin Toul to save Broc to be really unrealistic. A smart person would get reinforcements first, and I think she is a planner and would definitely not go into a situation like that unprepared as she was. Then to actually save him. No, I just don’t think so.
We got to see the other characters in this series as well. Being a person who actually read the Dark Warriors series first, I finally got to see how Duncan’s demise came about and also the introduction of Declan. I just wish I could have enjoyed this book more, I felt like I was just going through the motions on this one. But good news for those reading the two series in order … it now switches to the Dark Warriors series, which I thought was much better than Dark Sword! Enjoy:)
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi
Ever since Broc saved Sonya and Anice as babies, he has made it his personal mission to watch over them and keep them safe, even while living in the evil mountain, Carin Toul, doing Deidre’s bidding. He failed Anice though, but he refuses to fail the beautiful Sonya! So when he discovers that she has left MacLeod Castle he wastes no time in using his power to find her. But convincing her to come back could prove more difficult.
The last book or two in the series have been leading up to a romance between Broc and Sonya, one I was really excited for, with all that pent up emotion and lust between the two. But somehow the execution fell a little flat for me. I didn’t ‘feel’ their connection is this book and found them to be a bit on the bland side.
In this book, we discovered Broc’s curse and I really thought it would play a bigger role in this novel than it did. It was mentioned, thrown out there for us all to see, it caused his reservations of the relationship with his fear of Sonya dying, and Sonya wanted to prove he wasn’t cursed … but she really didn’t. He decided he couldn’t live without her curse or not, it didn’t really feel like he overcame the curse though.
Sonya is just too much of a straight-shooter goodie-two-shoes for me to truly like. It overall just made her come out as bland and boring, not really having much of a personality to speak of. I also found her going into Carin Toul to save Broc to be really unrealistic. A smart person would get reinforcements first, and I think she is a planner and would definitely not go into a situation like that unprepared as she was. Then to actually save him. No, I just don’t think so.
We got to see the other characters in this series as well. Being a person who actually read the Dark Warriors series first, I finally got to see how Duncan’s demise came about and also the introduction of Declan. I just wish I could have enjoyed this book more, I felt like I was just going through the motions on this one. But good news for those reading the two series in order … it now switches to the Dark Warriors series, which I thought was much better than Dark Sword! Enjoy:)
July 23, 2024
Sonya ran away from MacLeod Castle. Broc, who has watched and protected her since she was a child, searches for her and finds her injured.
Galen and Broc have always fascinated me since when they were first introduced. I've always wanted to read their stories. Unfortunately, Broc's story is even more disappointing than Galen's story.
Broc himself is fine. He is the only reason I gave it 3 stars. I always find it a bit weird for an adult male to fall in love with a woman he knew fairly well when she was a child, but when the man is a 300-year-old immortal, it is perhaps somewhat unavoidable that the person he fell for was a child when he first met her. At least he didn't start having feelings for her until she grew up. The problem with his storyline is that he had this hang up, his curse, and the author goes on and on about him trying very hard to avoid Sonya because of it, but at the end this is quickly just swept under the rug.
I liked Sonya until this story. She left the protection of MacLeod Castle because her "feelings" were hurt, because she felt inadequate. Broc ends up getting captured and tortured by Deirdre because he goes looking for her and she refuses to go back to the Castle. Instead of going to the MacLeods for help, she decides to follow Broc and his kidnappers and ends up getting herself in trouble again, and Broc has to rescue her again.
I thought this was the end of the Dark Sword series, so I was hoping for some closures. Instead of any conclusion, this book becomes an introduction to another series. The story doesn't seem to go anywhere for most of the book, and then we suddenly get these weird storylines with a bunch of cliffhangers. A fairly important character is murdered, another important character decides to take an unlikely course of action, and then yes, we get another series.
After July 2024 re-read on Audio book: Weirdly, the book felt longer than I remember, even though I was multitasking. It seemed that the plot kept going to another story after I thought it was done. As I already knew what happened, I just waited for that other important character to get executed and we could all move on. Sonya was truly annoying, although it was not as amplified as I was paying as much attention. It's unfortunate, because Broc was one of my favorite warriors.
Galen and Broc have always fascinated me since when they were first introduced. I've always wanted to read their stories. Unfortunately, Broc's story is even more disappointing than Galen's story.
Broc himself is fine. He is the only reason I gave it 3 stars. I always find it a bit weird for an adult male to fall in love with a woman he knew fairly well when she was a child, but when the man is a 300-year-old immortal, it is perhaps somewhat unavoidable that the person he fell for was a child when he first met her. At least he didn't start having feelings for her until she grew up. The problem with his storyline is that he had this hang up, his curse, and the author goes on and on about him trying very hard to avoid Sonya because of it, but at the end this is quickly just swept under the rug.
I liked Sonya until this story. She left the protection of MacLeod Castle because her "feelings" were hurt, because she felt inadequate. Broc ends up getting captured and tortured by Deirdre because he goes looking for her and she refuses to go back to the Castle. Instead of going to the MacLeods for help, she decides to follow Broc and his kidnappers and ends up getting herself in trouble again, and Broc has to rescue her again.
I thought this was the end of the Dark Sword series, so I was hoping for some closures. Instead of any conclusion, this book becomes an introduction to another series. The story doesn't seem to go anywhere for most of the book, and then we suddenly get these weird storylines with a bunch of cliffhangers. A fairly important character is murdered, another important character decides to take an unlikely course of action, and then yes, we get another series.
After July 2024 re-read on Audio book: Weirdly, the book felt longer than I remember, even though I was multitasking. It seemed that the plot kept going to another story after I thought it was done. As I already knew what happened, I just waited for that other important character to get executed and we could all move on. Sonya was truly annoying, although it was not as amplified as I was paying as much attention. It's unfortunate, because Broc was one of my favorite warriors.
August 21, 2013
"Darkest Highlander" by Donna Grant. Book 6 (Final) in the Dark Sword series...continues on as the Dark Warriors series after this book.
I liked this book. I enjoyed the love story between Broc and Sonya. I've been waiting for their story since Broc's backstory was slowly revealed throughout the books. Very well written. The descriptions of the places Broc and Sonya go were so colourful, detailed and beautiful, you could imagine everything with great clarity.
REASON I ONLY GAVE IT 3 STARS:
Even though I really liked the book, at the end I was like...WTF? In the last 2 chapters the whole story arc took a spin. (I don't want to say what happened...I don't want to spoil it for others.) I also felt like things were not resolved. I had a lot of questions at the end, like "What the hell just happened?" and "Who the hell is the new guy?" and "What does he have to do with any of this?" I finished reading the book feeling very frustrated.
REASON I WILL CONTINUE READING THE SERIES....(it now changes to the DARK WARRIORS series)
Because of all the questions this book made me ask at the end is the reason I will continue the series of the Dark Warriors with the new story arc. I have to now what the hell is going on!!! LOL! So I guess the feeling of frustration from this book actually made me want to know where the new story arc is heading. Not to mention some of my favourite characters' stories will be told in the new continuing series. (Can't wait to read Malcom and Phelan's stories.)
As I'm writing this review, The Dark Warriors series is already on Book 8, so I'm slowly trying to catch up and I know who's stories will be told (but I don't know the actual storyline that runs throughout the series in this part of the story arc.)
Like I said, I will definitely continue reading the new series, Dark Warriors.
I liked this book. I enjoyed the love story between Broc and Sonya. I've been waiting for their story since Broc's backstory was slowly revealed throughout the books. Very well written. The descriptions of the places Broc and Sonya go were so colourful, detailed and beautiful, you could imagine everything with great clarity.
REASON I ONLY GAVE IT 3 STARS:
Even though I really liked the book, at the end I was like...WTF? In the last 2 chapters the whole story arc took a spin. (I don't want to say what happened...I don't want to spoil it for others.) I also felt like things were not resolved. I had a lot of questions at the end, like "What the hell just happened?" and "Who the hell is the new guy?" and "What does he have to do with any of this?" I finished reading the book feeling very frustrated.
REASON I WILL CONTINUE READING THE SERIES....(it now changes to the DARK WARRIORS series)
Because of all the questions this book made me ask at the end is the reason I will continue the series of the Dark Warriors with the new story arc. I have to now what the hell is going on!!! LOL! So I guess the feeling of frustration from this book actually made me want to know where the new story arc is heading. Not to mention some of my favourite characters' stories will be told in the new continuing series. (Can't wait to read Malcom and Phelan's stories.)
As I'm writing this review, The Dark Warriors series is already on Book 8, so I'm slowly trying to catch up and I know who's stories will be told (but I don't know the actual storyline that runs throughout the series in this part of the story arc.)
Like I said, I will definitely continue reading the new series, Dark Warriors.
November 20, 2013
Reviewed by Shannon, Book provided by St. Martin’s Press, and Review originally posted at Romancing the Book.
If it weren’t for the fact that I had read Midnight Master (book one in the Dark Warrior series and picks up where this book left off) I would have been completely lost with this story. However, Donna Grant has created a group of Highlander Warriors that manage to pull you into the story, regardless of whether or not you understand what’s happening.
I liked Broc and Sonya, but of the two, Broc was my favorite. Broc was a man who spent many, many years as a prisoner of Deirdre and felt he was tainted by her evil. His actions with helping the MacLeod’s may demonstrate how he’s siding with good, but he can’t see past what he was forced to do while under Deirdre’s control. It takes Sonya to make Broc see past what has been done to what might be and see understand, at his core, he is a worthy man. Sonya’s strong enough to stand up to Broc and confident enough in him to encourage his loss of control when he needs to and know he won’t hurt those he cares for.
I enjoyed the romance between Broc and Sonya. While their romance wasn’t one that evoked strong emotional responses, it was sweet, sexy and perfect for them.
This was an enjoyable read that will keep you entertained for a few hours. However, I will strongly recommend that the series be read in order to avoid any confusion.
If it weren’t for the fact that I had read Midnight Master (book one in the Dark Warrior series and picks up where this book left off) I would have been completely lost with this story. However, Donna Grant has created a group of Highlander Warriors that manage to pull you into the story, regardless of whether or not you understand what’s happening.
I liked Broc and Sonya, but of the two, Broc was my favorite. Broc was a man who spent many, many years as a prisoner of Deirdre and felt he was tainted by her evil. His actions with helping the MacLeod’s may demonstrate how he’s siding with good, but he can’t see past what he was forced to do while under Deirdre’s control. It takes Sonya to make Broc see past what has been done to what might be and see understand, at his core, he is a worthy man. Sonya’s strong enough to stand up to Broc and confident enough in him to encourage his loss of control when he needs to and know he won’t hurt those he cares for.
I enjoyed the romance between Broc and Sonya. While their romance wasn’t one that evoked strong emotional responses, it was sweet, sexy and perfect for them.
This was an enjoyable read that will keep you entertained for a few hours. However, I will strongly recommend that the series be read in order to avoid any confusion.
February 15, 2012
I should admit from the start that I have only read one other Donna Grant novel, #5 Shadow Highlander and enjoyed it much more than this one. The story for me started very slow with the same old “I’m not good enough for her; I’m not good enough for him.” yada, yada, yada… I get really board with that. They get past that about 1/3 of the way through, takes him longer than her. I would have enjoyed getting to know the characters themselves a little more. What I learn of them I like. The constant insecurities do try my patience though. I almost didn’t finish the story because of it. The book began to move faster about the halfway point, but so much is happening at that point you don’t get to visit much with the characters. To be fair I think I feel this way because it is the 6th in her Dark Sword Series and I would know more of the characters themselves if I had read the series in order. I don’t like fighting and constant running about but then Ms Grant was trying to finish this series. I guess a lot of loose ends needed to be tied up to introduce the new spin off series so much so; it sort of became choppy and rushed. Again, maybe I would not feel that way if I had read the first of the series. I think I will try that so take this as a warning. Read them from the first and I think this one will be more enjoyable.
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