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Paladin Warriors #1
Deliver Me from Darkness
From Book 1:
A STRANGER IN THE NIGHT...
He had once been a warrior of the Light, one of the revered Paladin. A protector. But now he lives in darkness, and the shadows are his sanctuary. Every day is a struggle to overcome the bloodlust. Especially the day Karissa shows up at his doorstep.
COMES KNOCKING ON THE DOOR
She is light and bright and everything beautiful—despite her scratches and torn clothes. Every creature of the night is after her. So is every male Paladin. Because Karissa is the last female of their kind. But she is his. He may not have a soul, but he can't deny his heart.
323 pages, Paperback
First published February 7, 2012
37 people are currently reading
1979 people want to read
About the author
Tes Hilaire
12 books152 followersDaphne Award-winning author Tes Hilaire started creating whole new worlds to escape upstate New York's harsh winters before finally fleeing to sultry North Carolina. Her stories are edgy, exciting, and bring a hint of dark fantasy to paranormal romance. And no one ever has to shovel snow.
From the author's website.
From the author's website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
February 20, 2015
I liked Tess Hilaire's world of Paladin Warriors -who are former angels that choose to become protectors of mankind and their descendants - plus vampires, demons, and a fallen Paladin who are evil, and various crossbreeds of all of the above who may or may not be evil. Since the hero Roland who is a Paladin that was turned vamp and is dead as far as the rest of his former brethren know, he's outside of the main brotherhood so there's not much male bonding or insight into the relationships and regular workings of the Paladin brotherhood yet. And actually the few views of the Paladins en masse is not wholly favorable as the heroine Karissa is a hot commodity - since she's a rare female of the bloodline - and all the Paladins want to claim her for their own.
But Karissa who initially fears Roland - she's been taught vampire is synonymous with evil - finds herself inexplicably drawn to Roland and Roland feels the draw as well. Soul mates are the meat and potatoes of PNR but I didn't mind it here since while there's a soul mate thing going on, it's not one of those immediate ones - both characters hold out for a bit, Roland a tad longer because he believes that he has no soul with which to bond. While I liked the romance here, I suspect that future ones will be even better since Karissa is a bit damsel-in-distressy. But I am intrigued by the rest of the cast, there are lots of interesting side characters - I liked the friend Logan who's stood by Roland all along, the dark knight brother Valin, and the little half vamp Gabrielle.
Bottom line is that I am a sucker for Paladins - loved Alexis Morgan's too - so I enjoyed Hillaire's first foray into her new world and look forward to seeing more of these nearly immortal warriors in action.
But Karissa who initially fears Roland - she's been taught vampire is synonymous with evil - finds herself inexplicably drawn to Roland and Roland feels the draw as well. Soul mates are the meat and potatoes of PNR but I didn't mind it here since while there's a soul mate thing going on, it's not one of those immediate ones - both characters hold out for a bit, Roland a tad longer because he believes that he has no soul with which to bond. While I liked the romance here, I suspect that future ones will be even better since Karissa is a bit damsel-in-distressy. But I am intrigued by the rest of the cast, there are lots of interesting side characters - I liked the friend Logan who's stood by Roland all along, the dark knight brother Valin, and the little half vamp Gabrielle.
Bottom line is that I am a sucker for Paladins - loved Alexis Morgan's too - so I enjoyed Hillaire's first foray into her new world and look forward to seeing more of these nearly immortal warriors in action.
February 6, 2012
My Review:
A+ spicy
Regardless of how it looks on here, I feel like I have reached my saturation point for paranormal books. The last few weeks, if it is a paranormal, I don't even give the book a second glance. But this book has been on my review list for a couple of months. I think that this book is a game changer for me. I am excited about paranormal again. No, let me rephrase that, I am excited for this author's paranormal series!! OMG, this book was so freaking good. So GOOD! I loved the world! I loved the characters! I loved everything about this book and cannot wait for the next in the series to come out.
This book is about Roland. He's a vampire who was once a Paladin (one of God's warriors.) His best friend is Logan, who was also a Paladin, and he was charged with killing Roland. Logan couldn't do that because he could see the good that was still in Roland, even when Roland himself couldn't see it. Karissa shows up on Logan's door needing help and being chased by all sorts of underworld baddies. He knows that Roland lives in a veritable fortress so he takes her to him for safekeeping. After his initial exasperation (because he has issues controlling his bloodlust,) Roland quickly realizes that Karissa is his mate, but she's a Paladin and he's a vampire...the two don't mix.
This is a fabulous book. Roland misses being a Paladin. He was changed into a vampire against his will and he basically lost all of his friends and family because of it. Men that he had always considered to be brothers were suddenly his enemy and wanted him dead. Now to find his mate when it's too late, seems just too cruel. As Karissa's mate, his number one goal is to protect her, even if it means protecting her from him.
She didn't need to read him to know what was going on in that head of his. He was scared to death. Torn between his desire to be with her and his fear of hurting her.
I loved this world of the Paladin it will be interesting to watch them grow. Already they are having to accept things that they've always considered impossibilities...like vampires can be good people. It will be interesting to see where Tes Hilaire goes next with the series. Logan, the Paladin who defied his father and his orders to save Roland; Valin, the enigmatic Paladin who lost his mate and unborn child when Roland was turned, but who shows an incredible protective streak for Gabriella, another vampire who isn't bad. I cannot wait!
A+ spicy
Regardless of how it looks on here, I feel like I have reached my saturation point for paranormal books. The last few weeks, if it is a paranormal, I don't even give the book a second glance. But this book has been on my review list for a couple of months. I think that this book is a game changer for me. I am excited about paranormal again. No, let me rephrase that, I am excited for this author's paranormal series!! OMG, this book was so freaking good. So GOOD! I loved the world! I loved the characters! I loved everything about this book and cannot wait for the next in the series to come out.
This book is about Roland. He's a vampire who was once a Paladin (one of God's warriors.) His best friend is Logan, who was also a Paladin, and he was charged with killing Roland. Logan couldn't do that because he could see the good that was still in Roland, even when Roland himself couldn't see it. Karissa shows up on Logan's door needing help and being chased by all sorts of underworld baddies. He knows that Roland lives in a veritable fortress so he takes her to him for safekeeping. After his initial exasperation (because he has issues controlling his bloodlust,) Roland quickly realizes that Karissa is his mate, but she's a Paladin and he's a vampire...the two don't mix.
This is a fabulous book. Roland misses being a Paladin. He was changed into a vampire against his will and he basically lost all of his friends and family because of it. Men that he had always considered to be brothers were suddenly his enemy and wanted him dead. Now to find his mate when it's too late, seems just too cruel. As Karissa's mate, his number one goal is to protect her, even if it means protecting her from him.
She didn't need to read him to know what was going on in that head of his. He was scared to death. Torn between his desire to be with her and his fear of hurting her.
I loved this world of the Paladin it will be interesting to watch them grow. Already they are having to accept things that they've always considered impossibilities...like vampires can be good people. It will be interesting to see where Tes Hilaire goes next with the series. Logan, the Paladin who defied his father and his orders to save Roland; Valin, the enigmatic Paladin who lost his mate and unborn child when Roland was turned, but who shows an incredible protective streak for Gabriella, another vampire who isn't bad. I cannot wait!
February 2, 2012
3.5 stars
Roland is our hero. Poor guy had some messed up stuff happen 94 years ago that resulted in his transformation from one of God's chosen Paladins into a vampire. Thanks to Logan, his best friend and 'brother' Paladin, Roland overcomes his vampire cravings for blood and lust but still feels that because of his transformation he is soulless.
Karissa Donovan is on the run. After a few close calls she finds herself under the protection of Roland. They both feel there is a connection, but Roland doesn't understand how they can be soul mates if he no longer possesses a soul.
I did like this book. The beginning was a little slow, but like any series starter time was needed to build up the new world the author has created. The reason for 3.5 stars comes simply down to a plot that I feel I've read too many times before. The tortured hero, the clueless/reluctant heroine, the destined soul mates that just can't seem to figure it out. At times I was more interested in what was going on with the supporting characters rather than Roland and Karissa. Because of my curiosity of the supporting characters I am anxious to read the second in the series. Thanks to the strong foundation laid out in Deliver Me from Darkness I have a feeling that this will turn into a wonderful series :)
Roland is our hero. Poor guy had some messed up stuff happen 94 years ago that resulted in his transformation from one of God's chosen Paladins into a vampire. Thanks to Logan, his best friend and 'brother' Paladin, Roland overcomes his vampire cravings for blood and lust but still feels that because of his transformation he is soulless.
Karissa Donovan is on the run. After a few close calls she finds herself under the protection of Roland. They both feel there is a connection, but Roland doesn't understand how they can be soul mates if he no longer possesses a soul.
I did like this book. The beginning was a little slow, but like any series starter time was needed to build up the new world the author has created. The reason for 3.5 stars comes simply down to a plot that I feel I've read too many times before. The tortured hero, the clueless/reluctant heroine, the destined soul mates that just can't seem to figure it out. At times I was more interested in what was going on with the supporting characters rather than Roland and Karissa. Because of my curiosity of the supporting characters I am anxious to read the second in the series. Thanks to the strong foundation laid out in Deliver Me from Darkness I have a feeling that this will turn into a wonderful series :)
May 10, 2012
Hmmm...
I enjoyed this book in the beginning I was like ok, I'm liking this then I hit 12% and the origins of the Paladins started coming out, suddenly I was thrown into the story and I couldn't put it down until the end!
I think it was the world itself that drew me in and not necessarily Roland and Karissa. Broody tortured male and innocent female is a tried and tested formula that works for a lot of people but I need a little more and Tes provided that with her intensely captivating secondary characters and intriguing world. Not everything is black and white, good or evil, there are many shades in between and I'm looking forward to exploring them as the series progresses. I don't need to be a seer to predict a promising future for the series - it's one for my keeper shelf!
I'm torn between 4 & 4.5 Stars for this one!
The last 88% I read in 85 mins...
I enjoyed this book in the beginning I was like ok, I'm liking this then I hit 12% and the origins of the Paladins started coming out, suddenly I was thrown into the story and I couldn't put it down until the end!
I think it was the world itself that drew me in and not necessarily Roland and Karissa. Broody tortured male and innocent female is a tried and tested formula that works for a lot of people but I need a little more and Tes provided that with her intensely captivating secondary characters and intriguing world. Not everything is black and white, good or evil, there are many shades in between and I'm looking forward to exploring them as the series progresses. I don't need to be a seer to predict a promising future for the series - it's one for my keeper shelf!
I'm torn between 4 & 4.5 Stars for this one!
The last 88% I read in 85 mins...
July 26, 2016
This is a story of hope and redemption not just a paranormal romance spliced with adventure and mystery. The book caught my interest with the blurb and was overall a good read.
A Paladin warrior, Roland, descended from angel born and bred to fight the evil of this world in one moment of weakness is transformed into a vampire which now makes him one of the dreaded resident evils. The Paladins continue to fight, but their numbers are decreasing and their powers are weakening with each new generation because they lack one thing-Palladin females. The story begins when out of the night a woman stumbles onto a Palladin's, Logan Calhoun, doorstep and with his offer to protect her, he learns that by hiding her with Roland, they are protecting a Palladin female. Karissa has gifts and a mysterious past, but when her only living relation turns up slaughtered by vampires, she follows his wish that she seek out Logan Calhoun. Logan leaves her with a vampire for protection and that terrifies her, but that is no more terrifying than the fact that she is attracted to him. But then she learns her mistake in not trusting Roland with the safety he offers and that's when the story really gets exciting.
Slowly the plot gets going shifting between Roland, Karissa, and other secondary character's perspective.
This is one of those stories where the second half of the book is worth the set up in the first half. There was action in the first half, but nothing like finally getting down to it in the second half. It was like peeling back layer after layer with more mysteries revealed and solved. I loved it because I hate predicting a story plot.
The characters were not all two dimensional white hat wearing good guys and black hat wearing bad guys and more than just the hero and heroine are pivotal in the story.
I must confess that I was not very fond of Karissa, the heroine. To be fair, bad things happened to her and she wasn't getting many straight answers, but- I was okay with her freak out of waking up in the home of a vampire when she did not understand how she got there, but after he proved time and again that he wasn't going to hurt her or drink her she decides to trash his home. I found it peevish and childish. Then the second hang up was the 'stupid heroine' thing. Roland and Logan both prove that she is safe in Roland's home. But because Roland kisses her, she wants to race off and ditch his protection. She rejects and hurts him over and over again because he is vampire, but then does a 180 after he rescues her for the third time. Later on, I was okay with her, but I couldn't love her. Now Roland, Logan, Gabriella, and even Valin, I thought they were great even when I wasn't sure what they were up to.
The grand finale was a boomer with some I saw coming and some a surprise. Naturally there are some tantalizing threads left dangling for book two which I will be glad to read. Wonderful start to a new paranormal world!
A Paladin warrior, Roland, descended from angel born and bred to fight the evil of this world in one moment of weakness is transformed into a vampire which now makes him one of the dreaded resident evils. The Paladins continue to fight, but their numbers are decreasing and their powers are weakening with each new generation because they lack one thing-Palladin females. The story begins when out of the night a woman stumbles onto a Palladin's, Logan Calhoun, doorstep and with his offer to protect her, he learns that by hiding her with Roland, they are protecting a Palladin female. Karissa has gifts and a mysterious past, but when her only living relation turns up slaughtered by vampires, she follows his wish that she seek out Logan Calhoun. Logan leaves her with a vampire for protection and that terrifies her, but that is no more terrifying than the fact that she is attracted to him. But then she learns her mistake in not trusting Roland with the safety he offers and that's when the story really gets exciting.
Slowly the plot gets going shifting between Roland, Karissa, and other secondary character's perspective.
This is one of those stories where the second half of the book is worth the set up in the first half. There was action in the first half, but nothing like finally getting down to it in the second half. It was like peeling back layer after layer with more mysteries revealed and solved. I loved it because I hate predicting a story plot.
The characters were not all two dimensional white hat wearing good guys and black hat wearing bad guys and more than just the hero and heroine are pivotal in the story.
I must confess that I was not very fond of Karissa, the heroine. To be fair, bad things happened to her and she wasn't getting many straight answers, but- I was okay with her freak out of waking up in the home of a vampire when she did not understand how she got there, but after he proved time and again that he wasn't going to hurt her or drink her she decides to trash his home. I found it peevish and childish. Then the second hang up was the 'stupid heroine' thing. Roland and Logan both prove that she is safe in Roland's home. But because Roland kisses her, she wants to race off and ditch his protection. She rejects and hurts him over and over again because he is vampire, but then does a 180 after he rescues her for the third time. Later on, I was okay with her, but I couldn't love her. Now Roland, Logan, Gabriella, and even Valin, I thought they were great even when I wasn't sure what they were up to.
The grand finale was a boomer with some I saw coming and some a surprise. Naturally there are some tantalizing threads left dangling for book two which I will be glad to read. Wonderful start to a new paranormal world!
August 31, 2016
It has been a long time since I've encountered such a well balanced Paranormal Romance that introduces a new mythology, a new couple, and what looks to be a very promising series without a hitch. Hilaire's effort particularly shines compared to some recent disappointing DNF experiences, she has created her own variation of vampires, angelic-warriors, and demons without tripping over mythology, cliche, or clunky writing.
Roland's past and the Paladin culture brought to mind Meljean Brook's Guardian series in the best possible way. There is a strong presence of God as the Generalissimo of the Paladins. Their society has become hidebound and stagnant and Generalissimo appears to be shaking things up. Despite the heartbreaking circumstances of Gabriella's existence (trapped in a 14-year-old body by her mother's betrayal), she has distinct appeal as a future heroine.
At a time when many established Paranormal Romance series seem to be imploding under their conceit (i.e. - trying to stretch a world and mythology to the 10th, 14th, bazillionth installment), Hilaire has started a series that is intriguing, well-written, and oh so welcome.
Full review to follow.
Sexual Content: Sex scenes.
Roland's past and the Paladin culture brought to mind Meljean Brook's Guardian series in the best possible way. There is a strong presence of God as the Generalissimo of the Paladins. Their society has become hidebound and stagnant and Generalissimo appears to be shaking things up. Despite the heartbreaking circumstances of Gabriella's existence (trapped in a 14-year-old body by her mother's betrayal), she has distinct appeal as a future heroine.
At a time when many established Paranormal Romance series seem to be imploding under their conceit (i.e. - trying to stretch a world and mythology to the 10th, 14th, bazillionth installment), Hilaire has started a series that is intriguing, well-written, and oh so welcome.
Full review to follow.
Sexual Content: Sex scenes.
March 1, 2012
Sexy immortal warriors, demons and vampires oh my! Tes Hilaire’s debut release in her new Paladin Warriors series delivers everything a paranormal romance fan is looking for! A tortured and brooding hero striving to live his life right and in peace, Roland will instantly capture your heart. Deliver Me from Darkness is sure to captivate readers with its heart-felt romance, good vs. evil action, suspicion and suspense. And I can’t forget about the secondary characters that will leave you craving for more, I instantly messaged Ms. Hilaire asking for details on book #2! A fabulous start and set up for the rest of the series that I am very much looking forward to.
See Lexy's full review of this title at Reading Between the Wines:
http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub...
See Lexy's full review of this title at Reading Between the Wines:
http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub...
September 9, 2012
I am definitely letting everyone know this is a great read!! My first book read by this author and I wasn't disappointed.I am eagerly waiting for the next book in this series. If you love Vampires...Demons...things of this sort then read this book!!! You like me will not be disappointed. Roland and Karissa the main characters have an interesting journey they travel in this book and although they don't understand there connection at first, come to embrace it full force. So take a chance if you haven't read anything from Tess Hilaire you will be hooked.
January 10, 2012
I received this book as an ARC and I am so glad I did! This book is amazing for several different reasons. I have read a lot of different takes on the 'vampire' story and although this isn't original, it was told in an incredible way that had me racing through the book to find out what would happen! I have a full review of why you should read this on my blog: http://www.thepararomanceclub.blogspo...
d-n-f
October 14, 2016So Karissa hates vampires. Roland is a vampire. And I'm supposed to believe they'll fall madly in love. Noooope. After she tries to stake him, set him on fire, and teleport him into the ether, this is not a relationship I'm ever gonna buy.
March 24, 2012
My string of luck with debut authors is still going strong and healthy with Tes Hilaire’s new book. A fallen angel and the first Paladin female in hundreds of years are the perfect combination to keep you immersed in the pages of this book.
Roland was once one of God’s warriors, a Paladin with brothers who fought by his side. But nearly a hundred years ago he gave in to the lure of dark vampiric power, a time he regrets now for the loss of his soul and because he also saw the destruction of his family at the same time. His life is orderly and clean, just the way he likes it, but all that order is about to be disrupted by one small but very fiery and passionate woman.
Having heard all her life that vampires are evil, Karissa is at first quite frightened by Roland and tries to escape his well-protected home when Logan, Roland’s best friend and the Paladin who rescued her, leaves her alone with the vampire. Even when the creature leaves her be to sleep the day away, she tears his place apart trying to find a way out, all to no avail.
Though they come to a truce of sorts, Karissa opts to leave with Logan when he returns, knowing the man will protect her at all costs, just as her grandfather always told her. But Logan’s good intentions go awry when every Paladin male wants to mark Karissa as his own – there’s a huge deficit in the ratio of women to men in the bloodline and Karissa is seen as the chance to save them all. But even Logan’s family has secrets, as he discovers when he tries to mark Karissa to save her from the wave of Paladins headed her way.
Roland has been able to break the bond with his maker, Christos, but that vampire is now in cahoots with two other powerful and evil lords, with a plan in mind once they get their hands on Karissa and her blood. Roland failed to protect those he loved once before, he’s not about to let it happen again. Working once more with Valin, a brother with dark shifting powers and who prods Roland every chance he gets, they finally locate Karissa through her mating bond with Roland. But are they too late? Will Roland have to face his fear of failure again?
This is a story of good vs. evil, the choice made and lived with for that person, and there are several who have to face the music. Roland is more than the sum of his parts, as his former brothers discover. Even as Karissa discovers. As he himself discovers. At first he tries to push Karissa away, knowing she’s his mate, but he feels he’s not good enough for her, too dark for her light. When she realizes what she is to him, she wants all that it entails and she goes for it, pushing him to confront his feelings and her. He doesn’t want to hurt her or live without her, so he tries to keep his bloodlust and heart at bay. Doesn’t work. When they come together he’s as gentle as can be, despite his body and his darkness wanting more NOW. The other Paladins are just as honorable and sexy in their own way. I look forward to both Logan’s and Valin’s stories.
What a terrific start Ms. Hilaire has given readers at the beginning of her new series. If you’re into vampires, demons, and other otherworldly creatures, if you like your action fast and furious, if you want a hero to die for and a heroine he’ll die for, I think you should start here. This book and this series has it all.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
Roland was once one of God’s warriors, a Paladin with brothers who fought by his side. But nearly a hundred years ago he gave in to the lure of dark vampiric power, a time he regrets now for the loss of his soul and because he also saw the destruction of his family at the same time. His life is orderly and clean, just the way he likes it, but all that order is about to be disrupted by one small but very fiery and passionate woman.
Having heard all her life that vampires are evil, Karissa is at first quite frightened by Roland and tries to escape his well-protected home when Logan, Roland’s best friend and the Paladin who rescued her, leaves her alone with the vampire. Even when the creature leaves her be to sleep the day away, she tears his place apart trying to find a way out, all to no avail.
Though they come to a truce of sorts, Karissa opts to leave with Logan when he returns, knowing the man will protect her at all costs, just as her grandfather always told her. But Logan’s good intentions go awry when every Paladin male wants to mark Karissa as his own – there’s a huge deficit in the ratio of women to men in the bloodline and Karissa is seen as the chance to save them all. But even Logan’s family has secrets, as he discovers when he tries to mark Karissa to save her from the wave of Paladins headed her way.
Roland has been able to break the bond with his maker, Christos, but that vampire is now in cahoots with two other powerful and evil lords, with a plan in mind once they get their hands on Karissa and her blood. Roland failed to protect those he loved once before, he’s not about to let it happen again. Working once more with Valin, a brother with dark shifting powers and who prods Roland every chance he gets, they finally locate Karissa through her mating bond with Roland. But are they too late? Will Roland have to face his fear of failure again?
This is a story of good vs. evil, the choice made and lived with for that person, and there are several who have to face the music. Roland is more than the sum of his parts, as his former brothers discover. Even as Karissa discovers. As he himself discovers. At first he tries to push Karissa away, knowing she’s his mate, but he feels he’s not good enough for her, too dark for her light. When she realizes what she is to him, she wants all that it entails and she goes for it, pushing him to confront his feelings and her. He doesn’t want to hurt her or live without her, so he tries to keep his bloodlust and heart at bay. Doesn’t work. When they come together he’s as gentle as can be, despite his body and his darkness wanting more NOW. The other Paladins are just as honorable and sexy in their own way. I look forward to both Logan’s and Valin’s stories.
What a terrific start Ms. Hilaire has given readers at the beginning of her new series. If you’re into vampires, demons, and other otherworldly creatures, if you like your action fast and furious, if you want a hero to die for and a heroine he’ll die for, I think you should start here. This book and this series has it all.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
February 15, 2012
Since the night he was forcefully turned into the very thing his fellow Paladin's hunt, Roland spends each day fighting the bloodlust that threatens to consume him. Unlike most other vampires, Roland has no desire to hurt the innocent and wonders what his best friend Logan is thinking by bringing a scared woman into his home. But Roland soon learns there's more to the beautiful Karissa than her torn clothes and vampire hating attitude.
Karissa was told that if anything terrible happens, she could trust Logan but she isn't sure she can believe that after he takes her to the home of a vampire. Her mind says that she should hate Roland for what he is but her body as has a different reaction and when she learns she's the prize the Paladins and vampires are after, Karissa's only hope may be the man that both terrifies and excites her.
Roland, once a Paladin, was lured into a situation with vampires that resulted in death and his turning. After being abandoned and even hunted by the men he considered his brothers, Roland now lives a solitary life and Karissa is a temporary disruption in his routine. Karissa is the first female Paladin in decades and after her existence is revealed, she is wanted by the Paladin's for mating purposes and vampires for even darker reasons. At first she despises Roland for what he is because vampires just killed what she thought was the last of her family. I wasn't all that blown away by Roland or Karissa. Roland's the tortured hero I've read dozens of times before and Karissa is a stubborn heroine with a cool power but that's about it and I wasn't all that thrilled with how her character ends up. It all happens quickly and her reaction didn't feel right.
Part of what kept me going in this book was the Paladins. Yes, they are God's chosen warriors but they receive no points for being good when it came to Karissa. They were ready to keep her locked away and mate bond her without ever asking if that's what she wanted. I don't agree with forcing anything on Karissa but this added a twist that made them less righteous and more interesting. No new was ground broken with the vampire characters but there were a few cool demons and not to mention the king of darkness himself, Lucifer, makes an appearance and you get a peek at plans involving Karissa and the destruction of the Paladins.
I have mixed feelings about Deliver Me From Darkness. I didn't really care for Karissa and Roland and while there was a lot happening action wise, it didn't always lead anywhere. What I did like, aside from a few cool demons, was the supporting cast. Logan, Roland's best friend, doesn't see everything in black and white like so many other Paladins. He's sort of a rebel in his own way and who doesn't like a rebel? Valin is also a Paladin and seems to be toeing the line between good and bad. You can see something developing between him and Gabrielle, a vampire who doesn't want to hurt anyone. I'm not sure if I'll read book 2 in this series but there's a good chance I'd come back for more if it was Valin and Gabrielle's story. I couldn't decide between giving this a rating of 2.5 or 3 but after thinking about how much I enjoyed Logan, Valin and Gabriella, I decided to go with the higher rating.
- Stephanie
Karissa was told that if anything terrible happens, she could trust Logan but she isn't sure she can believe that after he takes her to the home of a vampire. Her mind says that she should hate Roland for what he is but her body as has a different reaction and when she learns she's the prize the Paladins and vampires are after, Karissa's only hope may be the man that both terrifies and excites her.
Roland, once a Paladin, was lured into a situation with vampires that resulted in death and his turning. After being abandoned and even hunted by the men he considered his brothers, Roland now lives a solitary life and Karissa is a temporary disruption in his routine. Karissa is the first female Paladin in decades and after her existence is revealed, she is wanted by the Paladin's for mating purposes and vampires for even darker reasons. At first she despises Roland for what he is because vampires just killed what she thought was the last of her family. I wasn't all that blown away by Roland or Karissa. Roland's the tortured hero I've read dozens of times before and Karissa is a stubborn heroine with a cool power but that's about it and I wasn't all that thrilled with how her character ends up. It all happens quickly and her reaction didn't feel right.
Part of what kept me going in this book was the Paladins. Yes, they are God's chosen warriors but they receive no points for being good when it came to Karissa. They were ready to keep her locked away and mate bond her without ever asking if that's what she wanted. I don't agree with forcing anything on Karissa but this added a twist that made them less righteous and more interesting. No new was ground broken with the vampire characters but there were a few cool demons and not to mention the king of darkness himself, Lucifer, makes an appearance and you get a peek at plans involving Karissa and the destruction of the Paladins.
I have mixed feelings about Deliver Me From Darkness. I didn't really care for Karissa and Roland and while there was a lot happening action wise, it didn't always lead anywhere. What I did like, aside from a few cool demons, was the supporting cast. Logan, Roland's best friend, doesn't see everything in black and white like so many other Paladins. He's sort of a rebel in his own way and who doesn't like a rebel? Valin is also a Paladin and seems to be toeing the line between good and bad. You can see something developing between him and Gabrielle, a vampire who doesn't want to hurt anyone. I'm not sure if I'll read book 2 in this series but there's a good chance I'd come back for more if it was Valin and Gabrielle's story. I couldn't decide between giving this a rating of 2.5 or 3 but after thinking about how much I enjoyed Logan, Valin and Gabriella, I decided to go with the higher rating.
- Stephanie
January 31, 2012
Deliver me from Darkness by Tes Hilaire is the first novel in the Paladin Warriors Series. This author was new to me, but her debut novel blew me away, it’s a fabulous mix of paranormal and romance. It has one determined kick-ass heroine, a tender but dangerous vampire hero and many other fabulous characters I would love to read more about.
Karissa just lost her last family member; well that’s what she believes and she is on the run for her grandfather’s killers. She turns to Calhoun for help, she doesn’t know him but his name was the last thing her grandfather said to her. But Calhoun cannot protect her against her enemies by himself, so he takes her to his best friend Roland.
Roland, a former Paladin warrior was changed into a vampire nine decades ago. The Paladin council ordered his death but his best friend and former partner Calhoun couldn’t do it and helped him disappear. Now his friend shows up on his doorstep with what it seems the last unknown female Paladin and Roland knows he is in trouble.
The relationship between Karissa and Roland starts off with a lot of bumps. Karissa knows about the supernatural but actually meeting a vampire who fights on the good side is something new, so she doesn’t really trust him. Then the whole story about Paladin warriors, who are descendants of angels fighting against fallen angels and Lucifer is another thing she has trouble to believe. But she cannot deny her own abilities and her attraction towards Roland, because at the end he is the only living being she trust completely.
I really have to congratulate Miss Tes Hilaire with her debut novel in this series. The concept of the storyline about Paladin warriors fighting evil is well known, but she created her own world with some fabulous characters. I was drawn into this story from the beginning and wanted to be part of it.
I cannot wait to get my hands on the next novel because there are some Paladin warriors I would love to read more about and I’m really curious to find out who it will be.
Karissa just lost her last family member; well that’s what she believes and she is on the run for her grandfather’s killers. She turns to Calhoun for help, she doesn’t know him but his name was the last thing her grandfather said to her. But Calhoun cannot protect her against her enemies by himself, so he takes her to his best friend Roland.
Roland, a former Paladin warrior was changed into a vampire nine decades ago. The Paladin council ordered his death but his best friend and former partner Calhoun couldn’t do it and helped him disappear. Now his friend shows up on his doorstep with what it seems the last unknown female Paladin and Roland knows he is in trouble.
The relationship between Karissa and Roland starts off with a lot of bumps. Karissa knows about the supernatural but actually meeting a vampire who fights on the good side is something new, so she doesn’t really trust him. Then the whole story about Paladin warriors, who are descendants of angels fighting against fallen angels and Lucifer is another thing she has trouble to believe. But she cannot deny her own abilities and her attraction towards Roland, because at the end he is the only living being she trust completely.
I really have to congratulate Miss Tes Hilaire with her debut novel in this series. The concept of the storyline about Paladin warriors fighting evil is well known, but she created her own world with some fabulous characters. I was drawn into this story from the beginning and wanted to be part of it.
I cannot wait to get my hands on the next novel because there are some Paladin warriors I would love to read more about and I’m really curious to find out who it will be.
January 10, 2012
Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.blogsp...
Roland has fallen about as far as angel can; he’s now a vampire. He’s still a Paladin Warrior, but they will have nothing to do with him. In fact, they’d be willing to kill him. But they have something he wants…
Ms. Hilaire has written a fast paced story about good and evil and the gray parts in between. All her characters are strong in mind and body, and she makes the love interest very real and very challenging. I especially liked the fact that while the Paladins could not interact with Roland because he was fallen, he still had friends who helped him when times got tough. We all need friends like that.
Roland is happy living in the safety of his home and avoiding the sun. He works hard on containing his blood lust. Then his Paladin buddy shows up with a woman he wants him to protect. Roland wants no part of it. He also finds that he’s very attracted to her and he can’t be. No one wants someone like him. Especially not the last Paladin woman…
You get the devil, vampires, merkers and more on the bad side. You have the Paladins and one fallen angel on the other side. Karissa turns into the prize the two sides are fighting over. The battle is ugly. When the author throws in a few secrets on the Paladin side and it gets even more interesting. Ms. Hilaire makes her words dance as she weaves a great fantasy tale that is a real pleasure to read.
Another fascinating point in the story is that there was a prophecy made long ago that Karissa is part of. Of course, no one has interpreted the prophecy correctly.
I was pleased when the end of the book sets up the scene for the next Paladin adventure. I’m already looking forward to that! I’m also adding this book to my permanent library; it’s that good.
Roland has fallen about as far as angel can; he’s now a vampire. He’s still a Paladin Warrior, but they will have nothing to do with him. In fact, they’d be willing to kill him. But they have something he wants…
Ms. Hilaire has written a fast paced story about good and evil and the gray parts in between. All her characters are strong in mind and body, and she makes the love interest very real and very challenging. I especially liked the fact that while the Paladins could not interact with Roland because he was fallen, he still had friends who helped him when times got tough. We all need friends like that.
Roland is happy living in the safety of his home and avoiding the sun. He works hard on containing his blood lust. Then his Paladin buddy shows up with a woman he wants him to protect. Roland wants no part of it. He also finds that he’s very attracted to her and he can’t be. No one wants someone like him. Especially not the last Paladin woman…
You get the devil, vampires, merkers and more on the bad side. You have the Paladins and one fallen angel on the other side. Karissa turns into the prize the two sides are fighting over. The battle is ugly. When the author throws in a few secrets on the Paladin side and it gets even more interesting. Ms. Hilaire makes her words dance as she weaves a great fantasy tale that is a real pleasure to read.
Another fascinating point in the story is that there was a prophecy made long ago that Karissa is part of. Of course, no one has interpreted the prophecy correctly.
I was pleased when the end of the book sets up the scene for the next Paladin adventure. I’m already looking forward to that! I’m also adding this book to my permanent library; it’s that good.
March 19, 2012
Deliver Me From Darkness is definitely a book that is easy to fall in love with ♥
First of all, I need to talk about Roland. He is one Dark, provocative Hero with a tortured past that will make your heart ache for him. He once was a Paladin *warrior for God* who was unwillingly turned into a vampire. Now, he feels he is tainted and without a soul.
Karissa finds herself in trouble after her grandfather is killed. She is being hunted by creatures of the night, although she doesn't know why. She calls upon the one person her grandfather told her to contact if anything ever happened to him. Logan asks his friend Roland for help to protect her and a safe place for her to stay. Although she is terrified of Roland and what he is, she also can't deny the connection she feels to him. And when she finally listens to the voice of reason in her head, she realizes that Roland will keep her safe...or die trying.
The world building is done beautifully! Karissa is pulled into a whole new world with paladins, vampires and demons. The story was full of action and many tense moments. I was completely hooked. I loved the characters. I even found that some of them weren't as bad as I suspected they might be ;) The romance was spicy hot! It wasn't the complete focus of the story and I thought that was refreshing. But, what was there was very passionate and seductive ♥ I loved that Roland and Karissa found their own and that they would both fight for what was theirs.
I'm so excited for another installment in this series! Their are some other Paladin warriors I would love to get to know better. I think that there are other tortured hero's waiting to find their soul mates. I can't wait to see who's next!!!
Reviewer for WereVampsRomance. http://werevampsromance.blogspot.com/
First of all, I need to talk about Roland. He is one Dark, provocative Hero with a tortured past that will make your heart ache for him. He once was a Paladin *warrior for God* who was unwillingly turned into a vampire. Now, he feels he is tainted and without a soul.
Karissa finds herself in trouble after her grandfather is killed. She is being hunted by creatures of the night, although she doesn't know why. She calls upon the one person her grandfather told her to contact if anything ever happened to him. Logan asks his friend Roland for help to protect her and a safe place for her to stay. Although she is terrified of Roland and what he is, she also can't deny the connection she feels to him. And when she finally listens to the voice of reason in her head, she realizes that Roland will keep her safe...or die trying.
The world building is done beautifully! Karissa is pulled into a whole new world with paladins, vampires and demons. The story was full of action and many tense moments. I was completely hooked. I loved the characters. I even found that some of them weren't as bad as I suspected they might be ;) The romance was spicy hot! It wasn't the complete focus of the story and I thought that was refreshing. But, what was there was very passionate and seductive ♥ I loved that Roland and Karissa found their own and that they would both fight for what was theirs.
I'm so excited for another installment in this series! Their are some other Paladin warriors I would love to get to know better. I think that there are other tortured hero's waiting to find their soul mates. I can't wait to see who's next!!!
Reviewer for WereVampsRomance. http://werevampsromance.blogspot.com/
July 27, 2014
A different (read this as being good)take on the tired Vampire/demon/other paranormal sub-genre but one that could have been executed a bit better. At the half way mark I was still a bit confused what a Paladin was and what they could do. It seems that each of them have unique gifts but why one would have the gift of vampire frying God's grace (aka: High voltage Holy Light) and another would have the ability to become shadowy mist is still beyond my comprehension.
In addition to my confusion the idea of a 24 year old virgin heroine grates on my nerves. Yes it is possible yet the reasoning behind it was never explained. No she wasn't F'ugly. No she didn't HeeHaw when she laughed. She wasn't Queen of the Looney Bin either. Yet in this day and age this attractive, single, intelligent woman was mysteriously still a virgin (which the hero could smell by the way....TANGENT UP AHEAD~~~~does anyone else find it a bit yucky that the hero could smell her hymen?~~TANGENT OVER). Karissa not only was a virgin but she went from hating and being scared of our hero, Roland (who spoke terms of endearments in French for no apparent reason other than all vampires should speak French...thank you for that BS Ann Rice), to the Newest Member of Slutsville in a millisecond (or less). Her remarkable attitude adjustment from hatred and fear to acceptance of Roland being her mate was jarring and left me wondering how in the world it happened.
Now for the good stuff....The last 1/3 of the book was pretty awesome. Epic battles between good and evil. Tough decisions were made by several people. The lines were blurred a bit between good and evil. Not to mention some characters separated themselves from the backdrop to become intriguing and totally piqued my interest to where I will totally go on to read books 2 and 3 even though the first 2/3s of the book could have been better.
In addition to my confusion the idea of a 24 year old virgin heroine grates on my nerves. Yes it is possible yet the reasoning behind it was never explained. No she wasn't F'ugly. No she didn't HeeHaw when she laughed. She wasn't Queen of the Looney Bin either. Yet in this day and age this attractive, single, intelligent woman was mysteriously still a virgin (which the hero could smell by the way....TANGENT UP AHEAD~~~~does anyone else find it a bit yucky that the hero could smell her hymen?~~TANGENT OVER). Karissa not only was a virgin but she went from hating and being scared of our hero, Roland (who spoke terms of endearments in French for no apparent reason other than all vampires should speak French...thank you for that BS Ann Rice), to the Newest Member of Slutsville in a millisecond (or less). Her remarkable attitude adjustment from hatred and fear to acceptance of Roland being her mate was jarring and left me wondering how in the world it happened.
Now for the good stuff....The last 1/3 of the book was pretty awesome. Epic battles between good and evil. Tough decisions were made by several people. The lines were blurred a bit between good and evil. Not to mention some characters separated themselves from the backdrop to become intriguing and totally piqued my interest to where I will totally go on to read books 2 and 3 even though the first 2/3s of the book could have been better.
January 30, 2012
I read this book in no time too, the pages just kind of flew by. There was passion, there was drama and there was this ease over it all which I appreciated.
Roland then, he is your good guy, who is sadly bad, but does not want to be. While Karissa is your good girl, running from the baddies. And one of Roland's old buddies brings her around to keep her safe. Which she does not like, considering Roland is bad and all. They are meant to be and nothing can stop that.
I needed a bit of fated love where the man goes all mine! Where they are totally wrong but that pull of true love gets them together. Where things might be rushed, but hey, it's love. And here I liked it.
There was something light over the language here which worked well in this rather dark world. The Paladins, the good guys, do not seem that good when all comes down to it. And the bad guys, well they are evil. There were side-characters too around and I hope Logan finds love, I would like to see more of a certain vamp girl, and a certain paladin grew on me. I'd read more of this light yet so dark paranormal romance.
It's a promising start to a new series. True love, evil vampires out to get you and secrets will keep you entertained.
Roland then, he is your good guy, who is sadly bad, but does not want to be. While Karissa is your good girl, running from the baddies. And one of Roland's old buddies brings her around to keep her safe. Which she does not like, considering Roland is bad and all. They are meant to be and nothing can stop that.
I needed a bit of fated love where the man goes all mine! Where they are totally wrong but that pull of true love gets them together. Where things might be rushed, but hey, it's love. And here I liked it.
There was something light over the language here which worked well in this rather dark world. The Paladins, the good guys, do not seem that good when all comes down to it. And the bad guys, well they are evil. There were side-characters too around and I hope Logan finds love, I would like to see more of a certain vamp girl, and a certain paladin grew on me. I'd read more of this light yet so dark paranormal romance.
It's a promising start to a new series. True love, evil vampires out to get you and secrets will keep you entertained.
June 14, 2012
I just want to start off by saying that it was truly a pleasure to read this book!!! Deliver Me From Darkness pulled me under with the very first paragraph:
Shouldn't have opened the door.
Roland instinctively knew the fragile-looking
burden draped over Calhoun's arms was going to wreak
all kinds of havoc on his well ordered life.
From this point on I was hooked and I devoured this book. I actually tried to read slower because I didn't want it to end!! LOL I LOVED everything about it from Roland and Karissa to the great set of secondary characters and can't wait to see what Tes Hilaire has in store for them, especially Logan, Valin and Gabriella.
I thought that Tes did an excellent job with this first book of the series and I 'm looking forward to seeing how the story progresses with the next book.
With Deliver Me From Darkness, Tes Hilaire has gained a new fan and I have another favored author. This was just a great read and has a place in my keeper pile. This is a definite reread for me!! 5 out of 5 rating. :) Awesome cover!!
Paperback copy won from Kaki Warner's blog and was provided by Tes Hilaire. Thank you so much ladies!!!
Shouldn't have opened the door.
Roland instinctively knew the fragile-looking
burden draped over Calhoun's arms was going to wreak
all kinds of havoc on his well ordered life.
From this point on I was hooked and I devoured this book. I actually tried to read slower because I didn't want it to end!! LOL I LOVED everything about it from Roland and Karissa to the great set of secondary characters and can't wait to see what Tes Hilaire has in store for them, especially Logan, Valin and Gabriella.
I thought that Tes did an excellent job with this first book of the series and I 'm looking forward to seeing how the story progresses with the next book.
With Deliver Me From Darkness, Tes Hilaire has gained a new fan and I have another favored author. This was just a great read and has a place in my keeper pile. This is a definite reread for me!! 5 out of 5 rating. :) Awesome cover!!
Paperback copy won from Kaki Warner's blog and was provided by Tes Hilaire. Thank you so much ladies!!!
July 29, 2016
Awesome Paranormal Romance story. Can I marry Roland? The characters are extremely likable, relatable, and enduring. Roland is hot, and tortured (just what we love). Karissa is fun, and sassy. The Author plays them well off each other. The Plot of the story builds well, and the pace holds you to this book. I love how the author was able to draw us into the world in which Roland lived. This over all was an original story I found myself falling in love with. I would recommend this book for any PNR lovers. -WereVampsRomance (A place to find new authors and win free books/ebooks)
September 14, 2014
3.75 stars.
Isn’t it nice when you pick up something on a whim and it surprises you? DELIVER ME from DARKNESS was a delightful surprise read. I enjoyed the characters, especially Roland, our disgraced Paladin warrior who was turned into a vampire against his will. Karissa, his love interest and mate, was a spunky fireball who kept him on his toes. The world-building kept me interested, and the dialogue moved the story along in an easy-to-read, flowing style.
DELIVER ME from DARKNESS is a nice addition to my PNR collection.
Isn’t it nice when you pick up something on a whim and it surprises you? DELIVER ME from DARKNESS was a delightful surprise read. I enjoyed the characters, especially Roland, our disgraced Paladin warrior who was turned into a vampire against his will. Karissa, his love interest and mate, was a spunky fireball who kept him on his toes. The world-building kept me interested, and the dialogue moved the story along in an easy-to-read, flowing style.
DELIVER ME from DARKNESS is a nice addition to my PNR collection.
April 9, 2012
First of a new series and wow I really enjoyed this one. Cant wait for the next book. Hopefully its about Logan.
January 24, 2012
Review to follow shortly.
May 16, 2012
This book is a great start to a new series. I LOVE it!! I will post a review soon.
January 7, 2021
To see this review and others, visit http://www.wholelatteromance.blogspot...
Author: Tes Hilaire
Published By: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publication Date: February 1, 2012
ISBN: 9781402264344
Blurb:
Roland once was a Paladin, a warrior gifted with special powers to protect mankind in its earliest days. For hundreds of years he fought alongside his kinsmen against underworld fiends until the unthinkable happened: he was turned by a vampire. Forsaken by his brothers and fighting new violent instincts, Roland believes his soul lost. But then his best friend Logan delivers a young woman for protection. She turns out to be a Lost Paladin -- and the only female Paladin left alive. She’s also Roland’s bond-mate.
Karissa Donovan knows the difference between good and evil, and the sexy-as-hell vampire holding her prisoner is certainly not good. Sure, he might not have sucked her dry—yet, but that doesn’t mean she trusts him. But circumstances force Karissa to put her life in Roland’s hands. With each new danger they face, and each subsequent sacrifice he makes for her, she realizes that the question was never a matter of her trusting him, but of convincing him to trust in the integrity of a soul that he’d never truly lost.
My Take:
I found this to be a fresh and interesting take on Vampires and "Angels" (The Paladins are no longer angels but they used to be) and as I love novels with darker themes and tortured hero’s this particular story was right up my alley. Thanks to Net Galley and Sourcebooks for allowing me the opportunity to review this novel.
I found Karissa and Roland to be a good match together, and you could feel the emotion on the page. Poor Karissa has had a lot to deal with and take in in a short period of time, but she handles it well, and while I’m not usually a fan of temper tantrums, I found the results of Karissa’s initial tantrum and being held hostage by someone who’s protecting her (though she doesn’t believe that) to be amusing. Roland knows Karissa is meant for him but he resists as much as he can knowing that for him, he found his mate too late having fallen from the graces of his old family through no fault of his own. He believes himself to be evil, but his actions prove the opposite and it takes Karissa to prove that to him.
Spoiler Alert: Read at your own risk.
Roland struggles with the need to save Karissa’s life because the only way to do so was to change her into a vampire against her knowledge and he doesn’t want to doom her to a life of darkness, but with encouragement from his “brothers” he does so, realizing they’re right and that he can’t let her die. I liked that he struggled with doing it without her permission, but what bothered me was Karissa’s lack of reaction to it. She just accepted it with no reaction really. To me it just read like, "Oh I woke up and now I’m a vampire. *shrug.* Okay, fine by me." I just wanted to see more to it, even if it was just her happiness at knowing that she gets to spend her life with her mate. I guess I felt this could have been an extremely emotional scene even with everything going on around them, and for me it was lacking.
Otherwise, I very much enjoyed the story and look forward to future books of the Paladin Warriors. It’s nice to read something with a different take on the paranormal stereotypes.
My Rating:
4.5/5 “Paladin” Lattes.
All My Best,
Kayla
Author: Tes Hilaire
Published By: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publication Date: February 1, 2012
ISBN: 9781402264344
Blurb:
Roland once was a Paladin, a warrior gifted with special powers to protect mankind in its earliest days. For hundreds of years he fought alongside his kinsmen against underworld fiends until the unthinkable happened: he was turned by a vampire. Forsaken by his brothers and fighting new violent instincts, Roland believes his soul lost. But then his best friend Logan delivers a young woman for protection. She turns out to be a Lost Paladin -- and the only female Paladin left alive. She’s also Roland’s bond-mate.
Karissa Donovan knows the difference between good and evil, and the sexy-as-hell vampire holding her prisoner is certainly not good. Sure, he might not have sucked her dry—yet, but that doesn’t mean she trusts him. But circumstances force Karissa to put her life in Roland’s hands. With each new danger they face, and each subsequent sacrifice he makes for her, she realizes that the question was never a matter of her trusting him, but of convincing him to trust in the integrity of a soul that he’d never truly lost.
My Take:
I found this to be a fresh and interesting take on Vampires and "Angels" (The Paladins are no longer angels but they used to be) and as I love novels with darker themes and tortured hero’s this particular story was right up my alley. Thanks to Net Galley and Sourcebooks for allowing me the opportunity to review this novel.
I found Karissa and Roland to be a good match together, and you could feel the emotion on the page. Poor Karissa has had a lot to deal with and take in in a short period of time, but she handles it well, and while I’m not usually a fan of temper tantrums, I found the results of Karissa’s initial tantrum and being held hostage by someone who’s protecting her (though she doesn’t believe that) to be amusing. Roland knows Karissa is meant for him but he resists as much as he can knowing that for him, he found his mate too late having fallen from the graces of his old family through no fault of his own. He believes himself to be evil, but his actions prove the opposite and it takes Karissa to prove that to him.
Spoiler Alert: Read at your own risk.
Roland struggles with the need to save Karissa’s life because the only way to do so was to change her into a vampire against her knowledge and he doesn’t want to doom her to a life of darkness, but with encouragement from his “brothers” he does so, realizing they’re right and that he can’t let her die. I liked that he struggled with doing it without her permission, but what bothered me was Karissa’s lack of reaction to it. She just accepted it with no reaction really. To me it just read like, "Oh I woke up and now I’m a vampire. *shrug.* Okay, fine by me." I just wanted to see more to it, even if it was just her happiness at knowing that she gets to spend her life with her mate. I guess I felt this could have been an extremely emotional scene even with everything going on around them, and for me it was lacking.
Otherwise, I very much enjoyed the story and look forward to future books of the Paladin Warriors. It’s nice to read something with a different take on the paranormal stereotypes.
My Rating:
4.5/5 “Paladin” Lattes.
All My Best,
Kayla
December 16, 2018
I'm going to have to give this book a measly 2 stars, because frankly... it was "meh" at best. I'll list the negatives:
- angsty vampire hero with clueless heroine, can't figure out their soul mate business
- heroine is wanted by everyone in the book because she's "special" for all kinds of reasons
- revelation of /why/ she's special comes as a sort of by-the-way at the end of the book
- heroine tries to murder hero multiple times and does many TSTL things
- other supposed heroes are absolute jackasses (let's ignore how they treat Roland, their treatment of Karissa was appalling)
- description of scenes are seriously lacking
- world building needs some more oomph
I enjoy angsty heroes quite a lot, but not with TSTL heroines and not with this much annoying stupidity surrounding them.
Another sign that this book was just meh: I had to stop in the middle on Thursday and was able to just leave it until Sunday. That's basically unheard of for me, lol.
- angsty vampire hero with clueless heroine, can't figure out their soul mate business
- heroine is wanted by everyone in the book because she's "special" for all kinds of reasons
- revelation of /why/ she's special comes as a sort of by-the-way at the end of the book
- heroine tries to murder hero multiple times and does many TSTL things
- other supposed heroes are absolute jackasses (let's ignore how they treat Roland, their treatment of Karissa was appalling)
- description of scenes are seriously lacking
- world building needs some more oomph
I enjoy angsty heroes quite a lot, but not with TSTL heroines and not with this much annoying stupidity surrounding them.
Another sign that this book was just meh: I had to stop in the middle on Thursday and was able to just leave it until Sunday. That's basically unheard of for me, lol.
May 7, 2012
~* 3.5 Stars *~
Shows Potential for the Series
When Roland opens the door for his best friend, Paladin Logan Calhoun, and sees the filthy bundle of unconscious young girl in his friend's arms, he can practically see his calm, orderly life blowing sky high before he's even closed the door behind them. When Calhoun dumps the girl on his pristine bed and begs him to take care of her for a few hours, Roland kicks himself for not closing the door in their face. And when she wakes up after Calhoun leaves and sets about touching or destroying everything she gets close to in her haste to flee from him or attack him without bothering to listen to him explain that she's safe, he's rethinking his pledge not to eat her.
But the former Paladin hasn't fed from an innocent for many long years, not since Calhoun spared his life when he was sent to kill him after Roland was made a vampire.
Now this waif-like ball of terror named Karissa Donovan is his responsibility and desperately needs his help, however much she begrudges and fears his existence. She is a miracle, though she doesn't know it. She is the last known female Paladin in the world, and as such, will be valued above all else among the dwindling number of Paladin warriors who would claim her.
For Roland, she is something else entirely. Through some twisted and cruel turn of fate, this sweet-smelling waif is his bond-mate. One he can never make his own, even as every cell in him cries out to do so. For although Roland could easily pledge his heart to the woman who is supposed to be his other half, the sad truth remains, as a vampire, he no longer has a soul to join with hers to complete the bond. And that's the damnable misery of it all.
~*~
I wasn't totally sold on this series debut from Hilaire. There were story elements and characters I liked, and I thought both the idea of the paranormal world and foundation of the mythos had a lot of promise. I didn't think there was much depth or content in the plot, though, nor was their really enough world building or definition in the characters. The evolution of the romance between Roland and Karissa was also a little odd for me.
Roland had a bit of a martyr complex that I didn't find all that appealing, and he could be a bit of a downer at times because of it. Still, he had good points, too, with his code of honor and his rigid discipline, and I liked him better than I did the inconsistent and oft-annoying Karissa. That little miss was so ruled by fear for the first half of the book, and such a brat about it as she threw tantrum after tantrum. Not to mention, she had a tendency to get herself into trouble by not listening to Roland, almost out of spite. There were times I wouldn't have minded at all had Roland actually eaten her.
Her inconsistency was a contributing factor in my lack of satisfaction in the romance plot line, though it's not the only one. I was a little disappointed that she clung to her fear and distrust of Roland until nearly the halfway mark of the book. It limited any significant romance evolution to the latter half, and when pared with the external plot conflict, there was too much going on around them for it to develop with much believable and organic depth of emotion.
A more detailed and expansive external plot conflict and more character definition for the Bad Guys would have elevated this book a bit for me, too. I wish the threads of Karissa's worth as a Paladin and her meeting with them had been developed a little differently. I think the Paladins are supposed to be the good guys in the series, and I can't say that in evidence during the meeting with Calhoun and Karissa. I didn't care for the Paladins at all, with the noted exception of one or two. Those exceptions, though, are part of the reason I want to see where this series goes next.
Calhoun didn't do much for me, but Valin and Alexander both interested me. And they weren't the only secondary characters who turned my head. The spunky and willful Gabriella was a great character and I want to see more of her. And the presence of all three impacted the latter half of the book quite nicely.
There were actually several things about the second half of the book that I enjoyed (beyond the romance getting its kick-start). The pacing of the book picked up and the more entertaining elements of the plot started to come together. The prophecy concerning Karissa was interesting, the action was top notch, and all the characters became more engaging as they worked together against the Bad Guys.
I can't say I was left with a big warm fuzzy at the end of the book. Yes, it ended on a high note for Roland and Karissa. That's hardly a surprise for a paranormal romance, and I liked their Happily Ever After moments. A few significant threats to the Paladins' continued existence are still hanging over their heads, though. Given how this book ended, I'm not sure exactly how the Paladins will face that crisis going forward. I'll be finding out, because while several aspects of this book weren't quite as pleasing to me as I had hoped, other parts - most notably a handful of secondary characters and the potential for their stories - has me interested in seeing how the series continues from here.
Disclosure: An ARC of this book was provided to me by Sourcebooks Casablanca publisher Sourcebooks via NetGalley. This rating, review, and all included thoughts and comments are my own.
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Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
Shows Potential for the Series
When Roland opens the door for his best friend, Paladin Logan Calhoun, and sees the filthy bundle of unconscious young girl in his friend's arms, he can practically see his calm, orderly life blowing sky high before he's even closed the door behind them. When Calhoun dumps the girl on his pristine bed and begs him to take care of her for a few hours, Roland kicks himself for not closing the door in their face. And when she wakes up after Calhoun leaves and sets about touching or destroying everything she gets close to in her haste to flee from him or attack him without bothering to listen to him explain that she's safe, he's rethinking his pledge not to eat her.
But the former Paladin hasn't fed from an innocent for many long years, not since Calhoun spared his life when he was sent to kill him after Roland was made a vampire.
Now this waif-like ball of terror named Karissa Donovan is his responsibility and desperately needs his help, however much she begrudges and fears his existence. She is a miracle, though she doesn't know it. She is the last known female Paladin in the world, and as such, will be valued above all else among the dwindling number of Paladin warriors who would claim her.
For Roland, she is something else entirely. Through some twisted and cruel turn of fate, this sweet-smelling waif is his bond-mate. One he can never make his own, even as every cell in him cries out to do so. For although Roland could easily pledge his heart to the woman who is supposed to be his other half, the sad truth remains, as a vampire, he no longer has a soul to join with hers to complete the bond. And that's the damnable misery of it all.
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I wasn't totally sold on this series debut from Hilaire. There were story elements and characters I liked, and I thought both the idea of the paranormal world and foundation of the mythos had a lot of promise. I didn't think there was much depth or content in the plot, though, nor was their really enough world building or definition in the characters. The evolution of the romance between Roland and Karissa was also a little odd for me.
Roland had a bit of a martyr complex that I didn't find all that appealing, and he could be a bit of a downer at times because of it. Still, he had good points, too, with his code of honor and his rigid discipline, and I liked him better than I did the inconsistent and oft-annoying Karissa. That little miss was so ruled by fear for the first half of the book, and such a brat about it as she threw tantrum after tantrum. Not to mention, she had a tendency to get herself into trouble by not listening to Roland, almost out of spite. There were times I wouldn't have minded at all had Roland actually eaten her.
Her inconsistency was a contributing factor in my lack of satisfaction in the romance plot line, though it's not the only one. I was a little disappointed that she clung to her fear and distrust of Roland until nearly the halfway mark of the book. It limited any significant romance evolution to the latter half, and when pared with the external plot conflict, there was too much going on around them for it to develop with much believable and organic depth of emotion.
A more detailed and expansive external plot conflict and more character definition for the Bad Guys would have elevated this book a bit for me, too. I wish the threads of Karissa's worth as a Paladin and her meeting with them had been developed a little differently. I think the Paladins are supposed to be the good guys in the series, and I can't say that in evidence during the meeting with Calhoun and Karissa. I didn't care for the Paladins at all, with the noted exception of one or two. Those exceptions, though, are part of the reason I want to see where this series goes next.
Calhoun didn't do much for me, but Valin and Alexander both interested me. And they weren't the only secondary characters who turned my head. The spunky and willful Gabriella was a great character and I want to see more of her. And the presence of all three impacted the latter half of the book quite nicely.
There were actually several things about the second half of the book that I enjoyed (beyond the romance getting its kick-start). The pacing of the book picked up and the more entertaining elements of the plot started to come together. The prophecy concerning Karissa was interesting, the action was top notch, and all the characters became more engaging as they worked together against the Bad Guys.
I can't say I was left with a big warm fuzzy at the end of the book. Yes, it ended on a high note for Roland and Karissa. That's hardly a surprise for a paranormal romance, and I liked their Happily Ever After moments. A few significant threats to the Paladins' continued existence are still hanging over their heads, though. Given how this book ended, I'm not sure exactly how the Paladins will face that crisis going forward. I'll be finding out, because while several aspects of this book weren't quite as pleasing to me as I had hoped, other parts - most notably a handful of secondary characters and the potential for their stories - has me interested in seeing how the series continues from here.
Disclosure: An ARC of this book was provided to me by Sourcebooks Casablanca publisher Sourcebooks via NetGalley. This rating, review, and all included thoughts and comments are my own.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
May 7, 2017
I enjoyed it, it has the potential to be a good series and I've marked the next two as 'to be read'.
November 14, 2021
Really loved it.
August 25, 2022
This is not a genre I ever read, but I knew the author many years ago and I respect her work.
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