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The Shadow Keepers #5
When Darkness Hungers
From J. Kenner, the New York Times bestselling author of Release Me and Claim Me, writing as J. K. BeckFBI agent Alexis Martin knows that vampires exist—because one of them killed her sister. Assigned to investigate a series of bizarre homicides in Los Angeles, Alexis believes the murders are the work of rogue vampires—perhaps even the monster responsible for her sister’s death. Now she finally has a chance for retribution. Even better, Alexis receives unexpected help from a sexy stranger as hungry for rogue blood as she is. Serge is a centuries-old bad boy who stays off the grid—keeping his secrets, his hunger, and his heart safe from exposure. A new breed of vampire that feeds off other shadowers, Serge finds sweet torture in Alexis’s arms. Loving her is a chance to be free from the hiding, the loneliness, the secrecy. But the truth about what he is, and what he’s done, may banish him to the dark confines of his own private hell—and destroy the beginnings of their This edition contains an excerpt from J. Kenner's Release Me.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
10 people are currently reading
1140 people want to read
About the author
J.K. Beck
11 books382 followersJulia A. Beck was born in Mountainview, California, USA on 1965. Her father was an aeronautical engineer, and her mother worked as a secretary. She grew up in Austin, Texas, where she attended Lyndon Baines Johnson High School, graduating as valedictorian of her class. She went on to the University of Texas, where she received a bachelor's degree in communications (radio-television-film). Afterward, she worked as a media specialist for a community college, before enrolling in Baylor Law School. Coincidently, her father was attending Baylor and earning his law degree at the same time. She graduated second in her class, and started to work as a lawyer.
She married with Donald "Don" Kenner, and when in 1995, she and her husband , moved from Los Angeles back to her hometown of Austin, she decided to try to focus some of her creative energy. She has always loved making up stories, particularly those with a happy ending, and romance writing was a perfect fit. Though her first manuscript will never see the light of day, her second sold to Harlequin Temptation after placing first in the Tampa Area Romance Authors' Contest. That novel, Nobody Does It Better, was published in February of 2000. Since that first sale, Julie continued writing and publishing, she quit the practice of law to write full time in 2004. She was the winner of Romantic Times' Reviewer's Choice Award for Best Contemporary Paranormal of 2001, the winner of the Reviewers International Organization's award for best romantic suspense of 2004 and best paranormal of 2005, and the winner of the National Readers' Choice Award for best mainstream book of 2005, and was also the two-time RITA finalist, both times for books about strong women. Her novel, Carpe Demon, is in development as a feature film with Warner Brothers and 1492 Pictures.
When she's not writing, she loves spending time with her husband, her two daughters, her cats and with the neighborhood cats who tend to hang around her house. She and her husband also love to travel—whether to small towns in the Texas hill country, or to more distant venues such as Ireland, London, or Paris. Julie's a movie buff, enjoying everything from the lightest romantic comedy to the most action-packed adventure! Julie loves to hear from readers, and you can write her at P.O. Box 151417, Austin, TX 78715-1417 (if you'd like free goodies, send a SASE), or send an e-mail to julie@juliekenner.com
She married with Donald "Don" Kenner, and when in 1995, she and her husband , moved from Los Angeles back to her hometown of Austin, she decided to try to focus some of her creative energy. She has always loved making up stories, particularly those with a happy ending, and romance writing was a perfect fit. Though her first manuscript will never see the light of day, her second sold to Harlequin Temptation after placing first in the Tampa Area Romance Authors' Contest. That novel, Nobody Does It Better, was published in February of 2000. Since that first sale, Julie continued writing and publishing, she quit the practice of law to write full time in 2004. She was the winner of Romantic Times' Reviewer's Choice Award for Best Contemporary Paranormal of 2001, the winner of the Reviewers International Organization's award for best romantic suspense of 2004 and best paranormal of 2005, and the winner of the National Readers' Choice Award for best mainstream book of 2005, and was also the two-time RITA finalist, both times for books about strong women. Her novel, Carpe Demon, is in development as a feature film with Warner Brothers and 1492 Pictures.
When she's not writing, she loves spending time with her husband, her two daughters, her cats and with the neighborhood cats who tend to hang around her house. She and her husband also love to travel—whether to small towns in the Texas hill country, or to more distant venues such as Ireland, London, or Paris. Julie's a movie buff, enjoying everything from the lightest romantic comedy to the most action-packed adventure! Julie loves to hear from readers, and you can write her at P.O. Box 151417, Austin, TX 78715-1417 (if you'd like free goodies, send a SASE), or send an e-mail to julie@juliekenner.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
July 4, 2012
2.5 stars
After learning about the death of her sister, FBI agent Alexis Martin's hunt to find the killer leads her into the dark and dangerous world of the shadowers. Becoming a hunter of rogue vampires, Alexis believes she is closing in on her sister's murderer. On her path for revenge, she meets a man that's as dangerous as he is sexy. Serge has spent centuries fighting back his daemon. Finding a way to keep his beast at bay and help rid the streets of L.A. of rogue vampires, Serge is immediately drawn to Alexis. She's able to calm him like no one else before and he'll do whatever it takes to keep her safe. But a terrible secret from Serge's past threatens to take away the woman who could be the salvation he's waited centuries for.
I had mixed feelings about Alexis. I liked that she has such strong feelings for her sister that she was willing to do whatever to find her killer but I thought she made the transition from FBI agent, who knew nothing about the shadowers (the paranormal), to a believer and successful vampire hunter too quickly and smoothly. I understand she had motivation but I felt like I missed a big step on her journey from point A to B. I also wish more was given about her character beyond the fact she's a vampire hunter and why she became one. Some bits and pieces were given about her background but not enough for me to really form a connection so I never fully invested anything into her character.
Serge I've got to know from past books and despite all the bad he's done, I couldn't help but pull for this tortured hero. Battling a curse that's made him something different, Serge has fought to keep his daemon in check and he's lost control more than once. He's found a way to keep himself from needlessly killing and this has led him to Alexis. Like with Alexis, I feel like there was something missing. I'm a sucker for a tortured hero but I needed more than just a very brief recap of how he got to the point he's at now.
As for Serge and Alexis' relationship, that didn't work for me either. It progressed too quickly and I didn't feel any strong emotions behind it. The beginning of something is there but I don't think it ever took off beyond them having hot sex.
As for the plot, Alexis trying to avenge her sister and Serge trying to not go crazy are the main focus, neither which impressed me, but there were a couple side plots I found interesting. A vampire is collecting rogues to form an alliance of their own that feed on humans freely. This story does intersect with Serge and Alexis' and delivered a lack luster finale but the reach of this group went beyond the L.A. borders. I hope we learn more about this. Also, Alexis' friend Leena is a witch who helps her in her search. There's more to Leena than what you see on the surface and I was actually surprised by the twist involving her character in the end. One of the the few surprises I actually liked.
I've been with this series since the start and I wanted more for Serge's book. He and Alexis did nothing for me but thankfully one of my series favorites Lucius Dragos played a part. He's Serge's closest friend and holds a powerful political position. He's able to dominate a scene just by being in it and he was what Serge needed. Even if it took Serge longer to realize it. I won't reread this book but I will continue on to the next because the hero is another one of my favorites, half human, half daemon Ryan Dolye.
- Stephanie
After learning about the death of her sister, FBI agent Alexis Martin's hunt to find the killer leads her into the dark and dangerous world of the shadowers. Becoming a hunter of rogue vampires, Alexis believes she is closing in on her sister's murderer. On her path for revenge, she meets a man that's as dangerous as he is sexy. Serge has spent centuries fighting back his daemon. Finding a way to keep his beast at bay and help rid the streets of L.A. of rogue vampires, Serge is immediately drawn to Alexis. She's able to calm him like no one else before and he'll do whatever it takes to keep her safe. But a terrible secret from Serge's past threatens to take away the woman who could be the salvation he's waited centuries for.
I had mixed feelings about Alexis. I liked that she has such strong feelings for her sister that she was willing to do whatever to find her killer but I thought she made the transition from FBI agent, who knew nothing about the shadowers (the paranormal), to a believer and successful vampire hunter too quickly and smoothly. I understand she had motivation but I felt like I missed a big step on her journey from point A to B. I also wish more was given about her character beyond the fact she's a vampire hunter and why she became one. Some bits and pieces were given about her background but not enough for me to really form a connection so I never fully invested anything into her character.
Serge I've got to know from past books and despite all the bad he's done, I couldn't help but pull for this tortured hero. Battling a curse that's made him something different, Serge has fought to keep his daemon in check and he's lost control more than once. He's found a way to keep himself from needlessly killing and this has led him to Alexis. Like with Alexis, I feel like there was something missing. I'm a sucker for a tortured hero but I needed more than just a very brief recap of how he got to the point he's at now.
As for Serge and Alexis' relationship, that didn't work for me either. It progressed too quickly and I didn't feel any strong emotions behind it. The beginning of something is there but I don't think it ever took off beyond them having hot sex.
As for the plot, Alexis trying to avenge her sister and Serge trying to not go crazy are the main focus, neither which impressed me, but there were a couple side plots I found interesting. A vampire is collecting rogues to form an alliance of their own that feed on humans freely. This story does intersect with Serge and Alexis' and delivered a lack luster finale but the reach of this group went beyond the L.A. borders. I hope we learn more about this. Also, Alexis' friend Leena is a witch who helps her in her search. There's more to Leena than what you see on the surface and I was actually surprised by the twist involving her character in the end. One of the the few surprises I actually liked.
I've been with this series since the start and I wanted more for Serge's book. He and Alexis did nothing for me but thankfully one of my series favorites Lucius Dragos played a part. He's Serge's closest friend and holds a powerful political position. He's able to dominate a scene just by being in it and he was what Serge needed. Even if it took Serge longer to realize it. I won't reread this book but I will continue on to the next because the hero is another one of my favorites, half human, half daemon Ryan Dolye.
- Stephanie
June 27, 2012
Nice cover. Interesting vampire lore.
Now this was a different kind of vampire book. Different in a good way. When Darkness Hungers combines vampire lore with magic, witchcraft, and voodoo for a compelling read. J.K. Beck builds an impressive world full of all sorts of paranormal creatures: vampires, weres, and daemons.
What set this book apart for me was the intriguing vampire lore. Having read many vampire books, I’m always on the lookout for any kind of fresh take on vampires. These vampires are able to go out in the sun in their “youth.” As they age, they become more and more sensitive to the sun’s rays. There is a type of vampire kryptonite in this world and it is called hematite. Vampires can be neutralized by this mineral. Beck’s vampires have a daemon within themselves that they must learn to control. Oh, and yes, these vampires do drink blood but the more civilized use the local blood banks.
I loved the PEC – Preternatural Enforcement Coalition, a group of paranormal beings that self-police their kind in order to keep their existence from humans. The PEC operated as a secret branch of Homeland Security. These guys had some really cool powers. Doyle could pull the last images a person saw before he died and Tucker had the ability to influence and change minds. The PEC along with the Alliance worked to keep humans safe from rogue vampires. The rogue vampires were the bloodthirsty evil vampires who believed in vampire supremacy.
When Darkness Hungers focuses on Serge, a 2,000 year old vampire who is battling his inner daemon. Serge’s character fascinated me. His history alone was interesting – imagine witnessing the many events of the past. His constant struggles to retain his humanity gave him depth. Serge is intrigued by Alexis and she seems to have a calming influence on him.
I loved Alexis’ character. She was a badass vampire hunter on a Ducati, a woman on a mission to avenge her sister’s death. Alexis vowed to kill the vampire responsible for her sister’s brutal death. Alexis and Serge have some nice chemistry together. Alexis seems to bring out the best in Serge.
I enjoyed the author’s storytelling skills. When Darkness Hungers is a dark and broody paranormal romance. While this is the 5th book in the series, a reader can jump in and read this book without feeling like they have missed out on the world building and story lines. It can be read as a stand-alone book.
I’m looking forward to reading more books by this author soon. The next book When Temptation Burns comes out July 31, 2012.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of this book.
Now this was a different kind of vampire book. Different in a good way. When Darkness Hungers combines vampire lore with magic, witchcraft, and voodoo for a compelling read. J.K. Beck builds an impressive world full of all sorts of paranormal creatures: vampires, weres, and daemons.
What set this book apart for me was the intriguing vampire lore. Having read many vampire books, I’m always on the lookout for any kind of fresh take on vampires. These vampires are able to go out in the sun in their “youth.” As they age, they become more and more sensitive to the sun’s rays. There is a type of vampire kryptonite in this world and it is called hematite. Vampires can be neutralized by this mineral. Beck’s vampires have a daemon within themselves that they must learn to control. Oh, and yes, these vampires do drink blood but the more civilized use the local blood banks.
I loved the PEC – Preternatural Enforcement Coalition, a group of paranormal beings that self-police their kind in order to keep their existence from humans. The PEC operated as a secret branch of Homeland Security. These guys had some really cool powers. Doyle could pull the last images a person saw before he died and Tucker had the ability to influence and change minds. The PEC along with the Alliance worked to keep humans safe from rogue vampires. The rogue vampires were the bloodthirsty evil vampires who believed in vampire supremacy.
When Darkness Hungers focuses on Serge, a 2,000 year old vampire who is battling his inner daemon. Serge’s character fascinated me. His history alone was interesting – imagine witnessing the many events of the past. His constant struggles to retain his humanity gave him depth. Serge is intrigued by Alexis and she seems to have a calming influence on him.
I loved Alexis’ character. She was a badass vampire hunter on a Ducati, a woman on a mission to avenge her sister’s death. Alexis vowed to kill the vampire responsible for her sister’s brutal death. Alexis and Serge have some nice chemistry together. Alexis seems to bring out the best in Serge.
I enjoyed the author’s storytelling skills. When Darkness Hungers is a dark and broody paranormal romance. While this is the 5th book in the series, a reader can jump in and read this book without feeling like they have missed out on the world building and story lines. It can be read as a stand-alone book.
I’m looking forward to reading more books by this author soon. The next book When Temptation Burns comes out July 31, 2012.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of this book.
August 1, 2025
The mystery of the disappearance of her sister, drove the heroine into a successful career in the FBI. Now that she's aware of the deep and dark world of vampires and the fact that such a creature could be responsible has her abandoning the career and devoting her life to killing all vampires.
The hero has lives for 2 thousand years under the intense compulsion of the demon inside of him. Like an addiction, he's battled the cravings for evil acts every day of his life- sometimes succeeding, sometimes succumbing. But he's got a plan to control it now. He hunts the criminals of his world, rogue vampires who care nothing about humans. Though a very different beast lies within him and he's plague with guilt over what he's done, the fact that he fights it and tries to better himself speaks well of his inner goodness. That's what the heroine sees when she happens upon him. Though he's a creature she despises, the beast that murdered her sister (or so she soon finds out), she knows that inside he's a good man. And the desire to show her that he can be the man she needs him to be drives him into holding the darkness at bay. When she's near him the demon is quiet. He's drawn to her and deeply as she is to him and despite everything going against them they develop a relationship but everything comes crumbling down when they realize that he's the vampire she's been hunting all along.
I loved this story but I felt like there was a strange disconnect. I didn't believe that the heroine whose hatred for vampires ran so deep could give up that hatred so quickly for the most dangerous vampire she's ever met. Just because he saves her, and just because he doesn't immediately lunge for her throat should not dictate that he's safe to be around. The hero himself admits plainly just how close she is to danger but she never truly develops any fear for him. But the major problem I had with the relationship between the characters was the fact that the barely spend 5 minutes in each other’s company for the first few encounters yet they are so attached to one another. I didn't believe that two so completely on opposite teams could fall for the other so quickly. This story had all the right elements and I did enjoy reading it but there was also doubt in the back of my mind whether it was a 'great' story. In the end, I just found it to be lacking in that certain something. So a 3 star rating is fair enough.
The hero has lives for 2 thousand years under the intense compulsion of the demon inside of him. Like an addiction, he's battled the cravings for evil acts every day of his life- sometimes succeeding, sometimes succumbing. But he's got a plan to control it now. He hunts the criminals of his world, rogue vampires who care nothing about humans. Though a very different beast lies within him and he's plague with guilt over what he's done, the fact that he fights it and tries to better himself speaks well of his inner goodness. That's what the heroine sees when she happens upon him. Though he's a creature she despises, the beast that murdered her sister (or so she soon finds out), she knows that inside he's a good man. And the desire to show her that he can be the man she needs him to be drives him into holding the darkness at bay. When she's near him the demon is quiet. He's drawn to her and deeply as she is to him and despite everything going against them they develop a relationship but everything comes crumbling down when they realize that he's the vampire she's been hunting all along.
I loved this story but I felt like there was a strange disconnect. I didn't believe that the heroine whose hatred for vampires ran so deep could give up that hatred so quickly for the most dangerous vampire she's ever met. Just because he saves her, and just because he doesn't immediately lunge for her throat should not dictate that he's safe to be around. The hero himself admits plainly just how close she is to danger but she never truly develops any fear for him. But the major problem I had with the relationship between the characters was the fact that the barely spend 5 minutes in each other’s company for the first few encounters yet they are so attached to one another. I didn't believe that two so completely on opposite teams could fall for the other so quickly. This story had all the right elements and I did enjoy reading it but there was also doubt in the back of my mind whether it was a 'great' story. In the end, I just found it to be lacking in that certain something. So a 3 star rating is fair enough.
June 3, 2012
When Alexis Martin was twelve her beloved older sister, Tori, went missing. Everybody told Alexis that she had ran away but she did not belive them. She knows in her heart her sister would not leave her by herself. Alexis vowed that she would find her sister. That is why she became an FBI agent. She has been out of Quantico for a year when she was picked for a newly formed task force, there have been several violent deaths that crisscross the country. When Alexis sees a picture of a Jane Doe she is shocked to find out it is her missing sister. She ends up going out on her own to find out what happend to her sister. When she finds out that her sister was killed by a vampire, she trains to become a hunter. Now along with her new friend who is not only a witch but also a psychic, they move to Los Angeles where thay have tracked the killer to.
Sergius, Serge, has alot of secrets so he lives off of the grid, away from any friends. He belives this is the only way to keep them safe. Years ago, in order to save his friends, he allowed a madman put a curse on him. For years he was used as an assissian. When the madman is killed the curse is lifted. But something even worse was left in its place. Now instead of living on blood he need the life force of someone to live. When he does drink the blood of a paranormal he becomes whatever that paranormal was. Serge has a hard time keeping the beast at bay. For some reason whenever he is aroung Alexis the beast is clam and he is able to hold it down. Together Serge and Alexis must hunt down a group of rouge vampires and bring them to justice. Serge will do whatever he has to to keep Alexis safe but when she finds out his most darkest secret will her love be strong enough for her to forgive him?
This is the fifth installment in Ms Beck's Shadow Keeper series. The world Ms Beck has created is flawless. She is able to blend the action with the romance. From the first page you will find yourself glued to your seat until the end. This book is a page turner. Be on the look out for the next book in this wonderful series, When Temptation Burns, on July 31, 2012.
Sergius, Serge, has alot of secrets so he lives off of the grid, away from any friends. He belives this is the only way to keep them safe. Years ago, in order to save his friends, he allowed a madman put a curse on him. For years he was used as an assissian. When the madman is killed the curse is lifted. But something even worse was left in its place. Now instead of living on blood he need the life force of someone to live. When he does drink the blood of a paranormal he becomes whatever that paranormal was. Serge has a hard time keeping the beast at bay. For some reason whenever he is aroung Alexis the beast is clam and he is able to hold it down. Together Serge and Alexis must hunt down a group of rouge vampires and bring them to justice. Serge will do whatever he has to to keep Alexis safe but when she finds out his most darkest secret will her love be strong enough for her to forgive him?
This is the fifth installment in Ms Beck's Shadow Keeper series. The world Ms Beck has created is flawless. She is able to blend the action with the romance. From the first page you will find yourself glued to your seat until the end. This book is a page turner. Be on the look out for the next book in this wonderful series, When Temptation Burns, on July 31, 2012.
July 9, 2012
Alexis is an FBI agent and when she get handed a file on a dead woman her world gets turned upside down. The woman is her missing sister and nothing human killed her. Alexis changes her life and begins to hunt rogue vampires in an attempt to get the one who killed her sister. What she doesn't know is that someone else is going after the roges too. His name is Serge and he is not human either.
This was my first read at the Shadow Keepers series and I was intrigued enough to buy the first two in the series before I was even halfway through. I really like the premise of the world J.K. Beck has created and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
This was my first read at the Shadow Keepers series and I was intrigued enough to buy the first two in the series before I was even halfway through. I really like the premise of the world J.K. Beck has created and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
November 14, 2018
Karl and Leila are kidnapped and tortured, Antonio sames them, but the kidnapper got away. They are being hunted and stay together to heal and stay safe but quickly find themselves falling for each other with an unbreakable bond. Antonio's father doesn’t' approve and sets up a trinity for Antonio that he has no heart to complete. There's a lot of action and suspense as they decide to stop hiding and work to find the killer that keeps you engaged. There's a little bit of lull during the uncovering of Karl's librarian status as he uses the librarian's to try to find the killer. We see new characters that tease us with future trinity options and some funny moments that ease some of the stress. Great read, looking forward to the next installment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2017
It was ok.
June 8, 2017
I do think this was the best book of the series.
I am really, really happy for Serge.
He's been through so much and still he................lol
Thank You very much Ms Beck
Ken
I am really, really happy for Serge.
He's been through so much and still he................lol
Thank You very much Ms Beck
Ken
May 2, 2013
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales.
Quick & Dirty: There is something for everyone in this story — murder, revenge, romance, vampires, and much more. Alexis is trying to find her sister’s killer and Serge is trying to find a way to save his soul.
Opening Sentence: The two vampires moved with steady purpose, the low fog curling around their ankles as if the oily darkness of the moonless night were caressing them.
The Review:
Alexis Martin thought the only bad guys out there were human until she finds out her sister has been murdered and that it was no human who killed her. Alexis’ sister Tori, was the victim of a vampire attack. Now Alexis has made it her mission along with her witch friend Leena to catch and destroy the monster that killed her sister. She tracks Tori’s murderer to Los Angeles where she meets Sergius, better known as Serge. Serge was once a vampire but after a curse was placed on him he became something much more. Together Alexis and Serge track down rogue vampires who have been leaving a string of dead humans in their wake. Unfortunately, Serge has a past that may ruin everything between him and Alexis.
I really enjoyed this book for the most part. The plot was intense but you do figure out who is behind the string of deaths fairly early on and it is very easy to figure out what Serge is hiding. Also, I was not a big fan of Alexis. Alexis is supposed to be hunting down her sisters’ killer when she meets Serge. She does not know anything about him except that he is a vampire who saved her life. She does not know why he has saved her life or whether he is a good guy or not and she is instantly in love and having dreams about him. They do explain the dreams in the story but it still seems too fast. Then her friend Edgar tells her that he has learned that Serge is dangerous. She ends up sitting in a sewer with Serge all day and when a friend of hers ends up dead after talking about Serge she just jumps into bed with him. Granted Serge does turn out to be a good guy but at this time she is not so sure. She loves him to the point of almost dying for him. Then to top it off her friend starts acting strange and Alexis does not seem to find it weird at all. She was very unobservant.
I did like Serge. He is the typical tall, dark and handsome, tormented vampire, or is he? It turns out Serge is not a vampire at all but something that no one has a name for. He has vampire like tendencies but he does not drink blood — instead he eats peoples’ life forces. This may make him sound evil but he is not. Serge only drains the life force out of rogue vampires. Unfortunately, this has put him on the radar of the Preternatural Enforcement Coalition or PEC for short. Serge is guilt filled, fighting what he has become and trying to become a better person. When he meets Alexis he finds someone who can calm the beast he has become. Because of this he starts to fall in love with her. Unfortunately, because of his secrets and his past he may just loose the one woman who could save him.
The other person I must mention is Leena. She is Alexis’ best friend and also a witch. Without her, Alexis would never be able to track down the rogue vampires she is hunting. Unfortunately, Leena has a dark secret that is a part of her family’s past and she is not even aware of it until the end. Leena starts to act strange, one minute she is her usual loving and friendly self then she is a cold distant woman who Alexis has a hard time even talking to.
I really enjoyed how detailed the plot was. Beck made it so I felt like I was a part of the story. I could picture everything so clearly. Like when Alexis confronted Serge for the first time and he pretty much begged her to kill him, I felt his anguish and her indecision. Even though I was not a big fan of Alexis, I could still feel for her as she learned what had happened to her sister. There were so many intense scenes where I wanted to get to the next part just to figure out what would happen.
I recommend this book to all adult paranormal readers. J.K. Beck introduces a new type of immortal that I have never read about and it is interesting to learn what Serge is capable of in his new form. There is romance which is a little hard to get into but the rest of the story is a very intriguing read.
Notable Scene:
To her horror, she realized that she’d moved out from behind the pillar and that she stood directly in his line of sight. “Go ahead,” he repeated, pushing himself to his feet and spreading his arms wide, baring his chest like a target. “Dammit Alexis, do it.”
She dropped her gun arm. For a moment, he only stared at her. Then his lip curled into a sneer that didn’t quit meet those warm, gray eyes. “You’re a fool,” he said, then turned his back to her.
FTC Advisory: Bantam Dell/Random House provided me with a copy of When Darkness Hungers. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: There is something for everyone in this story — murder, revenge, romance, vampires, and much more. Alexis is trying to find her sister’s killer and Serge is trying to find a way to save his soul.
Opening Sentence: The two vampires moved with steady purpose, the low fog curling around their ankles as if the oily darkness of the moonless night were caressing them.
The Review:
Alexis Martin thought the only bad guys out there were human until she finds out her sister has been murdered and that it was no human who killed her. Alexis’ sister Tori, was the victim of a vampire attack. Now Alexis has made it her mission along with her witch friend Leena to catch and destroy the monster that killed her sister. She tracks Tori’s murderer to Los Angeles where she meets Sergius, better known as Serge. Serge was once a vampire but after a curse was placed on him he became something much more. Together Alexis and Serge track down rogue vampires who have been leaving a string of dead humans in their wake. Unfortunately, Serge has a past that may ruin everything between him and Alexis.
I really enjoyed this book for the most part. The plot was intense but you do figure out who is behind the string of deaths fairly early on and it is very easy to figure out what Serge is hiding. Also, I was not a big fan of Alexis. Alexis is supposed to be hunting down her sisters’ killer when she meets Serge. She does not know anything about him except that he is a vampire who saved her life. She does not know why he has saved her life or whether he is a good guy or not and she is instantly in love and having dreams about him. They do explain the dreams in the story but it still seems too fast. Then her friend Edgar tells her that he has learned that Serge is dangerous. She ends up sitting in a sewer with Serge all day and when a friend of hers ends up dead after talking about Serge she just jumps into bed with him. Granted Serge does turn out to be a good guy but at this time she is not so sure. She loves him to the point of almost dying for him. Then to top it off her friend starts acting strange and Alexis does not seem to find it weird at all. She was very unobservant.
I did like Serge. He is the typical tall, dark and handsome, tormented vampire, or is he? It turns out Serge is not a vampire at all but something that no one has a name for. He has vampire like tendencies but he does not drink blood — instead he eats peoples’ life forces. This may make him sound evil but he is not. Serge only drains the life force out of rogue vampires. Unfortunately, this has put him on the radar of the Preternatural Enforcement Coalition or PEC for short. Serge is guilt filled, fighting what he has become and trying to become a better person. When he meets Alexis he finds someone who can calm the beast he has become. Because of this he starts to fall in love with her. Unfortunately, because of his secrets and his past he may just loose the one woman who could save him.
The other person I must mention is Leena. She is Alexis’ best friend and also a witch. Without her, Alexis would never be able to track down the rogue vampires she is hunting. Unfortunately, Leena has a dark secret that is a part of her family’s past and she is not even aware of it until the end. Leena starts to act strange, one minute she is her usual loving and friendly self then she is a cold distant woman who Alexis has a hard time even talking to.
I really enjoyed how detailed the plot was. Beck made it so I felt like I was a part of the story. I could picture everything so clearly. Like when Alexis confronted Serge for the first time and he pretty much begged her to kill him, I felt his anguish and her indecision. Even though I was not a big fan of Alexis, I could still feel for her as she learned what had happened to her sister. There were so many intense scenes where I wanted to get to the next part just to figure out what would happen.
I recommend this book to all adult paranormal readers. J.K. Beck introduces a new type of immortal that I have never read about and it is interesting to learn what Serge is capable of in his new form. There is romance which is a little hard to get into but the rest of the story is a very intriguing read.
Notable Scene:
To her horror, she realized that she’d moved out from behind the pillar and that she stood directly in his line of sight. “Go ahead,” he repeated, pushing himself to his feet and spreading his arms wide, baring his chest like a target. “Dammit Alexis, do it.”
She dropped her gun arm. For a moment, he only stared at her. Then his lip curled into a sneer that didn’t quit meet those warm, gray eyes. “You’re a fool,” he said, then turned his back to her.
FTC Advisory: Bantam Dell/Random House provided me with a copy of When Darkness Hungers. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
July 26, 2012
WHEN DARKNESS HUNGERS (Shadowkeepers 5) by JK Beck
WHEN DARKNESS HUNGERS is the fifth storyline in JK Beck’s Shadowkeepers series.
Alexis is an ex-FBI agent who left the force to search full time for the vampire who killed her sister. Tormented by guilt, Alexis focuses the hunt for Tori’s killer with the help of a friend-a witch. Leena’s powers stem from a family history tormented by vampires and daemons and it is with those powers that Alexis hopes to track down the killer. But vengeance comes with a price, and it was a price that Alexis was willing to pay.
Serge is a 2000year old vampire, who is barely able to contain the daemon that rides him hard. But a curse placed upon the vampire has left him with a power that even he is rarely able to contain. The daemon’s need for torture and pain is nothing compared to the creature that lurks just under the skin, and it is that creature that Serge let’s loose when on the hunt for rogue vampires on a killing spree. But the PEC (Preternatural Enforcement Coalition) as well as the Alliance and Division 6 are not happy with the killings.
Vampires killing vampires must be sanctioned and apparently they believe one of their own has gone rogue. Without knowing who they are looking for Division 6 must use all of their resources to find the vampire responsible-but the bodies left behind are not the work of a normal kill. Fearing something bigger is at work the Division and the Alliance bring in their special team. But the reports of mummified bodies increase without any new leads or information.
Serge and Alexis paths will cross of many occasions. With the help of Leena, Alexis is able to track the vampire that killed her sister, but what she witnesses will force her to step back and re-evaluate the true nature of a vampire and his need to kill.
With Serge she sees the compassionate side of the beast, but what he hides beneath the surface is the one thing she never wants to learn. Forcing herself to look closer, she realizes that Serge is not the evil she was tracking, but a man that she has fallen in love (with). But when Serge finally discovers the true identity of Alexis’s dead sister, it is only then that Alexis knows the pain of loss in more ways than one.
Once again, JK brings many of her characters back and re-integrates the familiar by way of the Alliance and Division 6. Severin Tucker uses his ability to control minds at the crime scene, but not everyone is so easily controlled: Richard Orion continues as the medical examiner looking to find ways to control the beast of the newly turned and an explanation for the mummified corpses of vampires: and the percipient Daemon Doyle who is able to pull out the last images from the recently deceased to help track down their killer: and Lucius Dragos (Luke) the vampire liaison to the Alliance and the new governor of the Los Angeles territory , and best friend to Serge.
Alexis and Serge’s relationship is slow to build. In fact, their paths only cross a few times in the first half of the book. JK writes her stories with plenty of background information so that new readers to the series are not lost but in doing so the reader can be overwhelmed with the copious amount of detail. I would suggest reading the series from the start to alleviate the confusion. Like walking into the middle of a movie, sometimes going back to the beginning is the only way you are able to understand all the nuances and subtleties in the mind of the characters. I am looking forward to reading WHEN TEMPTATION BURNS-release date July 31, 2012.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
see all of my reviews at :thereadingcafe.com
WHEN DARKNESS HUNGERS is the fifth storyline in JK Beck’s Shadowkeepers series.
Alexis is an ex-FBI agent who left the force to search full time for the vampire who killed her sister. Tormented by guilt, Alexis focuses the hunt for Tori’s killer with the help of a friend-a witch. Leena’s powers stem from a family history tormented by vampires and daemons and it is with those powers that Alexis hopes to track down the killer. But vengeance comes with a price, and it was a price that Alexis was willing to pay.
Serge is a 2000year old vampire, who is barely able to contain the daemon that rides him hard. But a curse placed upon the vampire has left him with a power that even he is rarely able to contain. The daemon’s need for torture and pain is nothing compared to the creature that lurks just under the skin, and it is that creature that Serge let’s loose when on the hunt for rogue vampires on a killing spree. But the PEC (Preternatural Enforcement Coalition) as well as the Alliance and Division 6 are not happy with the killings.
Vampires killing vampires must be sanctioned and apparently they believe one of their own has gone rogue. Without knowing who they are looking for Division 6 must use all of their resources to find the vampire responsible-but the bodies left behind are not the work of a normal kill. Fearing something bigger is at work the Division and the Alliance bring in their special team. But the reports of mummified bodies increase without any new leads or information.
Serge and Alexis paths will cross of many occasions. With the help of Leena, Alexis is able to track the vampire that killed her sister, but what she witnesses will force her to step back and re-evaluate the true nature of a vampire and his need to kill.
With Serge she sees the compassionate side of the beast, but what he hides beneath the surface is the one thing she never wants to learn. Forcing herself to look closer, she realizes that Serge is not the evil she was tracking, but a man that she has fallen in love (with). But when Serge finally discovers the true identity of Alexis’s dead sister, it is only then that Alexis knows the pain of loss in more ways than one.
Once again, JK brings many of her characters back and re-integrates the familiar by way of the Alliance and Division 6. Severin Tucker uses his ability to control minds at the crime scene, but not everyone is so easily controlled: Richard Orion continues as the medical examiner looking to find ways to control the beast of the newly turned and an explanation for the mummified corpses of vampires: and the percipient Daemon Doyle who is able to pull out the last images from the recently deceased to help track down their killer: and Lucius Dragos (Luke) the vampire liaison to the Alliance and the new governor of the Los Angeles territory , and best friend to Serge.
Alexis and Serge’s relationship is slow to build. In fact, their paths only cross a few times in the first half of the book. JK writes her stories with plenty of background information so that new readers to the series are not lost but in doing so the reader can be overwhelmed with the copious amount of detail. I would suggest reading the series from the start to alleviate the confusion. Like walking into the middle of a movie, sometimes going back to the beginning is the only way you are able to understand all the nuances and subtleties in the mind of the characters. I am looking forward to reading WHEN TEMPTATION BURNS-release date July 31, 2012.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
see all of my reviews at :thereadingcafe.com
June 26, 2012
**Originally Posted @ ReadingDiva's Blog - Rating 4.5 of 5
REVIEW: When Darkness Hungers is the first book I read from J.K Beck and it will not be the last. I enjoy this book very much; I was fascinated by the characters and the story.
Alexis is a FBI agent who wants nothing more than revenge, she lives to find her sister’s killer. She is aware there are creatures that live to hurt others, to prey on humans to make them their victims. During her search for answers she meets Leena a witch who has an agenda of her own. Leena is the descendant of a very powerful witch. She uses magic to capture vampires and slay them. She finds in Alexis a friend and an ally and together their start to form a plan to find the vampire who killed Alexis’s sister while avenging her ancestors killer.
Serge is sexy & dangerous. He is an old vampire, a man with a dark past, with blood in his hands and a guilt that doesn’t let him live. Serge lives with the consequences of his past, he wanted eternity and what he got instead was a curse that transformed him in the beast he has become to despise the most. Serge’s dark side is more than a vampire preying on his next victim, he has become a legend. Serge’s curse makes him do the unimaginable he is a danger to his own species and humans alike.
I like how J.K. Beck put this story together, the details, the dialog and the action kept me glued to the book until the end. The author maintains such an interesting plot, vampire working with humans under the nose of modern society, kept as a secret for their benefit and that of the vampires. They work together to maintain order, the order that has been broken by rogue vampires who are starving for powers just as much as they starve for blood.
The characters are well developed, I enjoyed the way their interaction flowed, and their dialog did not feel forced or lacking. I totally loved how connected Alexis and Serge felt from the moment their eyes met. J.K Beck did an awesome job implementing all those different species: Vampires, Shifters, and Witches. Their abilities made the story more fun and exciting. As far as the villain, he is impatient, which seems to be a characteristic of most villains, he is smart, sexy, manipulative and evil which is exactly how I like the villains to be.
Overall this is a great love story, one that will keep you entertained from beginning to end, I can’t wait to read the next book. I am considering reading the series in order, however it looks to me as if each book/story can be read as a standalone book , this is a series to keep an eye on.
REVIEW: When Darkness Hungers is the first book I read from J.K Beck and it will not be the last. I enjoy this book very much; I was fascinated by the characters and the story.
Alexis is a FBI agent who wants nothing more than revenge, she lives to find her sister’s killer. She is aware there are creatures that live to hurt others, to prey on humans to make them their victims. During her search for answers she meets Leena a witch who has an agenda of her own. Leena is the descendant of a very powerful witch. She uses magic to capture vampires and slay them. She finds in Alexis a friend and an ally and together their start to form a plan to find the vampire who killed Alexis’s sister while avenging her ancestors killer.
Serge is sexy & dangerous. He is an old vampire, a man with a dark past, with blood in his hands and a guilt that doesn’t let him live. Serge lives with the consequences of his past, he wanted eternity and what he got instead was a curse that transformed him in the beast he has become to despise the most. Serge’s dark side is more than a vampire preying on his next victim, he has become a legend. Serge’s curse makes him do the unimaginable he is a danger to his own species and humans alike.
I like how J.K. Beck put this story together, the details, the dialog and the action kept me glued to the book until the end. The author maintains such an interesting plot, vampire working with humans under the nose of modern society, kept as a secret for their benefit and that of the vampires. They work together to maintain order, the order that has been broken by rogue vampires who are starving for powers just as much as they starve for blood.
The characters are well developed, I enjoyed the way their interaction flowed, and their dialog did not feel forced or lacking. I totally loved how connected Alexis and Serge felt from the moment their eyes met. J.K Beck did an awesome job implementing all those different species: Vampires, Shifters, and Witches. Their abilities made the story more fun and exciting. As far as the villain, he is impatient, which seems to be a characteristic of most villains, he is smart, sexy, manipulative and evil which is exactly how I like the villains to be.
Overall this is a great love story, one that will keep you entertained from beginning to end, I can’t wait to read the next book. I am considering reading the series in order, however it looks to me as if each book/story can be read as a standalone book , this is a series to keep an eye on.
February 14, 2014
I'm giving When Darkness Hungers 4 stars.
When Darkness Hungers is about Serge and Alexis. We learn of Serge in When Blood Calls, he was the best friend of Luke's who's had a real struggle keeping his Daemon down. Well after hiding for a couple of years, he's back but he's different from when he left. He's comes back as a vampire who has different tastes than the others, he feeds off of other shadowers instead of humans. Alexis is a vampire hunter, trying to track down the vampire that killed her sister years ago, and taking any other vampire she comes across down. After the two meet, instead of Alexis killing Serge, they team up to take down the Rogues that are killing humans.
I've always really liked this series, I really like the crime thing with romance blended in. I wish I would have reread the first three books before I read When Passion Lies and When Darkness Hungers because it's been so long I've forgotten about some of the characters. I remember Serge, for example, but I don't really remember all the details about him since I read the first book about a year ago.
I really liked the characters. I remember really liking Serge in the previous books that he showed up in and I remember not being able to wait until his book. The only problem with him in this book is what he really is, it confused me. I'm not sure if it just wasn't explained good enough, if it was being I was tired and texting someone at the same time (not the best thing to do I know), or maybe a combination of both. I mean I sort understood it, but maybe because I don't remember the other book that well that I don't remember about the curse that was put on him. But I loved Alexis. She wasn't a damsel in distress the whole book. She can kill vampires, and she can take care of herself. Of course she has friends that helped her in the book, but who doesn't? I don't remember her ever getting on my nerves or me going "Seriously Alexis? Why did you do that?" which is always a good thing. And just like with Serge there was one thing that, not annoy me, but just didn't sit right with me.
The plot overall was good, people from Serge's past are popping up, and the whole Rogue vampires were really good. But it seemed a bit predictable. Not everything I mean the Leena thing I really didn't see coming but like I guessed at around page 60 who killed Alexis's sister and I was right. And I'm horrible at predicting things. But I personally don't mind some books that are a little predictable, it doesn't mean that it's bad.
So yes, I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait for When Temptation Burns comes out because it's Doyle's book! He's another character I've been waiting for! I wonder if Tucker is going to get his own book... Hmm...
When Darkness Hungers is about Serge and Alexis. We learn of Serge in When Blood Calls, he was the best friend of Luke's who's had a real struggle keeping his Daemon down. Well after hiding for a couple of years, he's back but he's different from when he left. He's comes back as a vampire who has different tastes than the others, he feeds off of other shadowers instead of humans. Alexis is a vampire hunter, trying to track down the vampire that killed her sister years ago, and taking any other vampire she comes across down. After the two meet, instead of Alexis killing Serge, they team up to take down the Rogues that are killing humans.
I've always really liked this series, I really like the crime thing with romance blended in. I wish I would have reread the first three books before I read When Passion Lies and When Darkness Hungers because it's been so long I've forgotten about some of the characters. I remember Serge, for example, but I don't really remember all the details about him since I read the first book about a year ago.
I really liked the characters. I remember really liking Serge in the previous books that he showed up in and I remember not being able to wait until his book. The only problem with him in this book is what he really is, it confused me. I'm not sure if it just wasn't explained good enough, if it was being I was tired and texting someone at the same time (not the best thing to do I know), or maybe a combination of both. I mean I sort understood it, but maybe because I don't remember the other book that well that I don't remember about the curse that was put on him. But I loved Alexis. She wasn't a damsel in distress the whole book. She can kill vampires, and she can take care of herself. Of course she has friends that helped her in the book, but who doesn't? I don't remember her ever getting on my nerves or me going "Seriously Alexis? Why did you do that?" which is always a good thing. And just like with Serge there was one thing that, not annoy me, but just didn't sit right with me.
The plot overall was good, people from Serge's past are popping up, and the whole Rogue vampires were really good. But it seemed a bit predictable. Not everything I mean the Leena thing I really didn't see coming but like I guessed at around page 60 who killed Alexis's sister and I was right. And I'm horrible at predicting things. But I personally don't mind some books that are a little predictable, it doesn't mean that it's bad.
So yes, I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait for When Temptation Burns comes out because it's Doyle's book! He's another character I've been waiting for! I wonder if Tucker is going to get his own book... Hmm...
October 7, 2012
Book Synopsis
FBI agent Alexis Martin knows that vampires exist—because one of them killed her sister. Assigned to investigate a series of bizarre homicides in Los Angeles, Alexis believes the murders are the work of rogue vampires—perhaps even the monster responsible for her sister’s death. Now she finally has a chance for retribution. Even better, Alexis receives unexpected help from a sexy stranger as hungry for rogue blood as she is.
Serge is a centuries-old bad boy who stays off the grid—keeping his secrets, his hunger, and his heart safe from exposure. A new breed of vampire that feeds off other shadowers, Serge finds sweet torture in Alexis’s arms. Loving her is a chance to be free from the hiding, the loneliness, the secrecy. But the truth about what he is, and what he’s done, may banish him to the dark confines of his own private hell—and destroy the beginnings of their love.
My Thoughts
There was quite a bit going on in this book, rogue vampire slayings that coincided with the homicides in LA; the mystery of just exactly what vampire had murdered Alexis sister Tori, what exactly Serge had become and what he was still evolving into; the Vampires that made up a special secret unit inside Homeland Security and most of all a hot and heavy romance developing between Alex and Serge that made them both vulnerable to the leader of the rogues.
Throughout the book as one mystery is revealed there is still another waiting to be solved. The rogue vampires are a deadly menace that not only Alexis is fighting but Serge also uses them to keep his "darker nature" under control so as not to have to feed on humans whom would end up then dying at his hands once his "inner beast" took command.
The way that previous story lines was incorporated was well done, the appearances of Sara and Luke as well as Ryan Doyle helped to fill in the gaps left when the story lagged and fans of this series will enjoy this book but for me it was not a favorite just a fast easy read that whetted my appetite for the next book to come as it will delve more into the PEC and the ongoing battle to keep the "shadow world's inhabitants" from being exposed to humans.
Murder, vampires, witches, curses, mysteries, revenge and romance are a good combination for a paranormal read but for me this fifth book in the Shadow Keepers series just did not have the exciting "feel" that I found when reading the first 3 books in the series. Part of the problem for me is the fact that it has been over a year since I started the series and part of the problem is that I never really "connected" with Alexis Martin's character. Serge was pretty fascinating, but only up to a point and then even he could not get me to really stay involved in what was happening.
I am looking forward to When Temptation Burns and seeing what happens in the last book of the series to tie up the story arcs.
[EArc from Netgalley in exchange for honest review]
June 10, 2012
3.5 stars
When Alexis was a child, her teenage sister vanished. Everyone said she had ran away from home but Alexis believed she had been kidnapped. This began her journey to be an FBI agent and to find her sister. After the death of her parents, Alexis finds her sister’s diary and discovers the truth. Her sister had ran away from home because of sexual abuse by their father. Filled with guilt and anger, Alexis continues her career of stopping criminals and hopes to reconnect with her sister.
While investigating a series of strange murders in New York (not Los Angeles, as the blurb says) another victim is found with the same throat punctures. It is Alexia’s sister. While hunting down leads, Alexia finds Leena. Leena is a psychic descended from vampire hunters. Leena shows her that vampires exist and tells her how to find her sister’s killer. Alexia resigns from the FBI and they move to LA to continue the hunt.
Serge has done horrible things in his past. He was unable to control his daemon and committed many atrocities against humans. Later, he was cursed and committed more. The curse was broken but it left behind another hunger to compete with his daemon and he has isolated himself from others because of it and he feeds on rogue vampires.
A hunt for the same rogue puts Alexia and Serge on an intercepting course and changes their lives. Alexia learns that all vampires aren’t evil and Serge finds someone that sees the good in him. The attraction is instant and one I enjoyed very much. I loved that Serge saw her as a strong warrior and helped her train instead of being all He-man and insisting the little woman stay home while he fought the baddies. I also like Alexi’s maturity when Serge’s past is revealed.
This is the first book in this series I have read and I think that may have put me at a disadvantage with the vampire world and especially Serge’s curse. I didn’t really understand it and that was needed since it plays such a important role in all parts of When Darkness Falls. I also felt the ending was a little too easy. With all the angst and drama leading up to it, I was expecting more.
Overall, When Darkness Falls is an enjoyable romance with a world I want to know more about. I’ll be buying the earlier books in the series soon to catch up.
When Alexis was a child, her teenage sister vanished. Everyone said she had ran away from home but Alexis believed she had been kidnapped. This began her journey to be an FBI agent and to find her sister. After the death of her parents, Alexis finds her sister’s diary and discovers the truth. Her sister had ran away from home because of sexual abuse by their father. Filled with guilt and anger, Alexis continues her career of stopping criminals and hopes to reconnect with her sister.
While investigating a series of strange murders in New York (not Los Angeles, as the blurb says) another victim is found with the same throat punctures. It is Alexia’s sister. While hunting down leads, Alexia finds Leena. Leena is a psychic descended from vampire hunters. Leena shows her that vampires exist and tells her how to find her sister’s killer. Alexia resigns from the FBI and they move to LA to continue the hunt.
Serge has done horrible things in his past. He was unable to control his daemon and committed many atrocities against humans. Later, he was cursed and committed more. The curse was broken but it left behind another hunger to compete with his daemon and he has isolated himself from others because of it and he feeds on rogue vampires.
A hunt for the same rogue puts Alexia and Serge on an intercepting course and changes their lives. Alexia learns that all vampires aren’t evil and Serge finds someone that sees the good in him. The attraction is instant and one I enjoyed very much. I loved that Serge saw her as a strong warrior and helped her train instead of being all He-man and insisting the little woman stay home while he fought the baddies. I also like Alexi’s maturity when Serge’s past is revealed.
This is the first book in this series I have read and I think that may have put me at a disadvantage with the vampire world and especially Serge’s curse. I didn’t really understand it and that was needed since it plays such a important role in all parts of When Darkness Falls. I also felt the ending was a little too easy. With all the angst and drama leading up to it, I was expecting more.
Overall, When Darkness Falls is an enjoyable romance with a world I want to know more about. I’ll be buying the earlier books in the series soon to catch up.
November 1, 2012
When Darkness Hungers ของเจเค เบ็ค
เรื่องนี้เป็นเล่มที่ห้าในชุด ซึ่งในที่สุดก็เล่าเรื่องของคาแร็คเตอร์ที่ถูกกระทำ (โดยคนแต่ง) มากที่สุด เรียกว่าเหตุการณ์อะไรที่เลวร้าย แย่ ๆ จะต้องมาลงที่คาแร็คเตอร์ตัวนี้ จนทำให้เปิดหนังสือเรื่องนี้ เซิร์จซึ่งดั้งเดิมเป็นแวมไพร์ได้กลายเป็นสิ่งมีชีวิตบางอย่างที่ไม่ได้อาศัยเลือดในการมีชีวิตอีกต่อไป เขาสูบวิญญาณออกจากร่างของเหล่าผู้มีชีวิตเหนือธรรมชาติ และทำให้ตัวเองมีพลังที่คล้ายคลึงกับสิ่งมีชีวิตที่เขาฆ่า (เช่นถ้าฆ่าแวมไพร์ก็มีจะลักษณะเหมือนแวมไพร์ แต่ถ้าฆ่าหมาป่าก็จะเขี้ยวและกรงเล็บโผล่มาด้วย)
และเนื่องจากระหว่างที่เขาถูกครอบงำโดยด้านมืด (เหตุการณ์ในเล่มสองต่อเนื่องเล่มสาม) ทำให้เซิร์จไม่ต้องการกลับไปเผชิญหน้ากับเหล่าเพื่อน ๆ ของเขาอีก เซิร์จเลือกที่จะอยู่อย่างโดดเดี่ยว และอุทิศชีวิตในการฆ่าแวมไพร์นอกรีตที่ทำผิดกฎของโลกเหนือธรรมชาติ
ในระหว่างที่ออกล่าเหยื่อคืนนึง เซิร์จได้บังเอิญพบกับอเล็กซิส อดีตเอฟบีไอที่เมื่อได้รู้ว่า มีโลกอื่นซ่อนอยู่ในความปกติ และเมื่อพี่สาวของเธอตกเป็นเหยื่อของสิ่งมีชีวิตจากโลกเหล่านั้น ก็ปวารณาตัวที่จะกำจัดสิ่งมีชีวิตเหล่านี้ให้หมดสิ้น ด้วยความช่วยเหลือจากแม่มด และตำรวจใกล้เกษียณ อเล็กซิสสร้างทีมล่าแวมไพร์และออกทำงานในลอสแองเจลิส การล่าที่นำเธอมาพบกับเซิร์จในที่สุด
เรื่องนี้เป็นจุดแตกหักที่ชัดเจนระหว่างเรากับเรื่องในชุดนี้ค่ะ เพราะเป็นเล่มที่แสดงความเป็นสองมาตรฐานของคนแต่ง เราไม่ได้มีปัญหากับคาแร็คเตอร์ของเซิร์จนะคะ (ซึ่งแตกต่างจากความรู้สึกที่เรามีกับเล่มสองในชุดเรื่อง When Pleasure Rules) เราเข้าใจว่าการกระทำของเขาหลายอย่างเกิดขึ้นในยามที่เขาควบคุมปีศาจด้านมืดของตัวเองไม่อยู่ แวมไพร์ในเรื่องนี้เมื่อถูกเปลี่ยนจะต้องสู้กับปีศาจที่เป็นด้านมืดในจิตใจของตัวเองตลอดเวลา หากควบคุมตัวเองไม่ได้ ด้านมืดก็จะทำให้พวกเขาทำในสิ่งที่เลวร้ายมาก ๆ ออกไป ประเด็นก็คือ คาแร็คเตอร์ในเรื่องนี้ลงโทษแวมไพร์ทุกคนที่ควบคุมด้านมืดของตัวเองไม่ได้ บางครั้งลงโทษด้วยความตาย (เหตุการณ์ในเล่มหนึ่ง) แต่ในกรณีของเซิร์จ ซึ่งเป็นเพื่อนรักของผู้นำแวมไพร์ ทำให้การกระทำของเขาได้รับการอภัยโทษ ง่าย ๆ แค่นั้น
อ่านแล้วขัดใจค่ะ เพราะเราแยกการกระทำระหว่างคนร้ายและพระเอกไม่ออก พฤติกรรมของเซิร์จทั้งในอดีต และในเล่มก่อนหน้าเล่มนี้ ไม่มีอะไรต่างจากพวกตัวละครที่เป็นคนร้ายในเรื่องเลยสักนิดเดียว เราชอบคาแร็คเตอร์ที่มีด้านมืดนะคะ แต่ก็ควรจะมีเส้นแบ่งที่ชัดเจน
ตัดเรื่องความขัดใจเกี่ยวกับตัวละครออกไป (จริง ๆ ถ้าไม่ได้อ่านเล่มก่อนหน้า หรือบทนำของเล่มนี้ ก็น่าจะก้าวข้ามประเด็นที่ทำให้เราหงุดหงิดนี้ไปได้) เรื่องราวในเล่มนี้ถือว่า น่าอ่านใช้ได้ แล้วก็มีจุดที่หลอกเราได้เลยด้วยซ้ำ
คะแนนที่ 57
เรื่องนี้เป็นเล่มที่ห้าในชุด ซึ่งในที่สุดก็เล่าเรื่องของคาแร็คเตอร์ที่ถูกกระทำ (โดยคนแต่ง) มากที่สุด เรียกว่าเหตุการณ์อะไรที่เลวร้าย แย่ ๆ จะต้องมาลงที่คาแร็คเตอร์ตัวนี้ จนทำให้เปิดหนังสือเรื่องนี้ เซิร์จซึ่งดั้งเดิมเป็นแวมไพร์ได้กลายเป็นสิ่งมีชีวิตบางอย่างที่ไม่ได้อาศัยเลือดในการมีชีวิตอีกต่อไป เขาสูบวิญญาณออกจากร่างของเหล่าผู้มีชีวิตเหนือธรรมชาติ และทำให้ตัวเองมีพลังที่คล้ายคลึงกับสิ่งมีชีวิตที่เขาฆ่า (เช่นถ้าฆ่าแวมไพร์ก็มีจะลักษณะเหมือนแวมไพร์ แต่ถ้าฆ่าหมาป่าก็จะเขี้ยวและกรงเล็บโผล่มาด้วย)
และเนื่องจากระหว่างที่เขาถูกครอบงำโดยด้านมืด (เหตุการณ์ในเล่มสองต่อเนื่องเล่มสาม) ทำให้เซิร์จไม่ต้องการกลับไปเผชิญหน้ากับเหล่าเพื่อน ๆ ของเขาอีก เซิร์จเลือกที่จะอยู่อย่างโดดเดี่ยว และอุทิศชีวิตในการฆ่าแวมไพร์นอกรีตที่ทำผิดกฎของโลกเหนือธรรมชาติ
ในระหว่างที่ออกล่าเหยื่อคืนนึง เซิร์จได้บังเอิญพบกับอเล็กซิส อดีตเอฟบีไอที่เมื่อได้รู้ว่า มีโลกอื่นซ่อนอยู่ในความปกติ และเมื่อพี่สาวของเธอตกเป็นเหยื่อของสิ่งมีชีวิตจากโลกเหล่านั้น ก็ปวารณาตัวที่จะกำจัดสิ่งมีชีวิตเหล่านี้ให้หมดสิ้น ด้วยความช่วยเหลือจากแม่มด และตำรวจใกล้เกษียณ อเล็กซิสสร้างทีมล่าแวมไพร์และออกทำงานในลอสแองเจลิส การล่าที่นำเธอมาพบกับเซิร์จในที่สุด
เรื่องนี้เป็นจุดแตกหักที่ชัดเจนระหว่างเรากับเรื่องในชุดนี้ค่ะ เพราะเป็นเล่มที่แสดงความเป็นสองมาตรฐานของคนแต่ง เราไม่ได้มีปัญหากับคาแร็คเตอร์ของเซิร์จนะคะ (ซึ่งแตกต่างจากความรู้สึกที่เรามีกับเล่มสองในชุดเรื่อง When Pleasure Rules) เราเข้าใจว่าการกระทำของเขาหลายอย่างเกิดขึ้นในยามที่เขาควบคุมปีศาจด้านมืดของตัวเองไม่อยู่ แวมไพร์ในเรื่องนี้เมื่อถูกเปลี่ยนจะต้องสู้กับปีศาจที่เป็นด้านมืดในจิตใจของตัวเองตลอดเวลา หากควบคุมตัวเองไม่ได้ ด้านมืดก็จะทำให้พวกเขาทำในสิ่งที่เลวร้ายมาก ๆ ออกไป ประเด็นก็คือ คาแร็คเตอร์ในเรื่องนี้ลงโทษแวมไพร์ทุกคนที่ควบคุมด้านมืดของตัวเองไม่ได้ บางครั้งลงโทษด้วยความตาย (เหตุการณ์ในเล่มหนึ่ง) แต่ในกรณีของเซิร์จ ซึ่งเป็นเพื่อนรักของผู้นำแวมไพร์ ทำให้การกระทำของเขาได้รับการอภัยโทษ ง่าย ๆ แค่นั้น
อ่านแล้วขัดใจค่ะ เพราะเราแยกการกระทำระหว่างคนร้ายและพระเอกไม่ออก พฤติกรรมของเซิร์จทั้งในอดีต และในเล่มก่อนหน้าเล่มนี้ ไม่มีอะไรต่างจากพวกตัวละครที่เป็นคนร้ายในเรื่องเลยสักนิดเดียว เราชอบคาแร็คเตอร์ที่มีด้านมืดนะคะ แต่ก็ควรจะมีเส้นแบ่งที่ชัดเจน
ตัดเรื่องความขัดใจเกี่ยวกับตัวละครออกไป (จริง ๆ ถ้าไม่ได้อ่านเล่มก่อนหน้า หรือบทนำของเล่มนี้ ก็น่าจะก้าวข้ามประเด็นที่ทำให้เราหงุดหงิดนี้ไปได้) เรื่องราวในเล่มนี้ถือว่า น่าอ่านใช้ได้ แล้วก็มีจุดที่หลอกเราได้เลยด้วยซ้ำ
คะแนนที่ 57
April 1, 2012
Our Review [by Michelle L. Olson – LITERAL ADDICTION’s Pack Alpha]:
This is one of the most creative series I have had the luck to stumble across & I have had a soft spot for Serge since the beginning. His book couldn't have been better. The roller coaster of emotion & the extreme sides to every puzzle piece were thoroughly enjoyable.
Serge is a tortured soul, haunted by his past as a degenerate, his curse that may be broken but is still a part of him, the guilt he feels over things he’s done and those he’s let down and so much more.
Alexis is an ex-FBI agent turned vampire hunter trying to get vengeance for her sister who was killed in a vicious vampire attack. With the help of a witch she’s following the trail of vampire killings in CA and getting ever closer to avenging her sister’s death.
Division 6 is still hard at work covering up preternatural crime while following through with their own brand of justice with Sara (who we met in one of the earlier Shadow Keepers titles) at the helm as lead vampire prosecutor and her husband Luke as vampire governor.
Serge and Alexis cross paths early in the book, both on the trail of the same rogue vampire and there is instant chemistry.
When Serge ends up saving Alexis’s life as well as that of an innocent 16 year old, they get pushed together and the chemistry explodes.
Despite the fact that Serge is exactly what Alexis fights she can’t help her feelings for him, and Serge feels that Alexis is his path to redemption.
They don’t have an easy go of it, that’s for sure, but their story is definitely riveting.
The ending was incredible and a perfect set up for the next installment of the series. I hate waiting for it, but I’m excited to get my hands on it when it is available.
LITERAL ADDICTION gives When Darkness Hungers 5 Skulls, and would recommend it to all Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance readers. While the book can be read as a stand-alone, I highly suggest that you read the entire Shadow Keepers series in order to get the most of the books. You won’t be disappointed, I promise. It’s a fresh series full of amazing future potential and has been seated in my ‘favorite series’ list for quite some time.
This is one of the most creative series I have had the luck to stumble across & I have had a soft spot for Serge since the beginning. His book couldn't have been better. The roller coaster of emotion & the extreme sides to every puzzle piece were thoroughly enjoyable.
Serge is a tortured soul, haunted by his past as a degenerate, his curse that may be broken but is still a part of him, the guilt he feels over things he’s done and those he’s let down and so much more.
Alexis is an ex-FBI agent turned vampire hunter trying to get vengeance for her sister who was killed in a vicious vampire attack. With the help of a witch she’s following the trail of vampire killings in CA and getting ever closer to avenging her sister’s death.
Division 6 is still hard at work covering up preternatural crime while following through with their own brand of justice with Sara (who we met in one of the earlier Shadow Keepers titles) at the helm as lead vampire prosecutor and her husband Luke as vampire governor.
Serge and Alexis cross paths early in the book, both on the trail of the same rogue vampire and there is instant chemistry.
When Serge ends up saving Alexis’s life as well as that of an innocent 16 year old, they get pushed together and the chemistry explodes.
Despite the fact that Serge is exactly what Alexis fights she can’t help her feelings for him, and Serge feels that Alexis is his path to redemption.
They don’t have an easy go of it, that’s for sure, but their story is definitely riveting.
The ending was incredible and a perfect set up for the next installment of the series. I hate waiting for it, but I’m excited to get my hands on it when it is available.
LITERAL ADDICTION gives When Darkness Hungers 5 Skulls, and would recommend it to all Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance readers. While the book can be read as a stand-alone, I highly suggest that you read the entire Shadow Keepers series in order to get the most of the books. You won’t be disappointed, I promise. It’s a fresh series full of amazing future potential and has been seated in my ‘favorite series’ list for quite some time.
June 15, 2012
The Shadow Keepers series is one I’ve been meaning to get to for some time now. If you know anything about me know that I dislike reading a series out of order. I’ve been known to go buy the rest of a series to read before I get to a review book. However since there are 4 in front of this one, it wasn’t feasible on my time table and so I decided to jump head first into this one and hope for the best.
First I can say honestly that reading these out of order would be okay. I never had trouble understanding the continuing story arc that I’m sure weaves through multiple books. There are plenty of characters that I’m sure are in other books as well. My problem was that I just didn’t care. I was never grabbed by the story line (Alexis avenging her druggie sisters murder) in this one and the characters of Alexis and Serge just didn’t get me excited.
Our hero and heroine don’t really meet until 40% into the book and I think that hurt my impression of them first. After they finally do get together it was a whirlwind of sex and emotion and all of a sudden they are in love. I needed more. It felt incredibly superficial to me and not at all deep and real.
At the beginning Alexis and her friend, the witch Leena, evoke a spell that is bound by blood, if Alexis finds the killer of her sister and does not kill him, she shall die in his place. Well gee, way to give it all away in the beginning. Its obvious at that point what will happen. The story line was completely predictable. Past this, both characters didn’t feel real to me at all. Alexis came across as a Buffy The Vampire Slayer wannabe and even though Serge was hard-bodied and hot I just didn’t want him. I didn’t care about his weird spell affliction of becoming whatever he sucks dry.
I read the entire book, but because I just didn’t really care either way about the character or plot line I’m giving When Darkness Hungers by JK Beck 2 stars.
Will I read more from this author? Probably not from this series.
First I can say honestly that reading these out of order would be okay. I never had trouble understanding the continuing story arc that I’m sure weaves through multiple books. There are plenty of characters that I’m sure are in other books as well. My problem was that I just didn’t care. I was never grabbed by the story line (Alexis avenging her druggie sisters murder) in this one and the characters of Alexis and Serge just didn’t get me excited.
Our hero and heroine don’t really meet until 40% into the book and I think that hurt my impression of them first. After they finally do get together it was a whirlwind of sex and emotion and all of a sudden they are in love. I needed more. It felt incredibly superficial to me and not at all deep and real.
At the beginning Alexis and her friend, the witch Leena, evoke a spell that is bound by blood, if Alexis finds the killer of her sister and does not kill him, she shall die in his place. Well gee, way to give it all away in the beginning. Its obvious at that point what will happen. The story line was completely predictable. Past this, both characters didn’t feel real to me at all. Alexis came across as a Buffy The Vampire Slayer wannabe and even though Serge was hard-bodied and hot I just didn’t want him. I didn’t care about his weird spell affliction of becoming whatever he sucks dry.
I read the entire book, but because I just didn’t really care either way about the character or plot line I’m giving When Darkness Hungers by JK Beck 2 stars.
Will I read more from this author? Probably not from this series.
June 1, 2012
Author: J.K. Beck
Published by: Bantam
Age Recommend: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Raven Rating: 4
Blog Review For: GMTA
Review:
"When Darkness Hungers" by J.K. Beck was a real good paranormal romance. I really enjoyed this well written novel thinking that this author was very creative with many twist and turns...with this being great puzzle being put together piece by piece.
One of the main characters..Serge was definitely one tortured soul...trying now to do what is good...Alexis....an ex FBI agent who was now a vampire hunter since her sister Toni had been killed in a vampire attack....goes to L.A. California....and it was their that both of these two (Serge and Alexis)came together....with Serge saving Alexis life and also the life of a sixteen year old(Cee Cee).....they are pushed together. Then a old friend(Derrick) comes back and threatens Alexis's life...and Serge comes only to risk all to protect Alexis... and then you will have to pick up this read to find out......I don't want to give it away...its a good read! With Alexis have feelings for Serge...will this be redemption for him? What was going on with Division 6 and Homeland Security? This was really some story telling at this point.. bring up only a great ending.
The characters were simply interesting....Alexis, Leena, Sergius, Derrick, Toni, Penny Martinez, Cee Cee, Sara, Luke, Doyle, Frank, Tom, Vivian, Nostramo Bosch, Garvey, Bella, Jonathan, Orion, Petra, Mitre, Nick, Severin Tucker, Marcus and Edgar... all making this a moving action-packed read.
If you are in for a thrill of a ride ....then "When Darkness Hungers" ... from The Shadow Keepers Series ...is a good novel. I would recommend if you are into Vampires, blood and witches.... this novel is a good read for you. I also liked the looks of the book cover.
Published by: Bantam
Age Recommend: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Raven Rating: 4
Blog Review For: GMTA
Review:
"When Darkness Hungers" by J.K. Beck was a real good paranormal romance. I really enjoyed this well written novel thinking that this author was very creative with many twist and turns...with this being great puzzle being put together piece by piece.
One of the main characters..Serge was definitely one tortured soul...trying now to do what is good...Alexis....an ex FBI agent who was now a vampire hunter since her sister Toni had been killed in a vampire attack....goes to L.A. California....and it was their that both of these two (Serge and Alexis)came together....with Serge saving Alexis life and also the life of a sixteen year old(Cee Cee).....they are pushed together. Then a old friend(Derrick) comes back and threatens Alexis's life...and Serge comes only to risk all to protect Alexis... and then you will have to pick up this read to find out......I don't want to give it away...its a good read! With Alexis have feelings for Serge...will this be redemption for him? What was going on with Division 6 and Homeland Security? This was really some story telling at this point.. bring up only a great ending.
The characters were simply interesting....Alexis, Leena, Sergius, Derrick, Toni, Penny Martinez, Cee Cee, Sara, Luke, Doyle, Frank, Tom, Vivian, Nostramo Bosch, Garvey, Bella, Jonathan, Orion, Petra, Mitre, Nick, Severin Tucker, Marcus and Edgar... all making this a moving action-packed read.
If you are in for a thrill of a ride ....then "When Darkness Hungers" ... from The Shadow Keepers Series ...is a good novel. I would recommend if you are into Vampires, blood and witches.... this novel is a good read for you. I also liked the looks of the book cover.
June 16, 2012
Daniella's review posted on Guilty Pleasures
Witches and Vampires are not supposed to play nicely together. Humans and Vampires aren't either. What is stereotyped as evil isn't always so. Sometimes the mixing and blending of worlds works and J.K. Beck has written it so wonderfully.
Sergius is a vampire that has lived for centuries who now tries to keep his daemon under wraps and in control. Alexis is an FBI Agent searching for the reason behind her sister's murder, vampire hunter sworn to kill and has a witch as her best friend (always good to have). Their worlds are in chaos for lack of a better word. This book has so much packed into it, your turning pages to see what other creatures of the night come to "play" with them as Sergius and Alexis try to unravel mysteries about why Sergius is being hunted down and by Alexis of all people-because you just can't trust a vampire-and whether they can find the rogue vampires on a killing spree (I know, hmmm, rogue vampires? But it works so well).
Traveling into their world let me explore and meet vampires, jinns, witches and a host of other non-human characters. I laughed out loud at the verbal sparring matches going on throughout the story, between humans and vampires, witches and police detectives, vampires and vampires, the feds and basically anyone. I was reading and watching this book play out in my mind like a movie…a very interesting movie (perfect with popcorn) that I didn't want to end…it was fun to enter into their world and cheer for the good guys (even vampires can have a nice side).
Witches and Vampires are not supposed to play nicely together. Humans and Vampires aren't either. What is stereotyped as evil isn't always so. Sometimes the mixing and blending of worlds works and J.K. Beck has written it so wonderfully.
Sergius is a vampire that has lived for centuries who now tries to keep his daemon under wraps and in control. Alexis is an FBI Agent searching for the reason behind her sister's murder, vampire hunter sworn to kill and has a witch as her best friend (always good to have). Their worlds are in chaos for lack of a better word. This book has so much packed into it, your turning pages to see what other creatures of the night come to "play" with them as Sergius and Alexis try to unravel mysteries about why Sergius is being hunted down and by Alexis of all people-because you just can't trust a vampire-and whether they can find the rogue vampires on a killing spree (I know, hmmm, rogue vampires? But it works so well).
Traveling into their world let me explore and meet vampires, jinns, witches and a host of other non-human characters. I laughed out loud at the verbal sparring matches going on throughout the story, between humans and vampires, witches and police detectives, vampires and vampires, the feds and basically anyone. I was reading and watching this book play out in my mind like a movie…a very interesting movie (perfect with popcorn) that I didn't want to end…it was fun to enter into their world and cheer for the good guys (even vampires can have a nice side).
August 8, 2015
"When Darkness Hungers" by J.K. Beck. Book 5 in The Shadow Keepers series.
I really liked this addition to the series. Sergius (Serge) is a character that has been in the series from the beginning and I was hoping was going to get his story told because he definitely needed a happily ever after and the character of Alexis was a great match for him.
The storyline was very well done explaining just enough of Serge's history for the reader if you haven't read the previous books. Serge is a vampire that has struggled with controlling the daemon part of himself for centuries. In book 3, "When Wicked Craves", Serge is willingly cursed to save his friends and then cured but no one knows what side effects he may suffer from. This is were this book begins, with Serge dealing with his side effects from the curse. Along the way he meets Alexis, a human woman who is a vampire hunter. Her sister was killed by a vampire and now Alexis wants revenge.
I'm giving the book 4 stars because I really enjoyed the overall storyline. The romance between Serge and Alexis was good but didn't really have momentum until about halfway through the book. They don't actually have a meaningful conversation until just before halfway through the book. From there, their relationship starts and is quite complicated with both of them fighting their feelings for each other.
I will definitely be reading the next book.
I really liked this addition to the series. Sergius (Serge) is a character that has been in the series from the beginning and I was hoping was going to get his story told because he definitely needed a happily ever after and the character of Alexis was a great match for him.
The storyline was very well done explaining just enough of Serge's history for the reader if you haven't read the previous books. Serge is a vampire that has struggled with controlling the daemon part of himself for centuries. In book 3, "When Wicked Craves", Serge is willingly cursed to save his friends and then cured but no one knows what side effects he may suffer from. This is were this book begins, with Serge dealing with his side effects from the curse. Along the way he meets Alexis, a human woman who is a vampire hunter. Her sister was killed by a vampire and now Alexis wants revenge.
I'm giving the book 4 stars because I really enjoyed the overall storyline. The romance between Serge and Alexis was good but didn't really have momentum until about halfway through the book. They don't actually have a meaningful conversation until just before halfway through the book. From there, their relationship starts and is quite complicated with both of them fighting their feelings for each other.
I will definitely be reading the next book.
August 18, 2012
Vampires do not exist or do they? This is something that FBI Agent Alexis Martin is trying to figure out. Ever since the disappearance of her sister she knows that in some weird way they do exist. Someone used her sister as a food bank and just discarded her like trash. Meeting Serge, a centuries old vampire is definitely something to look forward in a kill. He is a vampire but yet in her gut feels he's more than just a regular vampire. Serge is keeping a secret one that nobody knows including the one who turned him. Something about Alexis makes Serge want to be something more than a monster like he is. Can he convince Alexis that something more sinister is out there and that he is innocent?
This is the first I have read from J.K. Beck and have to say it is a series worth reading. Packed with mystery, suspense and other paranormal world it is a page turner in each chapter. I was like no way in each chapter because one minute you think you know who the killer is behind then the author blindsides you. J.K. Beck The only thing that I didn't like and it was my fault was I started late in this series. So if you interested in this Shadowkeepers world get the first one.
This is the first I have read from J.K. Beck and have to say it is a series worth reading. Packed with mystery, suspense and other paranormal world it is a page turner in each chapter. I was like no way in each chapter because one minute you think you know who the killer is behind then the author blindsides you. J.K. Beck The only thing that I didn't like and it was my fault was I started late in this series. So if you interested in this Shadowkeepers world get the first one.
June 26, 2012
When I started When Darkness Hungers I could hardly put it down. J.K. Beck wrote her characters with such depth I couldn’t help but be captured by the story. However, about half way through the book the world building fell short and other problems arose. I felt that many of the rules created for this world were being broken, and I can be a real stickler for the rules. There was also the issue of Serge in general – his character was well written, but he was not well defined. What was Serge? I still am not sure. At one point he was growing claws and scales with little explanation and then this was never brought up again. I also felt that the ending was forced to be too happy. I know that most of you will feel that needs more explanation, but let’s be realistic here. How the heck am I supposed to talk about the ending of the book without giving the ending away??? I didn’t like several aspects of this book and felt that the story of Alexis and Serge was kind of a “forgive all” on some major issues. He did several things in the book that were just plain unforgivable, but were just blown off by Alexis. I did enjoy many of the sub-characters, but the story had flaws.
August 26, 2016
Alexis' believing her sister, Toti, wouldn't leave her outweighed the story that Toti ran away. In that moment Alexis Martin set her career goal to FBI agent. Lo, many years later that unshaken belief spun Alexis into a world she wouldn't otherwise believe existed. A world inhabited by Sergius... a vampire fighting his daemon for control daily and millennia of secrets to hide.
Learning her sister was the victim of a vampire Alexis becomes a hunter and allies herself to a witch to have her revenge. Tracking a rash of vampire killings brings Alexis to Serge's back yard of Los Angeles where her near misfortune changes both of their lives. Serge has answers for Alexis' closure and Alexis is the answer for Serge as she soothes the savage beast within.
For this reader the outing was confusing at first having read the last few outings back to back to back. I had to remember Serge from the earlier days and push the events of later books aside to enjoy the read. Nonetheless, as typical for the series, the action, thrills and romance are better than the average PNR and left this reader wanting the next installment.
Rating: 4.5stars
Learning her sister was the victim of a vampire Alexis becomes a hunter and allies herself to a witch to have her revenge. Tracking a rash of vampire killings brings Alexis to Serge's back yard of Los Angeles where her near misfortune changes both of their lives. Serge has answers for Alexis' closure and Alexis is the answer for Serge as she soothes the savage beast within.
For this reader the outing was confusing at first having read the last few outings back to back to back. I had to remember Serge from the earlier days and push the events of later books aside to enjoy the read. Nonetheless, as typical for the series, the action, thrills and romance are better than the average PNR and left this reader wanting the next installment.
Rating: 4.5stars
May 2, 2012
Quick review:
I was so excited when I learned that JK was going to continue on with the series. Another 3 book of The Shadow Keepers... YAY!!
But sadly, When Darkness Hungers didn't keep my attention like the first three book.
Full review:
I am not sure where to start on this review. I loved the first three books of JK Beck’s Shadow Keeper’s series. But When Darkness Hungers didn't suck me into the world again the way that I would have like it to. Now don’t get me wrong. It is still a good book, but I would have to say my least favorite of the series so far. I had a hard time connecting with Alexis and Serge. I am not sure why but I did. The story line was a little too slow for me. I have read over a few other reviews and everyone seems to LOVE this book for me it was just okay... If you are a fan of JK Beck’s Shadow Keepers you will want to read, I am sure you will be happy. I will say that I am still looking forward to the next two books in this series.
I was so excited when I learned that JK was going to continue on with the series. Another 3 book of The Shadow Keepers... YAY!!
But sadly, When Darkness Hungers didn't keep my attention like the first three book.
Full review:
I am not sure where to start on this review. I loved the first three books of JK Beck’s Shadow Keeper’s series. But When Darkness Hungers didn't suck me into the world again the way that I would have like it to. Now don’t get me wrong. It is still a good book, but I would have to say my least favorite of the series so far. I had a hard time connecting with Alexis and Serge. I am not sure why but I did. The story line was a little too slow for me. I have read over a few other reviews and everyone seems to LOVE this book for me it was just okay... If you are a fan of JK Beck’s Shadow Keepers you will want to read, I am sure you will be happy. I will say that I am still looking forward to the next two books in this series.
July 5, 2012
3.5*s I like to read paranormal romances for, well, the romance. But the first half of this book was taken up with lots of backstory and flashbacks and very little interaction between the hero and heroine. And then, as soon as they did get together, there wasn't much to the development of their relationship. This was almost a DNF for me, until I realized how close I was to the end and figured I should just go ahead and finish it. After hanging in there until the end, the climax seemed a bit rushed.
I really liked the first 3 books of this series, but these past two have been disappointing. My apologies to JK Beck, but that's my opinion. However, I am going to give the next book, When Temptation Burns, a try.
I really liked the first 3 books of this series, but these past two have been disappointing. My apologies to JK Beck, but that's my opinion. However, I am going to give the next book, When Temptation Burns, a try.
June 29, 2012
Let me just start by...
*SIGH* Sergius... How sexy was he? Let's just say broody, troubled, alpha, sexy hotness in one ancient vampire body...
Alexis - Great match for the broody Serge... She sees beyond the vampire to the man beneath and falls for him even though she should hate him. She has left the FBI to become a vampire hunter after the death of her sister. You see her sister disappeared when she was younger and she just never had closure. When she discovers what happened to her it drives her to obsession. She has to uncover who did this and have her vengeance.
The two of them come together thru some manipulation but when they are together it is HOT!
I'm not going to give everything away so just trust me in that this is a good story and was a fun read.
Special thanks to netgalley.com and Bantam for giving me the chance to read this in return for my honest review.
*SIGH* Sergius... How sexy was he? Let's just say broody, troubled, alpha, sexy hotness in one ancient vampire body...
Alexis - Great match for the broody Serge... She sees beyond the vampire to the man beneath and falls for him even though she should hate him. She has left the FBI to become a vampire hunter after the death of her sister. You see her sister disappeared when she was younger and she just never had closure. When she discovers what happened to her it drives her to obsession. She has to uncover who did this and have her vengeance.
The two of them come together thru some manipulation but when they are together it is HOT!
I'm not going to give everything away so just trust me in that this is a good story and was a fun read.
Special thanks to netgalley.com and Bantam for giving me the chance to read this in return for my honest review.
August 15, 2012
When Darkness Hungers is a reasonably safe, familiar story involving Vampires, hunters, and secret FBI divisions.
Alexis was an alright character, as was Serge; but I just didn't really care for them at all.
Yes, I got Serge's motivation for wanting Derrick dead, I understood his fear of his 'beast'; but I didn't connect with him, I felt he was very one dimensional.
In fact I thought Serge and Alexis both, were very shallow characters, the entire book was rather flat I thought.
The only thing I did enjoy was Serge changing CeeCee and his feelings towards her afterwards, and trying to understand why he felt responsible for her; it was the only part of the book that held any depth for me, I even found the sex scenes dull and the ending was hurried.
All in all, this was a reasonable read, nothing I'd rave about, just okay.
3 Stars :]
Alexis was an alright character, as was Serge; but I just didn't really care for them at all.
Yes, I got Serge's motivation for wanting Derrick dead, I understood his fear of his 'beast'; but I didn't connect with him, I felt he was very one dimensional.
In fact I thought Serge and Alexis both, were very shallow characters, the entire book was rather flat I thought.
The only thing I did enjoy was Serge changing CeeCee and his feelings towards her afterwards, and trying to understand why he felt responsible for her; it was the only part of the book that held any depth for me, I even found the sex scenes dull and the ending was hurried.
All in all, this was a reasonable read, nothing I'd rave about, just okay.
3 Stars :]
June 25, 2012
When Darkness Hungers by J.K. Beck reunites enemies of old. Beck brings us Serge's story in this new story of the Shadow Keepers. I enjoyed the first three books in the series, but unfortunately When Darkness Hungers felt bland to me. The first two chapters captured me, but then the story seemed to drag on, and become predictable. Serge, for all his power, felt lifeless compared to Lucius and Vincent from previous books in the series. Alexis' character was wonderful, but I felt as if she was reckless when she confronted vampires, especially when she didn't posses powers. I do want to read book 6, When Temptation Burns, it will be Doyle's story and his character is one that we have been following since the beginning, it is due out, July 31.
September 18, 2012
When Darkness Hungers, book 5 of The Shadow Keeper series, is a fast paced fun read, perfect for those times when you need a dash of witches and vampires in your life.
With both Serge and Alexis we get snappy conversation between two damaged souls who really should NOT trust each other, and yet who manage to work together to hunt down rogue vampires and bring them to justice (oh and of course deal with curses, kidnapping and all round danger).
This isn’t the best in the series, but just enjoy it for what it is – a fun afternoon escape.
With both Serge and Alexis we get snappy conversation between two damaged souls who really should NOT trust each other, and yet who manage to work together to hunt down rogue vampires and bring them to justice (oh and of course deal with curses, kidnapping and all round danger).
This isn’t the best in the series, but just enjoy it for what it is – a fun afternoon escape.
June 2, 2013
It took me so much time to start reading this book and I'm sorry know that I have. It's a wonderful book, Serge and Alexis romance was so sweet. I loved how their relationship started, slowly. I think the author did a terrific job describing their feelings, their anguish, the difficulty with Alexis feelings after making an important and difficult discovery.
However, the end didn't respond to an important aspect:
However, the end didn't respond to an important aspect:
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