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Dark Nights
Dark Descent and Dark Dream are combined in Dark Nights.
#1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan revisits and expands her classic novella Dark Descent, bringing to breathtaking new life her story of an immortal Carpathian hunter, a beautiful adventurer, and their dangerous journey toward an unforeseen destiny and an undying love.
In a cave of mystery and wonder deep in the Carpathian Mountains, bodyguard Joie Sanders encounters a most remarkable being. Proud, strong, immortal, he is called Traian—an ageless hunter locked in a life-and-death battle with enemy vampires—and he will be her salvation in a labyrinth protected by the ingenious traps of a mysterious ancient race. What awaits them in the darkness is not known, and each step could be their last—as their destined path leads them toward a fiery passion that will illuminate the perilous dark night.
Note: Dark Dream was previously in After Twilight & Dark Dreamers.
Dark Descent was previously in The Only One.
#1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan revisits and expands her classic novella Dark Descent, bringing to breathtaking new life her story of an immortal Carpathian hunter, a beautiful adventurer, and their dangerous journey toward an unforeseen destiny and an undying love.
In a cave of mystery and wonder deep in the Carpathian Mountains, bodyguard Joie Sanders encounters a most remarkable being. Proud, strong, immortal, he is called Traian—an ageless hunter locked in a life-and-death battle with enemy vampires—and he will be her salvation in a labyrinth protected by the ingenious traps of a mysterious ancient race. What awaits them in the darkness is not known, and each step could be their last—as their destined path leads them toward a fiery passion that will illuminate the perilous dark night.
Note: Dark Dream was previously in After Twilight & Dark Dreamers.
Dark Descent was previously in The Only One.
420 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 13, 2003
576 people are currently reading
2644 people want to read
About the author
Christine Feehan
156 books52.9k followersChristine Feehan is a #1 New York Times bestselling author multiple times over with her portfolio including over 100 published novels, including five series; Dark Series, GhostWalker Series, Leopard Series, Drake Sisters Series, the Sisters of the Heart Series, Shadow Riders, Torpedo Ink and her Romantic Suspense novels. All of her series have hit the #1 spot on the New York Times bestselling list as well. Her debut novel Dark Prince received 3 of the 9 Paranormal Excellence Awards in Romantic Literature (PEARL) in 1999. Since then she has been published by various publishing houses including Leisure Books, Pocket Books, and currently is writing for Berkley/Jove. She also has earned 7 more PEARL awards since Dark Prince.
Her series include:
The Dark Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/darkb...
The GhostWalker series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/ghost...
The Leopard Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/leopa...
The Shadow Series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/shado...
Torpedo Ink series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/torpe...
IN HER WORDS:
I've been a writer all of my life -- it is who I am. I write for myself and always have. The ability to create pictures and emotions with words is such a miracle to me. I read everything; I mean everything! All kinds of books, even encyclopedias. I am fascinated by the written word and I love storytellers. It is a great privilege to be counted one myself. (www.christinefeehan.com)
Her series include:
The Dark Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/darkb...
The GhostWalker series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/ghost...
The Leopard Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/leopa...
The Shadow Series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/shado...
Torpedo Ink series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/torpe...
IN HER WORDS:
I've been a writer all of my life -- it is who I am. I write for myself and always have. The ability to create pictures and emotions with words is such a miracle to me. I read everything; I mean everything! All kinds of books, even encyclopedias. I am fascinated by the written word and I love storytellers. It is a great privilege to be counted one myself. (www.christinefeehan.com)
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September 24, 2015
This is a collection of two different Carpathian short novels: Dark Dream and Dark Descent. While the first book is "Dark Descent", Book 11, but it should be read second, since "Dark Dream" is actually Book 7. I think that they are connected thematically by the expansion of the mage storyline (moreso in Dark Descent). I have this as a book, but I picked it up as an Kindle book when it was on sale. It's a great way to get copies of this without buying the previously released anthology.
Below are my reviews of each book:
Dark Descent
I'm happily getting caught up on the Carpathians after a long break, and I'm enjoying the ride. The Carpathians have such a complex folklore foundation, and I like seeing it unfold in each book. While I wouldn't like some aspects of being a Carpathian lifemate, there is a whole lot to appeal as well. They really are delicious heroes. I think that this one might be one of my favorites. I loved Joie and Traian as characters, and Joie's siblings Gabrielle and Jubal definitely add to the appeal of this novel. Gary Sanders (who becomes a friend and ally to the Carpathians) has a cameo, and it was fun to see this adorable nerd again. Joie is a kickbutt heroine in her own right, a great match with Traian.
This book is actually quite horrific. The vampires are scary and downright disturbing and disgusting. They give an ugly visual picture to creepy crawly. While Traian is one of the most formidable Carpathian warriors and hunters, he has his hands full when he gets caught in the middle of a nest of master vampires who have formed an alliance. Joie forms a mental bond with Traian and that bond causes her to track him down to the ice caves in the Carpathian mountains. In the process, the Sanders discover a long lost familial relationship to the secretive mages.
I loved how the Carpathian universe is expanding to other species. The mage aspect of the story is fun. Like many of Feehan's works, this book reads like an exciting movie. The battles with the vampires would have me quaking in my books on a big movie screen. But at the same time, they were highly exciting.
I'm pretty into Jubal. I'm wondering if he'll have a story (fingers crossed). It looks like Dark Promises is about Gary and Gabrielle. I hoping that Jubal will have a storyline in this book. He's a character I definitely connected with.
For a short novel, this packed an exciting punch! I read this out of the Dark Nights ebook and I'll read Dark Dream next.
Dark Dream
This is a meaty little short story. It definitely has an insta-love vibe, I think most out of all the Carpathian novels. But the story has a lot to offer despite that. Falcon is one of the original Carpathian warriors sent out by the previous Prince Vladimir, which means he's at least a thousand years old. It's amazing that he's held onto his honor and Carpathian sense of ethics and not turned vampire. I like to think that the fact that Sara was out there in the future was one of the reasons he didn't give in, but he's very, very close to turning when he senses his Lifemate. Sara has been stalked by a vampire who killed her whole family for fifteen years. She's stayed one step ahead of him, traveling the globe and helping orphaned children. She meets Falcon and he realizes that she's his lifemate. She realizes that he's the male she's been in love with since she found his journal on one of her archaeologist parent's digs. The romance part is the easy part. The difficult part is keeping Sara safe from the vampire.
This book is full of action and some horror elements with the despicable vampire and his zombie-like human servants. While I like the romance aspects, I find the whole Carpathian culture thing very interesting. It was great to touch base with with Mikhail and Raven and Jacques and Shea. Jacques is a lot more stable than he once was. He's definitely benefited from having a lifemate in Shea. I read this after reading Dark Descent, out of the Dark Nights book. Feehan is developing the whole storyline about the Carpathians trying to find a reason for their infertility and infant mortality, and slowly but surely recruiting assets in their cause. Gary shows up briefly, and it's making me excited to read Dark Promises.
I have no issues with this book. It was a solid read.
Below are my reviews of each book:
Dark Descent
I'm happily getting caught up on the Carpathians after a long break, and I'm enjoying the ride. The Carpathians have such a complex folklore foundation, and I like seeing it unfold in each book. While I wouldn't like some aspects of being a Carpathian lifemate, there is a whole lot to appeal as well. They really are delicious heroes. I think that this one might be one of my favorites. I loved Joie and Traian as characters, and Joie's siblings Gabrielle and Jubal definitely add to the appeal of this novel. Gary Sanders (who becomes a friend and ally to the Carpathians) has a cameo, and it was fun to see this adorable nerd again. Joie is a kickbutt heroine in her own right, a great match with Traian.
This book is actually quite horrific. The vampires are scary and downright disturbing and disgusting. They give an ugly visual picture to creepy crawly. While Traian is one of the most formidable Carpathian warriors and hunters, he has his hands full when he gets caught in the middle of a nest of master vampires who have formed an alliance. Joie forms a mental bond with Traian and that bond causes her to track him down to the ice caves in the Carpathian mountains. In the process, the Sanders discover a long lost familial relationship to the secretive mages.
I loved how the Carpathian universe is expanding to other species. The mage aspect of the story is fun. Like many of Feehan's works, this book reads like an exciting movie. The battles with the vampires would have me quaking in my books on a big movie screen. But at the same time, they were highly exciting.
I'm pretty into Jubal. I'm wondering if he'll have a story (fingers crossed). It looks like Dark Promises is about Gary and Gabrielle. I hoping that Jubal will have a storyline in this book. He's a character I definitely connected with.
For a short novel, this packed an exciting punch! I read this out of the Dark Nights ebook and I'll read Dark Dream next.
Dark Dream
This is a meaty little short story. It definitely has an insta-love vibe, I think most out of all the Carpathian novels. But the story has a lot to offer despite that. Falcon is one of the original Carpathian warriors sent out by the previous Prince Vladimir, which means he's at least a thousand years old. It's amazing that he's held onto his honor and Carpathian sense of ethics and not turned vampire. I like to think that the fact that Sara was out there in the future was one of the reasons he didn't give in, but he's very, very close to turning when he senses his Lifemate. Sara has been stalked by a vampire who killed her whole family for fifteen years. She's stayed one step ahead of him, traveling the globe and helping orphaned children. She meets Falcon and he realizes that she's his lifemate. She realizes that he's the male she's been in love with since she found his journal on one of her archaeologist parent's digs. The romance part is the easy part. The difficult part is keeping Sara safe from the vampire.
This book is full of action and some horror elements with the despicable vampire and his zombie-like human servants. While I like the romance aspects, I find the whole Carpathian culture thing very interesting. It was great to touch base with with Mikhail and Raven and Jacques and Shea. Jacques is a lot more stable than he once was. He's definitely benefited from having a lifemate in Shea. I read this after reading Dark Descent, out of the Dark Nights book. Feehan is developing the whole storyline about the Carpathians trying to find a reason for their infertility and infant mortality, and slowly but surely recruiting assets in their cause. Gary shows up briefly, and it's making me excited to read Dark Promises.
I have no issues with this book. It was a solid read.
November 22, 2012
They spent too much time in the cave and not enough growing a relationship.
September 21, 2012
The book contains two previously released novellas by Christine Feehan. If you follow the series and haven’t already read these stories, or if you desire to keep all books/stories within a series shelved together, than this book will be a good purchase. Being short stories, we aren’t being bogged down with the Carpathian angst with the darkness in their souls.
If you are new to the series, this isn’t a bad place to begin, although starting with Dark Prince is a better choice. But if you’ve read the stories and are looking for something new, you won’t find it here, even with the enhancements made to Dark Descent.
Dark Descent was first published in the anthology “The Only One.” It’s the story of Traian & Joie Sanders and our first glimpse into the mage ice cave and the existence of the dragon line. In this story we learn that master vampires are working together to rule the world, a theme carried forward from here through the series. I believe it’s also the first story since Dark Magic to bring Gary back into the picture and in this one he meets Gabrielle, Joie’s researcher sister.
The author has enhanced the original story, although since it’s been so long since I had read it, I couldn’t point out to another exactly where. There were a number of times where I thought something might be new. Over half of the story still deals with finding Traian and escaping the cave.
What I really like about this particular story is that Joie is such a kick butt character, both mentally and physically. We don’t just get a heroine but an enter family and you won’t find a “victim” among them. Well at least we meet and interact with her brother and sister. We’re teased a number of times that Traian is going to have a difficult time being accepted by their mother who does not like alpha males. Unfortunately we still don’t get to meet the parents or see how that plays out.
Joie has the ability to astral travel and uses it at the beginning of the story to escape pain when being worked on in the hospital after getting shot. It’s how she meets Traian, who is lying in a cave trying to recover from his fight with vampires. Off screen they converse every night for weeks and she knows she’s got to find him. It’s the way the author is able to explain Joie’s fast acceptance with the concept of being his lifemate.
Dark Dream was first published in the anthology “After Twilight” and tells the story of Falcon and Sara. Their story begins at the 64% area on a Kindle, so it’s a shorter story than Dark Descent and it is published here in its original form.
Falcon is on his way home after spending so much time on his own doing what Prince Vladimir had requested; kill vampires to protect their race. He can’t hang on any longer and wants to meet Mikhail before meeting the sun. One thousand years ago, while still recalling memories of emotions, he wrote a journal hoping his future lifemate would find it. He’s about to be jumped by a number of men who want to rob him when Sara jumps in and tells him to run.
Sara watched her entire family killed by an ancient vampire who wants her and she’s been hiding from him for the last 15 years. The only thing that kept her going was finding Falcon’s journal and just knew it had been written for her. She’s learned how to fight, always has an escape route, and her passion is children. She’s been working to establish a safe place for 7 gifted kids from the street.
The journal and Sara’s familiarity with Falcon as a person through it, is how the author is able to pull the two together in an accepted manner in a short story. What I really like about Sara is her compassion, both for Falcon and the children. The woman is distressed to find out it might be more than 100 years between being able to birth children, but you can bet there will be a lot of adoptions.
We get an added bonus with this story. The prologue gives us Prince Vladimir’s difficult decision to ask warriors to do the unthinkable; live alone, away from all other Carpathians in order to hunt vampires and protect their race.
Read as ARC through Edelweiss.
If you are new to the series, this isn’t a bad place to begin, although starting with Dark Prince is a better choice. But if you’ve read the stories and are looking for something new, you won’t find it here, even with the enhancements made to Dark Descent.
Dark Descent was first published in the anthology “The Only One.” It’s the story of Traian & Joie Sanders and our first glimpse into the mage ice cave and the existence of the dragon line. In this story we learn that master vampires are working together to rule the world, a theme carried forward from here through the series. I believe it’s also the first story since Dark Magic to bring Gary back into the picture and in this one he meets Gabrielle, Joie’s researcher sister.
The author has enhanced the original story, although since it’s been so long since I had read it, I couldn’t point out to another exactly where. There were a number of times where I thought something might be new. Over half of the story still deals with finding Traian and escaping the cave.
What I really like about this particular story is that Joie is such a kick butt character, both mentally and physically. We don’t just get a heroine but an enter family and you won’t find a “victim” among them. Well at least we meet and interact with her brother and sister. We’re teased a number of times that Traian is going to have a difficult time being accepted by their mother who does not like alpha males. Unfortunately we still don’t get to meet the parents or see how that plays out.
Joie has the ability to astral travel and uses it at the beginning of the story to escape pain when being worked on in the hospital after getting shot. It’s how she meets Traian, who is lying in a cave trying to recover from his fight with vampires. Off screen they converse every night for weeks and she knows she’s got to find him. It’s the way the author is able to explain Joie’s fast acceptance with the concept of being his lifemate.
Dark Dream was first published in the anthology “After Twilight” and tells the story of Falcon and Sara. Their story begins at the 64% area on a Kindle, so it’s a shorter story than Dark Descent and it is published here in its original form.
Falcon is on his way home after spending so much time on his own doing what Prince Vladimir had requested; kill vampires to protect their race. He can’t hang on any longer and wants to meet Mikhail before meeting the sun. One thousand years ago, while still recalling memories of emotions, he wrote a journal hoping his future lifemate would find it. He’s about to be jumped by a number of men who want to rob him when Sara jumps in and tells him to run.
Sara watched her entire family killed by an ancient vampire who wants her and she’s been hiding from him for the last 15 years. The only thing that kept her going was finding Falcon’s journal and just knew it had been written for her. She’s learned how to fight, always has an escape route, and her passion is children. She’s been working to establish a safe place for 7 gifted kids from the street.
The journal and Sara’s familiarity with Falcon as a person through it, is how the author is able to pull the two together in an accepted manner in a short story. What I really like about Sara is her compassion, both for Falcon and the children. The woman is distressed to find out it might be more than 100 years between being able to birth children, but you can bet there will be a lot of adoptions.
We get an added bonus with this story. The prologue gives us Prince Vladimir’s difficult decision to ask warriors to do the unthinkable; live alone, away from all other Carpathians in order to hunt vampires and protect their race.
Read as ARC through Edelweiss.
June 16, 2015
I prefer the original version of Dark Descent. The new version isn't as compelling. I did like the larger role for the siblings, Jubal & Gabrielle.
Sara & Falcon - good.
Sara & Falcon - good.
November 10, 2012
The Carpathian world has always fascinated me and I have been hooked since I started my first Dark book.
Dark Nights is a collection of two previously published novellas. Dark Descent appeared in The Only One anthology, and Christine has added more pages to the story. Dark Dream was published in Dark Dreamers anthology and remains as it is.
Dark Descent was the main story of this book and I have to say I loved it, Christine breathed fresh air into a current story. I think needless to say I would love every and any story from the Dark series. This one is about Triain and Joie. They meet when Joie projects herself out of her body and discovers Triain healing from battle, in a beautiful cave.
That sparks off her obsession with him. They have telepathic coversations and she is determine to find him so she pulls her siblings Gabrielle and Jubal along to find Triain. Triain is shocked that he found his lifemate and warns her not to come as he is imprisoned by a group of the undead deep in the mountain. A group of vampires banding together is highly unususal and Triain knows he must free himself to warn the Prince, Mikhail.
Triain is surprised by how accepting Joie and her siblings are of what he is and his world. He admires their bond and wishes to experience it with Joie. Lifemates are attracted to one another immediately and Joie is sceptical at first as she has doubts but accepts who is she to Triain. This story centers on the discovery of a Mage's ice cave filled with magic, danger and traps. The vampires are very eager to discover something in there. Joie and her family are also found out to have Mage blood when a Mage weapon bonds to Jubal and assist him in times of need.
Dark Dream has to be my favourite of the two as we meet a unique couple. Falcon and Sara. Falcon is one of the group of Ancients, sent out by Vlad, Mikhail's father in a time of great need centuries ago. Vlad does not inform his son of this though as he wants to give him a chance to rule with a fresh mind. Falcon is passing through Romania when he is saved by someone when he is almost robbed. Unbeknowst to Sara Marten, the one she saved has been the one she has know for fifteen years.
Sara's family was brutally murderd by a vicious vampire and she blames herself as she lead the vampire to them and survived. She found a ancient diary filled with letters and she knows those are written just for her. Written on it is a message, "I am Falcon and I will never know you. But I have left this gift behind for you, a gift of the heart". She painstakely translates all the words and through a vision sees Falcon. It is him who saved her all these years when the pain became too much to bear and she had to run as the vampire who killed her family pursued her.
Now, with Falcon, she has something to lose and she refuses to give in. Sara also has found seven children with unusual abilities like her and plans to adopt them but they are kidnapped by the vampire while Falcon and Sara are attempting to travel to the home of the Prince. Falcon goes after the children and Sara is injured when a Ghoul, a servant of a vampire trys to kill her. She is rescued by Shea and Jacques Dubrinsky and is welcomed into their home.
The vampire is relentless in his pursuit of her and it turns out he wishes her to locate an ancient book of Mage spells. Through clever strategy, the Carpathians trap the vampire and end him. It is sad to see Carpathian warriors succumbing to the darkness and turning. Even more heartbreaking when hunters have to kill their friends and siblings.
I love the family Sara and Falcon started and they look forward to being a part of something and their lives together. I also loved this story because the reader caught up with the other characters such as Mikhail, Raven, Shea and Jacques. The witty banter they get into is just so fun to read.
Christine has always hands down written killer stories and these are no exception. Fluid and smooth written twin with scorching and tender romance all centered in the Carpathian Mountains, a beautiful place. A must read for all fans of CF!
Dark Nights is a collection of two previously published novellas. Dark Descent appeared in The Only One anthology, and Christine has added more pages to the story. Dark Dream was published in Dark Dreamers anthology and remains as it is.
Dark Descent was the main story of this book and I have to say I loved it, Christine breathed fresh air into a current story. I think needless to say I would love every and any story from the Dark series. This one is about Triain and Joie. They meet when Joie projects herself out of her body and discovers Triain healing from battle, in a beautiful cave.
That sparks off her obsession with him. They have telepathic coversations and she is determine to find him so she pulls her siblings Gabrielle and Jubal along to find Triain. Triain is shocked that he found his lifemate and warns her not to come as he is imprisoned by a group of the undead deep in the mountain. A group of vampires banding together is highly unususal and Triain knows he must free himself to warn the Prince, Mikhail.
Triain is surprised by how accepting Joie and her siblings are of what he is and his world. He admires their bond and wishes to experience it with Joie. Lifemates are attracted to one another immediately and Joie is sceptical at first as she has doubts but accepts who is she to Triain. This story centers on the discovery of a Mage's ice cave filled with magic, danger and traps. The vampires are very eager to discover something in there. Joie and her family are also found out to have Mage blood when a Mage weapon bonds to Jubal and assist him in times of need.
Dark Dream has to be my favourite of the two as we meet a unique couple. Falcon and Sara. Falcon is one of the group of Ancients, sent out by Vlad, Mikhail's father in a time of great need centuries ago. Vlad does not inform his son of this though as he wants to give him a chance to rule with a fresh mind. Falcon is passing through Romania when he is saved by someone when he is almost robbed. Unbeknowst to Sara Marten, the one she saved has been the one she has know for fifteen years.
Sara's family was brutally murderd by a vicious vampire and she blames herself as she lead the vampire to them and survived. She found a ancient diary filled with letters and she knows those are written just for her. Written on it is a message, "I am Falcon and I will never know you. But I have left this gift behind for you, a gift of the heart". She painstakely translates all the words and through a vision sees Falcon. It is him who saved her all these years when the pain became too much to bear and she had to run as the vampire who killed her family pursued her.
Now, with Falcon, she has something to lose and she refuses to give in. Sara also has found seven children with unusual abilities like her and plans to adopt them but they are kidnapped by the vampire while Falcon and Sara are attempting to travel to the home of the Prince. Falcon goes after the children and Sara is injured when a Ghoul, a servant of a vampire trys to kill her. She is rescued by Shea and Jacques Dubrinsky and is welcomed into their home.
The vampire is relentless in his pursuit of her and it turns out he wishes her to locate an ancient book of Mage spells. Through clever strategy, the Carpathians trap the vampire and end him. It is sad to see Carpathian warriors succumbing to the darkness and turning. Even more heartbreaking when hunters have to kill their friends and siblings.
I love the family Sara and Falcon started and they look forward to being a part of something and their lives together. I also loved this story because the reader caught up with the other characters such as Mikhail, Raven, Shea and Jacques. The witty banter they get into is just so fun to read.
Christine has always hands down written killer stories and these are no exception. Fluid and smooth written twin with scorching and tender romance all centered in the Carpathian Mountains, a beautiful place. A must read for all fans of CF!
September 14, 2012
It has been a long time since I read this series. I stopped at book five because the stories were too repetitious for my taste. I actually got stuck with this book, but the funny thing is I really enjoyed it. As I was reading I remember one thing about this series that I really enjoyed, it’s the way the author writes her fictional characters. They take what they want and will stop at nothing to get it. Most writers write their paranormal creatures way to fluffy now days and I don’t enjoy that very much. After reading this one I am very well considering picking up this series again.
Dark Nights contains two re-writes from two previous stories. Like I said above I haven’t read this series in forever, but I picked up on the storyline very quick and really enjoyed all the characters in both stories. I found the stories hot and full of action.
If you’re a lover of this series you’ll very much enjoy this addition because you get to know more about the characters from the previous books and who doesn’t want more. I know I always do. LOL. If you just by happen to pick this up you should be fine just reading it, just remember this is part of a series so you’ll find more beef in the previous books these characters were featured in.
Dark Nights contains two re-writes from two previous stories. Like I said above I haven’t read this series in forever, but I picked up on the storyline very quick and really enjoyed all the characters in both stories. I found the stories hot and full of action.
If you’re a lover of this series you’ll very much enjoy this addition because you get to know more about the characters from the previous books and who doesn’t want more. I know I always do. LOL. If you just by happen to pick this up you should be fine just reading it, just remember this is part of a series so you’ll find more beef in the previous books these characters were featured in.
December 29, 2014
I enjoyed the original novella, "Dark Descent," but the additions in the new version felt as if they didn't quite mesh. (At least now the scene in Dark Storm where it talks about Jubal's bracelet makes more sense.)
December 12, 2012
I did not like this author's style of writing. She does not transition smoothly. Will not be reading any more of her books.
January 1, 2015
Traian Triovise, Carpathian male a little on the medieval side with long dark hair to his shoulders and smoldering eyes he is an ancient warrior among his people. Sent away centuries ago by his Prince to go after, hunt the undead, to rid the earth of the vampire population. He like so many other males of his species always looking, longing for the one woman that can bring light to his darkness, the other half of his soul, his life mate. Some never find their life mates and succumb to the darkness making them the very thing that they hunt.
Traian, on his way back to his homeland discovers vampire activity in the Romanian mountains, too close to his Prince and has to investigate in a series of tunnels and caves. Caves that have clearly been used by powerful mages. Full of traps, twists and turns he finds himself face to face with a master vampire and two of his minions. There is a terrible, horrific fight and Traian is injured severely and is forced to go to ground to heal in the life-giving soil of his people. She comes to him as a mist, an aberration he thinks. Is he dreaming, he is beginning to feel changes in his body, a heat that is scorching his veins and skin? He begins to see color, feel emotion, something that he hasn’t experienced in centuries, a happening that he never hoped to bear witness to.
Joie Sanders, a bodyguard on assignment in Austria is shot and severely wounded ending up in the hospital. Joie, a strong personality with a very unique ability to be able to astral project her spirit goes out of her body to avoid the pain that she’s being forced to endure. She has to get away but can she do it with pain relieving meds that she is being injected with? She projects herself to the country side; it’s so quiet, beautiful and peaceful, her spirit flying through the night sky. She discovers a cave entrance and slips inside following the tunnel down deeper and deeper into the earth until she comes to a large chamber. Inside this chamber is beauty that she has never seen before. Walls lined with ice, stalagmites and stalagtites everywhere looming like large sentinels in this room surrounded with beauty.
You see Joie is an experienced caver, something she has done since she was a very young child. She, her sister and brother often go caving and exploring, a life she is familiar with and loves. The unknown of walking where no one else has been, seeing sights and wonders that one can only imagine. Joie discovers Traian’s resting place, which is just not done as the Carpathian males always safeguard their resting places as this is when they are the most vulnerable. But somehow she has gotten through.
Is he real? He can’t be but he is the most beautiful man that she has ever laid eyes upon. They begin talking to one another and Traian discovers that his life mate, the other half of his soul has found him. It’s a blessing! After Joie has to depart his company as she is getting very weak holding herself in her astral projection, they begin speaking to one another telepathically over the next weeks. She becomes obsessed with finding the truth about her mystery man. Does he exist?
Her and her siblings go caving in search of this mysterious and beautiful cave that has only been in her dreams so she thinks, she has to know the truth, it’s an obsession, a drive like never before in her heart and soul, they find Traian staked to an ice wall deep inside the earth. He has suffered unbelievable injuries, pain and torture from the vampires and much to his dismay he has discovered there is actually now two master vampires one more powerful than the other calling the shots. They feed upon his ancient blood taking and taking to weaken him, to keep him sustainable to their tortures ways.
Joie and her sibling free Traian from his bonds and they begin to make their way out of the maze of tunnels running into not only the vampires chasing them but also the traps of a powerful mage. From here the story unfolds of unknown dangers, shadow warriors, traps, bugs and a great many disguising creatures of the undead.
This is a good book, a little on the short side for a Feehan book, but she constantly moves with this story line. It’s like the characters are talking to her so fast with so much of their story it would be hard to get all the details. She immediately goes into battle with this story, a brutal, deadly encounter with master vamps and minions. The love story between the two main characters Joie and Traian moves quickly. It’s a book that is easy to read, great editing on this one as always with one of Feehan’s books. The love scenes are typical Carpathian, hotter than hell, but the way Christine describes the scenes make them so sexy and sensual which is typical from a Carpathian male mating. It draws you into the scene that makes you feel like you’re an actual part of the story with all it twinges and tingles.
I wish this book had been a little longer and there may be a fuller version out there, but it just leaves so much left unsaid concerning the master Vamps especially since Traian discovers three not two master vamps, one he suspects is one of the infamous Malinov brothers. And if you’re an avid Dark reader your familiar with the Malinov brothers that turned to the darker side.
One thing about the Dark Series; I never have really liked the covers too much. Even though the male model on this cover is hot beyond belief, his eyes are just, wow there are no words for his eyes, maybe sexy, hot and penetrating, and I've no idea who he is. For such a sensational series the covers are just drab in my opinion. Unlike her Leopard Series where the covers are phenomenal.
But, I’m an avid Feehan reader and will never say anything bad about Christine’s writing. Her characters and their stories come to life with her imagination and ability to relay in type so that they come alive and make you actually think to yourself, could there really be these kinds of creatures roaming upon our earth. Sharing our existence in the darkest of night? And is there a race of people like the Carpathian’s, males of superior strength and power, super sexy chivalrous males. Do they exist?
This is by far not one of my favorites of her Dark Series but all in all it is a good book. I’ve noticed that as time has passed and more and more stories are upholding in the Carpathian world the warriors are beginning to be a little more amiable toward their life mates. Their more humorous and light in mind and spirit. More accepting of the modern day human females. I like this; it brings it more into the present day way of life scenarios of what a love match would be like with a Carpathian male.
Keep on going Christine, your great and I love your imagination.
Traian, on his way back to his homeland discovers vampire activity in the Romanian mountains, too close to his Prince and has to investigate in a series of tunnels and caves. Caves that have clearly been used by powerful mages. Full of traps, twists and turns he finds himself face to face with a master vampire and two of his minions. There is a terrible, horrific fight and Traian is injured severely and is forced to go to ground to heal in the life-giving soil of his people. She comes to him as a mist, an aberration he thinks. Is he dreaming, he is beginning to feel changes in his body, a heat that is scorching his veins and skin? He begins to see color, feel emotion, something that he hasn’t experienced in centuries, a happening that he never hoped to bear witness to.
Joie Sanders, a bodyguard on assignment in Austria is shot and severely wounded ending up in the hospital. Joie, a strong personality with a very unique ability to be able to astral project her spirit goes out of her body to avoid the pain that she’s being forced to endure. She has to get away but can she do it with pain relieving meds that she is being injected with? She projects herself to the country side; it’s so quiet, beautiful and peaceful, her spirit flying through the night sky. She discovers a cave entrance and slips inside following the tunnel down deeper and deeper into the earth until she comes to a large chamber. Inside this chamber is beauty that she has never seen before. Walls lined with ice, stalagmites and stalagtites everywhere looming like large sentinels in this room surrounded with beauty.
You see Joie is an experienced caver, something she has done since she was a very young child. She, her sister and brother often go caving and exploring, a life she is familiar with and loves. The unknown of walking where no one else has been, seeing sights and wonders that one can only imagine. Joie discovers Traian’s resting place, which is just not done as the Carpathian males always safeguard their resting places as this is when they are the most vulnerable. But somehow she has gotten through.
Is he real? He can’t be but he is the most beautiful man that she has ever laid eyes upon. They begin talking to one another and Traian discovers that his life mate, the other half of his soul has found him. It’s a blessing! After Joie has to depart his company as she is getting very weak holding herself in her astral projection, they begin speaking to one another telepathically over the next weeks. She becomes obsessed with finding the truth about her mystery man. Does he exist?
Her and her siblings go caving in search of this mysterious and beautiful cave that has only been in her dreams so she thinks, she has to know the truth, it’s an obsession, a drive like never before in her heart and soul, they find Traian staked to an ice wall deep inside the earth. He has suffered unbelievable injuries, pain and torture from the vampires and much to his dismay he has discovered there is actually now two master vampires one more powerful than the other calling the shots. They feed upon his ancient blood taking and taking to weaken him, to keep him sustainable to their tortures ways.
Joie and her sibling free Traian from his bonds and they begin to make their way out of the maze of tunnels running into not only the vampires chasing them but also the traps of a powerful mage. From here the story unfolds of unknown dangers, shadow warriors, traps, bugs and a great many disguising creatures of the undead.
This is a good book, a little on the short side for a Feehan book, but she constantly moves with this story line. It’s like the characters are talking to her so fast with so much of their story it would be hard to get all the details. She immediately goes into battle with this story, a brutal, deadly encounter with master vamps and minions. The love story between the two main characters Joie and Traian moves quickly. It’s a book that is easy to read, great editing on this one as always with one of Feehan’s books. The love scenes are typical Carpathian, hotter than hell, but the way Christine describes the scenes make them so sexy and sensual which is typical from a Carpathian male mating. It draws you into the scene that makes you feel like you’re an actual part of the story with all it twinges and tingles.
I wish this book had been a little longer and there may be a fuller version out there, but it just leaves so much left unsaid concerning the master Vamps especially since Traian discovers three not two master vamps, one he suspects is one of the infamous Malinov brothers. And if you’re an avid Dark reader your familiar with the Malinov brothers that turned to the darker side.
One thing about the Dark Series; I never have really liked the covers too much. Even though the male model on this cover is hot beyond belief, his eyes are just, wow there are no words for his eyes, maybe sexy, hot and penetrating, and I've no idea who he is. For such a sensational series the covers are just drab in my opinion. Unlike her Leopard Series where the covers are phenomenal.
But, I’m an avid Feehan reader and will never say anything bad about Christine’s writing. Her characters and their stories come to life with her imagination and ability to relay in type so that they come alive and make you actually think to yourself, could there really be these kinds of creatures roaming upon our earth. Sharing our existence in the darkest of night? And is there a race of people like the Carpathian’s, males of superior strength and power, super sexy chivalrous males. Do they exist?
This is by far not one of my favorites of her Dark Series but all in all it is a good book. I’ve noticed that as time has passed and more and more stories are upholding in the Carpathian world the warriors are beginning to be a little more amiable toward their life mates. Their more humorous and light in mind and spirit. More accepting of the modern day human females. I like this; it brings it more into the present day way of life scenarios of what a love match would be like with a Carpathian male.
Keep on going Christine, your great and I love your imagination.
March 3, 2018
es un buen promedio, pero deje así, no escribiré más nada de este libro
June 9, 2019
Two stories
Great characters , lots of romance and full of adventure. What more could anyone want. I am so enjoying this series
Great characters , lots of romance and full of adventure. What more could anyone want. I am so enjoying this series
August 21, 2012
Original Post at my Blog, Fangs, Wands & Fairy Dust: DARK NIGHTS: Author's Cut Early Review
DARK NIGHTS
by Christine Feehan
E-Book and Mass Market Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Avon (October 30, 2012)
Timed E-Galley provided by publisher through Edelweiss. No remuneration was exchanged. All opinions expressed herein, except as noted, are my own.
I know a lot of people really enjoy this series, I do too. This story isn't about the brooding Carpathian ready to "meet the sun." Traian is a fierce hunter of Carpathian's who have become vampires. Injured during an unusual fight, he goes into a cave. The woman, his woman, is a bodyguard who gets injured. She has always been able to astral project; she does while she is in surgery. That's how they meet. You know, eventually they get together. Danger, then more danger, followed by sex, more danger and then more sex.
The quality of Feehan's story telling is such that even though it's somewhat formulaic, you still feel like something terrible will happen. And, terrible things happen in each of her books. Her Carpathians are wicked hot, and her vampires are the most loathsome of creatures, harkening back to the pre-Stoker monster.
Feehan's females are usually capable and independent. And in this novel and the accompanying short story has brave, intelligent caring women who are, of course, gorgeous.
Do they come around quickly? Yes. Do we care? No.
I was just rereading an intimate scene between two life mates. It occurs to me that Feehan's sex scenes are much more about a spiritual connection, internal and emotional responses than they are about the physicality--although that is certainly present. It is built of and woven into the fabric of her Carpathian legend. The legend is consistent and often referenced. In the short story included after DARK NIGHTS, we meet much of the clan. But, she also starts off with a prologue that creates an epic start to the way the Carpathian's evolved to be solitary hunters. It was actually just the tiniest bit sappy, but heartfelt.
My only caveat is that these were both published before. DARK NIGHTS is a reboot of DARK DESCENT with, according to Ms. Feehan's website, 100 additional pages. Just, know that if you read DARK DESCENT this may seem a familiar tale. It is part of a well-established series, but I think it could actually stand alone. Recommend.
DARK NIGHTS
by Christine Feehan
E-Book and Mass Market Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Avon (October 30, 2012)
Timed E-Galley provided by publisher through Edelweiss. No remuneration was exchanged. All opinions expressed herein, except as noted, are my own.
I know a lot of people really enjoy this series, I do too. This story isn't about the brooding Carpathian ready to "meet the sun." Traian is a fierce hunter of Carpathian's who have become vampires. Injured during an unusual fight, he goes into a cave. The woman, his woman, is a bodyguard who gets injured. She has always been able to astral project; she does while she is in surgery. That's how they meet. You know, eventually they get together. Danger, then more danger, followed by sex, more danger and then more sex.
The quality of Feehan's story telling is such that even though it's somewhat formulaic, you still feel like something terrible will happen. And, terrible things happen in each of her books. Her Carpathians are wicked hot, and her vampires are the most loathsome of creatures, harkening back to the pre-Stoker monster.
Feehan's females are usually capable and independent. And in this novel and the accompanying short story has brave, intelligent caring women who are, of course, gorgeous.
Do they come around quickly? Yes. Do we care? No.
I was just rereading an intimate scene between two life mates. It occurs to me that Feehan's sex scenes are much more about a spiritual connection, internal and emotional responses than they are about the physicality--although that is certainly present. It is built of and woven into the fabric of her Carpathian legend. The legend is consistent and often referenced. In the short story included after DARK NIGHTS, we meet much of the clan. But, she also starts off with a prologue that creates an epic start to the way the Carpathian's evolved to be solitary hunters. It was actually just the tiniest bit sappy, but heartfelt.
My only caveat is that these were both published before. DARK NIGHTS is a reboot of DARK DESCENT with, according to Ms. Feehan's website, 100 additional pages. Just, know that if you read DARK DESCENT this may seem a familiar tale. It is part of a well-established series, but I think it could actually stand alone. Recommend.
December 15, 2013
He tardado casi una eternidad en poder terminar este libro, a pesar de que le tenía unas ganas tremendas. La causa no ha sido otra que el propio libro, que no ha resultado ser lo que yo me esperaba.
El libro se divide en dos historias, las dos se basan en la misma época pero con distintos personajes. La primera trata sobre Joie, una mujer que encuentra en uno de sus viajes astrales a un misterioso hombre con el cual conecta de forma inmediata. Desde ese momento puede comunicarse mentalmente con él y no para hasta encontrarle, pues descubre que su vida corre gran peligro. La segunda historia es parecida pero con un contexto y personajes distintos distintos. Los protagonistas masculinos son Carpatianos, hombres inmortales, poderosos y con características idénticas a los vampiros, sólo que buenos. Sus enemigos son los Vampiros, seres no-muertos que antes eran Carpatianos, pero sucumbieron a la oscuridad.
Estas razas me resultaron un poco confusas, pues la única diferencia entre Carpatianos y Vampiros es que los primeros son buenos y los segundos son malos (no hay un por qué, sencillamente es así).
Otros elementos del libro me parecieron muy cogidos con pinzas (viajes astrales, telepatía entre humanos, armas mágicas, magos), están colocados de una forma no muy convincente.
El trasfondo de la historia de los Carpatianos me resultó muy interesante, pero el libro tenía otro camino, más protagonizado por la relación entre el hombre y la mujer protagonistas en cada historia. Esta relación tampoco fue de mi gusto, porque surgió de forma espontánea y sin razón alguna. Más que amor, es pasión lo que mueve a los personajes, aunque ellos insisten en llamarlo amor.
No he conectado con las protagonistas del libro, sus personalidades son muy débiles, y en todo momento las mueve el deseo por el compañero encontrado.
El trasfondo del libro es lo que más me motivaba a leer, pues esconde una historia muy profunda e interesante, pero me ha decepcionado un poco no encontrar más detalles sobre el tema.
Probablemente a otras personas les gustaría más que a mí, yo no he podido conectar con las protagonistas y la historia de amor no me enganchó, así que el libro en general no me ha gustado mucho.
Pasable
El libro se divide en dos historias, las dos se basan en la misma época pero con distintos personajes. La primera trata sobre Joie, una mujer que encuentra en uno de sus viajes astrales a un misterioso hombre con el cual conecta de forma inmediata. Desde ese momento puede comunicarse mentalmente con él y no para hasta encontrarle, pues descubre que su vida corre gran peligro. La segunda historia es parecida pero con un contexto y personajes distintos distintos. Los protagonistas masculinos son Carpatianos, hombres inmortales, poderosos y con características idénticas a los vampiros, sólo que buenos. Sus enemigos son los Vampiros, seres no-muertos que antes eran Carpatianos, pero sucumbieron a la oscuridad.
Estas razas me resultaron un poco confusas, pues la única diferencia entre Carpatianos y Vampiros es que los primeros son buenos y los segundos son malos (no hay un por qué, sencillamente es así).
Otros elementos del libro me parecieron muy cogidos con pinzas (viajes astrales, telepatía entre humanos, armas mágicas, magos), están colocados de una forma no muy convincente.
El trasfondo de la historia de los Carpatianos me resultó muy interesante, pero el libro tenía otro camino, más protagonizado por la relación entre el hombre y la mujer protagonistas en cada historia. Esta relación tampoco fue de mi gusto, porque surgió de forma espontánea y sin razón alguna. Más que amor, es pasión lo que mueve a los personajes, aunque ellos insisten en llamarlo amor.
No he conectado con las protagonistas del libro, sus personalidades son muy débiles, y en todo momento las mueve el deseo por el compañero encontrado.
El trasfondo del libro es lo que más me motivaba a leer, pues esconde una historia muy profunda e interesante, pero me ha decepcionado un poco no encontrar más detalles sobre el tema.
Probablemente a otras personas les gustaría más que a mí, yo no he podido conectar con las protagonistas y la historia de amor no me enganchó, así que el libro en general no me ha gustado mucho.
Pasable
December 13, 2012
Dark Nights came with two books in it..an "author's cut" edition of Dark Descent and a novella of Dark Dream. Both stories followed two Carpathian warriors (which, in essence, are vampires themselves), Traian and Falcon, their trials and tribulations over the centuries battling vampires, as well as their search for their "lifemate" (that word got on my nerves), then their happy times and salvation after finding their "lifemates"
This book just didn't do it for me...I found myself really wishing it would just end. Yeah, there were some steamy scenes (yawn), combined with super sappy, "I worship everything about you, will give my life for you...although I've only known you for an hour" but the story just was completely lacking in depth. As soon as the each of the main heroines found her "lifemate", she instantly fell madly in love and agreed to become a Carpathian just to be with him. Strange. What I did enjoy was the vampire's characters...they were scary and almost undefeatable...which added an element of mystery and suspense...and that was about it. There's a lot of little flaws in the stories that really turned me off...too many to name.
I had initially put some of the other books in this series on my To Be Read list, but now I will be taking them all off except for the first book. I will give it a try, considering that these two books were 7.5 and 5 in the series and I picked it up late, I guess. Oh well. I gave it my best shot and finished it...that's about all I can do.
This book just didn't do it for me...I found myself really wishing it would just end. Yeah, there were some steamy scenes (yawn), combined with super sappy, "I worship everything about you, will give my life for you...although I've only known you for an hour" but the story just was completely lacking in depth. As soon as the each of the main heroines found her "lifemate", she instantly fell madly in love and agreed to become a Carpathian just to be with him. Strange. What I did enjoy was the vampire's characters...they were scary and almost undefeatable...which added an element of mystery and suspense...and that was about it. There's a lot of little flaws in the stories that really turned me off...too many to name.
I had initially put some of the other books in this series on my To Be Read list, but now I will be taking them all off except for the first book. I will give it a try, considering that these two books were 7.5 and 5 in the series and I picked it up late, I guess. Oh well. I gave it my best shot and finished it...that's about all I can do.
August 13, 2016
Dark Descent -
4 Stars
- OMG there was so much extra in here I feel like I read a whole different book. While Train and Joie were still an entertaining couple, I think Jubal (and the family history) stole the show. This family needs their own book or a novella or something because these are things we need to know.
Dark Dream - 4 Stars - Falcon and Sara are still one of my favorite couples.
Dark Dream - 4 Stars - Falcon and Sara are still one of my favorite couples.
August 16, 2012
Readers beware: this is NOT a new book in the series but instead is an author's cut of two previously released short stories. I happen to like both short stories but this is a cheap ploy to trick readers out of more money for previously published stories.
DON'T BE FOOLED!
DON'T BE FOOLED!
July 18, 2012
Sara & Falcon's story is short but, intense. I wish it had been longer but in the short time they had they made the most of it!
October 12, 2025
This volume contains two novellas. I intended to read only #6.5 (Dark Dream) but I assumed it was the first in this volume and so unintentionally started reading #9.5 (Dark Descent) first. By the time I realized (something in the story tipped me off - reference to a character I didn't recognize), I was too far in Dark Descent to quit. So I read them out of order, but will review them in the order they fit in the series. Note to anyone who wants to stay in order - read Dark Dream (the *second* novella) first! Both of these books have stronger female lead characters and more story, which was a welcome change.
Dark Dream follows Sara and Falcon. We don't learn why Falcon has only one name - when most of these characters have names that are long enough for two characters - but we do learn that he is one of the ancient Carpathians and that he was sent away to watch for and hunt vampires. He is the only Carpathian so far not to boss around his lifemate, which is a nice relief, and in fact he is careful to get her full consent before bringing her over. Sara, meanwhile, has been running from a vampire who killed her family for fifteen years. If you've been through the six prior books, you know this is quite a feat (especially when most of the human female lifemates seem to have more of a death wish when it comes to danger in general and vampires in particular). She has taken on the cause of a group of street children, which is noble, and she also has Falcon's diary (found before her family was killed) and so is somewhat familiar with the Carpathians and their lifestyle. There's more of a plot here, and some of the original Carpathians (Michael, Jacques and their lifemates Raven and Shea) make an appearance, too, which is nice after all this time.
It's not clear why this is a novella - there's actually plenty of material for a full book. Sara's family story is told (barely) only by her description (not even in flashback) and the children are also barely touched on. Since this was written after some of the other books, maybe the story is already told elsewhere? Anyway, there is plenty of sex per usual, though somehow it is only intermittently actually sexy, and a lot less blood exchanges and feeding than in the other books. I'm not sure the requisite three exchanges happen prior to Sara's change, even though she is not phased by them. On the flipside, there is a lot more insect and rodent attacks directed by the ancient vampire (whose story we really don't get at all). It does (barely) introduce the idea of a wizard and power from the wizard world.
Dark Descent (#9.5) follows Joie and Traian. Joie's siblings (brother and sister) get very high billing, too, and the book describes many new creatures. Joie's mother and father might be interesting new characters (based on the abilities of their offspring). Much of the book takes place in a cavern with many caves and hidden magic - dragons and wizard tools and spells are unearthed. Jubal, Joie's brother, can control some of the wizard tools. Traian is mostly respectful of Joie, who is a bodyguard irl. She generally pulls her own weight, too, though she likes to be able to relax and let Traian "be the man." {{sigh}} It's acceptable, but seems unnecessary. She is less squeamish about the bloody parts of the Carpathian conversion than the characters up to this point (except for Sara). The pacing seems off because Traian and Joie (they are attracted based on the excess of vowels in their names) meet in the cave (she rescues him!) and then spend almost the whole book in one extended race against the vampire who is trying to beat them to finding the cave's wizard secrets. There's not time to really explore their relationship or take a breath. But overall, it was an enjoyable read and I liked all of its characters (especially the sibling relationship). I like that there is something new in the Carpathian world. This book in particular had less of the rote writing (it's still there - sheath in its velvet heat makes the requisite appearances, along with seeing color and feeling emotion and the rest) and more actual story.
Having said that I'd quit after the first book, here I am having read 7 (or 8, depending on how you count - but who's counting). And queuing up at least one more. You all tried to save me with your honest reviews, but I got addicted anyway.
Dark Dream follows Sara and Falcon. We don't learn why Falcon has only one name - when most of these characters have names that are long enough for two characters - but we do learn that he is one of the ancient Carpathians and that he was sent away to watch for and hunt vampires. He is the only Carpathian so far not to boss around his lifemate, which is a nice relief, and in fact he is careful to get her full consent before bringing her over. Sara, meanwhile, has been running from a vampire who killed her family for fifteen years. If you've been through the six prior books, you know this is quite a feat (especially when most of the human female lifemates seem to have more of a death wish when it comes to danger in general and vampires in particular). She has taken on the cause of a group of street children, which is noble, and she also has Falcon's diary (found before her family was killed) and so is somewhat familiar with the Carpathians and their lifestyle. There's more of a plot here, and some of the original Carpathians (Michael, Jacques and their lifemates Raven and Shea) make an appearance, too, which is nice after all this time.
It's not clear why this is a novella - there's actually plenty of material for a full book. Sara's family story is told (barely) only by her description (not even in flashback) and the children are also barely touched on. Since this was written after some of the other books, maybe the story is already told elsewhere? Anyway, there is plenty of sex per usual, though somehow it is only intermittently actually sexy, and a lot less blood exchanges and feeding than in the other books. I'm not sure the requisite three exchanges happen prior to Sara's change, even though she is not phased by them. On the flipside, there is a lot more insect and rodent attacks directed by the ancient vampire (whose story we really don't get at all). It does (barely) introduce the idea of a wizard and power from the wizard world.
Dark Descent (#9.5) follows Joie and Traian. Joie's siblings (brother and sister) get very high billing, too, and the book describes many new creatures. Joie's mother and father might be interesting new characters (based on the abilities of their offspring). Much of the book takes place in a cavern with many caves and hidden magic - dragons and wizard tools and spells are unearthed. Jubal, Joie's brother, can control some of the wizard tools. Traian is mostly respectful of Joie, who is a bodyguard irl. She generally pulls her own weight, too, though she likes to be able to relax and let Traian "be the man." {{sigh}} It's acceptable, but seems unnecessary. She is less squeamish about the bloody parts of the Carpathian conversion than the characters up to this point (except for Sara). The pacing seems off because Traian and Joie (they are attracted based on the excess of vowels in their names) meet in the cave (she rescues him!) and then spend almost the whole book in one extended race against the vampire who is trying to beat them to finding the cave's wizard secrets. There's not time to really explore their relationship or take a breath. But overall, it was an enjoyable read and I liked all of its characters (especially the sibling relationship). I like that there is something new in the Carpathian world. This book in particular had less of the rote writing (it's still there - sheath in its velvet heat makes the requisite appearances, along with seeing color and feeling emotion and the rest) and more actual story.
Having said that I'd quit after the first book, here I am having read 7 (or 8, depending on how you count - but who's counting). And queuing up at least one more. You all tried to save me with your honest reviews, but I got addicted anyway.
December 2, 2012
Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.blogsp...
Hard to go wrong with a book of back-to-back stories of hunky, hot Carpathian men as they battle to win the hearts of their women and fight for their lives against those evil, gross looking vampires with bad breath. Not to mention all the other creepy crawlies that sent shivers up my spine but, unlike the heroines, I didn’t have my own Falcon or Traian to save me. Although Joie and Sara had all the fun, there was a high price to pay, which in turn, meant a book full of drama, suspense and action for me.
The first book is Dark Decent and it’s about a female body guard with an unusual talent. As is typical for Ms. Feehan, the heroine is capable, has a strong personality and although successful in her career, experiences feelings of not quite belonging, even, as in Joie’s case, when she’s surrounded by a loving and extremely supportive and exceptional family. She has a healthy sense of humor and a yen for adventure and it’s explored a tiny bit as to why that is. There is a lot of mentioning of her parents and by the time the story came to its conclusion and happy ever after, I was so intrigued by the possibility of Traian actually meeting her parents that I was a little let down that there was no mention of that even happening in a future book. Truth to tell, I would greatly enjoy that. I realize that Ms. Feehan’s stories commonly have dark themes because it’s about the war between good and evil. Just once, I’d love to see a tale with a more lighthearted and comedic bent, and having Traian meeting Mr. & Mrs. Sanders would do it. I mean, Joie mentions it quite a few times throughout the story and I think it’s a great idea. I hope other readers will feel the same way after reading Dark Descent and perhaps mention it. I guarantee it would be an auto-buy for me, because it’s a great hook.
Traian is your typical Carpathian male that fans of the series adore and clamor for. He’s arrogant, logical, commanding and aggressive. That’s easy to be all those things when you have no emotions and don’t have to deal with the fallout of messy hurt feelings. He’s not had them in so long, he can’t relate. That is until Joie sort of pops into his cave and blasts his eyes with color. Along with the good comes lots and lots of bad and the hero is up to the task of defending his woman, after a quick nibble or two. I liked Traian because he had a sense of humor too. It was a bit rusty, sure, but it worked. I enjoyed how the author described him and was greatly entertained as the hero navigated dealing with a woman who was at heart as fierce a warrior as he was.
Secondary characters were Joie’s brother, Jubal, and her sister, Gabrielle. They were an interesting addition to the story because they both presented teases as to what makes Joie and her whole kin more than the average American family. I also liked how they all worked together to get out of a nasty situation and how tight they were as a familial unit. They weren’t military, but they could have been.
The villains, as always, are the vampires who want power and will corrupt and kill anything and anyone to get it. Things were exceptionally gruesome in the cave and it seems the author must have a particular dislike of icky bugs and maggots because they were used to good effect. Squeamish readers might want to skim the scenes with the little beasties but rest assured Traian saves the day. Or, in his case, saves the night.
Dark Descent was an intense read with tons of suspense, drama and action to keep a reader wide-eyed. The romance was as powerful as the conflict; both giving fans what they expect when they pick up a book about those mysterious Carpathain men and the women who make them whole.
Dark Dream is a more intense romance with a lot of feeling and as close to mushy as a book about an alpha Carpathian male can get. Falcon is an ancient and he’s nearing his end game. That is until he meets a woman who has a connection to him forged in his personal long ago history. It’s a blessing and a curse and with all good stories, the curse is going to be broken, eventually. In this case, the evil that follows isn’t a spell or concept but an equally ancient evil that I suspect was drawn to the book the same as the heroine was, but for different reasons.
Sara is a tortured heroine. So much of her life has been lived in despair, with fear, and is beaten down with feelings of failure. Her inner strength is what carries her through as well as her ability to connect with Falcon’s past. He was her inspiration but nothing could have prepared the heroine for when the man of her dreams appeared on her porch. Her waffling emotions matched the situation. At times, I think she waffled too much but ultimately, the strength of the overall writing allowed me to overlook it. Her initial wonder and bemusement quickly dissipated as reality reared its fanged head and she came face to face with her pursuer. This time, however, Sara isn’t alone. It takes her some getting used to having someone that isn’t afraid of the bad guy and in fact looks forward to the battle. She’s so accustomed to being on her own; it was interesting watching her having to come to grips with Falcon. He wasn’t going to abandon her, nor was he going to allow her to be in harm’s way, nor would he let her hide behind misconceptions. In his revealing all, it reached Sara on her most sensitive levels. She loved the man her imagination and talent introduced her to, but loving the man before her, with all his fangs, baggage and save-the-world agenda was a whole other kettle of fish. I enjoyed her journey of discovery, even at its bumpiest.
And it is rocky. The heroine wants to help kids but evil doesn’t care for the welfare of the innocent. The runaway camper was the most intense scene but it also heralded a lot of great cameos. For fans of the series, Dark Dream gives readers a look at how things are going with old friends. It was great to see them in action again and kicking vampire butt.
Falcon is delish, but I’ve yet to ‘meet’ a Carpathian hunter that wasn’t. I liked how tender he was towards Sara and how he pampered her. His open communication was very seductive and his entreaty to her about his needs was powerful. He came across as a most sensual and sentimental man who put his woman first before all things. All of the heroes in the series have, but Falcon’s declarations were much more potent and Sara’s response was very uplifting. There are obstacles to fulfilling the hero’s needs but eventually, Sara, with the help of some friends, pulls through and everyone gets their happily ever after.
As with the first story, there are bugs and rats and other things that made me go “EW!” Good thing there are guys who save the day. It was deadly, hectic and full of drama and suspense, but that is what Ms. Feehan excels at and this story was equally entertaining as the first.
Dark Dream is another bite-your-nails-to-the-quick tale that sucks you in with the romance and keeps you reading while the suspense and action plays out.
Both stories in Dark Nights showcase why Ms. Feehan’s work is a keeper.
Hard to go wrong with a book of back-to-back stories of hunky, hot Carpathian men as they battle to win the hearts of their women and fight for their lives against those evil, gross looking vampires with bad breath. Not to mention all the other creepy crawlies that sent shivers up my spine but, unlike the heroines, I didn’t have my own Falcon or Traian to save me. Although Joie and Sara had all the fun, there was a high price to pay, which in turn, meant a book full of drama, suspense and action for me.
The first book is Dark Decent and it’s about a female body guard with an unusual talent. As is typical for Ms. Feehan, the heroine is capable, has a strong personality and although successful in her career, experiences feelings of not quite belonging, even, as in Joie’s case, when she’s surrounded by a loving and extremely supportive and exceptional family. She has a healthy sense of humor and a yen for adventure and it’s explored a tiny bit as to why that is. There is a lot of mentioning of her parents and by the time the story came to its conclusion and happy ever after, I was so intrigued by the possibility of Traian actually meeting her parents that I was a little let down that there was no mention of that even happening in a future book. Truth to tell, I would greatly enjoy that. I realize that Ms. Feehan’s stories commonly have dark themes because it’s about the war between good and evil. Just once, I’d love to see a tale with a more lighthearted and comedic bent, and having Traian meeting Mr. & Mrs. Sanders would do it. I mean, Joie mentions it quite a few times throughout the story and I think it’s a great idea. I hope other readers will feel the same way after reading Dark Descent and perhaps mention it. I guarantee it would be an auto-buy for me, because it’s a great hook.
Traian is your typical Carpathian male that fans of the series adore and clamor for. He’s arrogant, logical, commanding and aggressive. That’s easy to be all those things when you have no emotions and don’t have to deal with the fallout of messy hurt feelings. He’s not had them in so long, he can’t relate. That is until Joie sort of pops into his cave and blasts his eyes with color. Along with the good comes lots and lots of bad and the hero is up to the task of defending his woman, after a quick nibble or two. I liked Traian because he had a sense of humor too. It was a bit rusty, sure, but it worked. I enjoyed how the author described him and was greatly entertained as the hero navigated dealing with a woman who was at heart as fierce a warrior as he was.
Secondary characters were Joie’s brother, Jubal, and her sister, Gabrielle. They were an interesting addition to the story because they both presented teases as to what makes Joie and her whole kin more than the average American family. I also liked how they all worked together to get out of a nasty situation and how tight they were as a familial unit. They weren’t military, but they could have been.
The villains, as always, are the vampires who want power and will corrupt and kill anything and anyone to get it. Things were exceptionally gruesome in the cave and it seems the author must have a particular dislike of icky bugs and maggots because they were used to good effect. Squeamish readers might want to skim the scenes with the little beasties but rest assured Traian saves the day. Or, in his case, saves the night.
Dark Descent was an intense read with tons of suspense, drama and action to keep a reader wide-eyed. The romance was as powerful as the conflict; both giving fans what they expect when they pick up a book about those mysterious Carpathain men and the women who make them whole.
Dark Dream is a more intense romance with a lot of feeling and as close to mushy as a book about an alpha Carpathian male can get. Falcon is an ancient and he’s nearing his end game. That is until he meets a woman who has a connection to him forged in his personal long ago history. It’s a blessing and a curse and with all good stories, the curse is going to be broken, eventually. In this case, the evil that follows isn’t a spell or concept but an equally ancient evil that I suspect was drawn to the book the same as the heroine was, but for different reasons.
Sara is a tortured heroine. So much of her life has been lived in despair, with fear, and is beaten down with feelings of failure. Her inner strength is what carries her through as well as her ability to connect with Falcon’s past. He was her inspiration but nothing could have prepared the heroine for when the man of her dreams appeared on her porch. Her waffling emotions matched the situation. At times, I think she waffled too much but ultimately, the strength of the overall writing allowed me to overlook it. Her initial wonder and bemusement quickly dissipated as reality reared its fanged head and she came face to face with her pursuer. This time, however, Sara isn’t alone. It takes her some getting used to having someone that isn’t afraid of the bad guy and in fact looks forward to the battle. She’s so accustomed to being on her own; it was interesting watching her having to come to grips with Falcon. He wasn’t going to abandon her, nor was he going to allow her to be in harm’s way, nor would he let her hide behind misconceptions. In his revealing all, it reached Sara on her most sensitive levels. She loved the man her imagination and talent introduced her to, but loving the man before her, with all his fangs, baggage and save-the-world agenda was a whole other kettle of fish. I enjoyed her journey of discovery, even at its bumpiest.
And it is rocky. The heroine wants to help kids but evil doesn’t care for the welfare of the innocent. The runaway camper was the most intense scene but it also heralded a lot of great cameos. For fans of the series, Dark Dream gives readers a look at how things are going with old friends. It was great to see them in action again and kicking vampire butt.
Falcon is delish, but I’ve yet to ‘meet’ a Carpathian hunter that wasn’t. I liked how tender he was towards Sara and how he pampered her. His open communication was very seductive and his entreaty to her about his needs was powerful. He came across as a most sensual and sentimental man who put his woman first before all things. All of the heroes in the series have, but Falcon’s declarations were much more potent and Sara’s response was very uplifting. There are obstacles to fulfilling the hero’s needs but eventually, Sara, with the help of some friends, pulls through and everyone gets their happily ever after.
As with the first story, there are bugs and rats and other things that made me go “EW!” Good thing there are guys who save the day. It was deadly, hectic and full of drama and suspense, but that is what Ms. Feehan excels at and this story was equally entertaining as the first.
Dark Dream is another bite-your-nails-to-the-quick tale that sucks you in with the romance and keeps you reading while the suspense and action plays out.
Both stories in Dark Nights showcase why Ms. Feehan’s work is a keeper.
January 14, 2017
I came across the Carpathian series quite a while ago given the fact that I'm reviewing number eleven in the series. This book contains two shorter stories which were published earlier in some collections of short stories or something like that.
Even before opening the book I was infuriated by the publishing house. I always pay attention which publishing house I'm buying the book from because I want to make it look nice on my bookshelves. Trust me, I've blindly bought series from a couple of publishing houses and it totally ruined my attempts to make my library look sophisticated. Me and my pet peeves, I know :-) So when I came across this book I made sure I was buying it from Piatkus because that would mean it would fit and have the same proportions as the books I already had in the series. I didn't care they changed the cover design, all I cared about was the size. I hate you, Piatkus! You ruined everything! (Not that this is the only case the publishing house went totally crazy and forced anarchy upon its readers during the series, but I couldn't keep quiet when stumbling upon this problem now, I want you all to know how evil this situation is for some of us).
Since this is a series, all the books or short stories are somehow the same. That's what keeps certain people reading it. The predictability. The happy ending. I read it because of that. I've already mentioned that when I feel under pressure I just wanna escape into a predictable world because I work in an unstable environment and all I need is to indulge myself into something easy.
The Carpathian series' vampires are uber-domineering "wise old" men who force their decisions upon the others in the name of safety. The women, of course, try to struggle to gain their freedom only to hand it to their mates in the next instant.
There is action involved, the vampires have some cool tricks up their sleeves (we finally have this old school turning into mist and seeping through the key hole or just turning into the children of the night stuff which reminds us that the author didn't entirely make this world up but followed some of the traditions in literature) and those who like hot scenes won't be disappointed either.
Even before opening the book I was infuriated by the publishing house. I always pay attention which publishing house I'm buying the book from because I want to make it look nice on my bookshelves. Trust me, I've blindly bought series from a couple of publishing houses and it totally ruined my attempts to make my library look sophisticated. Me and my pet peeves, I know :-) So when I came across this book I made sure I was buying it from Piatkus because that would mean it would fit and have the same proportions as the books I already had in the series. I didn't care they changed the cover design, all I cared about was the size. I hate you, Piatkus! You ruined everything! (Not that this is the only case the publishing house went totally crazy and forced anarchy upon its readers during the series, but I couldn't keep quiet when stumbling upon this problem now, I want you all to know how evil this situation is for some of us).
Since this is a series, all the books or short stories are somehow the same. That's what keeps certain people reading it. The predictability. The happy ending. I read it because of that. I've already mentioned that when I feel under pressure I just wanna escape into a predictable world because I work in an unstable environment and all I need is to indulge myself into something easy.
The Carpathian series' vampires are uber-domineering "wise old" men who force their decisions upon the others in the name of safety. The women, of course, try to struggle to gain their freedom only to hand it to their mates in the next instant.
There is action involved, the vampires have some cool tricks up their sleeves (we finally have this old school turning into mist and seeping through the key hole or just turning into the children of the night stuff which reminds us that the author didn't entirely make this world up but followed some of the traditions in literature) and those who like hot scenes won't be disappointed either.
October 10, 2023
Joie is an extremely capable body guard. Traian is a Carpathian. He has been captured by vampires and Joie is going to find him.
On the one hand I really liked the beginning of this book. Joie brings her brother and sister to find Traian. They go into a really cool ice cave that has many hidden treasures and also tons of scary traps. I loved their journey through the cave. It reminded me a little bit of Goonies. I like learning more about mages and the little clues about Josie’s parents.
On the other hand I really hate the same blah description of the Carpathian. He is really well built. He is crazy jealous. He is an alpha man. He wants to be protect his woman. He doesn’t want her to do anything that will bring her into danger. Ugh. It is literally the same in every book. We are on book #7 now. Can you at least try to come up a different male lead? ALSO!!! It really bugs me how each of these Carpathians basically “marry” their lifemate without their permission or consent. Like really!! Finally regardless of how strong a female lead you have she always breaks into little feminine shards when she comes against her sexy alpha male. I mean I can handle this once in a while but every book. No girl retains her independence and strength. It becomes old after 7 books. I am honestly really committed to the species as a whole and want to be know if they ever solve the vampire problem and figure out how to help the woman carry a baby to term. BUT I just cannot keep reading these “me he man” type books.
Oh wow!! The bonus story actually has consent before becoming a lifemate. Finally!! This story was almost as long as the first one. We finally are getting to revisit previous couples and that was nice. Both of these books are novellas. The main story was apparently 6.5 and the second 9.5.
R - Violence. Sex.
On the one hand I really liked the beginning of this book. Joie brings her brother and sister to find Traian. They go into a really cool ice cave that has many hidden treasures and also tons of scary traps. I loved their journey through the cave. It reminded me a little bit of Goonies. I like learning more about mages and the little clues about Josie’s parents.
On the other hand I really hate the same blah description of the Carpathian. He is really well built. He is crazy jealous. He is an alpha man. He wants to be protect his woman. He doesn’t want her to do anything that will bring her into danger. Ugh. It is literally the same in every book. We are on book #7 now. Can you at least try to come up a different male lead? ALSO!!! It really bugs me how each of these Carpathians basically “marry” their lifemate without their permission or consent. Like really!! Finally regardless of how strong a female lead you have she always breaks into little feminine shards when she comes against her sexy alpha male. I mean I can handle this once in a while but every book. No girl retains her independence and strength. It becomes old after 7 books. I am honestly really committed to the species as a whole and want to be know if they ever solve the vampire problem and figure out how to help the woman carry a baby to term. BUT I just cannot keep reading these “me he man” type books.
Oh wow!! The bonus story actually has consent before becoming a lifemate. Finally!! This story was almost as long as the first one. We finally are getting to revisit previous couples and that was nice. Both of these books are novellas. The main story was apparently 6.5 and the second 9.5.
R - Violence. Sex.
October 11, 2020
Dark Knights consists of two short stories Dark Descent and Dark Dream. I enjoyed everything about Dark Descent. There were no lures in the story and was constant excitement and adventure. I liked all of the characters. It was a well written story.
Joble, Gabrelle and Joy are three siblings who find Joy’s life mate in a cave where he was being held captive by vampires. The three siblings rescue the Carpathian.
While the Carpathian goes to ground the vampires attack the siblings and Joy sacrifices herself to save her siblings while it’ll take the Carpathian to save Joy, his life mate.
What I liked was none of the characters were written as victims and all were supportive of one another and worked well as a single unit.
Dark Dream/b> wasn’t as well developed as Dark Descent. The story opens with the life mate being a strong independent woman who thinks clearly and making valid decisions but as we delved deeper into the story she makes a snap judgment that puts her in danger showing her to be a different personality. I believe this was the way the author chose to make the transition to the next section of the story that didn’t work for me. I give the story three stars.
Jennifer Bradshaw is an exceptional job in narrating both stories.
Joble, Gabrelle and Joy are three siblings who find Joy’s life mate in a cave where he was being held captive by vampires. The three siblings rescue the Carpathian.
While the Carpathian goes to ground the vampires attack the siblings and Joy sacrifices herself to save her siblings while it’ll take the Carpathian to save Joy, his life mate.
What I liked was none of the characters were written as victims and all were supportive of one another and worked well as a single unit.
Dark Dream/b> wasn’t as well developed as Dark Descent. The story opens with the life mate being a strong independent woman who thinks clearly and making valid decisions but as we delved deeper into the story she makes a snap judgment that puts her in danger showing her to be a different personality. I believe this was the way the author chose to make the transition to the next section of the story that didn’t work for me. I give the story three stars.
Jennifer Bradshaw is an exceptional job in narrating both stories.
November 19, 2023
So good!
Dark Nights, has both Dark Dream, book 7 and Dark Descent, book 11 of the series Dark, by Christine Feehan & it's time to read the series from the beginning again! This will be my 2nd time through the most recent book. @authorcfeehan is one of my favorite authors.
Dark Dream is Sara & Falcon’s story which takes place shortly after Dark Fire. Falcon is ancient, 2000 years old. Sara has been tracked by a vampire for 15 years. Falcon sees Sara & knows she is his lifemate. She had been reading Falcon’s journals for 15 years & was able to decipher the Carpathian language. He claims Sara & the 7 psychic children she had found.
Dark Descent is Traian & Joie's story which takes place shortly after Dark Symphony. Traian fought 3 Vampires, escaping with severe injuries. Joie, a bodyguard, uses astral projection to escape from her reality of being shot while on the job. She travels to Traian’s cave he had used to hide while recovering. He knows she is his lifemate. He tells her what country he is in when she asks where the cave is. Joie, her brother Jubal, & her sister Gabrielle go to Romania & they find & rescue him from multiple vampires. Traian saves Joie by converting her after the vampires attack her, along with Gabrielle & Jubal.
This was a fantastic book!
Dark Nights, has both Dark Dream, book 7 and Dark Descent, book 11 of the series Dark, by Christine Feehan & it's time to read the series from the beginning again! This will be my 2nd time through the most recent book. @authorcfeehan is one of my favorite authors.
Dark Dream is Sara & Falcon’s story which takes place shortly after Dark Fire. Falcon is ancient, 2000 years old. Sara has been tracked by a vampire for 15 years. Falcon sees Sara & knows she is his lifemate. She had been reading Falcon’s journals for 15 years & was able to decipher the Carpathian language. He claims Sara & the 7 psychic children she had found.
Dark Descent is Traian & Joie's story which takes place shortly after Dark Symphony. Traian fought 3 Vampires, escaping with severe injuries. Joie, a bodyguard, uses astral projection to escape from her reality of being shot while on the job. She travels to Traian’s cave he had used to hide while recovering. He knows she is his lifemate. He tells her what country he is in when she asks where the cave is. Joie, her brother Jubal, & her sister Gabrielle go to Romania & they find & rescue him from multiple vampires. Traian saves Joie by converting her after the vampires attack her, along with Gabrielle & Jubal.
This was a fantastic book!
March 18, 2023
I had previously read this story at the end of Dark Prince. Which is disappointing because I loved their story and I was hoping this continued their story but it was the same 13 chapters. I enjoyed it a lot. It reminded me of the movie The Decent. Where they are going into an unknown cave and there is creatures down there trying to escape them.
This story was the story of warrior Traian (which I called Tristan bc I can’t with that name haha) meeting his lifemate Joie.
I liked how she was telepathic and she could astral project. When they were both close to death, him fighting for his life against vampires and her fighting for her life after being shot while guarding her client, she found him through projecting. I love that she went to find him after she was healed; I love that she saved him. And I love that her brother and sister were there with her and became accepting of him in their lives.
The second story in this Book Dark Dream was also really good. I loved the continuation of the other characters stories as well. I loved Falcon and Sara. They had instant chemistry. I love how she was smart and strong on her own. She didn’t necessarily need him but he brought her love, security and partnership. I love that she rescued those 7 orphans and gave them a home.
This story was the story of warrior Traian (which I called Tristan bc I can’t with that name haha) meeting his lifemate Joie.
I liked how she was telepathic and she could astral project. When they were both close to death, him fighting for his life against vampires and her fighting for her life after being shot while guarding her client, she found him through projecting. I love that she went to find him after she was healed; I love that she saved him. And I love that her brother and sister were there with her and became accepting of him in their lives.
The second story in this Book Dark Dream was also really good. I loved the continuation of the other characters stories as well. I loved Falcon and Sara. They had instant chemistry. I love how she was smart and strong on her own. She didn’t necessarily need him but he brought her love, security and partnership. I love that she rescued those 7 orphans and gave them a home.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2022
The early stories are the best by far .
A lot of readers divide the Dark Series into two parts. The early stories starting with Dark Prince and ending with Dark Predators. The second division starts with Dark Storm up to the lastest offering Dark Song. The reason for this ? The early books are as different as day and night. In fact the books written after Dark Predator feel like a completely different hand wrote them. The difference is startling. Those use to the first books usually don't care for the latter while those who started with the latest care little for the oldest. As for me I stopped buying any of the newest books in this series after purchasing three and completely disappointed expecting to find the same Alpha male, strong women, and loving community . Instead I found a unrecognizable story that held little relationship to the stories I had come to love. I still believe strongly that the new books were written by ghost writters not Ms. Feehan.
A lot of readers divide the Dark Series into two parts. The early stories starting with Dark Prince and ending with Dark Predators. The second division starts with Dark Storm up to the lastest offering Dark Song. The reason for this ? The early books are as different as day and night. In fact the books written after Dark Predator feel like a completely different hand wrote them. The difference is startling. Those use to the first books usually don't care for the latter while those who started with the latest care little for the oldest. As for me I stopped buying any of the newest books in this series after purchasing three and completely disappointed expecting to find the same Alpha male, strong women, and loving community . Instead I found a unrecognizable story that held little relationship to the stories I had come to love. I still believe strongly that the new books were written by ghost writters not Ms. Feehan.
November 9, 2020
Joie and Traian 's story was a very compelling 5stars . It was not just about the couple but Joie's siblings which added so much more than the tradition Carpathian theme. I would love to read about Juble even Gabby altho she was the weakest character of the "family"
Falcon I did not care for. His initial approach to Sara in her home would have terrified any sane individual but a person with her background was cruel. Sara's parents and brother were murdered while she hid in a closet and watched their blood flow under the door ! So Falcon rushes into her home takes her to the ground and restrains her ?!? Not what we are used to with Ms. Feehan's depiction of a male life mate. I was disillusioned from then on so really a 2 star at best
Falcon I did not care for. His initial approach to Sara in her home would have terrified any sane individual but a person with her background was cruel. Sara's parents and brother were murdered while she hid in a closet and watched their blood flow under the door ! So Falcon rushes into her home takes her to the ground and restrains her ?!? Not what we are used to with Ms. Feehan's depiction of a male life mate. I was disillusioned from then on so really a 2 star at best
February 27, 2023
Dark Nights by Christine Feehan is one of my new favorite paranormal reads. It has all of my favorite elements in a romance fantasy novel. Humor, danger, suspense, and of course romance in both emotional sparks and the physical kind. The characters are different than anything I have come across in paranormal romances. They are not the usual vampire, witches, or werewolves. Instead, they are ancient hunters and mages mixed with normal humans. I loved all of it. The magic, old rituals, and the protagonists are exciting to follow. I want to read more in this series! I highly recommend this novel to fans of Heather Graham and Lynsay Sands. This is my first novel I have read by this talented writer. I plan to read more of her books in the future.
August 16, 2018
The only reason I didn't give this five stars is because of the fast pace. I understand that it is two short stories but the women were far too accepting of the abrupt change in their lives. There was little to no fighting the attraction between the man and woman as is customary in the Carpathian novels. other than that detail missing, I thought both stories were good. It gave some insight into plot points that would show up in later novels. And I will admit it was good to finally see the stories of theses characters that you see in other books. I wish she had made these into novels in their own right just because there was so much more that could have been done with the stories.
July 28, 2021
Two stories for the price of one. Yay! First up is Traian - whose name sounds like a locomotive according to Joie, he female counterpart and lifemate. They spend a fair amount of time in caves, looking for something the vampires want (not knowing what it is), but spend most of the time evading vampires and mage traps. The banter and snarky comebacks had me chuckling. Next up is Falcon and his lifemate Sara. Again the banter and humor had me chuckling. Sara has spent a good portion of her life running from a vampire and managing to evade him for all that time. Until she runs into Falcon. Both stories are well written, the characters and storyline engaging.
Well done.
Well done.
March 1, 2020
Me encantan porque estas historias se salen del común denominador de los machos carpatianos; son más comprensivos, más amorosos y abiertos (tal vez porque son muy muy antiguos (recordemos que Lucian tampoco era tan aprensivo como Gregori, por ejemplo)) y la sabiduría los guía con verdadero amor hacia sus parejas.
¡La forma en la que Falcón y su compañera se encuentran se me hace tan romántica! Creo que en mis mejores fantasías pude haber deseado algo similar. Y el equipo que hace la familia de Joie con Traian es simplemente fantástica.
¡La forma en la que Falcón y su compañera se encuentran se me hace tan romántica! Creo que en mis mejores fantasías pude haber deseado algo similar. Y el equipo que hace la familia de Joie con Traian es simplemente fantástica.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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