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Seeker #2
Dark Return (Seeker, #2)
Hunting the undead isn’t just a job; it’s an inheritance. As a Seeker, I carry the weight of my Cherokee ancestors and generations of warriors who came before me. I thought I had my life in Baltimore under control—until Kai.
He’s everything a hunter shouldn't want: cocky, infuriatingly skillful, and far too gorgeous for my own good. He’s become my shadow in the fight against the Daychildren, the lethal vampire-demon hybrids spreading through the city. But as we grew closer, I realize the guy I’ve unwittingly fallen for is buried under secrets.
Now, his past has a name: Leah.
She’s a newcomer with a dark connection to Kai’s history, and she hasn't come to Baltimore for a simple reunion. Leah is determined to reclaim the life she thinks is hers, and she’ll do whatever it takes to get Kai back—even if it means erasing every memory of me from his mind forever.
He’s everything a hunter shouldn't want: cocky, infuriatingly skillful, and far too gorgeous for my own good. He’s become my shadow in the fight against the Daychildren, the lethal vampire-demon hybrids spreading through the city. But as we grew closer, I realize the guy I’ve unwittingly fallen for is buried under secrets.
Now, his past has a name: Leah.
She’s a newcomer with a dark connection to Kai’s history, and she hasn't come to Baltimore for a simple reunion. Leah is determined to reclaim the life she thinks is hers, and she’ll do whatever it takes to get Kai back—even if it means erasing every memory of me from his mind forever.
203 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
3 people are currently reading
587 people want to read
About the author
Taryn Browning
7 books179 followersTaryn Browning writes action-packed YA romantasy filled with dangerous magic, unforgettable characters, and romances that burn as fiercely as the worlds they inhabit. Her stories blend heart-pounding adventure with dark twists on mythology, where love is rarely safe—and power always comes at a cost.
Her debut urban fantasy romance, Dark Seeker (Seeker, Book 1), introduces a bold new take on vampire mythology, followed by Dark Return (Seeker, Book 2) and the newly released Dark End (Seeker, Book 3). She also authored the prequel novella Dark Beauty, available on Kindle and as bonus content inside Dark End.
Taryn is also the author of the YA paranormal romance Whispering Hills, a fan-favorite featuring ghosts, witches, buried secrets, and shocking twists readers never see coming—earning over four-star ratings on Amazon.
For readers drawn to epic fantasy romance, Emanare delivers angels, demons, shifters, and mythic bloodlines forged into weapons.
Taryn enjoys pulling readers into dark, magical worlds where enemies fall in love, forbidden love is tested, fate is challenged, and nothing stays buried for long.
She graduated with a B.S. in Education from Towson University and went on to earn a M.S. in Reading from Hood College. When I'm not writing, I enjoy reading, spending time with friends and family, dancing, music, nature, and the beach.
Her debut urban fantasy romance, Dark Seeker (Seeker, Book 1), introduces a bold new take on vampire mythology, followed by Dark Return (Seeker, Book 2) and the newly released Dark End (Seeker, Book 3). She also authored the prequel novella Dark Beauty, available on Kindle and as bonus content inside Dark End.
Taryn is also the author of the YA paranormal romance Whispering Hills, a fan-favorite featuring ghosts, witches, buried secrets, and shocking twists readers never see coming—earning over four-star ratings on Amazon.
For readers drawn to epic fantasy romance, Emanare delivers angels, demons, shifters, and mythic bloodlines forged into weapons.
Taryn enjoys pulling readers into dark, magical worlds where enemies fall in love, forbidden love is tested, fate is challenged, and nothing stays buried for long.
She graduated with a B.S. in Education from Towson University and went on to earn a M.S. in Reading from Hood College. When I'm not writing, I enjoy reading, spending time with friends and family, dancing, music, nature, and the beach.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 7, 2013
I was definitely excited to start Dark Return! I really loved Dark Seeker, so obviously anyone would be excited to get their hands on the sequel! Unlike most sequels nowadays, Dark Seeker did not disappoint! It was action packed from the first page! Dark Return starts off with Janie kicking some daychildren butt. Janie's relationship with Kai can't get any better, but when someone from his past comes, there's bad news. It turns out this certain "someone" has decided to come to Baltimore and take Kai back.
I definitely love it when there are new characters in books. Leah, the newcomer, was Kai's past lover. Leah is still that monster that Kai was, and she has decided that she wants to Turn Kai back so they can be in love again. It was very interesting to learn more about Kai's past before he Turned back into a human. Another interesting thing to read was how Kai and Janie's relationship developed. Janie was very worried about Leah, and not about her evil plans, but of her feelings with Kai. It was funny how she got jealous of Leah, even though Kai hated her guts now.
Overall, it was a very interesting book! There was never a time when it got boring either. Like I said earlier, it was action packed and full of awesomeness. The ending killed me though. It is probably the biggest cliffhanger of cliffhangers in the world! (Does that even make sense?) Anyways, you get what I mean! I cannot wait for the third book! If you haven't read this series, you should totally get your on hands on the first book, Dark Seeker!
I definitely love it when there are new characters in books. Leah, the newcomer, was Kai's past lover. Leah is still that monster that Kai was, and she has decided that she wants to Turn Kai back so they can be in love again. It was very interesting to learn more about Kai's past before he Turned back into a human. Another interesting thing to read was how Kai and Janie's relationship developed. Janie was very worried about Leah, and not about her evil plans, but of her feelings with Kai. It was funny how she got jealous of Leah, even though Kai hated her guts now.
Overall, it was a very interesting book! There was never a time when it got boring either. Like I said earlier, it was action packed and full of awesomeness. The ending killed me though. It is probably the biggest cliffhanger of cliffhangers in the world! (Does that even make sense?) Anyways, you get what I mean! I cannot wait for the third book! If you haven't read this series, you should totally get your on hands on the first book, Dark Seeker!
March 18, 2013
To see my full review:
http://bookvacations.wordpress.com/20...
I absolutely adored the first novel in this series, Dark Seeker, and was extremely excited to note that I was just as enamored by this second novel as well. Sequels can be really tricky, and though I may love an author, sometimes their middle novel falls a bit flat, but that was not the case with Dark Return! This is a kick-butt sequel that carries just as much action, angst, and terror as the first. I loved it!
Kai and Janie are back, and Janie’s family is trying ever so hard to be nice to Kai, especially since Janie’s so adamant about it, but… he’s not exactly the boy-next-door. I really like this angle of the story because it puts Janie and Kai between a rock and a hard place, but they’re fighting to overcome their differences and remain together. Kai, too, is fighting to maintain his humanity, which adds a whole other aspect to their dating game as, should Kai change back, he’ll be at the top of Janie’s most wanted ‘kill’ list. With a plotline like that, what’s not to love?
This is a fast-paced novel full of mystery and intrigue as we begin to delve deep into Kai’s past, learning about who he used to be, and how he became who he is today. I loved the background knowledge and was on pins and needles throughout the novel as his ex shows up on the scene intent on ripping away his humanity and reclaiming his for herself. There were so many ups and downs as I read, and I was thrown for a loop on many an occasion. Overall, this was another great read and I cannot wait for more!
http://bookvacations.wordpress.com/20...
I absolutely adored the first novel in this series, Dark Seeker, and was extremely excited to note that I was just as enamored by this second novel as well. Sequels can be really tricky, and though I may love an author, sometimes their middle novel falls a bit flat, but that was not the case with Dark Return! This is a kick-butt sequel that carries just as much action, angst, and terror as the first. I loved it!
Kai and Janie are back, and Janie’s family is trying ever so hard to be nice to Kai, especially since Janie’s so adamant about it, but… he’s not exactly the boy-next-door. I really like this angle of the story because it puts Janie and Kai between a rock and a hard place, but they’re fighting to overcome their differences and remain together. Kai, too, is fighting to maintain his humanity, which adds a whole other aspect to their dating game as, should Kai change back, he’ll be at the top of Janie’s most wanted ‘kill’ list. With a plotline like that, what’s not to love?
This is a fast-paced novel full of mystery and intrigue as we begin to delve deep into Kai’s past, learning about who he used to be, and how he became who he is today. I loved the background knowledge and was on pins and needles throughout the novel as his ex shows up on the scene intent on ripping away his humanity and reclaiming his for herself. There were so many ups and downs as I read, and I was thrown for a loop on many an occasion. Overall, this was another great read and I cannot wait for more!
January 5, 2013
4.5 super stars!
WooooooooooooooooooooooW! I just can't explain how much I liked this book. The first one was good but this one is scary good.
I finished it a minute ago and I'm so excited, I want to jump and dance and bang my head against the wall because I'll have to wait until
who-knows-when for book 3!
As always, Taryn's writing style left me speechless. It's fluent, fast paced, entertaining and fun.
Also the characters are well developed and we have a very interesting addition, that apparently will be also in book 3.
I love the fact that we get to know more about Kai's past life in a sort of flashbacks. This gave him more realism. He is still beyond sexy and cocky and I love him for that but now he also is easier to relate to.
Kai and Janie's dinamism while they are together is stunning. Kick ass couple!
Tania, what a great character and I love her being a badass vampire leader as well as a fashion lover lol.
Janie improved a lot, she was way better in this book than the previous one.
The only reason why I didn't give it 5 stars is because the love story here is not as strong as in the first instalment.
The end was utterly amazing! A super huge cliffhanger!
When I reached the end I was thinking like: What??? is this already over?!?!??! It was too short!
This book deserves another Stewie!!!
I want to know what happens next ASAP!
Please Taryn, write fast!
WooooooooooooooooooooooW! I just can't explain how much I liked this book. The first one was good but this one is scary good.
I finished it a minute ago and I'm so excited, I want to jump and dance and bang my head against the wall because I'll have to wait until
who-knows-when for book 3!
As always, Taryn's writing style left me speechless. It's fluent, fast paced, entertaining and fun.
Also the characters are well developed and we have a very interesting addition, that apparently will be also in book 3.
I love the fact that we get to know more about Kai's past life in a sort of flashbacks. This gave him more realism. He is still beyond sexy and cocky and I love him for that but now he also is easier to relate to.
Kai and Janie's dinamism while they are together is stunning. Kick ass couple!
Tania, what a great character and I love her being a badass vampire leader as well as a fashion lover lol.
Janie improved a lot, she was way better in this book than the previous one.
The only reason why I didn't give it 5 stars is because the love story here is not as strong as in the first instalment.
The end was utterly amazing! A super huge cliffhanger!
When I reached the end I was thinking like: What??? is this already over?!?!??! It was too short!
This book deserves another Stewie!!!
I want to know what happens next ASAP!
Please Taryn, write fast!
December 18, 2012
I loved Dark Return. When I started reading it I couldn't put it down until I finished it in only a few hours. It's one of those books that grip you from the very beginning with something mysterious and big happening and then continue like that all the way to the last page. And then some.
In Dark Return Janie is faced with an enemy that not only challenged her physically but emotionally too. And before you go thinking that she fell in love with someone other than Kai, let me tell you that it's not like that. I won't tell you what kind of emotions and spoil the book for you, you'll have to read it and find out, but what I can tell is, they are not the good ones.
So be prepared for a ride full of action and heartbreak. Especially the ending. The kind of a cliffhanger that will have you waiting for the next book in the series impatiently and with a fast-beating heart.
If you want an action-packed and fast-raced book, then Dark Return is the perfect book for you.
In Dark Return Janie is faced with an enemy that not only challenged her physically but emotionally too. And before you go thinking that she fell in love with someone other than Kai, let me tell you that it's not like that. I won't tell you what kind of emotions and spoil the book for you, you'll have to read it and find out, but what I can tell is, they are not the good ones.
So be prepared for a ride full of action and heartbreak. Especially the ending. The kind of a cliffhanger that will have you waiting for the next book in the series impatiently and with a fast-beating heart.
If you want an action-packed and fast-raced book, then Dark Return is the perfect book for you.
January 10, 2013
.I loved Dark Return.It had fast paced action that kept my attention.I read it in less than a day because I could not put it down.The romance in the book is filled with wittiness and jealousy.It is this jealous that will threaten to break Kai and Janie.
Kai has a dark past and wants to keep as much of it buried and unknown to Janie.However,Janie can tell when Kai isn't telling all and she believes she must know all for their relationship to work. Kai's attempt to keep the past hidden is futile when a woman from his past comes storming to town.Leah had been with Kai for as long as she can remember until Kai became no longer a Daychild. Leah and Kai were the first Daychildren turned by the vampire king.Now that king has sent Leah to take over the very city Kai now resides in,Baltimore.Leah is jealous of Janie and will do everything in her power to return Kai back into a Daychild. Will Leah succeed? Can Janie and Kai get over his dark past or will it destroy them?
Kai has a dark past and wants to keep as much of it buried and unknown to Janie.However,Janie can tell when Kai isn't telling all and she believes she must know all for their relationship to work. Kai's attempt to keep the past hidden is futile when a woman from his past comes storming to town.Leah had been with Kai for as long as she can remember until Kai became no longer a Daychild. Leah and Kai were the first Daychildren turned by the vampire king.Now that king has sent Leah to take over the very city Kai now resides in,Baltimore.Leah is jealous of Janie and will do everything in her power to return Kai back into a Daychild. Will Leah succeed? Can Janie and Kai get over his dark past or will it destroy them?
January 2, 2013
I really, really loved Dark Return. This series cannot get any better. It has so many twist and turns that really make you want to keep reading. You will not be able to read only one chapter at a time. You will get hooked from page one. The characters are excellently executed and do not differ from how they acted in book one. Taryn did an amazing job and I could not have asked for more.
December 14, 2012
Ugh I can't wait for book 3!!! This book was great!! Janie has matured from the last book. She isn't as impulsive and she actually thinks before she acts now but she still hasn't lost her spunk! Kai is still a hottie and I can't get enough of him! Great book!
January 10, 2013
4*s
Review posted here...
http://bookpassionforlife.blogspot.co...
Review posted here...
http://bookpassionforlife.blogspot.co...
December 4, 2012
What a wonderful story it was so worth the wait can't wait until the next installment of this series!!
December 9, 2012
I really enjoy the story.... Good 2th book...
January 21, 2013
E-book: Dark Return (Seeker #2) by Taryn Browning
Pages: 85
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal
Source: Sent from Tour hosted by SupaGurl Tours
Short Synopsis: As Janie continues her seeker duties, she discovers that Kai's ex-girlfriend from when Kai was a vampire has returned, trying to reclaim Kai and to turn him back to what he once was.
My Thoughts: A very entertaining story, I kept wanting to know what was going on in Janie's world, and what Kai was going to do next.
Janie Grey is dedicated to hunting the undead, an inherited duty passed down from her Cherokee ancestors and generations of powerful Seekers before her. Then, there's Kai. He's like no one she's ever met - cocky, fast, skillful, infuriating and gorgeous. Not only has he become a valuable asset in her fight against the growing population of the vampire/demon hybrid known as Daychildren...
She's unwittingly fallen for him.
Just when Janie thinks she's learned everything there is to know about Kai's mysterious past, there's a newcomer to Baltimore. Someone who will do anything to make sure Janie loses Kai forever.
Darkness returns in Fall, 2012...
--From Goodreads
A unique read of vampires, otherwise known as Daychildren, and as a Seeker, it's Janie's job to hunt them down. Janie is a strong, independent character with special powers. In this latest series, aside from her job as hunting down the daychildren, a new old daychild has come to town.
Kai's long time ex-girlfriend Leah has come rushing into town, and is wreaking havoc, and she wants Kai back to the way he was. As a daychild. A monster. And Leah is willing to do just about anything to get what she wants.
First, Leah captures Albania, Janie's friend, and the witch that helped turn Kai to what he is now, and threatens Albania to do what she wants, or Leah will turn Albania's brother into a daychild. It's up to Janie to get Albania back, and to keep Kai the way he is, before things get worse.
I enjoyed reading this book. Though it took a bit to get back into the story, it's an action packed story, leaving you curious for more. The story line is an intriguing one, as most don't think of turning one back into the vampire, aka daychild they once were where most stories would only focus on turning individuals into one in the first place. There are a lot of twists in this story and it kept you guessing till the end, what Leah was up to.
In this series, we also get to know more about Kai's past, and what he was involved in. We also witness how Kai tries to right Leah's wrong, and do what he can to help Albania and wreck Leah's plan. The ending was a bit emotional, and the only thing I didn't enjoy was the fact that it ended too quickly. Overall, an interesting story, and I can't wait for the next in the series.
Would I recommend this book: Yes
Rating: I give this book a 4/5.
Pages: 85
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal
Source: Sent from Tour hosted by SupaGurl Tours
Short Synopsis: As Janie continues her seeker duties, she discovers that Kai's ex-girlfriend from when Kai was a vampire has returned, trying to reclaim Kai and to turn him back to what he once was.
My Thoughts: A very entertaining story, I kept wanting to know what was going on in Janie's world, and what Kai was going to do next.
Janie Grey is dedicated to hunting the undead, an inherited duty passed down from her Cherokee ancestors and generations of powerful Seekers before her. Then, there's Kai. He's like no one she's ever met - cocky, fast, skillful, infuriating and gorgeous. Not only has he become a valuable asset in her fight against the growing population of the vampire/demon hybrid known as Daychildren...
She's unwittingly fallen for him.
Just when Janie thinks she's learned everything there is to know about Kai's mysterious past, there's a newcomer to Baltimore. Someone who will do anything to make sure Janie loses Kai forever.
Darkness returns in Fall, 2012...
--From Goodreads
A unique read of vampires, otherwise known as Daychildren, and as a Seeker, it's Janie's job to hunt them down. Janie is a strong, independent character with special powers. In this latest series, aside from her job as hunting down the daychildren, a new old daychild has come to town.
Kai's long time ex-girlfriend Leah has come rushing into town, and is wreaking havoc, and she wants Kai back to the way he was. As a daychild. A monster. And Leah is willing to do just about anything to get what she wants.
First, Leah captures Albania, Janie's friend, and the witch that helped turn Kai to what he is now, and threatens Albania to do what she wants, or Leah will turn Albania's brother into a daychild. It's up to Janie to get Albania back, and to keep Kai the way he is, before things get worse.
I enjoyed reading this book. Though it took a bit to get back into the story, it's an action packed story, leaving you curious for more. The story line is an intriguing one, as most don't think of turning one back into the vampire, aka daychild they once were where most stories would only focus on turning individuals into one in the first place. There are a lot of twists in this story and it kept you guessing till the end, what Leah was up to.
In this series, we also get to know more about Kai's past, and what he was involved in. We also witness how Kai tries to right Leah's wrong, and do what he can to help Albania and wreck Leah's plan. The ending was a bit emotional, and the only thing I didn't enjoy was the fact that it ended too quickly. Overall, an interesting story, and I can't wait for the next in the series.
Would I recommend this book: Yes
Rating: I give this book a 4/5.
December 1, 2012
Ratings: 3.5 stars
I thought this was a pretty good sequel in the Seeker series by Taryn Browning. If you are looking for a fast paced, action packed series, then I would definitely recommend this to you! Dark Return captured my attention from start to finish. I am so happy to be apart of the blog tour because I loved book 1.
In this sequel, we reunite with the characters from book one. Janie was pretty much still Janie. She was still pretty hardheaded with an attitude to match. I was really glad to see a little bit of growth to her character because in this installment she wasn't so quick to jump head first into danger. She actually stopped to think, and then reacted. I really liked that about her in this book. Kai was pretty much the same also, but I do love his character :) He's just so sweet, even though his past has literally come to haunt him.
I do feel at times the romance was a bit cheesy. Even though I did enjoy the book, I didn't really care for the romance aspect of it too much, but was still glad to see it there. But what I really liked most about the book was that it was FILLED with tons of action. I'm an action freak and love a good action packed novel. Page after page and the action kept coming. There was never a dull moment. And the ending definitely has me looking forward to book 3!
Overall, I thought book was great, but just wish the romance part was a little better. I can't wait for the next installment. I would recommend this series to those who love vampire stories and a good action packed book!
I thought this was a pretty good sequel in the Seeker series by Taryn Browning. If you are looking for a fast paced, action packed series, then I would definitely recommend this to you! Dark Return captured my attention from start to finish. I am so happy to be apart of the blog tour because I loved book 1.
In this sequel, we reunite with the characters from book one. Janie was pretty much still Janie. She was still pretty hardheaded with an attitude to match. I was really glad to see a little bit of growth to her character because in this installment she wasn't so quick to jump head first into danger. She actually stopped to think, and then reacted. I really liked that about her in this book. Kai was pretty much the same also, but I do love his character :) He's just so sweet, even though his past has literally come to haunt him.
I do feel at times the romance was a bit cheesy. Even though I did enjoy the book, I didn't really care for the romance aspect of it too much, but was still glad to see it there. But what I really liked most about the book was that it was FILLED with tons of action. I'm an action freak and love a good action packed novel. Page after page and the action kept coming. There was never a dull moment. And the ending definitely has me looking forward to book 3!
Overall, I thought book was great, but just wish the romance part was a little better. I can't wait for the next installment. I would recommend this series to those who love vampire stories and a good action packed book!
July 19, 2013
sooo... I read the first and couldn't finish the second. I'm usually a fan of these types of books (YA, paranormal romance, fantasy, etc.), but the writing was irritating enough that even the paranormal fantasy element couldn't keep me intrigued. I don't want to discredit Browning's clever imagination, that was there full force (claps!) I do want to mention, however, that there was something about the way that the sentences were structured and how some details to the story were articulated that just didn't read as naturally or as smoothly as I would have liked. I sort of felt reading it was like reading the inner ramblings of a socially awkward nerd bomb... which should probably be attributed to poor character development since it was the same no matter what character was talking. Meh, anyway... that's that.
July 27, 2016
I thought this was an okay short read. I didn't like it as much as the 0.5 and #1 books for this series. Not sure why there isn't a #3 out yet. I was a little sad that it ends on a cliffhanger. It's been almost 2 years since this book came out, I was hoping since there wasn't a third listed here, it would be the end of the story. I guess not. Not sure if I will bother to read the next one, if it ever comes out.
November 28, 2012
WOW!!! Just ... Review to come ... Amazing!!!
December 11, 2012
better than the first
December 4, 2012
Sophomore slump :(
December 30, 2012
Review to come..
Rating: 3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Rating: 3 1/2 out of 5 stars
February 26, 2014
Very well written and suspenseful. I was kinda bummed when it ended. Cannot wait to read Book III.
February 19, 2015
WHAT THE HELL!!!!! This just ended....I turned the page expecting the story to continue and nothing.....and no mention of a 3rd book....was there something wrong with my copy???
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews