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Dark #26
Dark Blood
At long last you are truly back with us…
Zev Hunter was an elite warrior, a dark-blood dealer of death to rogue Lycans who preyed on mankind. He was a loner, never given to personal attachments, and damned fierce at his job. But Zev begins to question his past and his purpose when he awakens in the darkness of the sacred cave of warriors—and is soothed back to consciousness by the sensuously familiar voice of one woman, the woman who has haunted his fantasies for centuries. She was Branislava, member of the Dragonseeker clan…
Mother Earth called the ancients to witness your rebirth…
For this half-mage, half-Carpathian temptress, the ritual of awakening Zev to the council of warriors was the only way to save him. Locked away for his own protection, the time has now come for his rebirth, for his blood to stir with that of the ancient warriors before him. He has been assured by Branislava that their fates are entwined, that their spirits are woven together for eternity and that his new purpose in life is beyond imagining.
Now, with a blood-sworn vow of honor, mercy and endurance, and under the influence of a siren as bewitching as Branislava, Zev begins to wonder what his purpose is, what it means for the future of the Carpathians and what it is about his rebirth that he has to fear…
Zev Hunter was an elite warrior, a dark-blood dealer of death to rogue Lycans who preyed on mankind. He was a loner, never given to personal attachments, and damned fierce at his job. But Zev begins to question his past and his purpose when he awakens in the darkness of the sacred cave of warriors—and is soothed back to consciousness by the sensuously familiar voice of one woman, the woman who has haunted his fantasies for centuries. She was Branislava, member of the Dragonseeker clan…
Mother Earth called the ancients to witness your rebirth…
For this half-mage, half-Carpathian temptress, the ritual of awakening Zev to the council of warriors was the only way to save him. Locked away for his own protection, the time has now come for his rebirth, for his blood to stir with that of the ancient warriors before him. He has been assured by Branislava that their fates are entwined, that their spirits are woven together for eternity and that his new purpose in life is beyond imagining.
Now, with a blood-sworn vow of honor, mercy and endurance, and under the influence of a siren as bewitching as Branislava, Zev begins to wonder what his purpose is, what it means for the future of the Carpathians and what it is about his rebirth that he has to fear…
400 pages, Hardcover
First published September 2, 2014
839 people are currently reading
6835 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 591 reviews
January 29, 2021
2.5 If I read one more damn spell Imma snap Stars
“He’s swearing at me,” Zev pointed out to Dimitri with a little grin. He would have laughed but it would hurt more. “Yeah, he does that sometimes. He thinks it’s okay now because you’re his little brother,” Dimitri said, with an answering grin. He shrugged his shoulders. “It’s best to ignore him. Swearing makes him believe he’ll intimidate us into doing whatever he wants us to do.” Zev nodded. “I see. I suppose we have to let him think he’s bossing us around.” “If we don’t, he sulks,”-Zev and Dimitri
First read September 03, 2014 Reread March 2016
Reread Feb 17, 2017 Reread 1/29/2021
*Spoilers*
“This is where you belong,” he declared. “Me, inside of you. You surrounding me. Locked together just like this.”-Zev
Okay So I have and will always be a Dark series Fan Girl! But this book was just okay. I gave it 3 stars, and that was being nice. I liked some of this book and then other parts drove me bat shit crazy. The parts I liked where so great they were 5 star worthy but then there was 2 problems I had with this book that knocked that rating down a star for each.
I’m not certain what the advantage of being Lycan, Carpathian, Dark Blood or mixed blood is right at this moment. I thought I was supposed to heal fast, he said sarcastically to Fen and Dimitri. You’re supposed to use the gifts given you, Fen said, and get the hell out of the way when bombs go off. Had you moved a little faster, you would have escaped, but no, you just had to play hero and get your ass handed to you by a table, no less.-Zev and Fen
Those 2 problems were ........
1. The large amounts of the Carpathian language. I can understand it when they claim their life mates or when they joined as brothers, but my God there was so much Carpathian gibberish that it was annoying and boring and that isn't even counting the end of the book where CF gives the reader a whole Appendix 1 and 2 of the Carpathian healing chants, songs, language, Carpathian grammar chart, and glossary which starts at page 376 and goes to page 416 .
How the hell did I get to be so lucky to have someone like you be my lifemate? I’m about as rough as a man can get and you—you take my breath away. She ran her fingers down the shadow along his jaw. You are a very charming man, and I can see you’ll find your way out of trouble very quickly.-Zev and Branislava
2. The large amounts of spells. It truly was over the top ridiculous how many spells are in this book. After I finish reading I when back and counted the number of spells and there are 56 spells in this book. I may have missed a few small ones as I was running through the book fast to count them, but all 56 spells are at least 4 lines long. Come on I don't need to read 30 spells within 2 chapters. It got boring and redundant. I was starting to feel like I was reading a Dr. Seuss book. I don't mind one or two important to the story spells or you could just be like " she weaved a spell and this happened" I don't need to read ever line of ever spell! Just sayin. This more then anything took away my enjoyment of this book. I was ready to rip my damn hair out. I didn't even read the damn spells I pretty much skipped them all!
“Stop looking at me like I’m one of your chicks and you’re the mother hen. I’ve got this.” “You always think you’ve got it,” Fen snapped back. “I’ve never seen a man more prone to getting stabbed, shot, sliced or ripped open, unless, of course, it’s Dimitri. It’s a wonder I don’t have gray hair.” “You do,” Zev and Dimitri said simultaneously.-Zev, Fen, and Dimitri
Other then those 2 things the rest of the story was good not as great as others and no where near as good as my two favorites (Gregori and Jacques)but still it was a decent Carpathian novel. Gary is now Carpathian and I can't wait for him to get his love story. I really enjoyed the dancing in the woods and how all my favorite couples came out and dance together and had some fun. And the children dancing so damn cute it hurt.
“What are you doing? We have a duty . . .” “Your only duty is to please me,” he murmured. “Straddle me.” She shook her head, but complied, placing one foot on either side of his legs. He caught her hips and urged her down right over the top of him, so that she was crouched just above his lap. Her eyes stared into his. “That’s my duty? To please you?” she echoed, amusement warring with her rising sensuality. She loved the feel of his hands, the look in his eyes. Already she could feel the heat of his thick erection pressing at her dripping entrance. “Your only duty,”-Branislava and Zev
That alone kept this book from going any lower than a 3 star. I love finally getting to know that Sara had her baby. I loved the brotherly joking between Fen, Zev, and Dimitri very cute. Their brother like playfulness really made me smile and laugh. I was glad to find out how Zev got a lifemate so fast and the reason he was drawn to Branislava even when we thought he was just wolf, was because he was part Carpathian all along. I wish Josef would have been in this book. This series is so long I know that they all can't be winners, but I hope I get Gary and Josef's stories before this series ends, maybe even Gregori's daughters!!
Below is one of my favorite brother moments with Fen, Dimitri, and Zev
“Did you just call me ‘wolf man’?” Zev demanded. “I’m going to get up and kick your ass.”
“Fen.” Tatijana slipped into the room. “What in the world are you doing provoking Zev at a time like this? Can’t you see he’s ill?” Zev groaned dramatically and placed a hand over his stomach. Tatijana shot Fen a glare and hurried over to him. She hugged her sister. “How is he?” How are you? I’ve been so worried. “He needs to rest and go to ground again,” Branislava answered aloud. I know, Tatijana. I’m sorry I worried you. He was slipping away and I had to stay focused on him. Don’t feel bad. If it was Fen I would have done the same. You told me he was your lifemate and I believed you, although I have no idea how. Zev managed another very real-sounding moan, which earned Fen a dark glare from both women. “Are you kidding me?” Fen said. “Can’t you see he’s faking it?” Dimitri snickered at his brother. Now you’ve done it. The man’s a hero with blood dripping all over the floor, a hole the size of Texas in his gut and you’re mocking his pain to women. You need lessons, bro. “Fen, if you can’t have just a little compassion when a man’s at death’s door, I suggest you wait outside for me,” Tatijana said. “I’m sorry, Zev. I have no idea what’s gotten into him.”-Zev,Tatijana,Branislava,Fen, and Dimitri
“He’s swearing at me,” Zev pointed out to Dimitri with a little grin. He would have laughed but it would hurt more. “Yeah, he does that sometimes. He thinks it’s okay now because you’re his little brother,” Dimitri said, with an answering grin. He shrugged his shoulders. “It’s best to ignore him. Swearing makes him believe he’ll intimidate us into doing whatever he wants us to do.” Zev nodded. “I see. I suppose we have to let him think he’s bossing us around.” “If we don’t, he sulks,”-Zev and Dimitri
First read September 03, 2014 Reread March 2016
Reread Feb 17, 2017 Reread 1/29/2021
*Spoilers*
“This is where you belong,” he declared. “Me, inside of you. You surrounding me. Locked together just like this.”-Zev
Okay So I have and will always be a Dark series Fan Girl! But this book was just okay. I gave it 3 stars, and that was being nice. I liked some of this book and then other parts drove me bat shit crazy. The parts I liked where so great they were 5 star worthy but then there was 2 problems I had with this book that knocked that rating down a star for each.
I’m not certain what the advantage of being Lycan, Carpathian, Dark Blood or mixed blood is right at this moment. I thought I was supposed to heal fast, he said sarcastically to Fen and Dimitri. You’re supposed to use the gifts given you, Fen said, and get the hell out of the way when bombs go off. Had you moved a little faster, you would have escaped, but no, you just had to play hero and get your ass handed to you by a table, no less.-Zev and Fen
Those 2 problems were ........
1. The large amounts of the Carpathian language. I can understand it when they claim their life mates or when they joined as brothers, but my God there was so much Carpathian gibberish that it was annoying and boring and that isn't even counting the end of the book where CF gives the reader a whole Appendix 1 and 2 of the Carpathian healing chants, songs, language, Carpathian grammar chart, and glossary which starts at page 376 and goes to page 416 .
How the hell did I get to be so lucky to have someone like you be my lifemate? I’m about as rough as a man can get and you—you take my breath away. She ran her fingers down the shadow along his jaw. You are a very charming man, and I can see you’ll find your way out of trouble very quickly.-Zev and Branislava
2. The large amounts of spells. It truly was over the top ridiculous how many spells are in this book. After I finish reading I when back and counted the number of spells and there are 56 spells in this book. I may have missed a few small ones as I was running through the book fast to count them, but all 56 spells are at least 4 lines long. Come on I don't need to read 30 spells within 2 chapters. It got boring and redundant. I was starting to feel like I was reading a Dr. Seuss book. I don't mind one or two important to the story spells or you could just be like " she weaved a spell and this happened" I don't need to read ever line of ever spell! Just sayin. This more then anything took away my enjoyment of this book. I was ready to rip my damn hair out. I didn't even read the damn spells I pretty much skipped them all!
“Stop looking at me like I’m one of your chicks and you’re the mother hen. I’ve got this.” “You always think you’ve got it,” Fen snapped back. “I’ve never seen a man more prone to getting stabbed, shot, sliced or ripped open, unless, of course, it’s Dimitri. It’s a wonder I don’t have gray hair.” “You do,” Zev and Dimitri said simultaneously.-Zev, Fen, and Dimitri
Other then those 2 things the rest of the story was good not as great as others and no where near as good as my two favorites (Gregori and Jacques)but still it was a decent Carpathian novel. Gary is now Carpathian and I can't wait for him to get his love story. I really enjoyed the dancing in the woods and how all my favorite couples came out and dance together and had some fun. And the children dancing so damn cute it hurt.
“What are you doing? We have a duty . . .” “Your only duty is to please me,” he murmured. “Straddle me.” She shook her head, but complied, placing one foot on either side of his legs. He caught her hips and urged her down right over the top of him, so that she was crouched just above his lap. Her eyes stared into his. “That’s my duty? To please you?” she echoed, amusement warring with her rising sensuality. She loved the feel of his hands, the look in his eyes. Already she could feel the heat of his thick erection pressing at her dripping entrance. “Your only duty,”-Branislava and Zev
That alone kept this book from going any lower than a 3 star. I love finally getting to know that Sara had her baby. I loved the brotherly joking between Fen, Zev, and Dimitri very cute. Their brother like playfulness really made me smile and laugh. I was glad to find out how Zev got a lifemate so fast and the reason he was drawn to Branislava even when we thought he was just wolf, was because he was part Carpathian all along. I wish Josef would have been in this book. This series is so long I know that they all can't be winners, but I hope I get Gary and Josef's stories before this series ends, maybe even Gregori's daughters!!
Below is one of my favorite brother moments with Fen, Dimitri, and Zev
“Did you just call me ‘wolf man’?” Zev demanded. “I’m going to get up and kick your ass.”
“Fen.” Tatijana slipped into the room. “What in the world are you doing provoking Zev at a time like this? Can’t you see he’s ill?” Zev groaned dramatically and placed a hand over his stomach. Tatijana shot Fen a glare and hurried over to him. She hugged her sister. “How is he?” How are you? I’ve been so worried. “He needs to rest and go to ground again,” Branislava answered aloud. I know, Tatijana. I’m sorry I worried you. He was slipping away and I had to stay focused on him. Don’t feel bad. If it was Fen I would have done the same. You told me he was your lifemate and I believed you, although I have no idea how. Zev managed another very real-sounding moan, which earned Fen a dark glare from both women. “Are you kidding me?” Fen said. “Can’t you see he’s faking it?” Dimitri snickered at his brother. Now you’ve done it. The man’s a hero with blood dripping all over the floor, a hole the size of Texas in his gut and you’re mocking his pain to women. You need lessons, bro. “Fen, if you can’t have just a little compassion when a man’s at death’s door, I suggest you wait outside for me,” Tatijana said. “I’m sorry, Zev. I have no idea what’s gotten into him.”-Zev,Tatijana,Branislava,Fen, and Dimitri
May 25, 2017
This is easily the very worst book I have read all year. It is actually one of the worst books I have read, ever. There are so many things wrong with it, I barely know where to start. From the plot progression, to the relationship, to the sex, it was all just bad. Even worse was the writing itself.
This is the third book in the sub-trilogy featuring the Lycans. The hero here is Zev Hunter, the Lycan who befriended Dimitri’s brother Fen and helped hunt the vampire-lycan hybrids. The heroine is Branislava, one of those Dragonseeker sisters who was locked away in the cave by her evil father Xavier for all of those years. (If you are familiar with the series at all, you know who I am talking about. If you aren’t, do yourself a favor and don’t start now.) As the story begins, Zev is mortally injured and the only way he can survive is to convert him into a Carpathian. Branka ties her spirit to his in order to help him through the difficult recovery.
I hit my first problem almost right out of the gate: the repetition. By page 11, we had already heard four times that Zev was an “elite hunter.” Over the course of the book, I would dare to say that we are reminded of this no less than two dozen more times. Just as often, we’re told that Branka smells (and apparently tastes) like cinnamon-honey. That brings me to one of my favorite quotes (and by favorite, I mean cringe-worthy): …his tongue plunged deep and drew the cinnamon honey he craved from her body. It was warm and thick, like molasses… Ew.
Anyway, um, repetition. Zev is mixed blood. Reminding us once or twice, ok. Reminding us 874,000 times, not so much. Also that sangue rau = bad; han ku pesak kaikak = good. WTF does that mean, you ask? It means “guardian of all.” The book also explains that 874,000 times. If I were to have banged my head against the wall every time I read it, for instance, I would be dead and there would be brains splattered across my living room.
This brings me to another point: the Carpathian language. Apparently, Christine Feehan finds it very cool that she has made up her own language with the Carpathian people. It takes up a good portion of the 30-something page appendix. But beyond that, she sprinkles it in generously throughout the book. It’s pure filler. Additional filler can be found in the numerous chants and spells which are hard to take seriously as badass when they all rhyme like 2nd grade poetry.
The book is boring. The relationship development is non-existent. The hero and heroine were a forgone conclusion before the story even began. There is no conflict between them, just copious amounts of bad sex. As much as I struggled through other parts of the books, I think the sexual elements were the worst. Zev uses angry sex to punish Brankie. He forces her to her knees and shoves himself in her mouth at least two or three times. But perhaps, the most unsettling is when he has sex with her body while she unable to move during the daylight. We are constantly told Branka is ok with all of these things, but this reader is most definitely not. I was creeped out and more than a little disturbed.
There is a danger plot, which you might think could possibly give you a decent alternative to the romance, but you would be wrong. Remember Xavier, the villain mage from several books back? Well, he is dead, so instead the villain is his identical brother no one knew about ever. The best part? His name is Xaviero. He is exactly like Xavier (but worse of course) except that there is an “o” on the end of his name. And don’t worry, there is a third identical brother named Xayvion left at the end in case we need a bad guy for the next book.
I cannot express to you how hard it was to wade through this book. But it was so bad that I felt like I needed to finish it, so I could adequately warn you about it. I have read 26 books in this series. I will never read one again. Save your money and if you see this book on the shelf, turn around, and run –don’t walk– to your nearest exit. You will thank me later.
Rating: F
*ARC Provided by Berkley for review
This is the third book in the sub-trilogy featuring the Lycans. The hero here is Zev Hunter, the Lycan who befriended Dimitri’s brother Fen and helped hunt the vampire-lycan hybrids. The heroine is Branislava, one of those Dragonseeker sisters who was locked away in the cave by her evil father Xavier for all of those years. (If you are familiar with the series at all, you know who I am talking about. If you aren’t, do yourself a favor and don’t start now.) As the story begins, Zev is mortally injured and the only way he can survive is to convert him into a Carpathian. Branka ties her spirit to his in order to help him through the difficult recovery.
I hit my first problem almost right out of the gate: the repetition. By page 11, we had already heard four times that Zev was an “elite hunter.” Over the course of the book, I would dare to say that we are reminded of this no less than two dozen more times. Just as often, we’re told that Branka smells (and apparently tastes) like cinnamon-honey. That brings me to one of my favorite quotes (and by favorite, I mean cringe-worthy): …his tongue plunged deep and drew the cinnamon honey he craved from her body. It was warm and thick, like molasses… Ew.
Anyway, um, repetition. Zev is mixed blood. Reminding us once or twice, ok. Reminding us 874,000 times, not so much. Also that sangue rau = bad; han ku pesak kaikak = good. WTF does that mean, you ask? It means “guardian of all.” The book also explains that 874,000 times. If I were to have banged my head against the wall every time I read it, for instance, I would be dead and there would be brains splattered across my living room.
This brings me to another point: the Carpathian language. Apparently, Christine Feehan finds it very cool that she has made up her own language with the Carpathian people. It takes up a good portion of the 30-something page appendix. But beyond that, she sprinkles it in generously throughout the book. It’s pure filler. Additional filler can be found in the numerous chants and spells which are hard to take seriously as badass when they all rhyme like 2nd grade poetry.
The book is boring. The relationship development is non-existent. The hero and heroine were a forgone conclusion before the story even began. There is no conflict between them, just copious amounts of bad sex. As much as I struggled through other parts of the books, I think the sexual elements were the worst. Zev uses angry sex to punish Brankie. He forces her to her knees and shoves himself in her mouth at least two or three times. But perhaps, the most unsettling is when he has sex with her body while she unable to move during the daylight. We are constantly told Branka is ok with all of these things, but this reader is most definitely not. I was creeped out and more than a little disturbed.
There is a danger plot, which you might think could possibly give you a decent alternative to the romance, but you would be wrong. Remember Xavier, the villain mage from several books back? Well, he is dead, so instead the villain is his identical brother no one knew about ever. The best part? His name is Xaviero. He is exactly like Xavier (but worse of course) except that there is an “o” on the end of his name. And don’t worry, there is a third identical brother named Xayvion left at the end in case we need a bad guy for the next book.
I cannot express to you how hard it was to wade through this book. But it was so bad that I felt like I needed to finish it, so I could adequately warn you about it. I have read 26 books in this series. I will never read one again. Save your money and if you see this book on the shelf, turn around, and run –don’t walk– to your nearest exit. You will thank me later.
Rating: F
*ARC Provided by Berkley for review
September 6, 2020
This is a "Marriage before Love" story.
Too bad it dragged on with too much talking!!
Zev Hunter
Zev was once a defender of the Werewolf Council. But their ranks have been infiltrated with evil. To make matters worse, Zev is a mixed blood, considered an enemy of werewolves. The Carpathians, however, recognize Zev as the honorable warrior he has proven himself to be.
Zev never expected to find a mate but from the moment he laid eyes on Bratislava, his world changed. He was mesmerized by her beauty and awed by her dragon.
Bratislava of the Dragonseekers
Bratislava has lived a tortured life watching others suffer at the hands of her evil uncles. She learned much from them in the art of magic. She is now forced to face off and do battle with an evil that she thought was dead.
I am done with this series and have no desire to ever pick up another Dark Carpathian novel. As I was reading this book, I had the feeling of deja vu. There was more violence and fighting than there was romance. Hell, I honestly feel cheated. I was looking forward to Zev and Bratislava's love story. What I got was violence, action, and gore followed by too much talking. There was the occasional love scene which was the extent of it. A love scene does not convey actual love. I just didn't feel it. I love violence and fighting but that should not be the focus of a romance.
Too bad it dragged on with too much talking!!
Zev Hunter
Zev was once a defender of the Werewolf Council. But their ranks have been infiltrated with evil. To make matters worse, Zev is a mixed blood, considered an enemy of werewolves. The Carpathians, however, recognize Zev as the honorable warrior he has proven himself to be.
Zev never expected to find a mate but from the moment he laid eyes on Bratislava, his world changed. He was mesmerized by her beauty and awed by her dragon.
Bratislava of the Dragonseekers
Bratislava has lived a tortured life watching others suffer at the hands of her evil uncles. She learned much from them in the art of magic. She is now forced to face off and do battle with an evil that she thought was dead.
I am done with this series and have no desire to ever pick up another Dark Carpathian novel. As I was reading this book, I had the feeling of deja vu. There was more violence and fighting than there was romance. Hell, I honestly feel cheated. I was looking forward to Zev and Bratislava's love story. What I got was violence, action, and gore followed by too much talking. There was the occasional love scene which was the extent of it. A love scene does not convey actual love. I just didn't feel it. I love violence and fighting but that should not be the focus of a romance.
September 12, 2017
***3.5 Stars ***
There were parts to this that I loved and then parts that were very slow. The bottom line is that this series doesn't seem to have the magic that it had when it first started! When a series gets into 20+ books, it had better have that extra special something, otherwise the novelty wears off. I will still continue on but if there isn't new and exciting things in the world of the Carpathians then I will eventually move on!
There were parts to this that I loved and then parts that were very slow. The bottom line is that this series doesn't seem to have the magic that it had when it first started! When a series gets into 20+ books, it had better have that extra special something, otherwise the novelty wears off. I will still continue on but if there isn't new and exciting things in the world of the Carpathians then I will eventually move on!
December 6, 2014
3 Carpathian Addicted Anonymous Stars
Christine Feehan keeps them coming and I just can't help myself...
So... it's that time of the year. Kids return to school, the leaves are turning red, temperature is dropping and Mrs. Feehan releases her new Carpathian novel!
♫♪It's the time to be jolly....♫♪
Number #26 and counting ladies and gentlemen!!!! And there are more on the way.
In this new installment, the last unattached Dragonseeker female Branislava, finds her lifemate in Zev Hunter, a Lycan elite warrior and alpha but danger lurks in every corner and an old threat will resurface determined to destroy both Carpathians and Lycans. Branislava and Zev will have to stand up for each other, overcome their fears and be worthy of their bloodlines, while accepting their new powers.
Mine to play with. Mine to love.
This was not a bad book for Carpathian fans. It was powerful, sensual and the main couple was plain awesome. But for newbies, YES! This not the place to start. Go back 26 books and start there with Prince Mikhail and Raven and read your way to here. For us devoted fans, we have to admit we have read worse books in the Dark series. So, this might not have been a bad book but it was apparent that Christine Feehan kinda runs out of ideas and some things just plain sound ridiculous.
*WARNING spoilers ahead read at your own peril*
- The mages. Seriously???
Xavier, Xaviero and Xayvion????? See the pattern? Of course you do! It's ridiculous and it adds to this caricatourish villains. Do I feel threatened? No, no at all...
- The Lycans.
You face extinction you fool, hardheaded, stubborn animal-people!!!!! Get your heads out of your a**es, man up and fight. And again with the ridiculous names: Rannarulf, Rolf... rhymes with wolf, again this silly pattern.
- The spells.
Everything rhymed!!!!! It was annoying!
I need to stop whining and admit that I liked the cameos of favourite characters and the chapter from a very NEW POV with some fresh faces and ideas *wink wink*. Fen and Dimitri with their lifemates were delightful and I think I am not alone when I demand I new book about Gregori.
I nag and complain but I will read the next. Hope for the better I am prepared for the worst. I just can't get over my Carpathian Addiction....
Christine Feehan keeps them coming and I just can't help myself...
So... it's that time of the year. Kids return to school, the leaves are turning red, temperature is dropping and Mrs. Feehan releases her new Carpathian novel!
♫♪It's the time to be jolly....♫♪
Number #26 and counting ladies and gentlemen!!!! And there are more on the way.
In this new installment, the last unattached Dragonseeker female Branislava, finds her lifemate in Zev Hunter, a Lycan elite warrior and alpha but danger lurks in every corner and an old threat will resurface determined to destroy both Carpathians and Lycans. Branislava and Zev will have to stand up for each other, overcome their fears and be worthy of their bloodlines, while accepting their new powers.
Mine to play with. Mine to love.
This was not a bad book for Carpathian fans. It was powerful, sensual and the main couple was plain awesome. But for newbies, YES! This not the place to start. Go back 26 books and start there with Prince Mikhail and Raven and read your way to here. For us devoted fans, we have to admit we have read worse books in the Dark series. So, this might not have been a bad book but it was apparent that Christine Feehan kinda runs out of ideas and some things just plain sound ridiculous.
*WARNING spoilers ahead read at your own peril*
- The mages. Seriously???
Xavier, Xaviero and Xayvion????? See the pattern? Of course you do! It's ridiculous and it adds to this caricatourish villains. Do I feel threatened? No, no at all...
- The Lycans.
You face extinction you fool, hardheaded, stubborn animal-people!!!!! Get your heads out of your a**es, man up and fight. And again with the ridiculous names: Rannarulf, Rolf... rhymes with wolf, again this silly pattern.
- The spells.
Everything rhymed!!!!! It was annoying!
I need to stop whining and admit that I liked the cameos of favourite characters and the chapter from a very NEW POV with some fresh faces and ideas *wink wink*. Fen and Dimitri with their lifemates were delightful and I think I am not alone when I demand I new book about Gregori.
I nag and complain but I will read the next. Hope for the better I am prepared for the worst. I just can't get over my Carpathian Addiction....
September 29, 2014
Actual rating 1.5*
Signs you should end the series you're writing:
-when you give your characters cretin names because you ran out of good ones(example: Lupo Wolfe for a lykan).;
-when you start inventing twins, triplets -and who knows how many others- to your antagonist just to keep the series going;
-when you add sleep paralysis and sex... at the same time;
-when you fill the pages with stupid rhymes that are supposed to be spells(I think if I put them all together it's about 1/2 a chapter);
-when I frigging have to take multiple breaks just so I won't throw my e-reader out the window, at a wall, destroy it with a hammer, put it on fire, etc
-when all the book my expression is:
or
or
Besides all this, I'm sure I'll be a fucking moron and read the next book as well... and the next... I'm hopeless *disappointed sigh*.
Signs you should end the series you're writing:
-when you give your characters cretin names because you ran out of good ones(example: Lupo Wolfe for a lykan).;
-when you start inventing twins, triplets -and who knows how many others- to your antagonist just to keep the series going;
-when you add sleep paralysis and sex... at the same time;
-when you fill the pages with stupid rhymes that are supposed to be spells(I think if I put them all together it's about 1/2 a chapter);
-when I frigging have to take multiple breaks just so I won't throw my e-reader out the window, at a wall, destroy it with a hammer, put it on fire, etc
-when all the book my expression is:
or
or
Besides all this, I'm sure I'll be a fucking moron and read the next book as well... and the next... I'm hopeless *disappointed sigh*.
September 3, 2014
1.5 stars.
Once an author gets to the point where they have to introduce the unknown identical twin brothers of a former villain, as new villains, its time to call it quits. Xavier and Xaviero? Really?! Ugh.
Its too bad Feehan has taken what started as a good series and turned it into an overlong, monotonous, corny mess.
I could add more to this review, but I don't want to waste anymore time on Dark Blood.
Once an author gets to the point where they have to introduce the unknown identical twin brothers of a former villain, as new villains, its time to call it quits. Xavier and Xaviero? Really?! Ugh.
Its too bad Feehan has taken what started as a good series and turned it into an overlong, monotonous, corny mess.
I could add more to this review, but I don't want to waste anymore time on Dark Blood.
March 2, 2016
It was with no small amount of trepidation that I read this book, because I had seen reviews which were pretty harsh regarding the way the villians were revealed in Dark Blood, saying Ms. Feehan was grasping when she came up with this plot. Do I understand why people might feel that way? Yes, but I have to be honest – I completely disagree, and I am so glad I chose to take the chance and find out for myself.
Zev and Branislava’s story is exciting. It’s fast paced, loaded with twists and turns and more “holy cow I didn’t see that coming” moments than I can remember reading in a long time. Ms. Feehan continues to amaze me with her imagination. The magic, the spells, the creatures, beings, and people… I find myself re-reading these parts because they’re so well described and plotted out.
Speaking of the plot – these books really do have an underlying similarity in that they all focus on the survival of the various races and the destruction of the evil vampires. What really got to me about Dark Blood was how the subject of racism and prejudice between species was brought into the story and how very heartbreaking and poignant it was. “Ignorance is bliss”, some might say – but in this case ignorance is tragic. I shed a few tears there at the end but loved how this story made me feel.
Oh, so many feels!
Zev and Branislava’s story is exciting. It’s fast paced, loaded with twists and turns and more “holy cow I didn’t see that coming” moments than I can remember reading in a long time. Ms. Feehan continues to amaze me with her imagination. The magic, the spells, the creatures, beings, and people… I find myself re-reading these parts because they’re so well described and plotted out.
Speaking of the plot – these books really do have an underlying similarity in that they all focus on the survival of the various races and the destruction of the evil vampires. What really got to me about Dark Blood was how the subject of racism and prejudice between species was brought into the story and how very heartbreaking and poignant it was. “Ignorance is bliss”, some might say – but in this case ignorance is tragic. I shed a few tears there at the end but loved how this story made me feel.
Oh, so many feels!
September 12, 2014
The third book, Dark Blood, in the new trilogy is a Lycan hunter by the name of Zev who is lifemate to Bronnie, Tatijana's sister. It is scheduled to be coming out in Septembe of 2014.
September 15, 2014
What the fuck?! Pardon the language, but that's what was going through my head (on repeat) while reading this book.
Where is the series I've followed since the beginning, where are the heroes and heroines I've come to expect, where is the compelling story, where is the narrative flow?
What the fuck?!
I was looking forward to Zev's book ever since he's appeared in the series, and judging from the snippet found in the end of the previous book I was in for one hell of a ride.
Unfortunately the preview promised what the book couldn't possibly deliver, and instead I read through almost 400 pages of a disappointing excuse of a book with an abusive hero (no matter the fact Ms. Feehan tried so hard to make me see Branislava was okay with it), an idiotic heroine for putting up with the bastard (lifemate or not), rehashed prose, repetition to no end, cringe-worthy sex scenes, more repetition, more rehashed prose, rehashed action sequences, and an appearance from the past that was the first time the 'what the fuck?!' line was uttered.
I'm sick and tired of Xavier, the High Mage, but now he's suddenly a triplet. And his sicko of a brother is named Xaviero. What the fuck?! Original much. Not. And the third brother is Xayvion (or something like that). Ooh, originality, welcome into the Carpathian world.
Jesus!
When the author has to resort to inventing triplets out of thin air and doesn't even bother with giving them more or less original names, it's obvious she's still writing it only for the money.
And it's high time for me to stop reading. When I started this book, I kept thinking to myself that this was probably the last one in the series. And while I was a little sad, because I loved most of it, I also understood why it was time to end. But when Xaviero (I still can't get over the name) was mentioned, I knew this was the end only for me.
So, thank you Carpathians, for keeping me company through all these years, but it's time we part while the parting is still amicable enough.
Where is the series I've followed since the beginning, where are the heroes and heroines I've come to expect, where is the compelling story, where is the narrative flow?
What the fuck?!
I was looking forward to Zev's book ever since he's appeared in the series, and judging from the snippet found in the end of the previous book I was in for one hell of a ride.
Unfortunately the preview promised what the book couldn't possibly deliver, and instead I read through almost 400 pages of a disappointing excuse of a book with an abusive hero (no matter the fact Ms. Feehan tried so hard to make me see Branislava was okay with it), an idiotic heroine for putting up with the bastard (lifemate or not), rehashed prose, repetition to no end, cringe-worthy sex scenes, more repetition, more rehashed prose, rehashed action sequences, and an appearance from the past that was the first time the 'what the fuck?!' line was uttered.
I'm sick and tired of Xavier, the High Mage, but now he's suddenly a triplet. And his sicko of a brother is named Xaviero. What the fuck?! Original much. Not. And the third brother is Xayvion (or something like that). Ooh, originality, welcome into the Carpathian world.
Jesus!
When the author has to resort to inventing triplets out of thin air and doesn't even bother with giving them more or less original names, it's obvious she's still writing it only for the money.
And it's high time for me to stop reading. When I started this book, I kept thinking to myself that this was probably the last one in the series. And while I was a little sad, because I loved most of it, I also understood why it was time to end. But when Xaviero (I still can't get over the name) was mentioned, I knew this was the end only for me.
So, thank you Carpathians, for keeping me company through all these years, but it's time we part while the parting is still amicable enough.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2014
More Carpathians…Yay….Amazing that I still get excited about this series (which is one of my top 3 favorite pnr series)….26 books and still love to get more of the amazing world that the author has created.
Zev, the Lycan warrior and Branislava, a dragonseeker – this is it…their own love story!!!!
So what do I think after reading this book in one go………well, okay, I did take a break or two but finished it one day…………
I liked
Zev – his loyalty and honor and the fact that, despite knowing that
Branislava was his lifemate, did not force it on her and rather let decide if she truly wanted to be with him or not
Branislava – her strength and her wit
The interaction between Zev & Bran – I really enjoyed the banter. The teasing and how they helped each other
Seeing some of my beloved characters in this series again
The scene that begins with Zev dancing with Bran and becomes a family reunion when everyone joins in, including the children. Utterly fabulous, even if it was just for a few pages
I did not like
The repetition – so many times being reminded that Zev was a warrior, he was mixed blood….again, again and again
And by the third of fourth time I read that Bran tasted like cinnamon and honey, I was about to pull my hair out
The sex scenes…..geez…scene 1 over 6 or 7 pages…okay, I did not count after a while because ……..it was like
A few chapters later
A few more pages and more
So after a while, I just skimmed and skipped the sex scenes..because…honestly, it was the same over and over….cinnamon and honey – in fact, the sex scenes I read were pretty awful. I found nothing sexy or sensual about them.
I was so disappointed in discovering who the villain/s were……….more repetition
There were so many pages and lines used for all the mage spells and all those pages…something like 30 at the end that was info on the Carpathian language…..felt it was like just fill in as many pages as possible….We have that information already….so why have again!!
Okay, so I kind of liked this book…it’s a good but not a great one and certainly not one of my favorites in this series.
May 19, 2017
It was good, but not one of the best in this series.
September 8, 2014
It might just be time for Feehan to leave this series and write something else. I thought it was impossible to write worse book than the previous one was, but I was wrong, and not for the first time. While her Sisters of the Heart are still going strong, Carpathian series completely lost its attraction.
Long and empty conversations are not giving sufficient information for readers to even begin to like the protagonists of this book, and the way they act through it is even worse. Everything Branislava and Zev say to each other gets repeated numerous times, there's no real attraction between them, just empty circle of words. Long gone is the heat present in the first books, even longer since anything meaningful happened.
When Lycans were introduced three books ago I was happy to see something new happening in the world of Carpathians, but Feehan handled it so poorly that they still don't feel like they belong in the series. To make it all worse, her sudden influx of supposedly new and very bad ideas ended up with pitiful tries to change/add to previous events, so now we have more fearful Carpathian/Lycan mixed-bloods, and the scary mage who was always presented as a single person became one of the nasty triplets. Right. Very convincing. Not.
Furthermore, reader is once again forced to suffer constant use of Feehan's invented Carpathian language, followed by instant translations (does anyone really read or care for that gibberish of quasi-language except her?), and since that wasn't filler enough, there came a senseless mass of spells. We're told that they're old, but of course, they're being adapted to current situations with the use of massive failure of rhymes. I'm certain that second grade-school children would write better ones, but it seems like that would require time and thinking that Feehan didn't want to spend on this book.
Between bad sex, boring conversations and badly written chants and spells (and about bad everything else), with the superficial appearance of old characters which caused them to look silly at best, this book is absolutely the worst in the whole series, probably one of the worst books I've ever read.
Long and empty conversations are not giving sufficient information for readers to even begin to like the protagonists of this book, and the way they act through it is even worse. Everything Branislava and Zev say to each other gets repeated numerous times, there's no real attraction between them, just empty circle of words. Long gone is the heat present in the first books, even longer since anything meaningful happened.
When Lycans were introduced three books ago I was happy to see something new happening in the world of Carpathians, but Feehan handled it so poorly that they still don't feel like they belong in the series. To make it all worse, her sudden influx of supposedly new and very bad ideas ended up with pitiful tries to change/add to previous events, so now we have more fearful Carpathian/Lycan mixed-bloods, and the scary mage who was always presented as a single person became one of the nasty triplets. Right. Very convincing. Not.
Furthermore, reader is once again forced to suffer constant use of Feehan's invented Carpathian language, followed by instant translations (does anyone really read or care for that gibberish of quasi-language except her?), and since that wasn't filler enough, there came a senseless mass of spells. We're told that they're old, but of course, they're being adapted to current situations with the use of massive failure of rhymes. I'm certain that second grade-school children would write better ones, but it seems like that would require time and thinking that Feehan didn't want to spend on this book.
Between bad sex, boring conversations and badly written chants and spells (and about bad everything else), with the superficial appearance of old characters which caused them to look silly at best, this book is absolutely the worst in the whole series, probably one of the worst books I've ever read.
September 12, 2014
In a Nutshell: It’s not you, it’s me and we’re done.
Why I Read This Book: After reading the previous 25 in the series I figured I should keep reading—wrong!
IMO: This book is so predictable: Mates-DANGER-interrupted sexual exploration-DANGER-mind talking-MAGICAL DANGER-actual sex-DANGER-hook for the next book. That’s it, that’s the book. I knew this was gonna happen, right? So it’s on me. I think I was hoping for something different, something to keep me invested but there wasn’t for me.
As to the plot, Zev has a mystery of his “blood-line” but this has been done in the series and with more intrigue, in my opinion. The danger plot against Zev and Branka, as well as against their friends, is full of big battles, just like all the books. The ceremonies and Carpathian language dominate this book (and series) and bores me to tears.
The romance was fine, just like all the others. Branka and Zev are MATES (in case you missed it, MATES!) but they want to fall in love so they do. The eroticism is exactly like all the other books, fine and flowery but utterly forgettable.
After 26 books I can’t do it this dysfunctional relationship anymore. I gotta get out. This is my last book in this series.
*review copy provided via NetGalley*
Why I Read This Book: After reading the previous 25 in the series I figured I should keep reading—wrong!
IMO: This book is so predictable: Mates-DANGER-interrupted sexual exploration-DANGER-mind talking-MAGICAL DANGER-actual sex-DANGER-hook for the next book. That’s it, that’s the book. I knew this was gonna happen, right? So it’s on me. I think I was hoping for something different, something to keep me invested but there wasn’t for me.
As to the plot, Zev has a mystery of his “blood-line” but this has been done in the series and with more intrigue, in my opinion. The danger plot against Zev and Branka, as well as against their friends, is full of big battles, just like all the books. The ceremonies and Carpathian language dominate this book (and series) and bores me to tears.
The romance was fine, just like all the others. Branka and Zev are MATES (in case you missed it, MATES!) but they want to fall in love so they do. The eroticism is exactly like all the other books, fine and flowery but utterly forgettable.
After 26 books I can’t do it this dysfunctional relationship anymore. I gotta get out. This is my last book in this series.
*review copy provided via NetGalley*
September 4, 2015
Another five star read! Damn, gotta say, have a thing for wolfie hahahahaha! Zev is badass ass
September 2, 2014
This is a really hard review to write and I had to sit and think before I started this. I have been a fan of Christine Feehan since I found her books some years ago and her Dark series is without doubt her best but there have been times when I wanted something a bit different. Her books have been an integral part of my reading life and have provided much fun and Ms Feehan has a unique writing style and the depth at which she writes is truly astounding. Her research and background information amazes this reader but sometimes it can seem to be a little excessive when all I want is to just enjoy the story. That having being said this the final book in her Lycan trilogy is a wonderful mixture of old and new with cameos from previous book heroes and an unusual enemy to face.
Zev very nearly saw his last moon and would certainly have lost his life had it not been for Branislava , a female dragon seeker who fought to connect their spirits in order to save Zev. Now, Zev is grateful to be alive but he does not want the beautiful Branislava to feel forced into being his life mate . Zev had not realised he was part Carpathian and has spent his life protecting his fellow Lycans but it's clear that in order to defeat their mutual enemy they will now have to work together. The Jaguar shifters have almost been eradicated and the Carpathians and Lycans are being targeted. How can two such different species work together when there is no trust. Zev needs to choose a side but he is a man divided but of one thing he is certain no one will harm Branislava whilst he still breathes! She is everything he wants in a mate and together they can conquer anything or can they? I will admit I had reservations about reading this book as the Carpathian men have frequently been very domineering towards their females in some books, Dark Predator and Dark Possession come to my mind and if those characters could be so aggressive then how much more so would an alpha Lycan be? Zev is without doubt very much his own man and fully capable of leading his own pack if he wanted to so the idea of a true beast gave me pause. Yes he is very strong and demands obedience but this author has cleverly made him compassionate with depths that he is not afraid to reveal. A much more rounded out character then I had expected and a man any woman would be proud of.
As for the lucky woman Branislava may be Carpathian but she is also part Mage and I think it's fair to say that her magical abilities are truly tested during this story and it's wonderful to see the heroine taking such an active role . I loved the the author allows Branislava to show all the arrogant Carpathian men just what she is capable of and indeed Zevs new "brothers" equally seem to respect their own women. These Carpathian men are finally seeing that they have warrior women in their lives and not every woman should be hidden away and protected.
As this is Ms Feehan then expect strong sexual content and yes it's frequent but happily it's not the usual cave and mineral pools that seem to frequently crop up in these books. No, this time there's definitely a strong spark between the two lovers and the author lets her imagination run riot! Hot,hot hot!
I enjoyed the story and it was great to read about the characters from previous books which almost made it an ensemble piece at times! Humorous interactions abound between the normally quite taciturn Carpathian's which added to the fun, What I particularly enjoyed was seeing the younger generation come into their own and it's clear we shall be seeing a lot more of them. The Carpathian struggle to survive is far from over though as this new enemy they face is truly evil and capable of even more dastardly deeds then anyone can imagine. I am so glad that the series has not run out of steam as like many readers I realise how hard it is to create fresh ideas and can happily say that the story was not bogged down by excessive chanting which sometimes slows down the proceedings . Dedicated fans will certainly enjoy this but it's not really ideal for a new reader. I would suggest going back to the beginning with Dark Prince and following the journey of this truly gifted race .
Zev very nearly saw his last moon and would certainly have lost his life had it not been for Branislava , a female dragon seeker who fought to connect their spirits in order to save Zev. Now, Zev is grateful to be alive but he does not want the beautiful Branislava to feel forced into being his life mate . Zev had not realised he was part Carpathian and has spent his life protecting his fellow Lycans but it's clear that in order to defeat their mutual enemy they will now have to work together. The Jaguar shifters have almost been eradicated and the Carpathians and Lycans are being targeted. How can two such different species work together when there is no trust. Zev needs to choose a side but he is a man divided but of one thing he is certain no one will harm Branislava whilst he still breathes! She is everything he wants in a mate and together they can conquer anything or can they? I will admit I had reservations about reading this book as the Carpathian men have frequently been very domineering towards their females in some books, Dark Predator and Dark Possession come to my mind and if those characters could be so aggressive then how much more so would an alpha Lycan be? Zev is without doubt very much his own man and fully capable of leading his own pack if he wanted to so the idea of a true beast gave me pause. Yes he is very strong and demands obedience but this author has cleverly made him compassionate with depths that he is not afraid to reveal. A much more rounded out character then I had expected and a man any woman would be proud of.
As for the lucky woman Branislava may be Carpathian but she is also part Mage and I think it's fair to say that her magical abilities are truly tested during this story and it's wonderful to see the heroine taking such an active role . I loved the the author allows Branislava to show all the arrogant Carpathian men just what she is capable of and indeed Zevs new "brothers" equally seem to respect their own women. These Carpathian men are finally seeing that they have warrior women in their lives and not every woman should be hidden away and protected.
As this is Ms Feehan then expect strong sexual content and yes it's frequent but happily it's not the usual cave and mineral pools that seem to frequently crop up in these books. No, this time there's definitely a strong spark between the two lovers and the author lets her imagination run riot! Hot,hot hot!
I enjoyed the story and it was great to read about the characters from previous books which almost made it an ensemble piece at times! Humorous interactions abound between the normally quite taciturn Carpathian's which added to the fun, What I particularly enjoyed was seeing the younger generation come into their own and it's clear we shall be seeing a lot more of them. The Carpathian struggle to survive is far from over though as this new enemy they face is truly evil and capable of even more dastardly deeds then anyone can imagine. I am so glad that the series has not run out of steam as like many readers I realise how hard it is to create fresh ideas and can happily say that the story was not bogged down by excessive chanting which sometimes slows down the proceedings . Dedicated fans will certainly enjoy this but it's not really ideal for a new reader. I would suggest going back to the beginning with Dark Prince and following the journey of this truly gifted race .
May 18, 2017
While I liked Zev and Bronnie's story, it had a different tone. The sex had a harder edge and seemed like it was every other scene. But it was a solid entry into the series with tons going on. I definitely recommend to readers of the series.
September 4, 2014
Meh. The story itself was good, but the love scenes, while well-written, were a total turnoff for me.
April 24, 2019
Loved Zev! Liked Branislava. The first part of the book was great. The middle was slow and kinda boring. The end was classic Feehan, lots of action.
September 3, 2014
BRILLIANT AMAZING STORY TELLING!!
BRILLIANT!! Zev and Branislava story was all I have been waiting for an more. Their romance was scorching hot and very heart felt. In other words very believable. I felt it there love all the way down to in my soul. The story is extremely well thought out. It answered all the questions we readers have been waiting for over the last 2yrs or more starting with Dark Lycan. The story is also, very funny at times while Zev and Branka as Zev calls her; face some very dangerous situations. They fight side by side with all of my favorite warriors. Razvan Gregori, Darius, Dimitri, Fen and Dominic and Monalito is back along with all their Lifemates and there beautiful children. It was almost like a reunion. I was especially glad at the beginning of the story to know Gary and Luis were well and the scene with them and Zen being presented in the Ancient Warrior Cave to the Ancients who had gone before was exceptionally well written and very moving. To learn of a new long forgotten lineage that was thought to be long gone was a surprise. Their are many surprise in Dark Blood. One of the funniest scenes in the story was while fighting the Sange Rau Brianni, Tatijana and Skylar cast an illusion that they are Zombies. It made a very dangerous situation funny. Dark Blood is Amazing and is very well written. I Got everything I hope for in this finale of 3 book series incorporating the Lycans in the Dark series story line. BRAVO CF!!! STORY TELLING AT ITS BEST!!!
BRILLIANT!! Zev and Branislava story was all I have been waiting for an more. Their romance was scorching hot and very heart felt. In other words very believable. I felt it there love all the way down to in my soul. The story is extremely well thought out. It answered all the questions we readers have been waiting for over the last 2yrs or more starting with Dark Lycan. The story is also, very funny at times while Zev and Branka as Zev calls her; face some very dangerous situations. They fight side by side with all of my favorite warriors. Razvan Gregori, Darius, Dimitri, Fen and Dominic and Monalito is back along with all their Lifemates and there beautiful children. It was almost like a reunion. I was especially glad at the beginning of the story to know Gary and Luis were well and the scene with them and Zen being presented in the Ancient Warrior Cave to the Ancients who had gone before was exceptionally well written and very moving. To learn of a new long forgotten lineage that was thought to be long gone was a surprise. Their are many surprise in Dark Blood. One of the funniest scenes in the story was while fighting the Sange Rau Brianni, Tatijana and Skylar cast an illusion that they are Zombies. It made a very dangerous situation funny. Dark Blood is Amazing and is very well written. I Got everything I hope for in this finale of 3 book series incorporating the Lycans in the Dark series story line. BRAVO CF!!! STORY TELLING AT ITS BEST!!!
September 7, 2014
This was definitely disappointing for me. The writing just didn't seem as good as in previous books. Rather than add to the story, the amount of chants/spells/carpathian language was annoying. Also... The sex scenes were even disappointing. I cringed every time he mentioned Branka's "cinnamon". It got to the point where I was actually skipping over parts of them. It was just bad.
November 28, 2015
Could do without the multitude of spells (found myself skipping through those pages)and thought that the names of the two additional villains were a bit much, but I enjoyed the book. I do find, however, that the characters in these later books are not as memorable as the earlier books. I can't tell you how many times I've re-read Mikhail's, Gabriel's, and Darius' books, to name a few. I don't think I will ever re-read these. It's not that they're "bad"! I just don't find them as good as the earlier ones.
September 9, 2014
I hate to say I am finished with a series, but I am pretty sure this is it.
September 11, 2014
This book is very green...It's a recycling story.
I can past Ms Feehan thinking I too stupid to remember that Zev is an "elite hunter" and Branka "smell like cinnamon" that she needs to remember to me every page; but she bringing back the Xavier' story was too much to me.
The story made no sense. It's not appalling. It's boring. It's the same over and over again. In the bright side, at least she cut off the long description of the forest. In the dark side, there're chapter after chapter of chanting. The mage chanting, that looks like written by my 8 year old nephew, are ridiculous beyond measure.
And for the character... Zev was nice in other books, but in this one is even abusing at times. Don't know why Ms Feeham go with this kind of men, since the De La Cruz Brothers (I'm still can digest Zacharias).
Branka is suppose to be very powerful, but let Zev mistreated her, is happy when he use sex as a mean of punishment, o to convince her to do as he likes.
And then is the villain. Xavier's Doppelgänger, a brother no ones know existed and the ones than knew never think is was an important information to share. Ms Feehan is trying to made this story interesting, but wasn't the first time, is not interesting now. But apparently she can't came out with something new. She can't bring nothing half as good as the first 15 installment of the series (except that awful 10), but I guess while she is making a lot of money is going to keeps throwing these mediocre stories. And, this is priceless, she left another Doppelgänger so she doesn't have to actually work in another story.
After give them to the Carpathians 5 books to improved I'm officially done. The writer kill this series for me. There not enough money in the world to made me read the next one.
Don't waste your money, go found something actually readable and good.
I can past Ms Feehan thinking I too stupid to remember that Zev is an "elite hunter" and Branka "smell like cinnamon" that she needs to remember to me every page; but she bringing back the Xavier' story was too much to me.
The story made no sense. It's not appalling. It's boring. It's the same over and over again. In the bright side, at least she cut off the long description of the forest. In the dark side, there're chapter after chapter of chanting. The mage chanting, that looks like written by my 8 year old nephew, are ridiculous beyond measure.
And for the character... Zev was nice in other books, but in this one is even abusing at times. Don't know why Ms Feeham go with this kind of men, since the De La Cruz Brothers (I'm still can digest Zacharias).
Branka is suppose to be very powerful, but let Zev mistreated her, is happy when he use sex as a mean of punishment, o to convince her to do as he likes.
And then is the villain. Xavier's Doppelgänger, a brother no ones know existed and the ones than knew never think is was an important information to share. Ms Feehan is trying to made this story interesting, but wasn't the first time, is not interesting now. But apparently she can't came out with something new. She can't bring nothing half as good as the first 15 installment of the series (except that awful 10), but I guess while she is making a lot of money is going to keeps throwing these mediocre stories. And, this is priceless, she left another Doppelgänger so she doesn't have to actually work in another story.
After give them to the Carpathians 5 books to improved I'm officially done. The writer kill this series for me. There not enough money in the world to made me read the next one.
Don't waste your money, go found something actually readable and good.
March 8, 2016
Reseña completa: http://rubiesliterarios.blogspot.com....
Un libro que me ha hecho ver como es todo este extenso mundo, pero el cual al ser el 26 de una saga, me he sentido perdida muchas veces, y sentía que se me quedaban cabos sueltos.
Un libro que me ha hecho ver como es todo este extenso mundo, pero el cual al ser el 26 de una saga, me he sentido perdida muchas veces, y sentía que se me quedaban cabos sueltos.
September 4, 2014
This is book 26 in the Carpathian/Dark series, and most of us have been reading it since 1999, so Ms. Feehan kind of pre-dates the whole vampire craze, and it kind of shows. This book is absolutely not a stand-alone and you cannot just jump into the series from here, nothing would make any sense. Also, there will be spoilers.
I am going to admit, I did something I rarely do, which is read the reviews before reading a book I know I am going to read anyway. I don't typically do that because for a book I know that I am going to read, I don't want other people's opinions to color mine. With this book however, I have been toying with quitting the series. It has dragged on a really long time and we finally got Skylar's story, which is what I had been waiting for since Dark Legend in 2002. So needless to say, I went into this book with expectations, and frankly, they were negative ones. Several reviewers complained about angry sex being used to punish the heroine. Ever since I started with this series, the heroes have felt kind of rapey, there have definitely been elements of non-consent in these books, and a major theme has been that the hero basically takes over the heroine’s life and is rather controlling in every aspect-not just the sex. But the flip side has always been that the heroines typically fight back and try to obtain and maintain a sense of independence and self-reliance. Maybe it is too much to expect from a romance novel series, but this series always felt kind of like a mirror of the feminist movement to me, and in many ways the series seemed to be reflecting a movement towards more independent females who actually fight and have tremendous powers and gifts of their own, ones who are more self-reliant etc. Except lately it felt like more steps were being taken backwards than forwards. So I was prepared to hate this and just rip into it so that I could give up on the series altogether. But it really wasn't like that. Yes, there is grudge sex and aggressive sex, but the heroine is actually into that. Where it not just ok in my book, what makes it so much a step in the right direction for this series, is that the Zev actually tells Brannislava that if she isn't okay with things she needs to tell him and he will stop, and he doesn't say that just at the beginning, there is ongoing verification of consent throughout an event. That is such a change from the first books that it is just extraordinary in my opinion. Yes, we have had gentler, more considerate heroes (Razvan comes to mind), but this is the first time we have had an extremely dominant aggressive one who requests consent.
Of course, now we get to the actual issues with the series as a whole, in my opinion. The sex is kind of boring but overly plentiful and utilizes the type of flowery language and long drawn out scenes that I am learning to loathe. There is also the made up Carpathian language and spells and chants that Feehan is obviously very proud of, because they are literally everywhere. They add absolutely nothing to the story for me, so I tend to skip anything that is italicized just for my own sanity. Those things have been around for quite some time in these books and while I have been able to get through it, I can't tell if I am just getting more irritated with it over time, or if it is just becoming more pervasive.
What I am having trouble forgiving with this particular story is how repetitive and clunky it is. How many times do we really need to be reminded just what and who our main characters are? I don't know, but I can guarantee you that it is less than how many times it happened in this book. And, there has been an overriding arc of villains in this series that included the Mage Xavier and the Malinov brothers. Xavier and three of the Malinov brothers have been killed, but that still left us with 2 Malinov brother, one of whom has actually has two slivers of Xavier in him. Then we added the issues with the Lycans and as far as I am concerned, those things could and should have more than fulfilled the villain quotient for the rest of this series. But NO! We add the deus ex machina of all villain plot lines. Xavier wasn't actually alone. Oh, no, he was actually one of a group of identical triplets who all pretended to be the same person and the only ones who actually knew were Brannislava and Tatjiana, and they don't bother to say anything to anyone because they thought Xavier killed them. So Xavier wasn't actually the mastermind behind the downfalls of the Carpathians, Jaguars, and the Lycans. Nope, he was just behind the Carpathians troubles, Xaviero has apparently been dealing trouble to the Lycans, and Xayvion was behind the destruction of the Jaguar race. And for some reason, Xavier was the only one literally rotting and requiring a new body even before he was killed, and these other two are doing just fine. And guess what? They are trying to bring Xavier back from the dead. Why? I am just not sure, Xayvion is obviously the more successful of the three, and Xavier is obviously the eff up who managed to out himself and screw up many times and get caught and killed, but whatever, they must need him to complete this mysterious plan that has been rocking along for hundreds of years. I'm baffled by the direction this took and I can't quite decide if this is a direction Feehan has been planning since we found out Xavier sired triplets on the stolen Carpathian (come to think, how do we even know they ARE Xavier's), or if after the last book she just said, you know, I am never going to get another 20+ books with the villains I've got, I'd better amp things up a bit. I also find myself a bit frustrated by how many additional supernatural creatures she's been throwing at the series. We've now got demons and hellhounds and whatever else, and for the past 25 books no one ever came across them or mentioned them more than briefly in the case of the demons, but all of the sudden they just show up and people just know how to handle them, like ho hum, didn't I mention the hellhounds...no, well, there they are, by the way you got any hyssop oil? This story is just...clunky.
So, as much as I am complaining, I am giving this 3 stars because IMO, Feehan's heroes have become much less rapey and FINALLY we have a hero that checks consent, because it kept me entertained, and actually entertained enough that I will likely still read the next book (I just can't quit Feehan), and nostalgia-because I have now been in this series for 26 books and apparently I just can't quit Feehan.
Cross-posted http://erinsburnsbookshelf.blogspot.c...
I am going to admit, I did something I rarely do, which is read the reviews before reading a book I know I am going to read anyway. I don't typically do that because for a book I know that I am going to read, I don't want other people's opinions to color mine. With this book however, I have been toying with quitting the series. It has dragged on a really long time and we finally got Skylar's story, which is what I had been waiting for since Dark Legend in 2002. So needless to say, I went into this book with expectations, and frankly, they were negative ones. Several reviewers complained about angry sex being used to punish the heroine. Ever since I started with this series, the heroes have felt kind of rapey, there have definitely been elements of non-consent in these books, and a major theme has been that the hero basically takes over the heroine’s life and is rather controlling in every aspect-not just the sex. But the flip side has always been that the heroines typically fight back and try to obtain and maintain a sense of independence and self-reliance. Maybe it is too much to expect from a romance novel series, but this series always felt kind of like a mirror of the feminist movement to me, and in many ways the series seemed to be reflecting a movement towards more independent females who actually fight and have tremendous powers and gifts of their own, ones who are more self-reliant etc. Except lately it felt like more steps were being taken backwards than forwards. So I was prepared to hate this and just rip into it so that I could give up on the series altogether. But it really wasn't like that. Yes, there is grudge sex and aggressive sex, but the heroine is actually into that. Where it not just ok in my book, what makes it so much a step in the right direction for this series, is that the Zev actually tells Brannislava that if she isn't okay with things she needs to tell him and he will stop, and he doesn't say that just at the beginning, there is ongoing verification of consent throughout an event. That is such a change from the first books that it is just extraordinary in my opinion. Yes, we have had gentler, more considerate heroes (Razvan comes to mind), but this is the first time we have had an extremely dominant aggressive one who requests consent.
Of course, now we get to the actual issues with the series as a whole, in my opinion. The sex is kind of boring but overly plentiful and utilizes the type of flowery language and long drawn out scenes that I am learning to loathe. There is also the made up Carpathian language and spells and chants that Feehan is obviously very proud of, because they are literally everywhere. They add absolutely nothing to the story for me, so I tend to skip anything that is italicized just for my own sanity. Those things have been around for quite some time in these books and while I have been able to get through it, I can't tell if I am just getting more irritated with it over time, or if it is just becoming more pervasive.
What I am having trouble forgiving with this particular story is how repetitive and clunky it is. How many times do we really need to be reminded just what and who our main characters are? I don't know, but I can guarantee you that it is less than how many times it happened in this book. And, there has been an overriding arc of villains in this series that included the Mage Xavier and the Malinov brothers. Xavier and three of the Malinov brothers have been killed, but that still left us with 2 Malinov brother, one of whom has actually has two slivers of Xavier in him. Then we added the issues with the Lycans and as far as I am concerned, those things could and should have more than fulfilled the villain quotient for the rest of this series. But NO! We add the deus ex machina of all villain plot lines. Xavier wasn't actually alone. Oh, no, he was actually one of a group of identical triplets who all pretended to be the same person and the only ones who actually knew were Brannislava and Tatjiana, and they don't bother to say anything to anyone because they thought Xavier killed them. So Xavier wasn't actually the mastermind behind the downfalls of the Carpathians, Jaguars, and the Lycans. Nope, he was just behind the Carpathians troubles, Xaviero has apparently been dealing trouble to the Lycans, and Xayvion was behind the destruction of the Jaguar race. And for some reason, Xavier was the only one literally rotting and requiring a new body even before he was killed, and these other two are doing just fine. And guess what? They are trying to bring Xavier back from the dead. Why? I am just not sure, Xayvion is obviously the more successful of the three, and Xavier is obviously the eff up who managed to out himself and screw up many times and get caught and killed, but whatever, they must need him to complete this mysterious plan that has been rocking along for hundreds of years. I'm baffled by the direction this took and I can't quite decide if this is a direction Feehan has been planning since we found out Xavier sired triplets on the stolen Carpathian (come to think, how do we even know they ARE Xavier's), or if after the last book she just said, you know, I am never going to get another 20+ books with the villains I've got, I'd better amp things up a bit. I also find myself a bit frustrated by how many additional supernatural creatures she's been throwing at the series. We've now got demons and hellhounds and whatever else, and for the past 25 books no one ever came across them or mentioned them more than briefly in the case of the demons, but all of the sudden they just show up and people just know how to handle them, like ho hum, didn't I mention the hellhounds...no, well, there they are, by the way you got any hyssop oil? This story is just...clunky.
So, as much as I am complaining, I am giving this 3 stars because IMO, Feehan's heroes have become much less rapey and FINALLY we have a hero that checks consent, because it kept me entertained, and actually entertained enough that I will likely still read the next book (I just can't quit Feehan), and nostalgia-because I have now been in this series for 26 books and apparently I just can't quit Feehan.
Cross-posted http://erinsburnsbookshelf.blogspot.c...
September 2, 2014
Dark Blood by Christine Feehan is the 3rd and final book in this Dark trilogy that began with Dark Lycan, then Dark Wolf, leading to this one. It is in actuality the 26th book in the Dark series.
In Dark Lycan we met Fen, Dimitri’s brother, and finally got to see Tatijana, one of the Dragonseeker aunts, as she was Fen’s lifemate. In Dark Wolf, the couple we have been waiting for, Dimitri and Skyler had their story. Now in Dark Blood, it’s Bronnie’s ( the other aunt) story, and Zev is her lifemate. All the pieces of all three books come together in this exciting climax to this trilogy.
As noted in the description, Zev, who was near death at the end of Dark Wolf, was turned to Carpathian, as a mixed blood of Lycan and Carpathian. We do learn that Zev already had Carpathian blood.
What follows is an exciting story of an unknown threat against the Lycans and the Carpathians, with the vicious Sange rau on the attack. There is a dangerous enemy that is behind these attacks, as we have suspected form the beginning of this trilogy, and we do learn in this book, who that is…surprises are in store. The danger escalates where it will take everyone to work together to hope to survive.
The best part of this book, was seeing so many of our favorites, besides the three couples I mentioned above. Ivory, Razvan, Gregori, Mikhail, and especially in one scene so many more with their mates. Very nicely done.
As I have noted, this was an exciting story, and the romance between Zev and Bronnie (Branka) was very nice. I loved them together. However, and I will not give spoilers, but Christine goes back in time to give us a villain that in my opinion, though it made for an exciting storyline, I felt it cheapened one of the best endings of a previous book . I liked the story, but I did not like bringing this type of villain back.
Overall, it was exciting story, fun, with a great couple, and I loved seeing so many of our favorite Carpathians, not to mention many of the children. We are at 26 novels and there are so many more stories to be told in this wonderful series.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
In Dark Lycan we met Fen, Dimitri’s brother, and finally got to see Tatijana, one of the Dragonseeker aunts, as she was Fen’s lifemate. In Dark Wolf, the couple we have been waiting for, Dimitri and Skyler had their story. Now in Dark Blood, it’s Bronnie’s ( the other aunt) story, and Zev is her lifemate. All the pieces of all three books come together in this exciting climax to this trilogy.
As noted in the description, Zev, who was near death at the end of Dark Wolf, was turned to Carpathian, as a mixed blood of Lycan and Carpathian. We do learn that Zev already had Carpathian blood.
What follows is an exciting story of an unknown threat against the Lycans and the Carpathians, with the vicious Sange rau on the attack. There is a dangerous enemy that is behind these attacks, as we have suspected form the beginning of this trilogy, and we do learn in this book, who that is…surprises are in store. The danger escalates where it will take everyone to work together to hope to survive.
The best part of this book, was seeing so many of our favorites, besides the three couples I mentioned above. Ivory, Razvan, Gregori, Mikhail, and especially in one scene so many more with their mates. Very nicely done.
As I have noted, this was an exciting story, and the romance between Zev and Bronnie (Branka) was very nice. I loved them together. However, and I will not give spoilers, but Christine goes back in time to give us a villain that in my opinion, though it made for an exciting storyline, I felt it cheapened one of the best endings of a previous book . I liked the story, but I did not like bringing this type of villain back.
Overall, it was exciting story, fun, with a great couple, and I loved seeing so many of our favorite Carpathians, not to mention many of the children. We are at 26 novels and there are so many more stories to be told in this wonderful series.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
May 12, 2015
I was annoyed enough at this book to write my first review. I have read ALL the books in this series, and this one I have just struggled to get through. In fact, I had to put it aside and read 3 other books before coming back to it. I understand that you have to be uniquely adept at suspending your disbelief to read this series, but this one just took the cake. I won't go into details to avoid spoiling but suffice it to say that we have reached a whole new level of redundancy and stupid names in this book. I think I am moving on to something else.... :-)
September 14, 2014
In ‘Dark Blood’ we meet Zev Hunter a warrior who has lived a very lonely life. Now he has been reborn after he had a lethal wound. Together with the beautiful and seductive dragonseeker Branislava, Zev finds the strength to carry on. Soon Zev finds out that he is part of a ‘special’ blood line and that he has a part in the future for all species.
Well, the first thing that I would like to say about this book is that I would recommend reading the first two books in this trilogy first. I received this book because it could be read as a standalone but would not recommend it as one. At times I found it very hard to fully understand all the different species, languages etc. Although I found this book a very nice read, I think I would like it much more if I had read the previous books. All those Carpathians, Lycans, Jaguars and Mages species were just a lot to get my head around.
But like I said I definitely liked Christine Feehan’s writing style. I really wanted to keep reading about Zev and Branislava. I found it a very addicting story and I found myself really wanting to know more and more. Although I sometimes didn’t understand everything, this book still kept me interested.
The character I liked the most was definitely Branislava. I loved how strong she was and how she didn’t let her man tell her what to do. And I loved her powers. Eventhough Branislava had a really rough past she didn’t let it get to her. I just loved reading about her.
So I can definitely conclude that I need to read more books by Christine Feehan. I loved her writing in this book and after reading this one book I really find myself curious for the other books in her series.
Well, the first thing that I would like to say about this book is that I would recommend reading the first two books in this trilogy first. I received this book because it could be read as a standalone but would not recommend it as one. At times I found it very hard to fully understand all the different species, languages etc. Although I found this book a very nice read, I think I would like it much more if I had read the previous books. All those Carpathians, Lycans, Jaguars and Mages species were just a lot to get my head around.
But like I said I definitely liked Christine Feehan’s writing style. I really wanted to keep reading about Zev and Branislava. I found it a very addicting story and I found myself really wanting to know more and more. Although I sometimes didn’t understand everything, this book still kept me interested.
The character I liked the most was definitely Branislava. I loved how strong she was and how she didn’t let her man tell her what to do. And I loved her powers. Eventhough Branislava had a really rough past she didn’t let it get to her. I just loved reading about her.
So I can definitely conclude that I need to read more books by Christine Feehan. I loved her writing in this book and after reading this one book I really find myself curious for the other books in her series.
September 28, 2017
Zev is an elite Lycan hunter, alpha of the group that has gone out and taken care of problems within and without his species, and he's now become a mixed blood - Guardian of All to the Carpathians and Sange Rau, or evil, to his own people. He's only met Branislava rarely, but she's risked her life by twining her soul with his to save his life. Zev has a past that is very relevant to his future, and the future of all the species that co-exist with humans, which is revealed in this book. The Dark Blood refers to a blood line that was thought extinct by the Carpathians, and he has some special traits that his mixed heritage has drawn forth. He continues to be an uber-protector but is also revealed as a loving man who rejoices in the family he finds that he now has with his relationship to Branislava and the Carpathian people. Even Gregori and Mikhail reveal previously unknown abilities and Xavier, as well as his family, are integral to the story. I read it in one sitting and thoroughly enjoyed it. The villians are bigger, the heroes step up to the plate and the Lycans are told what they can do with their prejudices - in a very diplomatic way. Zev is not left without a wolf pack that he leads with Branislava, but it is very different from the ones that follow Ivory and Skylar. Really enjoyed the book - it gets one of the very few 5 ratings that I've given.
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