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Angels of the Dark #3
Burning Dawn
New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter returns with a sizzling Angels of the Dark tale about a winged warrior renowned for his ruthlessness, and the woman who becomes his obsession...
A tormented past has left Thane with an insatiable need for violence, making him the most dangerous assassin in the skies.
He lives by a single code: no mercy. And as he unleashes his fury on his most recent captor, he learns no battle could have prepared him for the slave he rescues from his enemy's clutches—a beauty who stokes the fires of his darkest desires.
Elin Vale has her own deep-rooted scars, and her attraction to the exquisite warrior who freed her challenges her every boundary.
But Thane's unwavering determination to protect her means she must face her greatest fears—and enter a world in which passion is power, and victory means breathtaking surrender.
445 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 29, 2014
389 people are currently reading
9950 people want to read
About the author
Gena Showalter
263 books27.9k followersGena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of over seventy books, including the acclaimed Lords of the Underworld series, the Gods of War series, the White Rabbit Chronicles, and the Forest of Good and Evil series. She writes sizzling paranormal romance, heartwarming contemporary romance, and unputdownable young adult novels, and lives in Oklahoma City with her family and menagerie of dogs and cats.
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April 23, 2013Thane's book???
I hope this is awesome!!
I hope this is awesome!!
January 31, 2023
3.5 Stars
September 27, 2020
Burning Dawn by Gena Showalter
Book 3 of the Angels of the Dark series and 10.5 of the Lords of the Underworld. Paranormal, modern day romance. Best read as part of either series.
Thane rescues a slave from his enemies. He soon finds out she will change his life forever.
A dark and dramatic story of enemies, lovers, challenges and protectors.
Thane has issues from his past and I didn’t much like some of his actions. Elin takes a while to come into her own since her experience has been so horrible.
In the end, they do work out their differences and fall deeply into protecting and loving each other.
This series is not light reading but the characters tend to grab you with their intensity and despair.
There is bit of humor which is also part of the author’s style.
Book 3 of the Angels of the Dark series and 10.5 of the Lords of the Underworld. Paranormal, modern day romance. Best read as part of either series.
Thane rescues a slave from his enemies. He soon finds out she will change his life forever.
A dark and dramatic story of enemies, lovers, challenges and protectors.
Thane has issues from his past and I didn’t much like some of his actions. Elin takes a while to come into her own since her experience has been so horrible.
In the end, they do work out their differences and fall deeply into protecting and loving each other.
This series is not light reading but the characters tend to grab you with their intensity and despair.
There is bit of humor which is also part of the author’s style.
May 17, 2014
It was good!! :)) REVIEW TO COME!!
March 26, 2019
I have read and loved this author’s books in past. So stab me for having such a high expectations for this one and who can blame me, look at that cover. Writing is flawless, story and the world she created- new, intriguing and fascinating!
Then what happened?
I’ll bloody tell you what happened.. after escaping the villains with the help of heroin, they reach his world. And at this stage they both are very attracted to each other. Bad enough they also have a connection. And then hero chooses another woman infront of heroine (in his bar), and have se* with her. He have certain needs so it was bloody, raw with some bondage and things. This scene wasn’t detailed but enough information was given it was barf worthy. Already heroine had to hear about his reputation and certain needs from others and now this. As that wasn’t enough then she was the one who had to go cleanup with another of her colleague to the room where he takes these women. She sees the woman, help her to clean then show her out.
And then he had the audacity to go after her and blah blah. At this stage, solely because of story I continued. Still I couldn’t forget. So at 34% I decided to skip.
That’s all.
Like I said teeeny tiny problem (or not).
Then what happened?
I’ll bloody tell you what happened.. after escaping the villains with the help of heroin, they reach his world. And at this stage they both are very attracted to each other. Bad enough they also have a connection. And then hero chooses another woman infront of heroine (in his bar), and have se* with her. He have certain needs so it was bloody, raw with some bondage and things. This scene wasn’t detailed but enough information was given it was barf worthy. Already heroine had to hear about his reputation and certain needs from others and now this. As that wasn’t enough then she was the one who had to go cleanup with another of her colleague to the room where he takes these women. She sees the woman, help her to clean then show her out.
And then he had the audacity to go after her and blah blah. At this stage, solely because of story I continued. Still I couldn’t forget. So at 34% I decided to skip.
That’s all.
Like I said teeeny tiny problem (or not).
May 11, 2014
Oh my god, what happened? It's like with every book the language just degenerates. The first book was amazing, the second was okay, and this one just skipped bad and went straight to awful. It's like reading a horrible fan-fiction. I tried so hard to finish this book but I couldn't take it anymore.
April 13, 2014
Fav Scene: "Trembling fingers stroked over his feathers in a single, innocent moment of communion, flooding him with sensations he'd never before experienced. Sultry heat arced through his wings, spread through hid body. His blood crackled and fizzed with something akin to contentment. An impossible contentment."- Thane
I’m literally out of words. I love Gena soooo much and her works never disappoint. Burning Dawn just became one of my favorite books. For real, this was one of her best books and having read most of her books I know what I’m talking about! I’ve been waiting so long for this book. Ever since I read Beauty Awakened I’ve been “patiently” waiting for this one.
Kendra, a powerful seductive Phoenix, has captured Thane and is using him as a slave, bound to do everything she wishes. Elin sweet Elin, is also a slave to the Phoenix camp and seeing Thane gives her hope that she’ll one day be free. So, Elin decides to free Thane thinking he’ll rescue her as well. Elin gets her wish but Thane is consumed by his need to revenge the phoenix. Not just Kendra but all of them…
I loved, loved this book. Thane was nothing as I expected him to be. His consumed by his need for revenge but at the same time he wants to win Elin’s affection. He was such an “ambiguous character”. He’s strong, determined, unpredictable, scarred, will do anything to get his revenge but he’s also admirable, led by his love for Elin and his friends, Bjorn and Xerxes. Above all he’s loyal and he’d sacrifice his own happiness if that meant his friends would find their own. Thane is not the monster he thinks he is. In my opinion, I think that he’s perfect. He tries so hard to be good for the people he loves that he doesn’t realize how “noble” he is.
On the other hand, Elin was not the typical “Gena-heroine”. She wasn’t that strong, she wan’t that powerful and she wasn’t that brave. When I first read about her I was like “You’ve got to be kidding me! That’s not Thane’s match”. However, as I kept reading I realized that she indeed was. Elin changes throughout the book. I can’t even compare the Elin in the beginning of the book and the Elin in the end of it. She was independent, strong and funny. I felt so bad for her, for the horrors she had to endure. But that made her stronger and more compassionate.
Gena did well with Thane and Elin’s pairing. They completed each other and in the end healed themselves.
As far as the secondary characters are concerned, I loved Xerxes and Bjorn. They were loyal to each other and they shared the same past with Thane. They had to endure horrible things, but managed to escape and survive together. They were major part of the book and they totally supported each other. I loved the fact that they were all so “united”.
Fav chat:
I also liked the Multiple Scorgasms, Elin’s “gang”, Octavia, Chanel, Bellorie and Savanna. A vampire, a fae, a harpy and a siren. I loved the girls and was also very curious about Adrian, the bodyguard.
Fav chat:
In Burning Dawn get to see the Lords of the Underworld as well.
One thing that really bothered me was the miscommunication between Thane and Elin but it was easy to look over.
The book gripped me from page one till the very end and I just cannot tell you how lucky I feel ho have read it. I really loved it and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series (pls be about Xerxes and Cario).
Highly recommended.
**ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
First posted on: http://sofialovesreading.blogspot.gr/...
I’m literally out of words. I love Gena soooo much and her works never disappoint. Burning Dawn just became one of my favorite books. For real, this was one of her best books and having read most of her books I know what I’m talking about! I’ve been waiting so long for this book. Ever since I read Beauty Awakened I’ve been “patiently” waiting for this one.
Kendra, a powerful seductive Phoenix, has captured Thane and is using him as a slave, bound to do everything she wishes. Elin sweet Elin, is also a slave to the Phoenix camp and seeing Thane gives her hope that she’ll one day be free. So, Elin decides to free Thane thinking he’ll rescue her as well. Elin gets her wish but Thane is consumed by his need to revenge the phoenix. Not just Kendra but all of them…
I loved, loved this book. Thane was nothing as I expected him to be. His consumed by his need for revenge but at the same time he wants to win Elin’s affection. He was such an “ambiguous character”. He’s strong, determined, unpredictable, scarred, will do anything to get his revenge but he’s also admirable, led by his love for Elin and his friends, Bjorn and Xerxes. Above all he’s loyal and he’d sacrifice his own happiness if that meant his friends would find their own. Thane is not the monster he thinks he is. In my opinion, I think that he’s perfect. He tries so hard to be good for the people he loves that he doesn’t realize how “noble” he is.
On the other hand, Elin was not the typical “Gena-heroine”. She wasn’t that strong, she wan’t that powerful and she wasn’t that brave. When I first read about her I was like “You’ve got to be kidding me! That’s not Thane’s match”. However, as I kept reading I realized that she indeed was. Elin changes throughout the book. I can’t even compare the Elin in the beginning of the book and the Elin in the end of it. She was independent, strong and funny. I felt so bad for her, for the horrors she had to endure. But that made her stronger and more compassionate.
Gena did well with Thane and Elin’s pairing. They completed each other and in the end healed themselves.
As far as the secondary characters are concerned, I loved Xerxes and Bjorn. They were loyal to each other and they shared the same past with Thane. They had to endure horrible things, but managed to escape and survive together. They were major part of the book and they totally supported each other. I loved the fact that they were all so “united”.
Fav chat:
I also liked the Multiple Scorgasms, Elin’s “gang”, Octavia, Chanel, Bellorie and Savanna. A vampire, a fae, a harpy and a siren. I loved the girls and was also very curious about Adrian, the bodyguard.
Fav chat:
In Burning Dawn get to see the Lords of the Underworld as well.
One thing that really bothered me was the miscommunication between Thane and Elin but it was easy to look over.
The book gripped me from page one till the very end and I just cannot tell you how lucky I feel ho have read it. I really loved it and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series (pls be about Xerxes and Cario).
Highly recommended.
**ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
First posted on: http://sofialovesreading.blogspot.gr/...
series-gone-to-hell
May 26, 2013Ahhhhh Thane!!! I can't freaking wait!!
I hope the heroine is Maleah! Please, let there be lots of steamy scenes!!;) And I want to read more about Bjorn, Xerxes AND AXEL! Especially Axel, I love him ♥♥♥
I hope the heroine is Maleah! Please, let there be lots of steamy scenes!!;) And I want to read more about Bjorn, Xerxes AND AXEL! Especially Axel, I love him ♥♥♥
November 9, 2015
Final rating: 3.5/5 stars
Considering how much I love this series, this time i can only say this: Could have been better. I had high expectations of this book. What I love the most in this series is a wide array of different characters and great world building. Now that I have finally read the third book in the series, I feel a bit disappointed. Mostly because of the characters, since the story was very good (but only last 40% actually)
Now, I will write out the problems I've had with it:
♦ ♦ ♦ First: The world building for this whole series is great. But, this book didn't focus on it at all. Except for a bit more information on Phoenix, and appearance of one Demon Prince, it wasn't really important because of the love story in the middle of it.
♦ ♦ ♦ Second: I wasn't very fond of the characters - which is sad. I like Thane, but sometimes it just felt like I was reading about a completely different character. On the other hand, I didn't like heroine Elin. I don't know, but I just didn't fall for their chemistry, i guess? Not to mention there was an insta-lust of which I am not really fond of.
♦ ♦ ♦ Third: I enjoyed more reading about secondary story and characters than reading about the main characters and their story. So yes, I was pretty much bored for half of the book.
But overall, the last 40% were better than the first 60, where finally things started to happen. The beginning of the book left me a bit confused, so i quickly reread all the parts with Thane, Xerxes and Bjorn in the previous book, which had helped a lot (considering how it ended with cliffhanger in previous book).
____________________________________________
CHARACTERS :
____________________________________________
♦ Thane:
Thane is the leader of "Thane, Bjorn and Xerxes" trio and also the boss of his club Downfall. He is one of the Sent Ones from the Army of Disgrace, under direct command of Zacharel. After the emotional trauma he experienced in the captivity by demons, he learned that he enjoyed inflicting pain on others and experiencing it himself (he is basically SM). He doesn't want to bond with anyone, or sleep with anyone more than once, until one Phoenix, Kendra, screws him up by changing her shape into different women he slept with and ultimately bonding with him, making him her slave the moment he killed her (since she is a Phoenix, she can resurrect, every time stronger than before). And this is exactly how the book starts, with him being a mindless slave of Kendra. Until Elin, another slave, helps him remember who he is and saves his life.
I like Thane, really. I was always interested in his character, and when I saw he was getting his book, I was delighted. Except, of course, something happened and Thane didn't give off the same air as Thane before. Well, that is actually a good change, since it was positive, but he very easily changed his moods and he sometimes really irritated me, like the fact that he is judgmental and maybe too obsessed with Elin. Too obsessed means trouble, right? Anyway, his relationship with Elin went into total different direction - the fact that he showed that he could be someone else with her was interesting, but so out of his character, i don't really know how to explain it.
♦ Elin:
Elin Vane is the heroine of our story. She is a halfling = half human, half Phoenix. She was married to a human Bay, and lived with her mother and father. Her mother was pure blood Phoenix and was married to a human. Everything was well and great, until Phoenix clan found them. They killed Elin's father and husband and took her mother and Elin to their camp and made them into slaves. After a while, her mother died too and Elin was left alone. Her life was suddenly utter catastrophe, being forced to act like an animal, being constant target of punishments and humiliated all the time. But then she saw the opportunity to escape in the Sent One they had captured.
I didn't really like Elin, I couldn't even love her. Mostly because she gave the air of being immature. I never enjoyed reading her POVs, even though, in the end, she became stronger and bolder heroine. Maybe it was the writing style that made me dislike her, because, to me, it didn't feel like i was reading about the woman who was once married and who has 21 years - instead it felt like i was reading about a horny teenager from young adult novels.
♦ Bjorn and Xerxes:
Thane, Bjorn and Xerxes have a special bond. Being captured by demons, not so long ago, made them all mentally and emotionally unstable, but they still try their best to function like they should. Except sometimes, that isn't enough and their only comfort is each other. After Bjorn's sudden disappearance in the previous book, he is back, but with secrets he cannot disclose with his brothers. He has to disappear from time to time, and whenever he comes back, he is in worse shape than ever before, which greatly worries Thane and Xerxes. I want to know more about these two, so I hope they will get their books as well.
♦ Everyone else:
There were plenty of Lords of the Underworld characters, and sadly, i haven't read their books so i couldn't connect them (and i believe i would have enjoyed reading about them in these books, had i known them) (i am interested in Lucien and William the most).
I am interested in that McCadden guy, and i can't figure out if he belongs in LoU universe or in this one. If he is from this one, then I really want to know more about him in the upcoming books.
I liked the girls from the club Octavia, Chanel, Savy and Bellorie. Adrian was interesting as well (although I just can't remember if he had appeared before, but I guess he had).
Of course, there was also someone who irritated the hell out of me and it was Kendra, the Phoenix. She wanted revenge on Thane for many things and she delighted into having him submit to her and do what she wanted. Until Thane escaped and made her life miserable, once again. I don't pity her at all, in fact I despise her as much as Thane does.
____________________________________________
OVERALL :
____________________________________________
Even though i was disappointed with this book, and even though I probably won't remember much about it, i still have high hopes for this series because all of the precious angels that have yet to get their books (like Xerxes, Bjorn and Axel) - i want to read their stories, no matter how they turn out to be.
____________________________________________
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
____________________________________________
MY ANGELS OF THE DARK REVIEWS:
◉ Wicked Nights (Angels of the Dark, #1)
◉ Beauty Awakened (Angels of the Dark, #2)
◉ Burning Dawn (Angels of the Dark, #3)
“I told you. You own me. I'm yours. All that I have been. All that I am. All that I will ever be. Your happiness is mine. Your fury is mine. And your needs will be met before mine. I love you, and to me, that means placing you first and giving to you what I will never give to another. Power over me.”
Considering how much I love this series, this time i can only say this: Could have been better. I had high expectations of this book. What I love the most in this series is a wide array of different characters and great world building. Now that I have finally read the third book in the series, I feel a bit disappointed. Mostly because of the characters, since the story was very good (but only last 40% actually)
Now, I will write out the problems I've had with it:
♦ ♦ ♦ First: The world building for this whole series is great. But, this book didn't focus on it at all. Except for a bit more information on Phoenix, and appearance of one Demon Prince, it wasn't really important because of the love story in the middle of it.
♦ ♦ ♦ Second: I wasn't very fond of the characters - which is sad. I like Thane, but sometimes it just felt like I was reading about a completely different character. On the other hand, I didn't like heroine Elin. I don't know, but I just didn't fall for their chemistry, i guess? Not to mention there was an insta-lust of which I am not really fond of.
♦ ♦ ♦ Third: I enjoyed more reading about secondary story and characters than reading about the main characters and their story. So yes, I was pretty much bored for half of the book.
But overall, the last 40% were better than the first 60, where finally things started to happen. The beginning of the book left me a bit confused, so i quickly reread all the parts with Thane, Xerxes and Bjorn in the previous book, which had helped a lot (considering how it ended with cliffhanger in previous book).
____________________________________________
CHARACTERS :
____________________________________________
♦ Thane:
Thane is the leader of "Thane, Bjorn and Xerxes" trio and also the boss of his club Downfall. He is one of the Sent Ones from the Army of Disgrace, under direct command of Zacharel. After the emotional trauma he experienced in the captivity by demons, he learned that he enjoyed inflicting pain on others and experiencing it himself (he is basically SM). He doesn't want to bond with anyone, or sleep with anyone more than once, until one Phoenix, Kendra, screws him up by changing her shape into different women he slept with and ultimately bonding with him, making him her slave the moment he killed her (since she is a Phoenix, she can resurrect, every time stronger than before). And this is exactly how the book starts, with him being a mindless slave of Kendra. Until Elin, another slave, helps him remember who he is and saves his life.
I like Thane, really. I was always interested in his character, and when I saw he was getting his book, I was delighted. Except, of course, something happened and Thane didn't give off the same air as Thane before. Well, that is actually a good change, since it was positive, but he very easily changed his moods and he sometimes really irritated me, like the fact that he is judgmental and maybe too obsessed with Elin. Too obsessed means trouble, right? Anyway, his relationship with Elin went into total different direction - the fact that he showed that he could be someone else with her was interesting, but so out of his character, i don't really know how to explain it.
♦ Elin:
Elin Vane is the heroine of our story. She is a halfling = half human, half Phoenix. She was married to a human Bay, and lived with her mother and father. Her mother was pure blood Phoenix and was married to a human. Everything was well and great, until Phoenix clan found them. They killed Elin's father and husband and took her mother and Elin to their camp and made them into slaves. After a while, her mother died too and Elin was left alone. Her life was suddenly utter catastrophe, being forced to act like an animal, being constant target of punishments and humiliated all the time. But then she saw the opportunity to escape in the Sent One they had captured.
I didn't really like Elin, I couldn't even love her. Mostly because she gave the air of being immature. I never enjoyed reading her POVs, even though, in the end, she became stronger and bolder heroine. Maybe it was the writing style that made me dislike her, because, to me, it didn't feel like i was reading about the woman who was once married and who has 21 years - instead it felt like i was reading about a horny teenager from young adult novels.
♦ Bjorn and Xerxes:
Thane, Bjorn and Xerxes have a special bond. Being captured by demons, not so long ago, made them all mentally and emotionally unstable, but they still try their best to function like they should. Except sometimes, that isn't enough and their only comfort is each other. After Bjorn's sudden disappearance in the previous book, he is back, but with secrets he cannot disclose with his brothers. He has to disappear from time to time, and whenever he comes back, he is in worse shape than ever before, which greatly worries Thane and Xerxes. I want to know more about these two, so I hope they will get their books as well.
♦ Everyone else:
There were plenty of Lords of the Underworld characters, and sadly, i haven't read their books so i couldn't connect them (and i believe i would have enjoyed reading about them in these books, had i known them) (i am interested in Lucien and William the most).
I am interested in that McCadden guy, and i can't figure out if he belongs in LoU universe or in this one. If he is from this one, then I really want to know more about him in the upcoming books.
I liked the girls from the club Octavia, Chanel, Savy and Bellorie. Adrian was interesting as well (although I just can't remember if he had appeared before, but I guess he had).
Of course, there was also someone who irritated the hell out of me and it was Kendra, the Phoenix. She wanted revenge on Thane for many things and she delighted into having him submit to her and do what she wanted. Until Thane escaped and made her life miserable, once again. I don't pity her at all, in fact I despise her as much as Thane does.
____________________________________________
OVERALL :
____________________________________________
Even though i was disappointed with this book, and even though I probably won't remember much about it, i still have high hopes for this series because all of the precious angels that have yet to get their books (like Xerxes, Bjorn and Axel) - i want to read their stories, no matter how they turn out to be.
____________________________________________
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
____________________________________________
MY ANGELS OF THE DARK REVIEWS:
◉ Wicked Nights (Angels of the Dark, #1)
◉ Beauty Awakened (Angels of the Dark, #2)
◉ Burning Dawn (Angels of the Dark, #3)
November 29, 2018
I really like this series by Showalter. Having just finished my re-re-re-read of Burning Dawn (probably missing a re there), I can say it remains an enjoyable read for me.
Showalter’s writing ensures that Thane and Elin are wonderfully constructed characters, their chemistry intense and sizzling off the page. Elin is such fun once she comes into her own, and Thane oh boy – they are together and individually fab. This third book in the series, has depth and emotion. I was drawn in from the get go, and stayed engaged throughout.
Showalter’s writing ensures that Thane and Elin are wonderfully constructed characters, their chemistry intense and sizzling off the page. Elin is such fun once she comes into her own, and Thane oh boy – they are together and individually fab. This third book in the series, has depth and emotion. I was drawn in from the get go, and stayed engaged throughout.
April 30, 2017
4.5 sexy fly away stars!
What a fun read! This was such a coming home for me. I needed a good PR book to whet my appetite after not having any luck the past few months and this worked. I felt the writing and overall tone was a big step up from Gena's recent work. This wasn't perfect and there were a few things that I had problems with but I couldn't put this down and found myself absorbed a good 85% of the story.
What I loved:
Can you blame me? The sexy time was off the charts. I really felt like I was reading Gena's earlier work with all the sensual play and dirty talk. Delicious! I was all a quiver. I'm a sucker for a man who gives the headboard a serious workout. Yes. Good gravy Thane. *fans self* I was honestly impressed with the love scenes and playful sexy banter between Thane and Elin. Nothing was held back and it played in line to who Thane is with all his varying sexual appetites. This was something I was worried would be toned down or missing but thankfully it wasn't. I also appreciated the fact that Gena didn't have Thane going mine mine mine! 20 pages in. The push and pull, both of them trying really hard to fight off the attraction between them and deny it was very refreshing and much more realistic, especially for Thane.
Thane was another surprise for me. He never really impressed me before this, I found him too cliche with the playboy attitude, dark tortured past and gorgeous fallen angel looks. But good gravy, this guy is sex on a fucking stick. He compelled me, seduced me and lured me in with his presence, dominating attitude and those gorgeous wings. He's a wonderful package of domineering and arrogant yet tender and super protective and so playful. Take me baby and call me kulta, love him! And I was a little obsessed with his wings. So sexy and pushed all the right buttons for me. What I love is Gena's attention to detail to her world building, every nuance to how these Sent Ones move and work with their wings is wonderfully captured and very accurate & realistic. I could picture everything so clearly. From using it to protect others, to flirt, to show dominance or excitement with just a ruffle of their wings I found very enthralling and so damn adorable and sexy. Another thing that I found addicting was Thane's PAs. Not a big fan of those myself but good lord he carries it so well- those barbells drove me insane. As for Elin, I liked her. She's sweet, fun, compassionate and pretty innocent in contrast to Thane's world. What did bug me however was her sometimes quick knee jerk reactions to certain things. I found it dramatic and tiring near the end.
Which comes to my only hold up and part of the reason I straddled between a 4-5 star rating. What didn't work for me was the super sappy dialogue and the silly contrived tension in the second half of the book. Gena loves her girl power ass kicking heroines and that's fine. I just think she tends to get carried away with the 'crazmazing' gab talk and the gushy lovey dovey talk. In fact it's more prominent now more than before. I don't remember the dialogue being like this in the beginning of her LOTU series. The females come off more like High school cliques rather than thousand year old immortals and adults. Ok technically Elin is 21, pretty young but still....the cutesy talk got a little too heavy handed in the end. And the constant misunderstandings and the flip flopping Elin does in the second half was the most frustrating thing of all and made my head hurt. Way too much. This girl was one confused emotional mess after the couple's first big fight. Her 0 to 100 reactions to every single misunderstanding I found a bit bratty and schoolyard worthy. Dissecting every little thing a guy does or doesn't do can only go so far. And stomping around huffing and puffing and throwing attitude around suited for a 15 year old isn't very cute and just asking for a slap. This to me is my biggest complaint with Gena's writing, other than that I love her characters and world building and her sexy alpha heroes. When it was all said and done the world building and overall storyline bumped up the rating. Thankfully none of the 'we must bond & be married before having sex' happened here. (Yes I noticed that Elin didn't sleep with her fiance until after they got married, caught you there Gena). But still it gives me hope that she isn't attached to this new formula and is willing to change things up again.
Looking forward to seeing who gets a story next! Xerxes, Bjorn or Axel?
*And shout out to Window Seat on a Rainy Day book blog for my ARC copy of this. Thanks so much! :)*
What a fun read! This was such a coming home for me. I needed a good PR book to whet my appetite after not having any luck the past few months and this worked. I felt the writing and overall tone was a big step up from Gena's recent work. This wasn't perfect and there were a few things that I had problems with but I couldn't put this down and found myself absorbed a good 85% of the story.
What I loved:
Can you blame me? The sexy time was off the charts. I really felt like I was reading Gena's earlier work with all the sensual play and dirty talk. Delicious! I was all a quiver. I'm a sucker for a man who gives the headboard a serious workout. Yes. Good gravy Thane. *fans self* I was honestly impressed with the love scenes and playful sexy banter between Thane and Elin. Nothing was held back and it played in line to who Thane is with all his varying sexual appetites. This was something I was worried would be toned down or missing but thankfully it wasn't. I also appreciated the fact that Gena didn't have Thane going mine mine mine! 20 pages in. The push and pull, both of them trying really hard to fight off the attraction between them and deny it was very refreshing and much more realistic, especially for Thane.
Thane was another surprise for me. He never really impressed me before this, I found him too cliche with the playboy attitude, dark tortured past and gorgeous fallen angel looks. But good gravy, this guy is sex on a fucking stick. He compelled me, seduced me and lured me in with his presence, dominating attitude and those gorgeous wings. He's a wonderful package of domineering and arrogant yet tender and super protective and so playful. Take me baby and call me kulta, love him! And I was a little obsessed with his wings. So sexy and pushed all the right buttons for me. What I love is Gena's attention to detail to her world building, every nuance to how these Sent Ones move and work with their wings is wonderfully captured and very accurate & realistic. I could picture everything so clearly. From using it to protect others, to flirt, to show dominance or excitement with just a ruffle of their wings I found very enthralling and so damn adorable and sexy. Another thing that I found addicting was Thane's PAs. Not a big fan of those myself but good lord he carries it so well- those barbells drove me insane. As for Elin, I liked her. She's sweet, fun, compassionate and pretty innocent in contrast to Thane's world. What did bug me however was her sometimes quick knee jerk reactions to certain things. I found it dramatic and tiring near the end.
Which comes to my only hold up and part of the reason I straddled between a 4-5 star rating. What didn't work for me was the super sappy dialogue and the silly contrived tension in the second half of the book. Gena loves her girl power ass kicking heroines and that's fine. I just think she tends to get carried away with the 'crazmazing' gab talk and the gushy lovey dovey talk. In fact it's more prominent now more than before. I don't remember the dialogue being like this in the beginning of her LOTU series. The females come off more like High school cliques rather than thousand year old immortals and adults. Ok technically Elin is 21, pretty young but still....the cutesy talk got a little too heavy handed in the end. And the constant misunderstandings and the flip flopping Elin does in the second half was the most frustrating thing of all and made my head hurt. Way too much. This girl was one confused emotional mess after the couple's first big fight. Her 0 to 100 reactions to every single misunderstanding I found a bit bratty and schoolyard worthy. Dissecting every little thing a guy does or doesn't do can only go so far. And stomping around huffing and puffing and throwing attitude around suited for a 15 year old isn't very cute and just asking for a slap. This to me is my biggest complaint with Gena's writing, other than that I love her characters and world building and her sexy alpha heroes. When it was all said and done the world building and overall storyline bumped up the rating. Thankfully none of the 'we must bond & be married before having sex' happened here. (Yes I noticed that Elin didn't sleep with her fiance until after they got married, caught you there Gena). But still it gives me hope that she isn't attached to this new formula and is willing to change things up again.
Looking forward to seeing who gets a story next! Xerxes, Bjorn or Axel?
*And shout out to Window Seat on a Rainy Day book blog for my ARC copy of this. Thanks so much! :)*
June 27, 2020
“I told you. You own me. I’m yours. All that I have been. All that I am. All that I will ever be. Your happiness is mine. Your fury is mine. And your needs will be met before mine. I love you, and to me, that means placing you first and giving to you what I will never give to another. Power over me.”
-Thane
I am gonna be honest,due to the mixed reviews to "Burning Dawn" the third book in the "Angels of the Dark"-series (also related to "Lords of the Underworld") i wasn`t that excited to read this instalment since the main hero is a man-whore to the extreme and has to use BDSM to get off during sex. But stupid me..haven`t i yet learned to never trust reviews and to just trust my own instincts.Those instincts said:this is Gena Sowalter and she have never disappointed me."Burning Dawn" was so good i couldn`t put it down.Everything about it seduced me and enthranced me.Thane and Elin are incredible characters that fits together like puzzles.I love how they try to resist each other,but can`t stay away from each other.Once they get to know each other i thought it the sweetest and steamiest romance-the sex scenes are so damn steamy that it got hot in my room!!WHEWW!!
Elin Vale is a half Phoenix and half human who helps Thane from his enslavement at the start of the book,as thanks he takes her to his Club and gives her job and a home.Elin is also a widow,her human husband had been killed a year ago and i appreciated that she truly had loved him.Her character development is amazing.She was so fun and sweet and became more confident of her abilities and was able to stand on her own throughout the story.She made Thane work for her affection,and i looooved that.I am so happy the author created a heroine like Elin for Thane,whatever would he have done without her.Her blooming friendship with Bjorn and Xerxes was so nice to read about.
Thane is a Sent One warrior and a demon slayer who works under Zachariel`s command and is one of the warriors together with Bjorn and Xerxes who had been captured by the demons and gotten tortured for years.While Bjorn and Xerxes had gotten beaten and raped,Thane was forced to watch it all happen while being chained to a wall.His mind and soul was so broken for what he wished had happened to him instead since he love Bjorn and Xerxes with all his being.Thats why he gets off on getting hurt during sex and hurting in return.All that changes when he loses his heart to Elin`s sweetness,and i love the way he courts her when he realizes she belongs to him and he to her.All that flowers and chocolates and romance novels he gave her,YUMMMMM-Ahhhh how romantic!
-Thane
I am gonna be honest,due to the mixed reviews to "Burning Dawn" the third book in the "Angels of the Dark"-series (also related to "Lords of the Underworld") i wasn`t that excited to read this instalment since the main hero is a man-whore to the extreme and has to use BDSM to get off during sex. But stupid me..haven`t i yet learned to never trust reviews and to just trust my own instincts.Those instincts said:this is Gena Sowalter and she have never disappointed me."Burning Dawn" was so good i couldn`t put it down.Everything about it seduced me and enthranced me.Thane and Elin are incredible characters that fits together like puzzles.I love how they try to resist each other,but can`t stay away from each other.Once they get to know each other i thought it the sweetest and steamiest romance-the sex scenes are so damn steamy that it got hot in my room!!WHEWW!!
Elin Vale is a half Phoenix and half human who helps Thane from his enslavement at the start of the book,as thanks he takes her to his Club and gives her job and a home.Elin is also a widow,her human husband had been killed a year ago and i appreciated that she truly had loved him.Her character development is amazing.She was so fun and sweet and became more confident of her abilities and was able to stand on her own throughout the story.She made Thane work for her affection,and i looooved that.I am so happy the author created a heroine like Elin for Thane,whatever would he have done without her.Her blooming friendship with Bjorn and Xerxes was so nice to read about.
Thane is a Sent One warrior and a demon slayer who works under Zachariel`s command and is one of the warriors together with Bjorn and Xerxes who had been captured by the demons and gotten tortured for years.While Bjorn and Xerxes had gotten beaten and raped,Thane was forced to watch it all happen while being chained to a wall.His mind and soul was so broken for what he wished had happened to him instead since he love Bjorn and Xerxes with all his being.Thats why he gets off on getting hurt during sex and hurting in return.All that changes when he loses his heart to Elin`s sweetness,and i love the way he courts her when he realizes she belongs to him and he to her.All that flowers and chocolates and romance novels he gave her,YUMMMMM-Ahhhh how romantic!
April 28, 2014
Oh. Oh my. Oh wow. OH WOW !
Violence and tenderness. Pain and solace. Revenge and forgiveness. Guilt and redemption. Hate and love. What an extraordinary voyage in a meticulously crafted world, rich, detailed; breathtaking. Multifaceted, complex characters you hate, love, respect, despise, who will take you for the ride of your life. I hadn't read the previous books in the series (but now I will!), and I wasn't lost. I was hooked from page one ! I have to admit to my shallowness: the fabulous cover grabbed my attention and I would have bought it even if I hadn't won it. The thing is, you can judge this book by its cover. It's all that but so much more ! It conveys the hero's physical perfection - the model IS Thane - but more than that, it really shows what kind of man he is; you'll see what I mean when you read the book. It's the perfect cover for an exciting, thrilling, sexy, tender, fantastical, wonderful book. I received this book for free from Goodreads First Reads and this is an honest review. Believe me: WOW !
May 10, 2014
review will come!!
April 18, 2022
Cleaning out some of my old TBR’s… I believe I read the other books in this series, but I can’t really remember them, and I didn’t ever feel lost… so I think it can be read by itself. (he basically only “works” with the previous H’s and they aren’t around much)
The book opens with Thane being held as a sex slave after becoming “enthralled” by an evil phoenix princess. Elin, a ½ phoenix- ½ human) is also being held prisoner when she helps Thane escape. He brings her back to his bar in the clouds to help her get back on her feet. They both feel drawn to each other, but don’t want to act. He believes she’s only human and she knows he HATES phoenixes.
This author can be hit or miss for me, and this fell somewhere in the middle. Specifically, she has a tendency to write adult content (murder, torture, BDSM) but her h’s have a layer of immaturity that doesn’t fit, and Elin falls under this. I liked her, but didn’t like all the extra silly tidbits. Like wanting to open a bakery when she can’t bake. Or the way she talks… “Afternoon delight. But I didn’t touch anything! Mostly.” - Honest.” Liar. “Well, honest-ish. Like I said, I didn’t touch your stuff. Much. And I didn’t break anything. For reals.”- “Me and my new food baby thank you from the bottom of our cholesterol-filled hearts.”- Meow. Jealous, anyone? Or the way she acts… Elin launched into his arms and wrapped her legs around his waist. “You’re a barbarian. Let’s make out,” she said.
Bottom Line- This probably could’ve been a 4 ⭐had things stayed serious and dark/gritty, but the level of silly added in ruined it a bit for me. There's plenty of danger/action to keep the plot moving, but I needed more development with the relationship.
I wouldn’t recommend for readers looking for totally safe. There’s no cheating, but Thane does have sex with an OW (too lazy to check but I’m almost positive it’s off-page) after he and Erin return to the bar. She’s aware of it, sees him leave and has to help kick her out afterwards. At that point there’s zero relationship, but they’re attracted to each other. He almost leaves with another OW while they're broken up, but stops before leaving the club.
The book opens with Thane being held as a sex slave after becoming “enthralled” by an evil phoenix princess. Elin, a ½ phoenix- ½ human) is also being held prisoner when she helps Thane escape. He brings her back to his bar in the clouds to help her get back on her feet. They both feel drawn to each other, but don’t want to act. He believes she’s only human and she knows he HATES phoenixes.
This author can be hit or miss for me, and this fell somewhere in the middle. Specifically, she has a tendency to write adult content (murder, torture, BDSM) but her h’s have a layer of immaturity that doesn’t fit, and Elin falls under this. I liked her, but didn’t like all the extra silly tidbits. Like wanting to open a bakery when she can’t bake. Or the way she talks… “Afternoon delight. But I didn’t touch anything! Mostly.” - Honest.” Liar. “Well, honest-ish. Like I said, I didn’t touch your stuff. Much. And I didn’t break anything. For reals.”- “Me and my new food baby thank you from the bottom of our cholesterol-filled hearts.”- Meow. Jealous, anyone? Or the way she acts… Elin launched into his arms and wrapped her legs around his waist. “You’re a barbarian. Let’s make out,” she said.
Bottom Line- This probably could’ve been a 4 ⭐had things stayed serious and dark/gritty, but the level of silly added in ruined it a bit for me. There's plenty of danger/action to keep the plot moving, but I needed more development with the relationship.
I wouldn’t recommend for readers looking for totally safe. There’s no cheating, but Thane does have sex with an OW (too lazy to check but I’m almost positive it’s off-page) after he and Erin return to the bar. She’s aware of it, sees him leave and has to help kick her out afterwards. At that point there’s zero relationship, but they’re attracted to each other. He almost leaves with another OW while they're broken up, but stops before leaving the club.
March 28, 2014
For a long time I’ve been very intrigued with Gena Showalter’s books considering how highly popular her series are. So when I won an uncorrected proof of her newest book I was excited to finally see what everyone else have been raving about. I must say, I can see why so many enjoy her books. If Burning Dawn is an illustration of her other works, then I’ll be definitely looking forward to reading more of Showalter’s books.
Although I have read my fair share of paranormal romances I wouldn’t say I’m a big fan. I tend to be picky about them. I’m always on the lookout for something fun or different and I got to say this book was in this category. I couldn’t help but feel that this book didn’t take itself so seriously. Yes there was drama, action, and romance but all was done with a sense of brevity and fun which was reflected in the writing. There was a great flow and pace in which I never felt bored with so many other things to capture your attention.
I enjoyed the world Showalter created where the immortals inhabit. It’s so familiar and yet it’s surrounded by an otherworldly aura that makes it special. A majority of the story’s frivolity comes from this aspect. These immortal creatures of all types are placed in settings that are mundane and familiar to humans. It provides a platform for their individual personalities to stand out.
Thane is one of those personalities whom it was joy for me to read about. He is a beautiful meshing of complicatedness. He is strong yet vulnerable, scary but kind, violent but can be oh so tender and not to mention very sexy. Throughout all this the one thing that I love most about him was his great capacity for love, whether it’s for his best friends Xerxes and Bjorn (I love the bond between these three. Their interactions with each other are very funny.) or for Elin. If you get nothing from him, you can clearly see how much he cares for them and his willingness to do what is necessary to protect and see them happy.
Elin was a good counterpart for Thane. She was spirited and caring and stubborn when need be. Her strength comes from her fortitude to survive through such horrific events which includes the loss of her husband and being enslaved. She’s someone that can elicit that sympathetic nature in you when you read about her mistreatment due to her halfling heritage and desire to find a place to fit in. There were times where her dialogue and her pov narrative can be a little hard to swallow because of the childish nature of it, making her sound at times to be a petulant teen. It’s not enough to sway my feelings towards her since I had to remind myself that her wording and statements reflect her young age.
The best part of the book was the sizzling, steamy chemistry between Thane and Elin. I loved how Showalter took the time to build the tension between the couple, ramping up the intensity each time these two come together. Even through all the denials from both characters you always got the sense that these two would eventually get together. It was fun and sexy and the scenes were just wonderfully written. The sexual energy just leaped off the pages and you wonder how these two have managed to keep away from each other.
For my first Showalter book I was impressed. It met my expectations thoroughly. She provided a world in which I had fun getting immersed in and characters that really endeared themselves to me. Thane was a complete heartbreaker who radiated great sexual charisma. The book was a great blend of sexy romance and suspenseful paranormal action. I would love to read more not only from her Angels of the Dark series but from the Lords of the Underworld series as well. Paranormal romances may not be a genre I look into very often, but if it’s one from Showalter then I will not hesitate to pick it up.
*Received Advance Uncorrected Proof from Goodreads First Reads Giveaway
Although I have read my fair share of paranormal romances I wouldn’t say I’m a big fan. I tend to be picky about them. I’m always on the lookout for something fun or different and I got to say this book was in this category. I couldn’t help but feel that this book didn’t take itself so seriously. Yes there was drama, action, and romance but all was done with a sense of brevity and fun which was reflected in the writing. There was a great flow and pace in which I never felt bored with so many other things to capture your attention.
I enjoyed the world Showalter created where the immortals inhabit. It’s so familiar and yet it’s surrounded by an otherworldly aura that makes it special. A majority of the story’s frivolity comes from this aspect. These immortal creatures of all types are placed in settings that are mundane and familiar to humans. It provides a platform for their individual personalities to stand out.
Thane is one of those personalities whom it was joy for me to read about. He is a beautiful meshing of complicatedness. He is strong yet vulnerable, scary but kind, violent but can be oh so tender and not to mention very sexy. Throughout all this the one thing that I love most about him was his great capacity for love, whether it’s for his best friends Xerxes and Bjorn (I love the bond between these three. Their interactions with each other are very funny.) or for Elin. If you get nothing from him, you can clearly see how much he cares for them and his willingness to do what is necessary to protect and see them happy.
Elin was a good counterpart for Thane. She was spirited and caring and stubborn when need be. Her strength comes from her fortitude to survive through such horrific events which includes the loss of her husband and being enslaved. She’s someone that can elicit that sympathetic nature in you when you read about her mistreatment due to her halfling heritage and desire to find a place to fit in. There were times where her dialogue and her pov narrative can be a little hard to swallow because of the childish nature of it, making her sound at times to be a petulant teen. It’s not enough to sway my feelings towards her since I had to remind myself that her wording and statements reflect her young age.
The best part of the book was the sizzling, steamy chemistry between Thane and Elin. I loved how Showalter took the time to build the tension between the couple, ramping up the intensity each time these two come together. Even through all the denials from both characters you always got the sense that these two would eventually get together. It was fun and sexy and the scenes were just wonderfully written. The sexual energy just leaped off the pages and you wonder how these two have managed to keep away from each other.
For my first Showalter book I was impressed. It met my expectations thoroughly. She provided a world in which I had fun getting immersed in and characters that really endeared themselves to me. Thane was a complete heartbreaker who radiated great sexual charisma. The book was a great blend of sexy romance and suspenseful paranormal action. I would love to read more not only from her Angels of the Dark series but from the Lords of the Underworld series as well. Paranormal romances may not be a genre I look into very often, but if it’s one from Showalter then I will not hesitate to pick it up.
*Received Advance Uncorrected Proof from Goodreads First Reads Giveaway
May 19, 2014
I thought I'd write a review but it's been 3 days since I finished this and the details are already getting blurry(and I never write down my thoughts) so I'll give you the gist of this...
We have some...
Yeah...Insta-lust/love is the name of the game. Been there, done that. Still I can easily forgive it since I kind of like it.
The heroine at the beginning was a wreck of insecurities and fears but she develops into a badass. I didn't like her at the beginning but I liked her in the end.
The hero was the usual "tortured at the edge of the cliff" kind of man. Something we've seen countless times and it's obvious we're gonna be seeing a lot in the future too.
Generally the book was good. Better than the previous IMO but still we've seen a thousand times before. Nothing to make it stand out. I'll give it a 4 but only because I liked the story enough. I probably won't even remember it exists in a week.
We have some...
Yeah...Insta-lust/love is the name of the game. Been there, done that. Still I can easily forgive it since I kind of like it.
The heroine at the beginning was a wreck of insecurities and fears but she develops into a badass. I didn't like her at the beginning but I liked her in the end.
The hero was the usual "tortured at the edge of the cliff" kind of man. Something we've seen countless times and it's obvious we're gonna be seeing a lot in the future too.
Generally the book was good. Better than the previous IMO but still we've seen a thousand times before. Nothing to make it stand out. I'll give it a 4 but only because I liked the story enough. I probably won't even remember it exists in a week.
August 2, 2014
I tried to like Thane,
I really did but could not bring myself to like him.
I did not care how pretty he is or that he has dimples.
He is a Barbaric Man-Whore as well as being a Hypocrite,
ex. having people thrown off of the roof and having hands removed,
But its ok for him to pick up a Blond whenever the mood strikes him..
Really?
Elin was ok as the main female character but the overall story and the emotions felt lop-sided or rather one-sided.
Sorry didn't like this book as much as I wanted to.
I will continue to read the rest of the series,
I am interested in the other characters.
May 16, 2014
Buddy read with Jo
3.5*
I don't know what happened to Gena Showalter's style, but I don't like it... I don't like it one bit.
3.5*
I don't know what happened to Gena Showalter's style, but I don't like it... I don't like it one bit.
May 3, 2020
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Burning Dawn is the last book in the Angels of the Dark trilogy although this trilogy is connected to the Lords of the Underworld series. Gena Showalter is a queen when it comes to writing intense paranormal worlds and I have loved reading this trilogy with these warrior angels (which are some of my favorite type of heroe's) and this BOOK ....whew it will blow your expectations away because I know it did mine. The previous books were pretty intense but this one really kicks off with a bang.
Burning Dawn begins with two people that are being enslaved by a Phoenix clan group. Elin is mixed, her father human and her mother a phoenix (a secret she keeps for herself for her own safety) and when she witnesses her family and her husband murdered, she just survives until Thane. Thane is being sexually forced and has no real memory of who he really is as he is being drugged with lust for Kendra who is in charge. When Elin and Thane come together and she helps free Thane from his imprisonment and enslavement from Kendra, Thane sees something in Elin and will fight for her. Now she is working for him in his bar, and there is an intense connection. Elin wants to have a bakery, but she is captivated by Thane. But being in a relationship with Thane is packed with drama, misunderstandings, and danger but also beautiful sensuality and a deep abiding love she never imagined she would ever find.
Burning Dawn was such a great book and I had such fun immersing myself into another great book by Gena Showalter. I can never seem to get enough of her style and how she just pulls you so quickly into her stories. I really gravitated toward this couple and this author knows what she is doing because the first chapter is what really captivates your attention. I loved seeing the intensity of emotion that builds between Thane and Elin. Thane has always been someone that has lived for pain and sex. He has never known anything else until Elin. Elin makes him dream of something more with someone .....something deeper than meaningless sex that gives him nothing except temporary satisfaction that doesn't last. Elin has him believing in something more powerful and worth fighting for. But Thane is far from perfect and doesn't react perfectly well with Elin's secrets. Secrets that she has kept from Thane because she knows he will reject her. But what Thane feels for Elin is more powerful than any secret she holds.
This story was so beautiful in so many ways because we see the way these two really grow within their relationship and despite some drama and misunderstandings we see them learn to fight for each other and let go of expectations and their own pride and selfishness. Such beauty in finding two people fighting for each other equally.
Overall I found Burning Dawn to be an epic breathtakingly story that had me addicted to this love story.....a romance that is addictive, thrilling and mind blowing in every way!
Burning Dawn is the last book in the Angels of the Dark trilogy although this trilogy is connected to the Lords of the Underworld series. Gena Showalter is a queen when it comes to writing intense paranormal worlds and I have loved reading this trilogy with these warrior angels (which are some of my favorite type of heroe's) and this BOOK ....whew it will blow your expectations away because I know it did mine. The previous books were pretty intense but this one really kicks off with a bang.
Burning Dawn begins with two people that are being enslaved by a Phoenix clan group. Elin is mixed, her father human and her mother a phoenix (a secret she keeps for herself for her own safety) and when she witnesses her family and her husband murdered, she just survives until Thane. Thane is being sexually forced and has no real memory of who he really is as he is being drugged with lust for Kendra who is in charge. When Elin and Thane come together and she helps free Thane from his imprisonment and enslavement from Kendra, Thane sees something in Elin and will fight for her. Now she is working for him in his bar, and there is an intense connection. Elin wants to have a bakery, but she is captivated by Thane. But being in a relationship with Thane is packed with drama, misunderstandings, and danger but also beautiful sensuality and a deep abiding love she never imagined she would ever find.
“I believe something good can come from something bad. You, Elin are my good
Burning Dawn was such a great book and I had such fun immersing myself into another great book by Gena Showalter. I can never seem to get enough of her style and how she just pulls you so quickly into her stories. I really gravitated toward this couple and this author knows what she is doing because the first chapter is what really captivates your attention. I loved seeing the intensity of emotion that builds between Thane and Elin. Thane has always been someone that has lived for pain and sex. He has never known anything else until Elin. Elin makes him dream of something more with someone .....something deeper than meaningless sex that gives him nothing except temporary satisfaction that doesn't last. Elin has him believing in something more powerful and worth fighting for. But Thane is far from perfect and doesn't react perfectly well with Elin's secrets. Secrets that she has kept from Thane because she knows he will reject her. But what Thane feels for Elin is more powerful than any secret she holds.
A perfect example of finding beauty from ashes. The world could be a conniving harlot, as evil as a demon, but love would defeat her every single time. Love never failed.
This story was so beautiful in so many ways because we see the way these two really grow within their relationship and despite some drama and misunderstandings we see them learn to fight for each other and let go of expectations and their own pride and selfishness. Such beauty in finding two people fighting for each other equally.
I told you. You own me. I'm yours. All that I have been. All that I am. All that I will ever be. Your happiness is mine. Your fury is mine. And your needs will be met before mine. I love you, and to me, that means placing you first and giving to you what I will never give to another. Power over me.
Overall I found Burning Dawn to be an epic breathtakingly story that had me addicted to this love story.....a romance that is addictive, thrilling and mind blowing in every way!
November 8, 2014
Another great story from one of my favourite paranormal romance writers, Gena freaking Showalter!
I swear this woman is awesome. Can't wait for her next works, especially Torin's and William's books in the Lords of the Underworld series and Bjorn's and Xerxes's in this one!
That being said, I must admit this book wasn't between my favourites.
In order for me to have a blast while reading a book, I need awesome characters and world-shattering angst. I didn't get that.
The angst wasn't that...angsty, if that makes sense. At least, not to me. Plus, I admit Thane and Elin weren't able to capture my heart and hold it with their story.
Thane is a sexy bastard and Elin is a nice girl, but they just can't reach the pure awesomeness that are Xerxes, Bjorn, Aeron, William, Maleah, Olivia and Gilly, my favourite Showalter characters so far.
Don't get me wrong, Thane is an interesting guy. Like I said, he's very attractive and hot and I would totally do him if I was enthralled by him as Elin was, but he's just not important to me when compared to the guys I mentioned above.
And Elin, she's a sweet woman, really. Too sweet. There were times I thought she felt too much like a little girl, due to the things she said and how she acted.
I mean, Gilly herself is supposed to be only 17, but she feels much older. The things she went through shaped her into the mature young woman she is.
But Elin? She went through awful things as well, but when we're inside her mind, it feels like we're looking into the mind of a 12-year-old or something.
She was frequently thinking things in the line of 'Yes. No. I don't know. Bad, bad, Elin.'
See? It looks exactly like a little girl. Or a dog, which is kind of funny now that I'm thinking about it.
Anyway, it was a great story just the same, the characters just didn't catch my attention as others did.
I'm dying to read Bjorn's book, which I'm guessing it's going to be the next in the series, since he can't go on much longer going through that situation with the demon queen bitch. And Xerxes's. What the heck means he has to remember? Oh boy, and Maleah totally has to be Bjorn's woman, then, since I think that Cario is going to be Xerxes's.
O.M.G! So many possibilities!
----------
Before
THANE's story?
I so want to read about the trio Thane/Bjorn/Xerxes!
What about the heroine? Is she Maleah, the fallen angel?
September 10, 2015
1.25
I have read every single LOTU book (but the last one on Torin) and everything in between.
AND what have you done to Thane, Ms. Showalter? Please, tell me it wasn't you who wrote such a... "bad fan-fiction". I was bored and frustrated by the lack of communication and misunderstand between Thane and Elin.
I was expecting more, much more. :-(
I don't know what is happening to my fave authors as they release their books quicker, their writing gets worse and worse.
Authors don't have to release a book every 3 months (or even less). It's impossible to maintain the mojo and the language just degenerates, the plot lines that were great becomes AWFUL, which a pity. It ruins the authors for their fans. :-(
I was a bit disappointed with the last two works of Ms. Showalter, but this one did it for me.
No more.
I have read every single LOTU book (but the last one on Torin) and everything in between.
AND what have you done to Thane, Ms. Showalter? Please, tell me it wasn't you who wrote such a... "bad fan-fiction". I was bored and frustrated by the lack of communication and misunderstand between Thane and Elin.
I was expecting more, much more. :-(
I don't know what is happening to my fave authors as they release their books quicker, their writing gets worse and worse.
Authors don't have to release a book every 3 months (or even less). It's impossible to maintain the mojo and the language just degenerates, the plot lines that were great becomes AWFUL, which a pity. It ruins the authors for their fans. :-(
I was a bit disappointed with the last two works of Ms. Showalter, but this one did it for me.
No more.
May 2, 2014
I have to say... it seems that this series is trending down as far as my enjoyment of it.
I liked the first book fairly well - it was a fun little romp. The second was okay. But this third one... I don't know, I had a hard time getting into it. The female lead was just so... dumb and ditzy, enough that I couldn't figure out for the life of me why Thane was into her. And, too, there were so, so many parts that were downright corny. I cringed too many times to count. It made it hard to enjoy.
Eh, I wouldn't say this was horrible, but it's definitely not as good as the first. Undecided if I'll read the next in the series.
I liked the first book fairly well - it was a fun little romp. The second was okay. But this third one... I don't know, I had a hard time getting into it. The female lead was just so... dumb and ditzy, enough that I couldn't figure out for the life of me why Thane was into her. And, too, there were so, so many parts that were downright corny. I cringed too many times to count. It made it hard to enjoy.
Eh, I wouldn't say this was horrible, but it's definitely not as good as the first. Undecided if I'll read the next in the series.
April 26, 2014
You can also see my review on my YouTube channel by clicking here! It has a skit of a scene of the book at the end!
Plot:
Thane is captured by the seductive Phoenix named Kendra. In the last book, Beauty Awakened, she said she poisoned him with her body and soon he will only want sex from her. Elin is a part of Kendras camp as a slave herself, and frees Thane thinking he will rescue her in the process. This book is basically about Thane wanting revenge on the Phoenix and soothing his past demons, and Elin finding her strength and love through Thane.
Let's start with Elin:
Elin starts off as a weakling. She vomits when sighting blood, screams when anyone tries to harm her, and as someone said in the book "You're the type of girl that guys want to save". What I love about Gena's writing is Elin's character - along with others - change through out the book. She's not the same as she was from page one and that is admirable. One thing that caught me off guard is her "swearing". I put that in quotes because it's not… she substitutes it weirdly. Example: when people are harassing her at the bar, she was about to say "Shut your big, fat mouth hole".
BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA!! At first I was like "did she just say MOUTH HOLE?", then I got annoyed because she sounded like she was in the 6th grade, then I found humor in it. She's adorable in an annoying way when she tries to swear. Thankfully Elin tones that down after a while and doesn't say anything else like "sweet juicy sparkles!" (again, like wtf?)
She's a likable character and a great candidate for Thane's heart.
Now onto Thane:
OHHHHH THANE COME TO MAMA!! He wants revenge on the Phoenix because they enslaved him, and while doing so tries to gain Elin's affections. I have to say that Thane is one of the most dynamic characters in any of Gena's books. He's unpredictable in a good way, and his personality is admirable… he fights for the people he loves and will do anything to keep them safe.
Not only does he have a relationship with Elin, he also has one with his best friends Bjorn and Xerxes. They were tortured in hell together and in the end became very close. They would die for each other and sacrifice their own happiness so the other person can have a good life. This type of relationship warmed my heart and it was a nice touch to show his empathy and strength. Thane is not only extremely good looking, he also has a personality that shines.
The writing:
In the recent past Gena has strayed away from the sex scenes leaving fans pretty devastated. GENA IS BACK PEEPS!! The sex in this book is amazing! She is the queen of making me feel hot and bothered. I'm so glad and happy to share that piece of news. Gena also goes out of her boundaries and writes sex scenes that aren't in any other book. No, there isn't S&M in this book (Thane loved it in the past) so if you're looking for that it won't be there.
Burning Dawn is one of few romance books where the character says what they like about the other person that's NOT looks. Thane and Elin talk about personalities as well. Their characteristics go deeper then how they look on the outside and it was mind blowing! I loved hearing what Thane loved about Elin's personality. It made both of them relatable to me, and that's something romance books are lacking. Props to Gena!
One thing that was a little distracting from the plot was all the misunderstandings. Thane would say something and Elin would take offense then leave. Elin would then say something that Thane would see as offensive then leave. This happens way too many times in one book. Their communication skills are off and it affects their relationship. Thankfully, as I said before, both characters grow through out the book so they become adults and hash things out without taking offense and not talking to each other for days.
I give this book 4/5 stars. This is a MUST READ if you're a fan of her books.
Gena… I love you. Keep writing books and DON'T STOP DEAR GOD DON'T I NEED MORE!!!
Plot:
Thane is captured by the seductive Phoenix named Kendra. In the last book, Beauty Awakened, she said she poisoned him with her body and soon he will only want sex from her. Elin is a part of Kendras camp as a slave herself, and frees Thane thinking he will rescue her in the process. This book is basically about Thane wanting revenge on the Phoenix and soothing his past demons, and Elin finding her strength and love through Thane.
Let's start with Elin:
Elin starts off as a weakling. She vomits when sighting blood, screams when anyone tries to harm her, and as someone said in the book "You're the type of girl that guys want to save". What I love about Gena's writing is Elin's character - along with others - change through out the book. She's not the same as she was from page one and that is admirable. One thing that caught me off guard is her "swearing". I put that in quotes because it's not… she substitutes it weirdly. Example: when people are harassing her at the bar, she was about to say "Shut your big, fat mouth hole".
BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA!! At first I was like "did she just say MOUTH HOLE?", then I got annoyed because she sounded like she was in the 6th grade, then I found humor in it. She's adorable in an annoying way when she tries to swear. Thankfully Elin tones that down after a while and doesn't say anything else like "sweet juicy sparkles!" (again, like wtf?)
She's a likable character and a great candidate for Thane's heart.
Now onto Thane:
OHHHHH THANE COME TO MAMA!! He wants revenge on the Phoenix because they enslaved him, and while doing so tries to gain Elin's affections. I have to say that Thane is one of the most dynamic characters in any of Gena's books. He's unpredictable in a good way, and his personality is admirable… he fights for the people he loves and will do anything to keep them safe.
Not only does he have a relationship with Elin, he also has one with his best friends Bjorn and Xerxes. They were tortured in hell together and in the end became very close. They would die for each other and sacrifice their own happiness so the other person can have a good life. This type of relationship warmed my heart and it was a nice touch to show his empathy and strength. Thane is not only extremely good looking, he also has a personality that shines.
The writing:
In the recent past Gena has strayed away from the sex scenes leaving fans pretty devastated. GENA IS BACK PEEPS!! The sex in this book is amazing! She is the queen of making me feel hot and bothered. I'm so glad and happy to share that piece of news. Gena also goes out of her boundaries and writes sex scenes that aren't in any other book. No, there isn't S&M in this book (Thane loved it in the past) so if you're looking for that it won't be there.
Burning Dawn is one of few romance books where the character says what they like about the other person that's NOT looks. Thane and Elin talk about personalities as well. Their characteristics go deeper then how they look on the outside and it was mind blowing! I loved hearing what Thane loved about Elin's personality. It made both of them relatable to me, and that's something romance books are lacking. Props to Gena!
One thing that was a little distracting from the plot was all the misunderstandings. Thane would say something and Elin would take offense then leave. Elin would then say something that Thane would see as offensive then leave. This happens way too many times in one book. Their communication skills are off and it affects their relationship. Thankfully, as I said before, both characters grow through out the book so they become adults and hash things out without taking offense and not talking to each other for days.
I give this book 4/5 stars. This is a MUST READ if you're a fan of her books.
Gena… I love you. Keep writing books and DON'T STOP DEAR GOD DON'T I NEED MORE!!!
May 1, 2014
First thing Gena is back! This is the best book I have read from her in quite sometime & I was worried the angels of the dark series was in jeopardy of being off my list forever. After two lackluster entries in the series, I did not put my hopes to high for the next installment. Man, was I blown away. Thane...yum..he is one hot ass Angel & one bad ass warrior & I adored how & when he fell for the little half human. And his wooing was hot. Elin was a wonderfully fresh heroine. I loved her courage, strength & sassy little mouth that kept Thane wondering if he was coming or going. The action of the story was nicely balanced with the romance & of course there was some comedic gems throughout. I also loved some of the characters from The Lords of the Underworld making appearances. I'm so glad I continued with this series because this book blew me away & brought me back to the days where I first started reading Gena. Fantastic read!!!!
September 6, 2014
I've read all of Gena Showalter's LOTU books as well as this series. I LOVED her writing up until recently, when I felt that her tone and style did a 180. This novel is no exception to that feeling. Thane had potential to be an interesting character, but the leading lady, Elin, was obnoxious. She spoke like a teenage girl and her depth of character was completely lacking. She was unlikable to the point that I wanted to root against her.
The dialogue between Thane and his two friends as well as between Elin and her girl friends was immature; I felt like I was reading something written for young adults. The sex scenes were cringe-worthy and super cheesy. The plot between Thane and Elin seemed to take a back seat to world-building for upcoming novels. I was rolling my eyes through 75% of this book and really had to push myself to finish it (I have a hard time not finishing things that i start). I'll consider reading Ms. Showalter's next book but I'm not committed to it.
The dialogue between Thane and his two friends as well as between Elin and her girl friends was immature; I felt like I was reading something written for young adults. The sex scenes were cringe-worthy and super cheesy. The plot between Thane and Elin seemed to take a back seat to world-building for upcoming novels. I was rolling my eyes through 75% of this book and really had to push myself to finish it (I have a hard time not finishing things that i start). I'll consider reading Ms. Showalter's next book but I'm not committed to it.
July 15, 2016
First of all, look at this cover! I don't know why i always have hard time picturing blonde characters. Thanks to this beautiful cover, i had no trouble picturing Thane. This man is my Thane!
3 starts for the story. It was really interesting at the beginning but near the end i lost interest in it.
1 extra star for the dark prince, Xerxes, and Andrian. As usual i fell in love with the wrong the wrong people again. Give me their books already!
1 less star.. because i didn't like the idea of people living on the sky. I couldn't take them seriously while they were running around on the clouds.
3 starts for the story. It was really interesting at the beginning but near the end i lost interest in it.
1 extra star for the dark prince, Xerxes, and Andrian. As usual i fell in love with the wrong the wrong people again. Give me their books already!
1 less star.. because i didn't like the idea of people living on the sky. I couldn't take them seriously while they were running around on the clouds.
no-way-in-hell
August 25, 2013
Pass.
Thane is my least favorite character in this series and I certainly won't read his book.
March 1, 2020
Quick review since I am on my phone. Truly the best book in this series! Thane is my fave hero of the series. His obsession with Elin was fun to read. I loved reading about his change for the better for her. Plus he was terribly romantic. So good!
Some laugh out loud moments and even ones that brought tears to my eyes. Great book!
Some laugh out loud moments and even ones that brought tears to my eyes. Great book!
December 20, 2014
Review to come
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