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Order of the Blade #7
Darkness Unleashed
The New York Times bestselling author of the Order of the Blade series, Stephanie Rowe, returns to the haunted recesses of the Underworld, where the most dangerous and unpredictable Calydon of all must face his darkest past and the dangerous, elusive woman who is hiding a secret that he can't afford to discover. Intensely loyal and yet violently unpredictable, immortal warrior Ryland Samuels has one chance to save the soul of the man he owes his life to, but with each passing moment, he spirals closer and closer to the life that once trapped him, a nightmare that has been waiting to reclaim him for almost a thousand years.Ravaged by betrayal and loss, Catherine Taylor is almost out of time to save her daughter from a place so deadly, so haunted, that no one has emerged alive in centuries. The angel of death will not let anything stand in her way, not even the deadly, haunted warrior on a lethal mission. Ryland needs her help desperately, but she needs his even more…and they can't both get what they want.Forbidden heat explodes between the two tormented, isolated souls when they meet, a fiery, sensual connection that threatens everything they hold most dear. Will they survive the passion raging between them? Or will it cost them the one thing each cannot bear to lose?"Rowe is a paranormal star!" ~J.R. Ward, NYT Bestselling author of the Black Dagger Brotherhood"Once more, award winning author Stephanie Rowe pens a winner with DARKNESS UNLEASHED, the seventh book in her amazing ORDER OF THE BLADE series. The eternal battle between good and evil is epitomized in this action-packed, sensual story that will keep you perched on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning pages to discover the outcome…. [DARKNESS UNLEASHED is] one of the best paranormal books I have read this year. Brimming with humor, danger, hunky Calydons, angels, demons, witty banter, sizzling sensuality, surprising plot twists, loyalty, love and revelations, this fast-paced story is one you will not soon forget…You do not want to miss it!" ~Romancejunkies.com"Stephanie Rowe has done it again. The Order Of The Blade series is one of the best urban fantasy/paranormal series I have read...Keep them coming!" ~Alexx Mom Cat's Gateway Book Blog ABOUT THE New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Stephanie Rowe is the author of more than 45 novels, including her popular Order of the Blade and NightHunter paranormal romance series. Stephanie is a four-time nominee of the RITA® Award, the highest award in romance fiction. She has won many awards for her novels, including the prestigious Golden Heart Award. She has received coveted starred reviews from Booklist, and Publishers Weekly has called her work "[a] genre-twister that will make readers...rabid for more." Stephanie also writes a thrilling romantic suspense series set in Alaska. Publisher's Weekly praised the series debut, ICE, as a "thrilling entry into romantic suspense," and Fresh Fiction called ICE an "edgy, sexy and gripping thriller." Equally as intense and sexy are Stephanie's contemporary romance novels.
351 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2013
112 people are currently reading
747 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Rowe
112 books1,536 followersHailed as a "paranormal star!" by J.R. Ward, Stephanie Rowe is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty-five novels. She is the 2018 RITA® winner for Best Paranormal Romance, as well as a five-time nominee for this prestigious award. For more on Stephanie and her books, visit her at www.stephaneierowe.com, or on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/StephanieRow....
A life-long reader, she began crafting stories at age ten, but didn't realize it was her dream until she was an adult.
Once the light dawned, she immediately left behind "work" as the world defines it and went to "work" as she defines it, which means getting up every morning with a smile in her heart so she can spend the day doing that which makes her spirit sing.
Stephanie believes in learning to listen to your heart in order to figure out what your dreams are, and then opening yourself to the inspiration that will direct you there. She believes we all deserve the right to enjoy life, and for the ride to be as easy as we want it to be, and that we all should accept nothing less than making our dreams come true.
Stephanie lives in New England, and spends every day doing her best to fill it with people, observations and activities that uplift her soul, which include writing, tennis, dancing, friends, and her amazing family.
A life-long reader, she began crafting stories at age ten, but didn't realize it was her dream until she was an adult.
Once the light dawned, she immediately left behind "work" as the world defines it and went to "work" as she defines it, which means getting up every morning with a smile in her heart so she can spend the day doing that which makes her spirit sing.
Stephanie believes in learning to listen to your heart in order to figure out what your dreams are, and then opening yourself to the inspiration that will direct you there. She believes we all deserve the right to enjoy life, and for the ride to be as easy as we want it to be, and that we all should accept nothing less than making our dreams come true.
Stephanie lives in New England, and spends every day doing her best to fill it with people, observations and activities that uplift her soul, which include writing, tennis, dancing, friends, and her amazing family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
July 28, 2013
One of the Best Books I've read this year...Did something that a book hasn't done in a long time... Moved me to tears!
Just when I think Stephanie Rowe has written the best book in the Order of the Blade Series, with her last book Darkness Arisen, she goes and writes one even better than the last.
So I’m here to officially declare that Darkness Unleashed is the Absolute BEST in the Series!!
Why do you ask? And here is my honest answer…I have been an avid reader since I was about 12 years ( many ,many moons ago) and it has been a very long time that a story was able to draw out my emotions to the point that I had tears running down my face. Stephanie was able to draw me into the story on such an emotional level that I was able to feel the pain and heartache of the characters. At times, they were tears of sorrow and misery and other times they were tears of over whelming joy.
And for The Calydon Warrior Ryland Samuals, who in the past books of the series, kinda always stay in the background and just making an appearance once in a while, he totally stole the show and my heart.
Ryland was the darkest, most fierce warrior from the order. There was darkness within Ry that the others around him could see and where very cautious in his presences, they were afraid he could snap at any moment. Because of the darkness festering inside Ry, he was the best warrior to track and find Catherine Taylor. The Angel of Death, who Ryland is convinced is the 3rd angel that protects The Order. But Ry also has a secret reason for wanting to find the angel of Death, she could be the key to save him. He had been looking of an angel of Death for the last 1000 years.
However, Catherine is on her own mission, to enter the bowels of Hades to get her daughter back and she is running out of time. Nothing will stop Catherine from saving her child, not the man who betrayed her and took her daughter or the man that is following her. Nothing but saving her daughter matters to her.
As Ryland is following Catherine, he realizes where she is heading as his own struggles with his darkness begin to take a total on him. There is no way that Ryland will allow this to happen. To return from the pit that he escaped a thousand years ago, would destroy him.
Once Ry finally catches Catherine, the connection is instant and strong, it almost overwhelms Ry and Catherine as they try to fight it. Catherine feels safe and protected for the first time since losing her child and Ry feels peace, something he hasn’t felt in a very long time. The sexual chemistry between them is off the charts.
The tension and anguish just leaps off the pages, I even caught myself reading and holding my breath waiting to see what was going to happen next. Both have major trust issues and both have their own agenda. These dark but beautiful souls are hurting on a deep level and my heart broke for them.
They finally come to an agreement, Ry will help her save her daughter and Catherine will return to The Order has their Angel. And just how does Catherine manage this…. She tells Ry that she is the angel that took the leader of the Order’s, Dante, soul and she can get him back.
Ryland has given his life to protect the Order and it’s because of Dante that he escaped the netherworld all those years ago. He’ll do whatever to takes to help the man who saved his life and gave it purpose. Not even the threat to losing his humanity will stop Ry from helping Dante.
Will these two lost souls learn to trust each other in order to achieve their goals, will they learn to work together to save Dante and Catherine’s daughter or will they let their secrets destroy them.
Ms. Stephanie Rowe has created a story that keeps you sitting on the edge of your seat from the time you start reading Darkness Unleashed, till the last word. I was left with that great feeling you get after you just rode one of the biggest, loopiest roller coast ride… your legs are wobbly, your inside feel like mush and you have the biggest ear splitting grin on your face.
Every one of my friends can be expecting a Goodreads recommended read of Darkness Unleashed by Stephanie Rowe from me!!!
PS… After I finished the book, I turned back and re-read some of my favorite sections with a huge smile on my face.
Just when I think Stephanie Rowe has written the best book in the Order of the Blade Series, with her last book Darkness Arisen, she goes and writes one even better than the last.
So I’m here to officially declare that Darkness Unleashed is the Absolute BEST in the Series!!
Why do you ask? And here is my honest answer…I have been an avid reader since I was about 12 years ( many ,many moons ago) and it has been a very long time that a story was able to draw out my emotions to the point that I had tears running down my face. Stephanie was able to draw me into the story on such an emotional level that I was able to feel the pain and heartache of the characters. At times, they were tears of sorrow and misery and other times they were tears of over whelming joy.
And for The Calydon Warrior Ryland Samuals, who in the past books of the series, kinda always stay in the background and just making an appearance once in a while, he totally stole the show and my heart.
Ryland was the darkest, most fierce warrior from the order. There was darkness within Ry that the others around him could see and where very cautious in his presences, they were afraid he could snap at any moment. Because of the darkness festering inside Ry, he was the best warrior to track and find Catherine Taylor. The Angel of Death, who Ryland is convinced is the 3rd angel that protects The Order. But Ry also has a secret reason for wanting to find the angel of Death, she could be the key to save him. He had been looking of an angel of Death for the last 1000 years.
However, Catherine is on her own mission, to enter the bowels of Hades to get her daughter back and she is running out of time. Nothing will stop Catherine from saving her child, not the man who betrayed her and took her daughter or the man that is following her. Nothing but saving her daughter matters to her.
As Ryland is following Catherine, he realizes where she is heading as his own struggles with his darkness begin to take a total on him. There is no way that Ryland will allow this to happen. To return from the pit that he escaped a thousand years ago, would destroy him.
Once Ry finally catches Catherine, the connection is instant and strong, it almost overwhelms Ry and Catherine as they try to fight it. Catherine feels safe and protected for the first time since losing her child and Ry feels peace, something he hasn’t felt in a very long time. The sexual chemistry between them is off the charts.
The tension and anguish just leaps off the pages, I even caught myself reading and holding my breath waiting to see what was going to happen next. Both have major trust issues and both have their own agenda. These dark but beautiful souls are hurting on a deep level and my heart broke for them.
They finally come to an agreement, Ry will help her save her daughter and Catherine will return to The Order has their Angel. And just how does Catherine manage this…. She tells Ry that she is the angel that took the leader of the Order’s, Dante, soul and she can get him back.
Ryland has given his life to protect the Order and it’s because of Dante that he escaped the netherworld all those years ago. He’ll do whatever to takes to help the man who saved his life and gave it purpose. Not even the threat to losing his humanity will stop Ry from helping Dante.
Will these two lost souls learn to trust each other in order to achieve their goals, will they learn to work together to save Dante and Catherine’s daughter or will they let their secrets destroy them.
Ms. Stephanie Rowe has created a story that keeps you sitting on the edge of your seat from the time you start reading Darkness Unleashed, till the last word. I was left with that great feeling you get after you just rode one of the biggest, loopiest roller coast ride… your legs are wobbly, your inside feel like mush and you have the biggest ear splitting grin on your face.
Every one of my friends can be expecting a Goodreads recommended read of Darkness Unleashed by Stephanie Rowe from me!!!
PS… After I finished the book, I turned back and re-read some of my favorite sections with a huge smile on my face.
July 23, 2013
I love this book! It took me on a ride, and when it was over, it left me wanting more!
This is the story of Ryland Samuals, the darkest of the dark Calydon warrior, and Catherine Taylor, an angel of death.
After spending a thousand years searching for her, Ryland has finally found an angel of death. His angel of death. The one that was prophesied to save him. Believing she is the third in the Order's trinity of angels, he will not lose her again. Ryland's primary focus has been protecting Dante Sinclair's legacy. His dark and secretive past has everyone convinced he is a monster, on the brink of going rouge. He is bound by duty and honor to protect innocents, but as he follows Catherine into the pits of hell, his true identity is revealed.
Catherine refuses to believe that she is the third guardian. Angel of death, yes, protector of the Order, not so much. She has her own agenda and reasons to align with Ryland and his team; it is a means to an end. Who better to protect her than a man who carries the burden of death as much as she does? Having had her life stolen from her by her ex, Catherine has vowed never to trust a man again. As the brands of a Calydon warrior begin to burn her skin, she knows something is very, very wrong.
This is the story of Ryland Samuals, the darkest of the dark Calydon warrior, and Catherine Taylor, an angel of death.
After spending a thousand years searching for her, Ryland has finally found an angel of death. His angel of death. The one that was prophesied to save him. Believing she is the third in the Order's trinity of angels, he will not lose her again. Ryland's primary focus has been protecting Dante Sinclair's legacy. His dark and secretive past has everyone convinced he is a monster, on the brink of going rouge. He is bound by duty and honor to protect innocents, but as he follows Catherine into the pits of hell, his true identity is revealed.
Catherine refuses to believe that she is the third guardian. Angel of death, yes, protector of the Order, not so much. She has her own agenda and reasons to align with Ryland and his team; it is a means to an end. Who better to protect her than a man who carries the burden of death as much as she does? Having had her life stolen from her by her ex, Catherine has vowed never to trust a man again. As the brands of a Calydon warrior begin to burn her skin, she knows something is very, very wrong.
August 5, 2013
I loved this book, as I have the other books in this series, as this is Ryland Samuels story!
Ryland is a heartbeat away from going rogue, but not in the sense that others of his kind do the same. Ryland is different from the other members of the Order of the Blade, yet he has a fierce loyalty to the Order and to Dante.
Ryland has this amazing regard for angels, so when he meets Catherine Taylor, the angel of death, he automatically wants to protect her because she is technically an angel. Catherine, on the other hand, is looking to save her daughter from a very horrible place where the little girl was taken to by her father. Catherine makes a deal with Ryland to help her get her daughter back, and she will help him find Dante.
There are many interesting things that this story reveals, particularly about Ryland and what he is capable of.
I cannot recommend this book enough to anyone, as this is a very good read, as are the other books in this series!Stephanie Rowe
Ryland is a heartbeat away from going rogue, but not in the sense that others of his kind do the same. Ryland is different from the other members of the Order of the Blade, yet he has a fierce loyalty to the Order and to Dante.
Ryland has this amazing regard for angels, so when he meets Catherine Taylor, the angel of death, he automatically wants to protect her because she is technically an angel. Catherine, on the other hand, is looking to save her daughter from a very horrible place where the little girl was taken to by her father. Catherine makes a deal with Ryland to help her get her daughter back, and she will help him find Dante.
There are many interesting things that this story reveals, particularly about Ryland and what he is capable of.
I cannot recommend this book enough to anyone, as this is a very good read, as are the other books in this series!Stephanie Rowe
August 4, 2013
I have had the pleasure of Beta reading most of this series for Stephanie and it has been an honour to watch her transformation from a good author, into an exceptional one.
Ryland’s existence brings a whole new meaning to the phrase; Tortured Soul. This compelling story has powerful dialogue, extreme conditions and emotions so strong that they make the heart bleed. So be prepared, because putting this book down before the end WILL NOT be an option.
Darkness Unleashed is brilliant, and by far Stephanie's best story to date, so grab your copy on release day, you won't be disappointed.
Ryland’s existence brings a whole new meaning to the phrase; Tortured Soul. This compelling story has powerful dialogue, extreme conditions and emotions so strong that they make the heart bleed. So be prepared, because putting this book down before the end WILL NOT be an option.
Darkness Unleashed is brilliant, and by far Stephanie's best story to date, so grab your copy on release day, you won't be disappointed.
July 19, 2013
Ryland is a kickass member of the Order with a huge secret and everything to lose now that Dante is gone, mainly his sanity. Catherine, an angel of death, is doing she can to keep the darkness from consuming her and will literally go to hell and back to rescue those she loves. These two have forces drawing them together while they are trying to fight so hard to not give in to temptation.
Ryland has pretty much stayed in the background of previous book and now it's his time for a HEA!! He's one of my favorites so I'm glad to see he gets to be happy :) No spoilers from me, you'll love it and I wouldn't want to ruin it for anyone!!
Ryland has pretty much stayed in the background of previous book and now it's his time for a HEA!! He's one of my favorites so I'm glad to see he gets to be happy :) No spoilers from me, you'll love it and I wouldn't want to ruin it for anyone!!
July 17, 2013
Two sayings come to mind with this book! The first being "The best is yet to come", and with Stephanie Rowe's Order of the Blade series, truer words have never been spoken. Every single book that she comes out with is better than the last, and that is saying something because all these books are amazing. The second saying is, "The bigger they are, the harder they fall", because in Darkness Unleashed, Ryland falls hard!! It is so amazing to me the amount of depth Stephanie can put into her characters emotions. You do NOT just read them, you FEEL them. The trials she puts them through are so intense that it will have you on the edge of your seat wondering how they will ever overcome them. This is definitely a MUST read! Just make sure you have plenty of time when you sit down to do it, because once you start you will not want to stop!
August 28, 2013
Phenomenal nail biting, edge of the seat, fiction…
Stephanie Rowe systematically dismantles what we, the readers, expects from paranormal/fantasy romance novels and re-constructs those pieces of our expectations into a phenomenally wonderful series of novels that enthral and captivate the reader, dragging them kicking and screaming into a world that does not just mesmerise but jealously holds us deep in an enchantment we do not want to fight our way out of…… Keep the novels coming please, Stephanie.
Having read the previous books in the Order of the Blade series I expected ‘Darkness Unleashed’ to be an outstanding read and I certainly wasn’t disappointed. Immediate drama from the beginning leads to scintillating interaction between Ryland and Catherine, involved twisting story-lines and inventively unexpected happenings as I have come to expect from Stephanie Rowe. The synopsis advertising the book is accurate and creates an allure but does not convey just how dramatically this book will pull you, the reader, into an enthralling adventurous read. The only disappointment is that now I am impatiently awaiting more of the same.
This novel is a must buy for any fans of paranormal/fantasy romance or adventure. Fans of Stephanie Rowe will feel a need to keep this book on their shelves forever.
See more at http://www.book-review-circle.com/Dar...
Stephanie Rowe systematically dismantles what we, the readers, expects from paranormal/fantasy romance novels and re-constructs those pieces of our expectations into a phenomenally wonderful series of novels that enthral and captivate the reader, dragging them kicking and screaming into a world that does not just mesmerise but jealously holds us deep in an enchantment we do not want to fight our way out of…… Keep the novels coming please, Stephanie.
Having read the previous books in the Order of the Blade series I expected ‘Darkness Unleashed’ to be an outstanding read and I certainly wasn’t disappointed. Immediate drama from the beginning leads to scintillating interaction between Ryland and Catherine, involved twisting story-lines and inventively unexpected happenings as I have come to expect from Stephanie Rowe. The synopsis advertising the book is accurate and creates an allure but does not convey just how dramatically this book will pull you, the reader, into an enthralling adventurous read. The only disappointment is that now I am impatiently awaiting more of the same.
This novel is a must buy for any fans of paranormal/fantasy romance or adventure. Fans of Stephanie Rowe will feel a need to keep this book on their shelves forever.
See more at http://www.book-review-circle.com/Dar...
August 13, 2013
I beta read for a few authors, and love them all. Stephanie's books are, as a whole, some of the hardest to put down once I start reading. These men, these amazing and flawed men, suck me in every single time. Ryland's story, if at all possible, was her best yet. Throughout the process of going over this story with the proverbial fine toothed comb, chill bumps chased across my skin and I just kept shaking my head and thinking "her fans are going to love this one!"
Watch out ladies. Ryland is on his way!
Watch out ladies. Ryland is on his way!
August 29, 2013
WOW just WOW .... quite possibly my favorite of all the OOTB series!!! Everything about it was amazing, I laughed, teared up and just about fell out of my chair several times .... I'm very much looking forward to the next one. Thank you Stephanie for another WILD ride!!!
August 29, 2013
A must read for Order of the Blade fans!
July 5, 2019
The rough and tough Ryland was the sweetest of them all. I really enjoyed his story. :)
July 6, 2024
It has been a while since I read the previous books in this series, so I had forgotten what a fine author Stephanie Rowe is! Ryland is a Calydon warrior in the Order of the Blade. He's on what may be his final mission to honor his personal savior by retrieving the Order's third guardian angel. Catherine is an angel with a mission of her own: to rescue her little girl from the depths of hell before it's too late. This is such an emotional tale that's still loaded with danger and mayhem, and the twists are enough to keep the reader fully engaged. Ryland and Catherine are magnetically drawn to each other, but...plot twist! Ryland has to revisit his own personal hell, and Catherine is willing to battle her ex to the end for their child and...plot twist! Ryland is completely committed to getting the guardian to his order...You guessed it, plot twist! Kudos to the author, and I'm eager for what comes next!!
August 6, 2017
Great story with lots of action, surprises and mysteries revealed. Ryland is the darkest Calydon warrior. So dark that he is always on the verge of being killed by one of his brothers when he goes rogue. So dark that Zac is always ready to do the deed of ending Ryland. Then he meets his sheva and even though the bonding steps are performed it's a mystery why another warriors weapons appear on her arm instead of his. What the heck?!! That was a good reveal! Another one that I didn't see coming was the identity of the 3rd angel. That was a wonderful surprise. I loved how it was revealed that Ryland was a guardian to their brotherhood. That even though he was an unpredictable bastard who always appeared angry, he was also the one who saved most of their lives during the most intense fighting moments. Such good writing. And how about that ending? Just loved this book.
April 27, 2022
I have to give it to this author. She writes really captivating paranormal fantasy romance stories. This story was really nice and it held my interest until I kinda struggled with some of the key terms because they weren’t explained well and it was only then that I realized I was reading a book from a series. That being said it’s an amazing book just being a standalone. What interested me the most and what I really really loved about the story was that it was so unique I couldn’t predict what was going to happen next and that’s not something you see in books these days. I found this to be a completely new and refreshing experience.
November 18, 2020
Ryland and Catherine
I loved this book.
The series gets better with each story.
It was so good to learn about Ryland, he’s been so mysterious throughout the series. You get to finally figure out why he is the way he is.
We’ve got glimpses of Catherine from the last book. She’s very driven and we learn why.
Cat and Ry have so much to overcome, they go through hell together. I loved seeing them work through everything to reach the goals they’re trying to reach.
There’s a lot of other things going on in this book, so much more to find out as the series continues.
I loved this book.
The series gets better with each story.
It was so good to learn about Ryland, he’s been so mysterious throughout the series. You get to finally figure out why he is the way he is.
We’ve got glimpses of Catherine from the last book. She’s very driven and we learn why.
Cat and Ry have so much to overcome, they go through hell together. I loved seeing them work through everything to reach the goals they’re trying to reach.
There’s a lot of other things going on in this book, so much more to find out as the series continues.
January 6, 2021
I enjoyed this story in which an angel of death and a monster from the nether-realm enter hell to rescue loved ones, and the experience will change both of them forever. Darkness Unleashed is, at heart, a love story, but there's not much sweetness and light to it. It's a dark tale about the humanity and goodness that's buried inside even the darkest monsters.
Packed full of angels, demons, ancient warriors and non-stop action, this story is a thrill-a-minute adventure that's part of a series but works very well as a stand-alone.
Packed full of angels, demons, ancient warriors and non-stop action, this story is a thrill-a-minute adventure that's part of a series but works very well as a stand-alone.
July 12, 2020
Best so far
By far so far the best book in the series, no spoiler you will have to find out yourself. This book had me at page 1 and I couldn't put it down. Ry finally found where he belong and who he really is. My heart hurt for him and am so happy I didn't give up reading the series.
By far so far the best book in the series, no spoiler you will have to find out yourself. This book had me at page 1 and I couldn't put it down. Ry finally found where he belong and who he really is. My heart hurt for him and am so happy I didn't give up reading the series.
October 29, 2019
Heartwrenching, in a good way
This, by far, is the best of the series! It grabs you from the get and you just go! This is the Warrior you want to hate. This is the one on the outside, even from his team... in the edge. He makes you love him the most!
This, by far, is the best of the series! It grabs you from the get and you just go! This is the Warrior you want to hate. This is the one on the outside, even from his team... in the edge. He makes you love him the most!
May 13, 2020
Ray and Cat
A series that keeps you reading , lots of action, and a very good story line. A stand alone book with an HEA, but you would get more from the story if you started at the beginning of the series. Highly recommend
A series that keeps you reading , lots of action, and a very good story line. A stand alone book with an HEA, but you would get more from the story if you started at the beginning of the series. Highly recommend
January 13, 2021
Because of the latest rewritten 'order of the blade' I naturally had to go back and read all of the rest again. Wow imagine finding so many nuggets I missed the first time. Loving the series and can't wait for more....
March 20, 2017
Great suspense
Keeps you reading till you eyes are red! I toss and turn in bed trying to sleep and I just have to give in and get up and read into the wee hrs.
Keeps you reading till you eyes are red! I toss and turn in bed trying to sleep and I just have to give in and get up and read into the wee hrs.
February 13, 2018
Loved this one on how the sheva bonding went for Ryland. It was very refreshing to see how the bond would play out between the three characters.
May 22, 2019
As usual Stephanie Rowe does not disappoint! I was engaged and could not put it down. Absolutely love it ❤️
November 1, 2022
Rowe has redeemed herself from the Ian let-down.
June 15, 2023
Intense!
Ughhhh this book almost gave me a heart attack!! I need some wine! Buying the next book right now! Great series!
Ughhhh this book almost gave me a heart attack!! I need some wine! Buying the next book right now! Great series!
August 27, 2013
The latest witty, sensual addition to the delectable Order of the Blade series! A Recommended Read! Taken from my review at RomanceJunkies.com:
Ryland Samuels, a member of the Order of the Blade, has always carried a dark side. More feared than liked, he is given a wide berth by the rest of the order. He had originated in the nether-realms with the Dark Lord and Desdria, who had turned him into a beast that followed their evil demands. But Dante, the leader of the Order of the Blade, had saved him with an angel’s golden light. Since that time, Dante has held angels in high regard. Now Dante is dead and the rest of the order is seriously decimated. So Ryland has made it his mission to honor Dante by saving the Order of the Blade. To do this, he must protect the third angel, who makes up the triumvirate of angels who protect the order. Believing the third angel to be Catherine, he sets out to protect her, but finds himself lusting after her, certain that she is his sheva, or soul mate.
Catherine, aka Cat, the angel of death, thrives on light…particularly that found in souls. But the murderous acts in her past have left her devastated. As long as she doesn’t sleep, she will not give into her baser needs. Absorbing light from the sun also helps her, at least enough to keep her in control. Two years ago, her husband, Simon, the man she thought she loved, had taken their little girl, Lucy, away from her into the nether-realms and Cat is desperate to get her back. As Cat runs towards clues leading her to Lucy, she is also trying to evade the men who are chasing her. When the Order finally catches up with her, she is surprised to find that they believe she is one of the angels meant to protect them. But she knows she is the angel of death, the angel meant to take them out. Still, she cannot deny her attraction to Ryland. However, she is unwilling to turn herself over to another man after Simon’s betrayal.
Figuring that the Order can help her get her daughter back, Cat tries to convince Ryland to accompany her to the nether-realm to get Lucy back, letting him know that Dante is there also. Ryland wants to save Dante, but the last place he wants to go is to the nether realms, his former place of captivity, knowing that his return will turn him back into the beast he once was, following the evil Dark Lord’s commands. But left with little choice, he enters the evil world he had hoped to leave in the past.
As they struggle to find both Dante and Lucy, they give into their feelings for each other, only to find that Cat may be Thanos’ sheva, not Ryland’s. Will his love for Cat and his loyalty to Thano interfere with their mission? Can they defeat the evil beings in the nether-realm and save Dante and Lucy before Ryland gives into the beast that is slowly consuming him?
Once more, award winning author Stephanie Rowe pens a winner with DARKNESS UNLEASHED, the seventh book in her amazing ORDER OF THE BLADE series. The eternal battle between good and evil is epitomized in this action-packed, sensual story that will keep you perched on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning pages to discover the outcome. Just when I think that her books cannot get any better, Ms. Rowe proves me wrong. Having enjoyed this book immensely, I made it a Recommended Read in addition to giving it 5 Blue Ribbons as I believe it is one of the best paranormal books I have read this year. Brimming with humor, danger, hunky Calydons, angels, demons, witty banter, sizzling sensuality, surprising plot twists, loyalty, love and revelations, this fast-paced story is one you will not soon forget. Although I love all of the books in this exciting series, this one may be the best yet! How far would you go for the one you love? Ms. Rowe puts it on the line with DARKNESS UNLEASHED! You do not want to miss it!
Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com
Ryland Samuels, a member of the Order of the Blade, has always carried a dark side. More feared than liked, he is given a wide berth by the rest of the order. He had originated in the nether-realms with the Dark Lord and Desdria, who had turned him into a beast that followed their evil demands. But Dante, the leader of the Order of the Blade, had saved him with an angel’s golden light. Since that time, Dante has held angels in high regard. Now Dante is dead and the rest of the order is seriously decimated. So Ryland has made it his mission to honor Dante by saving the Order of the Blade. To do this, he must protect the third angel, who makes up the triumvirate of angels who protect the order. Believing the third angel to be Catherine, he sets out to protect her, but finds himself lusting after her, certain that she is his sheva, or soul mate.
Catherine, aka Cat, the angel of death, thrives on light…particularly that found in souls. But the murderous acts in her past have left her devastated. As long as she doesn’t sleep, she will not give into her baser needs. Absorbing light from the sun also helps her, at least enough to keep her in control. Two years ago, her husband, Simon, the man she thought she loved, had taken their little girl, Lucy, away from her into the nether-realms and Cat is desperate to get her back. As Cat runs towards clues leading her to Lucy, she is also trying to evade the men who are chasing her. When the Order finally catches up with her, she is surprised to find that they believe she is one of the angels meant to protect them. But she knows she is the angel of death, the angel meant to take them out. Still, she cannot deny her attraction to Ryland. However, she is unwilling to turn herself over to another man after Simon’s betrayal.
Figuring that the Order can help her get her daughter back, Cat tries to convince Ryland to accompany her to the nether-realm to get Lucy back, letting him know that Dante is there also. Ryland wants to save Dante, but the last place he wants to go is to the nether realms, his former place of captivity, knowing that his return will turn him back into the beast he once was, following the evil Dark Lord’s commands. But left with little choice, he enters the evil world he had hoped to leave in the past.
As they struggle to find both Dante and Lucy, they give into their feelings for each other, only to find that Cat may be Thanos’ sheva, not Ryland’s. Will his love for Cat and his loyalty to Thano interfere with their mission? Can they defeat the evil beings in the nether-realm and save Dante and Lucy before Ryland gives into the beast that is slowly consuming him?
Once more, award winning author Stephanie Rowe pens a winner with DARKNESS UNLEASHED, the seventh book in her amazing ORDER OF THE BLADE series. The eternal battle between good and evil is epitomized in this action-packed, sensual story that will keep you perched on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning pages to discover the outcome. Just when I think that her books cannot get any better, Ms. Rowe proves me wrong. Having enjoyed this book immensely, I made it a Recommended Read in addition to giving it 5 Blue Ribbons as I believe it is one of the best paranormal books I have read this year. Brimming with humor, danger, hunky Calydons, angels, demons, witty banter, sizzling sensuality, surprising plot twists, loyalty, love and revelations, this fast-paced story is one you will not soon forget. Although I love all of the books in this exciting series, this one may be the best yet! How far would you go for the one you love? Ms. Rowe puts it on the line with DARKNESS UNLEASHED! You do not want to miss it!
Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com
September 27, 2015
This is a paranormal romance. This can be read as a stand alone, I have not read any of the other books and I was not lost, but... my interest is peaked, I will read the previous books! I recommend this for adults only, due to language and the sexual content. The book has so many twists and turns I was not expecting the outcome. I was shocked and surprised. Ryland made the story enjoyable for me, he is smart as*, he can take what he gives, I love his snarky attitude! He has a strong presence but deep inside he is tender hearted. His devotion is undeniable and his temper made him more sexy. I understood Catherine's devotion to her daughter, I felt her motherly love. But she was so indecisive, I wanted to smack some sense into her. Together they are madness but wow what a lethal combination.
Ryland Samuels is a deadly warrior, but he lives with a past that haunts him. He is committed to his team and will do anything to keep them safe, even though he feels isolated. Ryland owes his life to the man who saved him from hell, and will fight for rescuer's vision, but Ryland has not allowed himself to fully accept the gift he was given.
Ryland and his team are on a mission and she has eluded them for far to long. Catherine Taylor has desperately been trying to save her daughter and she will not stop until she has her baby safe in her arms. She does not have time to cater to any man, but maybe she can use this to her advantage. He has swore his protection to her. Ryland was not phased by Catherines's dire situation, until he learns that she is the angel of death and senses the soul of the man he is indebted too. They are on a course to the netherworld, a place he swore he would never return too. Can they save whom they value the most, or will this undertaking end them both?
Favorite passages:
"You lie like a fu**ing rug, old man."
"Fiercely, like a tsunami of glowing beauty bending to her will."
"Fresh flowers sat on the nearest grave, telling her that someone still loved whomever was buried there."
"This place that had once been his home. His prison. His hell."
"That moment of beauty and intimacy, that feeling of being cherished and protected, of being wanted with such fierceness that nothing could keep him from her."
"After being shut down emotionally for so long, it felt good to encounter a soul that made her want to cry with empathy."
"I want to pin you down, tear you clothes off, and make love to you until we both melt into the earth, our very existence burned up in the fire of our lovemaking."
"She felt like a moth, lured to the flame in the dark of night, trying to pry strength from it roaring magic."
"You're my guardian angel, but I'm your protector."
"You're the salvation for my soul."
"I love my daughter with every ounce of my soul."
Ryland Samuels is a deadly warrior, but he lives with a past that haunts him. He is committed to his team and will do anything to keep them safe, even though he feels isolated. Ryland owes his life to the man who saved him from hell, and will fight for rescuer's vision, but Ryland has not allowed himself to fully accept the gift he was given.
Ryland and his team are on a mission and she has eluded them for far to long. Catherine Taylor has desperately been trying to save her daughter and she will not stop until she has her baby safe in her arms. She does not have time to cater to any man, but maybe she can use this to her advantage. He has swore his protection to her. Ryland was not phased by Catherines's dire situation, until he learns that she is the angel of death and senses the soul of the man he is indebted too. They are on a course to the netherworld, a place he swore he would never return too. Can they save whom they value the most, or will this undertaking end them both?
Favorite passages:
"You lie like a fu**ing rug, old man."
"Fiercely, like a tsunami of glowing beauty bending to her will."
"Fresh flowers sat on the nearest grave, telling her that someone still loved whomever was buried there."
"This place that had once been his home. His prison. His hell."
"That moment of beauty and intimacy, that feeling of being cherished and protected, of being wanted with such fierceness that nothing could keep him from her."
"After being shut down emotionally for so long, it felt good to encounter a soul that made her want to cry with empathy."
"I want to pin you down, tear you clothes off, and make love to you until we both melt into the earth, our very existence burned up in the fire of our lovemaking."
"She felt like a moth, lured to the flame in the dark of night, trying to pry strength from it roaring magic."
"You're my guardian angel, but I'm your protector."
"You're the salvation for my soul."
"I love my daughter with every ounce of my soul."
November 10, 2013
“My Fave Book of the series’
Darkness Unleashed (order of the blade) Book #7
OMG what can I say. Seems the further you get into a series the better the story’s get. Ryland was saved by Dante from a horrible existence in the nether-realm and given a 2nd chance. Not really a Calydon by birth he is brought into the order by Dante, and feels very much the outsider. His brethren consider him a loose canyon and expect him to go rouge at any time. Ryland has a cranky, volatile personality and doesn’t allow anyone close to him. When Dante dies Ryland took it upon himself to keep the order together and to find the Triumvirate of Angels who protects the order. Having two of the Angel’s under the protection of the Order Ryland sets out to find their Angel of Death.
This is all I’m going to give you of the story. But trust me, Darkness Unleashed reveals so so much about Ryland and you never see it coming. The emotions will run high while reading this story. My heart broke for Ryland when he finally catches up with who he thinks is the Angel of Death and the last of the Triumvirate for the Order.
Trust me, the twist and turns, the action and the romance in this story will have you holding your breath, crying and fist pumping throughout. I am really curious who the hooded Calydon Warriors were in the nether-realm and where they will show up in future story’s. If you haven’t read this series you are really missing out. I give Darkness Unleashed 5* and can’t what for Inferno of Darkness novella to release sometime in December.
Darkness Unleashed (order of the blade) Book #7
OMG what can I say. Seems the further you get into a series the better the story’s get. Ryland was saved by Dante from a horrible existence in the nether-realm and given a 2nd chance. Not really a Calydon by birth he is brought into the order by Dante, and feels very much the outsider. His brethren consider him a loose canyon and expect him to go rouge at any time. Ryland has a cranky, volatile personality and doesn’t allow anyone close to him. When Dante dies Ryland took it upon himself to keep the order together and to find the Triumvirate of Angels who protects the order. Having two of the Angel’s under the protection of the Order Ryland sets out to find their Angel of Death.
This is all I’m going to give you of the story. But trust me, Darkness Unleashed reveals so so much about Ryland and you never see it coming. The emotions will run high while reading this story. My heart broke for Ryland when he finally catches up with who he thinks is the Angel of Death and the last of the Triumvirate for the Order.
Trust me, the twist and turns, the action and the romance in this story will have you holding your breath, crying and fist pumping throughout. I am really curious who the hooded Calydon Warriors were in the nether-realm and where they will show up in future story’s. If you haven’t read this series you are really missing out. I give Darkness Unleashed 5* and can’t what for Inferno of Darkness novella to release sometime in December.
March 14, 2020
Ryland may not be my favorite character, but I'm pretty happy with how much trouble his mate put him through in this book. At this point we are well into the story here, so if you plan to start, I would back up at least a book or two before joining the story already in progress.
Ryland is a moody, grumpy, angry warrior who, for some reason, appears to have a soft spot for angels. We've watched him almost worship the other ones that have been discovered, so it makes sense he would try to "rescue" Catherine when she escapes at the end of the previous book. For normal folks, it might scare them off that she is the angel of death, but not Ryland!
By this time in the series, I admit to feeling a bit like these were turning formulaic. Don't get me wrong - I love a good paranormal romance with slight changes, but 3 angels and 3 warrior mates with the same results? I was a little bored. Don't worry, though! We get some deviation here - trust me. Ryland is not your typical warrior and his past is truly revealed here. Dante isn't just his mentor, but he truly saved him from a horrible existence.
Catherine, unbeknownst to her, ends up leading him straight back into hell (literally?), making him face his fears, his past, and ultimately reveal his true self. The reveal is very satisfying and we even get to see what Ryland looks like "happy."
Ryland is a moody, grumpy, angry warrior who, for some reason, appears to have a soft spot for angels. We've watched him almost worship the other ones that have been discovered, so it makes sense he would try to "rescue" Catherine when she escapes at the end of the previous book. For normal folks, it might scare them off that she is the angel of death, but not Ryland!
By this time in the series, I admit to feeling a bit like these were turning formulaic. Don't get me wrong - I love a good paranormal romance with slight changes, but 3 angels and 3 warrior mates with the same results? I was a little bored. Don't worry, though! We get some deviation here - trust me. Ryland is not your typical warrior and his past is truly revealed here. Dante isn't just his mentor, but he truly saved him from a horrible existence.
Catherine, unbeknownst to her, ends up leading him straight back into hell (literally?), making him face his fears, his past, and ultimately reveal his true self. The reveal is very satisfying and we even get to see what Ryland looks like "happy."
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