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The Sensor #2
Darkness Taunts
Book two of The Sensor Series. Melena Sanders has managed to avoid all things inhuman for most of her life, but after coming to Fairbanks, Alaska to rescue her best friend from supernaturals she hasn't been allowed to leave. That is, until her long-time nemesis comes to collect a favor she owes him. Lucas might be half angel, but he's all bad as far as she's concerned. Paying him back might get her out of town for a while, but her new destination will be anything but enjoyable. Mel's got to help the nephilim take care of a demon possession outbreak in Juneau. Although something like this hasn't happened for thousands of years, Lucas is certain Melena's rare abilities are the key to solving the problem. With violence in the capital city growing, she's going to have to figure out how to stop it fast before the trouble spreads to other places. Not only that, but working closely with Lucas is changing the dynamics of their hate-hate relationship-worrying her even more than the demons. Getting back to her captivity in Fairbanks never looked so good.
436 pages, Paperback
First published July 7, 2013
99 people are currently reading
716 people want to read
About the author
Susan Illene
40 books493 followersSusan Illene served in the US Army for eleven years and worked as a human resources specialist and an Arabic linguist. She served two deployments to Iraq, and after leaving the army, she studied history at the University of Oklahoma. She currently lives with her husband and two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
November 23, 2014
DNF @ 43%
This dark urban fantasy series set in Alaska is actually quite good is many ways, but suffers from a TSTL MC. The MC, supposedly a army vet, actually has the survival instincts of Lois Lane. The only reason she survives repeated circumstances entirely of her own making that should have gotten her killed, is though the periodic intervention of her abusive and manipulative superhuman love to hate interest.
You can even see them coming, as these near death experiences usually occur a few pages after one of her "I'm a big girl who can take care of herself" internal monologues, which are followed shortly thereafter but her doing something so insanely stupid, that they demonstrate that she is anything but a strong independent woman who is in control of her destiny.
Even Stephanie Plum has better survival instincts than this woman.
This dark urban fantasy series set in Alaska is actually quite good is many ways, but suffers from a TSTL MC. The MC, supposedly a army vet, actually has the survival instincts of Lois Lane. The only reason she survives repeated circumstances entirely of her own making that should have gotten her killed, is though the periodic intervention of her abusive and manipulative superhuman love to hate interest.
You can even see them coming, as these near death experiences usually occur a few pages after one of her "I'm a big girl who can take care of herself" internal monologues, which are followed shortly thereafter but her doing something so insanely stupid, that they demonstrate that she is anything but a strong independent woman who is in control of her destiny.
Even Stephanie Plum has better survival instincts than this woman.
May 11, 2017
Am I the only one who finds this series awfully a lot like Kate Daniels series?
October 6, 2013
2.5
I'm not sure what to think of Darkness Taunts. I liked it, but at the same time some part of it irritated me to no end, mostly the irrational lust/love that makes a big part of the plot.
Ms Illene has created a character that is supposed to be a bad-ass, kick-ass woman with a military background. But I can't merge the background I'm given with the woman I see. She calls her self a strong, independent woman. But I don't always read about such a woman. Yes, I'm told she's tried to run away twice. I don't necessary want angst and violence, but if you're basically kidnapped ("for your own good", of course) I'd expect you to be angrier about it.
Same during the kidnapping, yes, she's drugged and imprisoned, kept weak. But I don't get the idea that she's resisting and defiant. (I had the same problem with the first book in a similar situation.) Of course, here my ignorance is speaking. I always image military people in fiction larger than life.
Still, she's in no way a doormat, and this is one of the the reason that keeps me from disliking the book. But she's still a woman literally driven by hormones. Never something I can really stomach. She's manipulated by lust. Again, not what I expect from a woman coming from the military. I would expect her to be in full control of her body, if she's can't control her life (which she really can't).
I'm not even sure how she got to "love" the Nephilim. You have to accept it as a plot point, but not once I felt it, above all at the beginning. Honestly, this wouldn't have been a problem, if not for the lust and hormones driven changes. It's like the only way some authors can find to move the story from enemy to lovers is through sex.
My problem with it is that if you have sex with someone you hate and despise, we are entering into the "twisted mind" field. And this would be a different kind of book. Not less interesting or good, but different.
Personally I think this move could have happened "naturally" with the plot itself, which has quite a few interesting points.
And I guess this is what irritates me most. It could have been good if not for the "romance" (and I admit Nik. He doesn't sound like a Master :D)
We'll see what the third book will bring.
September 13, 2022
4.5 stars ⭐ Juste regrettable d'avoir une traduction et une relecture si peu soignées. Pour que je le souligne, c'est dire comme c'est parfois pénible au cours de la lecture !
Sinon ce deuxième tome est incroyable : les émotions sont fortes. L'action est partout. Les personnages se révèlent. L'alchimie entre Melena et son Nephilim est explosive. Il y a un tel revirement dans leurs rapports que vous restez sans voix. J'avais vu venir le truc entre eux - trop de tension - qu'il ne pouvait en être autrement. Mais attention, rien n'est simple non plus. D'où un final déchirant.
Il me tarde de retourner en Alaska pour poursuivre les aventures de notre héroïne si courageuse et qui est emportée malgré elle dans une série d'événements dramatiques ! Une vraie, bonne révélation que cette saga.
— Qu’avez-vous fait ? demandai-je dans un soupir. Le creux me causait une douleur émotionnelle indescriptible. — J’ai délié ton âme de celle du nephilim, déclara-t-il.
Sinon ce deuxième tome est incroyable : les émotions sont fortes. L'action est partout. Les personnages se révèlent. L'alchimie entre Melena et son Nephilim est explosive. Il y a un tel revirement dans leurs rapports que vous restez sans voix. J'avais vu venir le truc entre eux - trop de tension - qu'il ne pouvait en être autrement. Mais attention, rien n'est simple non plus. D'où un final déchirant.
Il me tarde de retourner en Alaska pour poursuivre les aventures de notre héroïne si courageuse et qui est emportée malgré elle dans une série d'événements dramatiques ! Une vraie, bonne révélation que cette saga.
Lucas ne connaissait pas la définition de douceur, et pourtant, il faisait extrêmement attention à ne pas me blesser. D’une façon ou d’une autre, j’avais acquis la capacité de dompter le lion.
— Qu’avez-vous fait ? demandai-je dans un soupir. Le creux me causait une douleur émotionnelle indescriptible. — J’ai délié ton âme de celle du nephilim, déclara-t-il.
July 21, 2013
Melena's identity has been revealed in Fairbanks as a consequence of the things that occurred in the first book, Darkness Haunts, and she has to deal with constant hostility from the area's sups. Melena is then volunteered to take care of a demon problem in Juneau, which further complicates her life.
The characters we came to know and love in the first book are back again, and a few new ones are introduced as well. The relationship between Melena and one of her men (from DH) intensifies, and the sexual tension just about had me screaming at my kindle!
I love Melena. I relate to her really well, although at times I did get frustrated with her. I felt as though I got to know her a lot better in this book, as with Lucas, but at times it was difficult to understand their reactions to certain things.
This book felt more emotional than Darkness Haunts. I found myself heavily invested in the story and at times I wanted to punch someone, while others I fought to keep the tears at bay so that I could quickly keep reading in order to find out what was going to happen.
It's going to be a long wait for the next book!
The characters we came to know and love in the first book are back again, and a few new ones are introduced as well. The relationship between Melena and one of her men (from DH) intensifies, and the sexual tension just about had me screaming at my kindle!
I love Melena. I relate to her really well, although at times I did get frustrated with her. I felt as though I got to know her a lot better in this book, as with Lucas, but at times it was difficult to understand their reactions to certain things.
This book felt more emotional than Darkness Haunts. I found myself heavily invested in the story and at times I wanted to punch someone, while others I fought to keep the tears at bay so that I could quickly keep reading in order to find out what was going to happen.
It's going to be a long wait for the next book!
October 10, 2016
Lucas (nephilim) and Melena (sensor) come together to defeat the demon problem in Alaska. While spending time together the two of them find themselves simultaneously drawn and repulsed by each other... a dance that can't help but happen when two people are extremely guarded and have a past that comes with enough baggage to weigh down a small car. Their love story unfolds before either even admits that it's love. The rest of the book almost fails in comparison.... and that's saying a lot because.... wow... this was one awesome plot!
Susan Illene continues to be an excellent writer and Cris Dukehart is absolutely GREAT at being a narrator.
And I should mention that I finished this entire audiobook in less than 2 days!
Susan Illene continues to be an excellent writer and Cris Dukehart is absolutely GREAT at being a narrator.
And I should mention that I finished this entire audiobook in less than 2 days!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2016
I ADORE THIS SERIES!!! SO MUCH LOVE!!!
May 30, 2018
I ended up with more comments/questions than with what I had with book 1. Even though this would usually signify a poorly written story, in my opinion, something about this story still called to me. I'm still not a big fan of Melena though. Overall, the idea behind this series is very interesting, I just believe it was poorly executed. In the end, I'm not going to read book 3 because I can only imagine all the issues I'll come across (there were a lot of question/comments that I had to delete just to post this review).
Comments:
I noticed several grammatical/punctuation/organization errors throughout this story, unlike with book 1. For example, Lucas and Melena are climbing into his car. "I settled into the leather passenger seat." Where does Lucas sit? "Lucas climbed into the passenger seat," as well! Even though when they were fighting he was the one to grip the steering wheel " a little tighter than before."
Melena was not smart. Why did the author make her so clueless about...everything? The way Lucas felt about her? Automatically assuming that her birth control was risk-free when it came to having sex with Lucas/Nephilim/part angel. Or when Emily throws fairie dust at the were-boy, and her thinking those watching would assume it was dust. Yes, because people usually go around throwing "dust". Or when she asked why Othello had more security at his club, when she was the one to state multiple times the demon issue was worse. Or when Melena is with the Sensor group. She goes to lift her broken wrist and surprise! "Even moving it hurt." Or, (lastly) when the archangel comes for Lucas and he stated that he failed to protect Melena. Yet, she was somehow still clueless as to why the archangel was going to take Lucas. It's funny because she was constantly referencing her time in the Army as an interrogator. Yet, she can't read between the lines at all.
I was annoyed with her constantly picking fights with Lucas, for example, when he came back to the cabin in a bad mood and wanted to sit in his chair. Melena's response? To fight with him, but she made it seem like he was looking to fight with her. And she wonders why he considers her a thing to protect, yes, because, without his help (multiple times), she would have died long ago. I just didn't understand why she seemed to be so negative towards Lucas after all he'd done up until that point. "That man didn't have a sympathetic bone in his body." Since when? He'd saved her, saved her friends; what more could he do to get on her good side? Or "Micah had to be delusional to think his brother gave a crap about me." I felt like the author/Melena was talking about a different person.
The fighting scene between Melena and Micah was confusing. At one point, "...one of my legs [was] locked over his neck and the other over the top of his shoulders." Now for her to be in that position, she'd basically be sideways on his chest area. Yet, somehow her crotch is right in his face. Another scene was when Lucas was standing in front of Melena, while she was leaning against his car. One of his hands was downstairs playing with her, but then on the next page: "He leaned me back against the car and switched one of his hands to the front."
Not sure why the author introduced Fallon and Sayer the way she did. She mentioned their names but didn't say what they were or anything. As for Yarrow, there was no introduction between him and Melena when she first got to Felisha's house which seemed strange.
When they're fighting the Prince demon, somehow Melena didn't realize Ian was running towards the demon. He ends up bleeding within the circle. The demon also ends up somehow fighting Aeson even though he's supposedly trapped in said circle, but it's not until Melena shoots at the demon that the circle was broken.
Questions:
Why was Melena surprised by Lucas' reaction when he found out a vampire had attacked her at Nik's? Didn't Nik at the same way? Didn't Derrek act the same way? There was a similar situation in book 1 where she was surprised by one character's reaction even though other characters had reacted the same way.
Melena is reading through the book Nik let her borrow. "It went on to say how to properly kill a host if the demon had fully taken over- by beheading." If that was the case, the host would be dead and the demon would be sent back to Hell. But not necessarily: "If the soul still fought, then feeding the human sensor blood would end the possession." So basically a headless person/demon could still cause problems?
Considering it seemed easy for the demons to kill the sups, Melena's comment to Othello was for him to keep the strongest guys by the door. "If an unescorted human comes close, let them test the person out and see if they are something more." How would they do that though? What would they do exactly?
When Melena was in the mall with the demon who was lighting candles, why didn't she call Lucas then? Instead, she waited, and the sprinklers came on and ruined her phone.
Was Melena just messing with everyone when she stated she didn't think the Sensor group was all that bad? Because I don't know how she could have said that given the little bit of info they provided to her with.
Why was Melena against wearing anything Lucas picked out for her? It's funny since she was the one to pick out the slutty-stops at the butt-with slits up the sides to show her goodies-dress.
Why did Lucas think Melena would be upset about who Micah chose for his date? Hence, he ended up bringing Aniya.
Melena and Lisette have been friends for ten years. So why was Lisette so upset that Melena forced her to go back to CA? You'd think she would have been more understanding.
Whatever happened to the demon from the mall? And when did Melena's legs heal?
Lots of sups are getting killed at the club by the demons. Melena decides to make a large blood circle for her guys to stand in. But before she actually slit her wrist to make the circle, she states that "...if someone didn't heal me soon, I'd die." From what? She hadn't been injured, much less severely, yet.
The bad Sensor guy is helping Melena to remove her dress. "I was wearing a dress with no underwear on so at least he wouldn't see much." Huh? Didn't this dress only go to the tops of her thighs?
When she found out that Sensors could get pregnant by Nephilim, why was she upset with Lucas? They'd only had sex once and it wasn't like it had been planned. "Lucas deserved a chance to at least defend himself before I condemned him." Why? Again, here's a perfect example of Melena picking fights and thinking only negative thoughts about Lucas. Or what about when she had sex with Lucas when he was having the nightmare. She never thought to look for a condom or anything then. Afterward, she didn't even seem to fear she could have gotten pregnant.
Jermone tells Melena that her mother had provided him with two sons before she'd been born. Why didn't Melena ask about them? Why did she seem not concerned with rescuing the other female sensors?
Lucas wants to send Melena back to Fairbanks. She doesn't want to go, of course, and states that she can't because the demon problem was "only getting worse." How did she know that?
How old is Aniya's mother? The book made her sound like she was senile or something. Supposedly Aniya didn't want to compel her mother because "she'd be no better than the vampires who did it to her when she was human," yet her compulsion magic wasn't working anymore on her mother. Why? Additionally, when had she come into contact with vampires while a human?
When Melena finds out that Othello is dead, the book states "He had witches put the spell up right after we found out." Found out what? By the way it's written, it made it sound like he had the spells put up after the attack, yet he couldn't have because he was dead.
"The only way you're making me go is against my will." Lucas can't force her to do to anything. Yet...that's all he ever does. So that made no sense. How did he get her to leave and go back to Fairbanks the first time?
When Lucas and Micah bring Melena back to life: "I wanted to test out the richness of it [blood]..." Huh?
Comments:
I noticed several grammatical/punctuation/organization errors throughout this story, unlike with book 1. For example, Lucas and Melena are climbing into his car. "I settled into the leather passenger seat." Where does Lucas sit? "Lucas climbed into the passenger seat," as well! Even though when they were fighting he was the one to grip the steering wheel " a little tighter than before."
Melena was not smart. Why did the author make her so clueless about...everything? The way Lucas felt about her? Automatically assuming that her birth control was risk-free when it came to having sex with Lucas/Nephilim/part angel. Or when Emily throws fairie dust at the were-boy, and her thinking those watching would assume it was dust. Yes, because people usually go around throwing "dust". Or when she asked why Othello had more security at his club, when she was the one to state multiple times the demon issue was worse. Or when Melena is with the Sensor group. She goes to lift her broken wrist and surprise! "Even moving it hurt." Or, (lastly) when the archangel comes for Lucas and he stated that he failed to protect Melena. Yet, she was somehow still clueless as to why the archangel was going to take Lucas. It's funny because she was constantly referencing her time in the Army as an interrogator. Yet, she can't read between the lines at all.
I was annoyed with her constantly picking fights with Lucas, for example, when he came back to the cabin in a bad mood and wanted to sit in his chair. Melena's response? To fight with him, but she made it seem like he was looking to fight with her. And she wonders why he considers her a thing to protect, yes, because, without his help (multiple times), she would have died long ago. I just didn't understand why she seemed to be so negative towards Lucas after all he'd done up until that point. "That man didn't have a sympathetic bone in his body." Since when? He'd saved her, saved her friends; what more could he do to get on her good side? Or "Micah had to be delusional to think his brother gave a crap about me." I felt like the author/Melena was talking about a different person.
The fighting scene between Melena and Micah was confusing. At one point, "...one of my legs [was] locked over his neck and the other over the top of his shoulders." Now for her to be in that position, she'd basically be sideways on his chest area. Yet, somehow her crotch is right in his face. Another scene was when Lucas was standing in front of Melena, while she was leaning against his car. One of his hands was downstairs playing with her, but then on the next page: "He leaned me back against the car and switched one of his hands to the front."
Not sure why the author introduced Fallon and Sayer the way she did. She mentioned their names but didn't say what they were or anything. As for Yarrow, there was no introduction between him and Melena when she first got to Felisha's house which seemed strange.
When they're fighting the Prince demon, somehow Melena didn't realize Ian was running towards the demon. He ends up bleeding within the circle. The demon also ends up somehow fighting Aeson even though he's supposedly trapped in said circle, but it's not until Melena shoots at the demon that the circle was broken.
Questions:
Why was Melena surprised by Lucas' reaction when he found out a vampire had attacked her at Nik's? Didn't Nik at the same way? Didn't Derrek act the same way? There was a similar situation in book 1 where she was surprised by one character's reaction even though other characters had reacted the same way.
Melena is reading through the book Nik let her borrow. "It went on to say how to properly kill a host if the demon had fully taken over- by beheading." If that was the case, the host would be dead and the demon would be sent back to Hell. But not necessarily: "If the soul still fought, then feeding the human sensor blood would end the possession." So basically a headless person/demon could still cause problems?
Considering it seemed easy for the demons to kill the sups, Melena's comment to Othello was for him to keep the strongest guys by the door. "If an unescorted human comes close, let them test the person out and see if they are something more." How would they do that though? What would they do exactly?
When Melena was in the mall with the demon who was lighting candles, why didn't she call Lucas then? Instead, she waited, and the sprinklers came on and ruined her phone.
Was Melena just messing with everyone when she stated she didn't think the Sensor group was all that bad? Because I don't know how she could have said that given the little bit of info they provided to her with.
Why was Melena against wearing anything Lucas picked out for her? It's funny since she was the one to pick out the slutty-stops at the butt-with slits up the sides to show her goodies-dress.
Why did Lucas think Melena would be upset about who Micah chose for his date? Hence, he ended up bringing Aniya.
Melena and Lisette have been friends for ten years. So why was Lisette so upset that Melena forced her to go back to CA? You'd think she would have been more understanding.
Whatever happened to the demon from the mall? And when did Melena's legs heal?
Lots of sups are getting killed at the club by the demons. Melena decides to make a large blood circle for her guys to stand in. But before she actually slit her wrist to make the circle, she states that "...if someone didn't heal me soon, I'd die." From what? She hadn't been injured, much less severely, yet.
The bad Sensor guy is helping Melena to remove her dress. "I was wearing a dress with no underwear on so at least he wouldn't see much." Huh? Didn't this dress only go to the tops of her thighs?
When she found out that Sensors could get pregnant by Nephilim, why was she upset with Lucas? They'd only had sex once and it wasn't like it had been planned. "Lucas deserved a chance to at least defend himself before I condemned him." Why? Again, here's a perfect example of Melena picking fights and thinking only negative thoughts about Lucas. Or what about when she had sex with Lucas when he was having the nightmare. She never thought to look for a condom or anything then. Afterward, she didn't even seem to fear she could have gotten pregnant.
Jermone tells Melena that her mother had provided him with two sons before she'd been born. Why didn't Melena ask about them? Why did she seem not concerned with rescuing the other female sensors?
Lucas wants to send Melena back to Fairbanks. She doesn't want to go, of course, and states that she can't because the demon problem was "only getting worse." How did she know that?
How old is Aniya's mother? The book made her sound like she was senile or something. Supposedly Aniya didn't want to compel her mother because "she'd be no better than the vampires who did it to her when she was human," yet her compulsion magic wasn't working anymore on her mother. Why? Additionally, when had she come into contact with vampires while a human?
When Melena finds out that Othello is dead, the book states "He had witches put the spell up right after we found out." Found out what? By the way it's written, it made it sound like he had the spells put up after the attack, yet he couldn't have because he was dead.
"The only way you're making me go is against my will." Lucas can't force her to do to anything. Yet...that's all he ever does. So that made no sense. How did he get her to leave and go back to Fairbanks the first time?
When Lucas and Micah bring Melena back to life: "I wanted to test out the richness of it [blood]..." Huh?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2020
It's been five years since I read the first of these books, but as far as I remember, it was pretty good. Solid actionpacked Urban Fantasy with an independent-minded, kickass female protagonist. Unfortunately, in the sequel, that kickass lady was nowhere in evidence. Instead, Melena is whiny, useless, and apparently incapable of controlling her hormones in whatever this shit with Lucas all of a sudden is. There is little room here for actual plot because entirely too much of the book consists of possessive posturing, this dubcon-esque "claiming" bullshit, semi-public coerced sex, and more manipulative/abusive crap that just made me throw up in my mouth a little every single time those two interacted. Ugh. No, just no.
May 23, 2017
Oooh... This series just gets better and better. I could hardly put the book down.
Melene is slowly adapting to her new life in Fairbanks. It's been five months since she moved there and trouble knocks on her door again. Lucas needs her particular brand of help as a Sensor. Demons are on the prowl.
Dealing with Lucas is another problem. For so long they have been frenemies and now their relationship is changing.
I'm absolutely in love with this series and really look forward to the next book, Chained by Darkness.
Melene is slowly adapting to her new life in Fairbanks. It's been five months since she moved there and trouble knocks on her door again. Lucas needs her particular brand of help as a Sensor. Demons are on the prowl.
Dealing with Lucas is another problem. For so long they have been frenemies and now their relationship is changing.
I'm absolutely in love with this series and really look forward to the next book, Chained by Darkness.
March 23, 2017
From zero-romance in book #1 to full-erotica in the first chapters of book #2: that’s quite the change.
I have mixed feelings about this.
I liked the pace and the book has definitely been a page-turner.
I didn’t like the sex-in-public (almost every time someone engaged in sexual acts, there was an audience).
I didn’t particularly like the sexy times in a morgue, either.
I didn’t like that there was a male/female ratio of about 4/1, and every other female was somewhat “less” than the heroine.
Seriously, this has to stop.
And let’s not talk about all the PNR tropes that made me grind my teeth, like:
— I’ve bitten/claimed you and your body is mine to do as I please
— I’m immortal and you’re mine forevah and evah
— I have the biggest penis on the planet because I’m the most special among the special people
— if anyone goes near you I’ll have a mindless fit of jealous rage and I’ll display all my badassery
and so on and so forth…
But, as I've said, it’s been a page-turner.
I can forgive a lot of crap for that.
I have mixed feelings about this.
I liked the pace and the book has definitely been a page-turner.
I didn’t like the sex-in-public (almost every time someone engaged in sexual acts, there was an audience).
I didn’t particularly like the sexy times in a morgue, either.
I didn’t like that there was a male/female ratio of about 4/1, and every other female was somewhat “less” than the heroine.
Seriously, this has to stop.
And let’s not talk about all the PNR tropes that made me grind my teeth, like:
— I’ve bitten/claimed you and your body is mine to do as I please
— I’m immortal and you’re mine forevah and evah
— I have the biggest penis on the planet because I’m the most special among the special people
— if anyone goes near you I’ll have a mindless fit of jealous rage and I’ll display all my badassery
and so on and so forth…
But, as I've said, it’s been a page-turner.
I can forgive a lot of crap for that.
February 2, 2015
Genre: Fantasy
Author: Susan ILLene
Book: Darkness Taunts (The Sensor #2)
My Star Rating: 5
Will I read I read it again? Yes
Intro: Melena Sanders has managed to avoid all things inhuman for most of her life, but after coming to Fairbanks, Alaska to rescue her best friend from supernaturals she hasn’t been allowed to leave. That is, until her long-time nemesis comes to collect a favor she owes him. Lucas might be half angel, but he’s all bad as far as she’s concerned.
Paying him back might get her out of town for a while, but her new destination will be anything but enjoyable. Mel’s got to help the nephilim take care of a demon possession outbreak in Juneau. Although something like this hasn't happened for thousands of years, Lucas is certain Melena’s rare abilities are the key to solving the problem.
With violence in the capital city growing, she’s going to have to figure out how to stop it fast before the trouble spreads to other places. Not only that, but working closely with Lucas is changing the dynamics of their hate-hate relationship—worrying her more than the demons. Getting back to her captivity in Fairbanks never looked so good.
This book is better than the first one! It keeps getting better and better. It was so good I went to Amazon and Bought up to book 5! There is a cliff hanger but since the next book is out I am not to upset!
Finding out who Melena’s dad was huge! I have a feeling he will be in the other books as well. I love the romance between Lucas and Melena. I also love Emily and can’t wait to see her grow!! I also love Nik. In this book you get to meet Micah (funny how Melena meets him for the first time!) and I love Micah as well.
Loved the series and on the next book for me!!
I was given this book to read and give an honest review. This review is my honest opinion and I have fully read this book.
Author: Susan ILLene
Book: Darkness Taunts (The Sensor #2)
My Star Rating: 5
Will I read I read it again? Yes
Intro: Melena Sanders has managed to avoid all things inhuman for most of her life, but after coming to Fairbanks, Alaska to rescue her best friend from supernaturals she hasn’t been allowed to leave. That is, until her long-time nemesis comes to collect a favor she owes him. Lucas might be half angel, but he’s all bad as far as she’s concerned.
Paying him back might get her out of town for a while, but her new destination will be anything but enjoyable. Mel’s got to help the nephilim take care of a demon possession outbreak in Juneau. Although something like this hasn't happened for thousands of years, Lucas is certain Melena’s rare abilities are the key to solving the problem.
With violence in the capital city growing, she’s going to have to figure out how to stop it fast before the trouble spreads to other places. Not only that, but working closely with Lucas is changing the dynamics of their hate-hate relationship—worrying her more than the demons. Getting back to her captivity in Fairbanks never looked so good.
This book is better than the first one! It keeps getting better and better. It was so good I went to Amazon and Bought up to book 5! There is a cliff hanger but since the next book is out I am not to upset!
Finding out who Melena’s dad was huge! I have a feeling he will be in the other books as well. I love the romance between Lucas and Melena. I also love Emily and can’t wait to see her grow!! I also love Nik. In this book you get to meet Micah (funny how Melena meets him for the first time!) and I love Micah as well.
Loved the series and on the next book for me!!
I was given this book to read and give an honest review. This review is my honest opinion and I have fully read this book.
March 29, 2015
Although Melena was not very likable in the first book, she did tend to stand up for herself (in the worst possible ways). Inexplicably, that changes in this book. The first part of the book is filled with a tiresome "I love him/I hate him" process regarding that asshole, guardian half-angel from the first book. Then starts the sex.
Where the first book had little to no sex, this book has a surprising amount, and fairly graphic. I am not saying that is a bad thing, just saying it was a surprise after the first novel. Gone is the independent Melena from the first book, now she is a horny woman that lets Lucas publicly play with her body and have sex.
Oh, there is some demons but Lucas won't listen to the Melena about them. Melena saves the lives of almost everyone of the supernaturals fighting the demons because the team in overconfident and mostly incompetent. So of course Lucas is mad at her for pulling his ass out of the fire... asshole. After she decides she is going to stop working on the demon issues, Lucas realizes that he really does need her help. Then they really screw up!
How can people alive for thousands of years be so stupid? *SMH*
There is an exciting shape-shifting, hypoallergenic, cat at the end!
Where the first book had little to no sex, this book has a surprising amount, and fairly graphic. I am not saying that is a bad thing, just saying it was a surprise after the first novel. Gone is the independent Melena from the first book, now she is a horny woman that lets Lucas publicly play with her body and have sex.
Oh, there is some demons but Lucas won't listen to the Melena about them. Melena saves the lives of almost everyone of the supernaturals fighting the demons because the team in overconfident and mostly incompetent. So of course Lucas is mad at her for pulling his ass out of the fire... asshole. After she decides she is going to stop working on the demon issues, Lucas realizes that he really does need her help. Then they really screw up!
How can people alive for thousands of years be so stupid? *SMH*
There is an exciting shape-shifting, hypoallergenic, cat at the end!
April 10, 2017
4.5
This was really good. Like really good, I pretty much read it in a day. Mel really goes through a lot in this, very interesting. Things with Lucas and Mel heat up, and she has to go with him to a different city with a demon problem. The plot was in some ways predictable, the demon plot only served to put Lucas and Mel together. Still I found myself enjoying this little group of people...
Some of the things I didn't like pertained to
And then when Lucas
But yes, I was in this story, I enjoyed it quite a bit. Definitely what I needed.
This was really good. Like really good, I pretty much read it in a day. Mel really goes through a lot in this, very interesting. Things with Lucas and Mel heat up, and she has to go with him to a different city with a demon problem. The plot was in some ways predictable, the demon plot only served to put Lucas and Mel together. Still I found myself enjoying this little group of people...
Some of the things I didn't like pertained to
And then when Lucas
But yes, I was in this story, I enjoyed it quite a bit. Definitely what I needed.
September 8, 2013
I've already said while reviewing the first book in the series that Susan Illene had a very good potential. She writes pure urban fantasy and is obviously a huge fan of this genre herself.
All the action in this series is happening in Alaska. I don't know about you, but I know very little about this region, and to me the location is refreshing. This time Melena, a kick-ass sensor and former military interrogator is forced to go against demonic infestation in Juneau.
She is sassy and tough, and she doesn't bend to supernatural wills trying to boss her around. Whatever happens she tries to negotiate the best conditions for herself and her adopted daughter.
The book is really fast and like book #1 feels shorter than I would have liked to see. Maybe it's just me? I've enjoyed seeing more of delicious Lucas, and the problems associated with him in Melena's life definitely piqued my curiosity. Overall, this was a very engaging read which I'd recommend for the fans of Kate Daniels. Short and sweet.
All the action in this series is happening in Alaska. I don't know about you, but I know very little about this region, and to me the location is refreshing. This time Melena, a kick-ass sensor and former military interrogator is forced to go against demonic infestation in Juneau.
She is sassy and tough, and she doesn't bend to supernatural wills trying to boss her around. Whatever happens she tries to negotiate the best conditions for herself and her adopted daughter.
The book is really fast and like book #1 feels shorter than I would have liked to see. Maybe it's just me? I've enjoyed seeing more of delicious Lucas, and the problems associated with him in Melena's life definitely piqued my curiosity. Overall, this was a very engaging read which I'd recommend for the fans of Kate Daniels. Short and sweet.
December 9, 2013
Cover & Title - 4 out of 5
Favourite character - Lucas
This book was in my opinion better than the first.. now I have to consider this might be because i am a dirty perv ;) and i liked the sexual element to this book (which if you have read the first one, you will know was missing from it).
The main character from the first book continue on in this one, new characters are introduced when Melena repays Lucas's favour. There are new good guys & new enemies - an interesting mix that is for sure.
The drama in this book is crazier than the first, with a bit more gore.
The ending is a cliff hanger but the next book, which is a halfie is already out & is from Lucas's POV so all is not lost ;)
I would recommend this book/series & plan on continuing reading the series for as long as it continues.
Favourite character - Lucas
This book was in my opinion better than the first.. now I have to consider this might be because i am a dirty perv ;) and i liked the sexual element to this book (which if you have read the first one, you will know was missing from it).
The main character from the first book continue on in this one, new characters are introduced when Melena repays Lucas's favour. There are new good guys & new enemies - an interesting mix that is for sure.
The drama in this book is crazier than the first, with a bit more gore.
The ending is a cliff hanger but the next book, which is a halfie is already out & is from Lucas's POV so all is not lost ;)
I would recommend this book/series & plan on continuing reading the series for as long as it continues.
June 13, 2018
4 Darkness Taunts Stars
I read the first book as part of a book club I am in. And I wanted to continue the series but for whatever reason, I didn’t.
Well, I picked this book up and thought let’s give Melena another shot and boy am I glad I did. I really liked the back and forth between Lucas and Melena. It is what I loved best about book one, and this book had it in spades but it was more than that, their relationship grows and their connection only gets more intense.
They work so well together and their hate-hate relationship is starting to become something else.
I really enjoyed Cris Dukehart’s narration.
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
I read the first book as part of a book club I am in. And I wanted to continue the series but for whatever reason, I didn’t.
Well, I picked this book up and thought let’s give Melena another shot and boy am I glad I did. I really liked the back and forth between Lucas and Melena. It is what I loved best about book one, and this book had it in spades but it was more than that, their relationship grows and their connection only gets more intense.
They work so well together and their hate-hate relationship is starting to become something else.
I really enjoyed Cris Dukehart’s narration.
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
September 20, 2014
Loved it…. On to the next book!!!!
December 23, 2016
http://www.leslecturesdemylene.com/20...
17/20 - Un second tome palpitant qui nous en apprend davantage sur Melena et qui ne nous laisse pas souffler !
17/20 - Un second tome palpitant qui nous en apprend davantage sur Melena et qui ne nous laisse pas souffler !
June 7, 2022
https://my-bo0ks.over-blog.com/2022/0...
Un peu plus d'un an après avoir lu le premier tome de Melena Sanders, il était plus que temps de sortir le second tome de ma PAL. D'autant que j'avais beaucoup aimé ce démarrage et j'étais ravie de retrouver les personnages. Quelque part, je sais que je repoussais ma lecture pour une raison bien précise, j'avais souligné la présence d'un peu trop de personnages masculins autour de notre héroïne dans le premier tome. Eh bien sachez que c'est du passé avec Trompée par les ténèbres !
Ce second tome reprend là où on s'est arrêté. Et si comme moi, vous avez mis un petit moment entre les deux lectures, sachez que les éléments importants nous sont plus ou moins réexpliqués brièvement. Ce qui est parfait car du coup, je me suis rapidement remise dans l'ambiance et dans l'histoire. Melena est désormais en Alaska, bloquée suite à sa dernière enquête. Impossible pour elle de fuir et en prime, elle doit collaborer avec Lucas, l'homme qu'elle a sur le dos depuis de nombreuses années qui sait parfaitement la faire sortir de ses gonds tout en l'attirant plus qu'il ne faudrait. Cette fois c'est une violence accrue que met tout le monde en alertes et Melena ferait partie des rares "personnes" à pouvoir y remédier.
Une fois encore, je trouve que l'autrice arrive à nous tenir en haleine dès les premières lignes et ce, jusqu'au bout. Le mystère autour de ces attaques est plutôt bien intriguant et la nature de Melena sera également au cœur de ce second tome. Ainsi, on se s'ennuie pas une seconde avec cette suite, bien au contraire. Entre mystère, action, révélations et bouleversements inattendus, pas de temps morts pour Melena qui va se rendre compte qu'être sous la coupe de Lucas n'est finalement pas sans avantages...
D'ailleurs, cette collaboration forcée va changer la dynamique de leur relation. Comme je vous le disais plus haut, le plus gros reproche que j'avais à faire au premier tome, c'était tout ces personnages masculins. La relation Melena/Lucas passe au stade supérieur, ce problème est donc plus que résolu. Déjà, je suis bien contente et en plus, j'aime beaucoup le personnage de Lucas. Certes, un peu le cliché du protecteur/amant/têtu mais, c'est un mélange qui fonctionne plutôt bien pour moi. Leur relation n'en est pas moins sous tension car ces deux-là aiment tout autant le contrôle et c'est finalement la nature de Lucas qui va faire basculer les choses. Mon seul regret c'est le côté très physique de leur relation, on est sur du spicy et avec un petit côté exhibitionniste, qui m'embête un peu mais bon.
Autour du couple donc, pas mal de personnages secondaires. Je trouve que dans ce tome, on s'attache d'autant plus à eux contrairement au premier tome ou on tâtonnait un peu trop pour savoir qui était qui. Micah est vraiment génial et se démarque totalement du lot avec sa bonne humeur et son humour, mais j'ai aussi beaucoup apprécié Felisha, Nik ou encore Aeson. Le petit groupe qu'ils forment se resserre et amène un plus à l'histoire.
J'ai terminé ma lecture avec l'envie de foncer sur la suite mais... ne l'ayant pas dans ma PAL, je vais devoir patienter. Une chose est sûre, je doute faire trainer aussi longtemps les choses avant de lire la suite car les révélations en fin de tome sont à s'en décrocher la mâchoire. Je ne m'attendais pas du tout à ça.
En conclusion, une très bonne suite, à la hauteur du premier. Ravie que certains défauts aient été gommé et un suspense qui tient en haleine jusqu'au bout. Hâte de poursuivre les aventures de Melena Sanders.
Un peu plus d'un an après avoir lu le premier tome de Melena Sanders, il était plus que temps de sortir le second tome de ma PAL. D'autant que j'avais beaucoup aimé ce démarrage et j'étais ravie de retrouver les personnages. Quelque part, je sais que je repoussais ma lecture pour une raison bien précise, j'avais souligné la présence d'un peu trop de personnages masculins autour de notre héroïne dans le premier tome. Eh bien sachez que c'est du passé avec Trompée par les ténèbres !
Ce second tome reprend là où on s'est arrêté. Et si comme moi, vous avez mis un petit moment entre les deux lectures, sachez que les éléments importants nous sont plus ou moins réexpliqués brièvement. Ce qui est parfait car du coup, je me suis rapidement remise dans l'ambiance et dans l'histoire. Melena est désormais en Alaska, bloquée suite à sa dernière enquête. Impossible pour elle de fuir et en prime, elle doit collaborer avec Lucas, l'homme qu'elle a sur le dos depuis de nombreuses années qui sait parfaitement la faire sortir de ses gonds tout en l'attirant plus qu'il ne faudrait. Cette fois c'est une violence accrue que met tout le monde en alertes et Melena ferait partie des rares "personnes" à pouvoir y remédier.
Une fois encore, je trouve que l'autrice arrive à nous tenir en haleine dès les premières lignes et ce, jusqu'au bout. Le mystère autour de ces attaques est plutôt bien intriguant et la nature de Melena sera également au cœur de ce second tome. Ainsi, on se s'ennuie pas une seconde avec cette suite, bien au contraire. Entre mystère, action, révélations et bouleversements inattendus, pas de temps morts pour Melena qui va se rendre compte qu'être sous la coupe de Lucas n'est finalement pas sans avantages...
D'ailleurs, cette collaboration forcée va changer la dynamique de leur relation. Comme je vous le disais plus haut, le plus gros reproche que j'avais à faire au premier tome, c'était tout ces personnages masculins. La relation Melena/Lucas passe au stade supérieur, ce problème est donc plus que résolu. Déjà, je suis bien contente et en plus, j'aime beaucoup le personnage de Lucas. Certes, un peu le cliché du protecteur/amant/têtu mais, c'est un mélange qui fonctionne plutôt bien pour moi. Leur relation n'en est pas moins sous tension car ces deux-là aiment tout autant le contrôle et c'est finalement la nature de Lucas qui va faire basculer les choses. Mon seul regret c'est le côté très physique de leur relation, on est sur du spicy et avec un petit côté exhibitionniste, qui m'embête un peu mais bon.
Autour du couple donc, pas mal de personnages secondaires. Je trouve que dans ce tome, on s'attache d'autant plus à eux contrairement au premier tome ou on tâtonnait un peu trop pour savoir qui était qui. Micah est vraiment génial et se démarque totalement du lot avec sa bonne humeur et son humour, mais j'ai aussi beaucoup apprécié Felisha, Nik ou encore Aeson. Le petit groupe qu'ils forment se resserre et amène un plus à l'histoire.
J'ai terminé ma lecture avec l'envie de foncer sur la suite mais... ne l'ayant pas dans ma PAL, je vais devoir patienter. Une chose est sûre, je doute faire trainer aussi longtemps les choses avant de lire la suite car les révélations en fin de tome sont à s'en décrocher la mâchoire. Je ne m'attendais pas du tout à ça.
En conclusion, une très bonne suite, à la hauteur du premier. Ravie que certains défauts aient été gommé et un suspense qui tient en haleine jusqu'au bout. Hâte de poursuivre les aventures de Melena Sanders.
April 27, 2025
A good read
I really liked these books, 1 and 2 and they do compel me to keep reading. I like Melena, though she doesn't have the warmest character. Although she clearly cares for others, she can be childish when she doesn't get her own way and a bit frosty with people in general. It makes for a believable character because she isn't perfect. She messes up, even when she tries her best, which makes her very relatable. I like her determination and military past. I like that she doesn't act like a guy though, just because she's tough. She is still very much a female.
I found it hard to get my head around her not liking animals at first. Spoiler...but now I see where this is going.
The sex bits were well written but I really didn't like how degenerate it all is. There is no romance there between Melena and Lucas when they're having sex and they seem to constantly want to have sex in front of people, including Micah, Lucas's brother ...this happened at least twice and I find that to be uncomfortable and actually just plain weird! It's all a but tacky and lacking in meaning.
Lucas is a bit devoid of personality. I wouldn't know how to describe him to someone. This is usually the case in romances though, the males are strong, protective and grumpy (I don't have a problem with that in itself) but nothing else.
Despite my small grievances, I am reading the 3rd book in the series. Book 1 was better than book 2, on the whole but actually the last, 3rd part of book 2 was really good.
What I really do like about these books is that they haven't gone down the political route. I want to escape to a different world, not be reminded of the author's politics, so I am grateful for this author telling a good story, without all that.
I very much like the characters and the way they blend into the normal world. It seems much more believable and I like that.
I might seem critical but I'm honest and so I have genuinely enjoyed a book when I say I have and I am looking forward to the next edition.
I really liked these books, 1 and 2 and they do compel me to keep reading. I like Melena, though she doesn't have the warmest character. Although she clearly cares for others, she can be childish when she doesn't get her own way and a bit frosty with people in general. It makes for a believable character because she isn't perfect. She messes up, even when she tries her best, which makes her very relatable. I like her determination and military past. I like that she doesn't act like a guy though, just because she's tough. She is still very much a female.
I found it hard to get my head around her not liking animals at first. Spoiler...but now I see where this is going.
The sex bits were well written but I really didn't like how degenerate it all is. There is no romance there between Melena and Lucas when they're having sex and they seem to constantly want to have sex in front of people, including Micah, Lucas's brother ...this happened at least twice and I find that to be uncomfortable and actually just plain weird! It's all a but tacky and lacking in meaning.
Lucas is a bit devoid of personality. I wouldn't know how to describe him to someone. This is usually the case in romances though, the males are strong, protective and grumpy (I don't have a problem with that in itself) but nothing else.
Despite my small grievances, I am reading the 3rd book in the series. Book 1 was better than book 2, on the whole but actually the last, 3rd part of book 2 was really good.
What I really do like about these books is that they haven't gone down the political route. I want to escape to a different world, not be reminded of the author's politics, so I am grateful for this author telling a good story, without all that.
I very much like the characters and the way they blend into the normal world. It seems much more believable and I like that.
I might seem critical but I'm honest and so I have genuinely enjoyed a book when I say I have and I am looking forward to the next edition.
July 27, 2020
Ce deuxième tome a peiné à me convaincre, l’autrice ayant quelque peu sacrifié l’âme de sa série au profit d’une romance paranormale peu crédible, agaçante et peu émouvante. Toutefois, la manière dont elle a su renverser le ton de l’histoire dans le dernier tiers du roman m’a permis de terminer ma lecture sur une note positive. L’intrigue prend ainsi le pas sur la romance pour offrir un final sombre et haletant qui donne irrémédiablement envie de lire la suite et de découvrir comment Melena et Lucas vont arriver à surmonter une épreuve qui s’annonce difficile.
Chronique complète sur : https://lightandsmell.wordpress.com/2...
Chronique complète sur : https://lightandsmell.wordpress.com/2...
March 14, 2024
I listened to this on audible and quite liked it.
Only 2 issues I had is with how much public nudity one who doesn't want to be nude in public got. She was almost always naked. Also, being in the army seemed like it was only beneficial in book 1. Aside from a few mentions here and there....she was like a regular non army trained person.
I dont have an issue with the nudity. Just....she didn't like it, and I didn't enjoy reading how much she didn't like it
Other than that, I enjoyed the story, the relationship between Lucas & Melena, and the narration.
Only 2 issues I had is with how much public nudity one who doesn't want to be nude in public got. She was almost always naked. Also, being in the army seemed like it was only beneficial in book 1. Aside from a few mentions here and there....she was like a regular non army trained person.
I dont have an issue with the nudity. Just....she didn't like it, and I didn't enjoy reading how much she didn't like it
Other than that, I enjoyed the story, the relationship between Lucas & Melena, and the narration.
September 21, 2025
I wasn't sure if I will keep on reading this series, after finishing the first book. But the audio edition was free in my subscription for a limited (and now passed) time, so I gave the second book a shot. More things come together and I started to really enjoy the series. So I binged as much as I could, before I had to return the audiobooks. I listened to them till book 3 (another two books).
I for sure enjoyed there series and will pick up the 4th book on KU.
I for sure enjoyed there series and will pick up the 4th book on KU.
January 18, 2019
Pas mal. Au début, l'attitude de Melena vis à vis de Lucas est parfois un peu agaçante avec ses "je t'apprécie/je te déteste". Et Lucas est parfois un peu frustrant avec ses mystères. Leur relation s'améliore heureusement au fur et à mesure qu'ils commencent à se faire confiance. L'intrigue m'a plu et j'ai beaucoup apprécié les personnages secondaires.
December 2, 2019
This one went a little Fifty Shades for me, not in a particularly good way. It became pretty crude and sex focused, which was distracting from the actual story playing out. The story that’s happening is interesting, and I want more of THAT part. I’m not sure if I’m going to keep going with this series or not.
October 14, 2020
I enjoyed the first book but this one has the MC acting like s spoiled brat. At the end of book 1 she seemed to understand why she shouldn’t go off and try and be on her own with her schoolgirl charge, Emily. Now however it’s like they are all picking on poor little her making her stay where she is safe. She has fast become a whiny bore and I wish I hadn’t bothered
November 13, 2023
another excellent book in the Sensor Series.
The story is unfolding ,new characters and complex situations abound . Strong female characters ,enemies to lovers . Strong story telling ,plenty of heroes and villains . It is gripping and exciting . Can’t wait to read the next in this amazing series.
The story is unfolding ,new characters and complex situations abound . Strong female characters ,enemies to lovers . Strong story telling ,plenty of heroes and villains . It is gripping and exciting . Can’t wait to read the next in this amazing series.
July 1, 2017
Very good sequel to Darkness Haunts, I just wish it had been "cleaner." Not a prude, just prefer not reading porn.
January 29, 2018
The first book, I liked a lot. I was excited to read the next ones but this one was bleh too much misogyny and why is everyone so overprotective of the main character?
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