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Dark #39
Dark Joy
The next riveting novel in Christine Feehan’s #1 New York Times bestselling Carpathian series.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 6, 2026
457 people are currently reading
338 people want to read
About the author
Christine Feehan
156 books53k followersChristine Feehan is a #1 New York Times bestselling author multiple times over with her portfolio including over 100 published novels, including five series; Dark Series, GhostWalker Series, Leopard Series, Drake Sisters Series, the Sisters of the Heart Series, Shadow Riders, Torpedo Ink and her Romantic Suspense novels. All of her series have hit the #1 spot on the New York Times bestselling list as well. Her debut novel Dark Prince received 3 of the 9 Paranormal Excellence Awards in Romantic Literature (PEARL) in 1999. Since then she has been published by various publishing houses including Leisure Books, Pocket Books, and currently is writing for Berkley/Jove. She also has earned 7 more PEARL awards since Dark Prince.
Her series include:
The Dark Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/darkb...
The GhostWalker series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/ghost...
The Leopard Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/leopa...
The Shadow Series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/shado...
Torpedo Ink series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/torpe...
IN HER WORDS:
I've been a writer all of my life -- it is who I am. I write for myself and always have. The ability to create pictures and emotions with words is such a miracle to me. I read everything; I mean everything! All kinds of books, even encyclopedias. I am fascinated by the written word and I love storytellers. It is a great privilege to be counted one myself. (www.christinefeehan.com)
Her series include:
The Dark Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/darkb...
The GhostWalker series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/ghost...
The Leopard Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/leopa...
The Shadow Series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/shado...
Torpedo Ink series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/torpe...
IN HER WORDS:
I've been a writer all of my life -- it is who I am. I write for myself and always have. The ability to create pictures and emotions with words is such a miracle to me. I read everything; I mean everything! All kinds of books, even encyclopedias. I am fascinated by the written word and I love storytellers. It is a great privilege to be counted one myself. (www.christinefeehan.com)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
December 7, 2025
Dark Joy
by Christine Feehan has once again brought danger, suspense, action, and romance to her latest book in the Dark paranormal romantic suspense series. Sarika Silva has come to Peru’s rainforest to meet her cousin Luiz and to learn about her family’s history and her own capabilities as a jaguar shapeshifter. She finds more than she expected as jungle shifters, vampires, and mages are also in the jungle.
More than that, Tomas Smolnycki and his brothers Lojos and Mathias, are also in the jungle. They’re some of the oldest Carpathians and have hunted vampires for centuries. They’re used to a world without color or emotions. Therefore, Tomas isn’t prepared when he hears Sarika’s voice and emotions and colors nearly overwhelm him. He’s found his lifemate and is compelled to protect her. Despite this, Sarika has no intention of being bound to anyone.
While Sarika and Tomas are attracted to each other, Sarika is independent, stubborn, and determined not to be controlled. She was raised with a strict code of honor and discipline, has excellent instincts, and likes to make her own decisions. She is a biologist, conservationist, and a veterinarian for exotic animals specializing in big cats. Solitude gives her peace; especially from the nightmares, migraines, and panic attacks that plague her. Tomas is ancient, pragmatic, a skilled warrior, powerful, cunnings, and has a strict code of honor. He’s also a scholar, biologist, conservationist, and environmentalist, and a leader among his brothers in accepting new ideas.
The novel is set in contemporary times in the rainforests of Peru. The author is a great storyteller with complex and likeable characters as well as providing readers with great world-building and atmosphere. Readers can almost feel the humidity and easily visualize the rainforest. The story has a few subplots that add to the high stakes and increase the risk. It’s insightful and moving, showing how many men treat and think of women and girls despite it being the twenty-first century. The book delivers on escapism through attraction, friendship, family, romance, action, and love while also tackling serious issues including trust, respect, selflessness, communication, honor, duty, loyalty, battling evil, and much more.
Overall, this tense, gritty, suspenseful, and atmospheric novel gripped me from the beginning. This mesmerizing story kept me turning the pages. The subplots tied together well, the main characters were strong and the ending was satisfactory, but also set up possibilities for future books. If you enjoy thrilling paranormal romantic suspense novels with strong male and female lead characters, then I recommend you check out this series.
Berkley Publishing Group – Berkley and Christine Feehan provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for January 06, 2026.
===================================
My 4.32 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
More than that, Tomas Smolnycki and his brothers Lojos and Mathias, are also in the jungle. They’re some of the oldest Carpathians and have hunted vampires for centuries. They’re used to a world without color or emotions. Therefore, Tomas isn’t prepared when he hears Sarika’s voice and emotions and colors nearly overwhelm him. He’s found his lifemate and is compelled to protect her. Despite this, Sarika has no intention of being bound to anyone.
While Sarika and Tomas are attracted to each other, Sarika is independent, stubborn, and determined not to be controlled. She was raised with a strict code of honor and discipline, has excellent instincts, and likes to make her own decisions. She is a biologist, conservationist, and a veterinarian for exotic animals specializing in big cats. Solitude gives her peace; especially from the nightmares, migraines, and panic attacks that plague her. Tomas is ancient, pragmatic, a skilled warrior, powerful, cunnings, and has a strict code of honor. He’s also a scholar, biologist, conservationist, and environmentalist, and a leader among his brothers in accepting new ideas.
The novel is set in contemporary times in the rainforests of Peru. The author is a great storyteller with complex and likeable characters as well as providing readers with great world-building and atmosphere. Readers can almost feel the humidity and easily visualize the rainforest. The story has a few subplots that add to the high stakes and increase the risk. It’s insightful and moving, showing how many men treat and think of women and girls despite it being the twenty-first century. The book delivers on escapism through attraction, friendship, family, romance, action, and love while also tackling serious issues including trust, respect, selflessness, communication, honor, duty, loyalty, battling evil, and much more.
Overall, this tense, gritty, suspenseful, and atmospheric novel gripped me from the beginning. This mesmerizing story kept me turning the pages. The subplots tied together well, the main characters were strong and the ending was satisfactory, but also set up possibilities for future books. If you enjoy thrilling paranormal romantic suspense novels with strong male and female lead characters, then I recommend you check out this series.
Berkley Publishing Group – Berkley and Christine Feehan provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for January 06, 2026.
===================================
My 4.32 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
January 7, 2026
I want to start by saying this clearly: I am a long-time Christine Feehan reader and a genuine fan. I have read every book in the Dark (Carpathian) series and own nearly all of them. I’ve also read many of her GhostWalker novels, her Sea Haven books, Shadow Riders, and some of the Leopard People series—sometimes I even blur them together because her worlds are so immersive and interconnected.
That history matters, because it’s the reason this book lands at three stars for me.
Dark Joy felt more like a filler or bridge book than a fully realized novel. The timeline felt unusually stretched—what seemed like only a few days of action was drawn out across the entire book, which significantly slowed the pacing. As a result, the story lacked forward momentum and never quite settled into a strong, driving plot.
While I appreciated the focus on women’s power and genuinely enjoyed the character interactions and humor (there were moments that made me laugh out loud), the overall narrative felt thin. The depth I normally expect from her characters—both emotionally and psychologically—was only lightly touched on here, and the tone didn’t feel consistent with the usual Dark series “vibe.”
Another issue that pulled me out of the story was repetition. Several times, it felt as though entire conversations, thoughts, or ideas were repeated almost verbatim across multiple pages. I actually stopped more than once to check whether I had accidentally flipped back and reread sections—but I’m fairly certain there were duplicate or near-duplicate passages. This added to the feeling that the book was padded rather than purposeful.
I didn’t dislike this book—but I needed more substance. More plot. More tension. More development. As a reader who knows how layered, intense, and immersive the Dark series can be, this installment didn’t quite meet that standard.
I’ll continue reading the series without hesitation, but I hope future books return to the depth, pacing, and narrative weight that made me fall in love with the Carpathian world in the first place.
That history matters, because it’s the reason this book lands at three stars for me.
Dark Joy felt more like a filler or bridge book than a fully realized novel. The timeline felt unusually stretched—what seemed like only a few days of action was drawn out across the entire book, which significantly slowed the pacing. As a result, the story lacked forward momentum and never quite settled into a strong, driving plot.
While I appreciated the focus on women’s power and genuinely enjoyed the character interactions and humor (there were moments that made me laugh out loud), the overall narrative felt thin. The depth I normally expect from her characters—both emotionally and psychologically—was only lightly touched on here, and the tone didn’t feel consistent with the usual Dark series “vibe.”
Another issue that pulled me out of the story was repetition. Several times, it felt as though entire conversations, thoughts, or ideas were repeated almost verbatim across multiple pages. I actually stopped more than once to check whether I had accidentally flipped back and reread sections—but I’m fairly certain there were duplicate or near-duplicate passages. This added to the feeling that the book was padded rather than purposeful.
I didn’t dislike this book—but I needed more substance. More plot. More tension. More development. As a reader who knows how layered, intense, and immersive the Dark series can be, this installment didn’t quite meet that standard.
I’ll continue reading the series without hesitation, but I hope future books return to the depth, pacing, and narrative weight that made me fall in love with the Carpathian world in the first place.
January 6, 2026
Dull
This is a really dull , boring story. I can't believe it was written by the same author. Compared to others , it has nothing exciting happening at all. I can't even recommend, and that has never happened. I feel like I wasted my time and money on this book.
This is a really dull , boring story. I can't believe it was written by the same author. Compared to others , it has nothing exciting happening at all. I can't even recommend, and that has never happened. I feel like I wasted my time and money on this book.
January 11, 2026
Christine Feehan is my favourite author, and hooked me better than the last few books.
I really loved seeing how Luiz has fared as a De La Cruz and finding out he has a lifemate was amazing. I am so excited to learn about all the new babies.
Getting more backstory on the Jaguar race was a huge plus and Sarika is such a great character. I loved her girl crush on Solange and seeing the women come together was incredible. Those scenes always stand out to me.
I was kind of glad to have a break from the Justice saga, even though this book still touches on earlier arcs. It felt refreshing, but at the same time, I’m starting to worry. There are so many unfinished threads now. The three mages in the mountains, the vampire problem in San Diego, Justice, and even though this mysterious weapon was mentioned in an earlier book, it's still another arc within the series.
I always love it when the emotionless Carpathian come through with the humorous banter. Especially Luiz and talking about baby showers.
I cannot wait until we get back to the Carpathian Mountains. Those were the first books I ever read and they are my happy place. They’re what made me fall in love with this series in the first place and I miss that setting so much.
I miss the spice. The early books had intense Carpathian mating scenes that felt raw and emotional and deeply bonded, and I really miss that physical and emotional connection. I also miss a proper ending. I know this is part of a bigger arc, but the last few books have felt like they just stop instead of actually ending, and I always finish them wanting more closure.
I really loved seeing how Luiz has fared as a De La Cruz and finding out he has a lifemate was amazing. I am so excited to learn about all the new babies.
Getting more backstory on the Jaguar race was a huge plus and Sarika is such a great character. I loved her girl crush on Solange and seeing the women come together was incredible. Those scenes always stand out to me.
I was kind of glad to have a break from the Justice saga, even though this book still touches on earlier arcs. It felt refreshing, but at the same time, I’m starting to worry. There are so many unfinished threads now. The three mages in the mountains, the vampire problem in San Diego, Justice, and even though this mysterious weapon was mentioned in an earlier book, it's still another arc within the series.
I always love it when the emotionless Carpathian come through with the humorous banter. Especially Luiz and talking about baby showers.
I cannot wait until we get back to the Carpathian Mountains. Those were the first books I ever read and they are my happy place. They’re what made me fall in love with this series in the first place and I miss that setting so much.
I miss the spice. The early books had intense Carpathian mating scenes that felt raw and emotional and deeply bonded, and I really miss that physical and emotional connection. I also miss a proper ending. I know this is part of a bigger arc, but the last few books have felt like they just stop instead of actually ending, and I always finish them wanting more closure.
January 17, 2026
Similar to some reviews here as a Christine Feehan fan this is beyond disappointing. The abrupt ending, go nowhere 'filler' story & repetition felt almost like a check-list book of all the previous story lines with no cohesion.
This is the second of her latest releases that just aren't the same standard as her earlier books & yes I've pretty much read every one of her different series.
This is the second of her latest releases that just aren't the same standard as her earlier books & yes I've pretty much read every one of her different series.
January 12, 2026
IRRATATING CLIFFHANGER.
It feels like this book was rushed. It was very diluted compared to others in the dark series. Disappointed. Time to find a different series.
It feels like this book was rushed. It was very diluted compared to others in the dark series. Disappointed. Time to find a different series.
January 12, 2026
underwhelming/unfinished
I was very underwhelmed with this entire book. Definitely not worth what I paid for it. More of a short story than a full length book. Too many unanswered questions now. It had the makings of a good book then just sorta fell off.
I’ve read and followed this series and all the other series from this author from the very beginning. As the series has progressed it seems as if we are straying farther and farther away from how the beginning books were. This seemed more like a short story. The first books were about the fights and strength of the carpathians. The author just seems to be doing the minimal to make a story.
Now the books just confuse me because it’s been so long since I’ve read the other books. And it seems like she just cut this book off. The book feels unfinished.
I love the characters in the story. At least the triplets are carpathians that I’ve heard of and I know. Earlier books were about people I didn’t even know. And we got to revisit others that we’ve not heard about in awhile.
The story line was fair but it just left me a little disappointed at the end. There was hints of things that I was waiting to see how it went and am still waiting. Like I said, it’s like she just ended the book in the middle of the story.
If this author continues to do this in this series and the others that I follow, I won’t continue to pay the price I’ve been paying for half books and unfinished stories. We wait up to a year sometimes for each book and then to be so disappointed with them when they come is such a let down.
Would recommend this author to others but would warn them of the let downs in the series the farther you read. Dark Slayer, book 20, I think was the last really good book I’ve read in this series. Please if it’s gonna be a year until the next in the series, give a little back story to refresh our minds but don’t just use it as filler to say it’s a full length book. Filler doesn’t make a book.
This story went, met and discovered lifemate, had a days worth of confusion, she accepts all the new info, conversion, the end. The Carpathians know that lifemates and children are everything in their world, yet in this book possibly losing one was just maybe half a chapter. Very disappointed with this book. Have been for awhile in this last half of the series.
I was very underwhelmed with this entire book. Definitely not worth what I paid for it. More of a short story than a full length book. Too many unanswered questions now. It had the makings of a good book then just sorta fell off.
I’ve read and followed this series and all the other series from this author from the very beginning. As the series has progressed it seems as if we are straying farther and farther away from how the beginning books were. This seemed more like a short story. The first books were about the fights and strength of the carpathians. The author just seems to be doing the minimal to make a story.
Now the books just confuse me because it’s been so long since I’ve read the other books. And it seems like she just cut this book off. The book feels unfinished.
I love the characters in the story. At least the triplets are carpathians that I’ve heard of and I know. Earlier books were about people I didn’t even know. And we got to revisit others that we’ve not heard about in awhile.
The story line was fair but it just left me a little disappointed at the end. There was hints of things that I was waiting to see how it went and am still waiting. Like I said, it’s like she just ended the book in the middle of the story.
If this author continues to do this in this series and the others that I follow, I won’t continue to pay the price I’ve been paying for half books and unfinished stories. We wait up to a year sometimes for each book and then to be so disappointed with them when they come is such a let down.
Would recommend this author to others but would warn them of the let downs in the series the farther you read. Dark Slayer, book 20, I think was the last really good book I’ve read in this series. Please if it’s gonna be a year until the next in the series, give a little back story to refresh our minds but don’t just use it as filler to say it’s a full length book. Filler doesn’t make a book.
This story went, met and discovered lifemate, had a days worth of confusion, she accepts all the new info, conversion, the end. The Carpathians know that lifemates and children are everything in their world, yet in this book possibly losing one was just maybe half a chapter. Very disappointed with this book. Have been for awhile in this last half of the series.
January 11, 2026
2.5-2.75 Stars.
There was nothing wrong with this latest book in the Carpathian series, but there was nothing great about it either. It felt like the sort of filler, in-between book written for the real fans between major releases rather than a full on release. First of all, it takes almost a quarter of the book for Sarika and Tomas to meet and then when they finally do, we spend most of the time advancing this new Justice/ vampiric plot to get 3 pieces of a weapon to eliminate the Prince and the Daratrazonoffs. All of this would be fine if it didn’t mean that we get whiplash understanding the rapid personality changes the characters go through.
It’s strange that this is not a particularly short book but it feels like a novella for all that happened in it. As characters I liked Sarika and Tomas but wish we had gotten to know them a bit better. For example, Sarika went from not being aware she had any special powers to wielding them like a seasoned pro. As a fan of the series who’s read every single book and side quest novella in this series, this is not one to remember and it doesn’t highlight how wonderful this series in. But as a fan, I was always going to read it and it IS 39 books in even though the new plot direction doesn’t reflect that.
There was nothing wrong with this latest book in the Carpathian series, but there was nothing great about it either. It felt like the sort of filler, in-between book written for the real fans between major releases rather than a full on release. First of all, it takes almost a quarter of the book for Sarika and Tomas to meet and then when they finally do, we spend most of the time advancing this new Justice/ vampiric plot to get 3 pieces of a weapon to eliminate the Prince and the Daratrazonoffs. All of this would be fine if it didn’t mean that we get whiplash understanding the rapid personality changes the characters go through.
It’s strange that this is not a particularly short book but it feels like a novella for all that happened in it. As characters I liked Sarika and Tomas but wish we had gotten to know them a bit better. For example, Sarika went from not being aware she had any special powers to wielding them like a seasoned pro. As a fan of the series who’s read every single book and side quest novella in this series, this is not one to remember and it doesn’t highlight how wonderful this series in. But as a fan, I was always going to read it and it IS 39 books in even though the new plot direction doesn’t reflect that.
January 14, 2026
Disappointed read. And it ended open-ended. I really am coming to believe Christine Feehan has burned out on this Series.
January 12, 2026
not my favorite
Too many loose ends. I Don’t like the path the last few books have taken with underworld stuff, now aliens
Too many loose ends. I Don’t like the path the last few books have taken with underworld stuff, now aliens
January 12, 2026
such a disappointment reading this one. i've loved this series for over 2 decades and while reading this entry all i could think is did she even actually write this? ... there was always a certain amount of repetition in these books but the last few entries more than ever and this book is definately hurt by it. with the opening chapter starting at 2% into the book according to my kobo and ending at 86% its a short book thats only hurt by its ~20 pages for appendix for carpathian healing chants and language most of which was surprisingly barely used in this entry vs the overkill it had in some previous entries. still.. not overdoing it didn't help this book any either. overall it was pretty boring and while not uneventful persay it felt like some rushed filler you'd see in an anime when they need to pad things out.
its a shame really cause under all the dull cruft this entry has i do generally like the characters , the had enough that they Could have been a good couple , but the romance was bearly existant again and the first real time they got alone didn't happen untill 16 chapters out of the 20 that were there, they only met 7 chapters in as it was and the chapters before it were very long winded to the point i was bored n fell asleep twice on them,5 chapters starting with 11 was basically spent for a visit to a previous couple and everything just felt overwrote repetitive and a tad jumbled and it was by then that i couldn't help but start to wonder what happened to this author? is it an ai assitant fiulling in gaps due to a time crunch? a ghost author helping? is she just burnt out and or out of ideas? .. i loved this series for a large chunk of my life but no time in the past even while reading the previous few books which i didn't love or even like much at times i never felt this bad about reading. this book just felt like a waste of my time and its a shame , but for a romance novel this was just not it and for a fantasy novel it was flat out boring,.. i've read better entries from her in novella sided format than this. ... it might be time to start packing it in on this series, but i'm a glutton for punishment so i'll still probably read the next one.
its a shame really cause under all the dull cruft this entry has i do generally like the characters , the had enough that they Could have been a good couple , but the romance was bearly existant again and the first real time they got alone didn't happen untill 16 chapters out of the 20 that were there, they only met 7 chapters in as it was and the chapters before it were very long winded to the point i was bored n fell asleep twice on them,5 chapters starting with 11 was basically spent for a visit to a previous couple and everything just felt overwrote repetitive and a tad jumbled and it was by then that i couldn't help but start to wonder what happened to this author? is it an ai assitant fiulling in gaps due to a time crunch? a ghost author helping? is she just burnt out and or out of ideas? .. i loved this series for a large chunk of my life but no time in the past even while reading the previous few books which i didn't love or even like much at times i never felt this bad about reading. this book just felt like a waste of my time and its a shame , but for a romance novel this was just not it and for a fantasy novel it was flat out boring,.. i've read better entries from her in novella sided format than this. ... it might be time to start packing it in on this series, but i'm a glutton for punishment so i'll still probably read the next one.
January 7, 2026
Dark Joy by Christine Feehan is the 39th book in the Carpathian / Dark series. It is well balanced between action and romance, world building and the emotional tied between lifemates, family and new friendships.
I enjoyed the dynamic between the triplets. I have read every previous book in this series and for some reason was expecting them to be carbon copies of each other (at least before any regained their emotions) but it was nice how different they are, and how quickly the other two started to develop a kinship with their new "sisarke" (sister).
I admire how Tomas and Sarika develop their relationship and put each other first, even before Sarika has reconciled herself to the idea of carpathians and lifemates and very much wants to return to her life. The last few books have largely featured warrior women, and well Sarika is in no way a pushover, I found her responses to be more realistic to how the average woman would respond to learning about carpathians and vampires and the upending of your entire life, She is easy to relate to and enjoyable and I could see parts of myself in her.
One of my favourite aspects of Christine's writing is the found-family dynamic she introduces, in this series and others. It is why I have been reading her for just over twenty years now! Dark Joy perfectly balances the wider world of characters we have previously met, a couple of new folks who might just turn up again in future books, with the romantic story of Sarika and Tomas.
The only thing that made me scratch my chin in this novel is that there are a couple of male leopard shifters introduced who I thought would be a key part of the story, but they seemed to fade away. My guess is this isn't a mistake and they will play a part in a future book, but it did make me go back to see if I had missed something.
I am so excited that Christine has announced that she is working on book #40. Fingers crossed it will be out in January 2027!
I enjoyed the dynamic between the triplets. I have read every previous book in this series and for some reason was expecting them to be carbon copies of each other (at least before any regained their emotions) but it was nice how different they are, and how quickly the other two started to develop a kinship with their new "sisarke" (sister).
I admire how Tomas and Sarika develop their relationship and put each other first, even before Sarika has reconciled herself to the idea of carpathians and lifemates and very much wants to return to her life. The last few books have largely featured warrior women, and well Sarika is in no way a pushover, I found her responses to be more realistic to how the average woman would respond to learning about carpathians and vampires and the upending of your entire life, She is easy to relate to and enjoyable and I could see parts of myself in her.
One of my favourite aspects of Christine's writing is the found-family dynamic she introduces, in this series and others. It is why I have been reading her for just over twenty years now! Dark Joy perfectly balances the wider world of characters we have previously met, a couple of new folks who might just turn up again in future books, with the romantic story of Sarika and Tomas.
The only thing that made me scratch my chin in this novel is that there are a couple of male leopard shifters introduced who I thought would be a key part of the story, but they seemed to fade away. My guess is this isn't a mistake and they will play a part in a future book, but it did make me go back to see if I had missed something.
I am so excited that Christine has announced that she is working on book #40. Fingers crossed it will be out in January 2027!
January 12, 2026
POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT: This review discusses specific plot points and structural details.
I have been a long-time follower of this series (and all CF series), but I have to admit I feel genuinely let down by *Dark Joy*. While I love the community and the direction of the overarching plot, this installment lacked the "meat" and immersive depth that defined Christine Feehan’s earlier work.
A Missed Opportunity for an Epic
The premise of a gathering of three royal lineages had the potential to be a milestone event, reminiscent of the classic *Dark Celebration*. Instead, it felt scaled back. Sarika is a fascinating character with vast, vital gifts, yet her lineage and powers were barely explored. Even the primary conflict—a mage attack on the Carpathian women—was over in a flash. There was no meaningful communication or strategic fallout between the royal houses afterward, which made a high-stakes event feel like a minor footnote.
Frustrating Value and Padding The most disappointing part was the "hidden" length of the book. At a premium Kindle price of £12.99, I expected a full novel, but:
The story ends at 84%: The remaining 16% is padded with the standard appendices and dictionary. Irrelevant Filler: It was particularly frustrating to see the Healing Chants included when they weren't even utilized in this story.
I’m giving this 4 stars because I am invested in these characters and the world, but this felt like a missed opportunity. It was a "nice" read, but it lacked the substance and page count to justify the high price tag. I miss the days when these books felt like epic journeys; this one felt like it was over before it truly began.
I have been a long-time follower of this series (and all CF series), but I have to admit I feel genuinely let down by *Dark Joy*. While I love the community and the direction of the overarching plot, this installment lacked the "meat" and immersive depth that defined Christine Feehan’s earlier work.
A Missed Opportunity for an Epic
The premise of a gathering of three royal lineages had the potential to be a milestone event, reminiscent of the classic *Dark Celebration*. Instead, it felt scaled back. Sarika is a fascinating character with vast, vital gifts, yet her lineage and powers were barely explored. Even the primary conflict—a mage attack on the Carpathian women—was over in a flash. There was no meaningful communication or strategic fallout between the royal houses afterward, which made a high-stakes event feel like a minor footnote.
Frustrating Value and Padding The most disappointing part was the "hidden" length of the book. At a premium Kindle price of £12.99, I expected a full novel, but:
The story ends at 84%: The remaining 16% is padded with the standard appendices and dictionary. Irrelevant Filler: It was particularly frustrating to see the Healing Chants included when they weren't even utilized in this story.
I’m giving this 4 stars because I am invested in these characters and the world, but this felt like a missed opportunity. It was a "nice" read, but it lacked the substance and page count to justify the high price tag. I miss the days when these books felt like epic journeys; this one felt like it was over before it truly began.
January 6, 2026
Tomas and Sarika’s story brings a journey of the past present and future. Love the blend of characters, humor, and of course, the dark.
Even as fated mates both learn life is never what you expect, no matter how long you’ve lived, how much you plan, how you think things should go, or the control you want to have… life is facing a series of unknown, uncertain, moments and events... and it's better to have someone to trust and love to face them together.
This book starts a Trilogy and a series of reunions... Interaction with so many had me both laughing and on the edge of my seat. I found it amusing that ancient Carpathians, who believe they’ve seen it all, can overcome any danger, also learn they still face life’s unknown moments. That even as apex predators they must trust her knowledge and abilities to keep them safe, to defeat an enemy aware of Carpathians and their ways …leaving a battle up to the Jaguar shapeshifters… Christine’s blend of humor and darkness is beautifully mixed with reunions and updates with all series characters dwelling in the rainforest coming together to celebrate futures.
Love the way Tomas and Sarika grow as individuals, and couples. And the surprise twist Tomas faces as they both step into each other’s worlds. How what they discover about each other and their history set them on a path to the love they both desire most, the hunt the triplets must take to save the Carpathians from the enemies coming after them now, to keep themselves aware of possibilities …onto the next!
Even as fated mates both learn life is never what you expect, no matter how long you’ve lived, how much you plan, how you think things should go, or the control you want to have… life is facing a series of unknown, uncertain, moments and events... and it's better to have someone to trust and love to face them together.
This book starts a Trilogy and a series of reunions... Interaction with so many had me both laughing and on the edge of my seat. I found it amusing that ancient Carpathians, who believe they’ve seen it all, can overcome any danger, also learn they still face life’s unknown moments. That even as apex predators they must trust her knowledge and abilities to keep them safe, to defeat an enemy aware of Carpathians and their ways …leaving a battle up to the Jaguar shapeshifters… Christine’s blend of humor and darkness is beautifully mixed with reunions and updates with all series characters dwelling in the rainforest coming together to celebrate futures.
Love the way Tomas and Sarika grow as individuals, and couples. And the surprise twist Tomas faces as they both step into each other’s worlds. How what they discover about each other and their history set them on a path to the love they both desire most, the hunt the triplets must take to save the Carpathians from the enemies coming after them now, to keep themselves aware of possibilities …onto the next!
January 8, 2026
I loved this book so much I almost cried because it ended! I wasn’t ready to stop reading!
Sarika Silva travels to Peru to meet her last known relative, unaware of how her life was about to change. She is a jaguar shape shifter and wishes to learn more about her family history. She did not know that there were other shape shifters, vampires or Carpathians.
We get to see the first of the triplets find their lifemate! Tomas and his brothers are on the trail of Justice, who broke out of the underworld and may be on a vengeful path to destroy the prince and all the ancients.
The triplets interrupt a confrontation between Sarika and a couple male jaguar shifters attempting to kidnap a female jaguar and her daughter.
Sarika has no clue what Tomas is, but the man drew her in immediately. She somehow knew her life would never be the same.
Enjoy turning the pages as Sarika learns about Carpathians, and delves into the history of her family.
Does she have secrets buried in her nightmares that can help save the jaguars and Carpathians? Can she allow herself to give in to Tomas and enter his world?
Sarika Silva travels to Peru to meet her last known relative, unaware of how her life was about to change. She is a jaguar shape shifter and wishes to learn more about her family history. She did not know that there were other shape shifters, vampires or Carpathians.
We get to see the first of the triplets find their lifemate! Tomas and his brothers are on the trail of Justice, who broke out of the underworld and may be on a vengeful path to destroy the prince and all the ancients.
The triplets interrupt a confrontation between Sarika and a couple male jaguar shifters attempting to kidnap a female jaguar and her daughter.
Sarika has no clue what Tomas is, but the man drew her in immediately. She somehow knew her life would never be the same.
Enjoy turning the pages as Sarika learns about Carpathians, and delves into the history of her family.
Does she have secrets buried in her nightmares that can help save the jaguars and Carpathians? Can she allow herself to give in to Tomas and enter his world?
January 17, 2026
According to the blurb on this 39th book, it stated this was the 39th book of 39 in the Carpathian series. I sincerely hope not, as the ending did not tie the whole series together. There was repetition in this story and I wanted more romance. I liked Tomas and Sarika together. They could have been developed a bit more for me. The power of women working together I did enjoy. I like the panther shifters and their bond. The ending was very brief and did not bring the story to a satisfying close. What happens next??? I also did enjoy seeing past characters and the triplets are phenomenal. It did seem like a short story and that Christine Feehan was not ready to go deeper into this story. My pet peeve in any story is when the book ends at 86% and the rest is devoted to appendixes. Not well done for me. It was a nice story that could have been so much more. These books are expensive, and one expects to have a book worthy of that price. It did have action, a little romance, beautiful if repetitive, descriptions of the rain forest, and found family. I hope if there are more Carpathian books, especially for Lojos, and Mathias. I did not dislike this story, I only wished for more.
January 12, 2026
Outstanding
The dark series has always been a favor of mine with Christine Feehan being right on the top of my favorite author list. I love when the books are about the Carpathians, but what is more exciting is when you mix in the Jaguars in with the Carpathians. What more could you ask for. And now it’s for Tomas, 1/3 of the triplets, with Matthias and Lojos. It’s his turn to find his soulmate and he found it in Sarika. But she’s not just Jaguar she’s more. And it’s up to him to help her figure out what she is capable of. If you’re a fan of these books, this one will be so much more exciting for you. So many of our favorites are brought into this book along with a bunch of children. The book has everything and now we’re on the path of finding a weapon that could destroy the Carpathians. I loved finding out so much more about the jaguar people. It’s interesting how it goes so far back with the Carpathians. Of course it has a good ending, but wanting and needing more. I’m ready for the next book.
The dark series has always been a favor of mine with Christine Feehan being right on the top of my favorite author list. I love when the books are about the Carpathians, but what is more exciting is when you mix in the Jaguars in with the Carpathians. What more could you ask for. And now it’s for Tomas, 1/3 of the triplets, with Matthias and Lojos. It’s his turn to find his soulmate and he found it in Sarika. But she’s not just Jaguar she’s more. And it’s up to him to help her figure out what she is capable of. If you’re a fan of these books, this one will be so much more exciting for you. So many of our favorites are brought into this book along with a bunch of children. The book has everything and now we’re on the path of finding a weapon that could destroy the Carpathians. I loved finding out so much more about the jaguar people. It’s interesting how it goes so far back with the Carpathians. Of course it has a good ending, but wanting and needing more. I’m ready for the next book.
January 14, 2026
I absolutely loved this story. It was wonderful to see so many of the earlier characters make an appearance, most of all Zacharias De La Cruz and Dominic Dragonseeker. There are so many happy Carpathians in one place. Of course that can't be a good thing ever. The warrior, Justice, that has guarded the underworld has escaped and is looking for a device that can destroy the Carpathian race.
The triplets are on the trail of Justice to try to keep him from finding the all the pieces and the come to South America in that trail. Sarika Silva has come to South American in search of her last remaining family. She never expects to find a man that will change her world. She also finds her roots.
This is such a great story and a wonderful addition to the series. There are many tense moments throughout the story with all the revelations of the post of the Jaguar people and the destruction that takes place because of Mitro. It makes this one of the best of the series so far and that is saying quite a lot considering all the wonderful books in this series.
The triplets are on the trail of Justice to try to keep him from finding the all the pieces and the come to South America in that trail. Sarika Silva has come to South American in search of her last remaining family. She never expects to find a man that will change her world. She also finds her roots.
This is such a great story and a wonderful addition to the series. There are many tense moments throughout the story with all the revelations of the post of the Jaguar people and the destruction that takes place because of Mitro. It makes this one of the best of the series so far and that is saying quite a lot considering all the wonderful books in this series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
(4.5)Depth. Christine Feehan continues to grow this world adding more depth and possibilities. Some of the premise in the Carpathian world stay the same, but there are changes as in real life. Sarika is a shifter, she was raised in the states by her Aunt an Uncle, when they pass she goes to Peru to meet her only living relative, Luis. Thomas is Carpathian and is traveling with his 2 brothers tracking evil. Sarika is so much more than a shifter. I love her as a human being, shifter and more. Thomas made my heart swoon with his willingness to try and accede to Sarikas need. We meet some only friends and feel like family. The ending did make turn to see if I was missing a page, then I realized it was opening a whole new world of possibilities as to where we go next. Thank you for the advance copy. I freely share my honest thoughts and opinions. #DarkJoy #Carpathian #ChristineFeehan #Berkley #NetGalley
January 9, 2026
4.45 stars for me. Long time fan of this series and I do enjoy the complex plotlines CF has recently been adding to the series. The Justice plotline, the incorporation and expanding of Jaguar lore, the new mysterious temple villagers, the updates on other Carpathians: all good. The romance? It fell flat for me. Tomas and Sarika started off with a bang and then tapered off. The romance was overshadowed by all the other moving parts of this book. The main couple had very little time to learn about one another and had maybe one important, personal conversation. Most of their relationship was just dealing with threats to those around them. Also, the female protagonist literally flipped her concerns and moods between the end of chapter 10 and the start of 11. That did bother me and I am taking half a star for that alone. It was jarring how easily she suddenly accepted what was happening. The ending felt anticlimactic as well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2026
While the series is well written, I still have a problem with the males always forcing themselves basically onto the females. Whatever the reasoning behind it, to me it is still psychic rape and a bit of Stockholm Syndrome for the female.
Still, there is a compelling edge to the stories and I do enjoy the battle for the survival of the species. Sarika is a strong female until it comes to Tomas. She loses parts of herself to him and he sacrifices nothing really. She must give up most of who she is to enter his world and she basically has no choice.
This particular book was almost lanquid in it's story line, but the obvious build to something dramatic and exciting further in the series is there.
I will continue to read the series because I want to see how the war turns out. I just cannot accept that major (to me) flaw in the story line.
Still, there is a compelling edge to the stories and I do enjoy the battle for the survival of the species. Sarika is a strong female until it comes to Tomas. She loses parts of herself to him and he sacrifices nothing really. She must give up most of who she is to enter his world and she basically has no choice.
This particular book was almost lanquid in it's story line, but the obvious build to something dramatic and exciting further in the series is there.
I will continue to read the series because I want to see how the war turns out. I just cannot accept that major (to me) flaw in the story line.
January 11, 2026
We’ve reached the 39th novel in Christine Feehan’s Dark universe. While this novel could technically be read as a stand alone, it picks up the events of all the previous ones and you might be a bit lost if you haven’t read them.
Tomas is an ancient Carpathian in Peru when he comes across his lifemate Sarika, a jaguar shifter. Sarika is hesitant to commit at first, but as with all of these novels she accepts his claim and chooses to become a Carpathian.
I liked that Sarika was powerful in her own right, and had abilities the Carpathian’s didn’t. The storyline didn’t move along too much as they are still searching for the enemy. The book doesn’t end on a cliffhanger per se, but more that the story is not resolved and probably won’t be for a few more novels.
No third act breakup
3/5 on the Spicy Scale
M/F
Paranormal Romance
Tomas is an ancient Carpathian in Peru when he comes across his lifemate Sarika, a jaguar shifter. Sarika is hesitant to commit at first, but as with all of these novels she accepts his claim and chooses to become a Carpathian.
I liked that Sarika was powerful in her own right, and had abilities the Carpathian’s didn’t. The storyline didn’t move along too much as they are still searching for the enemy. The book doesn’t end on a cliffhanger per se, but more that the story is not resolved and probably won’t be for a few more novels.
No third act breakup
3/5 on the Spicy Scale
M/F
Paranormal Romance
January 9, 2026
What made this one so interesting was all that we learned about the jaguars. I thought we had all the lore, but there was a lot missing and more. It will be interesting to see how/if the more comes into play in future books.
I was surprised that things went as smooth as they did for Sarika and Tomas with her fear and issues at the start. But it seemed like once she realized how much she would be helping Tomas and his brothers, she did what she didn't want to, more for them than her. I did like how with this pairing Sarika found so much family and a place to fit in, Just having girlfriends to talk things over will help her in this new life.
I was surprised that things went as smooth as they did for Sarika and Tomas with her fear and issues at the start. But it seemed like once she realized how much she would be helping Tomas and his brothers, she did what she didn't want to, more for them than her. I did like how with this pairing Sarika found so much family and a place to fit in, Just having girlfriends to talk things over will help her in this new life.
January 11, 2026
This is the 1st x ever that I've not given all 5 stars!! It was really good but I have sum unanswered questions and I didn't like the ending. It felt unfinished 2 me. Tomas is the 1st twin 2 find his life mate. She is very different than I expected her 2 b especially being Luis's cousin. but there is a few things I'm a little confused about with her and her past memories/nightmares. I'm kinda in shock how powerful she is compared 2 alot of them being jaguar. I hate that it left me hanging and usually these do the full thing but how it was left makes it feel like 2 me unfinished. It drives me crazy its a little different that I expected but it's still really good!!
January 12, 2026
Full of wonderful Feehan affirmations about worthiness and being loved just as you are, warts and all. Lots of trademark found family, triplet brothers! Tomas was a consummate caretaker for everyone, his life mate, brothers, friends, you name it. Sarika was a bit of a mess with major anxiety issues, but she rallied admirably. It ended abruptly when the group headed on a mission, which was strange timing. lots of consent talk, it's like this book is attempting to bridge the gap between the old alpha macho Carpathian approach you-do-this-my-way and more palatable to contemporary sensibilities lifemate-demands-respectful-treatment, I'm an independent woman routine.
January 14, 2026
I am giving this book a 4 star rating because I liked the characters and enjoyed seeing some of the older characters return and interact with them. I also agree with a lot of the other reviews that this book felt like it could have been more than what it was and then would have been a 4 or even 5-star rating. I think a lot was left unexplored with Sarika's past lives and what it all meant as well as this new weapon. They have this major attack that was dwelt on longer before it happened than the amount of time it took for the attack.
This is one of my favorite series and I am looking forward to more stories.
This is one of my favorite series and I am looking forward to more stories.
January 19, 2026
Ooh, this was a Juicy Book!
We get to revisit the rainforest, and many of the characters in the
Del A Cruz family! One of my Favorite families in this Series.
Not only do we have that pleasure, along with some awesome updates for them, we have an interesting twist that made me scream when I finished the end!
Am I the only person that feels lost when the story ends, excited for the next book, has a tempting desire to know what's coming next, but wouldn't want to ruin the journey the read takes me on?! I'm a Mess, and...
I categorically know I'm Christine Feehan's Biggest Fan! Just like the rest of her readers, right..?
Five Stars! ☆☆☆☆☆ Highly Recommended!
We get to revisit the rainforest, and many of the characters in the
Del A Cruz family! One of my Favorite families in this Series.
Not only do we have that pleasure, along with some awesome updates for them, we have an interesting twist that made me scream when I finished the end!
Am I the only person that feels lost when the story ends, excited for the next book, has a tempting desire to know what's coming next, but wouldn't want to ruin the journey the read takes me on?! I'm a Mess, and...
I categorically know I'm Christine Feehan's Biggest Fan! Just like the rest of her readers, right..?
Five Stars! ☆☆☆☆☆ Highly Recommended!
January 9, 2026
I’m very upset I wish it was 200 pages longer. I Emersion read the book in audio and physical form. The narrator brought the story to another level, I wish the next book could be duel narration with a bad as female narrator to bring feehans characters to life. I loved sarikas journey and I wanted to know more. I understand that we need to rush to stop the incoming threat but it was her first time in Jaguar society I wanted to know more about her past lives. Dark Hope lived with me for a year since released rent free in my head with me wanting to know more, Dark Joy has taken over and I want more. Uhhggg I have to wait till next year for the next installment and I believe Lojos is next.
January 10, 2026
Always a great read.
I read anything Christine Feehan publishes. I love the mix of romance, magic, shifters, vampires, and Carpathians. Her stories always pull me in. This is no different. I loved Sarika as the mfc her strength and character shown throughout the book. And Tomas sigh, his fight of his instincts to give her choices endeared him to me. Still alpha, but knowing what she needed to be happy. have already read it 2x and will add to my Audible books when available for car trips.
I read anything Christine Feehan publishes. I love the mix of romance, magic, shifters, vampires, and Carpathians. Her stories always pull me in. This is no different. I loved Sarika as the mfc her strength and character shown throughout the book. And Tomas sigh, his fight of his instincts to give her choices endeared him to me. Still alpha, but knowing what she needed to be happy. have already read it 2x and will add to my Audible books when available for car trips.
January 12, 2026
This book was amazing. I really enjoyed the interactions of the brothers. They are something else! So ancient yet so willing to change & evolve. It was refreshing to learn that they actually do have emotions & senses of humor even though they themselves cannot feel them. I have loved this entire series so much and this book really blending the ancient races of the Carpathians and Jaguars and even to an extent the Dragons. I am very anxiously awaiting the continuation of the story. I hope we don’t have super long to wait!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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