Melena Sanders is locked away in Purgatory, which is no vacation, but she’ll soon be returning to Alaska where troubles are mounting once again. Suspicious fires are breaking out, supernaturals are being attacked, and there’s an enemy lurking out there waiting for his chance to strike. Her lover, Lucas, is managing to hold their home together during her absence, but he’s more than ready for her to return. It will take the two of them working together, along with friends and family, to overcome the darkness that is about to unleash.
Susan 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.
Suite et fin de cette très chouette série consacrée à Melena et Lucas. J'ai beaucoup aimé l'univers développé par l'auteur. J'ai donc été ravie d'apprendre qu'elle prévoit d'autres livres consacrés aux autres personnages. 'ai hâte de découvrir les histoires de Cori, Kerbasi et autres personnages donc les histoires sont encore inachevées (et de retrouver Melena et Lucas en personnages secondaires)...
I loved this book and didn't want it to end. It starts with Melena near the end of her sentence in Purgatory. She's been in there for 10 weeks and has only two more to go. Her time in Purgatory is not as bad as Lucas' was, but it's brutal enough. Lucas has been in charge of Melena's adoptive daughter, Emily, while Melena is gone. The happy feelings created by the angels are wearing off and problems are starting between humans and supernaturals. Problems that involve people dying and forest fires being set. Once she is out of Purgatory, the action really begins as Melena works to find her crazed brother and get Arial back from Hell.
While Melena struggles in Purgatory, Lucas is struggling with Emily. This book is pretty funny in places and many of them are while Lucas is trying to protect Emily. Being in love has not softened Lucas towards anyone but Melena and Emily and his thoughts about how he'd like to deal with the various problems that come up juxtaposed against how he knows he has to deal with those problems is really funny. Lucas continues to be an amazing character. He thinks of Melena constantly and misses her keenly when she's in Purgatory while at the same time being the hard ass he's always been.
Melena makes her time in Purgatory harder than it needs to be because, like Lucas, she can't leave well enough alone and not provoke her guards. When she is released it is a real case of out of the frying pan into the fire and by the time she makes it home she's in bad shape. One of the best things in this whole series is the strategy behind her actions and fights. Everything is explained and it makes those scenes even more exciting and adds depth to Melena's character.
There's a new character, Patrick, who claims to be Emily's father. He has apparently lived his life on a farm off the radar and is completely unprepared for the violence that Melena's life contains. I wasn't sure if he was a good guy, a bad guy, or a red shirt throughout most of the book. He is a great character with an acerbic wit and his reactions remind the reader how extreme Melena and Lucas' life really is. I had gotten desensitized so the reminder was very helpful and made the action stand out that much more.
I am really sad this is the last book in the sensor series. I love this series and it is one of my all time favorites. While Susan Illene hasn't ruled out ever writing another book about Melena and Lucas, there are no plans to write one in the foreseeable future. Ms. Illene has started writing another series and is going to write a few spinoff sensor books so her time will be busy with other projects. My only hope is that she doesn't go the book per couple route and her next book (which is about Bartol and Cori) is part of another series rather than a quick happily ever after.
So here's the thing.... I'm utterly bummed that the end of the series and this virtual world are gone from me. I loved the character development, the different planes of existence, the fierce loyalty and the unwillingness to change for anyone else. This is the type of book to love because it so encapsulates the urban fantasy genre. I think it's great and I hope everyone who loves this series reads this book.
Susan Illene did a great job writing it! And Cris Dukehart did a decent job narrating it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Susan Illene’s Darkness Wanes is the last book in the Sensor series and it feels like the author wanted to hurry up and be done with it. It really felt like there was supposed to be more than 6 books and the author changed her mind about that after setting up all the story arcs. The story arcs were mashed together and rushed with a few what felt like story outlines thrown in. Darkness Wanes easily could have separated into two different books, one about stopping Melena’s brother Grant and one about rescuing Ariel from Hell. Instead both are fighting for time to get dealt with and both story arcs suffer greatly for it.
Rescuing Ariel from Hell turned out to be fairly easy, a lot easier than breaking into Purgatory was. We didn’t even spend a whole chapter planning on how to do it. Grants antics were an annoyance throughout the book but how that all ended was serious anti climatic and a huge let down.
We added a new character that felt out of place. If the story was going to continue the new character would have made since but with the series ended he was just unnecessary.
Melena was really kinda whiny for the entire last half of the book. She laments how everything everyone does it her fault and her responsibility. Even though her friend gets kidnapped being stupid when she wasn’t around, yup she thinks it’s all her fault… This is just not the Melena we have known throughout the series and it was annoying.
I think the biggest bafflement was the wedding the Arch Angles forced. At first I thought they made this happen for some purpose. I thought maybe it had something to do with getting Ariel out of Hell…. Turns out it really didn’t have a purpose other than to have a rushed wedding.
I think only of the few good points was Kerbasi; he was actually a good guy in this book. Kerbasi’s character has grown a lot; I feel that was also rushed, like we did a jump for massive jerk to decent guy to quick.
Overall I liked the series until this book and that is disappointing.
What an exciting ending to a series!! Susan really does this book justice, so much excitement, drama and love thrown in. And thank you for not slicing off Lucas's head ;) I love how the relationships played out between the characters. I had forgotten that in the beginning of the book that Mel was in Purgatory. I felt like I was right there with her. Not many authors can do that for me. I also loved the novella in the back. I am hoping Kerbasi can actually find love in the future. So excited for next year, can't wait to read the spin-off!!
As mentioned in my review of the first book in the series I wasn't too sure where this series was going but I persisted and every book just got better and held my
I appreciated the fact that I was able buy all the of the books in the series and finish them all in chronological order, slotting in the novellas where they were appropriate.
A really gritty, badass but really down to earth MC who has an impact on everyone that comes into contact with. Follow-ups would be to close the loop with Kerbasi and Bartol with the former either ascending or both getting into relationships.
The Sensor Series is great fun. There's plenty of action, good plot lines, plus interesting as well as eccentric characters you grow to care about. I look forward to reading the spin-off series as well.
Melina campaigns to get Aerial and Yarik ' s sentences revoked. The arch angels bring Yarik back, but they have to break Aerial from hell. At the same time Ainya is kidnapped by Melena's brother. Loved this series, so entertaining I couldn't put it down.
It was tense at times, kept me on the edge of my seat. I was hoping for a maybe a surprise baby for Lucas and Malena though. But over all the book was still very good!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Melena has been taken to Purgatory, to carry out her sentence, and just like Lucas told her to, she’s going to give them hell. Thankfully she won’t be there long. Not only does the short stay there weigh on Melena’s soul, it’s impacting Lucas, who has no idea how Melena has coped with everything and a teenage daughter all this time. Three months may not be long but things will change, issues will arise and Melena’s homecoming won’t be quite what any of them expected.
It’s almost over. This is the final book in this series and the story is going to come full circle. I really love the way this series finishes. You’ll want more, of course you will. Susan is a talented story teller, so if you’re anything like me, you’ll be firmly attached to the characters by the end and wishing for more. Thankfully for us diehard fans, the Dark Destiny series, following Bartol and Cori will pick up after this series and give us a glimpse into what all our favourite characters are up to.
So, what’s to love about this book besides absolutely everything? I think it’s the final mission the group are going to embark on, the unexpected turn Mel and Lucas’ relationship takes and as always Mel’s courage and compassion. While Melena is in Purgatory, you’ll be thinking those Nephilim are bunch of ungrateful so-and-so’s. Mel’s lucky to have at least one ally while she’s imprisoned. She may not be any better at making friends, but at least she’s true to who she is; punishment be damned. You have to respect the fact that even after everything she’s been though, she’s still standing up for what she believes in.
I’m sad the story is over but as I said, we get to see more of our favourite people in the Dark Destiny series. We also get to re-read the series over and over, and for me it never gets old. In fact, my second reading of the series was even more enjoyable as I got to pick up on all the subtle signs of what was to come. I could appreciate everything on a deeper level. So go, read, re-read and enjoy!
Suggested Audience: Adult readers of Paranormal Romance Perspective: First person Profanity: Negligible Sexual content: Infrequent and explicit Violence: Frequent, sometimes severe Cautionary element(s): Kidnapping and mild torture
5 stars I really liked this series. The world, the story, the characters but especially the main character. Melena is exactly what I look for in this genre. She's brave, loyal, level-headed, rational and funny. She kind of has a martyr complex and wants to save everyone (who deserves it). In this book, we get to see the conclusion to Lucas and Melena's story. And it was amazing.It was definitely worth it to read this final book. I really don't know why I liked this series as much as I did. It's one of my favorites actually and I don't regret one minute spent waiting for it. There is a lot of action in this book and we get to meet some new characters. I liked that there were a few subplots and there wasn't just one problem waiting to be solved. In real life trouble doesn't just takes turns to come at you. I did feel sorry for Melena and her friends because they could barely catch their breath with all the attacks from humans, sensors, angels and demons. I loved the character's sense of humor. That's another fact I appreciated about this series. From what I understood there will be a spin-off series next year which will be about Bartol and Cori. That should be interesting. We'll see.
This was a nice book, at times sweet and at times full of hardcore action. As an end to the series it tied up everything nicely.
Melena does not have it easy in Purgatory, and coming to the surface is no picnic either. Alaska experiences forest fires, the peace spell the archangels put on human race due to the revelation of paranormal species is wearing off, and Melena's fanatic sensor family is still out for her blood.
Her strong sense of justice also doesn't allow her to sit quietly while two instigators of the revelation are still suffering their harsh sentences for breaking archangels' rules. So she is back, dealing with human attacks, conspiracies, governmental bureaucracy and depressed teenagers while plotting breaking into Hell.
Not an easy life, but it's also lively and fun at times, with Kerbasi bringing a much needed comic relief. I love Melena's character and her unbending will. Her relationship with Lucas is fun to watch, and the whole trip to Hell was kickass!
There is also a lovely surprise hidden here, and a character of Melena's friend, Cori - is an absolute gem. Overall, solid four stars, and I'm secretly hoping for many spin-offs, starting with Cori, which would be great.
An amazing end to an amazing series. This delivered on every front, all the ends got tied up, Melena and Lucas are left with a very real future together and finally the big story arc of Melena's family is brought to a close. Along the way of course we get some amazing action, not that we have come to expect anything less of this author, the scenes in hell were some of my ultimate favourites. We also get some more heart warming scenes and the scenes in heaven were absolutely wonderful, it was worth the wait of all the previous books!
Special mention does however go to Kerbasi and in my opinion he stole the page every time he was on it. That character has taken me through every emotion throughout this series and ended up going from my most hated to my most enjoyed. There is more to come from this world (how could there not be with supernaturals just outed to the humans, what fun must be ahead) and I eagerly anticipate those stories as much as Melena and Lucas's. A stand out, first class and utterly enjoyable urban fantasy. I really do recommend to all.
The final installment starts with Melena having a couple of weeks till the end of her sentence from Purgatory. She and Bartol end their jail time together and return to earth. Lucas and Micah work with the other Nephilim to integrate Nerou into the society. After coming back, Melena want to rescue Ariel (fallen archangel) from hell. She goes before the archangels council to return reduce the sentence and wants Yerik to return as he can enter hell. Melena and Lucas get married in heaven by Remeil the archangel. They free Yerik and go to hell with Micah and Kerbasi, to rescue Ariel which is also a success. Meanwhile Alina is kidnapped again, this time by Melena's brother Grant. Off she goes for the rescue with Cori and Fallon. Ends in a car chase, where Grant detonates a bomb after falling off a cliff. Melena and Fallon are injured but alive. Peace and normalcy returns and Lucan and Melena are free to live happily ever after!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Darkness Wanes, what an apropos title. I really loved this last (?) book in the Sensor Series. As far as concluding a series, it took Melena and Lucas from despair, through hope, the depths of hell and to success with a lot of struggles along the way. This last tale begins with Melena’s imprisonment and the trials they each endure since so much of their relationship has been apart. When she returns, they continue to battle enemies and quest to release other supernaturals who have also been taken into custody. There are no easy roads for Mel & Lucas. It was hard to see the series end because I feel like I’ve traveled with them through so many travails, but it was so well written, I just couldn’t fault the book! I thought Susan Illene wrapped up the loose ends and ended the story just about perfectly. I’m glad to have been along for this bumpy & exciting ride.
I think I first fell in love with this series because Melina was such a bad ass. I love a female character that can stand on her own two feet. Don't get me wrong, she needs her man but only in a sense of he's got her back. The whole series was full of action, suspense,and, yes, romance. I loved it and was captivated from the very beginning. This is not your typical romance and I find that I'm good with that, Melina is not your typical girl. She's ex military and can hold her own even against Hell's spawn. Did I mention she was a bad ass? If you like a strong female leading character and have not checked out this series, please do so. You will not be disappointed!
Melena is in Purgatory, and Lucas is stuck in Alaska dealing with all the issues that were left behind. Both of them are having a hard time being away from the other, and things just keep getting worse when problems arise for Lucas, and Melena isn't treated very nice in hell.
But, as the come back together, they must work hard to help take care of the issues that surround them like saving friends, getting rid of Melena's crazy brother, and raising a teenage girl.
This book was really interesting, and I liked. It wasn't as good as previous books, but it was still interesting. I really enjoyed the things that happened between Melena and Lucas in this one. And I totally loved the ending as well.
I'm sad to see this series end, but it was a nice ending.
Given this book for a honest review. I think had I began reading from #1 in the series that this would have been better for me. Too many references to earlier things that had happened and not enough back ground to "catch up"; therefore, not making it a truly stand alone volume. Some parts were stilted and others flowed very smoothly and kept the story moving along. Character development was somewhat lacking, but I think that it has to do with this being book 6 and I probably missed that in previous volumes. All in all, it was not a bad book and probably would have been at least a 4 star if I had read the prior volumes.
Nearly plot free and cluttered with characters, the magical world the author built rarely makes a lick of sense. This book really suffers from the "series trap" in that the author has to take time to explain the events of every single book that came before it, which in this case happens rather organically but only serves to complicate the narrative. The worst parts are when something does happen to one of the main characters you can be sure that character will take time to explain what happened to the other characters, so essentially the reader is forced to endure several scenes two or three times over.
Ce livre m'a paru interminable! Bon sang, que la lecture fut longue. Entre une impression de déjà vu pour certaines scènes , des actions incompréhensibles parce que non expliquées des choix scénaristiques un peu trop commodes , ce dernier tome est une véritable déception. C'est quand même fort de réussir à écrire un livre de plus de 400 pages sans jamais rien expliqué et en restant toujours en surface des choses.