What do you think?
Rate this book
Immortal Guardians #5.5
Phantom Embrace
Across dimensions . . .
A gifted one, Yuri Sokolov was born with the ability to see spirits, but he knows better than to make contact with them. Yet he’s never seen one as lovely as Cat Seddon, the woman who haunts his home and his dreams. But amid their star-crossed love, a new danger may have Yuri facing a different kind of eternity.
A gifted one, Yuri Sokolov was born with the ability to see spirits, but he knows better than to make contact with them. Yet he’s never seen one as lovely as Cat Seddon, the woman who haunts his home and his dreams. But amid their star-crossed love, a new danger may have Yuri facing a different kind of eternity.
118 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2016
240 people are currently reading
1110 people want to read
About the author
Dianne Duvall
34 books3,948 followersDianne Duvall is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of the acclaimed Immortal Guardians series, the exciting new Aldebarian Alliance series, and The Gifted Ones series. She is known for writing stories full of action that keeps readers flipping pages well past their bedtimes, strong heroes who adore strong heroines, lovable secondary characters, swoon-worthy romance, and humor that readers frequently complain makes them laugh out loud at inappropriate moments. AudioFile Magazine chose The Segonian (Aldebarian Alliance Book 2) as one of the Best Audiobooks of 2021 and awarded it the AudioFile Earphones Award for Exceptional Audio. It was also a Barnes and Noble Top 5 Indie Favorite Pick. Audible chose Awaken the Darkness as one of the Top 5 Best Paranormal Romances of 2018.
Reviewers have called Dianne's books "fast-paced and humorous" (Publishers Weekly), "utterly addictive" (RT Book Reviews), "extraordinary" (Long and Short Reviews), and "wonderfully imaginative" (The Romance Reviews). Her audiobooks have been awarded AudioFile Earphone Awards for Excellence. One was nominated for a prestigious Audie Award. And her books have twice been nominated for RT Reviewers' Choice Awards.
When she isn't writing, Dianne is active in the independent film industry and has even appeared on-screen, crawling out of a moonlit grave and wielding a machete like some of the psychotic vampires she creates in her books.
For the latest news on upcoming releases, contests, and more, please visit www.DianneDuvall.com, where you can also subscribe to her newsletter.
Be sure to follow Dianne on BookBub so you'll be among the first to know about sales, pre-orders, and new releases! https://www.bookbub.com/authors/diann....
Reviewers have called Dianne's books "fast-paced and humorous" (Publishers Weekly), "utterly addictive" (RT Book Reviews), "extraordinary" (Long and Short Reviews), and "wonderfully imaginative" (The Romance Reviews). Her audiobooks have been awarded AudioFile Earphone Awards for Excellence. One was nominated for a prestigious Audie Award. And her books have twice been nominated for RT Reviewers' Choice Awards.
When she isn't writing, Dianne is active in the independent film industry and has even appeared on-screen, crawling out of a moonlit grave and wielding a machete like some of the psychotic vampires she creates in her books.
For the latest news on upcoming releases, contests, and more, please visit www.DianneDuvall.com, where you can also subscribe to her newsletter.
Be sure to follow Dianne on BookBub so you'll be among the first to know about sales, pre-orders, and new releases! https://www.bookbub.com/authors/diann....
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
February 23, 2019
I'm gonna be honest and say I could have did without this book. Don't get me wrong I liked getting to know that Yuri got his HEA in a way since he was killed. I also liked that it took an edge off my sadness of him getting killing in the last book, but a lot of it was repeat from the last book. It got boring at points and I found myself wanting to skip ahead.
February 1, 2016
In Phantom Embrace, Dianne Duvall gives us the bittersweet story of Immortal Guardian Yuri Sokolov and Catherine Seddon. Don’t misunderstand, it’s a great story told like only Dianne can and it does have a happy ending. It’s just that loving a ghost has its drawbacks. But I’m getting ahead of myself.
Yuri’s immortal existence can be summed up in three words: “hunt, sleep, repeat.” For centuries he’s had his kindred and duties as a guardian. He’s also felt a deep loneliness. But since he was transferred from New York to David’s house in North Carolina he’s felt a companionship that’s hard to explain, because he’s the only one who can see the lovely ghost he’s been spending time with.
Since he was a boy he could see and talk to phantoms. He also understood that relating with them wasn’t a good idea. But this particular ghost who had been following him on his hunts and to his room didn’t feel threatening at all. Once he decides to interact with Cat, he quickly bonds with her deeper than with any other living person he’s known. But as he knew, there’s always a downside when it comes to the phantoms that roam the Earth. Could mere companionship be enough? Can love persevere between Cat and Yuri? > ►♫
I fell in love with these Immortal Guardians right from the start and have eagerly followed each of their tales. Enjoying Dianne’s wonderful story telling and relishing the ties she creates between the main characters from each book while bringing back the rest of the gang. Each character is different but they have common denominators like loyalty, fierce protectiveness and a gooey center that make them very appealing.
The story about Yuri was slightly different though. Not because he isn’t all these things, on the contrary. But because of how things ended in Night Unbound, the previous book in the series. I was more eager than usual to get to know further about him. And albeit not a full length novel, we get everything from backstories, explosive confrontations and fight scenes, to the sweet and sexy development of the main characters’ relationship, more of the overall plot and of the Immortal Guardians we’ve met in the past. So every component needed for a great paranormal romance packed in this great novella.
I liked getting to know about Cat’s past, which was interesting and surprising. I loved Cat and Yuri’s relationship, though unusual, bloomed. It made me smile with its tender and sultry moments, thrilled me with its action and excitement and even though bittersweet, it also gave me a satisfying and happy ending for Yuri and Cat.
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley in the "On the Hunt" anthology . The excerpts are from that copy. *
More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers
Yuri’s immortal existence can be summed up in three words: “hunt, sleep, repeat.” For centuries he’s had his kindred and duties as a guardian. He’s also felt a deep loneliness. But since he was transferred from New York to David’s house in North Carolina he’s felt a companionship that’s hard to explain, because he’s the only one who can see the lovely ghost he’s been spending time with.
Since he was a boy he could see and talk to phantoms. He also understood that relating with them wasn’t a good idea. But this particular ghost who had been following him on his hunts and to his room didn’t feel threatening at all. Once he decides to interact with Cat, he quickly bonds with her deeper than with any other living person he’s known. But as he knew, there’s always a downside when it comes to the phantoms that roam the Earth. Could mere companionship be enough? Can love persevere between Cat and Yuri? > ►♫
I fell in love with these Immortal Guardians right from the start and have eagerly followed each of their tales. Enjoying Dianne’s wonderful story telling and relishing the ties she creates between the main characters from each book while bringing back the rest of the gang. Each character is different but they have common denominators like loyalty, fierce protectiveness and a gooey center that make them very appealing.
The story about Yuri was slightly different though. Not because he isn’t all these things, on the contrary. But because of how things ended in Night Unbound, the previous book in the series. I was more eager than usual to get to know further about him. And albeit not a full length novel, we get everything from backstories, explosive confrontations and fight scenes, to the sweet and sexy development of the main characters’ relationship, more of the overall plot and of the Immortal Guardians we’ve met in the past. So every component needed for a great paranormal romance packed in this great novella.
I liked getting to know about Cat’s past, which was interesting and surprising. I loved Cat and Yuri’s relationship, though unusual, bloomed. It made me smile with its tender and sultry moments, thrilled me with its action and excitement and even though bittersweet, it also gave me a satisfying and happy ending for Yuri and Cat.
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley in the "On the Hunt" anthology . The excerpts are from that copy. *
More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers
May 1, 2016
4 stars!
I read this novella as part of the On The Hunt collection, and loved it!
Book 5.5 of the Immortal Guardians series, this short gives us the story of Immortal Guardian Yuri. Time-wise, it takes place during the events of Night Unbound, Zach and Lisette’s story, which is a hugely intense time for the Immortal Guardians. They are facing down an enemy unlike any they have seen before, and the warriors are under threat and gearing up for an epic battle.
But while it’s all going down, Yuri is falling in love. Born with the ability to see ghosts and spirits, he learned the hard way not to interact with them in any way less they become fixated on him and he never gets any peace. But there is a woman who hangs around David’s house where the Guardians all gather, and occasionally follows him out onto missions. She is beautiful, yet sad, and he feels himself unexpectedly drawn to her, so one night he reaches out to her.
Cat is the deceased sister of Immortal Guardian, Bastien. She was murdered by her vampire husband over 300 years ago, and she has watched over her brother and the other warriors since he became one of them. She has been drawn to Yuri since she saw him, but had no idea that he could see her. And as soon as he initialises contact, it’s like the floodgates have been opened. They have watched each other for so long, spending time in each other’s company, that it is as if they already sort of know each other. But now that they can converse, they spend time together watching movies, listening to audiobooks and talking about anything and everything. They both revel in every moment that they have together, and Yuri finds himself returning early from his hunts just to that he can spend time with Cat. But they are in an impossible situation.
I really enjoyed this novella. Yuri has always been a bit of a background character in the series up to this point, and I really enjoyed getting to know him more. I loved watching him and Cat fall for each other, and I loved the way that they made things work between them. And despite their circumstances, this book has all of the emotion, feeling and passionate romance as others in the series.
I love how their story played out, and finished it with a huge grin on my face. It was a great read and a very meaningful addition to the series. I am so happy that Diane Duvall gave us this story.
4 stars.
Note - Again, I’d definitely recommend reading these books in order to get the full impact of the story, and this one is spoilery if you haven’t already read book 5, so please don’t skip anything!
I read this novella as part of the On The Hunt collection, and loved it!
Book 5.5 of the Immortal Guardians series, this short gives us the story of Immortal Guardian Yuri. Time-wise, it takes place during the events of Night Unbound, Zach and Lisette’s story, which is a hugely intense time for the Immortal Guardians. They are facing down an enemy unlike any they have seen before, and the warriors are under threat and gearing up for an epic battle.
But while it’s all going down, Yuri is falling in love. Born with the ability to see ghosts and spirits, he learned the hard way not to interact with them in any way less they become fixated on him and he never gets any peace. But there is a woman who hangs around David’s house where the Guardians all gather, and occasionally follows him out onto missions. She is beautiful, yet sad, and he feels himself unexpectedly drawn to her, so one night he reaches out to her.
“I can feel your sadness … I wish I could alleviate it, little one.”
Cat is the deceased sister of Immortal Guardian, Bastien. She was murdered by her vampire husband over 300 years ago, and she has watched over her brother and the other warriors since he became one of them. She has been drawn to Yuri since she saw him, but had no idea that he could see her. And as soon as he initialises contact, it’s like the floodgates have been opened. They have watched each other for so long, spending time in each other’s company, that it is as if they already sort of know each other. But now that they can converse, they spend time together watching movies, listening to audiobooks and talking about anything and everything. They both revel in every moment that they have together, and Yuri finds himself returning early from his hunts just to that he can spend time with Cat. But they are in an impossible situation.
“How I wish I could hold you in my arms.”
… “As do I.”
I really enjoyed this novella. Yuri has always been a bit of a background character in the series up to this point, and I really enjoyed getting to know him more. I loved watching him and Cat fall for each other, and I loved the way that they made things work between them. And despite their circumstances, this book has all of the emotion, feeling and passionate romance as others in the series.
“I’ve waited five hundred years to find you. Five hundred years to love you.”
“I’ll come to you.”
I love how their story played out, and finished it with a huge grin on my face. It was a great read and a very meaningful addition to the series. I am so happy that Diane Duvall gave us this story.
4 stars.
Note - Again, I’d definitely recommend reading these books in order to get the full impact of the story, and this one is spoilery if you haven’t already read book 5, so please don’t skip anything!
May 28, 2020
4.5 ⭐️.
Love love a good ghost romance but they are rarer than a unicorn.
(Do recommend if u know any).
This novella was amazing but the ending.... it was bittersweet and Unexpected.
I loved the ghost heroine who had a very tragic past and silent strong immortal hero. Their relationship was so sweet and passionate.
Recommended.
Love love a good ghost romance but they are rarer than a unicorn.
(Do recommend if u know any).
This novella was amazing but the ending.... it was bittersweet and Unexpected.
I loved the ghost heroine who had a very tragic past and silent strong immortal hero. Their relationship was so sweet and passionate.
Recommended.
May 3, 2016
Pre-order Phantom Embrace for just 1.99$ at the moment.
Note: I already read Phantom Embrace, when it got out in On The Hunt. Here is what I wrote for it.
I already knew how this one would end, since I read the other books in the Immortal Guardians series, but this novella makes the end of Night Unbound so much more bearable. The relationship between Yuri and Cat was cute and heartbreaking and I kind of hope to hear from those two again in a later Immortal Guardians book, but I'm not sure if it will actual happen. Only time can tell. Make it happen, Dianne!
~ This novella can - at least in my opinion - be read as a standalone ~
Rating: 4 stars
For more reviews, visit Bookgatherer.
Note: I already read Phantom Embrace, when it got out in On The Hunt. Here is what I wrote for it.
I already knew how this one would end, since I read the other books in the Immortal Guardians series, but this novella makes the end of Night Unbound so much more bearable. The relationship between Yuri and Cat was cute and heartbreaking and I kind of hope to hear from those two again in a later Immortal Guardians book, but I'm not sure if it will actual happen. Only time can tell. Make it happen, Dianne!
~ This novella can - at least in my opinion - be read as a standalone ~
Rating: 4 stars
For more reviews, visit Bookgatherer.
July 6, 2016
Waaaaaah :( I didn't realize I'd read this short as a part of the On the Hunt anthology in 2015. So, the wait continues for the next full installment, Untitled.
Review: Duvall's short was the perfect salve for the wound left by the events of Night Unbound. The short picks up in the midst of/toward the latter half of the story told in that full installment.
Yuri Sokolov has always been able to see spirits however he's learned that to acknowledge them isn't always the best course of action. Yet, when he notices a mysterious woman lingering, following him on his hunts and making visits to his quarters, he's intrigued. Who is she? To keep her coming back, after noticing that she enjoys exploring the items in his room (she can see an object's history by touching it), he starts adding new things, playing audiobooks versus reading - anything that will allow him to spend more "quiet time" with this lovely spirit. Touched by her obvious sadness, he speaks aloud and surprises her. She was unaware he could see her since, of the Immortals in the house, only Marcus has acknowledged her.
Their story starts as a comfortable companionship then slowly turns into much more. By the end, fans of the series will be equally saddened and soothed by their touching love story. This is a must-read for Duvall's Immortal Guardians fans.
Review: Duvall's short was the perfect salve for the wound left by the events of Night Unbound. The short picks up in the midst of/toward the latter half of the story told in that full installment.
Yuri Sokolov has always been able to see spirits however he's learned that to acknowledge them isn't always the best course of action. Yet, when he notices a mysterious woman lingering, following him on his hunts and making visits to his quarters, he's intrigued. Who is she? To keep her coming back, after noticing that she enjoys exploring the items in his room (she can see an object's history by touching it), he starts adding new things, playing audiobooks versus reading - anything that will allow him to spend more "quiet time" with this lovely spirit. Touched by her obvious sadness, he speaks aloud and surprises her. She was unaware he could see her since, of the Immortals in the house, only Marcus has acknowledged her.
Their story starts as a comfortable companionship then slowly turns into much more. By the end, fans of the series will be equally saddened and soothed by their touching love story. This is a must-read for Duvall's Immortal Guardians fans.
May 19, 2017
Phantom Embrace (Novella 5.5 of the Immortal Guardians series.)
First read October 25, 2015.
As to this novella, it shows it’s the 5.5 novella on the list of Audible books of the Immortal Guardians series but, believe me, that’s wrong. In book 5, Night Unbound, Ami had her baby but in this novella about Yuri she hasn’t had the baby yet. So it was kind of weird reading about Ami’s big belly when I had just finished the book where she was born.
Anyway, it was good that Yuri only had a novella because attempting to write an entire book on Yuri and Cat would not have been nearly as good, consider the ending. And it was a really, really good novella. It leaves Yuri’s and Cat’s story open to all kinds of possibilities. It's hard to review this novella because to say too much would ruin it.
It does have explicit sex in this book and the F-bomb was used around 17 times.
First read October 25, 2015.
As to this novella, it shows it’s the 5.5 novella on the list of Audible books of the Immortal Guardians series but, believe me, that’s wrong. In book 5, Night Unbound, Ami had her baby but in this novella about Yuri she hasn’t had the baby yet. So it was kind of weird reading about Ami’s big belly when I had just finished the book where she was born.
Anyway, it was good that Yuri only had a novella because attempting to write an entire book on Yuri and Cat would not have been nearly as good, consider the ending. And it was a really, really good novella. It leaves Yuri’s and Cat’s story open to all kinds of possibilities. It's hard to review this novella because to say too much would ruin it.
It does have explicit sex in this book and the F-bomb was used around 17 times.
February 6, 2016
I just read this as part of the Anthology, "On the Hunt". This was my favourite tale in the collection. A bitter sweet romance of star crossed lovers. There are a lot of spoilers in this one so I wouldn't read it until you have read 'Night Unbound' first. I have really enjoyed this series, but somehow this short story was so much more poignant than the other full length novels. I hope the author can somehow bring Yuri and Cat back into future stories.
I did not know anything about the story going in except for the obvious about Yuri from the last book. This worked great so I don't want to leave any spoilers...
I did not know anything about the story going in except for the obvious about Yuri from the last book. This worked great so I don't want to leave any spoilers...
October 1, 2020
At first, I felt like it was a rehash of what happened in the previous book from a different perspective and was taking to long to get to anything new and interesting. Then it just turned and became a really sweet love story and something that I knew was going to make me cry... and it did.
May 6, 2016
4.5-5 stars
***Warning...spoilers are present in the review of this story****
Yuri is an Immortal Guardian and has spent the past 500 years hunting vampires and protecting humanity. TBH, I was really surprised to see that he got his own story because (as you'll know if you're current on the Immortal Guardians series) he dies at the end of book #5, Night Unbound. The majority of this story takes place during the time frame of Night Unbound, explaining how Yuri (who has a gift that enables him to see spirits) meets Cat and they fall in love...regardless of the fact that she's a spirit and Yuri alive. I really liked the relationship that they managed to have together but obviously it was limited. Yuri's death was sad but it allowed him and Cat to be together fully so although it's bittersweet, they do get a HEA together.
I really enjoyed this story and loved Yuri and Cat together. I sort of wish there was more to their story but the way thing stood, I can see it would have been hard to make it longer. I do hope that Yuri and Cat will be part of the series in the future...I could see them being a help to the Immortal Guardians in the future. :D
***Warning...spoilers are present in the review of this story****
Yuri is an Immortal Guardian and has spent the past 500 years hunting vampires and protecting humanity. TBH, I was really surprised to see that he got his own story because (as you'll know if you're current on the Immortal Guardians series) he dies at the end of book #5, Night Unbound. The majority of this story takes place during the time frame of Night Unbound, explaining how Yuri (who has a gift that enables him to see spirits) meets Cat and they fall in love...regardless of the fact that she's a spirit and Yuri alive. I really liked the relationship that they managed to have together but obviously it was limited. Yuri's death was sad but it allowed him and Cat to be together fully so although it's bittersweet, they do get a HEA together.
I really enjoyed this story and loved Yuri and Cat together. I sort of wish there was more to their story but the way thing stood, I can see it would have been hard to make it longer. I do hope that Yuri and Cat will be part of the series in the future...I could see them being a help to the Immortal Guardians in the future. :D
July 2, 2016
*Originally read in the anthology On the Hunt which I rec'd from NetGalley
Immortal Guardian Yuri Sokolov can see spirits and he’s been obsessed with one he keeps seeing around. Cat Seddon has been a spirit for a very long time, but there’s something about Yuri that draws her. An immortal and a spirit, what kind of relationship are they going to have? Only one way to find out.
I love, love, love the Immortal Guardian series and this short story (#5.5) is a wonderful and unique addition to a really great line up. Even though it’s short it lacks nothing in development and has all of the trademarks I love from the longer books: humor, suspense, steaminess, romance, mystery, awesome action and I mentioned the humor, right? The ending is both heart wrenching and heartwarming. Don’t skip this one when making your way through the series.
Immortal Guardian Yuri Sokolov can see spirits and he’s been obsessed with one he keeps seeing around. Cat Seddon has been a spirit for a very long time, but there’s something about Yuri that draws her. An immortal and a spirit, what kind of relationship are they going to have? Only one way to find out.
I love, love, love the Immortal Guardian series and this short story (#5.5) is a wonderful and unique addition to a really great line up. Even though it’s short it lacks nothing in development and has all of the trademarks I love from the longer books: humor, suspense, steaminess, romance, mystery, awesome action and I mentioned the humor, right? The ending is both heart wrenching and heartwarming. Don’t skip this one when making your way through the series.
December 9, 2015
Oh my god! I love the Immortal Guardians soooo much! This short story is about Yuri and Cat. The thing about Cat is, she's dead. I'm really not a big fan of ghost romance stories, because the happy endings are still sad. Somehow though, I feel in love with this story maybe cause I already loved Yuri from the other stories or because this story told about Cat, the unfortunate sister to Bastien, I'm not sure. Dianne Duvall is all about the Happy Ending and I really cried at the end of this, I'm actually glad I read Lisette's story before I read this. Please note: Lisette's story (Night Unbound, Book #5) runs sort of parallel to Yuri's.
June 29, 2016
Forgot I read this in an anthology. Still good! Touching HEA for Yuri.
July 31, 2019
Rating: ❤❤❤❤.5
Heat Rating: 🔥🔥🔥
Heat Rating: 🔥🔥🔥
August 16, 2022
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Phantom Embrace is book 5.5 in Dianne Duvall’s exciting Immortal Guardian series. It tells the story of the Immortal Guardian Yuri Sokolov. Yuri appeared in the prior books, but he didn’t play a central role. Despite this, I hoped he would get his happily ever after. At the end of Night Unbound, I lost hope of that happening, but Phantom Embrace restored it.
The events occurring in Phantom Embrace also occurred in Night Unbound, with one exception: the romance developing between Yuri and Cat. Now Yuri and Cat were an unusual couple. Cat was a ghost residing in David’s House. David is Seth’s second in command. Yuri is one of two immortal guardians who possesses the ability to see ghosts. Yuri, doesn’t make it a habit to converse with the spirits as there is always a downside, but for some inexplicable reas0n he is drawn to Cat and soon they are spending lots of time together.
Armed with the information from Night Unbound, the bittersweet ending of Phantom Embrace offered no surprises. There could be no other outcome, seeing that their happily ever after was the objective. Yuri and Cat’s love story is one of hope. Yuri yearned to find that special someone after spending centuries alone. Cat became that person for him. Cat’s past was tragic and since her death, her spirit found no peace, but all that changed when she came in contact with Yuri. They both provided each other with the companionship and comfort they desired.
Despite the circumstances of their unlikely situation, the feelings they shared felt genuine. Their story encompassed the perfect blend of emotion, tenderness and passion, and it made up for my disappointment from the previous book.
I am used to Kirsten Potter narrating the series, so I was a bit disappointed to learn that a different narrator narrated Phantom Embrace. This is my first time listening to Arika Rapson. She did a fairly good job of giving life to the characters and the scenes. She created different voices for each of the character making it easy to distinguish between male and female and being able to determine which character is speaking at any given time. Her accents, however, were a bit off and could have used some refining.
Phantom Embrace, with its bittersweet ending, delivered a beautiful story of hope and love.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
The events occurring in Phantom Embrace also occurred in Night Unbound, with one exception: the romance developing between Yuri and Cat. Now Yuri and Cat were an unusual couple. Cat was a ghost residing in David’s House. David is Seth’s second in command. Yuri is one of two immortal guardians who possesses the ability to see ghosts. Yuri, doesn’t make it a habit to converse with the spirits as there is always a downside, but for some inexplicable reas0n he is drawn to Cat and soon they are spending lots of time together.
Armed with the information from Night Unbound, the bittersweet ending of Phantom Embrace offered no surprises. There could be no other outcome, seeing that their happily ever after was the objective. Yuri and Cat’s love story is one of hope. Yuri yearned to find that special someone after spending centuries alone. Cat became that person for him. Cat’s past was tragic and since her death, her spirit found no peace, but all that changed when she came in contact with Yuri. They both provided each other with the companionship and comfort they desired.
Despite the circumstances of their unlikely situation, the feelings they shared felt genuine. Their story encompassed the perfect blend of emotion, tenderness and passion, and it made up for my disappointment from the previous book.
I am used to Kirsten Potter narrating the series, so I was a bit disappointed to learn that a different narrator narrated Phantom Embrace. This is my first time listening to Arika Rapson. She did a fairly good job of giving life to the characters and the scenes. She created different voices for each of the character making it easy to distinguish between male and female and being able to determine which character is speaking at any given time. Her accents, however, were a bit off and could have used some refining.
Phantom Embrace, with its bittersweet ending, delivered a beautiful story of hope and love.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
April 14, 2022
This was a short story that takes place between books 5 and 6 of the Immortal Guardians series. The narrator is different than the full-length books and I had a hard time listening as a result. Since I've been binge-listening to these it really pulled me out of the story.
I was curious about Yuri after the events of the previous books and I wanted to know more about Cat. I wasn't satisfied with the ending. I'd hoped for more since we already knew how it ended. I didn't dislike the story, I just wanted more. I hope we'll get additional information in the next book.
I was curious about Yuri after the events of the previous books and I wanted to know more about Cat. I wasn't satisfied with the ending. I'd hoped for more since we already knew how it ended. I didn't dislike the story, I just wanted more. I hope we'll get additional information in the next book.
July 13, 2018
3.5 Stars
With a story time-line parallel to Night Unbound in the Immortal Guardians series, Phantom Shadows explores the insurmountable love between the living and the dead.
Yuri Sokolov can see the dead, but he learned early on to never interact with them. Until he sees the deceased sister of a fellow Immortal Guardian. She wonders the halls of David's home and the streets of North Carolina. She enchants Yuri with her endless curiosity, and mystifies him with her melancholy. Cat Seddon fills her endless, lonely days living on the peripheral of the living. Watching over her brother and glimpsing into the comradery of his new family. All that changes though when the handsome Immortal, Yuri, decides to speak to her...
You may be wondering how exactly this story could play out, even as a long-time Immortal Guardians fan I did, but I'll tell you how - beautifully! Phantom Embrace is a bittersweet tale of an impossible love. After all, how could two people form any kind of romantic relationship when they can't even touch one another? Dianne Duvall tackles this insurmountable challenge with flair and precision though, while guiding reader's through a speculum of Night Unbound, and engaging us further into the courage and heart of Yuri. Elocutionist of the series already know that Yuri ultimately meets a mournful end, but that end suddenly has meaning in this novella. Though I cannot say that this story was a favorite of mine from the series as I never quite connected with Yuri as well as I did with some of the other Immortals, I am happy that it was told.
Phantom Shadows is a tale of passion, romance, suspense, and heart-ache. One that alternately had me smiling to myself and gripping the pages. And one that I recommend to any fan of the Immortal Guardians series to try.
NOTE: Read as part of the On the Hunt anthology.
Visit Us!
BLOG | TWITTER | FACEBOOK
With a story time-line parallel to Night Unbound in the Immortal Guardians series, Phantom Shadows explores the insurmountable love between the living and the dead.
Yuri Sokolov can see the dead, but he learned early on to never interact with them. Until he sees the deceased sister of a fellow Immortal Guardian. She wonders the halls of David's home and the streets of North Carolina. She enchants Yuri with her endless curiosity, and mystifies him with her melancholy. Cat Seddon fills her endless, lonely days living on the peripheral of the living. Watching over her brother and glimpsing into the comradery of his new family. All that changes though when the handsome Immortal, Yuri, decides to speak to her...
You may be wondering how exactly this story could play out, even as a long-time Immortal Guardians fan I did, but I'll tell you how - beautifully! Phantom Embrace is a bittersweet tale of an impossible love. After all, how could two people form any kind of romantic relationship when they can't even touch one another? Dianne Duvall tackles this insurmountable challenge with flair and precision though, while guiding reader's through a speculum of Night Unbound, and engaging us further into the courage and heart of Yuri. Elocutionist of the series already know that Yuri ultimately meets a mournful end, but that end suddenly has meaning in this novella. Though I cannot say that this story was a favorite of mine from the series as I never quite connected with Yuri as well as I did with some of the other Immortals, I am happy that it was told.
Phantom Shadows is a tale of passion, romance, suspense, and heart-ache. One that alternately had me smiling to myself and gripping the pages. And one that I recommend to any fan of the Immortal Guardians series to try.
NOTE: Read as part of the On the Hunt anthology.
Visit Us!
BLOG | TWITTER | FACEBOOK
July 25, 2019
This is a short story that packed one heck of a wallop. Can a ghost who hasn’t passed on and an lonely, ancient Immortal find love? Heck yes! I loved every page.
October 10, 2017
It is repetitive to Night Unbound, but I was so happy for Yuri. I am not a fan of stories with ghosts, but this one was good.
September 29, 2020
I liked this side story and glimpse into the ghost experience.
July 9, 2021
I'm so angry right now ���🤬
This book was so disappointing. It's like the author copied and pasted 70% of it from the previous books and just put a ghost in it to justify killing Yuri.
This book was so disappointing. It's like the author copied and pasted 70% of it from the previous books and just put a ghost in it to justify killing Yuri.
August 18, 2017
Good story, a tear jerker! We see the end of Night Unbound thru Yuri and Cat's eyes!
September 24, 2019
FREAKING LOVED THIS NOVELLA!
July 1, 2016
Can a love between two people in different realms exist? Can it find a way to surpass the odds and the difficulties and still bloom??
Those are the questions that Yuri and Cat need the answers to, and Dianne Duvall definitely delivers in this beautiful and bittersweet story!!!
Yuri, an immortal with more than 500 hundred years of living alone, with no one to claim his heart, or share his daily activities, the loneliness only kept at bay, his whole life revolving around killing vampires and keeping humanity safe.
That is until a lone woman captures his attention. She doesn't know he can see her, doesn't know he is aware of everything she does or touches, doesn’t know how much he enjoys her company.
Catherine, Cat to her friends, has a very lonely existence, 200 years as a ghost can leave one only wishing things were different. Until she moved to David's house and found herself surrounded by a group of people that formed a close knit family, one she could only observed from afar, but that at least gave her some comfort. And then, there was Yuri. The only male that has ever inspired her more than single curiosity. Too bad he can’t see her.
How can they get to know each other, and explore blooming feelings for one and other when they can't even touch?
As always Dianne Duvall, delivers a heartwarming and at the same time wrenching story, full of longing and love.
For those of us who have read the series, this novella goes before the last book and since we know the ending it gives us a little inside view of what is going to happen, and even though you can have an inkling into where the story might go, there are their fair share of surprises.
Even though it does have its HEA, there is it's bittersweet moment, where you know the couple get what they want, but what about the others…….
Definitely a book to have and to read, it completes the series of Immortal Guardians, and gives us closure to a wound that was left open at the end of Shadow Strike.
But don’t worry, you can still read it as a stand alone, but it's definitely better if you've read the series. Dianne Duvall
Those are the questions that Yuri and Cat need the answers to, and Dianne Duvall definitely delivers in this beautiful and bittersweet story!!!
‘So, ” Marcus spoke after a pause, “have you found it yet?“
“Found what?” Yuri asked absently, his mind a maelstrom.
“The catch, the downside to speaking to her” Yuri responded with a slow nod. “What is it?” Marcus asked curiously. Yuri tried and failed to force a smile.
“I'm falling in love with her” Marcus swore.
Yuri, an immortal with more than 500 hundred years of living alone, with no one to claim his heart, or share his daily activities, the loneliness only kept at bay, his whole life revolving around killing vampires and keeping humanity safe.
That is until a lone woman captures his attention. She doesn't know he can see her, doesn't know he is aware of everything she does or touches, doesn’t know how much he enjoys her company.
Catherine, Cat to her friends, has a very lonely existence, 200 years as a ghost can leave one only wishing things were different. Until she moved to David's house and found herself surrounded by a group of people that formed a close knit family, one she could only observed from afar, but that at least gave her some comfort. And then, there was Yuri. The only male that has ever inspired her more than single curiosity. Too bad he can’t see her.
How can they get to know each other, and explore blooming feelings for one and other when they can't even touch?
As always Dianne Duvall, delivers a heartwarming and at the same time wrenching story, full of longing and love.
For those of us who have read the series, this novella goes before the last book and since we know the ending it gives us a little inside view of what is going to happen, and even though you can have an inkling into where the story might go, there are their fair share of surprises.
Even though it does have its HEA, there is it's bittersweet moment, where you know the couple get what they want, but what about the others…….
Definitely a book to have and to read, it completes the series of Immortal Guardians, and gives us closure to a wound that was left open at the end of Shadow Strike.
But don’t worry, you can still read it as a stand alone, but it's definitely better if you've read the series. Dianne Duvall
January 28, 2016
NOTE: I already read this novella in the anthology "On the Hunt" by Alexandra Ivy, Rebecca Zanetti, Dianne Duvall and Hannah Jayne. This was my review of Ms. Duvall's story.
"Phantom Embrace" by Dianne Duvall. Book 5.5 in the Immortal Guardians series.
If I could give this story more than 5 stars, I would! You can read this novella as a stand alone BUT it is much more enjoyed if you have read the series. This story takes place during the same timeline as the previous book "Night Unbound" but you get to hear the story from Yuri's point of view.
Yuri is an Immortal Guardian who can see and talk to ghosts/spirits and he happens to notice Cat, a spirit that's been following him while he hunts vampires and happens to haunt the house where most of the Immortal Guardians are staying. The love story between Yuri and Cat IS the main plot in this story but the problem is Yuri can't touch Cat because she's a ghost.
It's the most heartwarming, heartbreaking, lovely story I've read in a long time. I'd give this story 10 stars if I could! I loved it that much. (NOTE: If you've read the series, you know what happened in the last book and you would understand why Yuri's story is so meaningful.)
"Phantom Embrace" by Dianne Duvall. Book 5.5 in the Immortal Guardians series.
If I could give this story more than 5 stars, I would! You can read this novella as a stand alone BUT it is much more enjoyed if you have read the series. This story takes place during the same timeline as the previous book "Night Unbound" but you get to hear the story from Yuri's point of view.
Yuri is an Immortal Guardian who can see and talk to ghosts/spirits and he happens to notice Cat, a spirit that's been following him while he hunts vampires and happens to haunt the house where most of the Immortal Guardians are staying. The love story between Yuri and Cat IS the main plot in this story but the problem is Yuri can't touch Cat because she's a ghost.
It's the most heartwarming, heartbreaking, lovely story I've read in a long time. I'd give this story 10 stars if I could! I loved it that much. (NOTE: If you've read the series, you know what happened in the last book and you would understand why Yuri's story is so meaningful.)
June 29, 2016
I want to ask Dianne Duvall WHY!! did she charge $1.99 for a story her fans of the Immortal Guardians have already read? There is nothing new added to the IG storyline no new characters added. Everything in this story readers of the series have already read from the prior books in the series!! So Why? The only marginal difference is that we know Yuri who was killed in a prior book has been in love with Cat Saddon. Cat is the dead sister of the Immortal Guardian Bastian who though he was a vampire. We meet Cat in his story. This story is a Recap of some of the prior books. The events in this story are past events. In this book Amy and Marcus haven't had there baby, But we know Amy had her baby in the prior book. WTH is this all about. Except what it is always about. The bottom line MONEY!!
I am so disappointed in Ms. Duvall and I feel used. BAMBOZZLED!! To make matters worse is the last chapter is the first chapter of bk 1 Darkness Dawns, Roland and Sarah story.
If you have read the prior books DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK!! try to get if free if you must read it. I AM GOING TO RETURN IT!! A TOTAL WASTE OF MONEY!!
I am so disappointed in Ms. Duvall and I feel used. BAMBOZZLED!! To make matters worse is the last chapter is the first chapter of bk 1 Darkness Dawns, Roland and Sarah story.
If you have read the prior books DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK!! try to get if free if you must read it. I AM GOING TO RETURN IT!! A TOTAL WASTE OF MONEY!!
October 6, 2025
finally got this audiobook. I liked it. It focuses more on the love story between cat and yuri. How they started becoming friends and more, until his death. More of a ghost love story and I really enjoyed it. Some say they did not like it, I think because it does not just talk about the fighting and is so different because of the ghost. But it does fill in the what you do not know and gives you an understanding when they later show up in the Series, how those 2 became what they are. It always bothered me that I did not really know how come they are together and how it happened. I hate it if Authors write the " in between " books, and you can not just buy them like the others. They are only on Kindle or mixed into a book with different stories and other authors ( I hate that). Audible doesn`t offer the audio, so I went to a better place to buy it.
You can find the paperback book called On The Hunt. It has this story in it.
You can find the paperback book called On The Hunt. It has this story in it.
August 20, 2017
Dianne Duvall's heroes and world of immortals had me at book one with Roland Warbrook *swoon* Phantom Embrace was intriguing simply because it centers around two secondary characters, which in previous books did not seem to me they would ever need their own story.
So why did Yuri and Cat (Bastien's sister) find each other?
How did the author craft their romance? The author did them a solid on taking time to share their story with her readers. I won't give away anything away. And you don't have to read this story for the series to move forward. But well done, DD, well done. 4 stars for the plot line alone!
So why did Yuri and Cat (Bastien's sister) find each other?
How did the author craft their romance? The author did them a solid on taking time to share their story with her readers. I won't give away anything away. And you don't have to read this story for the series to move forward. But well done, DD, well done. 4 stars for the plot line alone!
January 16, 2025
I love this whole series. I've read it at least five times. One of my all-time favorite authors.
Unfortunately, this one was only good for Yuri's HEA after what happened to him in the previous book. There was lots of repetition. Basically, it's the last book, shortened and from Yuri's POV.
Also, the audio was the WORST. Kirsten Potter didn't narrate it, and Arika obviously did not listen to the previous books, or she would know the RIGHT ACCENTS for the right characters.
Zack is not American; neither is Seth. Roland and Marcus- they are British.
It's not the same as all the other books.
Unfortunately, this one was only good for Yuri's HEA after what happened to him in the previous book. There was lots of repetition. Basically, it's the last book, shortened and from Yuri's POV.
Also, the audio was the WORST. Kirsten Potter didn't narrate it, and Arika obviously did not listen to the previous books, or she would know the RIGHT ACCENTS for the right characters.
Zack is not American; neither is Seth. Roland and Marcus- they are British.
It's not the same as all the other books.
January 5, 2018
Read as a part of "on the Hunt" and reviewed there ...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews