Destined for Shadows: Book 1

Dark Destiny #1

by Susan Illene

Cori Marsh might have a shady past, but at least she’s human, which is more than she can say for her new neighbor. Bartol is something else—a nephilim who just got out of a century-long sentence in Purgatory that damaged him both inside and out. He’s as intriguing as he is grumpy, and she’s determined to fix him no matter how much he tries to push her away.

But Cori has her own problems. A man from her past has returned to Fairbanks, Alaska to seek revenge. While she can hold her own against the average person, this guy is no longer human, and he’s determined to make her pay for what she did years ago.

If she’s to survive the danger coming for her, Cori will need the help of her supernatural friends—especially Bartol. And if a little romance develops along the way with the nephilim? Well, at least she’ll have gotten his mind on something besides what he went through in Purgatory.

Word Count- 92,000 words

This is the first installment in the Dark Destiny Series (a spin-off from the Sensor Series). It will feature the same couple for three novels.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Romance, Vampires, Paranormal, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Demons

421 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 25, 2017

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Kara-karina · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a spin off, this is off to a solid start. It sets the scene nicely, it delves into the backstory of two main characters, and it's keeping us up to date with what's happening in Fairbanks.

My only complaint is that Cori & Bartol's interactions are very muted and sparse until they aren't. I needed them to build themselves up to that spark and sexual heat slower, especially considering how damaged they both are.

So, on one hand, it took me ages to get into the flow of things, on the another hand, I was glad that things ended on an uncertain note.

Going with the past experience, I know that Cori and Bartol will grow on me, it's just right now I am not enamoured yet.

Apart from the main storyline, there were plenty of gems to keep me satisfied: I got a glimpse of how the supernaturals of Fairbanks were doing, of Melena's work with the federal agents and of course of Cori's complicated past. The world-building was excellent.

So, as I said, it's a good start, but I'll be needing to read more to decide on the series in general.

* * *
Как спин-офф эта серия начинается с хорошего фундамента. Она выстраивает декорации, углубляется в прошлое главных героев и продолжает рассказывать о том, что происходит с паранормальными существами Фэйрбэнкса.

Моя единственная жалоба в том, что встречи Кори с Бартолом очень редкие и сдержанные пока внезапно не прыгают в интенсивную близость. Мне хотелось, чтобы эта близость была выстроена постепенно и неспешно, особенно, учитывая тяжелые душевные травмы и сложное прошлое героев.

Так что, с одной стороны, мне было тяжело вчитываться в эту книгу С другой стороны, я рада, что все закончилось на неразрешенной ноте.

Учитывпя предыдущий опыт с этим автором, я знаю, что понравятся мне герои не сразу. Я к ним буду оттаивать постепенно.

Коме главной сюжетной линии здесь было много интересных моментов, не дающих мне скучать: я увидела как сверхъестественные существа Фэйрбэнкса живут в новой реальности, как Мелена работает с федеральными агентами и что скрывается в прошлом Кори и Бартола. Построение мира было превосходным.

Так что, как я и сказала, это хорошее начало серии, но я пока не знаю, нравится ли мне она или нет. Поживем, увидим.

[Abra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Destined for Shadows is a spinoff from the excellent Sensor series. It's about Cori and Bartol, who have been in previous books. Cori is human and owns a tattoo shop in Fairbanks. She has known about the supernatural community for a few years having helped out Melena, the sensor from the previous series. Bartol is a nephilim: half angel and half sensor. He's about 1800 years old and has spent the last 100 years in Purgatory being horribly tortured mentally and physically. That has left him with crippling PTSD and a horribly disfigured face. The guardian in Purgatory burned Bartol and left one half of his face stunningly beautiful and one half grotesque and frightening. Bartol finds it very difficult to touch or be touched, he has flashbacks, he's compulsive about keeping his cabin clean, and he has difficultly leaving it.

Cori has never had a problem with Bartol's face and was very natural around him in previous books. Now Bartol has moved out of Melena's house and his cabin is near Cori's. She brings him food every few days. He never had to cook for himself and is having trouble adjusting to the modern world. Bartol lives on canned soup, baked potatoes and whatever Cori brings him.

Cori's violent ex-husband, who should be dead, starts harassing her. It starts with a note on her door and escalates to him showing up at her house. Cori tries to shoot him, but he disappears. The ex-husband, Griff, continues to threaten her. Bartol, Melena, Lucas, and Bambi (the local troll) all work on finding Griff before he kills Cori.

This is an exciting book, made more so because the characters are fully formed. These are adults with histories that have affected them in many ways. I found Bartol very interesting in the Sensor books and I'm really happy that he and Cori are getting their own three book series. Their relationship is a slow burn romance because there is so much for the characters to sort through within themselves. This book is a great mix of action and really good characters.

[Neil · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.

I know this is fantasy, but it was just too unbelievable for me in places.
Supernaturals who are unable to protect a human.
Ridiculous.
Could have been so much better.

[Sarah Leenart · Rating 5 out of 5]

What we have here is one very special book. Destined for Shadows is the first of three books telling the story of Cori and Bartol, two very damaged people with haunting pasts, who find themselves in each other's lives with the glimmer of a future. The world is that of the Sensor series, and if you have read those then there is no doubt that you will enjoy this book immensely, however if you have not, then this book sets up like a first in series, with full details about all the characters and world, and it is done in such a way that you don't even notice. I highly recommend this for all readers who like action, drama, incredibly relatable characters, the supernatural and a love story that is a long hard fought victory, no simpering insta love here.

This book made me laugh, cry, hold my breath and want to scream at something. Both Cori and Bartol have pasts that had me in tears, and yet they found so much hope in each other. They both have friends that will literally put their lives on the line for them and that sense of friendship and together being stronger is a definite theme to the book, one which I enjoyed immensely. When Cori's past unexpectedly makes an appearance it throws her and Bartol together and the chemistry they share practically fried my kindle! The places they are taken is very very dark and I have to commend the author on some difficult themes done exceptionally well.

As always with Susan Illene, we get the usual first class, brilliantly tight writing style, wonderfully warm characters (as well as those you really really hate), fast paced and intriguing plot and a world that feels so real you could reach out and touch it. I loved it and can't wait for more.

[Iris Hunter (InstagramREADS) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book.

Destined for Shadows is the first of three books telling the story of Cori and Bartol in the same world as the (The Sensor Series by Susan Illene. ,

I recommend this for all readers who like paranormal romance, action and drama.

The excerpt and sample had me hooked from the beginning. The rest of the book was not so thrilling as the first sample pages but will do easily to reach the full 5 stars. With each turn of a page anticipating the next thing that will happen. Reads easily and thrilling at te same time. Good Job!

Love to see how this series will continue.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would have been nice to have a HFN finish instead of a Unhappy for now ending.

[Loucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Premier des 3 tomes de cette série spin-off de "Melena Sanders". J'ai aimé retrouver l'univers et tous les personnages de la première série. L'histoire générale continue mais avec un autre couple en avant-plan. On découvre enfin le secret de Cori. J'ai hâte de lire la suite.

[DelAnne Frazee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Destined For Shadows - Dark Destiny Book 1
Author: Susan Illene
Publisher: City Owl Press
Published: 3-25-2017
Pages: 384
Genre: Romance
Sub-Genre: Dark Fantasy; horror
ISBN: 97890986336164
ASIN: B06XV5JN4W
Reviewed For NetGalley and City Owl Press
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.5 Stars


Love can be a dangerous thing…

Cori isn’t the sort of woman to believe in fairy tale romance anymore, but there is something about her neighbor, Bartol, that she can’t resist. Maybe it’s the scars on his face, the way he hides from the world, or it could be the hot angelic blood running through his veins. He’s damaged inside and out, which is something she understands all too well. They’d be a perfect match if Cori weren't human, and she could learn to trust again, but having a man from her past stalking her only proves she’s destined for a dark fate.

Bartol is a half-angel who has just spent a hundred years in Purgatory. The torture he experienced there left him with no desire to interact with the outside world, especially a tempting neighbor like Cori. She is the only woman who can get under his skin and make him want more than he can handle. But he might not be able to resist much longer because unlike him she can die, and it’s going to be soon if he doesn’t step in to help her.


Strong characters that take over the scene and pulls readers into the scene making them a part of it. Darkness creeps in and spreads as catch up with events in the lives of characters from a prior series, one you yourself will want to read to see how Barstol and Cori were first introduced in the Sensor series. Fast paced, Destined for Darkness, is an intense read you will not want to put down.


My rating of "Destined for Darkness" is 4.5 out of 5 stars.



Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XV5JN4W/...

B&N Link: Not Available

GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...

The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...

Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was great

It was hard at the beginning for me to stay committed to reading this book as it incorporated a Narrative Style of reading, which I tend to steer clear of ( I feel that it disconnects you from the characters and their emotions), I have to say, after getting into chapter 3 I felt intrigued as to how this story could go. I haven't read the Sensors series so I didn't know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised. Though Cori annoyed me at first, ( I simply I didn't understand her behaviour or quirks) , as we delved deeper into her past I saw her develop into a more 'real' character, which made me enjoy the book way more, especially as she showed quite some strength for being a human surrounded by supernaturals. We've only scratched the surface on her depth as a character and her relationship with her nephilim man but I feel this book has set up a good foundation to an interesting story for the next books. I could find myself picking up the next book, so i would definitely recommend reading this to see what you think for yourself 🙂

[Viki H · Rating 1 out of 5]

Great outline

Like her other books I have tried to read, she writes great outlines for what could be really fun books. Unfortunately the characters never get fleshed out, almost nothing gets a decent description except a few of the men and some flashy decor, and all the action gets skipped over with just a boring "they stormed the castle" sort of deal and then you are onto the next scene. I will try not to make the mistake of downloading another by this author. No pleasure to be had here just guilt.

[Renee Barattini-Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Destined For Shadows

I really enjoyed this spin-off from the Sensor series. Bartol and Cori are interesting characters and I'm pleased there will be more books featuring them and the rest of the Sensor series gang.

[Kathie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, didn't expect the ending.

[LeslecturesdeMylene · Rating 5 out of 5]

17/20 - https://www.leslecturesdemylene.com/2...

[Marine · Rating 4 out of 5]

7,5/10

Avant de débuter ma lecture, je ne savais pas que ce livre était un spin off d'une saga.

J'ai globalement aimé mais j'ai était un peu déçu par la rapidité avec laquelle la relation entre les personnages principaux s'installe, je m'attendais à plus d'hésitation, de découverte de l'autre, j'aurais préféré vraiment voir la curiosité monter petit a petit. Je ne sais pas... un peu trop de précipitations a mon goût 😆

[Amanda White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

Wow I loved this! Cori and Bartol are just so tortured but perfect for each other. And even though they both have dark pasts, this book is not at all angst-y. It flows really well and the writing is fast paced. The twists were perfect. Definitely recommend this book, but I personally think the reading experience is enhanced if you've read the sensor series first so you have all the background on the other characters as well.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this author and this series is one of my favorites. Well written, fantastic storyline and cute romance. Can't wait for more!!

[Poetic Puppy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cori has a new neighbour; the Nephilim Bartol. He’s been tortured for a century and has been left both mentally and physically scarred. She’s determined to bring him back to life. The problem is, nobody is without a past and Cori is no exception. When her past comes back to haunt her, she finds she needs her friends to protect her and Bartol is on hand to help out, whether she wants him to or not.

Being able to dive back into a familiar world is fantastic. It’s like catching up with an old friend. I was at ease in this book from page one, but that’s not to say that this book doesn’t have its own unique story and voice. If you’ve read the Sensor series, then you’ll have already met the main players. If you haven’t read the Sensor series, then why not? It’s brilliant. Put this book aside, and go pick up Darkness Haunts. Yes, I’m being pushy, but you’ll thank me for it I promise. Saying that though, you don’t actually have to have read the Sensor series to be able to get into Destined for Shadows; so feel free to ignore me if you must. Okay. Let’s get back on track… Everything you need to know while reading the Dark Destiny series will be explained. In fact, you’ll learn a few new titbits we didn’t get to learn but might have always wanted to know more about from the Sensor series. So if you ever wondered how flashing works or wanted to know more about the mating bond, then you definitely don’t want to skip this series. I can already tell this series is going to be just as great as Susan’s previous works.

I’ve always liked Cori. She was there for Melena and the sups when they needed her and wasn’t afraid to go the extra mile. She was also incredibly kind. We knew she had a dark past, but it didn’t matter to Mel, so it didn’t matter to us. I’m glad to say, she’s still the woman we know and love. I really enjoyed getting into her mind. Like Bartol she’s a little damaged, vulnerable, but she doesn’t want anyone to know that or see it. While she may not want to inconvenience her friends, she gratefully accepts their help when it’s offered. The ending is absolutely heart-breaking, so be prepared. Our hearts already bled for Bartol, so watching him build himself back up was kind of inspiring. Not that he’s there yet, but he’s taking the first steps. To paraphrase Cori; helping someone overcome their past is a marathon, not a race. I think even as a new reader you’d be there supporting Bartol from the start, I can’t say the same for Lucas when we first met him. Despite his harrowing past, Bartol is just more likeable than Lucas. Perhaps we’re more sympathetic to him, or maybe it’s his inner charmer coming out to play. I like to think it’s the latter. Either way, I’m loving watching the way in which both characters are learning to survive and move forward, both together and independently.

Sorry for all the Sensor Series comparisons, but the two worlds are intertwined and I was hoping to show those that have read it just how different this story would be and why it’s worth reading. Hopefully, like me, once you’ve read Destined for Shadows you’ll find yourself eagerly anticipating book two and the continuation of the Dark Destiny series.

Suggested Audience: Adult readers of Paranormal Romance
Perspective: Third person, following Cori and Bartol.
Profanity: Occasional
Sexual content: Infrequent but detailed
Violence: Sporadic, sometimes severe
Cautionary element(s): Kidnapping and scenes of physical abuse.

[poppy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked this book.It is well written with a super plot and great characters.A very cute romance looking forward to the next one.

[Pam Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Destiny

Loved this book! So far I've loved everything Susan Illene has written! Please keep them coming. So glad you decided to do stories on Corey and Bartol. Definitely five stars!💟💜💙😇

[Kass Daly]

Just loved it, great author, watched he story unfold in my mind as I read the words.
Spin offs can be try hards but not this one, definitely doesn't disappoint

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Cori and Bartol have a rather tenuous relationship. Bartol is a reclusive nephilim and Cori (a local business owner), sees him as a challenge. I loved both of these characters in the Sensor series, and it was great to see them develop in their own book.

Cori is strong and independent, and we learn throughout the book how she got to be this way. She still has some of her own demons to slay, but she is determined to help Bartol move own from his own past as well – whether he wants her help or not!

I felt the pacing of this book was very good. I was engaged from start to finish. I'm so glad the author has decided to make this a three book series, as I believe these characters, and especially Bartol, deserve to have their stories told (and hopefully a very happy ever after)!

It was great to catch up with characters from the Sensor series too. I've missed Melena and co. If you haven't read the Sensor series, I highly recommend it, although it's not completely necessary to read it before this book.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I should start with the fact that I have not read any of the original series, of which this world is based upon. That being said, I don’t think it hindered by enjoyment of this book. The world was rich with characters who had unique stories and you could tell that there was a history there. It was nice to get thrown right in and meet the awesomeness that is Cori.

Cori is the best. No, really, she is an absolutely wonderful main character. She’s tough, independent, and has been through an awful lot. It would take a serious strength of character to survive as a regular old human surrounded by massively powerful paranormals. To further prove her strength, she is also determined to pull a reclusive half-angel out of his shell. Bartol was tortured for way too long and now he’s got some pretty big issues with relationships of any kind. He’s built some literal and metaphorical walls around himself to ensure he doesn’t hurt others or get hurt again himself. The only person who seems to ignore them is Cori. She’s using all her considerable talent to try to lure him out.

These two are just… awesome. Sure, Bartol is gruff and stubborn, but I think that’s exactly what Cori needed. He’s the challenge that she’s sure she can rise to and he’s slowly warming to having her in his life. Of course, something forces the issue to the surface when Cori’s supposedly dead ex-husband shows up threatening her life. Who would’ve thought that the good guys in this story had such dark and disastrous pasts? It was kind of refreshing to see some damaged “heroes.” Fair warning, this book does not end with things all neatly tied up. This is clearly meant to be the start of a series that joins this story with the next. I didn’t find it jarring or annoying, just something that was a little unexpected in this world of paranormal romance.

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad that the Sensor world isn't really finished. The start of this new series is the story about Cori and Bartol and their rocky road to a real mating. Bartol may have marked her but they both are damaged and need to find their way. A really great start to this series.

[Nicole Bates · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intriguing

This book was filled with all kind of paranormal creatures. However, it was mostly built upon the two main characters Barton and Cori. Both with a painful disturbing past, they try to find hope and healing within each other. It's definitely for a mature audience, not just sexually explicit but dark with emotional and physical abuse.

[Jo Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Destined for Shadows is the first book in the new spin-off series – Dark Destiny – from the former Sensor series by Susan Illene. Back are the supernaturals of Alaska but in a whole new focus as human tattoo artist Cory seeks to befriend her wounded neighbor Bartol. While both are fairly damaged, they forge an amicable but tentative friendship. When Cory’s past comes to haunt her, Bartol and her other paranormal friends gather to support her and fend off the new enemy.

What a great book Destined for Shadows is. I loved going back to Fairbanks, Alaska and getting lost in Susan Illene’s writing. I stayed up to late and work up early to finish this book. I thought it was well done and had great twists and turns. It’s distinctly different from the Sensor series but equally as amazing.

[Trinity · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome

I am in like with your book. Its written in third person which makes your book different from others like it. The details were on point I felt the emotions of the characters..I laughed and cried with them. It was awesome thanks for an awesome read. I hope to read more from you Ms. Susan

[Christina Ps · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars