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Immortal Guardians #7
Blade of Darkness
Dana Pembroke has been able to glimpse the future of those she touches for as long as she can remember. But she never saw Aidan coming. When the tall, dark Celt with the charming grin yet world-weary eyes walks through her door, the future she sees for him is one full of violence, danger, deception... and passion. Because amidst the terrifying battles that unfold in her visions, she also sees herself in Aidan's arms and in his bed. Dana knows she should keep her distance, but the tender moments and laughter they share entice her even as she finds herself thrust into a world of vampires, immortals, and other preternatural beings.
Immortal Guardian Aidan O'Byrne has been hunting and slaying psychotic vampires for nearly three thousand years, so visions of bloody battles don't trouble him. The battles Dana foresees, however, show Aidan's brethren turning against him, so he can't help but feel alarmed. While he spends as much time as he can with Dana, struggling to decipher her dire predictions, Aidan finds himself utterly smitten. Hope rises that he has finally found a woman who can banish the darkness and loneliness that plague him. But when vampires begin targeting Dana and a powerful enemy spawns chaos, will fate grant them time to find happiness together?
Immortal Guardian Aidan O'Byrne has been hunting and slaying psychotic vampires for nearly three thousand years, so visions of bloody battles don't trouble him. The battles Dana foresees, however, show Aidan's brethren turning against him, so he can't help but feel alarmed. While he spends as much time as he can with Dana, struggling to decipher her dire predictions, Aidan finds himself utterly smitten. Hope rises that he has finally found a woman who can banish the darkness and loneliness that plague him. But when vampires begin targeting Dana and a powerful enemy spawns chaos, will fate grant them time to find happiness together?
382 pages, Paperback
First published September 19, 2017
458 people are currently reading
1612 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....
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 345 reviews
March 1, 2019
4 yummy Scottish Immortal Stars
I loved this book and in a way I was a bit disappointed too. Let me explain. See I have really been looking forward to Aidan's book. So knowing this was Aidan's book I went into it with high expectations. I wanted to be wowed. I excepted to be blown away by a powerful heart melting love that would make all Aidan's waiting be worth it. What I got was a plot that was powerful, action pack and good, and a love story that took a backseat to the plot. Now don't get me wrong, Aidan and Dana were cute together, but theirs was more of an insta-love that felt a bit rush.
I needed more depth, more relationship build up. Still all the action kept my head spinning. Omg there were some heart stopping moments. My heart broke for Seth and Cliff in this book. Gershom is a sick sob and I can't wait for him to get his ass handed to him. Seth has so much pressure on him I can't wait for him to find love and get a bit of peace. Overall a good read but not what I expected.
I loved this book and in a way I was a bit disappointed too. Let me explain. See I have really been looking forward to Aidan's book. So knowing this was Aidan's book I went into it with high expectations. I wanted to be wowed. I excepted to be blown away by a powerful heart melting love that would make all Aidan's waiting be worth it. What I got was a plot that was powerful, action pack and good, and a love story that took a backseat to the plot. Now don't get me wrong, Aidan and Dana were cute together, but theirs was more of an insta-love that felt a bit rush.
I needed more depth, more relationship build up. Still all the action kept my head spinning. Omg there were some heart stopping moments. My heart broke for Seth and Cliff in this book. Gershom is a sick sob and I can't wait for him to get his ass handed to him. Seth has so much pressure on him I can't wait for him to find love and get a bit of peace. Overall a good read but not what I expected.
January 11, 2018
4 Stars
You know me as a page-phobia, it’s difficult for me to read books over 400 pages (at most 450) especially with long chapters but when I started reading this one I remembered why I read this series! Such a great series! It’s been more than a year since I’ve read "Shadows Strike" (book six) but still I could remember ALL the characters and let me tell you I’m not good with characters’ name but this series…. I like Ms. Duvall’s writing, I like the humor she uses and at the same time some seriousness! I adore this series and its characters so much! None of them disappointed me so far!
Aidan is one of the eldest, he is three thousand years old! Yep, he’s soooo old. But in these years he hadn’t wife or any girlfriend but now that he saw he’s younger brethren find their happiness he feels jealous and wants to find that happiness too. So after some unsuccessful date/not-date he had an appointment with a psychic (Dana). When Dana touched Aidan she saw some of his/her future! She saw herself in his bed but she saw another thing! She saw Aidan’s brethren turned against him and wanted to kill him!!! So what’s going on!? What will he do that make his brethren that angry with him!?
Aidan is a new character in this series, we met him in book five and actually I didn’t expect his book soon because you know there are some other characters from the first installment that haven’t their story yet but I’m glad I read his story and I’m still waiting for David and Seth and maybe Cliff stories! Told in multiple POV, 3rd person. It’s the seventh installment in the "Immortal Guardians" series and it should be read in order. All in all, I really enjoyed it and hope you like it as well!
You know me as a page-phobia, it’s difficult for me to read books over 400 pages (at most 450) especially with long chapters but when I started reading this one I remembered why I read this series! Such a great series! It’s been more than a year since I’ve read "Shadows Strike" (book six) but still I could remember ALL the characters and let me tell you I’m not good with characters’ name but this series…. I like Ms. Duvall’s writing, I like the humor she uses and at the same time some seriousness! I adore this series and its characters so much! None of them disappointed me so far!
Aidan is one of the eldest, he is three thousand years old! Yep, he’s soooo old. But in these years he hadn’t wife or any girlfriend but now that he saw he’s younger brethren find their happiness he feels jealous and wants to find that happiness too. So after some unsuccessful date/not-date he had an appointment with a psychic (Dana). When Dana touched Aidan she saw some of his/her future! She saw herself in his bed but she saw another thing! She saw Aidan’s brethren turned against him and wanted to kill him!!! So what’s going on!? What will he do that make his brethren that angry with him!?
Aidan is a new character in this series, we met him in book five and actually I didn’t expect his book soon because you know there are some other characters from the first installment that haven’t their story yet but I’m glad I read his story and I’m still waiting for David and Seth and maybe Cliff stories! Told in multiple POV, 3rd person. It’s the seventh installment in the "Immortal Guardians" series and it should be read in order. All in all, I really enjoyed it and hope you like it as well!
January 28, 2018
I loved this book! I didn't want it to end! Aidan and Dana are both wonderful! The action in this book is very well done. And we got plenty of scenes with one of my favorite heroes ever- the swoon worthy Zach😍 This is such a great series! I have skipped a few, but thoroughly enjoyed the ones I have read. I need the next one now!!
July 13, 2018
This is the seventh book in the Immortal Guardian series, and each book will work on its own but trust me, you'll want to go back and read them all. I did after jumping in at book four. This book belongs to Immortal Guardian Aidan O'Byrne who has been without a mate for over three thousand years. He is looking for gifted ones in the hopes of finding a mate.
I loved the setup and how Aidan approached these women. When he goes for a physic reading with gifted one, Dana Pembroke, hope sparks that he may have found her. Only someone posing as him is kidnapping gifted ones and an old nemesis is plotting against them all. Can he keep Dana safe, clear his name and find true love? Eep. Duvall hooked me from the very first page!
Ah, Adian. I adore him and have been waiting for his story. He is a little awkward, gentle, old-fashioned and yet, oh so sexy. Plus he has some cool abilities like teleportation, telekinesis, and healing. All without a Tardis! Dana was a breath of fresh air. Strong, confident and maybe a little "trigger" happy. She fit right in with this motley crew and provided plenty of office gossip. The romance that developed felt genuine, and I loved seeing them interact with the rest of the Immortals and humans in this tight little hive.
I love how Duvall weaves in humor. These are immortals, shit is going down and yet they laugh and tease. Some moments with Dana had me giggling aloud.
The storyline was intense and pits brother against brother. Duvall takes her time and develops the tale from the suspense thread to the relationship. She makes me want to be a part of this secret society and hang out with these men and woman. From bickering to support these characters feel like one big family. The overall arc continues, but with each novel, Duvall shares a little more. I am curious as to what drives villain. A side thread regarding a vampire has me hoping for a miracle. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
I loved the setup and how Aidan approached these women. When he goes for a physic reading with gifted one, Dana Pembroke, hope sparks that he may have found her. Only someone posing as him is kidnapping gifted ones and an old nemesis is plotting against them all. Can he keep Dana safe, clear his name and find true love? Eep. Duvall hooked me from the very first page!
Ah, Adian. I adore him and have been waiting for his story. He is a little awkward, gentle, old-fashioned and yet, oh so sexy. Plus he has some cool abilities like teleportation, telekinesis, and healing. All without a Tardis! Dana was a breath of fresh air. Strong, confident and maybe a little "trigger" happy. She fit right in with this motley crew and provided plenty of office gossip. The romance that developed felt genuine, and I loved seeing them interact with the rest of the Immortals and humans in this tight little hive.
I love how Duvall weaves in humor. These are immortals, shit is going down and yet they laugh and tease. Some moments with Dana had me giggling aloud.
The storyline was intense and pits brother against brother. Duvall takes her time and develops the tale from the suspense thread to the relationship. She makes me want to be a part of this secret society and hang out with these men and woman. From bickering to support these characters feel like one big family. The overall arc continues, but with each novel, Duvall shares a little more. I am curious as to what drives villain. A side thread regarding a vampire has me hoping for a miracle. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
September 25, 2017
So, let me say I love this author and this series. And I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
However, there were a few things that this book lacked that the others didn't. I couldn't give it more than four stars for that.
First, let's just say there is insta-love. This seems to be happening more and more in books. I'm not a fan. And for a book so long, I think more connection could have been built between the two main leads. As it was, we got one date with them. And then, the author "tells" us they dated for two weeks in a sentence or two. Next thing I know they were professing their love for one another. Sorry. It didn't work for me. They hadn't spent enough time on the page for me to buy their connection.
Two, she was willing to transform in what felt like 3 days on paper. Again, we're told about a "month" passes since their first meeting. But most of that happens off the page. And she's human and there isn't much discussion about the ramifications of her decision. Biggest of those is that she can't have children. While I get this isn't important to all women, we never hear Dana's feelings on this. No one mentions it in thoughts, in words, on the page, etc. So I keep waiting for her to say, I don't want children. But it never happens, like that isn't an important discussion to have. I get we as lovers of this series understands her choice, but each new character has their own reaction. I needed this.
I don't know. This book lacked a lot of thought that the others had. The relationship seemed secondary to the plot. But this is billed as paranormal romance not urban fantasy. So I expected more. I feel like I'm talking myself into a lower rating. But I'll stick with 3.5-4 stars. The series arc certainly carried the book on this one. The romance let me down in a big way.
I feel like maybe Seth's book is next?
However, there were a few things that this book lacked that the others didn't. I couldn't give it more than four stars for that.
First, let's just say there is insta-love. This seems to be happening more and more in books. I'm not a fan. And for a book so long, I think more connection could have been built between the two main leads. As it was, we got one date with them. And then, the author "tells" us they dated for two weeks in a sentence or two. Next thing I know they were professing their love for one another. Sorry. It didn't work for me. They hadn't spent enough time on the page for me to buy their connection.
Two, she was willing to transform in what felt like 3 days on paper. Again, we're told about a "month" passes since their first meeting. But most of that happens off the page. And she's human and there isn't much discussion about the ramifications of her decision. Biggest of those is that she can't have children. While I get this isn't important to all women, we never hear Dana's feelings on this. No one mentions it in thoughts, in words, on the page, etc. So I keep waiting for her to say, I don't want children. But it never happens, like that isn't an important discussion to have. I get we as lovers of this series understands her choice, but each new character has their own reaction. I needed this.
I don't know. This book lacked a lot of thought that the others had. The relationship seemed secondary to the plot. But this is billed as paranormal romance not urban fantasy. So I expected more. I feel like I'm talking myself into a lower rating. But I'll stick with 3.5-4 stars. The series arc certainly carried the book on this one. The romance let me down in a big way.
I feel like maybe Seth's book is next?
January 28, 2018
Wow! This was a great addition to the series! It is a must read if you like this series. A LOT happens!
First, how could anyone not love Aidan? He is such a sweetheart looking for love after 3000 lonely years. You just have to cheer for him. Dana was a terrific heroine. No needless drama about him being immortal. She was brave, had total faith in Aidan, and stood up for him against Roland and Seth. There were funny moments. The whole gang was involved.
Gershom continues to be a huge problem. Seth really needs to kick his ass. I am starting to feel like Seth is not as kick ass as I thought he was. He needs to take care of business and move on to new bad guys.
I have heard people are asking for Chris' book. Personally, I am not that interested. Maybe a novella? He is just not "all that" compared to the Immortal Guardians. After the last book, I was begging for David's book after learning more of Seth's history. Now that I know more of David's history, I am unsure if I want either of them to have a book. I won't spoil it. I admire how they have lived their lives and I don't want to tarnish it. It would be hard for me to believe in their stories after what they have been through.
The ending of this book was awesome. For Roland and Sarah. They will always be my favorite couple and I was super excited about how things ended up for them.
First, how could anyone not love Aidan? He is such a sweetheart looking for love after 3000 lonely years. You just have to cheer for him. Dana was a terrific heroine. No needless drama about him being immortal. She was brave, had total faith in Aidan, and stood up for him against Roland and Seth. There were funny moments. The whole gang was involved.
Gershom continues to be a huge problem. Seth really needs to kick his ass. I am starting to feel like Seth is not as kick ass as I thought he was. He needs to take care of business and move on to new bad guys.
I have heard people are asking for Chris' book. Personally, I am not that interested. Maybe a novella? He is just not "all that" compared to the Immortal Guardians. After the last book, I was begging for David's book after learning more of Seth's history. Now that I know more of David's history, I am unsure if I want either of them to have a book. I won't spoil it. I admire how they have lived their lives and I don't want to tarnish it. It would be hard for me to believe in their stories after what they have been through.
The ending of this book was awesome. For Roland and Sarah. They will always be my favorite couple and I was super excited about how things ended up for them.
April 13, 2025
(04/09/2017)
Akkkk!!! How can this book have ratings? Much less bad ones!!!
Akkkk!!! How can this book have ratings? Much less bad ones!!!
September 22, 2017
To quote and use my favorite line of this book : “There is a slight chance … that I might have …. “ fallen in love with this series even more …. “how slight …. ? GARGANTUM!”
#sigh – I “live” for those small Zach and/or Bastien moments …
Series are usually heading into one direction when they go on for a long time and that is repeating previous stories.
With the immortal guardians I never experienced that problem so far and when I take a look at the background story and the characters I also do not see it anywhere in the future.
Quite the opposite actually I am kind of afraid that the author might at some point not continue that series and I will never get to hear all those great stories that I can practically see lurking in the background.
So DEAR AUTHOR don’t you ever do that to us please …
While the way the couples fall in love might always be close to instantly (which is normally something I dislike) their love stories never get boring. They are never common or easy … I agree with Seth on that fully … Non of our Guardians got a real nice courtship with his woman … so why should it be any different with Aidan – especially with him not leaving anything out to finally find a woman. (that is no spoiler but a fact that followers of the series know) …
I think there is no series honestly where I memorized so many character names … and no matter how much time passes the moment I open a new book all the stories that I read come back to me. Usually I have to re-read older books to get back into the story but here … the basic storyline always comes back to me …
So I really can not review this as “Aidan’s” story – for me this is a complex network of people and I love to revisit all of them at all times ….
Let me tease you … we all know our unsocial Roland right ? Are we sure he really is unsocial ? How much would you like to find out ?
Would you ever expect Bastien to care about anyone else then his woman ? …
And then there is Cliff …. Yeah he is there … no spoiler here but what will happen to him … ? He is this background secondary character that has I think like Sheldon his own fans waiting on hearing the full stories …
I loved that we got glimpses of a Seth that almost seemed “human” – and some comments make me wonder when we will get his story.
Readers will get to meet some new guardians as well …
And I loved the way the author threw some thoughts out there about stuff that happened that might not have been what it looked like … (sorry being vague on purpose) – so I hope to hear about a guardian again that ….(vague sorry)
See ? you open Aidan’s story but believe me you will get so much more …
And I honestly already can not wait on the next story and I am sure it will be far to long before we get it – but it will be OK as long as we WILL get it … I can be patient … (But it would be nice as a Christmas present 2017 #laughing)
So in total ? you ask me for my NO. 1 paranormal series ?
Look no further start with this series WITH BOOK 1 and slowly fall in love …
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May 8, 2018
Aidan had a plan to end his three-thousand-years of loneliness...
“His beautiful eyes were full of dread and sorrow.
“You’re different,” she whispered.
He nodded. “Yes, I am.”
“You should have told me how different.”
A mirthless laugh escaped him. “When?”
Blade of Darkness by Dianne Duvall is the first book I’ve ever read by Dianne, but it certainly will not be the last. I’m happy to pass along that, even though Blade of Darkness is the seventh installment in Dianne’s Immortal Guardians series, it works quite well as a standalone. I never once felt lost and found myself completely immersed in the incredible fantasy world that Dianne has created from the very beginning. While the romance is fully self-contained in this novel, it is obvious that there’s a danger plot that encompasses the series. I’m thoroughly intrigued and will be reading the previous books soon to catch up, not only with the series’ storyline, but the stories of the other primary characters. This is the story of Immortal Guardian Aidan O’Byrne and fortune teller Dana Pembroke.
As the tale opens, readers learn that Aidan is lonely. That’s understandable given that he’s been alone for nearly three thousand years. The great news is that he has a plan to change his status sooner rather than later. To that end, he has broken into headquarters and stolen a list of female gifted ones from which he is determined to find his one and only. He’s been caught creating chance meetings with a couple of the ladies on the list by flattening their tires to meet them by gallantly changing their tires.
Next on his list to meet is Dana. To that end, since she’s a fortune teller, he’s set up an appointment to have his fortune told. Unexpectedly, when she touches Aidan, she sees him furiously fight with swords; then she seems them as a couple steamily making love. Admittedly, she a bit taken back, but she’s also strongly attracted to Aidan and not afraid to face the future.
Aidan is one hot, funny, strong and loyal Scot. Dana is amazing. She’s powerfully gifted, level-headed and single. Ooh la la! Their chemistry is sizzling from the get-go. I love how they were comfortable with each other from the start and how that feels right. Being honest with each other is a definite tripping point because Dana feels that Aidan would mock her abilities and Aidan can never find a good time to disclose that he’s medieval and possesses fangs. Such trivialities…
One of my favorite scenes is when Dana meets the other utterly imposing Immortals en masse but she doesn’t blink nor cut them any slack AND she stands up for Aidan against them even though any of them could crush her to a pulp. She is one tough cookie, for sure! I alternately laughed, swooned and fretted with them as forces interfered with Aidan’s wooing efforts by wreaking deathly havoc. The nerve! I look forward to keeping up with this couple as the series progresses and can’t wait to fill in Aidan’s back story from the previous installments.
Following please find a few of my favorite quotes from Blade of Darkness
“Aidan ducked his head, burying his face in the crook of her neck. “Damn, you feel good,” he whispered, his deep voice hoarse with need.
It only excited her more. “What do you say we forget dinner and the movie?” she whispered, her breath shortening.
“How you tempt me,” he rumbled, tightening his hold.
“If I tempted you as much as you tempt me,” she pronounced boldly, “we would both be naked right now.”
---
“You think I’m a geek now, don’t you?” he jested.
She relaxed a little more. “No.”
“First I say fanny. Now this.”
She smiled. “Actually, I thought your fanny was cute.” Her eyes widened. “The fanny,” she corrected hastily. “I thought the fanny was cute. Your saying it, I mean.”
He winked. “I prefer the first one.”
She laughed. “I bet you do.”
---
“Sit down,” she ordered, nodding toward her bed.
He cast it an uncertain look. “I can’t. I’ll stain the covers.”
She stared at him. “You’re kidding, right?” He sported deep wounds that bled profusely and he was concerned about staining her bedding?
“Perhaps if I cleaned up a wee bit—”
“Sit your ass down,” she ordered, pointing at the queen-sized bed.
Eyebrows flying up, he sat so swiftly she almost laughed.”
Blade of Darkness hit all the right notes for me with outstandingly vivid characterizations, dangerous dynamics, humorous banter and swoony sexy times. If you enjoy passionately hot, action-packed paranormal urban fantasy romances teeming with twists and turns, I’d highly encourage you to check out Dianne Duvall’s Blade of Darkness!
My full review is published at Reading Between The Wines Book Club. Please check it out there!
“His beautiful eyes were full of dread and sorrow.
“You’re different,” she whispered.
He nodded. “Yes, I am.”
“You should have told me how different.”
A mirthless laugh escaped him. “When?”
Blade of Darkness by Dianne Duvall is the first book I’ve ever read by Dianne, but it certainly will not be the last. I’m happy to pass along that, even though Blade of Darkness is the seventh installment in Dianne’s Immortal Guardians series, it works quite well as a standalone. I never once felt lost and found myself completely immersed in the incredible fantasy world that Dianne has created from the very beginning. While the romance is fully self-contained in this novel, it is obvious that there’s a danger plot that encompasses the series. I’m thoroughly intrigued and will be reading the previous books soon to catch up, not only with the series’ storyline, but the stories of the other primary characters. This is the story of Immortal Guardian Aidan O’Byrne and fortune teller Dana Pembroke.
As the tale opens, readers learn that Aidan is lonely. That’s understandable given that he’s been alone for nearly three thousand years. The great news is that he has a plan to change his status sooner rather than later. To that end, he has broken into headquarters and stolen a list of female gifted ones from which he is determined to find his one and only. He’s been caught creating chance meetings with a couple of the ladies on the list by flattening their tires to meet them by gallantly changing their tires.
Next on his list to meet is Dana. To that end, since she’s a fortune teller, he’s set up an appointment to have his fortune told. Unexpectedly, when she touches Aidan, she sees him furiously fight with swords; then she seems them as a couple steamily making love. Admittedly, she a bit taken back, but she’s also strongly attracted to Aidan and not afraid to face the future.
Aidan is one hot, funny, strong and loyal Scot. Dana is amazing. She’s powerfully gifted, level-headed and single. Ooh la la! Their chemistry is sizzling from the get-go. I love how they were comfortable with each other from the start and how that feels right. Being honest with each other is a definite tripping point because Dana feels that Aidan would mock her abilities and Aidan can never find a good time to disclose that he’s medieval and possesses fangs. Such trivialities…
One of my favorite scenes is when Dana meets the other utterly imposing Immortals en masse but she doesn’t blink nor cut them any slack AND she stands up for Aidan against them even though any of them could crush her to a pulp. She is one tough cookie, for sure! I alternately laughed, swooned and fretted with them as forces interfered with Aidan’s wooing efforts by wreaking deathly havoc. The nerve! I look forward to keeping up with this couple as the series progresses and can’t wait to fill in Aidan’s back story from the previous installments.
Following please find a few of my favorite quotes from Blade of Darkness
“Aidan ducked his head, burying his face in the crook of her neck. “Damn, you feel good,” he whispered, his deep voice hoarse with need.
It only excited her more. “What do you say we forget dinner and the movie?” she whispered, her breath shortening.
“How you tempt me,” he rumbled, tightening his hold.
“If I tempted you as much as you tempt me,” she pronounced boldly, “we would both be naked right now.”
---
“You think I’m a geek now, don’t you?” he jested.
She relaxed a little more. “No.”
“First I say fanny. Now this.”
She smiled. “Actually, I thought your fanny was cute.” Her eyes widened. “The fanny,” she corrected hastily. “I thought the fanny was cute. Your saying it, I mean.”
He winked. “I prefer the first one.”
She laughed. “I bet you do.”
---
“Sit down,” she ordered, nodding toward her bed.
He cast it an uncertain look. “I can’t. I’ll stain the covers.”
She stared at him. “You’re kidding, right?” He sported deep wounds that bled profusely and he was concerned about staining her bedding?
“Perhaps if I cleaned up a wee bit—”
“Sit your ass down,” she ordered, pointing at the queen-sized bed.
Eyebrows flying up, he sat so swiftly she almost laughed.”
Blade of Darkness hit all the right notes for me with outstandingly vivid characterizations, dangerous dynamics, humorous banter and swoony sexy times. If you enjoy passionately hot, action-packed paranormal urban fantasy romances teeming with twists and turns, I’d highly encourage you to check out Dianne Duvall’s Blade of Darkness!
My full review is published at Reading Between The Wines Book Club. Please check it out there!
September 3, 2017
Remember Aidan? He’s the Immortal Guardian that broke into Chris Reordon’s headquarters to steal a list of female gifted ones. Aidan is lonely. He’s been lonely for nearly three thousand years. That’s okay though. He has a plan to put that to all to an end. He wants to find a gifted one and turn her into an immortal so that his next several thousand years won’t be so lonely. He even goes through the trouble of creating chance meetings with the ladies on the list. I mean seriously this sexy Scot wants to woo and court a lass. There’s so much awesomeness to love there.
An immortal walks into the fortune teller’s parlor. No it’s the beginning of a bad joke. This is how Aidan meets (begins his wooing) Dana. Dana has enough control over her very powerful gift that she earns an income by looking into people’s past, present, and future. What she never saw coming was the sexy man who believes in her gift. He doesn’t mock her. He doesn’t show any skepticism in what she tells him she sees. And Dana sees plenty when it comes to Aidan. She sees him fighting feverishly with swords and other men who fight back just as zealously. She sees herself with him in moments of passion. Most importantly Dana sees the charming man he truly is.
This is the Immortal Guardians world and Aidan will not have an easy path to happily ever after with Dana. Gershom is still up to no good and he has figured out a new trick that puts Aidan in the center of much of the trouble. Readers are given page time with past couples that hold places as favorite book characters. I’m sure Dana will earn one of these spots for many. Dana gives Roland hell and it’s kind of amazing. She doesn’t cut Seth too much slack either.
My lone complaint is that the ending felt a little anticlimactic. Several of the books in Duval’s Immortal Guardians series have had these huge epic battle scenes. Blade of Darkness has its needed conflict but it was resolved in a way that leaves more conflict from the unresolved to come in future books. As for future books a couple new immortals were mentioned but nothing for a hint as to who will get the next book.
An immortal walks into the fortune teller’s parlor. No it’s the beginning of a bad joke. This is how Aidan meets (begins his wooing) Dana. Dana has enough control over her very powerful gift that she earns an income by looking into people’s past, present, and future. What she never saw coming was the sexy man who believes in her gift. He doesn’t mock her. He doesn’t show any skepticism in what she tells him she sees. And Dana sees plenty when it comes to Aidan. She sees him fighting feverishly with swords and other men who fight back just as zealously. She sees herself with him in moments of passion. Most importantly Dana sees the charming man he truly is.
This is the Immortal Guardians world and Aidan will not have an easy path to happily ever after with Dana. Gershom is still up to no good and he has figured out a new trick that puts Aidan in the center of much of the trouble. Readers are given page time with past couples that hold places as favorite book characters. I’m sure Dana will earn one of these spots for many. Dana gives Roland hell and it’s kind of amazing. She doesn’t cut Seth too much slack either.
My lone complaint is that the ending felt a little anticlimactic. Several of the books in Duval’s Immortal Guardians series have had these huge epic battle scenes. Blade of Darkness has its needed conflict but it was resolved in a way that leaves more conflict from the unresolved to come in future books. As for future books a couple new immortals were mentioned but nothing for a hint as to who will get the next book.
September 20, 2017
I couldn't make up my mind weather to give Blade of Darkness 5 stars or 4 stars. I settled on 4 because one of "The Others" Gershom who wants to kick start Armageddon. He kicked the Immortal Guardians Butts. I felt like saying come on Dianne Duvall, you have 3 "Others", Seth, Zach and Jared fighting with the Immortal Guardian plus the Ancient Immortals David and Aidan and Gershome still outsmarted and beat them all at every turn. What you let Gershom do to Ami is an Unforgivable Offense, as good as the rest of Aidan and Dana's story was the author gave to much power to the villain.
This is 3000 year old Aidan O'Byrne Immortal Guardian and Dana Pembroke a Gifted Ones story. I loved both the H/H. They are very well matched and very well written. We met Aidan in bk.5 Night Unbound when Aidan stole the list of Gifted Females from the Immortal Guardians Headquarters. Well Aidan has found his mate and Dana is just written beautifully, she is a very intelligent and might I say very protective female heroine. Boy did I love it when she gave Seth, Zach and Chris a peace of her mind, she is very funny!! Don't give her a gun or she will shoot you hehehehe!! She will shoot and take names later LOL!! I loved her.
The story has many twist and turns, and moves very fast. It is action packed and very funny at times. We get to catch up with all our beloved Immortal Guardians and there 2nd. My favorite is always going to be Ami and Marcus with there beautiful toddler Adira. I also, love the catch up with Cliff and I hope they find away to keep him sane and alive. I admire his lady love. It would be great if Cliff could somehow be converted to and Immortal Guardian. I don't think I could bare it if he succumbs to the madness of a Vampire and has to be put down. Cliff is fighting so hard.
Unfortunately the story is written in such away to keep the villain Gershom in the storyline that Seth, Zach and Jared who has finally joined the battle in earnest got there Butts kicked along with the IG. I hope Seth can finally Best him in the next Immortal Guardian book and Dianne Duvall can write a new villain to take his place. Gershom needs to meet his end in a big way by Seth. Seth reputation is at stake and he should always remain the Strongest and Smartest "Other".
I Highly Recommend Blade of Darkness for your reading pleasure. I can't wait for book 8.
This is 3000 year old Aidan O'Byrne Immortal Guardian and Dana Pembroke a Gifted Ones story. I loved both the H/H. They are very well matched and very well written. We met Aidan in bk.5 Night Unbound when Aidan stole the list of Gifted Females from the Immortal Guardians Headquarters. Well Aidan has found his mate and Dana is just written beautifully, she is a very intelligent and might I say very protective female heroine. Boy did I love it when she gave Seth, Zach and Chris a peace of her mind, she is very funny!! Don't give her a gun or she will shoot you hehehehe!! She will shoot and take names later LOL!! I loved her.
The story has many twist and turns, and moves very fast. It is action packed and very funny at times. We get to catch up with all our beloved Immortal Guardians and there 2nd. My favorite is always going to be Ami and Marcus with there beautiful toddler Adira. I also, love the catch up with Cliff and I hope they find away to keep him sane and alive. I admire his lady love. It would be great if Cliff could somehow be converted to and Immortal Guardian. I don't think I could bare it if he succumbs to the madness of a Vampire and has to be put down. Cliff is fighting so hard.
Unfortunately the story is written in such away to keep the villain Gershom in the storyline that Seth, Zach and Jared who has finally joined the battle in earnest got there Butts kicked along with the IG. I hope Seth can finally Best him in the next Immortal Guardian book and Dianne Duvall can write a new villain to take his place. Gershom needs to meet his end in a big way by Seth. Seth reputation is at stake and he should always remain the Strongest and Smartest "Other".
I Highly Recommend Blade of Darkness for your reading pleasure. I can't wait for book 8.
September 23, 2017
4.5-5 stars
This was a great story and addition to the series. I really liked both Dana and Aidan and was happy to see them find each other and get together.
Dana is a "gifted one" with advanced DNA that makes her a strong psychic that has visions about others, from the past, present or future. Dana hasn't had much luck with men, especially once they find out she has visions. They usually either think she's nuts or they want to use her gifts for their own goals.
Aidan is an Immortal Guardian, which are "gifted ones" like Dana that are also infected with a very specialized virus that makes them more powerful but also makes them need blood. The Immortal Guardians aren't vampires though...they actually fight vampires to protect humanity from them. Aidan is around 3,000 years old and has been waiting a very long time to find someone to love.
Aidan got himself into some trouble a while back because of his desperation to find a "gifted one" that he could build a relationship with and that might agree to be transformed into an Immortal so they can be together forever. Aidan stole a copy of the list of "gifted ones" from the Immortal's HQ and got in trouble when he was found out. He was allowed to keep a copy of the list though and since then, Aidan has been setting up "chance encounters" with the women that allow him to meet them without them knowing why. Aidan hadn't had any luck with meeting someone that interested him in something serious until he met Dana. Dana was a bit freaked by some of the visions that came with Aidan but there was such a strong connection between them, she couldn't bring herself to push him away.
As hinted at in the book description, Aidan is the focus of some issues that the Immortals are experiencing. Evidence that appears valid seems to prove that Aidan is responsible for the disappearances of some "gifted ones". Aidan doesn't have anything to do with it but it's not easy to prove his innocence. Meanwhile, Aidan and Dana have been dating for a couple weeks when she's drawn into the world of the Immortals in a very abrupt way. Thankfully, Dana is pretty level headed and is able to adjust well...especially since things have gotten pretty serious between her and Aidan and I think it helped her acceptance of everything. Things are rather complex and the suspense was very well done, keeping me on the edge of my seat through most of the book. Thankfully, the issues are figured out and things are resolved (although the bad guy is still out there) so the story ends with Aidan and Dana doing well and starting on a HEA together.
I greatly enjoyed this story. Dana was a really good heroine and I liked her a lot. Aidan is such a sweetheart and so lonely that I was really happy that he found Dana. It seems like Dana and Aidan really fit well together. The story was very interesting and kept me engaged from beginning to end and I'd recommend the story/series.
* note - I listened to the audio version of this story and the narrator did a very good job.
This was a great story and addition to the series. I really liked both Dana and Aidan and was happy to see them find each other and get together.
Dana is a "gifted one" with advanced DNA that makes her a strong psychic that has visions about others, from the past, present or future. Dana hasn't had much luck with men, especially once they find out she has visions. They usually either think she's nuts or they want to use her gifts for their own goals.
Aidan is an Immortal Guardian, which are "gifted ones" like Dana that are also infected with a very specialized virus that makes them more powerful but also makes them need blood. The Immortal Guardians aren't vampires though...they actually fight vampires to protect humanity from them. Aidan is around 3,000 years old and has been waiting a very long time to find someone to love.
Aidan got himself into some trouble a while back because of his desperation to find a "gifted one" that he could build a relationship with and that might agree to be transformed into an Immortal so they can be together forever. Aidan stole a copy of the list of "gifted ones" from the Immortal's HQ and got in trouble when he was found out. He was allowed to keep a copy of the list though and since then, Aidan has been setting up "chance encounters" with the women that allow him to meet them without them knowing why. Aidan hadn't had any luck with meeting someone that interested him in something serious until he met Dana. Dana was a bit freaked by some of the visions that came with Aidan but there was such a strong connection between them, she couldn't bring herself to push him away.
As hinted at in the book description, Aidan is the focus of some issues that the Immortals are experiencing. Evidence that appears valid seems to prove that Aidan is responsible for the disappearances of some "gifted ones". Aidan doesn't have anything to do with it but it's not easy to prove his innocence. Meanwhile, Aidan and Dana have been dating for a couple weeks when she's drawn into the world of the Immortals in a very abrupt way. Thankfully, Dana is pretty level headed and is able to adjust well...especially since things have gotten pretty serious between her and Aidan and I think it helped her acceptance of everything. Things are rather complex and the suspense was very well done, keeping me on the edge of my seat through most of the book. Thankfully, the issues are figured out and things are resolved (although the bad guy is still out there) so the story ends with Aidan and Dana doing well and starting on a HEA together.
I greatly enjoyed this story. Dana was a really good heroine and I liked her a lot. Aidan is such a sweetheart and so lonely that I was really happy that he found Dana. It seems like Dana and Aidan really fit well together. The story was very interesting and kept me engaged from beginning to end and I'd recommend the story/series.
* note - I listened to the audio version of this story and the narrator did a very good job.
October 17, 2021
This hero was such a sweetie that he could make stalking sounds okay hehehe
What a deceiving plot this one was. Making everybody mistrust each other. And I loved the heroine. Always acting first and asking questions later making some situations look hilarious.
I am happy that Aidan finally found someone for himself.
What a deceiving plot this one was. Making everybody mistrust each other. And I loved the heroine. Always acting first and asking questions later making some situations look hilarious.
I am happy that Aidan finally found someone for himself.
March 9, 2019
(RabidReads.com)Dianne Duvall’s Immortal Guardians series has a place high up on my list of favorite series of all time and it’s well deserved. Needless to say, these are an auto buy for me. Immortal Guardians are people that are born with certain gifts, psychics, for just one example. When people are bitten by a vampire and turned, they end up insane from the vampire virus. When a gifted one gets turned, they become an immortal and don’t go insane. The immortals are tasked with hunting down the insane vampires and either killing them or in some cases, taking them to study scientifically. Human’s do not know about vampires or immortal guardians, except in a few cases where the human’s help them.
The last I remember of Aidan, he had gotten into trouble for stealing a copy of the list of known gifted ones. He’s thousands of years old, but still hasn’t found his mate, so he decided to try and find her himself. He wants a gifted one so that she can be turned and spend eternity with him. So far, he’s met a few of the women, but still has a few more to cross off the list. He goes to meet psychic, Dana, and makes an appointment to be read by her. He realizes pretty quickly that she could definitely be the “one”. Dana takes one look at Aidan and pretty much falls into lust with him, even more so when she reads him and see’s herself in his bed! But she also see’s a horrible time coming to Aiden, as all the people he cares about turn against him, except for her.
Dana is beautiful, feisty, and smart. She has made a living with her psychic abilities, but has no idea that she is considered a gifted one with the possibility of becoming immortal one day. Aidan may be spectacularly handsome, but he’s lonely and just wants to meet his mate. He’s also the quintessential nice guy-when he’s not out killing vampires. It doesn’t take long before the violence that is part of Aidan’s life comes for Dana. When she finds out about all the vampire and immortal guardian secrets, she's pretty much blown away. And intrigued.
Of course this isn’t the only thing that is happening in this book. Gifted ones are going missing. When it turns out several are women that Aidan has met, things are about to get real for Aidan. Enough said.
I love that all the characters in the story are now like old friends. Long time readers know most of the backgrounds of everyone and all the little idiosyncrasies of each immortal/or mate. And all of the special abilities that each has because when they become an immortal, they also received at least one more ability. I have at least three more characters that I want to see have their book. Namely, Seth, the leader of the group and an ancient, David, also ancient and second in command, and Chris, the human leader of the center where the immortals study vampires, and the liaison between humans and immortals.
Duvall’s writing and pacing are pretty flawless and I was entertained every minute spent with this book. While writing this review, I went back through the book and found myself re-reading many parts because it pulled me right back into the story. That’s a sign of a good book as far as I am concerned. I highly recommend this book and the whole series to adult(steamy scenes)paranormal romance readers and urban fantasy fans may like it as well due to all the action, violence, and vampire hunting. The icing on the cake is the humor sprinkled throughout. Let’s just say that Dana has protecting Aidan issues.
My thanks to the author for sending me a copy of this book for review, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The last I remember of Aidan, he had gotten into trouble for stealing a copy of the list of known gifted ones. He’s thousands of years old, but still hasn’t found his mate, so he decided to try and find her himself. He wants a gifted one so that she can be turned and spend eternity with him. So far, he’s met a few of the women, but still has a few more to cross off the list. He goes to meet psychic, Dana, and makes an appointment to be read by her. He realizes pretty quickly that she could definitely be the “one”. Dana takes one look at Aidan and pretty much falls into lust with him, even more so when she reads him and see’s herself in his bed! But she also see’s a horrible time coming to Aiden, as all the people he cares about turn against him, except for her.
Dana is beautiful, feisty, and smart. She has made a living with her psychic abilities, but has no idea that she is considered a gifted one with the possibility of becoming immortal one day. Aidan may be spectacularly handsome, but he’s lonely and just wants to meet his mate. He’s also the quintessential nice guy-when he’s not out killing vampires. It doesn’t take long before the violence that is part of Aidan’s life comes for Dana. When she finds out about all the vampire and immortal guardian secrets, she's pretty much blown away. And intrigued.
Of course this isn’t the only thing that is happening in this book. Gifted ones are going missing. When it turns out several are women that Aidan has met, things are about to get real for Aidan. Enough said.
I love that all the characters in the story are now like old friends. Long time readers know most of the backgrounds of everyone and all the little idiosyncrasies of each immortal/or mate. And all of the special abilities that each has because when they become an immortal, they also received at least one more ability. I have at least three more characters that I want to see have their book. Namely, Seth, the leader of the group and an ancient, David, also ancient and second in command, and Chris, the human leader of the center where the immortals study vampires, and the liaison between humans and immortals.
Duvall’s writing and pacing are pretty flawless and I was entertained every minute spent with this book. While writing this review, I went back through the book and found myself re-reading many parts because it pulled me right back into the story. That’s a sign of a good book as far as I am concerned. I highly recommend this book and the whole series to adult(steamy scenes)paranormal romance readers and urban fantasy fans may like it as well due to all the action, violence, and vampire hunting. The icing on the cake is the humor sprinkled throughout. Let’s just say that Dana has protecting Aidan issues.
My thanks to the author for sending me a copy of this book for review, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
December 3, 2018
*Book source ~ Purchased
Immortal Guardian Aidan O’Byrne has been alive and alone for nearly three thousand years. Terminating vampires with extreme prejudice got old a very long time ago. Now that he’s been transferred to North Carolina, where there seems to be an unusually large population of gifted female humans, he’s hoping he can finally find the one to banish the loneliness forever. So, maybe, he’s helped a few of those meetings along by flattening a few tires and coming to the rescue? All’s fair in love, right? And Dana Pembroke, gifted psychic, may be The One for him. If only he can keep her safe while his enemies plot against him and his brethren then maybe he can finally get his happily ever after.
Oh, Aidan. So hot, so deadly, so damn adorable. For a guy who’s nearly three millennia old, he’s gotten pretty modernly creative in his ways to meet women. Ever since he was introduced into the Immortal Guardians world I’ve been waiting for the poor guy to get his lady love. He’s more than met his match in Dana and I couldn’t be happier for them. Every time one of these books comes out I sound like a broken record about how much I love them. Each book has action, suspense, mystery, tension, hot steaminess, paranormal elements, and humor. Oh, man, how I love the humor. The characters are awesome, the plots twisty, the sex hot, and the action believable. Though it is not necessary to read this series in order, I highly recommend that you do so. You’ll get a whole lot more out of each book and the series as a whole if you do. I hope there’s many more books in this series yet. I’ll mourn when it eventually ends.
Immortal Guardian Aidan O’Byrne has been alive and alone for nearly three thousand years. Terminating vampires with extreme prejudice got old a very long time ago. Now that he’s been transferred to North Carolina, where there seems to be an unusually large population of gifted female humans, he’s hoping he can finally find the one to banish the loneliness forever. So, maybe, he’s helped a few of those meetings along by flattening a few tires and coming to the rescue? All’s fair in love, right? And Dana Pembroke, gifted psychic, may be The One for him. If only he can keep her safe while his enemies plot against him and his brethren then maybe he can finally get his happily ever after.
Oh, Aidan. So hot, so deadly, so damn adorable. For a guy who’s nearly three millennia old, he’s gotten pretty modernly creative in his ways to meet women. Ever since he was introduced into the Immortal Guardians world I’ve been waiting for the poor guy to get his lady love. He’s more than met his match in Dana and I couldn’t be happier for them. Every time one of these books comes out I sound like a broken record about how much I love them. Each book has action, suspense, mystery, tension, hot steaminess, paranormal elements, and humor. Oh, man, how I love the humor. The characters are awesome, the plots twisty, the sex hot, and the action believable. Though it is not necessary to read this series in order, I highly recommend that you do so. You’ll get a whole lot more out of each book and the series as a whole if you do. I hope there’s many more books in this series yet. I’ll mourn when it eventually ends.
July 26, 2019
*Sigh* I just finished book 7 in the Immortal Guardians series and now I’ll have to wait 100 years for the next one, or it feels like it, anyway.
So, I hate, hate, hate Gershom but with him being sooo powerful he made the book much better. He teleported from country to country with Aiden or Seth or Zach or Jared hot on his trail, slashing and stabbing innocent people to try to slow his pursuers down. Only to finally get away AGAIN!
I absolutely loved Aidan and Dana. Especially Aidan since he’s been alone for over three thousand years. Another *sigh* and then he met Dana and he finally had someone to love him.
As always it was such a pleasure to see Seth, David, Zach, Roland and Bastian again. However, I don’t know if I could bear it if Ms. Duvall killed off Cliff, and he seems to be getting worse in every book. I’m hoping Melanie finds something that will help him. Readers don’t like it when authors kill off main characters so here’s hoping…
There was explicit sex in this book but it certainly wouldn’t be called erotic, thank God. Also, the F- bomb was used 47 times.
As to the narration: Kirsten Potter is one of the best female narrators out there. She does voices great and reads with wonderful emotions.
So, I hate, hate, hate Gershom but with him being sooo powerful he made the book much better. He teleported from country to country with Aiden or Seth or Zach or Jared hot on his trail, slashing and stabbing innocent people to try to slow his pursuers down. Only to finally get away AGAIN!
I absolutely loved Aidan and Dana. Especially Aidan since he’s been alone for over three thousand years. Another *sigh* and then he met Dana and he finally had someone to love him.
As always it was such a pleasure to see Seth, David, Zach, Roland and Bastian again. However, I don’t know if I could bear it if Ms. Duvall killed off Cliff, and he seems to be getting worse in every book. I’m hoping Melanie finds something that will help him. Readers don’t like it when authors kill off main characters so here’s hoping…
There was explicit sex in this book but it certainly wouldn’t be called erotic, thank God. Also, the F- bomb was used 47 times.
As to the narration: Kirsten Potter is one of the best female narrators out there. She does voices great and reads with wonderful emotions.
September 26, 2017
RTC / I’d give this one 10 stars, if I could. If you’re not reading this series, you don’t know what you’re missing. Get started and fall in love!
Initial thoughts: Yeeeeesssssss! Finally, a cover, a blurb and a birthday day!! Yay!
Initial thoughts: Yeeeeesssssss! Finally, a cover, a blurb and a birthday day!! Yay!
September 15, 2017
Blade of Darkness is the seventh book in the Immortal Guardians series. All I really have to say about this series is that it just keeps getting better and more intriguing. This one is Aidan's story. He is among the elders of the brethren and has been searching for 3000 years for a gifted one who will love him enough to transform for eternity. How he has been going about this task the last couple of yeas is pretty amusing. Dana is the perfect match for him. I loved them together. I loved how the plot of the overall series developed more. The ending left me hanging though. I want to know what happens to the twelve left, so the next book can't come fast enough!
While the author does a good job of inserting information to catch a new to the series reader, I would not say this holds up too well as a stand alone. You really need to go back to the beginning with the first book. Not that that is really a hardship because all of these books are amazing. While you are waiting for your pre-order of this book, why not start with Darkness Dawns?
While the author does a good job of inserting information to catch a new to the series reader, I would not say this holds up too well as a stand alone. You really need to go back to the beginning with the first book. Not that that is really a hardship because all of these books are amazing. While you are waiting for your pre-order of this book, why not start with Darkness Dawns?
September 20, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed Blade of Darkness! Between the banter, the steamy scenes, and all the twists and turns, I was engrossed from start to finish. I was glad to catch up with past characters, along with learning how Aidan ends his 3000 year lonely streak. Highly recommended!
September 22, 2017
Awesome read. I truly enjoyed this book and I cannot wait until the next one.
September 21, 2017
Great story! I'm glad Aidan found his mate! I hope Cliff can be saved!
June 10, 2018
It feels like a million years since I read a book in this series (translation: two years), but this story takes no time at all to pull you back into the world of the Immortal Guardians. The hero here is Aidan, the 3000 year-old warrior who was so desperate for love, he stole the group’s list of gifted women in hopes he could use it to find a mate. Sure enough, his plan works.
Dana isn’t the first woman he approached from that list, but it is apparent from their first meeting that they are destined to be together. Dana is a powerful psychic and gets visions of her future with Aidan. The cool thing is, he’s psychic too, so he sees all of her visions. There’s not a whole lot of will-they-or-won’t-they, meaning their relationship development is a bit low on internal conflict. But there is plenty of external conflict to go around.
Remember how I said Dana wasn’t the only woman Aidan approached on that list? Well, it seems every other gifted woman he’s come in contact with has disappeared. Not only that, but he is being framed to look like he is the person responsible. I won’t spoil the how or why, but I will say that it pits the Immortal Guardians against one another as the evidence piles up against him. And Dana’s psychic visions indicate it could end up a fight to the death.
One of the things I really like about this series is the pacing. The books move so well with just the right blend of action, romance, backstory, and world-building. Not only that, but Dianne Duvall does a great job crafting characters with distinct voices and making me care about them. Aidan has this great old-world humble charm – I love how hard he tries and how unsure he is about how to properly court Dana. As for the heroine herself, I like that she is spunky but not in a twee sense. She stands up for herself and plays an active part in not being a victim. In addition to the main couple, we get time with all of our old favorites (and a special surprise for two of them.)
It is a bit of a bummer that the action-part of the ending was a bit unresolved, but the romance has the requisite HEA. Not a lot of teeth gnashing for Aidan and Dana, but they’re easy to root for.
Now… am I the only one was wants a Chris Reordon story next? At least a novella. Somebody give me an amen. Humans need love too.
Rating: B/B+
Dana isn’t the first woman he approached from that list, but it is apparent from their first meeting that they are destined to be together. Dana is a powerful psychic and gets visions of her future with Aidan. The cool thing is, he’s psychic too, so he sees all of her visions. There’s not a whole lot of will-they-or-won’t-they, meaning their relationship development is a bit low on internal conflict. But there is plenty of external conflict to go around.
Remember how I said Dana wasn’t the only woman Aidan approached on that list? Well, it seems every other gifted woman he’s come in contact with has disappeared. Not only that, but he is being framed to look like he is the person responsible. I won’t spoil the how or why, but I will say that it pits the Immortal Guardians against one another as the evidence piles up against him. And Dana’s psychic visions indicate it could end up a fight to the death.
One of the things I really like about this series is the pacing. The books move so well with just the right blend of action, romance, backstory, and world-building. Not only that, but Dianne Duvall does a great job crafting characters with distinct voices and making me care about them. Aidan has this great old-world humble charm – I love how hard he tries and how unsure he is about how to properly court Dana. As for the heroine herself, I like that she is spunky but not in a twee sense. She stands up for herself and plays an active part in not being a victim. In addition to the main couple, we get time with all of our old favorites (and a special surprise for two of them.)
It is a bit of a bummer that the action-part of the ending was a bit unresolved, but the romance has the requisite HEA. Not a lot of teeth gnashing for Aidan and Dana, but they’re easy to root for.
Now… am I the only one was wants a Chris Reordon story next? At least a novella. Somebody give me an amen. Humans need love too.
Rating: B/B+
September 25, 2017
Another Excellent Immortal Guardians story! Excellent Narration by Kirsten Potter (audible review).
Loved this book as much as all the others in this series. If you haven't read this series you should! They are all must reads.
Loved Aiden and Dana. They made a great couple. He waited a looonnggg time to find her that's for sure. I really enjoyed this story and the Others coming into play. There was a lot of action and superb dialogue. A lot of characters from the previous books coming in to play. I love all the powers the Immortal Guardians have. Especially Seth! (Can't wait for his book.) I know it is coming one day.
As for the narration, Kristen Potter does such a great job on all the voices and keeping the same voices throughout the series. Just fantastic.
Gonna be a long wait for the next release... Sigh... But it will be a pre-order as always.
Loved this book as much as all the others in this series. If you haven't read this series you should! They are all must reads.
Loved Aiden and Dana. They made a great couple. He waited a looonnggg time to find her that's for sure. I really enjoyed this story and the Others coming into play. There was a lot of action and superb dialogue. A lot of characters from the previous books coming in to play. I love all the powers the Immortal Guardians have. Especially Seth! (Can't wait for his book.) I know it is coming one day.
As for the narration, Kristen Potter does such a great job on all the voices and keeping the same voices throughout the series. Just fantastic.
Gonna be a long wait for the next release... Sigh... But it will be a pre-order as always.
July 15, 2018
This is one of my favorite series and this installment is brilliant! Great world-building, greater characters and a terrific ongoing plot. I loved revisiting all the characters from previous books and enjoyed seeing Aidan finally end his 3000 years of being alone. I really liked Dana and thought she handled events beautifully considering. I enjoyed the many twists in the plot and liked how the characters handled things.
This is definitely a series you need to read in sequence as things progress from book to book. I'm looking forward to digging into Awaken the Darkness.
This is definitely a series you need to read in sequence as things progress from book to book. I'm looking forward to digging into Awaken the Darkness.
July 16, 2018
Aiden has finally received his happily ever after. When we meet Aiden he is despondent because everybody around him is finding their other half. Aiden is a 3000 year old Immortal who is going through life coasting. When we initially meet him all he he wants to do is transfer to North Carolina in order to find a Gifted One to spend the rest of his days with but Seth choses not to transfer him. So like any Immortal in the series he decides to take matters into his own hands which helps him transfer over to North Carolina.
Aiden is a special character. He has a sense of humor, sweet, loyal, and just brave. When he finally meets Dana their first encounter was interesting to say the least. I enjoyed Dana and I enjoyed the relationship that she has with Aiden. She, unlike other heroines in the series, takes a lot of the revelations about Aiden and the Immortals in stride. Yes she does freak out a bit but she accepts what is happening around her and moves forward.
The only issue that I had when it came to both Aiden and Dana is since Dana is a psychic she does not want the glimpses she sees in the future to dictate how she lives her life presently.
This book I have to say was not what I was expecting. I knew that it was going to be action-packed because the fight between Seth and Gresham is kicking up but I was not expecting half of the stuff that he ended up doing in this book. This is the first time that we have gotten his point of view and it is not the most lucid mind. Clearly there is something off with him but you can never figure out what it is. He called Seth his nemesis but yet we don't know what Seth did to him in order to be classified as such. I know Seth's book is coming up and I hope that Dianne Duvall explores why Gresham has this animosity towards Seth. It would be really interesting to find out if he is actually jealous and envious of Seth or if there is more to it
Cliff is a character who I fell in love with way back when and I really hope that there is a way to save him because every time he ends up suffering my heart hurts for him. I don't understand why he is not a gifted one. I just want to see him happy and he has found love and to find love when you are a vampire and you know that you're going to lose your mind but you keep fighting is so noble and courageous.
I don't know how the next book is going to go but I am kind of interested to see where Dianne takes it. We know things are heating up but what is Gresham going to do now? The way that this book end 12 Gifted Ones was transformed into Immortals. I need to know where they are and what is Gresham's master plan.
Aiden is a special character. He has a sense of humor, sweet, loyal, and just brave. When he finally meets Dana their first encounter was interesting to say the least. I enjoyed Dana and I enjoyed the relationship that she has with Aiden. She, unlike other heroines in the series, takes a lot of the revelations about Aiden and the Immortals in stride. Yes she does freak out a bit but she accepts what is happening around her and moves forward.
The only issue that I had when it came to both Aiden and Dana is since Dana is a psychic she does not want the glimpses she sees in the future to dictate how she lives her life presently.
This book I have to say was not what I was expecting. I knew that it was going to be action-packed because the fight between Seth and Gresham is kicking up but I was not expecting half of the stuff that he ended up doing in this book. This is the first time that we have gotten his point of view and it is not the most lucid mind. Clearly there is something off with him but you can never figure out what it is. He called Seth his nemesis but yet we don't know what Seth did to him in order to be classified as such. I know Seth's book is coming up and I hope that Dianne Duvall explores why Gresham has this animosity towards Seth. It would be really interesting to find out if he is actually jealous and envious of Seth or if there is more to it
Cliff is a character who I fell in love with way back when and I really hope that there is a way to save him because every time he ends up suffering my heart hurts for him. I don't understand why he is not a gifted one. I just want to see him happy and he has found love and to find love when you are a vampire and you know that you're going to lose your mind but you keep fighting is so noble and courageous.
I don't know how the next book is going to go but I am kind of interested to see where Dianne takes it. We know things are heating up but what is Gresham going to do now? The way that this book end 12 Gifted Ones was transformed into Immortals. I need to know where they are and what is Gresham's master plan.
September 19, 2017
One of my biggest fears when reading series with different main characters in each story is that I won't love the new couple as much as I have loved the old. After 7 books, Dianne Duvall hasn't let me down yet and has made it easy to love each and every Immortal Guardian and love interest she has made come to life.
You should remember Aidan, he is a newbie to our favorite Immortal Guardian family, but he made a big impression when he broke into headquarters to steal a list of gifted ones in hopes of finally finding his better half. It works, but now those gifted ones he has come in contact with are going missing and it not only threatens his standing with his Immortal Guardian family, it also threatens the newly found love he has found with Dana.
I really enjoyed getting to know both Aidan and Dana. Dana handled everything thrown her way in a much better way than I think I would have. Not only was she strong and firm in just about everything she said and did, but she was so loving and understanding. She could be completely scared to death, but her actions were fierce. I liked her a lot. Aidan didn't always make the smartest decisions, but I found him to be extremely loyal and generous. He deserved Dana's love and the Immortal Guardians' trust and he got it. The attraction between the two was hot and they made a great couple.
Like with all the other books in the series BLADE OF DARKNESS was full of action and danger. All of the Immortal Guardians worked together to take down their shared enemies and came out stronger after it. I wish the books came out faster, but I'm always willing to wait for the next installment. What couple will be next?
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
You should remember Aidan, he is a newbie to our favorite Immortal Guardian family, but he made a big impression when he broke into headquarters to steal a list of gifted ones in hopes of finally finding his better half. It works, but now those gifted ones he has come in contact with are going missing and it not only threatens his standing with his Immortal Guardian family, it also threatens the newly found love he has found with Dana.
I really enjoyed getting to know both Aidan and Dana. Dana handled everything thrown her way in a much better way than I think I would have. Not only was she strong and firm in just about everything she said and did, but she was so loving and understanding. She could be completely scared to death, but her actions were fierce. I liked her a lot. Aidan didn't always make the smartest decisions, but I found him to be extremely loyal and generous. He deserved Dana's love and the Immortal Guardians' trust and he got it. The attraction between the two was hot and they made a great couple.
Like with all the other books in the series BLADE OF DARKNESS was full of action and danger. All of the Immortal Guardians worked together to take down their shared enemies and came out stronger after it. I wish the books came out faster, but I'm always willing to wait for the next installment. What couple will be next?
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 28, 2021
Aiden stole a list of "gifted ones" in the area and has been arranging meetings with the women. He is lonely and wants to find someone. Chris (the Network's head of security- he is human) is pissed at him for breaching security (this was a book or 2 ago). Aidan meets Dana and that spark he is looking for is there. Dana is rare in that her gift is strong enough she can make a living from it (she has visions). So, when someone impersonating Aiden is implicated in the kidnapping of gifted ones, Chris, doesn't want/need to look too far to pin the blame.
Complicating this is someone (Gershom) meddling, impersonating, and trying to start something. He is turning into a powerful opponent and will factor in the next book(s). He isn't going a anywhere anytime soon.
This was decent and furthered the storyline. Roland and Sarah adopt a child.
Look forward to the next.
Complicating this is someone (Gershom) meddling, impersonating, and trying to start something. He is turning into a powerful opponent and will factor in the next book(s). He isn't going a anywhere anytime soon.
This was decent and furthered the storyline. Roland and Sarah adopt a child.
Look forward to the next.
September 8, 2017
As I write this, I have trouble figuring out where to start. There were so many times that were "my favorite part". There's so much anxiety and fear in this book, but so much hope and laughter too. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. We see more of Ami and Adira, Roland and Sarah, and I'll just say that they each had a major thing happen - one pretty happy and the other freaking scary. I also have to say that I was surprised at a little tid bit about David and felt for Seth at one point towards the end. There's just so much going on!
In the midst of it all, we have Aidan and Dana. Aidan is incredibly kind and generous and he's full of humility on top of it. He's surprised when so many immortals back him up at one point all simply because they liked him and he had helped them out at one time or another. Dana is just plain amazing. She is very strong willed and practically fearless. She faces down Seth, Roland, and Chris at various points and does so with varying levels of success and hilarity. However, my VERY favorite part of this book is the "Aidan test". I laughed so hard out loud that my husband not only looked at me weird, but actually asked about it. SO GOOD!
Blade of Darkness is action packed and full of twists and turns. I can't get enough of this series and its vivid characters!
In the midst of it all, we have Aidan and Dana. Aidan is incredibly kind and generous and he's full of humility on top of it. He's surprised when so many immortals back him up at one point all simply because they liked him and he had helped them out at one time or another. Dana is just plain amazing. She is very strong willed and practically fearless. She faces down Seth, Roland, and Chris at various points and does so with varying levels of success and hilarity. However, my VERY favorite part of this book is the "Aidan test". I laughed so hard out loud that my husband not only looked at me weird, but actually asked about it. SO GOOD!
Blade of Darkness is action packed and full of twists and turns. I can't get enough of this series and its vivid characters!
September 20, 2017
I really enjoy this series and was kind of needing a new installment. Recently revisited the entire series in audio (about 2 months ago). About a year has elapsed from last book and loved seeing changes in baby Adira and the relationships of everyone else in this series. I really enjoyed Dana and Aiden as individuals and a couple. Very interested in seeing where the series goes from here. The main villain at this point is very much uber villain so will be happy to see him go down!
November 21, 2022
Aidan!!!
When we first met Aidan, you were mad at him, but you also can’t help but feel sorry for him too.
You want him to find his one true love.
This is an interesting book in the series because wow it has a lot of fight scenes. But also, things are unravelling, and it became such a page turner.
I can’t say too much, or I will give things away but Ethan to the rescue for sure.
And Dana is totally kick ass!
When we first met Aidan, you were mad at him, but you also can’t help but feel sorry for him too.
You want him to find his one true love.
This is an interesting book in the series because wow it has a lot of fight scenes. But also, things are unravelling, and it became such a page turner.
I can’t say too much, or I will give things away but Ethan to the rescue for sure.
And Dana is totally kick ass!
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