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Darkness #7
Guardian of Darkness
He saw her die in a vision…
Before five years ago, Gabriel had never met Vega, but he knows how she's going to die. He knows he'll be involved... unless he can make sure they never meet, never cross paths, so that his vision will never come true. So he left his pack behind, joined the Stavros pack and was determined to never let that future play out. To never meet her at all. Fate had other plans—and she walked right into his life when he least expected it. For the last five years he’s avoided Vega whenever possible even while trying to keep an eye on her. But when she gets cagey with her pack and disappears, he has no choice but to follow her. Now, circumstances are forcing them to work together and he’s determined to protect her against any threat. If that means dying for her, he’s more than willing to. But she doesn’t want his protection. If anything, she’s determined to prove she’s stronger than everyone thinks.
She’s writing her own future…
Vega isn’t the same moody teenager who came to live with the Stavros pack all those years ago. With college behind her, she’s been recruited by a division of the government’s supernatural Black Ops. Trained and more than ready for her first mission, she doesn’t expect Gabriel to crash her assignment. To save her cover, they pretend to be a couple. But soon lines are blurred and neither can deny the incendiary attraction between them. As they race to stop a man who wants to sell out their people to the highest bidder, they find themselves fighting for a future together. With time running out, she has no choice but to rely on the irresistible male who’s turned her world upside down. Unfortunately, in order to save the woman he loves, Gabriel has to give her up.
NOVEL
Author This is a stand-alone novel in the Darkness series complete with an HEA and no cliffhanger.
Darkness
1. Darkness Awakened
2. Taste of Darkness
3. Beyond the Darkness
4. Hunted by Darkness
5. Into the Darkness
6. Saved by Darkness
7. Guardian of Darkness
Before five years ago, Gabriel had never met Vega, but he knows how she's going to die. He knows he'll be involved... unless he can make sure they never meet, never cross paths, so that his vision will never come true. So he left his pack behind, joined the Stavros pack and was determined to never let that future play out. To never meet her at all. Fate had other plans—and she walked right into his life when he least expected it. For the last five years he’s avoided Vega whenever possible even while trying to keep an eye on her. But when she gets cagey with her pack and disappears, he has no choice but to follow her. Now, circumstances are forcing them to work together and he’s determined to protect her against any threat. If that means dying for her, he’s more than willing to. But she doesn’t want his protection. If anything, she’s determined to prove she’s stronger than everyone thinks.
She’s writing her own future…
Vega isn’t the same moody teenager who came to live with the Stavros pack all those years ago. With college behind her, she’s been recruited by a division of the government’s supernatural Black Ops. Trained and more than ready for her first mission, she doesn’t expect Gabriel to crash her assignment. To save her cover, they pretend to be a couple. But soon lines are blurred and neither can deny the incendiary attraction between them. As they race to stop a man who wants to sell out their people to the highest bidder, they find themselves fighting for a future together. With time running out, she has no choice but to rely on the irresistible male who’s turned her world upside down. Unfortunately, in order to save the woman he loves, Gabriel has to give her up.
NOVEL
Author This is a stand-alone novel in the Darkness series complete with an HEA and no cliffhanger.
Darkness
1. Darkness Awakened
2. Taste of Darkness
3. Beyond the Darkness
4. Hunted by Darkness
5. Into the Darkness
6. Saved by Darkness
7. Guardian of Darkness
275 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 20, 2018
105 people are currently reading
525 people want to read
About the author
Katie Reus
164 books3,242 followersKatie Reus® is the USA Today bestselling author of the Endgame trilogy, the MacArthur Family series and the Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom's stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it. However, she didn't always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
March 31, 2018
I enjoyed this...but I was also a little disappointed, not gonna lie.
Full review later...
Full review later...
April 21, 2018
Gabriel and Vega
YES! New book for one of my favourite series :)
Vega Marius Stavros is a hybrid vampire-wolf shifter and more precisely she is the daughter of one of my favourite PNR couples. She is the daughter of Finn (the werewolf Alpha) and Lyra (the vampire). Her father only learn about her existence when Vega was a teenager, so he became very protective of his little princess.
Gabriel is a wolf that belongs to Stavros' pack and he is Vega's devoted protector. Before five years ago, Gabriel had never met Vega, but when he saw her for first time he knew that she will be his mate and he knew that she’s going to die. That's the reason he tried to avoid her during the last few years no matter how painful it was for him.
Vega on the other hand wanted Gabriel since the day the first met, BUT he was avoiding her like the plague. So she was only writing letters to him. Letters that she never sent and he never read.
I won’t be sending you this letter, but it feels really good to get all this out. You know what would feel better? Throat punching you.
Now that she has finished college, Vega tries to prove how tough she is and she is recruited by a division of the government’s supernatural Black Ops. Her parents don’t know what is the matter with her, they get worried and once again Gabriel needs to stalk her and protect her.
“Listen, I need a favor…”
Gabriel knew what that favor was even before his Alpha asked. “You want me to follow her?”
This time, Gabriel will not be able to avoid what is written in the stars.
“Mating is forever.”
“So? You afraid?” Because she wasn’t.
Heat flared in his green eyes. “Only of losing you.”
A very nice addition to the series. A new interesting pack is introduced and two more interesting dragons will rise from their Hibernation. This government’s supernatural Black Ops also includes a few very interesting shifters.
YES! New book for one of my favourite series :)
Vega Marius Stavros is a hybrid vampire-wolf shifter and more precisely she is the daughter of one of my favourite PNR couples. She is the daughter of Finn (the werewolf Alpha) and Lyra (the vampire). Her father only learn about her existence when Vega was a teenager, so he became very protective of his little princess.
Gabriel is a wolf that belongs to Stavros' pack and he is Vega's devoted protector. Before five years ago, Gabriel had never met Vega, but when he saw her for first time he knew that she will be his mate and he knew that she’s going to die. That's the reason he tried to avoid her during the last few years no matter how painful it was for him.
Vega on the other hand wanted Gabriel since the day the first met, BUT he was avoiding her like the plague. So she was only writing letters to him. Letters that she never sent and he never read.
I won’t be sending you this letter, but it feels really good to get all this out. You know what would feel better? Throat punching you.
Now that she has finished college, Vega tries to prove how tough she is and she is recruited by a division of the government’s supernatural Black Ops. Her parents don’t know what is the matter with her, they get worried and once again Gabriel needs to stalk her and protect her.
“Listen, I need a favor…”
Gabriel knew what that favor was even before his Alpha asked. “You want me to follow her?”
This time, Gabriel will not be able to avoid what is written in the stars.
“Mating is forever.”
“So? You afraid?” Because she wasn’t.
Heat flared in his green eyes. “Only of losing you.”
A very nice addition to the series. A new interesting pack is introduced and two more interesting dragons will rise from their Hibernation. This government’s supernatural Black Ops also includes a few very interesting shifters.
May 13, 2018
Audible Review: I did a re-read of the audible book. I love the deep voice of Jeffrey Kafer for this story. I like that the author switched it up and used a male narrator for the whole book instead of sticking to just a female narrater. I usually only find male narrators do a his POV book if their isn't a duet narration. I recommend the audio version!
Story Review: I absolutely loved Gabriel and Vega! So far this one is my favorite of the series. I really wasn't expecting to love it so much because the blurb led me to believe there would be pushing away from Gabriel. While he did keep her at arms length for 2 years, the book started and wasted no time in bringing these two together.
While I hate pushing away, I love the reason Gabriel tried to stay away from Vega. He literally thought she was going to die if they mated. That didn't stop him from jumping right in the middle of an ops to protect her. He's a true alpha protector.
Vega was such a great heroine. I love that she is a hybrid and I'm fascinated with her special powers. I think the author could have delved even more into that but I'm guessing she is saving some for later books since these characters appear in more than one book.
Mena was a fascinating side character in this book and I think when it comes time for her story, she's going to leave just as much as an impact. All the side characters leave me wanting more and that's a true success for a series. Keep em coming Katie Reus! ARC provided by NetGalley.
Story Review: I absolutely loved Gabriel and Vega! So far this one is my favorite of the series. I really wasn't expecting to love it so much because the blurb led me to believe there would be pushing away from Gabriel. While he did keep her at arms length for 2 years, the book started and wasted no time in bringing these two together.
While I hate pushing away, I love the reason Gabriel tried to stay away from Vega. He literally thought she was going to die if they mated. That didn't stop him from jumping right in the middle of an ops to protect her. He's a true alpha protector.
Vega was such a great heroine. I love that she is a hybrid and I'm fascinated with her special powers. I think the author could have delved even more into that but I'm guessing she is saving some for later books since these characters appear in more than one book.
Mena was a fascinating side character in this book and I think when it comes time for her story, she's going to leave just as much as an impact. All the side characters leave me wanting more and that's a true success for a series. Keep em coming Katie Reus! ARC provided by NetGalley.
May 28, 2019
Re-read 26th May 2019.
I’m doing a series re-read and last time this was by far the weakest book in the series for me. So this time I skimmed it. I started reading but it was dragging and again the chemistry just wasn’t there so I skimmed.
Original review.
I’m loving this series and I’ve been waiting (not so patiently) for Vega’s book.
I’m not sure if my expectations were just too high. But this didn’t really work for me. I just didn’t feel the connection or spark between them. The story also seemed to be lacking, particularly in the first half.
We meet some interesting new characters but I missed the old ones. I know, I know there’s just no pleasing some people.
There was also some pot holes. This isn’t a bad book at all it’s just not the book I wanted for Vega.
I’m chalking this down as being me not the book. So it’s straight onto Sentinel for me now.
I’m doing a series re-read and last time this was by far the weakest book in the series for me. So this time I skimmed it. I started reading but it was dragging and again the chemistry just wasn’t there so I skimmed.
Original review.
I’m loving this series and I’ve been waiting (not so patiently) for Vega’s book.
I’m not sure if my expectations were just too high. But this didn’t really work for me. I just didn’t feel the connection or spark between them. The story also seemed to be lacking, particularly in the first half.
We meet some interesting new characters but I missed the old ones. I know, I know there’s just no pleasing some people.
There was also some pot holes. This isn’t a bad book at all it’s just not the book I wanted for Vega.
I’m chalking this down as being me not the book. So it’s straight onto Sentinel for me now.
March 20, 2018
4.25 ‘No matter what, my heart will always belong to you.’ Stars
I seriously can’t say it enough, this series is PHENOMENAL!
Darkness is without a doubt one of my all time favorite PNR series, and every time Katie Reus announces an upcoming new installment, it starts a religious countdown and stalking until release day!
For those of us Darkness addicts, Gabriel and Vega are two of recurring secondary characters in most of the books, so I couldn’t be happier that first, they are paired up, and second that we get to enjoy their story. Talk about a power couple!
Gabriel couldn’t help it. Couldn’t take his gaze off her. He had an addiction and her name was Vega.
Vega was off-limits. For a multitude of reasons. She was too damn young, for one. But mainly, he’d seen her death in a vision forced on him by a seer years ago. Long before he’d met Vega. He knew enough details about what could happen to her, where she could die, that he tried to keep his distance to protect her.
Gabriel has known Vega was his mate, for a very long time, well before even meeting her, and has always tried to run, figuratively and literally from his feelings and the destiny Fate had reserve for them. I understood his reasoning, in trying to protect her, and save her from death is a very valid reason, but upon running from his roots to avoid this dreaded fate, settling in Finn’s pack, making his place, and then non other than Vega showing up with her mom, being Finn’s daughter?! He should have gotten the message that you really can’t run from your destiny!
As Guardian his loyalty to Finn ran deep. His job was literally to protect his Alpha at all cost, to lay down his life for him. But Vega…she owned him.
Vega was absolutely brilliant! As the daughter of power couple that are Finn and Lyra, she had already immense expectations and eyes on her, but I loved that she wanted to carve her own place in the world. Should That she was more than her parents’ daughter, so much more than Stavro’s pack princess. And she did! She was totally kickass!
She’d wanted to ask Gabriel more last night, but he’d more than shocked her with what he’d said about them being future mates. Or in his case, apparently he’d decided to just give up on what might be.
Because of a stupid vision.
Yes, in a sense it was noble, what he’d tried to do. Beyond, even. But it was her future too and she got a say in it.
Yes, she has been fighting her feelings and physical attracton to Gabriel for years, thinking it was one sided emotions, but the second he confesses and she realizes why he’s deny them, like me she understood, but didn’t just accept it. She really told him how it was, lol!
No matter what, my heart will always belong to you. You claimed it a while ago and I don’t want it back.
Being ‘forced’ to work together, and be in close proximity, was fated to break their barries, there was no way to deny their insane chemistry. Everyone could see and even feel it. It was just a matter of time until stubborn Gabriel gave in. He really didn’t stand a chance. Even his wolf was driving him mad to claim their female.
All he wanted to do was shred their clothes, to push deep inside her, to mark her with his come, inside and out. He wanted his scent all over her. To mark her, claim her, let the whole damn world know that Vega was his.
Guardian of Darkness was a bit different in the romance feature, in my opinion, I always love how well Katie Reus balances the romantic element with the adventure subplot, but in this one, I don’t know if it was because Gabriel took so long to come to terms with his emotions and his fight against the vision, or because the sex scenes and intimacy only take part very late in the story, I felt their couple time was too reduced. Yes, the shift of his change in attitude was a too sudden by then, a complete one eighty, to be honest, but once we got to see his true emotions, it was impossible not to feel the depth of his love and devotion to Vega.
After years of worrying about her death, he needed to simply hold her. Because everything had changed and he knew that he couldn’t go back to his gray existence anymore. Not after all this.
Whatever the future held, he was tired of hiding, tired of trying to deny what he felt for her. He just hoped she wanted a future with him.
Another great installment to cement even more my already undying love to these Darness characters! I loved that we got a different setting that gave us the chance to meet more extraordinary side characters – speaking of, I need Judoc’s book, pleeeeeaaassseee – but we still got cameos from our favorite characters from the preceding books, specially Finn and Lyra, and their surprise WOW! What a action packed, emotional and sexy ride Guardian of Darkness was! On to stalking Ms. Reus for the next book. I wonder who it will be?! <3 <3 <3 <3
“Mating is forever.”
“So? You afraid?” Because she wasn’t.
Heat flared in his green eyes. “Only of losing you.”
“Once you’re mine, I’m not letting you go.” A hot promise.
“I’ve always been yours, dumbass.”
No more living in fear. They got one life and he was taking everything it had to offer.
With her by his side.
ARC kindly provided by the author via NetGalley for an honest review
For full Review with Release Blitz, check out my Blog Post,
http://gisspotreviews.com/index.php/2...
I seriously can’t say it enough, this series is PHENOMENAL!
Darkness is without a doubt one of my all time favorite PNR series, and every time Katie Reus announces an upcoming new installment, it starts a religious countdown and stalking until release day!
For those of us Darkness addicts, Gabriel and Vega are two of recurring secondary characters in most of the books, so I couldn’t be happier that first, they are paired up, and second that we get to enjoy their story. Talk about a power couple!
Gabriel couldn’t help it. Couldn’t take his gaze off her. He had an addiction and her name was Vega.
Vega was off-limits. For a multitude of reasons. She was too damn young, for one. But mainly, he’d seen her death in a vision forced on him by a seer years ago. Long before he’d met Vega. He knew enough details about what could happen to her, where she could die, that he tried to keep his distance to protect her.
Gabriel has known Vega was his mate, for a very long time, well before even meeting her, and has always tried to run, figuratively and literally from his feelings and the destiny Fate had reserve for them. I understood his reasoning, in trying to protect her, and save her from death is a very valid reason, but upon running from his roots to avoid this dreaded fate, settling in Finn’s pack, making his place, and then non other than Vega showing up with her mom, being Finn’s daughter?! He should have gotten the message that you really can’t run from your destiny!
As Guardian his loyalty to Finn ran deep. His job was literally to protect his Alpha at all cost, to lay down his life for him. But Vega…she owned him.
Vega was absolutely brilliant! As the daughter of power couple that are Finn and Lyra, she had already immense expectations and eyes on her, but I loved that she wanted to carve her own place in the world. Should That she was more than her parents’ daughter, so much more than Stavro’s pack princess. And she did! She was totally kickass!
She’d wanted to ask Gabriel more last night, but he’d more than shocked her with what he’d said about them being future mates. Or in his case, apparently he’d decided to just give up on what might be.
Because of a stupid vision.
Yes, in a sense it was noble, what he’d tried to do. Beyond, even. But it was her future too and she got a say in it.
Yes, she has been fighting her feelings and physical attracton to Gabriel for years, thinking it was one sided emotions, but the second he confesses and she realizes why he’s deny them, like me she understood, but didn’t just accept it. She really told him how it was, lol!
No matter what, my heart will always belong to you. You claimed it a while ago and I don’t want it back.
Being ‘forced’ to work together, and be in close proximity, was fated to break their barries, there was no way to deny their insane chemistry. Everyone could see and even feel it. It was just a matter of time until stubborn Gabriel gave in. He really didn’t stand a chance. Even his wolf was driving him mad to claim their female.
All he wanted to do was shred their clothes, to push deep inside her, to mark her with his come, inside and out. He wanted his scent all over her. To mark her, claim her, let the whole damn world know that Vega was his.
Guardian of Darkness was a bit different in the romance feature, in my opinion, I always love how well Katie Reus balances the romantic element with the adventure subplot, but in this one, I don’t know if it was because Gabriel took so long to come to terms with his emotions and his fight against the vision, or because the sex scenes and intimacy only take part very late in the story, I felt their couple time was too reduced. Yes, the shift of his change in attitude was a too sudden by then, a complete one eighty, to be honest, but once we got to see his true emotions, it was impossible not to feel the depth of his love and devotion to Vega.
After years of worrying about her death, he needed to simply hold her. Because everything had changed and he knew that he couldn’t go back to his gray existence anymore. Not after all this.
Whatever the future held, he was tired of hiding, tired of trying to deny what he felt for her. He just hoped she wanted a future with him.
Another great installment to cement even more my already undying love to these Darness characters! I loved that we got a different setting that gave us the chance to meet more extraordinary side characters – speaking of, I need Judoc’s book, pleeeeeaaassseee – but we still got cameos from our favorite characters from the preceding books, specially Finn and Lyra, and their surprise WOW! What a action packed, emotional and sexy ride Guardian of Darkness was! On to stalking Ms. Reus for the next book. I wonder who it will be?! <3 <3 <3 <3
“Mating is forever.”
“So? You afraid?” Because she wasn’t.
Heat flared in his green eyes. “Only of losing you.”
“Once you’re mine, I’m not letting you go.” A hot promise.
“I’ve always been yours, dumbass.”
No more living in fear. They got one life and he was taking everything it had to offer.
With her by his side.
ARC kindly provided by the author via NetGalley for an honest review
For full Review with Release Blitz, check out my Blog Post,
http://gisspotreviews.com/index.php/2...
May 11, 2018
Audible: Narrator – Jeffrey Kafer
Mr. Kafer does an exceptional job of narrating this story. He really brought these characters to life even as he does both male and female point of views. It’s a sure sign of talent when a male narrator can make me believe I’m listening to a female. This audio-book enhanced my enjoyment of this story by Katie Reus and I’ve definitely become a fan of Mr. Kafer and Ms. Reus.
Years ago Gabriel was forced by a seer to see his future. A future where his mate died. Fast forward a few years and he meets that mate while she is a young teen. As guardian of her father’s pack he watches out for Vega and befriends her. But once she grows into a woman he knows he must separate himself from her or risk mating and then losing her forever.
Vega has quite an exotic background when it comes to her supernatural abilities. Graduating from college she joins a covert group that helps to protect not only the government but supernaturals as well. Her heart was broken when Gabriel essentially walked out of her life, dismissing their friendship and keeping distance between them. Now he’s stepped into her business and has become a part of her first assignment.
I loved Gabriel and Vega. Loved them when I first met them and loved them even more now that I’ve read their story. Poor Gabriel. He was struggling against his very nature in order to protect Vega and in the process unknowingly breaking her heart. I loved the way he was committed to her even when he knew he could never mate her.
The storyline here was engaging and fast paced as a wolf shifter has stolen information and plans to sell it to the highest bidder, putting all supernaturals at risk. The secondary characters help to build the story, alleviate tension and lay the ground work for future books. The steam factor is a bit low but fit with the story in the only way that would work.
This book was perfect in so many ways. If you enjoy paranormal, shifter books, you definitely need to check out this series or at least this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Dual POV
Safe – no ow/om drama
Possible Triggers
Mr. Kafer does an exceptional job of narrating this story. He really brought these characters to life even as he does both male and female point of views. It’s a sure sign of talent when a male narrator can make me believe I’m listening to a female. This audio-book enhanced my enjoyment of this story by Katie Reus and I’ve definitely become a fan of Mr. Kafer and Ms. Reus.
Years ago Gabriel was forced by a seer to see his future. A future where his mate died. Fast forward a few years and he meets that mate while she is a young teen. As guardian of her father’s pack he watches out for Vega and befriends her. But once she grows into a woman he knows he must separate himself from her or risk mating and then losing her forever.
Vega has quite an exotic background when it comes to her supernatural abilities. Graduating from college she joins a covert group that helps to protect not only the government but supernaturals as well. Her heart was broken when Gabriel essentially walked out of her life, dismissing their friendship and keeping distance between them. Now he’s stepped into her business and has become a part of her first assignment.
I loved Gabriel and Vega. Loved them when I first met them and loved them even more now that I’ve read their story. Poor Gabriel. He was struggling against his very nature in order to protect Vega and in the process unknowingly breaking her heart. I loved the way he was committed to her even when he knew he could never mate her.
The storyline here was engaging and fast paced as a wolf shifter has stolen information and plans to sell it to the highest bidder, putting all supernaturals at risk. The secondary characters help to build the story, alleviate tension and lay the ground work for future books. The steam factor is a bit low but fit with the story in the only way that would work.
This book was perfect in so many ways. If you enjoy paranormal, shifter books, you definitely need to check out this series or at least this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Dual POV
Safe – no ow/om drama
Possible Triggers
March 15, 2018
4.5 - "I used to write you letters..." Stars!
The seventh book in Katie Reus’ Darkness series finally gives the reader Vega Stavros’ story. Being the daughter of the leader of the Stavros Pack has made it difficult to lead a normal life, and although being treated like a princess is nothing to be sniffed at, sometimes a girl just wants to live a normal life. Although signing on to work as an undercover government agent in a paranormal Black Ops team, would probably not be Finn and Lyra Stavros’ choice for their daughter.
"We are definitely not in Kansas anymore…"
I love this series, Its definitely in my top five PNR series of all time, having read all the previous books, I have watched Vega grow up through them, so getting to read her finally meeting her mate was worth the wait that the author put her readers through! As they say all good things come to those that do and Katie delivered an action packed and emotional story for Vega and Gabriel.
Vega was his… Even if she would never actually be his.
Lots of new characters introduced in the telling of their story, with the inclusion of POVs from Finn and Lyra as well, although this story was mainly told away from the Stavros pack and its territories, it still felt like it was very much a part of the series. And with all the new additions Katie has definitely opened up the flood gates for more books to be released in the future.
"Sometimes you’re kind of a dumbass… But you’re my dumbass."
I adore pretty much this author writes, but I have the softest spot for her PNR offerings, and this one delivered everything I want in relation to a story from the series, and in relation to the high quality of writing I expect from this author in general.
"You own my heart… always will."
ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.
The seventh book in Katie Reus’ Darkness series finally gives the reader Vega Stavros’ story. Being the daughter of the leader of the Stavros Pack has made it difficult to lead a normal life, and although being treated like a princess is nothing to be sniffed at, sometimes a girl just wants to live a normal life. Although signing on to work as an undercover government agent in a paranormal Black Ops team, would probably not be Finn and Lyra Stavros’ choice for their daughter.
"We are definitely not in Kansas anymore…"
I love this series, Its definitely in my top five PNR series of all time, having read all the previous books, I have watched Vega grow up through them, so getting to read her finally meeting her mate was worth the wait that the author put her readers through! As they say all good things come to those that do and Katie delivered an action packed and emotional story for Vega and Gabriel.
Vega was his… Even if she would never actually be his.
Lots of new characters introduced in the telling of their story, with the inclusion of POVs from Finn and Lyra as well, although this story was mainly told away from the Stavros pack and its territories, it still felt like it was very much a part of the series. And with all the new additions Katie has definitely opened up the flood gates for more books to be released in the future.
"Sometimes you’re kind of a dumbass… But you’re my dumbass."
I adore pretty much this author writes, but I have the softest spot for her PNR offerings, and this one delivered everything I want in relation to a story from the series, and in relation to the high quality of writing I expect from this author in general.
"You own my heart… always will."
ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.
April 4, 2018
If you've followed this series, you know something has been brewing between Vega and Gabriel for a while now. Their connection was something palpable and damn intriguing in past books. Katie Reus spun their love story with a sold history, a little action, some family drama, a whole lot of insta-lust/love and a few new characters sprinkled in to keep things lively. I loved this latest installment of her Darkness series. It gave us some super adorable updates on past favorite couples (won't spoil the whole bit but will say one thing . . . Babies!)
Okay, back to the main story . . . Vega and Gabriel have danced around each other for a while now but since going away to college, their attraction has only gotten stronger. Gabriel tried in vain to put some distance between them and without an explanation, his actions hurt Vega. Thinking that Gabriel requested a transfer away from her, Vega is still smarting for his rejection. But she's worked hard to move on and having just graduated, is focusing on her new and exciting career as the newest recruit of the supernatural black ops division of the US government. Her first field assignment is going undercover to try and catch a shifter turned traitor, willing to sell out the whole supernatural world to the highest bidder.
Years ago, a seer forced on a Gabriel, a vision of his future. A future where Gabriel's mate dies in his arms. Since that day, Gabriel has done everything in his power to keep that prophecy from coming true. He cut ties with his family and his old pack and moved as far away from the only home he'd ever known to try and save the life of a mate he's never even met. But it was all for nothing because when he finally thought he was safe and with a new pack that made him finally feel at home, in walks Vega and all his fears resurface.
Vega's mission brings her right to the last place Gabriel wants her. His old territory and the place where he sees her death play out. But there are more things at work here and of course the future isn't as black and white as it first appears.
What I liked: This was another super safe and steamy shifter/mate romance. I loved Vega and Gabriel. They were both a bit stubborn and determined to keep the other safe - none of which is necessarily a bad thing. I personally love characters like them. They are honest to a fault and selfless in their love for each other which can make them a bit reckless but they are the all or nothing type and makes their love pretty damn epic. They were another great power couple.
I also really really loved all the snippets we get of past couples. Especially Finn and Lyra, who were amazing! I love how the story keeps evolving but still has strong ties to the past and the characters that made this series so awesome.
I'm a bit biased because this is one of my favorite series. That being said, I did have really high expectations for this one and was hoping it would be a 5 star read. It got a four because although the love story was cute and the MCs were great, this is Vega. Her parents were amaze-balls and I wanted Vega to be just as ride or die. Don't get me wrong, she was cool too but I expected more kick ass action and more info/scenes of her powers/abilities. Instead things are just hinted at but not really explored enough.
Favorite Line:
Memorable Moment: I liked knowing that both Vega and Gabriel are still changing and growing into their powers. The possibilities are literally endless and pretty much guarantees I'll be hooked to this series for a while yet!
Would I recommend?Yes. Definitely a series worth checking out. Plus with so many existing and newly introduced characters in need of their own HEA, I don't see an end in sight.
* * * ARC provided for an honest review * * *
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All
thoughts and opinions are my own.
SAFETY INFO:
Okay, back to the main story . . . Vega and Gabriel have danced around each other for a while now but since going away to college, their attraction has only gotten stronger. Gabriel tried in vain to put some distance between them and without an explanation, his actions hurt Vega. Thinking that Gabriel requested a transfer away from her, Vega is still smarting for his rejection. But she's worked hard to move on and having just graduated, is focusing on her new and exciting career as the newest recruit of the supernatural black ops division of the US government. Her first field assignment is going undercover to try and catch a shifter turned traitor, willing to sell out the whole supernatural world to the highest bidder.
Years ago, a seer forced on a Gabriel, a vision of his future. A future where Gabriel's mate dies in his arms. Since that day, Gabriel has done everything in his power to keep that prophecy from coming true. He cut ties with his family and his old pack and moved as far away from the only home he'd ever known to try and save the life of a mate he's never even met. But it was all for nothing because when he finally thought he was safe and with a new pack that made him finally feel at home, in walks Vega and all his fears resurface.
Vega's mission brings her right to the last place Gabriel wants her. His old territory and the place where he sees her death play out. But there are more things at work here and of course the future isn't as black and white as it first appears.
What I liked: This was another super safe and steamy shifter/mate romance. I loved Vega and Gabriel. They were both a bit stubborn and determined to keep the other safe - none of which is necessarily a bad thing. I personally love characters like them. They are honest to a fault and selfless in their love for each other which can make them a bit reckless but they are the all or nothing type and makes their love pretty damn epic. They were another great power couple.
I also really really loved all the snippets we get of past couples. Especially Finn and Lyra, who were amazing! I love how the story keeps evolving but still has strong ties to the past and the characters that made this series so awesome.
I'm a bit biased because this is one of my favorite series. That being said, I did have really high expectations for this one and was hoping it would be a 5 star read. It got a four because although the love story was cute and the MCs were great, this is Vega. Her parents were amaze-balls and I wanted Vega to be just as ride or die. Don't get me wrong, she was cool too but I expected more kick ass action and more info/scenes of her powers/abilities. Instead things are just hinted at but not really explored enough.
Favorite Line:
"No matter what, my heart will always belong to you. You claimed it a while ago and I don't want it back." ~ Gabriel
Memorable Moment: I liked knowing that both Vega and Gabriel are still changing and growing into their powers. The possibilities are literally endless and pretty much guarantees I'll be hooked to this series for a while yet!
Would I recommend?Yes. Definitely a series worth checking out. Plus with so many existing and newly introduced characters in need of their own HEA, I don't see an end in sight.
* * * ARC provided for an honest review * * *
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All
thoughts and opinions are my own.
SAFETY INFO:
April 22, 2018
This was really enjoyable! Very well written! I liked Vega and Gabriel together and I loved that Gabriel was celibate after seeing the vision! That is a true hero- only a creep would continue to sleep with OW after seeing a vision of their mate! The suspense was done really well and I loved the secondary characters too! I still want more Drake! He is the best and my favorite!!!
March 10, 2018
4.5 stars
Guardian of Darkness is book 7 in the Darkness series and while I have enjoyed all the stories in the series this one was my favorite. Gabriel is the Guardian of the Stravos pack. He left his pack after a vision was forced upon him of the death of his mate. So he figured if he left his pack that future would never be. So imagine his surprise when his mate shows up to the Stravos pack as his Alphas daughter. Gabriel was great. He was protective and definitely loved Vega but he was also very stubborn. Vega was awesome. She has grown into a wonderful young woman who is fierce and coming into her abilities. I loved her determination towards Gabriel when he finally told her about the vision. She is strong and confident while not being cocky, she excepts help and wasn't constantly trying to prove her. I loved the surprise to the Stravos pack and I loved all the new characters that were introduced, I can't wait for their stories. Especially the new Dragons.
***ARC provided by NetGalley***
Guardian of Darkness is book 7 in the Darkness series and while I have enjoyed all the stories in the series this one was my favorite. Gabriel is the Guardian of the Stravos pack. He left his pack after a vision was forced upon him of the death of his mate. So he figured if he left his pack that future would never be. So imagine his surprise when his mate shows up to the Stravos pack as his Alphas daughter. Gabriel was great. He was protective and definitely loved Vega but he was also very stubborn. Vega was awesome. She has grown into a wonderful young woman who is fierce and coming into her abilities. I loved her determination towards Gabriel when he finally told her about the vision. She is strong and confident while not being cocky, she excepts help and wasn't constantly trying to prove her. I loved the surprise to the Stravos pack and I loved all the new characters that were introduced, I can't wait for their stories. Especially the new Dragons.
***ARC provided by NetGalley***
October 18, 2019
ARC received for review
I have been wanting Gabriel's book since we meet him in the first book, where we also meet teenager Vega. Time has passed and Vega's now a young women who has become a member of the supernatural special ops force.
I was disappointed in this book, and the beginning and middle dragged. I don't remember anything about Gabriel getting a vision of Vega in any of the previous books. Their whole romance lacked the sparks I was expecting from them.
Now are Mira and August going to hook up, and what else is August besides a bear?
I have been wanting Gabriel's book since we meet him in the first book, where we also meet teenager Vega. Time has passed and Vega's now a young women who has become a member of the supernatural special ops force.
I was disappointed in this book, and the beginning and middle dragged. I don't remember anything about Gabriel getting a vision of Vega in any of the previous books. Their whole romance lacked the sparks I was expecting from them.
Now are Mira and August going to hook up, and what else is August besides a bear?
June 8, 2018
Enjoyment: ♥♥♥½
Narration by Jeffrey Kafer: ♥♥♥♥♥
Plot: ♥♥♥½
Writing: ♥♥♥♥
Jeffrey Kafer is one of my favorite narrators and his voice is perfect for this series. Vega Stavros is the daughter of Finn Stavros, the alpha of the Starvros shifter pack and his vampire wife Lyra. Even though she was a wolf-vampire hybrid, Vega wanted to establish her own identity and chart her own path in life. She secretly joined a Black Ops as a paranormal operative without her family nor the pack being aware.
Her new assignment brought her in contact with her childhood crush Gabriel, who was the guardian assigned to her by her alpha and father. Gabriel had requested a transfer when he developed feelings for the young Vega because he was afraid for her future which was shown to him in a vision. Their reunion was complicated as they were both older but were focused on their jobs. The author weaved this story by constantly flashing back to the past as well as giving the audience a chance to hear Vega and Gabriel’s inner musings via letters they wrote but never sent to each other. It was a way to build up their relationship but I would have preferred more romantic buildup and interaction in the present. I guess I was expecting a little more since I have been waiting for this pair for a while and it didn’t quite live up to my expectations. I usually feel a lot of emotions and chemistry but it wasn’t as gripping as I am used to in the Darkness series.
The story was solid, the writing was brilliant as usual but the two characters together didn’t move me in this book as much. The characters individually were strong and well-developed characters, but they didn’t feel as strong together. I still enjoyed the story, their journey and the new characters introduced.
I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review.
This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
March 19, 2018
Vega is the half-werewolf, half-vampire daughter of two very powerful supernaturals and has long been the darling of her father's pack. When we met Vega in the first Darkness book, she was a teenager, and although we didn't see most of her years since then, she's now a recent college graduate who is ready to make her mark in the world. Knowing her parents may object, Vega joined a secret government supernatural Black Ops team and is heading out on her first mission.
Gabriel has known Vega is his destined mate long before he even met her, and when his feelings started to become more-than-a-Guardian in nature, he put distance between himself and Vega. He thinks staying away from her will prevent the vision of her death coming true; however, when he sees her strike out on her own with a dangerous group, he is compelled to intervene. Now he's part of her Black Ops mission and heading straight into the heart of his former home, where he foresaw Vega die.
Ms. Reus's Darkness series is a favorite of mine. I enjoy the breadth of the mythology, bringing in all types of supernatural beings, including different half-breeds, each unique and with interesting abilities. Vega is a wonderful example; she was something different and new to the Pack when we first met her, and her abilities continue to evolve as she matures.
One thing I adore about Vega and Gabriel’s story is the straightforward nature of relationship. Don’t get me wrong – there is subterfuge, and both keep secrets, but once they are together and working on the mission, they open up. For example, Gabriel’s vision was used in the past as a way to keep the pair apart, and could have easily continued to remain a secret, but he shares with her his knowledge and concerns rather than allow them to fester. Likewise, Vega could have hidden her sleuthing activities from Gabriel, but she is honest, and they work as equals on a team. The mutual respect and admiration ignites their sexual chemistry, and they cannot keep their lust at bay.
Guardian of Darkness introduces several new interesting individuals to the Darkness world, each with ties to existing characters. While the addition of so many new players could feel cumbersome, Ms. Reus integrates each with a solid storyline, and in the process has created several new intriguing avenues for the series. I’m most interested in August, the bear-hybrid shifter and leader of Vega’s Black Ops team.
In the end, Guardian of Darkness is an enjoyable, exciting addition to one of the few paranormal romance series I continue to read. The mythology is both traditional and inventive, and with the introduction of so many new players, I continue to look forward to each new title.
My Rating: B, Liked It
Review copy provided by NetGalley
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Gabriel has known Vega is his destined mate long before he even met her, and when his feelings started to become more-than-a-Guardian in nature, he put distance between himself and Vega. He thinks staying away from her will prevent the vision of her death coming true; however, when he sees her strike out on her own with a dangerous group, he is compelled to intervene. Now he's part of her Black Ops mission and heading straight into the heart of his former home, where he foresaw Vega die.
Ms. Reus's Darkness series is a favorite of mine. I enjoy the breadth of the mythology, bringing in all types of supernatural beings, including different half-breeds, each unique and with interesting abilities. Vega is a wonderful example; she was something different and new to the Pack when we first met her, and her abilities continue to evolve as she matures.
One thing I adore about Vega and Gabriel’s story is the straightforward nature of relationship. Don’t get me wrong – there is subterfuge, and both keep secrets, but once they are together and working on the mission, they open up. For example, Gabriel’s vision was used in the past as a way to keep the pair apart, and could have easily continued to remain a secret, but he shares with her his knowledge and concerns rather than allow them to fester. Likewise, Vega could have hidden her sleuthing activities from Gabriel, but she is honest, and they work as equals on a team. The mutual respect and admiration ignites their sexual chemistry, and they cannot keep their lust at bay.
Guardian of Darkness introduces several new interesting individuals to the Darkness world, each with ties to existing characters. While the addition of so many new players could feel cumbersome, Ms. Reus integrates each with a solid storyline, and in the process has created several new intriguing avenues for the series. I’m most interested in August, the bear-hybrid shifter and leader of Vega’s Black Ops team.
In the end, Guardian of Darkness is an enjoyable, exciting addition to one of the few paranormal romance series I continue to read. The mythology is both traditional and inventive, and with the introduction of so many new players, I continue to look forward to each new title.
My Rating: B, Liked It
Review copy provided by NetGalley
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
06-reasons
May 1, 2018Not feeling this series anymore.
October 14, 2018
I've really enjoyed this series, but wanted so much more for and from Vega. I liked her in earlier books but she didn't win me over this time.
I didn't feel their connection like I expected to. 😕
I didn't feel their connection like I expected to. 😕
March 20, 2018
Guardian of Darkness (Darkness #7) by Katie Reus We met Vega in the first book in the series. She used to be a rebel child but not anymore. She’s found her own path and now works for a special force that takes out rogue supernatural beings. I really liked this side of her. She came off as the strong, independent, sensible heroine she’s supposed to be.
Gabriel, knowing what he knew of their future, always proceeded with caution but was never overbearing or possessive. The romance trope was kind of fated mates however it was sweet and believable with a high dose of pure passion and explosive chemistry. During their mission, Vega and Gabriel always behaved as the true partners and the professionals they were supposed to be while keeping their emotions on check. I always love it when an author keeps the plot real yet knows when it should be about the romance. There was only a little scene that made me think “Uhm, why are they doing this now?” Then again that scene gave continuation to the arc so I guess it wasn’t so bad.
We also get to meet new characters and the story digs further into the paranormal world. I think we may be seeing more humans in the future since it seems supernatural and human beings are working together to keep peace all around. All in all it was a great book and I recommend it to anyone looking for a fast-paced, entertaining read.
*** I received this book at no cost to me and I volunteered to read it; this is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.***
Gabriel, knowing what he knew of their future, always proceeded with caution but was never overbearing or possessive. The romance trope was kind of fated mates however it was sweet and believable with a high dose of pure passion and explosive chemistry. During their mission, Vega and Gabriel always behaved as the true partners and the professionals they were supposed to be while keeping their emotions on check. I always love it when an author keeps the plot real yet knows when it should be about the romance. There was only a little scene that made me think “Uhm, why are they doing this now?” Then again that scene gave continuation to the arc so I guess it wasn’t so bad.
We also get to meet new characters and the story digs further into the paranormal world. I think we may be seeing more humans in the future since it seems supernatural and human beings are working together to keep peace all around. All in all it was a great book and I recommend it to anyone looking for a fast-paced, entertaining read.
*** I received this book at no cost to me and I volunteered to read it; this is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.***
April 9, 2018
Finally we get Gabriel and Vega and what an awesome story it was totally explosive just like I was expecting lol it was so good to see Gabriel undone more than once.
March 13, 2018
Gabriel doesn't like thinking other men have been showering his woman, “where’d you get that necklace? Did a male give it to you?” Gabriel’s voice was neutral enough but his wolf flashed in his eyes and stayed there." Vega isn't afraid to tell her man what she really thinks, “sometimes you’re kind of a dum****,” she whispered. “But you’re my dum****..." I liked this book, I loved Gabriel.
June 18, 2020
I’ve loved catching up with the Darkness series and have wondered how Finn, Lyra and the rest of the pack would take the Pack Princess getting mated. And then to figure out it was to Gabriel…that was the icing on the cake.
Gabriel has been the guardian of the Stavros Pack for decades and has basically been Finn’s right-hand man. He came to the pack when he had a vision forced upon him of his future mate dying on his family’s pack lands. Determined that the vision never happen, he left knowing that while he was ensuring his future mate wouldn’t be killed, he was also making it so they’d never even meet. Heartbreaking! Unfortunately, decades later his mate is brought to the pack as Finn’s daughter that no one knew about.
I liked Vega in past books, but her attempts to show how adult she was came off as immature to me at times. It took a bit, but she does finally settle down and start to make grown-up decisions. This is good because I was beginning to think poor Gabriel got a bum deal when it came to his mate.
I really liked Gabriel. Although I questioned his decision on distancing himself from Vega because of the vision, I did understand it. He navigated the minefield of mating his best friend and alpha’s daughter well. At times his loyalty would be pulled both ways, but he always made the right choice. He was steadfast and wise, and also the type of alpha who made sure his woman was as safe as she could be while also letting her do what she needed to and I adored him for it.
Since Vega joined Augustus’ covert ops unit, there was a heightened level of suspense. With a bad guy to catch as well as a previously unknown danger no one was expecting, there was lots of action. Judoc, Gabriel’s cousin and the area alpha, was all kinds of intriguing to me. But who really got my interest was Mira and her sister, Prima. I would love to read an Augustus/Mira story as I think she’ll lead him on a merry chase.
Barring my issues with Vega, this was a great read. It was fast-paced with lots of mystery and action and of course some sweet sexy times. I’m thrilled we are going to have more to come with this series.
Rating: 4 Can’t Get Enough Stars
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Gabriel has been the guardian of the Stavros Pack for decades and has basically been Finn’s right-hand man. He came to the pack when he had a vision forced upon him of his future mate dying on his family’s pack lands. Determined that the vision never happen, he left knowing that while he was ensuring his future mate wouldn’t be killed, he was also making it so they’d never even meet. Heartbreaking! Unfortunately, decades later his mate is brought to the pack as Finn’s daughter that no one knew about.
I liked Vega in past books, but her attempts to show how adult she was came off as immature to me at times. It took a bit, but she does finally settle down and start to make grown-up decisions. This is good because I was beginning to think poor Gabriel got a bum deal when it came to his mate.
I really liked Gabriel. Although I questioned his decision on distancing himself from Vega because of the vision, I did understand it. He navigated the minefield of mating his best friend and alpha’s daughter well. At times his loyalty would be pulled both ways, but he always made the right choice. He was steadfast and wise, and also the type of alpha who made sure his woman was as safe as she could be while also letting her do what she needed to and I adored him for it.
Since Vega joined Augustus’ covert ops unit, there was a heightened level of suspense. With a bad guy to catch as well as a previously unknown danger no one was expecting, there was lots of action. Judoc, Gabriel’s cousin and the area alpha, was all kinds of intriguing to me. But who really got my interest was Mira and her sister, Prima. I would love to read an Augustus/Mira story as I think she’ll lead him on a merry chase.
Barring my issues with Vega, this was a great read. It was fast-paced with lots of mystery and action and of course some sweet sexy times. I’m thrilled we are going to have more to come with this series.
Rating: 4 Can’t Get Enough Stars
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
March 23, 2018
Vega is determined to take control of her life. She knows that her parents love her but she wants freedom to become her own woman. After all she's a hybrid vampire-wolf shifter who has enormous powers. I liked that she became an operative in a government sponsored Black Ops group. A strong woman who can take charge in any situation makes a powerful story. I was hooked. Her chemistry with Gabriel is very sensual, but he's determined to keep his distance. He thinks that he's protecting her. I loved how caring and self sacrificing he is. When they go on a mission together, things get complicated. I loved seeing them work together. They make a formidable couple. I enjoyed Guardian of Darkness. I was happy to catch up with the Stavros pack. I've been waiting for Vega and Gabriel's story and it was worth the wait. Katie Reus has written an exciting and suspenseful story that left me wanting more. I wonder what will happen next?
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
April 18, 2018
Years ago an Immortal warrior saw the love of his life, his mate, perish right before his very eyes in a vision. These visions are never wrong, thus Gabriel making a pact to himself to never seek his beloved. No matter how much he aches for it, he is saving her life. But fate has other plans...
"No matter what, my heart will always belong to you. You claimed it a while ago and I don't want it back."
One night, she disappears from her pack and Gabriel having no other choice follows her in the dead of night.
Vega is smothered.......do this do that.... she wants to do and be who she wants... have her own say... But something... or someone makes an appearance and everything changes.
Romance, Sex, Action, and Suspense this is a book you don't want to miss.
"No matter what, my heart will always belong to you. You claimed it a while ago and I don't want it back."
One night, she disappears from her pack and Gabriel having no other choice follows her in the dead of night.
Vega is smothered.......do this do that.... she wants to do and be who she wants... have her own say... But something... or someone makes an appearance and everything changes.
Romance, Sex, Action, and Suspense this is a book you don't want to miss.
December 29, 2018
3.5 stars - Well written, but protagonists lacked chemistry and plot felt a little light
This is book seven in the Darkness series by Katie Reus. It contains a lot of references to characters for whom they were the protagonist couple in one of the previous six novels and as such contains a number of character and plot spoilers.
Vega, hybrid Vampire-Wolf Shifter and daughter of the Alpha and his Vampire mate is finally all grown up and wants to make her mark on the world without the stifling, if loving influence of the pack and her parents hanging over her. She’s joined an undercover supernatural agency working for the US government and not told anyone from the pack what she is doing. Gabriel is the pack Guardian, he always guarded and looked after Vega when she and her mother first joined the pack, but something changed while Vega was at university and he left without telling her why and has kept his distance ever since. This hurt Vega desperately as she felt the only male she ever felt a true attraction to didn’t even want to be friends with her.
What Vega doesn’t know is that Gabriel had to leave Vega’s presence otherwise he was going to claim the beautiful hybrid as his mate and that would ultimately lead to her death, a fate unacceptable to the protective older wolf. He’s resisited her for years and done everything in he could to avoid the fate after he was shown a vision of Vega’s death so many years ago. However, fate has a way of getting what it wants and Gabriel finds himself on a path with Vega he hoped never to be on.
I generally don’t particularly like stories where there’s such a disparity in experience and age between the male and female characters and the male watched the female grow from a child to a woman and then claims her. It just feels a bit skeevy and it’s almost always the male who is older and more experienced over the female. On top of this there just didn’t appear to be much chemistry between Vega and Gabriel, they just didn’t speak to me as a couple. Partly it was because the other books depicted Vega as an annoying teenager and we didn’t really get to see any emotional growth, we’re just left to believe she’s mature now. Nor did we particularly get any sense of the deep emotional connection Gabriel is supposed to have to her.
The plot was fairly standard and it’s a shame that at the end it fell back on a plot device already used within the series. It would have been better if it was something a little different. I also thought more could have been made of the traitor wolf shifter’s character and he could have easily been written to be more of an antagonist who drove the central plot to the crisis point, rather than being sidelined for the events that were written instead.
All in all, it’s not a bad read, but didn’t stand out in the series and probably the one I’m not going to remember all that much.
This is book seven in the Darkness series by Katie Reus. It contains a lot of references to characters for whom they were the protagonist couple in one of the previous six novels and as such contains a number of character and plot spoilers.
Vega, hybrid Vampire-Wolf Shifter and daughter of the Alpha and his Vampire mate is finally all grown up and wants to make her mark on the world without the stifling, if loving influence of the pack and her parents hanging over her. She’s joined an undercover supernatural agency working for the US government and not told anyone from the pack what she is doing. Gabriel is the pack Guardian, he always guarded and looked after Vega when she and her mother first joined the pack, but something changed while Vega was at university and he left without telling her why and has kept his distance ever since. This hurt Vega desperately as she felt the only male she ever felt a true attraction to didn’t even want to be friends with her.
What Vega doesn’t know is that Gabriel had to leave Vega’s presence otherwise he was going to claim the beautiful hybrid as his mate and that would ultimately lead to her death, a fate unacceptable to the protective older wolf. He’s resisited her for years and done everything in he could to avoid the fate after he was shown a vision of Vega’s death so many years ago. However, fate has a way of getting what it wants and Gabriel finds himself on a path with Vega he hoped never to be on.
I generally don’t particularly like stories where there’s such a disparity in experience and age between the male and female characters and the male watched the female grow from a child to a woman and then claims her. It just feels a bit skeevy and it’s almost always the male who is older and more experienced over the female. On top of this there just didn’t appear to be much chemistry between Vega and Gabriel, they just didn’t speak to me as a couple. Partly it was because the other books depicted Vega as an annoying teenager and we didn’t really get to see any emotional growth, we’re just left to believe she’s mature now. Nor did we particularly get any sense of the deep emotional connection Gabriel is supposed to have to her.
The plot was fairly standard and it’s a shame that at the end it fell back on a plot device already used within the series. It would have been better if it was something a little different. I also thought more could have been made of the traitor wolf shifter’s character and he could have easily been written to be more of an antagonist who drove the central plot to the crisis point, rather than being sidelined for the events that were written instead.
All in all, it’s not a bad read, but didn’t stand out in the series and probably the one I’m not going to remember all that much.
March 22, 2018
I really love this series and I enjoy each book in the series. Although you could probably read this as a stand alone I recommend reading the earlier books in the series first since both characters are introduced in previous books.
Guardian of Darkness centers around Vega and Gabriel who are both reoccuring secondary characters. I've always liked Gabriel and while Vega hasn't been my favorite she did grow on me in this book and I ended up enjoying her. I liked Vega and Gabriel together as well although I thought Gabriel's turn around was a bit abrupt. The couple doesn't spend as much time together as her couples usually do but the plot itself was very well done. I also really enjoyed that we moved to a new location and were introduced to some new characters. (Yes I'm very excited about meeting Judoc and hope we get his story soon and I also found August to be an intriguing character).
I loved the way Vega has matured and her confidence and spirit especially towards Gabriel once he told her about his vision. I also found the humor in this book that I enjoy in this series. I also loved that once the two started working together they didn't keep secrets but were honest with each other.
Overall, a great edition to a wonderful series that continues to entertain!
A copy of this book was provided to me by Netgalley and the publisher with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion
Guardian of Darkness centers around Vega and Gabriel who are both reoccuring secondary characters. I've always liked Gabriel and while Vega hasn't been my favorite she did grow on me in this book and I ended up enjoying her. I liked Vega and Gabriel together as well although I thought Gabriel's turn around was a bit abrupt. The couple doesn't spend as much time together as her couples usually do but the plot itself was very well done. I also really enjoyed that we moved to a new location and were introduced to some new characters. (Yes I'm very excited about meeting Judoc and hope we get his story soon and I also found August to be an intriguing character).
I loved the way Vega has matured and her confidence and spirit especially towards Gabriel once he told her about his vision. I also found the humor in this book that I enjoy in this series. I also loved that once the two started working together they didn't keep secrets but were honest with each other.
Overall, a great edition to a wonderful series that continues to entertain!
A copy of this book was provided to me by Netgalley and the publisher with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion
April 7, 2018
Safety- He’s been celibate since seeing the vision of his future mate - before even meeting her. I don’t remember exactly how long but according to the description at least five years. She was a virgin.
March 19, 2018
4.5 stars--
About the book: Release Date March 20, 2018
He saw her die in a vision…
Before five years ago, Gabriel had never met Vega, but he knows how she's going to die. He knows he'll be involved... unless he can make sure they never meet, never cross paths, so that his vision will never come true. So he left his pack behind, joined the Stavros pack and was determined to never let that future play out. To never meet her at all. Fate had other plans—and she walked right into his life when he least expected it. For the last five years he’s avoided Vega whenever possible even while trying to keep an eye on her. But when she gets cagey with her pack and disappears, he has no choice but to follow her. Now, circumstances are forcing them to work together and he’s determined to protect her against any threat. If that means dying for her, he’s more than willing to. But she doesn’t want his protection. If anything, she’s determined to prove she’s stronger than everyone thinks.
She’s writing her own future…
Vega isn’t the same moody teenager who came to live with the Stavros pack all those years ago. With college behind her, she’s been recruited by a division of the government’s supernatural Black Ops. Trained and more than ready for her first mission, she doesn’t expect Gabriel to crash her assignment. To save her cover, they pretend to be a couple. But soon lines are blurred and neither can deny the incendiary attraction between them. As they race to stop a man who wants to sell out their people to the highest bidder, they find themselves fighting for a future together. With time running out, she has no choice but to rely on the irresistible male who’s turned her world upside down. Unfortunately, in order to save the woman he loves, Gabriel has to give her up.
Books in the Darkness Series:
1. Darkness Awakened
2. Taste of Darkness
3. Beyond the Darkness
4. Hunted by Darkness
5. Into the Darkness
6. Saved by Darkness
7. Guardian of Darkness
•••••••••••
REVIEW: 4.5 stars-- GUARDIAN OF DARKNESS is the seventh full-length instalment in Katie Reus’ contemporary, adult DARKNESS paranormal, fantasy romance series. This is wolf shifter and Stavros Pack guardian Gabriel, and vampire/wolf hybrid Vega Stavros’ story line. GUARDIAN OF DARKNESS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary although I recommend reading the series in order for backstory and cohesion.
Told from several third person points of view including Gabriel and Vega, using present day and ‘letters’ from the past, GUARDIAN OF DARKNESS follows the hunt for a traitor, a shifter willing to sell secrets of the paranormal to the highest bidder. Vega Stravros is the newest member of the government’s supernatural Black Ops team, a position she has trained for the past few years. When her father’s Guardian, the man that calls to her heart but a man that refuses to acknowledge their attraction, walks in on Vega’s latest assignment, our heroine must come to terms that not everything is as it seems. Enter Gabriel, her one-time bodyguard, and the man with whom Vega is still in love. What ensues is the ‘pretend’ lovers relationship between Vega and Gabriel as the couple must go undercover in an effort to ferret out the traitor hiding in a place Gabriel knows only too well.
Gabriel walked away from Vega two years earlier when a seer showed our hero the future-a future wherein Vega would die in Gabriel’s arms. Gabriel intends to keep his distance believing he can change the future, a future he knows will break his heart. Vega Stavros has no idea why the man that she loved walked away without a backward glance. Intending to move forward without the man she believed was her intended mate, Vega will come to learn the truth about the past, the present and their future.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters, most are familiar but with the re-introduction of the Black Ops Team including August McGuire, Neema and Eli, and Gabriel’s cousin Judoc McGrath and his Pack, there is the potential for many more story lines especially with the discovery of a long, lost ancient.
GUARDIAN OF DARKNESS is a sexy thrill ride with sassy characters and an intriguing plot. The premise is entertaining and engaging; the characters are familiar and intense; the romance is fated and seductive.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
About the book: Release Date March 20, 2018
He saw her die in a vision…
Before five years ago, Gabriel had never met Vega, but he knows how she's going to die. He knows he'll be involved... unless he can make sure they never meet, never cross paths, so that his vision will never come true. So he left his pack behind, joined the Stavros pack and was determined to never let that future play out. To never meet her at all. Fate had other plans—and she walked right into his life when he least expected it. For the last five years he’s avoided Vega whenever possible even while trying to keep an eye on her. But when she gets cagey with her pack and disappears, he has no choice but to follow her. Now, circumstances are forcing them to work together and he’s determined to protect her against any threat. If that means dying for her, he’s more than willing to. But she doesn’t want his protection. If anything, she’s determined to prove she’s stronger than everyone thinks.
She’s writing her own future…
Vega isn’t the same moody teenager who came to live with the Stavros pack all those years ago. With college behind her, she’s been recruited by a division of the government’s supernatural Black Ops. Trained and more than ready for her first mission, she doesn’t expect Gabriel to crash her assignment. To save her cover, they pretend to be a couple. But soon lines are blurred and neither can deny the incendiary attraction between them. As they race to stop a man who wants to sell out their people to the highest bidder, they find themselves fighting for a future together. With time running out, she has no choice but to rely on the irresistible male who’s turned her world upside down. Unfortunately, in order to save the woman he loves, Gabriel has to give her up.
Books in the Darkness Series:
1. Darkness Awakened
2. Taste of Darkness
3. Beyond the Darkness
4. Hunted by Darkness
5. Into the Darkness
6. Saved by Darkness
7. Guardian of Darkness
•••••••••••
REVIEW: 4.5 stars-- GUARDIAN OF DARKNESS is the seventh full-length instalment in Katie Reus’ contemporary, adult DARKNESS paranormal, fantasy romance series. This is wolf shifter and Stavros Pack guardian Gabriel, and vampire/wolf hybrid Vega Stavros’ story line. GUARDIAN OF DARKNESS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary although I recommend reading the series in order for backstory and cohesion.
Told from several third person points of view including Gabriel and Vega, using present day and ‘letters’ from the past, GUARDIAN OF DARKNESS follows the hunt for a traitor, a shifter willing to sell secrets of the paranormal to the highest bidder. Vega Stravros is the newest member of the government’s supernatural Black Ops team, a position she has trained for the past few years. When her father’s Guardian, the man that calls to her heart but a man that refuses to acknowledge their attraction, walks in on Vega’s latest assignment, our heroine must come to terms that not everything is as it seems. Enter Gabriel, her one-time bodyguard, and the man with whom Vega is still in love. What ensues is the ‘pretend’ lovers relationship between Vega and Gabriel as the couple must go undercover in an effort to ferret out the traitor hiding in a place Gabriel knows only too well.
Gabriel walked away from Vega two years earlier when a seer showed our hero the future-a future wherein Vega would die in Gabriel’s arms. Gabriel intends to keep his distance believing he can change the future, a future he knows will break his heart. Vega Stavros has no idea why the man that she loved walked away without a backward glance. Intending to move forward without the man she believed was her intended mate, Vega will come to learn the truth about the past, the present and their future.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters, most are familiar but with the re-introduction of the Black Ops Team including August McGuire, Neema and Eli, and Gabriel’s cousin Judoc McGrath and his Pack, there is the potential for many more story lines especially with the discovery of a long, lost ancient.
GUARDIAN OF DARKNESS is a sexy thrill ride with sassy characters and an intriguing plot. The premise is entertaining and engaging; the characters are familiar and intense; the romance is fated and seductive.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
March 20, 2018
Destiny will not be thwarted no matter your intentions…
This is the seventh book in the Darkness series that can be read as a stand-alone.
Years ago a vision was forced on the wolf shifter Gabriel, it showed him how the woman he was mated to would die and where, on the land belonging to his own pack. A strong protector by nature he couldn’t let that happen and believed if they never met she would be safe so he left his pack with that objective and became the Guardian of the Stavros pack. No matter how much he wants to protect the woman he would let go you can never really thwart destiny and when a young female joined the Stavros pack, the daughter of the Alpha, he knew to keep his distance, rationalizing if they never mated she would still be safe. As she grew up they were friends until she matured and the attraction he could not deny became problematic to his objective of saving her life. He remained outside of her sphere until she strangely doesn’t return to the pack with no good explanation, worrying her parents and him. She’s up to something that’s unusually secretive and the Guardian will find out what it is.
Being the hybrid, half vampire and half wolf shifter, daughter of the Stavros pack alpha was a change from the life Vega Marius Stavros had known alone with her mother and also something to live up to as an adult. Always treated as the princess of the pack she longs to make her own way in life and so joins a risky profession when recruited by the government’s supernatural black ops division. She’s trained while away at college and is psyched for her first mission which occurs during the holiday season so she’ll miss the time spent with her family and she cannot tell them the reason why. She should have expected that the Guardian would track her down, he’s always been there to protect her even when he couldn’t be seen but she’s not the young girl she once was and his presence has always been a distraction with her unrequited feelings for him. Vega’s mission is critical, a former agent has turned traitor ready to auction the names of undercover agents to the highest bidder and must be stopped. Gabriel joins the operation as he will not allow her to go it alone. It will not be hard for them to pose as lovers with the heat that emanates from them when they are together. Can Gabriel keep his control and not risk the vision coming true?
This book has everything to keep a paranormal romantic suspense reader turning the pages. The plot flows seamlessly from pack issues to special psychic abilities, waking hibernating dragons, an open hell gate, government supernatural black ops, and a romance destined to happen no matter what the hero did. The heroine was strong and coming into her own with a need to prove herself to no one but herself which was a sign of maturity. I loved the letters never sent that the protagonists wrote to each other as a form of personal therapy, coalescing the past and the present time lines. There are plot threads woven throughout that reference events in prior books but necessary information is provided so that this book can stand-alone, the reading is enhanced if you’ve followed the series. This was another most entertaining read, a great addition to the series.
An advanced reading copy was obtained from the author.
4.5 stars
This is the seventh book in the Darkness series that can be read as a stand-alone.
Years ago a vision was forced on the wolf shifter Gabriel, it showed him how the woman he was mated to would die and where, on the land belonging to his own pack. A strong protector by nature he couldn’t let that happen and believed if they never met she would be safe so he left his pack with that objective and became the Guardian of the Stavros pack. No matter how much he wants to protect the woman he would let go you can never really thwart destiny and when a young female joined the Stavros pack, the daughter of the Alpha, he knew to keep his distance, rationalizing if they never mated she would still be safe. As she grew up they were friends until she matured and the attraction he could not deny became problematic to his objective of saving her life. He remained outside of her sphere until she strangely doesn’t return to the pack with no good explanation, worrying her parents and him. She’s up to something that’s unusually secretive and the Guardian will find out what it is.
Being the hybrid, half vampire and half wolf shifter, daughter of the Stavros pack alpha was a change from the life Vega Marius Stavros had known alone with her mother and also something to live up to as an adult. Always treated as the princess of the pack she longs to make her own way in life and so joins a risky profession when recruited by the government’s supernatural black ops division. She’s trained while away at college and is psyched for her first mission which occurs during the holiday season so she’ll miss the time spent with her family and she cannot tell them the reason why. She should have expected that the Guardian would track her down, he’s always been there to protect her even when he couldn’t be seen but she’s not the young girl she once was and his presence has always been a distraction with her unrequited feelings for him. Vega’s mission is critical, a former agent has turned traitor ready to auction the names of undercover agents to the highest bidder and must be stopped. Gabriel joins the operation as he will not allow her to go it alone. It will not be hard for them to pose as lovers with the heat that emanates from them when they are together. Can Gabriel keep his control and not risk the vision coming true?
This book has everything to keep a paranormal romantic suspense reader turning the pages. The plot flows seamlessly from pack issues to special psychic abilities, waking hibernating dragons, an open hell gate, government supernatural black ops, and a romance destined to happen no matter what the hero did. The heroine was strong and coming into her own with a need to prove herself to no one but herself which was a sign of maturity. I loved the letters never sent that the protagonists wrote to each other as a form of personal therapy, coalescing the past and the present time lines. There are plot threads woven throughout that reference events in prior books but necessary information is provided so that this book can stand-alone, the reading is enhanced if you’ve followed the series. This was another most entertaining read, a great addition to the series.
An advanced reading copy was obtained from the author.
4.5 stars
March 20, 2018
This is the seventh book in Katie Reus’ Darkness series and the readers are finally getting Vega Stavros’ story. Gabriel is the Guardian of the Stravos pack. He ended up having to leave his pack after a vision was forced on him which showed the death of his mate. In his mind, Gabriel thought if he left, the vision would never take place. Imagine his shocked surprise when his mate shows up. Vega Stavros is the daughter of Finn and Lyra Stavros, which makes her the daughter of the Alpha. Vega is the half-werewolf, half-vampire daughter of two very powerful supernaturals and is beloved by her father’s pack. She didn’t want to b e a pampered princess so she signed on as an undercover government agent in a paranormal Black Ops team and is going out on her 1st mission. This is something her dad would not approve of , if he knew about. Gabriel sees her as she is going out on her first mission and Gabriel is compelled to intervene. He must because this is his mate. He gets made part of her ops team and when he finds out she is heading straight into the heart of his former home, he remembers his dream and this is where he foresaw Vega die. Gabriel cant let that happen, this is his mate and he must save her. This story has many ups and downs, twists and turns. I enjoyed reading the love story between Vega and Gabriel. Yes, there were secrets and some lies but the secrets were not done to hurt anyone. When they work together, they are solid and a team. I loved how protective and alpha Gabriel is of Vega and I loved how Vega’s abilities continue to evolve as she matures in this story. Guardian of Darkness introduces several new exciting characters in this story in the Darkness world, ones I hope we get to see in other upcoming stories. These new characters each have ties to existing characters. What I enjoyed was how Ms. Reus integrates those new characters seamlessly into this story and she has done it well with very new story she writes. That is what is great is she writes her stories and all the characters blend together so well and work perfectly together with no ragged edges. Guardian of Darkness is an exciting addition to the awesome paranormal romance series I continue to read. There are many characters but they all work well together. I look forward to the next book in this series and would recommend this book/series to all.
My Rating: 4.6 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."
My Rating: 4.6 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."
March 20, 2018
This is the seventh book in the Darkness series. The series just keeps on getting better and better.
This particular installment is centered around Vega and the pack guardian, Gabriel. If you've read any of the previous novels, you will remember her being the daughter of Finn and Lyra. (See Darkness Awakened, the first in the series, to read their story).
Vega has a new job that is incredibly dangerous. She hasn't told her parents about it and really doesn't want to. What she wasn't counting on was Gabriel coming back into her life. He'd up and left her when his feelings for her got too deep and after he'd had a vision of her dying. But he was back and he was in full protective mode.
If you've been keeping track of the characters in this series, which is not a requirement to understand or enjoy this novel, it will refreshing to see what they've been up to and how their lives are changing. Just because they aren't major characters in the story doesn't mean they've been forgotten. I love that part of this series.
Another thing I loved were the letters that Gabriel and Vega wrote to each other, never intending the other to see them. They were over before they even got started yet they had some deep feelings for each other. They had to release those emotions somehow and they resorted to letter writing. Sweet!
This book was fast-paced, exciting, and suspenseful. The characters are well-developed and easy to care about. It was so easy to be drawn into the story and keep turning pages.
Easy, easy five stars!
*I received this book as an ARC in return for an honest review
This particular installment is centered around Vega and the pack guardian, Gabriel. If you've read any of the previous novels, you will remember her being the daughter of Finn and Lyra. (See Darkness Awakened, the first in the series, to read their story).
Vega has a new job that is incredibly dangerous. She hasn't told her parents about it and really doesn't want to. What she wasn't counting on was Gabriel coming back into her life. He'd up and left her when his feelings for her got too deep and after he'd had a vision of her dying. But he was back and he was in full protective mode.
If you've been keeping track of the characters in this series, which is not a requirement to understand or enjoy this novel, it will refreshing to see what they've been up to and how their lives are changing. Just because they aren't major characters in the story doesn't mean they've been forgotten. I love that part of this series.
Another thing I loved were the letters that Gabriel and Vega wrote to each other, never intending the other to see them. They were over before they even got started yet they had some deep feelings for each other. They had to release those emotions somehow and they resorted to letter writing. Sweet!
This book was fast-paced, exciting, and suspenseful. The characters are well-developed and easy to care about. It was so easy to be drawn into the story and keep turning pages.
Easy, easy five stars!
*I received this book as an ARC in return for an honest review
March 20, 2018
5 stars!
I have loved Gabriel throughout the series and am over-the-moon that he found his HEA. And even better that he found it with Vega. Vega has come a long way from the spoiled teenager we knew. Now having finished college, she’s working for a government supernatural Black Ops division unbeknownst to her overprotective family and the pack. However, Gabriel, the Pack Guardian, suspects something’s not right when Vega says she’s not coming home for the holidays.
Determined to see what Vega has gotten herself into, Gabriel tracks and discovers her special ops assignment. Due to Gabriel’s connection to the pack Vega is to infiltrate, he joins her on the mission to help maintain her cover.
Sparks have been flying between the two for years, but Gabriel was determined to keep Vega at arms-length in hopes of preventing a long-ago vision from coming to fruition… a vision where Vega dies in his arms. Now pretending to be a couple adds new challenges as they both try to deny their attraction, complete the mission, figure out who’s friend or foe, and in the end, keep each other safe.
Ms. Reus takes us back inside the Stavros Pack and their allies. I love this world and its characters. While this book can be read as a stand-alone, the entire series is worth a read… or re-read! 😊
Highly recommended!
*ARC received from author in exchange for an honest review.
I have loved Gabriel throughout the series and am over-the-moon that he found his HEA. And even better that he found it with Vega. Vega has come a long way from the spoiled teenager we knew. Now having finished college, she’s working for a government supernatural Black Ops division unbeknownst to her overprotective family and the pack. However, Gabriel, the Pack Guardian, suspects something’s not right when Vega says she’s not coming home for the holidays.
Determined to see what Vega has gotten herself into, Gabriel tracks and discovers her special ops assignment. Due to Gabriel’s connection to the pack Vega is to infiltrate, he joins her on the mission to help maintain her cover.
Sparks have been flying between the two for years, but Gabriel was determined to keep Vega at arms-length in hopes of preventing a long-ago vision from coming to fruition… a vision where Vega dies in his arms. Now pretending to be a couple adds new challenges as they both try to deny their attraction, complete the mission, figure out who’s friend or foe, and in the end, keep each other safe.
Ms. Reus takes us back inside the Stavros Pack and their allies. I love this world and its characters. While this book can be read as a stand-alone, the entire series is worth a read… or re-read! 😊
Highly recommended!
*ARC received from author in exchange for an honest review.
March 12, 2018
Thrills and romance keeps reader glued to the pages of this exhilarating new Darkness novel by Katie Reus.
Vega and Gabriel are two electrifying characters that spark readers’ imagination as they easily draw readers into their story with their sizzling chemistry, steamy romance and charismatic personalities. The romance between these two have a rocky start but when situations arise, tempers spark and the truth comes out which keeps this romance on the fast track to happily ever after and the characters are life like, easily related to and sexy to boot which makes for one exhilarating love story.
The fast paced, action filled plot keeps readers on the edge of their seats with lots of suspense and thrills as Vega and Gabriel find themselves in hot water in a Black Ops mission where lines are blurred and tensions are high. To top it off the situation is further complicated by some surprising twists that lands the couple in a life altering, nerve-racking and frightening event.
The Darkness world is brought to vibrant life by Katie Reus’s brilliant words, thrilling plots and fascinating characters and I just can’t get enough of it. Guardian of Darkness had me spellbound from the very beginning and Gabriel and Vega was two very sexy characters. I can’t wait for my next visit to the Darkness World.
Vega and Gabriel are two electrifying characters that spark readers’ imagination as they easily draw readers into their story with their sizzling chemistry, steamy romance and charismatic personalities. The romance between these two have a rocky start but when situations arise, tempers spark and the truth comes out which keeps this romance on the fast track to happily ever after and the characters are life like, easily related to and sexy to boot which makes for one exhilarating love story.
The fast paced, action filled plot keeps readers on the edge of their seats with lots of suspense and thrills as Vega and Gabriel find themselves in hot water in a Black Ops mission where lines are blurred and tensions are high. To top it off the situation is further complicated by some surprising twists that lands the couple in a life altering, nerve-racking and frightening event.
The Darkness world is brought to vibrant life by Katie Reus’s brilliant words, thrilling plots and fascinating characters and I just can’t get enough of it. Guardian of Darkness had me spellbound from the very beginning and Gabriel and Vega was two very sexy characters. I can’t wait for my next visit to the Darkness World.
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