The Forbidden

Vampire Huntress Legend #5

by L.A. Banks

The Body of a Goddess...with the Heart of Hell itself.
The devil is a dead-beat dad and his consort Lilith couldn't care less. A stolen embryo stirs in Lilith's womb and a plan pulses through her veins: To unleash her child from the gates of hell--as soon as she destroys the only two vampire hunters who can possibly stop her...

THE FORBIDDEN
Damali Richards is a woman-child in a world running with blood, depravity and demons. Turned by her lover, Carlos Rivera, and brought back again, Damali clings to the one measure of purity that was handed down to her through generations of the wise, gifted and strong. Now, through the power of magic, through the ache of desire and the touch of her lover, Damali is on a journey from the streets of Philadelphia to the ancient earth of Africa. With a small army, with Carlos and with her own mad skills, she might just save the world from the demon seductress who wants her and her faith obliterated--before Armageddon begins...

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

490 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published July 1, 2005

About the author

A pseudonym used by Leslie Esdaile Banks, she also wrote under the names:
Leslie E. Banks
Leslie Esdaile
Leslie Esdaile Banks
Leslie Banks
Alexis Grant

L.A. Banks, a native Philadelphian, was a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Wharton undergraduate program. With many awards to her credit, Banks also held a masters of fine arts degree in film and media arts from Temple University. She lived in Philadelphia with her family until she passed away on the morning of August 2, 2011.

Visit L.A. Banks' page on the Macmillan website: http://us.macmillan.com/author/labanks

Reviews

[Chrys Minter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another read through which I often do. I'm a big fan of L.A. Banks. I love this this story and the ongoing action takes me on a different journey with every read. Always a fan.

[Phyllis | Mocha Drop · Rating 5 out of 5]

t is somewhat difficult to write a review for The Forbidden without revealing the intricate plots of the previous four novels - all of which are formidable in their own right - detailing the trials and growth of Damali Richards, Vampire Huntress, Purveyor of Righteousness, and Millennium Neteru. In The Forbidden, the battle of good and evil continues, picking up where the last novel, The Bitten, left off. In this episode, the team is splintered, deeply wounded, and exhausted (mentally, spiritually, and physically). Their faith, confidence, and fortitude have been challenged during the last battle that literally took them to Hell and back. Damali, herself, is wounded suffering from a terrible loss of her child and seeks direction from the Light. In a desperate act, Damali, is summoned to the Council of Neterus. It is here we gain history and insight into the fates of the Neterus that came before her - including the first, Eve. It is also where Damali must answer to her despicable and damning walk on the dark side with her lover/husband, Carlos Rivera, as detailed in The Bitten. She is counseled and disciplined severely. She is sent back ashamed, weaponless, separated from her team, but with a better understanding of the magnitude and recklessness of her lustful behavior.

She begins a slow and confusing road to redemption and must now reunite and rebuild her team, avenge her past sins, and regain favor and trust of her enlightened mother-sisters. She must assist the resurrected Carlos in his transformation to become her equal counterpart, the male Neteru. They must put their egos aside and discover their destiny together while battling their most formidable foes to date: Carlos's sire (Satan's son) and Satan's wife (Lillith) who has stolen something from Damali that is more precious than life itself.

This novel allows us to bid farewell to a few familiar characters and introduces fresh allies and enemies, discover new powers and abilities, and reinforces the purpose and vision for Damali and her team. It offers a wonderfully imagined blend of ancient folklore, mythology, religion, and culture that works brilliantly. Bank's creativity yields an epiphany for Damali and her readers because there were many "a-ha" moments. The plot is intricate and suspenseful, the characters numerous and complex, and timing is superb - great writing all around. The Forbidden sets the stage for more action, romance, and mystery - it is a wonderful chapter in a fantastic saga. I cannot wait to read The Damned in February!

[Tricia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have enjoyed her other novels in this series but for some reason, this one didn't really work for me. There were long stretches in here where Damali was off finding herself which I personally found didn't work for me. I also didn't find it was as fast paced as some of the earlier novels in the series.

[Tiff · Rating 4 out of 5]

The series continues with another fantastic book by L.A. Banks.

In this book, we learn much more about the history of the religions, what transpired BC/AD with Adam, Eve, among others, and what role each of the Guardians will play in the final battle.

This book was a really good "set up" for what should happen in the next 6 books and each one should be fantastic with the set up this book provided!

There was a lot about numbers, an unbelievable amount of mathematics, how important 3 & 7 are to Light, and how important 6 is to Dark. Alot about formation of fighting, as well as trials and lessons learned.

Carlos has come back from ash, and this time, we learn he is not only the chosen life-mate for Damali and a warrior Guardian like the rest, no, he is actually the Male Neteru. The final battle is getting so close, that the Light sent 2 Neteru's instead of the standard one.

There is a ton of travel in this book, back and forth, while Damali and Carlos learn from completely unsuspecting characters about each of their 13 gifts, how to use them, and learn alot as well as grow. The 14th gift they both have will be the hardest for them to obtain, as they have ALOT of work to do to get there. Both as a couple, and as a team. They don't have time, it's running out. 7 days for Carlos to grasp his destiny, 70 days to get the team ready, and 7 months to build an army. When you have over 10 newbies to the team, thrown together through circumstance alone, definitely not by coincidence which no one believes in, how can Carlos and Damali be expected to battle against Lilith from level 7 below while trying to do all this?

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and expect the next 6 books to be excellent!

[Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read The Forbidden and The Hunted in Banks series. The books are easy to get into. They both, however, have the same problem. They are too long in the sense the last 100 pages or so could be severely cut down or taken out entirely. This, I think, is more the editor's fault than Banks'. The characters are wonderful, but the plot feels like it is meandering or rushing, sometimes it feels like it is doing both.

In this book, I had a couple quibbles. I don't buy Cleopatra killing herself for love. I know Dryden did, but I don't. She also got her horse knowledge wrong.

Banks does create a good mythos. Here her characters are wonderful. I swear I know them. It's a shame her books aren't better edited.

[Adrienna · Rating 3 out of 5]

She surprises me with this version of the series. You see Carlos become human, seen the light, and some other biblical references with mythologies: Lilith (not sure if this is true or not, myth for me but heard of the story). Numerical references but one of them lost me with the nine for Carlos, 1980 born, add to get nine...I get 18. If you said a factor of 9, it would make more sense to me.

Some parts were rushed and like, how did this happen again...one word or sentence to clarify this scene when it took paragraphs and pages to do other parts....took Damali and Carlos towards the end of the book to meet again in a hotel (Hilton)....and then biting again but not vampiric. Hmm. Some parts left me dry or questionable but she is a brilliant story-teller and writer, action scenes lessened to me in this story (kick-a---) and romance towards ending.

[M.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Forbidden, the 5th book in the Vampire Huntress series we pick up where the last book, The Bitten, left off, the team is battle-weary, hurt, exhausted ,broken and very confused a/b their "new" member. Their faith & confidence have been shaken with the church and during the last battle that literally took them to Hell and back. In this book,Damali has to answer for her lustful walk on the dark side with then Vampire Councilman Carlos, this is where we are introduced to Council of Neteru Queens and learn about , Damali's punishment. She separated from her team ,all alone she has to find a way back to them w/o weapons using what the Queens of old have give her,while the team tries to repair itself and get ready for whats ahead. It was an ok read not as good as The Bitten, but it was good.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm back in love with this series. I haven't been this excited about the books since book one. The original trilogy was too jam packed with info that I lost my initial interest. But now the story is a bit more spread out and I can actually sit and read it page to page. The pacing is still a little off and the novel too long, which is why it took me so long to finish this. But the conflict with Lillith was awesome. She is seriously a worthy adversary for the team. The side plots were good too, especially Yonnie and Tara. They are my new favorite crew members.

[Liz · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't finish this book... it was too horrible.

[Tracy Smyth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t find this book as good as the previous books in the series. I got a bit lost at times

[Karina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oldie but a goodie. Still an underrated gem! The perfect amount of spice, the plot, the pacing.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely not as gripping as the last book, but Carlos is no longer a vampire and he has to adjust to his new life as a Guardian. Damali is still raw from the loss of her child and she doesn't know how to approach Carlos to bolster his confidence when her own is in jeopardy. The two never really get to unearth the pain of the loss as the world needs saving once again. Carlos learns how to use his new Neteru powers and Damali must do time for her crimes as a fluctuating vamp. The whole book was a coming to terms with everything that happened. A little painful to read, but necessary to the plot. I look forward to reading the next one.

[Leanna Terrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forbidden

This was jammed packed with tension. I never knew whether Denali or Carlos would end up back in the dark side. This one was very frustrating for me as was book four. I know the Author has to build the premise for the big battle, but I anxiously wanted to get to the heart of the matter, which she eventually did. I'm enjoying this and I'm totally committed to all the characters now.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

continuation of the teaching of Demarli and Carlos serious knowledge was dropped in this one do much that your head would spin but taking it slow and digesting it all

[TinaMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Less heat in this one due to story and characters, still excellent read

[Zoey Arreola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in love with this series so far it have been hard to get into a series so I am so happy I love it so much

[Jennie]

I read these books and wonder to myself why I keep reading. !

[Tima Cooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

[BEETHEEBOOKBEAUTY☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gurllll it's so much I can even put what I feel into words. On to the next book, because ole girl gotta go!

[Michelle]

The Forbidden

L.A. Banks

Paranormal Romance

490 pages

COPYRIGHT: 2005

ISBN: 0-312-94002-5

After the destruction of all the topside master vampires and the death and resurrection of her council-level vampire lover, Damali is called before the Council of the Neterus to answer for her actions. It is there that she discovers there are consequences even she could not foresee. She also learns that the consort of the Un-Named One, Lilith, has come up from the seventh level to set the affairs of the Dark Realms in order. However, Lilith has a hidden agenda of her own and it involves the unborn child Damali thought had been taken from her. The news devastates Damali until a cold and deadly determination leads her to map out a plan for Lilith’s destruction. An evil force beyond recognition, Damali’s newest nemesis literally brings men to their knees. But Damali will not be stopped---not even by someone as dangerously powerful as Lilith. It is a battle that spills over into the streets and involves the people Damali has sworn to protect, leaving fewer standing before it’s all over.

[Sasquatch · Rating 3 out of 5]

alright...

here's where this series kind of started to lose me. still a solid three stars, but the author is starting to distract away from vampires and vampire hunter and now getting into heaven and hell talk. she's introducing demons and that kind of lore - which, fine, but it wasn't really my cup of tea.

i would still give this a solid three stars since the story is strong and the writing is good, but yeah.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

The previous book was so amazing so I was super disappointed with this one. Carlos has been reborn from the ashes of his vampire life, but his ego is crushed and he is having a really hard time dealing with the loss of his vampire powers and getting used to his new Guardian powers. He and Damali are separated for a lot of the story. A bunch of new Guardians are introduced and Father Lopez is killed. Damali goes down to Hell and fights the Chairman and they come to an agreement because Lilith, the Devil's wife and the Chairman's lover, has been playing him. There is a huge battle at the end, the Chairman stabs Lilith with Damali's Baby Isis and removes the embryo that she stole. At the end of the battle a dark cloud enters Carlos' nose so obviously he will not be staying in the Light for long. Not even remotely happy with this book. Father Lopez dying was not necessary. And why can't Carlos just stay good? So unnecessary. I might read the next book, but not anytime soon. Disappointed :(

[Cen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh my God!

There must have been some sort of magic sprinkled into this book. The only way anyone could possibly endure this author till the last page is to be hopelessly optimistic.

Every player in this farce must suffer from multiple personality complex.

I've read some garbage in my day...heck I've even written some. But this book tops the list of terrible.

I've warned others about this author, and because of the marvelous promotional skills of this publisher I find myself saying "I told you so" far too many times.

[Lei · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It was about this ex-master vampire named Carlos trying to adjust to his new form. In the book he was killed by the darkness, then got brought back to life by the light. he had to pay a price for that. The price was his fangs. he had been neutered in vampire vocabulary. His fiancee Damali also found that her unborn baby didn't die. the devil's wife lilith, took the embryo out of Damali's stomach and into hers. I really hate Lilith.

[Daphne Birchfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really hope Carlos stays on the right track. I'm saddened about father Lopez. it seems that hope is lost especially with the powers that are coming from dark forces, but i think they will prevail. what i want to know is what happened with Carlos at the end with black cloud. Damali needs to also focus on her true goal as the neteru and not let Carlos distract her. but now that they have to work together maybe it will be different.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the best in the series, in my opinion. The tension during the first half of the book, and the action during the second held my attention well. Not my favorite series, but I'll still keep reading to find out how it ends.

[toki · Rating 1 out of 5]

The series started off with a bang. But now, on book 5, it has really slowed down. The story is still good, but I almost have been forcing myself to finish it for about a year now LOL.

** three years later, I'm afraid this book will never be read by me **

[Shavaugn · Rating 3 out of 5]

At times she forced it and it seemed that she was fishing for a plot that would explain why the previous book, which was originally the end of the series, was not the end of the series. I hear the story gets good again, though, so I will read on.

[Kathleen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Library book. Returned after reading 3/4 of book. Ethnic lingo just wasn't appealing to me. Too distracting. I think the book would have been good otherwise. I was surprised to see this type of dialogue in this series. Her other series isn't this way.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I read the complete series for a 2nd time I realize how profound this author was. She made me look at the world today through her eyes. What a pair of eyes she had. I’m rereading this series for the 3rd time that’s how much I love it.