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Dark Destinies #3
Dark Child of Forever
A reluctant new Lord of Night. His vulnerable human queen. If they can't change five thousand years of history now, it will change them. Forever.
Fate has cast vampire Dominic Marchant and the human love of his life, Cassidy Chandler, into roles they never imagined. Thanks to his mad sire, he is now the Lord of Night, and Cassidy, with her unique ability to merge her mind with his, has become the incongruous mortal queen of his immortal kingdom. Even as he dreams of seeing the sun again and she can’t imagine becoming a vampire, they vow to reshape their domain into a world where vampires feed on love rather than fear and leave their prey swooning instead of dead.
But not all their subjects are pleased with the change in leadership. A powerful ancient vampire and his cadre of followers serve Dominic his greatest challenge yet just when reclaiming the day looks like a real possibility. Soon friends turn up in ashes, and Cassidy and his human family become targets in a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse that leads them and their unlikely, vampire-hunting allies deep into the wilds of the Canadian Rockies—and straight into their worst nightmares.
With their lives and the very existence of the world of night hanging in the balance, Dominic and Cassidy must decide whether to chase an impossible dream or finally embrace their dark destiny.
Fate has cast vampire Dominic Marchant and the human love of his life, Cassidy Chandler, into roles they never imagined. Thanks to his mad sire, he is now the Lord of Night, and Cassidy, with her unique ability to merge her mind with his, has become the incongruous mortal queen of his immortal kingdom. Even as he dreams of seeing the sun again and she can’t imagine becoming a vampire, they vow to reshape their domain into a world where vampires feed on love rather than fear and leave their prey swooning instead of dead.
But not all their subjects are pleased with the change in leadership. A powerful ancient vampire and his cadre of followers serve Dominic his greatest challenge yet just when reclaiming the day looks like a real possibility. Soon friends turn up in ashes, and Cassidy and his human family become targets in a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse that leads them and their unlikely, vampire-hunting allies deep into the wilds of the Canadian Rockies—and straight into their worst nightmares.
With their lives and the very existence of the world of night hanging in the balance, Dominic and Cassidy must decide whether to chase an impossible dream or finally embrace their dark destiny.
380 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 13, 2018
17 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
S.K. Ryder
5 books23 followersS.K. Ryder writes paranormal and science fiction fantasy featuring fish-out-of-water characters forced to deal with reality gone wrong. Her stories reflect her deep love of nature and are filled with adventure, suspense, humor, and romance. Though she currently calls South Florida home, she has lived in Germany and Canada and has traveled widely, usually in the hot pursuit of wild and scenic spaces. When not writing or working as a freelance programmer, she enjoys plotting her next scuba diving or river rafting trip, beach combing, or just getting lost in a book. Should push comes to shove, she can also bake a halfway decent cake and stand on her head, though not (usually) at the same time.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 11, 2019
4 Stars
Review:
It had been a while since I had found a good new-to-me vampire series, so I'm glad I gave this one a chance! This was a great final book that continued the threads of the others and wrapped everything up really well.
What I Disliked:
- I was frustrated that a romantic relationship between Cassidy, Dominic, and Jackson was teased at again. And, also again, it would've made so much sense in the story. *SPOILER* *END SPOILER* Normally I would try not to complain just because something didn't happen how I wanted it to, but it was teased so much that I feel like it's fair for me to be disappointed.
What I Liked:
- I once again liked this version of vampires and the whole concept of *SPOILER* *END SPOILER*
- I loved how affectionate and emotional Dominic was. He felt things very strongly and deeply, and there was nothing that meant more to him than trust and intimacy (and not just in a romantic way). It was such a strong part of Dominic's character that it made him unique. He also made a great leader and wore his power well. He was compassionate, but he knew when to be threatening (we are talking about vampires, after all) and even when to be ruthless. But he was also charming and kind with those who accepted him. Basically what I'm saying is, I thought he was kind of cliche at first, but I ended up being won over by this tortured vampire hero.
- I liked the relationships among the characters that continually evolved throughout the series, including an enemies-to-friends relationship.
- I realized at some point that I enjoyed all three POVs pretty equally, which doesn't usually happen in books.
- The story was good. I was fully hooked at this point and enjoyed the whole book. I also liked that it steered away from the romance aspect since Dominic and Cassidy were firmly a couple at the start of this one. And I appreciated that the book ended in a way that was happy but balanced with a bit of realistic bittersweetness.
Overall, despite a couple issues with the previous books, I ended up really enjoying this series! It brought some uniqueness to the vampire portrayal, the stories and writing were good, the emotion was well-written, and I came to really like all three main characters by the end.
Recommended For:
Fans of Books 1 and 2 in S.K. Ryder's Dark Destinies series. Anyone who likes vampires with a bit of uniqueness, romance, enemies-to-friends, and tortured heroes who just want to be loved.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Review:
It had been a while since I had found a good new-to-me vampire series, so I'm glad I gave this one a chance! This was a great final book that continued the threads of the others and wrapped everything up really well.
What I Disliked:
- I was frustrated that a romantic relationship between Cassidy, Dominic, and Jackson was teased at again. And, also again, it would've made so much sense in the story. *SPOILER* *END SPOILER* Normally I would try not to complain just because something didn't happen how I wanted it to, but it was teased so much that I feel like it's fair for me to be disappointed.
What I Liked:
- I once again liked this version of vampires and the whole concept of *SPOILER* *END SPOILER*
- I loved how affectionate and emotional Dominic was. He felt things very strongly and deeply, and there was nothing that meant more to him than trust and intimacy (and not just in a romantic way). It was such a strong part of Dominic's character that it made him unique. He also made a great leader and wore his power well. He was compassionate, but he knew when to be threatening (we are talking about vampires, after all) and even when to be ruthless. But he was also charming and kind with those who accepted him. Basically what I'm saying is, I thought he was kind of cliche at first, but I ended up being won over by this tortured vampire hero.
- I liked the relationships among the characters that continually evolved throughout the series, including an enemies-to-friends relationship.
- I realized at some point that I enjoyed all three POVs pretty equally, which doesn't usually happen in books.
- The story was good. I was fully hooked at this point and enjoyed the whole book. I also liked that it steered away from the romance aspect since Dominic and Cassidy were firmly a couple at the start of this one. And I appreciated that the book ended in a way that was happy but balanced with a bit of realistic bittersweetness.
Overall, despite a couple issues with the previous books, I ended up really enjoying this series! It brought some uniqueness to the vampire portrayal, the stories and writing were good, the emotion was well-written, and I came to really like all three main characters by the end.
Recommended For:
Fans of Books 1 and 2 in S.K. Ryder's Dark Destinies series. Anyone who likes vampires with a bit of uniqueness, romance, enemies-to-friends, and tortured heroes who just want to be loved.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
June 4, 2018
The perfect finale. The characters I fell in love with from the first book are still growing and adapting to their new destinies together. The new characters are interesting and well developed additions to the complicated weave of the storyline. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and will eagerly await any other books by this author!
As an independent reviewer for Romance Authors that Rock, I gave this one the full five hearts beating frantically. Even though there was no ugly crying involved, there are definitely tear filled moments. An awesome series!
As an independent reviewer for Romance Authors that Rock, I gave this one the full five hearts beating frantically. Even though there was no ugly crying involved, there are definitely tear filled moments. An awesome series!
August 11, 2018
*This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Dominic and Cassidy are trying to move forward in their lives after Dominic became the official Lord of Night. Dominic is trying to convert a lot of dark vampires over to the good side by having them be re-sired to him. He re-sires a vampire named Aubrey who Dominic wants to go out and find bad vampires to tell them about his experience and the re-siring process. While Aubrey is away, Jackson tells the gang that there is a serum that his people made that will turn a vampire into a human again for a few hours. They’ve tested it on lab rats but not on an actual vampire yet, so they aren’t completely aware of all the side effects. Dominic and Cassidy are skeptical at first, but Dominic decides to try it. He misses his human life, like standing out in the sun, and is willing to try anything at this point. Chaos ensues however with terrible side effects that Cassidy and Jackson have no idea how to deal with. On top of all that, Aubrey runs into a gang of vampires whose leader doesn’t believe that Dominic is the Lord of Night. He tortures Aubrey for even trying to suggest that there is a stronger vampire out there then he is. Dominic has the difficult task of finding the gang and trying to convince them of who he is without anyone else getting hurt, but unfortunately it seems the gang is always one step ahead of Dominic.
I loved the concept of Dominic wanting to be human again, even if it was just for a short time. I thought the idea was executed so well and made the story that much more interesting. I was so shocked by what Dominic had to go through each time he took the serum and felt so bad, but I loved where the story led to. There were some side plots going on that I didn’t feel were completely necessary but it didn’t drag the story down. Overall I really enjoyed this book and I really enjoyed this series.
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng***
Dominic and Cassidy are trying to move forward in their lives after Dominic became the official Lord of Night. Dominic is trying to convert a lot of dark vampires over to the good side by having them be re-sired to him. He re-sires a vampire named Aubrey who Dominic wants to go out and find bad vampires to tell them about his experience and the re-siring process. While Aubrey is away, Jackson tells the gang that there is a serum that his people made that will turn a vampire into a human again for a few hours. They’ve tested it on lab rats but not on an actual vampire yet, so they aren’t completely aware of all the side effects. Dominic and Cassidy are skeptical at first, but Dominic decides to try it. He misses his human life, like standing out in the sun, and is willing to try anything at this point. Chaos ensues however with terrible side effects that Cassidy and Jackson have no idea how to deal with. On top of all that, Aubrey runs into a gang of vampires whose leader doesn’t believe that Dominic is the Lord of Night. He tortures Aubrey for even trying to suggest that there is a stronger vampire out there then he is. Dominic has the difficult task of finding the gang and trying to convince them of who he is without anyone else getting hurt, but unfortunately it seems the gang is always one step ahead of Dominic.
I loved the concept of Dominic wanting to be human again, even if it was just for a short time. I thought the idea was executed so well and made the story that much more interesting. I was so shocked by what Dominic had to go through each time he took the serum and felt so bad, but I loved where the story led to. There were some side plots going on that I didn’t feel were completely necessary but it didn’t drag the story down. Overall I really enjoyed this book and I really enjoyed this series.
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng***
July 3, 2018
This is the third book in the series and they need to be read in order.
Dominic Marchant is the Dark Lord of the Night but he must discover who murdered his friend, Aubrey Wainright, and why.
Soon Dominic finds himself up against a powerful vampire named Adillo who wants to rule all of the vampires. Can Dominic along with his girlfriend Cassidy Chandler and vampire hunters Jackson and Garrett Striker defeat Adillo before he eliminates everyone Dominic cares about?
This was a good conclusion to the series.
Dominic definitely has his work cut out for him in this book and he went through a lot this book. I was totally freaking out with what happened with the first time that Jackson tried to help him with what was developed in his lab and it didn't look good. I was thinking it was going to actually last longer than it did.
I really liked the alliance between Dominic and Jackson and Garrett and how they all worked together. Cassidy was also quite tough in this book and she also went through a lot. I was super mad at what she lost this book and I wish she didn't have to lose it as I loved that idea.
I liked the various alliances that were formed to bring down Adillo and his main security vampire Esteban.
I was sad at what happened with Genevie and how Francesca reacted to everything and blamed Dominic.
It was a good and enjoyable series!
Dominic Marchant is the Dark Lord of the Night but he must discover who murdered his friend, Aubrey Wainright, and why.
Soon Dominic finds himself up against a powerful vampire named Adillo who wants to rule all of the vampires. Can Dominic along with his girlfriend Cassidy Chandler and vampire hunters Jackson and Garrett Striker defeat Adillo before he eliminates everyone Dominic cares about?
This was a good conclusion to the series.
Dominic definitely has his work cut out for him in this book and he went through a lot this book. I was totally freaking out with what happened with the first time that Jackson tried to help him with what was developed in his lab and it didn't look good. I was thinking it was going to actually last longer than it did.
I really liked the alliance between Dominic and Jackson and Garrett and how they all worked together. Cassidy was also quite tough in this book and she also went through a lot. I was super mad at what she lost this book and I wish she didn't have to lose it as I loved that idea.
I liked the various alliances that were formed to bring down Adillo and his main security vampire Esteban.
I was sad at what happened with Genevie and how Francesca reacted to everything and blamed Dominic.
It was a good and enjoyable series!
October 3, 2018
This is the final book in the Dark Destinies trilogy, and the author brings it home with a bang. I read the first two books in the series, and I have to say, this is my favorite, even though the other two got 5 stars from me also. But this book brings it all together – everything Dominic and Cassidy has fought for, all the answers and all the feels. Dominic and Cassidy’s bond is stronger than ever, and Dominic finally embraces his role of Lord of the Night. He comes to accept his immortality and his role in the vampire world. But don’t get too comfortable, there is plenty of danger and action in this book, and it will have you on the edge of your seat. The secondary characters also grow and evolve, and the friendship between Jackson and Dominic, and even Cassidy shows that no mountain is too high to climb. Even Garrett works with Dominic on an honest level – something we never would have believed not too long ago.
For vampire lovers, this is a trilogy that you need to pick up. It just gets better and better, unlike other series that start to drag, this one picks up speed as it goes. I’m sad to see it end as I’ve grown to love these characters, but the ending leaves no stone unturned and it is an honorable addition, and ending, to a fantastic series. It’s definitely going on my to-be-read-again pile.
Reviewed by Cyrene
For vampire lovers, this is a trilogy that you need to pick up. It just gets better and better, unlike other series that start to drag, this one picks up speed as it goes. I’m sad to see it end as I’ve grown to love these characters, but the ending leaves no stone unturned and it is an honorable addition, and ending, to a fantastic series. It’s definitely going on my to-be-read-again pile.
Reviewed by Cyrene
June 20, 2018
What a lovely wrap-up to an exciting series! I have been reluctant to venture into vampire territory bookwise lately because I was a little fed up with the "perfect alpha vampire" and his "perfect" lover. Granted, Cassidy was a bit too much with her tolerance of some of the crazy things that happened - but I felt her pain when she realized she had lost a baby, and the chance to ever have one again. And Dominic! Loved following the angst as he pursued (somewhat rabidly at times) the idea of being able to enjoy the daytime. Jackson also redeemed himself and looked to have his own HEA by the wrap up at the end of the book.
Tiny, tiny foibles of French (sometimes you can't just literally translate some things) did not slow down the enjoyment. Good job, all three books!
Tiny, tiny foibles of French (sometimes you can't just literally translate some things) did not slow down the enjoyment. Good job, all three books!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2018
I loved this story. The writing was the high quality I’ve come to expect from S.K. Ryder. The storyline was logical and full of conflict that kept the story moving.
S.K. Ryder did an excellent job of tying up the loose ends and having everyone in the series connected. My personal motto of ‘It’s a small world’, apparently even applies when the world is fictional. Great hooks kept me turning the pages to see what happened next.
I’m afraid this might be the last book in the Dark Destinies series. If so, the way Ms. Ryder completed the trilogy left me satisfied even though I’ll miss reading more about these characters.
S.K. Ryder did an excellent job of tying up the loose ends and having everyone in the series connected. My personal motto of ‘It’s a small world’, apparently even applies when the world is fictional. Great hooks kept me turning the pages to see what happened next.
I’m afraid this might be the last book in the Dark Destinies series. If so, the way Ms. Ryder completed the trilogy left me satisfied even though I’ll miss reading more about these characters.
June 18, 2018
This was a great story with lots of intrigue and suspense. I would suggest that you read the first two books in the series first before reading this one.
It is a different take on most vampire books and I promise you won’t be disappointed in the least. It has a very good storyline that will keep you guessing the whole way through.
It is a different take on most vampire books and I promise you won’t be disappointed in the least. It has a very good storyline that will keep you guessing the whole way through.
July 10, 2018
Great love story
I loved everything about this trilogy. Adventure, action, love, revenge, comedy and different reality thrown into it with the soul bond.
Excellent writing and not once did I shake my head at the grammar and wished I could of gone to the library!
Looking forward to reading more from this author
I loved everything about this trilogy. Adventure, action, love, revenge, comedy and different reality thrown into it with the soul bond.
Excellent writing and not once did I shake my head at the grammar and wished I could of gone to the library!
Looking forward to reading more from this author
June 17, 2018
Holy carp!!
What an incredible end of the trilogy!!! Action, adventure, and romance are the trifecta of a fantastic story. All three were met and exceeded expectations! This last one was well worth the missing sleep!
What an incredible end of the trilogy!!! Action, adventure, and romance are the trifecta of a fantastic story. All three were met and exceeded expectations! This last one was well worth the missing sleep!
September 2, 2018
4.5/5.0
Vampire fanatics will adore this dark romance!
Read full review in the 2018 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Vampire fanatics will adore this dark romance!
Read full review in the 2018 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.
June 25, 2018
Originally posted on lampshadereader.com
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
All good things must come to an end. Sad to see that this wonderful series is over. The last story in the Dark Destinies series, Dark Child of Forever, follows Dominic's and Cassidy's adventure to the ultimate climax.
S.K. Ryder brings vampires to a whole new level.
Vampires are simply vampires, but in the Dark Destinies Dominic wants to unite vampires and convert them into beings of love, not hatred nor fear. This journey sees Dominic evolving from just a youngling vampire into the master of all. Of course his quest to see his dreams come true must come with road bumps. The biggest one called, Adilla. Quite honestly, a brat with anger issues.
Dominic's and Cassidy's relationship grows.
If you love getting the "feels" reading about characters, Dominic and Cassidy is the perfect example. Having read the first two stories in this trilogy, one can really get a feel about how much these too have grown. One being a vampire and the other human bring all of the expected problems, but this story actually focuses on it. I loved that Dominic wanted to give Cassidy a child, but obviously couldn't. (BTW--major tears with this story-NO SPOILERS).
Secondary characters that I actually love now.
One character that has truly evolved is Jackson. Hate for vampires was his major personality trait. But his growth was a major "aww" moment. He was actually cute. (You could not have gotten this response from me in book 1 and 2).
I wished Serge got more play in this story. Totally underrepresented. He is the quirkiest vampire that I've ever read about and was totally happy to read his HEA as well.
The End.
OMG this ending. Totally satisfying, but sad for me because it's the end. So glad that the author gave the reader what they wanted and still keeping the integrity of the story.
Y'all I LOVE THIS SERIES. But if you want to read it, start from book 1.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
All good things must come to an end. Sad to see that this wonderful series is over. The last story in the Dark Destinies series, Dark Child of Forever, follows Dominic's and Cassidy's adventure to the ultimate climax.
S.K. Ryder brings vampires to a whole new level.
Vampires are simply vampires, but in the Dark Destinies Dominic wants to unite vampires and convert them into beings of love, not hatred nor fear. This journey sees Dominic evolving from just a youngling vampire into the master of all. Of course his quest to see his dreams come true must come with road bumps. The biggest one called, Adilla. Quite honestly, a brat with anger issues.
Dominic's and Cassidy's relationship grows.
If you love getting the "feels" reading about characters, Dominic and Cassidy is the perfect example. Having read the first two stories in this trilogy, one can really get a feel about how much these too have grown. One being a vampire and the other human bring all of the expected problems, but this story actually focuses on it. I loved that Dominic wanted to give Cassidy a child, but obviously couldn't. (BTW--major tears with this story-NO SPOILERS).
Secondary characters that I actually love now.
One character that has truly evolved is Jackson. Hate for vampires was his major personality trait. But his growth was a major "aww" moment. He was actually cute. (You could not have gotten this response from me in book 1 and 2).
I wished Serge got more play in this story. Totally underrepresented. He is the quirkiest vampire that I've ever read about and was totally happy to read his HEA as well.
The End.
OMG this ending. Totally satisfying, but sad for me because it's the end. So glad that the author gave the reader what they wanted and still keeping the integrity of the story.
Y'all I LOVE THIS SERIES. But if you want to read it, start from book 1.
Read
August 31, 2018"Vampire fanatics will adore this dark romance!"
Check out the rest of the review at:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/...
Check out the rest of the review at:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/...
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews