What do you think?
Rate this book
Pure/Dark Ones #6
Dark Redemption
All his existence, he’s fought for the wrong side…
Born and trained to be the most fearsome Dark warrior the immortal races had ever seen, Enlil of Anatolia had only ever known ruthlessness, brutality and rigid control. He was a weapon used by others, his life never his own.
Until he spits in the eye of Fate…
No longer able to abide by the atrocities he witnessed and engendered, he severs all ties to the past, risking his own life and sanity, and awakens a nameless man without memory.
And is taken in by a human woman in search of her own Destiny…
Raised in an orphanage, Clara Scott has always wanted a family of her own. Full of love, life and hope, she adopts a lost little girl and befriends a homeless man. In his eyes, she sees endless darkness and pain. But through his actions, she sees a strong, noble, imperfect, yet beautiful spirit—
She sees a soul worth redeeming.
Born and trained to be the most fearsome Dark warrior the immortal races had ever seen, Enlil of Anatolia had only ever known ruthlessness, brutality and rigid control. He was a weapon used by others, his life never his own.
Until he spits in the eye of Fate…
No longer able to abide by the atrocities he witnessed and engendered, he severs all ties to the past, risking his own life and sanity, and awakens a nameless man without memory.
And is taken in by a human woman in search of her own Destiny…
Raised in an orphanage, Clara Scott has always wanted a family of her own. Full of love, life and hope, she adopts a lost little girl and befriends a homeless man. In his eyes, she sees endless darkness and pain. But through his actions, she sees a strong, noble, imperfect, yet beautiful spirit—
She sees a soul worth redeeming.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 10, 2018
183 people are currently reading
495 people want to read
About the author
Aja James
30 books595 followershttps://aja-james.blog/
Best-selling author, Aja James, just completed the Pure/ Dark Ones paranormal-fantasy romance series in 2020. If you want your heart battered, bruised, shattered and skewered, then put back together in the most glorious ways, check out the series below. Every couple gets an HEA, but they fight like hell for it on the way.
Aja is now working on her new series, Dragon Tails, because dragons are her favorite shifters of all!
Check out Aja's expanded distribution of the Pure/ Dark Ones series on Google, Apple, Kobo and Barnes & Noble Books.
Visit Aja's blog or join her reader-started Addicts group to learn more:
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
She loves to hear from readers. Email her at:
megami771@yahoo.com
Best-selling author, Aja James, just completed the Pure/ Dark Ones paranormal-fantasy romance series in 2020. If you want your heart battered, bruised, shattered and skewered, then put back together in the most glorious ways, check out the series below. Every couple gets an HEA, but they fight like hell for it on the way.
Aja is now working on her new series, Dragon Tails, because dragons are her favorite shifters of all!
Check out Aja's expanded distribution of the Pure/ Dark Ones series on Google, Apple, Kobo and Barnes & Noble Books.
Visit Aja's blog or join her reader-started Addicts group to learn more:
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
She loves to hear from readers. Email her at:
megami771@yahoo.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
January 19, 2020
Alright folks, there's only so long I can drag out a decadent treat. Believe I've tried. And for someone who's not great at self-denial, this is really saying something.
Nevertheless, I've reached the end of my indulgence -- AND THIS BOOK WAS F**KING FANTASTIC!!!
This is my nth read with GR friends. As always, when you read a truly great book for the nth time, you find hidden gems you missed before, and you get inspired by other people's interpretations as they read them too. Which is why buddy reads are so awesome!
So, what did I miss before? Well, I think the first time I might have paid more attention to the side stories because I was so caught up in the ongoing world-building or should I say world-weaving, because it's both an empire and a tapestry and a mind-boggling universe Ms. James is creating here, that I probably didn't appreciate the main couple Eli and Clara as much as I should have.
This time around, thanks to Laura's https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4... unintended "big stick" joke, I found myself paying more attention to Eli's...um...physical endowments :P
Can't find a pic that does the description of Eli justice. Soooo frustrating. But I have no probs picturing him in my head - long black hair past his butt, sharply angled face, thick-lashed wolf-like green eyes, and of course, extremely well-hung, what's not to like??!! :PPPP
Anywho, on to the more substantial stuff.
I liked the heroine Clara a LOT. She's more than meets the eye and her story/ back story is far from over. I get the sense there's more than a conicidental connection between her and Annie too. And it seems from the way she and Eli literally COMBUST that they are meant for each other in a way that's even beyond the Destined or Eternal Mates of Pure and Dark Ones. So I look forward to their continuing story.
I like that AJ juxtaposed the harshness of Eli's upbringing and very long life to date with the easy affection and love Clara and Annie give him. I love the stories where you ask yourself, what would you have done differently if you had a second chance at life? If you had a blank slate and started over again? If your circumstances were different and different parts of your soul and mind and heart can be expressed or brought to life?
This is one of those stories.
Eli is definitely worth redemption. Clara is the perfect woman to inspire him. And of course, seeing my other fav characters again made me more invested in this series than ever.
It ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. I find AJ doing more of that since Book 4. She always leaves a new thread to follow or more than one new thread at the end of each book,even tho she makes sure the main H/h finds their HEA, but those threads have developed stronger gravitational pulls. I can't stop following them!!
Mindless. I've become a mindless sheep, zombie, lemming... following AJ wherever she leads!
original review:
Got the ARC from author just as she barely finished proofing and editing it. I was refreshing my email inbox like crazy waiting. Then I stayed up all night reading it. Just woke up and had my coffee. All I can say is:
I'll be honest and admit that Pure Rapture is still my fav. But I'm hyperventilating over this one because of all the foreshadowing for the next book(s) in the series!
Unable to help myself, I harrassed the author on email and asked if my deductions about the next books are right. I got like 95% of the answers, but missed one clue. I have to go back and read the series again (no hardship) to find it, and am determined to do so!
Without giving away too much, let's just say: Sophia, it's about damn time!
Can't wait to get your book next!!!
Oh yeah, and love you too, Eli and Clara, the main characters of the book I'm reviewing. Sorry if I kinda skipped over you :P I know by now that Ms. James hasn't finished with you yet, especially Clara, who seems to be more than just human.
I'm just keeping my eyes on the road ahead, that's all. I hope this series never ends!!!
Nevertheless, I've reached the end of my indulgence -- AND THIS BOOK WAS F**KING FANTASTIC!!!
This is my nth read with GR friends. As always, when you read a truly great book for the nth time, you find hidden gems you missed before, and you get inspired by other people's interpretations as they read them too. Which is why buddy reads are so awesome!
So, what did I miss before? Well, I think the first time I might have paid more attention to the side stories because I was so caught up in the ongoing world-building or should I say world-weaving, because it's both an empire and a tapestry and a mind-boggling universe Ms. James is creating here, that I probably didn't appreciate the main couple Eli and Clara as much as I should have.
This time around, thanks to Laura's https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4... unintended "big stick" joke, I found myself paying more attention to Eli's...um...physical endowments :P
Can't find a pic that does the description of Eli justice. Soooo frustrating. But I have no probs picturing him in my head - long black hair past his butt, sharply angled face, thick-lashed wolf-like green eyes, and of course, extremely well-hung, what's not to like??!! :PPPP
Anywho, on to the more substantial stuff.
I liked the heroine Clara a LOT. She's more than meets the eye and her story/ back story is far from over. I get the sense there's more than a conicidental connection between her and Annie too. And it seems from the way she and Eli literally COMBUST that they are meant for each other in a way that's even beyond the Destined or Eternal Mates of Pure and Dark Ones. So I look forward to their continuing story.
I like that AJ juxtaposed the harshness of Eli's upbringing and very long life to date with the easy affection and love Clara and Annie give him. I love the stories where you ask yourself, what would you have done differently if you had a second chance at life? If you had a blank slate and started over again? If your circumstances were different and different parts of your soul and mind and heart can be expressed or brought to life?
This is one of those stories.
Eli is definitely worth redemption. Clara is the perfect woman to inspire him. And of course, seeing my other fav characters again made me more invested in this series than ever.
It ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. I find AJ doing more of that since Book 4. She always leaves a new thread to follow or more than one new thread at the end of each book,even tho she makes sure the main H/h finds their HEA, but those threads have developed stronger gravitational pulls. I can't stop following them!!
Mindless. I've become a mindless sheep, zombie, lemming... following AJ wherever she leads!
original review:
Got the ARC from author just as she barely finished proofing and editing it. I was refreshing my email inbox like crazy waiting. Then I stayed up all night reading it. Just woke up and had my coffee. All I can say is:
I'll be honest and admit that Pure Rapture is still my fav. But I'm hyperventilating over this one because of all the foreshadowing for the next book(s) in the series!
Unable to help myself, I harrassed the author on email and asked if my deductions about the next books are right. I got like 95% of the answers, but missed one clue. I have to go back and read the series again (no hardship) to find it, and am determined to do so!
Without giving away too much, let's just say: Sophia, it's about damn time!
Can't wait to get your book next!!!
Oh yeah, and love you too, Eli and Clara, the main characters of the book I'm reviewing. Sorry if I kinda skipped over you :P I know by now that Ms. James hasn't finished with you yet, especially Clara, who seems to be more than just human.
I'm just keeping my eyes on the road ahead, that's all. I hope this series never ends!!!
January 18, 2020
What can I say?? I fall in love with the Heroes of each book in this series every time! (But Tal is still my fave) And Eli is no different. Who knew would become the hero of book 6?? I always love the "redemption" story. I love that nothing is ever really black and white, good vs. evil. Even tho these books are paranormal-fantasy-romance, they are so REAL in a way, relatable yet aspirational - because if there are real men like these running around in the world, Imma gonna hunt one DOWN!
It is really really hard to find any picture to fit Eli! He's supposed to be the most beautiful MALE ever! At least to Clara (who's an artist with very good taste)
This one?
The torso with the belly button look like the cover even!
But Eli has green eyes and no facial hair (no hair anywhere except on his head)
This one??
Doesn't look tall and broad enough, and again wrong eye color
THIS ONE???
I've resorted to drawings, bc I just can't find anyone who's remotely close to the description of him!!
How about this one?
First read review:
Gobbled it up immediately. I don't know what it is about this author's writing, but I always can't help finishing her books the minute I get them. The time goes I don't know where. Before I know it, a whole day has passed and my butt is numb from sitting in one position too long reading.
So, that's all a long-winded way of saying I really enjoyed this latest installment of the Pure-Dark series! Pure Rapture is still my favorite in the series thus far, but I really like how Ms. James is weaving so much more into each book. Finally! We get a little more about Dalair and Ryu too, who I felt like we could have dug into further from Book 3. We also get a little into the Creature's head, and at this point, I think "it" has shown redemptive sides of its own. It reminds me of a not-entirely-evil psychopath or sociopath (can never tell the difference between the two). I've always had a weak spot for the weird ones.
As always, I love the Hero of the book. I do feel he's totally redeemable, even though when I told my bf about the story, he said no, "the dude needs to die to be redeemed." I won't give too much else away, but I think Ms. James found the right balance for the love story. Clara, the heroine, is more than meets the eye. I have a feeling we're not done with her, that her journey has just begun. So I'll be interested to see what happens with this couple in future books.
Anyway, I am panting with anticipation for Sophia's story next, though Ms. James says it will only be a novella, not her full book. Still, I'll take what I can get!! Please hurry up and write, dear Ms. James. Forget eating and sleeping and other regular life stuff. That's for mere mortals :)
It is really really hard to find any picture to fit Eli! He's supposed to be the most beautiful MALE ever! At least to Clara (who's an artist with very good taste)
This one?
The torso with the belly button look like the cover even!
But Eli has green eyes and no facial hair (no hair anywhere except on his head)
This one??
Doesn't look tall and broad enough, and again wrong eye color
THIS ONE???
I've resorted to drawings, bc I just can't find anyone who's remotely close to the description of him!!
How about this one?
First read review:
Gobbled it up immediately. I don't know what it is about this author's writing, but I always can't help finishing her books the minute I get them. The time goes I don't know where. Before I know it, a whole day has passed and my butt is numb from sitting in one position too long reading.
So, that's all a long-winded way of saying I really enjoyed this latest installment of the Pure-Dark series! Pure Rapture is still my favorite in the series thus far, but I really like how Ms. James is weaving so much more into each book. Finally! We get a little more about Dalair and Ryu too, who I felt like we could have dug into further from Book 3. We also get a little into the Creature's head, and at this point, I think "it" has shown redemptive sides of its own. It reminds me of a not-entirely-evil psychopath or sociopath (can never tell the difference between the two). I've always had a weak spot for the weird ones.
As always, I love the Hero of the book. I do feel he's totally redeemable, even though when I told my bf about the story, he said no, "the dude needs to die to be redeemed." I won't give too much else away, but I think Ms. James found the right balance for the love story. Clara, the heroine, is more than meets the eye. I have a feeling we're not done with her, that her journey has just begun. So I'll be interested to see what happens with this couple in future books.
Anyway, I am panting with anticipation for Sophia's story next, though Ms. James says it will only be a novella, not her full book. Still, I'll take what I can get!! Please hurry up and write, dear Ms. James. Forget eating and sleeping and other regular life stuff. That's for mere mortals :)
May 4, 2023
3.5 stars
this was a gem. i could see myself loving this more had i taken the time to invest myself in the series from the very first book. but i just dont have that in me to start a new (long) series and keep up with the characters and their world. im kicking myself in the butt. :(
from what ive read, it was pretty unique and different. what boggles me is the fact that not only were there different types of supernatural creatures (vampires, faes) of various races but there were also scifi/advanced technology modified beings like cyborgs (??).
the plot was legit, like world domination and weapon/serum of mass destruction typa crazy shit and action packed. the characters were also well developed, and some (even) had disorders/disabilities. the writing was brilliant i’d say, and the smut was ~hOt~ and delicious.
i absolutely adored the romance in this book. the characters fell for each other quickly, and the circumstance in which they met also didnt help. but damn it all to hell, you would too if you met Eli. he was an immortal who lived and breathed violence, but there was an aura of pure goodness and innocence about him idk.
he wasnt malicious or wicked. he killed bcs that was how he was programmed - to be used as a pawn for evil purposes. meanwhile, the heroine Clara had a heart of gold, and her adopted daughter Annie was adorable. honestly the three of them together gave me diabetes.
i picked this up bcs of the amnesia trope and stayed for the domestic bliss betweeen Eli, Clara, and Annie. im upset that there wasnt more of it, but that wouldnt be fair for those who’ve followed this series and bonded with all the (side) characters since the beginning.
i should probably not count this as read bcs i skipped all the non-romance part (≈50%) they confused me, understandably. but i think this installment was quite exceptional. blame me for reading it as a standalone. im making up for it by rounding up the rating.
(Note: Originally Read in 2021, but Shelved on the “2018 Reading Challenge”)
this was a gem. i could see myself loving this more had i taken the time to invest myself in the series from the very first book. but i just dont have that in me to start a new (long) series and keep up with the characters and their world. im kicking myself in the butt. :(
from what ive read, it was pretty unique and different. what boggles me is the fact that not only were there different types of supernatural creatures (vampires, faes) of various races but there were also scifi/advanced technology modified beings like cyborgs (??).
the plot was legit, like world domination and weapon/serum of mass destruction typa crazy shit and action packed. the characters were also well developed, and some (even) had disorders/disabilities. the writing was brilliant i’d say, and the smut was ~hOt~ and delicious.
i absolutely adored the romance in this book. the characters fell for each other quickly, and the circumstance in which they met also didnt help. but damn it all to hell, you would too if you met Eli. he was an immortal who lived and breathed violence, but there was an aura of pure goodness and innocence about him idk.
he wasnt malicious or wicked. he killed bcs that was how he was programmed - to be used as a pawn for evil purposes. meanwhile, the heroine Clara had a heart of gold, and her adopted daughter Annie was adorable. honestly the three of them together gave me diabetes.
i picked this up bcs of the amnesia trope and stayed for the domestic bliss betweeen Eli, Clara, and Annie. im upset that there wasnt more of it, but that wouldnt be fair for those who’ve followed this series and bonded with all the (side) characters since the beginning.
i should probably not count this as read bcs i skipped all the non-romance part (≈50%) they confused me, understandably. but i think this installment was quite exceptional. blame me for reading it as a standalone. im making up for it by rounding up the rating.
(Note: Originally Read in 2021, but Shelved on the “2018 Reading Challenge”)
January 25, 2021
"This is who you are—the man I love.”
A shuddering sigh filled his chest as he opened his lips beneath hers, simply breathing her in.
Love me, he invited. Even though I don’t deserve it. Even though I’m afraid to accept it. I can’t stop myself from wanting it with every piece of my blackened soul.
-Eli & Clara
***
WELL,IT HAPPENED AGAIN!!I have fallen and gone to heaven!I don`t know how much more i can take of this much awesomeness!This book had the power to steal my brain and heart,i even knew before i started the read that it would happen...and it did happen without a doubt.I am left wondering whatever i should do with my emotions so i will be pouring my heart out through this review.We saw in the latest book how the ancient Dark Master Enlil of Anatolia cut his heart out to escape the bond from the Mistress,not caring if he died.He wakes up with amnesia and has no idea of where he comes from or what his name is-the only thing he is sure of is that he has been a merciless killer in his past.Fate leads him to the red-haired art teacher Clara Scott and in "Dark Redemption" which is the 6:th instalment in Aja James addictive paranormal "Pure/Dark Ones"-series,Clara`s bright and honest nature tempts him into a joyous and loving future he never in his existence dreamt he would ever deserve.
This book is a rare treasure of sorts,it has all the ingredients i search for in this genre.Dark fantasy,intriguing mystery,magic,awesome action scenes,mindblowing sex and a eternal passionate love between soulmates that makes me cry and my heart bleed.Aja James is a magical writer...whatever she writes and however she writes it:i call it perfection!She knows just where to push your buttons,when to make you sigh and when to make you hot and bothered.She knows everything and i can see how she loves to write in every word written by her.I am so amazed i have no words for it except that this book and series are PURE AWESOMENESS!!!
I absolutely love the heroine in this book!Clara Scott is a orphan who grew up in Little Flower Orphanage and has grown up to be a very dedicated art-teacher.I love her passion for art and how she appreciated and saw the beauty in everything around her.She is a rare creature filled with light and goodness that despite having such a hard uncertain childhood remained a good person filled with love and hope.She even adopts the little Annie who really resembles a younger version of herself.Clara Scott as i have mentioned have a great capacity to love-and the selfless way she invited the homeless Eli into their lives made me admire her much more.She felt the fierce unmistakable connection to Eli who guarded her and she saw how lonely and miserable he was.She knows they want each other and gives him pieces of herself until she falls irrevocably in love with this tortured man.I am glad in the way she took hold of his soul and never let him go.
Eli,Eli,Eli,Eli...MY GHAD HOW THIS MAN BLEW ME AWAY!!!When i first read Dark Desires and met Ryu Takamura`s father who is the so called Master i must admit to having been attracted to this Villain/Anti-hero!I mean..does that make me weird????Feeling hot and bothered over the hero`s father!!!??Even the scene where he killed Ryu`s mother made me fascinated by him.That had never happened to me before and i was like wishing for the life of mine that the Master would have his own book.Ohhh how my wishes fast came true!!
Enlil of Anatolia "Lord Wind" (named Eli by Clara) is a ancient Dark One who got born for the sole purpose of being a lethal relentless shadow warrior meant to take over empires and eliminate the enemies.He has endured a cold existence of violence,death and destruction and have never come close to even feeling happiness.His father abused him in all means necessary and then later sold him to princess Anunit who through their blood bonding used him as a sex slave and killing machine.For centuries he trained himself to exist without her blood and the venom that came with it.Eli is a force to be reckoned with-and a warrior without no equal.He is a Dark One with many gifts and talents.He ozzed danger and sex...but his vulnerability and self-hatred undid me like nothing else.How he even endured his soulless existence is beyond me,because even if he lost the meanings of even feeling empathy..there still was that love-starved soul hidden inside him and meeting Clara finally released his soul.Eli had been lost in a world where he saw no meaning to his existence and he had really craved the oblivion of death.It made me cry with how unlovable and undeserving he felt of Clara`s love for him.But he ate and drank it in,and he never wanted to leave her embrace.She in turn enslaved this mighty shadow warrior.He would have given and done anything for her.Their love was so powerful and beautiful that they neither could separate in death.That`s my friends....that is something powerful.***i am crying right now...what a hopeless romantic i am***
Aggghhhh this book was AWESOME!Everything in it magical and sensual and thrilling!Eli in my opinion is one of the sexiest heroes i have ever stood upon.HE IS EVERYTHING IN ONE PACKAGE!Heartbreakingly beautiful,legendary as a warrior and as a lover he made me LOOSE MY MIND!Eli and Clara are so possessive of each other it made me sigh dreamily.Their craving and need for each other,how they breath their love for each other....so romantic!And...JEEZ AND HEAVEN HOW THOSE SEX-SCENES MADE ME RUNNN TO A COLD SHOWER CUZ THAT WAS SMOOOOKINGGGGG!Steamy and earth-shattering on a whole another level that i have never read before!Need i say more?!I also need to thank Aja James for letting Eli meet someone as wonderful as Clara and give him redemption through the power of love.Clara and Eli together are everything i wish for myself.They are both beautiful souls and together with their little Annie they have become a family filled with warmth and happiness!How they deserve that happiness!
I must say that i loved visiting Ryu Takamura and his mate Ava and their son Kane!Gahhh how cute they are!The Creature are playing with my patience,have no idea how he is going to redeem himself after that scene.What happened with Dalair made me want to shout out with frustration and i am so excited to know what will happen between him and Sophie.I mean..their scenes together have literally burned me since book one!We see some of the torture the Mistress inflicted on Tal-Telal in the past (torture that lasted for millions of years) and it broke my heart to pieces.Aja James is truly the best when it comes to tortured heroes that makes your heart bleed.Both Eli and Tal-Telal are one of a kind heroes to me that i don`t usually meet in this genre of books,but how i am glad that i have and how happy i am that both these legendary warriors have found the happy ending they deserve with the women of their lives!Thank you so much again Aja James,for creating this series that delivers everything i crave when it comes to reading!
A shuddering sigh filled his chest as he opened his lips beneath hers, simply breathing her in.
Love me, he invited. Even though I don’t deserve it. Even though I’m afraid to accept it. I can’t stop myself from wanting it with every piece of my blackened soul.
-Eli & Clara
***
WELL,IT HAPPENED AGAIN!!I have fallen and gone to heaven!I don`t know how much more i can take of this much awesomeness!This book had the power to steal my brain and heart,i even knew before i started the read that it would happen...and it did happen without a doubt.I am left wondering whatever i should do with my emotions so i will be pouring my heart out through this review.We saw in the latest book how the ancient Dark Master Enlil of Anatolia cut his heart out to escape the bond from the Mistress,not caring if he died.He wakes up with amnesia and has no idea of where he comes from or what his name is-the only thing he is sure of is that he has been a merciless killer in his past.Fate leads him to the red-haired art teacher Clara Scott and in "Dark Redemption" which is the 6:th instalment in Aja James addictive paranormal "Pure/Dark Ones"-series,Clara`s bright and honest nature tempts him into a joyous and loving future he never in his existence dreamt he would ever deserve.
This book is a rare treasure of sorts,it has all the ingredients i search for in this genre.Dark fantasy,intriguing mystery,magic,awesome action scenes,mindblowing sex and a eternal passionate love between soulmates that makes me cry and my heart bleed.Aja James is a magical writer...whatever she writes and however she writes it:i call it perfection!She knows just where to push your buttons,when to make you sigh and when to make you hot and bothered.She knows everything and i can see how she loves to write in every word written by her.I am so amazed i have no words for it except that this book and series are PURE AWESOMENESS!!!
I absolutely love the heroine in this book!Clara Scott is a orphan who grew up in Little Flower Orphanage and has grown up to be a very dedicated art-teacher.I love her passion for art and how she appreciated and saw the beauty in everything around her.She is a rare creature filled with light and goodness that despite having such a hard uncertain childhood remained a good person filled with love and hope.She even adopts the little Annie who really resembles a younger version of herself.Clara Scott as i have mentioned have a great capacity to love-and the selfless way she invited the homeless Eli into their lives made me admire her much more.She felt the fierce unmistakable connection to Eli who guarded her and she saw how lonely and miserable he was.She knows they want each other and gives him pieces of herself until she falls irrevocably in love with this tortured man.I am glad in the way she took hold of his soul and never let him go.
Eli,Eli,Eli,Eli...MY GHAD HOW THIS MAN BLEW ME AWAY!!!When i first read Dark Desires and met Ryu Takamura`s father who is the so called Master i must admit to having been attracted to this Villain/Anti-hero!I mean..does that make me weird????Feeling hot and bothered over the hero`s father!!!??Even the scene where he killed Ryu`s mother made me fascinated by him.That had never happened to me before and i was like wishing for the life of mine that the Master would have his own book.Ohhh how my wishes fast came true!!
Enlil of Anatolia "Lord Wind" (named Eli by Clara) is a ancient Dark One who got born for the sole purpose of being a lethal relentless shadow warrior meant to take over empires and eliminate the enemies.He has endured a cold existence of violence,death and destruction and have never come close to even feeling happiness.His father abused him in all means necessary and then later sold him to princess Anunit who through their blood bonding used him as a sex slave and killing machine.For centuries he trained himself to exist without her blood and the venom that came with it.Eli is a force to be reckoned with-and a warrior without no equal.He is a Dark One with many gifts and talents.He ozzed danger and sex...but his vulnerability and self-hatred undid me like nothing else.How he even endured his soulless existence is beyond me,because even if he lost the meanings of even feeling empathy..there still was that love-starved soul hidden inside him and meeting Clara finally released his soul.Eli had been lost in a world where he saw no meaning to his existence and he had really craved the oblivion of death.It made me cry with how unlovable and undeserving he felt of Clara`s love for him.But he ate and drank it in,and he never wanted to leave her embrace.She in turn enslaved this mighty shadow warrior.He would have given and done anything for her.Their love was so powerful and beautiful that they neither could separate in death.That`s my friends....that is something powerful.***i am crying right now...what a hopeless romantic i am***
Aggghhhh this book was AWESOME!Everything in it magical and sensual and thrilling!Eli in my opinion is one of the sexiest heroes i have ever stood upon.HE IS EVERYTHING IN ONE PACKAGE!Heartbreakingly beautiful,legendary as a warrior and as a lover he made me LOOSE MY MIND!Eli and Clara are so possessive of each other it made me sigh dreamily.Their craving and need for each other,how they breath their love for each other....so romantic!And...JEEZ AND HEAVEN HOW THOSE SEX-SCENES MADE ME RUNNN TO A COLD SHOWER CUZ THAT WAS SMOOOOKINGGGGG!Steamy and earth-shattering on a whole another level that i have never read before!Need i say more?!I also need to thank Aja James for letting Eli meet someone as wonderful as Clara and give him redemption through the power of love.Clara and Eli together are everything i wish for myself.They are both beautiful souls and together with their little Annie they have become a family filled with warmth and happiness!How they deserve that happiness!
I must say that i loved visiting Ryu Takamura and his mate Ava and their son Kane!Gahhh how cute they are!The Creature are playing with my patience,have no idea how he is going to redeem himself after that scene.What happened with Dalair made me want to shout out with frustration and i am so excited to know what will happen between him and Sophie.I mean..their scenes together have literally burned me since book one!We see some of the torture the Mistress inflicted on Tal-Telal in the past (torture that lasted for millions of years) and it broke my heart to pieces.Aja James is truly the best when it comes to tortured heroes that makes your heart bleed.Both Eli and Tal-Telal are one of a kind heroes to me that i don`t usually meet in this genre of books,but how i am glad that i have and how happy i am that both these legendary warriors have found the happy ending they deserve with the women of their lives!Thank you so much again Aja James,for creating this series that delivers everything i crave when it comes to reading!
October 15, 2018
4.5 stars
In a nutshell: sizzling vampire steamy goodness with an intricate plot that challenges what you thought you knew!
First of all, these books build on each other, so you should absolutely not read this book if you have not read the books before this one, particularly books 3-5 as they contain the most relevant details, though really you should start with 1 because the world-building the author accomplishes is outstanding, but because it is an intricate one, the reader really needs to have read the previous books in the series for optimal understanding and enjoyment.
This installment of the Pure/Dark series has so many "reveals" --- it's always fun as a reader to unravel pieces of an epic fantasy as it unfolds! The story focuses on "E" (who later adopts "Eli" as his name) and Clara. Eli has no memory of who he is, not even what his name is, but he inexplicably drawn to a woman he encounters named Clara. He begins to follow her wherever she goes, at a discreet distance, but Clara definitely notices the most beautiful man she has ever seen a few paces behind her at every turn. After a few days of playing follow the leader, Clara decides to walk up to her shadow and introduce herself. As she starts to get to know this man who doesn't even know himself, she discovers there is much more to him than either of them could ever have imagined.
What I liked about this book:
--- So much! I really enjoy how the story lines merge, and just when the reader thinks s/he has it all figured out, another curve ball comes along --- one that is entirely plausible (meaning sometimes authors just toss in twists and turns, but they don't really fit the rest of the story/aren't ones that the reader could deduce). James does such an excellent job of pulling things together and tying loose strings that the reader doesn't even realize are danging in the first place --- so many "aha!" and "OMG!" moments!
--- The action sequences are always outstanding!
--- The chemistry between the characters of focus is HOT!
--- There is minimal angst between the 2 main characters, which I appreciate as I am not a fan of repeated miscommunications/complications that seem to crop up for no apparent reason.
What I didn't like as much:
--- The one thing that didn't work for me in this book were some of the euphemisms used in this book during the sex scenes --- it was out of character for James' writing style, so I was a little puzzled by them. They detracted from my usual enjoyment of the steamy goodness.
Overall, the Pure/Dark series is filled with action-packed excitement along with complex world-building, a juicy plot, and even more juicy "let's get it on" sequences with a teaser that leaves the reader anxiously anticipating the next installment --- this book was no exception!
(As a note --- I was provided with an advance copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest review.)
In a nutshell: sizzling vampire steamy goodness with an intricate plot that challenges what you thought you knew!
First of all, these books build on each other, so you should absolutely not read this book if you have not read the books before this one, particularly books 3-5 as they contain the most relevant details, though really you should start with 1 because the world-building the author accomplishes is outstanding, but because it is an intricate one, the reader really needs to have read the previous books in the series for optimal understanding and enjoyment.
This installment of the Pure/Dark series has so many "reveals" --- it's always fun as a reader to unravel pieces of an epic fantasy as it unfolds! The story focuses on "E" (who later adopts "Eli" as his name) and Clara. Eli has no memory of who he is, not even what his name is, but he inexplicably drawn to a woman he encounters named Clara. He begins to follow her wherever she goes, at a discreet distance, but Clara definitely notices the most beautiful man she has ever seen a few paces behind her at every turn. After a few days of playing follow the leader, Clara decides to walk up to her shadow and introduce herself. As she starts to get to know this man who doesn't even know himself, she discovers there is much more to him than either of them could ever have imagined.
What I liked about this book:
--- So much! I really enjoy how the story lines merge, and just when the reader thinks s/he has it all figured out, another curve ball comes along --- one that is entirely plausible (meaning sometimes authors just toss in twists and turns, but they don't really fit the rest of the story/aren't ones that the reader could deduce). James does such an excellent job of pulling things together and tying loose strings that the reader doesn't even realize are danging in the first place --- so many "aha!" and "OMG!" moments!
--- The action sequences are always outstanding!
--- The chemistry between the characters of focus is HOT!
--- There is minimal angst between the 2 main characters, which I appreciate as I am not a fan of repeated miscommunications/complications that seem to crop up for no apparent reason.
What I didn't like as much:
--- The one thing that didn't work for me in this book were some of the euphemisms used in this book during the sex scenes --- it was out of character for James' writing style, so I was a little puzzled by them. They detracted from my usual enjoyment of the steamy goodness.
Overall, the Pure/Dark series is filled with action-packed excitement along with complex world-building, a juicy plot, and even more juicy "let's get it on" sequences with a teaser that leaves the reader anxiously anticipating the next installment --- this book was no exception!
(As a note --- I was provided with an advance copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest review.)
January 27, 2021
“I don’t deserve to feel good,” he rasped so low she barely heard him, but her heart caught his painfully uttered words and seized and twisted in empathy.
“It won’t last,” he whispered. “And now that I have tasted heaven, every moment without you will be hell”.
Dark Redemption had so many Ryu moments and for that Aja James gets 5 stars for this book. JUST KIDDING. No, but seriously, this book deserves five stars with or without Ryu. Just when I start to think that there couldn't possibly be any more twists and turns, I’m proven dead wrong. This series just keeps getting better and better! If you’re looking for a straightforward series with black and white characters, this ain't it.
As always, the main characters were incredibly well-rounded and rich in depth. Clara’s ability to see the beauty in everything made her such a wonderful heroine (granted, she is an artist). I adored her beautiful heart as well as her honesty and ability to fight for those close to her. She has such a heart of gold! At first, I judged her for being attracted to a guy that was basically stalking her, but then I pictured Eli in my head, and immediately revoked my judgement… (Also, she’s not entirely human??? I’m going to be so pumped if Aja James introduces more species into this series!)
Oh Eli... I have a soft spot for men with long hair (Think: Byakuya from Bleach, Sephiroth from Final Fantasy and Sesshōmaru from Inuyasha). I think I wept a little when he donated it… but I mean he did it for a nice reason… Okay, enough with the vanity and shallowness and back to the core of Eli. In the beginning, I was skeptical of his worthiness at redemption, but the flashbacks shot all my skepticisms out the window. My heart broke for his super messed-up childhood and the way he was treated – constantly being used as a pawn to further other people’s evil plans. I hate Anunit! But honestly, wow, Eli’s journey from being a ‘villain’, to an anti-hero and then a hero of sorts, was truly remarkable.
For what? For what did he risk his life in combat, for what did he bleed? So much death and destruction. Endless violence to beget more violence.
All in all, at the heart of Eli and Clara’s journey was an unforgettable story about redemption, second chances and forging one’s own path. Clara and Eli were perfect for each other. I was so enthralled by their blossoming romance and the way they connected with each other. Clara basically gave him the will to live again and made him see that his future didn’t have to be so bleak. I love how Clara knew him before he even knew himself. And oh my gosh… when he modelled for her life drawing class, I was drooling all over my Kindle. How come I didn’t have models like Eli to draw in my art classes…
And I can’t forget to mention Annie! She was so adorable. I’m so ready to throw hands at anyone that wants to hurt her. I thought Gabriel and Benji moments were cute, but Eli and Annie were so cute too! When she braided his hair… it almost gave me diabetes.
I mentioned in my review of the first book that I wasn’t a huge fan of the way the main characters had to share their spotlight with secondary characters, but this book has officially changed my mind. Everyone has been so memorable and now I find myself looking forward to seeing them again. I was also super happy to see Ava and Grace become friends, I thought that was really sweet.
Of course, I can’t forget to mention my darling, Ryu. He’s just so cool and badass! My ovaries exploded seeing Ryu be so protective of his family. And the way he was with Kane?? Fatherhood looks nice on him... Ava is one lucky woman. I’ve never been more jealous of a fictional character in my entire life. Ava, can we please swap places? I’ll admit, for a good chunk of the story, I almost fell for Eli but ultimately, my love for Ryu prevailed. I can’t wait for Eli and Ryu to properly meet again. I’m so excited for the father-son bonding! And omg with Kane, that’s 3 generations of family there! So cool!
I’ve officially run out of adjectives to describe how I feel about this series (but I’m sure any of the sexy tortured heroes in the upcoming books will provide inspiration). Overall, I think Dark Redemption is one of my favorite books in the series. I can’t wait to see what happens next. So many unanswered questions! What has become of Dalair!? What the hell does The Creature want!? Onto the novella, Pure Awakening...
Rating: 5/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2021
Did Aja James write a perfect villain redemption arc or what?!
I was already feeling for Enlil. He had many demons and I liked that he was finally going to confront them. To get a whole story devoted to him actually realizing the amazing male he could be... call it bliss!
All he knew was pain, sacrifice and betrayal. Anatolian males were taught from birth never to care for anything but honing their unrivaled skills as warriors. First his father. Then the first and only person to give him affection (screw you, Anu). After millenia spent alone and lonely, no wonder he felt so empty.
After severing the ties that bond, Enlil awoke with no memory. He was lost and yet he knew things. Things that made him dangerous. However, nothing in his past could have prepared him for Clara Scott. She was like a force of nature. Big-hearted, tender and kind, she was the perfect person to balance him out. He didn’t know what she saw when she stared so intently at him, but he knew what he saw: A beautiful faerie with dark red tresses, brilliant blue eyes, a curious mind, and a passionate heart.
Everything that grew between Enlil and Clara felt like magic. She was an orphan who was adopting an orphan (yes, little orphan Annie got a new mommy) and Enlil was a male with no family, no friends, no memories, and no home. She gave him everything he was missing. Passion. Life. Joy. She was all the best feelings Eli could imagine in one package, simply bursting with it. And he fulfilled her in such wonderful ways.
His beauty was so raw, so elemental and devastating, that it reached physically into her internal organs, deep into her blood and bones, and made the primitively female part of her sit up and growl—mine.
This story made me all sappy and I wish I could see a picturesque reunion scene between father and son. I think that would be the only way to improve on this perfection. Let Enlil and Ryu give each other huge bro hugs and have them mansplain their issues away so that we can all be happy together. Seriously, I can't get enough of this series and with all of the loose ends this book gave me, I have to dive into the next one.
Find my full review HERE
January 26, 2019
I'm so honored for the ARC from the author. Thank you so much. Here's my honest review. Five Incomparable Stars!
The complicated and captivating world of the Pure/Dark Ones Series has kept me enslaved! Enlil of Anatolia/Eli in Dark Redemption was one of a kind hero! The Hero who chose suicide rather than continued to be a weapon of the heartless and soulless Mistress. But he awoke "a nameless man without memory." Destiny led him to Clara, whose inner light and fire attracted and called to him. His journey to redemption was beautifully written. . . soothing, healing, poetic, and then HOT (yes! Eli was super gorgeous!), until the Mistress's web caught him and Clara. Then the non-stop heart-pounding action ruled! The most spectacular scene for me was when Eli gave up his life to save Clara's and his son's! Did he die again? Of course not! You should read the book and find out how Eli ended up staying alive! And to finally have his Happy Ending with Clara and her adopted daughter, Annie!
All the previous five books were super amazing. Each successive book soared higher and higher than the one before. It felt like Aja James has kept challenging herself and continued surpassing her own bar! Dying to read the next book!
The complicated and captivating world of the Pure/Dark Ones Series has kept me enslaved! Enlil of Anatolia/Eli in Dark Redemption was one of a kind hero! The Hero who chose suicide rather than continued to be a weapon of the heartless and soulless Mistress. But he awoke "a nameless man without memory." Destiny led him to Clara, whose inner light and fire attracted and called to him. His journey to redemption was beautifully written. . . soothing, healing, poetic, and then HOT (yes! Eli was super gorgeous!), until the Mistress's web caught him and Clara. Then the non-stop heart-pounding action ruled! The most spectacular scene for me was when Eli gave up his life to save Clara's and his son's! Did he die again? Of course not! You should read the book and find out how Eli ended up staying alive! And to finally have his Happy Ending with Clara and her adopted daughter, Annie!
All the previous five books were super amazing. Each successive book soared higher and higher than the one before. It felt like Aja James has kept challenging herself and continued surpassing her own bar! Dying to read the next book!
November 22, 2020
Dark Redemption is another great installment to the Pure/Dark Ones series, I really enjoyed reading Eli and Clara's love story. It was realistic to a level, though it's a romance novel I didn't mind it's cheesiness. The only issue I have with it is Clara letting Anne a little girl of five close to a man she knows almost nothing about, it's a huge risk.
The book still explored the other characters and how they are doing now. They are still tracking the fight clubs and trying to put an end to it. I love that the author didn't abandon that aspect of the story.
The writing is third person multiple POV, so the love interest and other characters have narrative. The style is fast and easy to comprehend. The world building is good but could still use some improvement.
The characters are fun to read about, I just wish they have more personalities, they seem somewhat one dimensional.
The book still explored the other characters and how they are doing now. They are still tracking the fight clubs and trying to put an end to it. I love that the author didn't abandon that aspect of the story.
The writing is third person multiple POV, so the love interest and other characters have narrative. The style is fast and easy to comprehend. The world building is good but could still use some improvement.
The characters are fun to read about, I just wish they have more personalities, they seem somewhat one dimensional.
November 15, 2020
OMG. Omg omg omg. I'm fangirling so hard right now. There is actual screechy, pre-teen screaming reverberating around my skull.
This book.....! It was everything!
I honestly don't even know how to review it I loved it so much.
Eli was my ultimate favourite kind of romance hero - tortured, sexy, beautiful alpha male who just needs a little love and acceptance to heal. And sex. Lots of sex. GAH. I'm always a sucker for the ultimate badass in a series too, and Eli was basically King Badass. So, of course, I was instantly in love with him. Sorry not sorry.
And Clara was so perfect for him! She was so down to earth and purely loving, and her relationship with Annie made her an even stronger character. No matter what crazy shit life threw at her, she was calm and level-headed always. That's what I call a strong female! She doesn't have to be a sword wielding warrior badass; in my opinion, Clara is the strongest female in this series so far.
My only complaint is this...
*spoiler warning*
*
*
*
*
WHY DID HE HAVE TO CUT HIS HAIR?! Oh my god, I actually yelled, "DON'T DO IT!" at my ebook when I realized what was happening! Even now I'm scarred just thinking of it.
I get why he did it, and it was actually a very sweet gesture, but I have always had this weird obsession with long hair and it CUT me. Pun intended. Muahahaha.
I can't cut my own hair and I'm such a sucker for long hair on men. My hubby's is nearly to his hips and it's GORGEOUS. So this is probably my own, personal issue, but damn. When Eli turned up bald, I was legit devastated!
But, like I do every time I'm forced to get a haircut, I'll just have to keep reminding myself that hair grows back!
And okay, I'll admit, my image of Eli in my head can pull off bald. He's hot enough he could pull off anything.
This book.....! It was everything!
I honestly don't even know how to review it I loved it so much.
Eli was my ultimate favourite kind of romance hero - tortured, sexy, beautiful alpha male who just needs a little love and acceptance to heal. And sex. Lots of sex. GAH. I'm always a sucker for the ultimate badass in a series too, and Eli was basically King Badass. So, of course, I was instantly in love with him. Sorry not sorry.
And Clara was so perfect for him! She was so down to earth and purely loving, and her relationship with Annie made her an even stronger character. No matter what crazy shit life threw at her, she was calm and level-headed always. That's what I call a strong female! She doesn't have to be a sword wielding warrior badass; in my opinion, Clara is the strongest female in this series so far.
My only complaint is this...
*spoiler warning*
*
*
*
*
WHY DID HE HAVE TO CUT HIS HAIR?! Oh my god, I actually yelled, "DON'T DO IT!" at my ebook when I realized what was happening! Even now I'm scarred just thinking of it.
I get why he did it, and it was actually a very sweet gesture, but I have always had this weird obsession with long hair and it CUT me. Pun intended. Muahahaha.
I can't cut my own hair and I'm such a sucker for long hair on men. My hubby's is nearly to his hips and it's GORGEOUS. So this is probably my own, personal issue, but damn. When Eli turned up bald, I was legit devastated!
But, like I do every time I'm forced to get a haircut, I'll just have to keep reminding myself that hair grows back!
And okay, I'll admit, my image of Eli in my head can pull off bald. He's hot enough he could pull off anything.
December 28, 2021
I loved Enlil aka Eli since he first made his appearance in the series. I always felt there was more than meets the eye with him and I’m so glad that he got his happy ending! And I absolutely loved Clara and Annie!! Those two are amazing and are prefect together. I can’t even count how many times Annie had me laughing! This book had me smiling from ear to ear and tearing up through out this whole book! Again I will say there is not enough words for this series!!
*************************************************************
Okay where to begin? Hold on everyone cause this is going to be a review mostly about Eli! 😂
From the beginning of having Eli come into the picture he has been one of my favorites. Yes I know that he was on the side of evil! Yes I know he has done some horrific unspeakable things! But honestly after you read this series can you say it was his fault? The way M uses people around her as her pawns in this evil game she wants to play is astounding! This wonderful man grew up not knowing love, family, and what it feels like to have someone care about you. He put himself on the line by binding himself to M so that she wouldn’t feel alone anymore. Only to have her spit it back in his face. He was used and abused by his own father, sold of to the Queen for mountains of money, and all of that only to have the one person he grew to “love” use and abuse him too! Like come on?!? And we see now why he does everything he does! He tried to see through the bad in someone, tried to stick it out, and was shown she didn’t even care to begin with! How can you not love this guy! I want to take this poor soul and just wrap him up into a never ending hug! Sure we didn’t find his soft spots for some time, but we can see he was trying to break free of the chains that binds him. Eli has a beautiful soul, a pure heart, and deserves nothing but upmost love and care! (But that could just be me cause he is my favorite!) He protects the ones he loves and cares about! Even his son who to this moment still hates him! Can’t really blame the guy, but I’m hoping that are going to fix all that! I really feel like they might do that soon!
Clara is very unique and I love the fact she can see the beauty in everything and everyone. She fierce, loyal, and has a lot of love to give. I love Annie! She is so amazing, and I just picture the faces she makes and it makes me laugh! These two were able to show Eli that you can have someone give you love and care without asking for anything in return. Something he was never use too! And I’m very interested to see what the whole other thing about Annie is.... very intrigued!
This book is heartbreaking and will leave you feeling a whole different way about Enlil. I’ve loved his character since he appeared, and this book sealed the deal with him for me! Love this series and I can’t wait to re-read the next!
Happy reading! 🖤🖤
*************************************************************
Okay where to begin? Hold on everyone cause this is going to be a review mostly about Eli! 😂
From the beginning of having Eli come into the picture he has been one of my favorites. Yes I know that he was on the side of evil! Yes I know he has done some horrific unspeakable things! But honestly after you read this series can you say it was his fault? The way M uses people around her as her pawns in this evil game she wants to play is astounding! This wonderful man grew up not knowing love, family, and what it feels like to have someone care about you. He put himself on the line by binding himself to M so that she wouldn’t feel alone anymore. Only to have her spit it back in his face. He was used and abused by his own father, sold of to the Queen for mountains of money, and all of that only to have the one person he grew to “love” use and abuse him too! Like come on?!? And we see now why he does everything he does! He tried to see through the bad in someone, tried to stick it out, and was shown she didn’t even care to begin with! How can you not love this guy! I want to take this poor soul and just wrap him up into a never ending hug! Sure we didn’t find his soft spots for some time, but we can see he was trying to break free of the chains that binds him. Eli has a beautiful soul, a pure heart, and deserves nothing but upmost love and care! (But that could just be me cause he is my favorite!) He protects the ones he loves and cares about! Even his son who to this moment still hates him! Can’t really blame the guy, but I’m hoping that are going to fix all that! I really feel like they might do that soon!
Clara is very unique and I love the fact she can see the beauty in everything and everyone. She fierce, loyal, and has a lot of love to give. I love Annie! She is so amazing, and I just picture the faces she makes and it makes me laugh! These two were able to show Eli that you can have someone give you love and care without asking for anything in return. Something he was never use too! And I’m very interested to see what the whole other thing about Annie is.... very intrigued!
This book is heartbreaking and will leave you feeling a whole different way about Enlil. I’ve loved his character since he appeared, and this book sealed the deal with him for me! Love this series and I can’t wait to re-read the next!
Happy reading! 🖤🖤
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2025
Purch Amazon December 24, 2018
Dark Redemption by Aja James
Genres; Adult, Fantasy, Mystery, Romance, Suspense
5 Stars and then some.
Well, I have a new all time favorite. While there is tons of mystery & suspense throughout, the love story, romance & passion of Eli & Clara transcends all else. Add Annie, the child that Clara wants to adopt, and you have a masterpiece that surpasses all other masterpieces.
Eli, Clara & Annie stole my heart, made my mind and spirit soar.
There is definitely something very special about both Clara and Annie. Eli (Enlil) is drawn to her like a moth to a flame. Together they literally become an inferno.
Eli, a broken shell. With Clara and Annie by his side he is remade and reborn.
There is so much humor that Clara brings to the pages. She will have you laughing out loud & grinning like an idiot. Her passion for life is contagious. When she feels, she feels with every fiber of her being. By the end she will rip your heart out. You will feel her pain and anguish.
Other characters are woven into this story with the ongoing suspense and mysteries. Ava and Ryu (Eli's son), Grace & Devlin, and numerous others. You will see and hear a lot from 'The Creature'. There are some mysteries answered, clues to others, and new mysteries brought forward as this series weaves its magic.
You are ensnared in its web. The threads are woven tight around your mind, your heart and your very soul.
Read this series at your own risk. I tell you now, from the first story it will start wrapping you up, by the 2nd you start to become addicted, by the 3rd you ARE obsessed.
Every story is unique. Every story pulls you further and further into the Pure/Dark world.
You cannot escape. And just like any addict, you cannot get enough. Every word just makes you want more.
Go ahead and start reading them. Come join me in my OBSESSION!
Dark Redemption by Aja James
Genres; Adult, Fantasy, Mystery, Romance, Suspense
5 Stars and then some.
Well, I have a new all time favorite. While there is tons of mystery & suspense throughout, the love story, romance & passion of Eli & Clara transcends all else. Add Annie, the child that Clara wants to adopt, and you have a masterpiece that surpasses all other masterpieces.
Eli, Clara & Annie stole my heart, made my mind and spirit soar.
There is definitely something very special about both Clara and Annie. Eli (Enlil) is drawn to her like a moth to a flame. Together they literally become an inferno.
Eli, a broken shell. With Clara and Annie by his side he is remade and reborn.
There is so much humor that Clara brings to the pages. She will have you laughing out loud & grinning like an idiot. Her passion for life is contagious. When she feels, she feels with every fiber of her being. By the end she will rip your heart out. You will feel her pain and anguish.
Other characters are woven into this story with the ongoing suspense and mysteries. Ava and Ryu (Eli's son), Grace & Devlin, and numerous others. You will see and hear a lot from 'The Creature'. There are some mysteries answered, clues to others, and new mysteries brought forward as this series weaves its magic.
You are ensnared in its web. The threads are woven tight around your mind, your heart and your very soul.
Read this series at your own risk. I tell you now, from the first story it will start wrapping you up, by the 2nd you start to become addicted, by the 3rd you ARE obsessed.
Every story is unique. Every story pulls you further and further into the Pure/Dark world.
You cannot escape. And just like any addict, you cannot get enough. Every word just makes you want more.
Go ahead and start reading them. Come join me in my OBSESSION!
October 10, 2020
4 'shadow warrior' stars
I didn't expect this story to be so cute. Well, at least parts of the story were super cute and the rest was pretty sad and heartbreaking. But Eli and Clara's love story was perfect. From their first official meeting, when he told her his name, to him posing for her art class. They were so beautiful together. And I don’t blame Clara to be completely in awe about him. I would be to *blushing*
I'm just so sad that he cut his hair. First Tal and now Eli too. I really hope that at least Cloud will keep his long hair.
Anyway, back to Clara and Eli. I wasn't really paying much attention to Enlil before. In book 3 where he first appeared, I was too busy worrying about Tal that I didn't care much about anything else. I only remember that even if he was one of "the bad guys" I never exactly saw him as a villain. Maybe more like an anti-hero who is just waiting to prove himself. I was right, of course, hahaha.
And flashbacks broke my heart again. What that bastard of a father did to him. He deserved what he got. And Anunit... I don't have words for how much I despise her. She truly is one of those villains who everyone wants to see them dead. I just can't quite decide who should get the honor of ending her treacherous life.
And because of all the horrible things that happened to Eli, I was even happier for him to find Clara, who truly loves him unconditionally.
The most adorable thing, well person, in this book, was Annie. She is such a sweet, little girl. I loved how Eli was almost "scarred" of her cuteness. When she was braiding his hair and when she was drawing a picture of them as a family. So beautiful!!
And poor innocent Annie. So young and so many bad things already happened to her. Just a little child who didn't do harm to anyone. And that's why it pissed me off so much what the Creature did. I never exactly liked him but since he also didn't have an easy life I was looking forward to his redemption. Not anymore. I don't care if he is about to save the fucking universe. All I wish for him is to rot in the eternal fires of hell along with Anunit and that Pure bitch. A damned miracle will be needed that I would be able to forgive him. If.
I was waiting forever to use this gif, lol
With the number of enemies growing all the time, I hope that some allies will come to aid. I'm sure there are many creatures that we haven't get a chance to meet yet. For instance, what exactly is Clara? Maybe she has a badass family of fairies somewhere that she doesn't even know about. That would come in handy.
“What is the point of living if there is no pleasure? No joy and laughter? Even if pain and sadness are ever in their company, isn’t it better to feel?”
I didn't expect this story to be so cute. Well, at least parts of the story were super cute and the rest was pretty sad and heartbreaking. But Eli and Clara's love story was perfect. From their first official meeting, when he told her his name, to him posing for her art class. They were so beautiful together. And I don’t blame Clara to be completely in awe about him. I would be to *blushing*
If her tresses, in which she rather prided herself, were “molten gold,” his hip-length mane was a waterfall of obsidian. Yeah, she was that corny. Good thing she was an artist and not a writer.
I'm just so sad that he cut his hair. First Tal and now Eli too. I really hope that at least Cloud will keep his long hair.
Anyway, back to Clara and Eli. I wasn't really paying much attention to Enlil before. In book 3 where he first appeared, I was too busy worrying about Tal that I didn't care much about anything else. I only remember that even if he was one of "the bad guys" I never exactly saw him as a villain. Maybe more like an anti-hero who is just waiting to prove himself. I was right, of course, hahaha.
And flashbacks broke my heart again. What that bastard of a father did to him. He deserved what he got. And Anunit... I don't have words for how much I despise her. She truly is one of those villains who everyone wants to see them dead. I just can't quite decide who should get the honor of ending her treacherous life.
And because of all the horrible things that happened to Eli, I was even happier for him to find Clara, who truly loves him unconditionally.
Love me, he invited. Even though I don’t deserve it. Even though I’m afraid to accept it. I can’t stop myself from wanting it with every piece of my blackened soul.
The most adorable thing, well person, in this book, was Annie. She is such a sweet, little girl. I loved how Eli was almost "scarred" of her cuteness. When she was braiding his hair and when she was drawing a picture of them as a family. So beautiful!!
And poor innocent Annie. So young and so many bad things already happened to her. Just a little child who didn't do harm to anyone. And that's why it pissed me off so much what the Creature did. I never exactly liked him but since he also didn't have an easy life I was looking forward to his redemption. Not anymore. I don't care if he is about to save the fucking universe. All I wish for him is to rot in the eternal fires of hell along with Anunit and that Pure bitch. A damned miracle will be needed that I would be able to forgive him. If.
I was waiting forever to use this gif, lol
With the number of enemies growing all the time, I hope that some allies will come to aid. I'm sure there are many creatures that we haven't get a chance to meet yet. For instance, what exactly is Clara? Maybe she has a badass family of fairies somewhere that she doesn't even know about. That would come in handy.
October 21, 2019
James has done it again! The way she ties the past to the present giving you a clear understanding of her characters is flawless. Do not believe I have ever read a series like hers.
Clara pours love and kindness through the novel. Her connection to Annie and Eli leapt from the pages. The only thing I found a little disconnect for me was how quickly she gave into her attraction to Eli.
Heartbreaking story for Eli. He truly deserves pleasure, happiness, and family. Which he finally finds with Clara and Annie. Also the steps made to correct his mistakes and to make amends to his family was beautiful.
Such a compelling family that I loved watching grow!
Happy reading! DD💕
Clara pours love and kindness through the novel. Her connection to Annie and Eli leapt from the pages. The only thing I found a little disconnect for me was how quickly she gave into her attraction to Eli.
Heartbreaking story for Eli. He truly deserves pleasure, happiness, and family. Which he finally finds with Clara and Annie. Also the steps made to correct his mistakes and to make amends to his family was beautiful.
Such a compelling family that I loved watching grow!
Happy reading! DD💕
February 2, 2021
Slowly, he raised his eyes to hers, the moisture in them foreign and frightening, blurring his vision. What was wrong with him? Was he defective? Was he bleeding? Why did his heart hurt so much? Why couldn’t he breathe?
It was so hard to see Eli’s story, how his existence was meticulously regimented with cruelty to produce the most formidable fighter of his race. Nothing soft, all emotions except one carved out of his heart. Not even pain. Only blind loyalty remained.
No one held him longer than was necessary. Every touch was perfunctory and emotionless. Unless it was with fury or distaste, as the beatings by his father always held.
It’s not just the horrors that he had to endure since young. It wasn’t just how he was abused and used. It wasn’t just how he was never loved in all his existence. It’s that Eli, more so than the others, had the least control of his life.
He didn’t even have a name.
“My father calls me ezeru or dalkhu most often, or whoreson if he’s particularly displeased. My men have called me Enlil, Lord Wind, since I was a boy, because of my unique abilities.” “Curse, demon or whoreson,” the Princess murmured to herself.
Even then, even under the strong influence of his Mate’s poison, all the killing he did was borne out of a misguided act of compassion for the first person to praise and want him. That broke me.
“I have no one.” “You have me,” he told her. “I am here for you, Anunit.”
He simply wanted Anunit to know that she’d never be alone, not even in death.
It shows us that even from the beginning, he had a capacity for love that kept battling the merciless brutality inflicted upon him. His nature vs his nurture. Really, he was a good person trapped in an eternally abusive relationship.
I was happy that Clara could show him that people can show kindness for kindness’ sake.
Why was she doing this? Why would she so willingly help him? “What do you want in return?” She blinked at him as if confused, then took a step closer and put her hand around the wrist of his much larger one that still held her arm imprisoned. “I want you to be well, Eli,” she said sincerely, staring trustingly into his eyes.
I love how Eli’s story turned out, that after thousands of years as the greatest shadow shinobi he finally has agency over his life.
(I wish the same for the Creature!)
There were some really cute moments. When Clara went shopping for the shadow warrior and got him a Minion t-shirt and a polo that said “I’m great in bed (I can sleep for days)”, Anne braiding Eli’s hair, aww.
They stared at each other for long seconds, sizing one another up. The little girl made the first move. She took a hunk of Eli’s hair and began to brush that tiny little leprechaun brush through it again. As if the hair wasn’t attached to a ferocious, serial-killing, blood-sucking male who could eat her whole for breakfast.
It was nice to see Devlin with Ryu, one of the few friendships we get. And to see the brainy power couple Grace and Devlin. And I enjoyed the deeper understanding of Tal-Ishtar-Anunit.
Sophia’s brief captivity felt so long ago, and to know Dalair has been searching for the person who took her the entire time.. Dalair 😭 But oh Dalair, what did they do to you?
The Ryu-Eli connection was what I felt the most for in this book. I felt more for them than the romance between the MCs. This book wasn't a full 5 star read for me because I didn't connect with the MCs unlike the previous books. Clara was just okay, didn’t stand out to me. I know there’s more to come from her, though.
And I didn’t Fall for Eli, thank Goddesses. It was already difficult to feel so much for Valerius and Devlin and Tal, don’t think I could have handled more. 😂😂
May 11, 2020
This was so good! My favorite of the series thus far. It has everything that I love about it.
1. Fascinating MC: Enlil, or Eli as he is now called, is a person who was born in the dark. Never knowing kindness yet loyal and in his own way kind. Even when being controlled he managed to act on his honor. His actions saved Innana, Ryu and Ava even though he still supplied Anu with warriors. After cutting his bond with the evil one he finds himself without memory and with a pull to a human woman.
2. Good love interest: Now I like Clara but that doesn't mean I can't do a bit of nitpicking... She's a nice person with her own past, which I'm all for, and in the process of adopting a damaged little girl. Yet when a stranger seems to be stalking her she just goes with it? She brings him and the possible danger he presents into her house with her CHILD? (Again loved what it does for the story and ooooh boy were those NSFW scenes hot!) The end revelation that she might have something 'other' about her was intriguing. Can't wait to learn more.
3. Seeing characters from the other books:
* Ava and Ryu: Baby! Inlaws! I adore Ryu and love to see him again. Ava was lovely as always.
* Grace and Devlin: Grace and her interactions with Ava was great. More girlbonding I say! And her conversation with Eli...yes very good.
* Dalair!!!: I missed the Paladin and am sobbing for what was done to him. 😭😭😭 Want to murder the Creature for toying with him.
4: The history of Eli/the other side of the story of Ishtar and Tal...plus making me feel really bad for Anu. My fav scene from the history part...the part that is in my eyes the true beginning of the evil one.
"...And m-mother did not refute them!" her voice escalated in desperation and frenzy as she recounted. "Why did she not refute them! Why was I born if this is my Fate?! I am the elder twin! I am the rightful queen! And now I am to be disappeared from the world as if I never existed! Why!"
I can't wait to see what else happens in this series.
1. Fascinating MC: Enlil, or Eli as he is now called, is a person who was born in the dark. Never knowing kindness yet loyal and in his own way kind. Even when being controlled he managed to act on his honor. His actions saved Innana, Ryu and Ava even though he still supplied Anu with warriors. After cutting his bond with the evil one he finds himself without memory and with a pull to a human woman.
2. Good love interest: Now I like Clara but that doesn't mean I can't do a bit of nitpicking... She's a nice person with her own past, which I'm all for, and in the process of adopting a damaged little girl. Yet when a stranger seems to be stalking her she just goes with it? She brings him and the possible danger he presents into her house with her CHILD? (Again loved what it does for the story and ooooh boy were those NSFW scenes hot!) The end revelation that she might have something 'other' about her was intriguing. Can't wait to learn more.
3. Seeing characters from the other books:
* Ava and Ryu: Baby! Inlaws! I adore Ryu and love to see him again. Ava was lovely as always.
* Grace and Devlin: Grace and her interactions with Ava was great. More girlbonding I say! And her conversation with Eli...yes very good.
* Dalair!!!: I missed the Paladin and am sobbing for what was done to him. 😭😭😭 Want to murder the Creature for toying with him.
4: The history of Eli/the other side of the story of Ishtar and Tal...plus making me feel really bad for Anu. My fav scene from the history part...the part that is in my eyes the true beginning of the evil one.
"...And m-mother did not refute them!" her voice escalated in desperation and frenzy as she recounted. "Why did she not refute them! Why was I born if this is my Fate?! I am the elder twin! I am the rightful queen! And now I am to be disappeared from the world as if I never existed! Why!"
I can't wait to see what else happens in this series.
June 27, 2018
ARC provided by the author.
This was so good, Enlil is a dark one and a great warrior with a very interesting past, he is a good soul that doesn't know what love is and is loosing his path.... especially because now he doesn't remember anything about himself.
On the other hand Clara is a human and an artist, she is an orphan and is looking to form a family by adopting a beautiful little girl.
Enlil and Clara meet each other and can't fight the attraction they feel for one another, but they don't know that they are in danger since their enemies (a princess of the dark ones and her followers) are about to attack again... The creature keeps being elusive, it's a mystery.
That been said...Could Enlil have a new beginning and find redemption?? Will Clara find a happy ending with her beloved ones??? Will the evil princess be defeated once and for all???
This is a must read.
This was so good, Enlil is a dark one and a great warrior with a very interesting past, he is a good soul that doesn't know what love is and is loosing his path.... especially because now he doesn't remember anything about himself.
On the other hand Clara is a human and an artist, she is an orphan and is looking to form a family by adopting a beautiful little girl.
Enlil and Clara meet each other and can't fight the attraction they feel for one another, but they don't know that they are in danger since their enemies (a princess of the dark ones and her followers) are about to attack again... The creature keeps being elusive, it's a mystery.
That been said...Could Enlil have a new beginning and find redemption?? Will Clara find a happy ending with her beloved ones??? Will the evil princess be defeated once and for all???
This is a must read.
January 17, 2025
Okay so it took me an embarrassingly long time to complete this book. But it was home life that was keeping me away from this journey with Eli and his redemption...
It's getting harder to gage and rate these books. It's just so much happening all at once with so many characters and so many levels, it dizzying at times. And a bit confusing as well. But ultimately I get what's happening and why and just resign myself to enjoy the ride.
This one gets a 4 from me because I didn't like the ending. It felt sort of rushed and just wasn't everything I had hoped or expected to see.
My faves in this book though are aplenty, especially Eli with the little one and Claire. I loved how he and his son became reacquainted, both times. Sorry, but that first time in the restaurant had me laughing nervously.... I really thought they were going to end up blowing some stuff up🤣
Disappointed that they didn't. I really am😅
But I LOVED the climactic rescue scene and how they worked well together to get Eli's girls to safety.
The IT and ELi's ex are both just getting on my nerves. They are really just turning me off big time.😠😡😤
Hopefully the next one is a 5 and beyond..
Thus far I would still recommend this series to any new comers.
Please PLEASE start at the beginning 😗
It's getting harder to gage and rate these books. It's just so much happening all at once with so many characters and so many levels, it dizzying at times. And a bit confusing as well. But ultimately I get what's happening and why and just resign myself to enjoy the ride.
This one gets a 4 from me because I didn't like the ending. It felt sort of rushed and just wasn't everything I had hoped or expected to see.
My faves in this book though are aplenty, especially Eli with the little one and Claire. I loved how he and his son became reacquainted, both times. Sorry, but that first time in the restaurant had me laughing nervously.... I really thought they were going to end up blowing some stuff up🤣
Disappointed that they didn't. I really am😅
But I LOVED the climactic rescue scene and how they worked well together to get Eli's girls to safety.
The IT and ELi's ex are both just getting on my nerves. They are really just turning me off big time.😠😡😤
Hopefully the next one is a 5 and beyond..
Thus far I would still recommend this series to any new comers.
Please PLEASE start at the beginning 😗
March 31, 2022
DISCLAIMER : This review may contain some spoilers.
STARS :
TROPE : Amnesia
GENTRE : Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
I have been putting off writing this review for so long. I don’t know why, but right after finishing the novel, I jotted down all the relevant points I wanted to talk about but never got around to actually writing it. So, here I am, a few days later (I might not seem so late in the grand scheme of things but believe me, it is LATE for me…) finally penning this review. I am planning to do this one in points because it will make it easier to tackle each one of the aforementioned points but be aware that it may be a little haphazard.
Please note that the MMC who had the name Enlil in prior books, because of amnesia had forgotten his own name. So the heroine calls him Eli from the very beginning and since it was used, like, 99% of the time, I am going to call the guy Eli for the sake of convenience and ease of understanding.
- The novel could have started in a wayyyy better way than it did. Okay, not the exact starting but you get a general idea. I had a big issue with Clara instantly believing and trusting the guy who had been obsessively stalking her means her no harm. And I am definitely gonna rant about that in the following bullets. (Okay, squares but whatever…)
◾ Clara knows the guy has been following her and before they exchange first words, a fissure of desire and excitement runs through her veins. Gathered the guy protected her from men who seemed to have untoward interests towards her on her way to the orphanage in the middle of the night (And that provokes another ranting that how come 4-5 men, all try to harass her on that same day? It felt too coincidental like the author was trying to show how Eli (the MMC) was being so heroine, protecting his heroine.) So continuing on, the man definitely protects her but no matter what, I will not feel any kind of desire in that situation, even if the man is too handsome for words because my mind goes straight to point that ‘it is said that the serial killers often have handsome visages to lure the prey’.
◾ Even if I ignore that first point, there is this teensy tiny issue that Clara has sex with him after the said first encounter and readily offers her blood to him. All this after there had been a sudden sword fight between Eli and the shadow assassins sent by the bad guy. I was like there are still piles of ashes in the bedroom where the said assassins died and you are feeling all hot and bothered when the other guy is barely conscious. Again if it had been like Rain, I would have understood but the full-on passionate scene felt totally out of place, which makes me come to the next bullet point.
◾ After that scene, Clara starts talking about the word ‘LOVE’. Not to him, which would have been a definite disaster but in her own mind like she is falling for him. When all she knows about him is his name i.e. Eli and that he had been stalking her, when they had not even a single proper conversation, from where did that THE Word come from?
◾ I also thought that Clara accepted everything Eli told her without blinking an eye, something that astounded me. No matter how much you believe that anything is possible in this world when confronted with paranormal beings, you always take time to acclimatize. Usually, all blood-sucking creatures are villains and Clara’s initiation into this world is done by a similar being. How was she so cool and calm about it all? I never understood.
- Soon thereafter, Clara again, by chance, encounters Eli and brings him home where she is living with a young girl, Annie she was in the process of adopting. Bringing in an unknown guy to your house where you are alone except for a kid just because you want to care for him? protect him? This was a big reason why I found her a bit irresponsible. Supposedly that guy was bad and has just been playing a part to gain your trust then? Anyways, it was a big issue for me.
- The first two points were the biggest factors preventing me from enjoying this book as I was continuously aware of them. After that less than ‘meh’ beginning, the novel progressed fairly quickly.
- Like the other books, Eli, the MMC in this book too relieves his past in his dreams through which we got to know Eli and his brutal childhood when he is training as a shadow assassin. A prince in his own might, he is basically used as a pawn first by his own father then by Anunit. I cannot say much without revealing the spoilers but boy!! That was a whopper of a past. It was so heart wrenching that I could not stem the flow of tears.
- Also, you all know Eli as the shadow master who acted horribly towards his own son and even tried to kill him because of which I felt it would be quite difficult for Aja to redeem him but she manages to do it fairly well. My only complaint is that all the reasons behind his past acts both good and bad were so quickly explained away that it did not give me enough time to digest it before we moved on to the next part of the story. Though we got almost every explanation needed, it was all crammed into a single chapter which was not enough to satisfy me.
- As a character, Clara was a down to earth, loving and empathetic female. After Eli kinda imprinted on her at first sight and keeps up an incessant chatter about how good she was, how caring she was, I couldn’t keep from rolling my eyes. After that rant at the beginning of this review, I was not much attached to her as a heroine. Yes, she possessed more or less, no negative characteristics but somehow I never was able to connect with her. I always felt her to be a one-dimensional character.
- Coming to the most important side character Annie, I absolutely adored the little girl. The moments Eli spent with her were my favourites. Since I am writing the review a lot later than I should be, I don’t remember the exact scenes but I remember going awww… whenever these two were in the picture. Apart from playing the role of an adorable, mute kid, (if you jog your memory, you must remember meeting her in Grace’s novel when Grace meets Annie for the first time in the orphanage) she also important wrt what the enemies want.
- As for the plot developments, there weren’t many except for one significant one about the missing Pure One Dalair, setting the scene for the upcoming novella. The rest of it mostly revolved around the couple and a few existing ones like fighting arena and heat-seeking vampire-killing bullets carried over from the previous books. Even the scenes that involved the Creature somehow revolved around Eli so we can say that once more, the plot developments were focused on the MCs.
- Now that everyone who has been following the series knows that Eli a.k.a Enlil is Ryu’s father, it is in no way a spoiler. I wanted a lot of angst between Ryu and Eli when they ultimately meet after a parting that had almost left Ryu dead, but this part was done inadequately. I wanted more of it. More apprehension between the father-son duo. Yes, they meet in most dire circumstances when there was always something else pressing going on but when it is written that Ryu realized that maybe Enlil was not bad after all, I was resigned that we’ll not get anything more in that direction.
- Regarding the ending, it was dealt with in a hasty way that has me a bit unsettled. It felt a bit too convenient for me and too rushed for me to properly understand everything that happened.
- Except for the dreadful beginning, the romance part was done fairly well. Eli is close to being my favourite MMC of this series but that position is still held by his son, Ryu. (After all, Ryu is Eli’s son or vice-versa)
- Aja also successfully managed to inject humour into the storyline wherever possible without making things seem too mushy. That scene where Clara somehow managed to coerce Eli into becoming a model for her art class which mostly consisted of ‘lascivious’ grannies and their ‘disgruntled’ husbands was absolutely delightful, so much so, I couldn’t control my giggles.
- As for the amnesia trope prevailing in this instalment, it was not done perfectly because of the way he says things, it doesn't feel like he has lost his memories, especially with those dramatic statements. Okay, to a point the body remembers but the mind does not, which can explain how he knew to do certain things like shadow shifting and fighting unconsciously but those recurring lines about ‘feelings’, ‘make him feel’ made it all null and void.
- As usual, a lot of things were left unexplored and unexplained along with some important developments in the basic plotline.
◾ Clara’s repetitive dreams signified that she is not exactly human and Eli even mentions it once but that's all. I felt that this part was inadequately explored especially when she was the MC but it’s what Aja does, so not much of an issue.
◾ Annie’s voice was another subject left unattended.
◾
◾ From the very first book, I thought the Creature was not so bad, just that he was doing the best he could when under the control of someone evil. It always lay in that morally grey ground but in this book, it firmly shifted under the ‘bad’ side. After what all it did
With all that’s happened, I can’t say I absolutely loved the book but I didn’t hate it either. All those developments about Dalair and the epilogue have me foaming at the mouth to get to the next novella which sheds some light on Sophia and Dalair’s relationship.
So, all in all, I will give this book 3.5 “decent” STARS.
Plot Summary for Personal Book Tracking. BIG SPOILERS AHEAD. Click at your own risk!!
STARS :
TROPE : Amnesia
GENTRE : Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
I wonder which is worse: to die an excruciating death within thirty days like the Pure Ones if you give yourself to the wrong lover, or to live forever in tortured enmity like the Dark Ones who choose the wrong Mate.
I have been putting off writing this review for so long. I don’t know why, but right after finishing the novel, I jotted down all the relevant points I wanted to talk about but never got around to actually writing it. So, here I am, a few days later (I might not seem so late in the grand scheme of things but believe me, it is LATE for me…) finally penning this review. I am planning to do this one in points because it will make it easier to tackle each one of the aforementioned points but be aware that it may be a little haphazard.
Please note that the MMC who had the name Enlil in prior books, because of amnesia had forgotten his own name. So the heroine calls him Eli from the very beginning and since it was used, like, 99% of the time, I am going to call the guy Eli for the sake of convenience and ease of understanding.
- The novel could have started in a wayyyy better way than it did. Okay, not the exact starting but you get a general idea. I had a big issue with Clara instantly believing and trusting the guy who had been obsessively stalking her means her no harm. And I am definitely gonna rant about that in the following bullets. (Okay, squares but whatever…)
◾ Clara knows the guy has been following her and before they exchange first words, a fissure of desire and excitement runs through her veins. Gathered the guy protected her from men who seemed to have untoward interests towards her on her way to the orphanage in the middle of the night (And that provokes another ranting that how come 4-5 men, all try to harass her on that same day? It felt too coincidental like the author was trying to show how Eli (the MMC) was being so heroine, protecting his heroine.) So continuing on, the man definitely protects her but no matter what, I will not feel any kind of desire in that situation, even if the man is too handsome for words because my mind goes straight to point that ‘it is said that the serial killers often have handsome visages to lure the prey’.
◾ Even if I ignore that first point, there is this teensy tiny issue that Clara has sex with him after the said first encounter and readily offers her blood to him. All this after there had been a sudden sword fight between Eli and the shadow assassins sent by the bad guy. I was like there are still piles of ashes in the bedroom where the said assassins died and you are feeling all hot and bothered when the other guy is barely conscious. Again if it had been like Rain, I would have understood but the full-on passionate scene felt totally out of place, which makes me come to the next bullet point.
◾ After that scene, Clara starts talking about the word ‘LOVE’. Not to him, which would have been a definite disaster but in her own mind like she is falling for him. When all she knows about him is his name i.e. Eli and that he had been stalking her, when they had not even a single proper conversation, from where did that THE Word come from?
◾ I also thought that Clara accepted everything Eli told her without blinking an eye, something that astounded me. No matter how much you believe that anything is possible in this world when confronted with paranormal beings, you always take time to acclimatize. Usually, all blood-sucking creatures are villains and Clara’s initiation into this world is done by a similar being. How was she so cool and calm about it all? I never understood.
“You don’t know who or what I am. You should not be so careless with your welfare and that of your charge.”
“How long does it take to know a person?” Clara asked in turn.
“A moment? An eternity? I know enough, Eli. I still want to help you.”
- Soon thereafter, Clara again, by chance, encounters Eli and brings him home where she is living with a young girl, Annie she was in the process of adopting. Bringing in an unknown guy to your house where you are alone except for a kid just because you want to care for him? protect him? This was a big reason why I found her a bit irresponsible. Supposedly that guy was bad and has just been playing a part to gain your trust then? Anyways, it was a big issue for me.
- The first two points were the biggest factors preventing me from enjoying this book as I was continuously aware of them. After that less than ‘meh’ beginning, the novel progressed fairly quickly.
- Like the other books, Eli, the MMC in this book too relieves his past in his dreams through which we got to know Eli and his brutal childhood when he is training as a shadow assassin. A prince in his own might, he is basically used as a pawn first by his own father then by Anunit. I cannot say much without revealing the spoilers but boy!! That was a whopper of a past. It was so heart wrenching that I could not stem the flow of tears.
- Also, you all know Eli as the shadow master who acted horribly towards his own son and even tried to kill him because of which I felt it would be quite difficult for Aja to redeem him but she manages to do it fairly well. My only complaint is that all the reasons behind his past acts both good and bad were so quickly explained away that it did not give me enough time to digest it before we moved on to the next part of the story. Though we got almost every explanation needed, it was all crammed into a single chapter which was not enough to satisfy me.
- As a character, Clara was a down to earth, loving and empathetic female. After Eli kinda imprinted on her at first sight and keeps up an incessant chatter about how good she was, how caring she was, I couldn’t keep from rolling my eyes. After that rant at the beginning of this review, I was not much attached to her as a heroine. Yes, she possessed more or less, no negative characteristics but somehow I never was able to connect with her. I always felt her to be a one-dimensional character.
- Coming to the most important side character Annie, I absolutely adored the little girl. The moments Eli spent with her were my favourites. Since I am writing the review a lot later than I should be, I don’t remember the exact scenes but I remember going awww… whenever these two were in the picture. Apart from playing the role of an adorable, mute kid, (if you jog your memory, you must remember meeting her in Grace’s novel when Grace meets Annie for the first time in the orphanage) she also important wrt what the enemies want.
- As for the plot developments, there weren’t many except for one significant one about the missing Pure One Dalair, setting the scene for the upcoming novella. The rest of it mostly revolved around the couple and a few existing ones like fighting arena and heat-seeking vampire-killing bullets carried over from the previous books. Even the scenes that involved the Creature somehow revolved around Eli so we can say that once more, the plot developments were focused on the MCs.
- Now that everyone who has been following the series knows that Eli a.k.a Enlil is Ryu’s father, it is in no way a spoiler. I wanted a lot of angst between Ryu and Eli when they ultimately meet after a parting that had almost left Ryu dead, but this part was done inadequately. I wanted more of it. More apprehension between the father-son duo. Yes, they meet in most dire circumstances when there was always something else pressing going on but when it is written that Ryu realized that maybe Enlil was not bad after all, I was resigned that we’ll not get anything more in that direction.
- Regarding the ending, it was dealt with in a hasty way that has me a bit unsettled. It felt a bit too convenient for me and too rushed for me to properly understand everything that happened.
- Except for the dreadful beginning, the romance part was done fairly well. Eli is close to being my favourite MMC of this series but that position is still held by his son, Ryu. (After all, Ryu is Eli’s son or vice-versa)
- Aja also successfully managed to inject humour into the storyline wherever possible without making things seem too mushy. That scene where Clara somehow managed to coerce Eli into becoming a model for her art class which mostly consisted of ‘lascivious’ grannies and their ‘disgruntled’ husbands was absolutely delightful, so much so, I couldn’t control my giggles.
Somewhere in the back of his mind, Eli knew he wasn’t a virgin. Others had done this to him before. Used his body for their pleasure. He couldn’t recall whether he’d ever felt anything with those females. Just as he’d long stopped being sensitive to pain, he also lacked the capacity to feel its opposite. But Clara wasn’t doing this for her own pleasure, he somehow knew. She was doing it to give him pleasure. As if giving him pleasure made her feel good vicariously. As if she cared what he felt. Cared about him.
- As for the amnesia trope prevailing in this instalment, it was not done perfectly because of the way he says things, it doesn't feel like he has lost his memories, especially with those dramatic statements. Okay, to a point the body remembers but the mind does not, which can explain how he knew to do certain things like shadow shifting and fighting unconsciously but those recurring lines about ‘feelings’, ‘make him feel’ made it all null and void.
- As usual, a lot of things were left unexplored and unexplained along with some important developments in the basic plotline.
◾ Clara’s repetitive dreams signified that she is not exactly human and Eli even mentions it once but that's all. I felt that this part was inadequately explored especially when she was the MC but it’s what Aja does, so not much of an issue.
◾ Annie’s voice was another subject left unattended.
◾
◾ From the very first book, I thought the Creature was not so bad, just that he was doing the best he could when under the control of someone evil. It always lay in that morally grey ground but in this book, it firmly shifted under the ‘bad’ side. After what all it did
With all that’s happened, I can’t say I absolutely loved the book but I didn’t hate it either. All those developments about Dalair and the epilogue have me foaming at the mouth to get to the next novella which sheds some light on Sophia and Dalair’s relationship.
So, all in all, I will give this book 3.5 “decent” STARS.
Plot Summary for Personal Book Tracking. BIG SPOILERS AHEAD. Click at your own risk!!
February 3, 2019
Clara and Eli
Enlil of Anatolia, Lord Wind, has ever been used as a weapon by others -- his father and Princess Anunit -- in his life. He has never been his own person. One evening, he decides to sever the ties by cutting out the blood tie to Anunit. His act will either result in suicide or insanity. Enlil wakes up not knowing his name or his past.
Clara Scott is an artist and instructor. One day while visiting the Little Flower Orphanage, she meets Annabelle May Parker, a lost little girl. Annabelle, or Annie, is one of the Long Island Parkers, "whose family fortune is worth over a billion dollars in assets. . . . Almost everything the Parkers owned was tied to their cutting-edge robotics and technology corporation, Me2." The corporation was taken over by a conglomerate in a hostile take-over bid.
Annie has not spoken since witnessing the death of her parents. Clara has always wanted a family and plans on adopting Annie. They communicate through Annie's art and body language. One evening, Clara fills in for one of the resident supervisors at the orphanage. During the night Annie crawls in bed with Clara. From the shadows three men take shape. A fourth man, Clara's stalker -- Eli, materializes in the bedroom. A fight starts and ends with three piles of ash. Eli is injured during the fight. He asks for a safe place to heal. He asks for blood. Clara accepts all which has occurred "by concentrating on what she can do, instead of what she can't." She gives Eli her blood.
Sergei Antonov, a Russian mob boss, "seems to be focusing on illegal arms trade between the Russians, the Chinese, and, of course, the Americans," instead of advancing the fight clubs. Jade Cicada, the Dark Ones' Queen, assigns Anastasia Zima, head of security, to investigate whether the new illegal weapons are prototypes or real. Anastasia meets up with Dalair, the Pure Ones' Paladin, and he spies on Antonov's day-time meeting.
Will Clara have her little family? Will Eli find the connection he's searching for? Can Anastasia and Dalair stop the arms deal before Dark Ones' are killed?
Eli and Clara's story is touching and moving. Enlil's past is heart-rendering, but it's Eli's struggle to remember his past while living in the present that captures the heart. Clara's love is unconditional and flows around and in the lives she touches. She is a strong woman who takes the bull by the horns when it comes to confrontations. She doesn't hesitate to ask the tough questions. Annie is a captivating little girl with an attitude. I look forward to seeing more of her in future books. The plot is wrapped up while several subplots are left open for future stories. There is so much going on in this book I know it will require a second reading to catch it all. The ending is something else. The world building is awesome and the descriptions are captivating. I recommend this series be read in order. I'm off to the next book.
Enlil of Anatolia, Lord Wind, has ever been used as a weapon by others -- his father and Princess Anunit -- in his life. He has never been his own person. One evening, he decides to sever the ties by cutting out the blood tie to Anunit. His act will either result in suicide or insanity. Enlil wakes up not knowing his name or his past.
Clara Scott is an artist and instructor. One day while visiting the Little Flower Orphanage, she meets Annabelle May Parker, a lost little girl. Annabelle, or Annie, is one of the Long Island Parkers, "whose family fortune is worth over a billion dollars in assets. . . . Almost everything the Parkers owned was tied to their cutting-edge robotics and technology corporation, Me2." The corporation was taken over by a conglomerate in a hostile take-over bid.
Annie has not spoken since witnessing the death of her parents. Clara has always wanted a family and plans on adopting Annie. They communicate through Annie's art and body language. One evening, Clara fills in for one of the resident supervisors at the orphanage. During the night Annie crawls in bed with Clara. From the shadows three men take shape. A fourth man, Clara's stalker -- Eli, materializes in the bedroom. A fight starts and ends with three piles of ash. Eli is injured during the fight. He asks for a safe place to heal. He asks for blood. Clara accepts all which has occurred "by concentrating on what she can do, instead of what she can't." She gives Eli her blood.
Sergei Antonov, a Russian mob boss, "seems to be focusing on illegal arms trade between the Russians, the Chinese, and, of course, the Americans," instead of advancing the fight clubs. Jade Cicada, the Dark Ones' Queen, assigns Anastasia Zima, head of security, to investigate whether the new illegal weapons are prototypes or real. Anastasia meets up with Dalair, the Pure Ones' Paladin, and he spies on Antonov's day-time meeting.
Will Clara have her little family? Will Eli find the connection he's searching for? Can Anastasia and Dalair stop the arms deal before Dark Ones' are killed?
Eli and Clara's story is touching and moving. Enlil's past is heart-rendering, but it's Eli's struggle to remember his past while living in the present that captures the heart. Clara's love is unconditional and flows around and in the lives she touches. She is a strong woman who takes the bull by the horns when it comes to confrontations. She doesn't hesitate to ask the tough questions. Annie is a captivating little girl with an attitude. I look forward to seeing more of her in future books. The plot is wrapped up while several subplots are left open for future stories. There is so much going on in this book I know it will require a second reading to catch it all. The ending is something else. The world building is awesome and the descriptions are captivating. I recommend this series be read in order. I'm off to the next book.
July 19, 2018
WHOOPDEEDO
Let me make up your mind by telling you that “Dark Redemption” started in great style.
Don’t get me wrong. Yap, I know A.J’s books are always better than amazing. But this time, my friend, the prologue was Super Hyper Ultra Cool! Just a little bit different from the others but certainly much more hot and sexy. So be prepared: open your mind and heart and hold on your paints…cause ‘Dark badass ninja’ literally eats the red and sassy 'tinker-bell' after saving her and her little pupil…
I FUCKING LOVE IT!!!
After Ryu & Ava, this is my favorite couple. EVER!
The tense interaction between the mainly characters is passionate, dangerous but also funny and touching.
Lord Wind - a dark, expressionless and insensitive soul, after losing his memory has to learn how to deal with a 'hurricane of emotions' namely Clara. She is a smart, full of life and loving soul. Her light shines and blurs Enil’s world. And despite their insecurities -stemming from their past life, together - their fantastic personalities blow up the Cosmos.
Besides, there is this child… Annie - whose presence, as far as Benji in "Dark Longing," helps and fills the story with more sweetness and suspense too.
So don’t waste your time: Read it!!!(all of them – start with Pure Healing for best understanding, although it is not necessary)
It is an intelligent, coherent, dynamic and well-written plot. You will not be disappointed because even though the central couple finds their HEA at the end of the book, new events involving the other characters in this paranormal universe Pure One/ Dark One have come up to instigate your imagination.
I can’t put this one down…like the others… kkkk Certainly, you won’t too.
TOODALOO!!!
June 30, 2018
NNNNOOOOOOO!!!!!
What is happening!!!!!! At 78%
I will be devouring 6.5 to see what the heck will happen there!!!!!
The main couple Clara and Eli are fantastic, this book did not wrap up neatly like the previous books do.... This installment leaves a load of unanswered questions between the couple, and the storyline in General its a huge crescendo but brilliantly done.
Eli wakes up unsure of who he is and is taken in by Annie and Clara who heap love on him in bucketfuls, after such a solitary existence it rocks him to his core, all while Creature the Mistress give a epic hit to the good side with heartbreaking consequences!!!!
Cant wait to see how Aja may bring new allies and villains to the forefront, Another big 5 star!!!!
What is happening!!!!!! At 78%
I will be devouring 6.5 to see what the heck will happen there!!!!!
The main couple Clara and Eli are fantastic, this book did not wrap up neatly like the previous books do.... This installment leaves a load of unanswered questions between the couple, and the storyline in General its a huge crescendo but brilliantly done.
Eli wakes up unsure of who he is and is taken in by Annie and Clara who heap love on him in bucketfuls, after such a solitary existence it rocks him to his core, all while Creature the Mistress give a epic hit to the good side with heartbreaking consequences!!!!
Cant wait to see how Aja may bring new allies and villains to the forefront, Another big 5 star!!!!
January 26, 2019
‘The Gift of the Maji’ updated for the 21st Century, done r i g h t.
The secret...taking what on paper looks like a Stalker H crossed with a slightly slutty TSTL h (fucks him on their first non-date-date) and a mute Curly-Sue is transformed by James into a tale of redemption, a mother’s love, and We Are Family goodness that clearly is this authors talent. The ongoing unveiling of key storylines expanding this fantasy world add depth and continued excitement for the next release...and the next...and the next...the h and her ‘daughter’ just have to be related somehow...doesn’t The Creature, a tad bit deliciously devious in this tale, seem almost BORED as much as lonely...and come on now with that ending .
You know James has reached Da Bomb level, when you are a bit disappointed that while you wait for her next full novel release you have to settle for the newest BDB spin-off .
The secret...taking what on paper looks like a Stalker H crossed with a slightly slutty TSTL h (fucks him on their first non-date-date) and a mute Curly-Sue is transformed by James into a tale of redemption, a mother’s love, and We Are Family goodness that clearly is this authors talent. The ongoing unveiling of key storylines expanding this fantasy world add depth and continued excitement for the next release...and the next...and the next...the h and her ‘daughter’ just have to be related somehow...doesn’t The Creature, a tad bit deliciously devious in this tale, seem almost BORED as much as lonely...and come on now with that ending .
You know James has reached Da Bomb level, when you are a bit disappointed that while you wait for her next full novel release you have to settle for the newest BDB spin-off .
Read
November 4, 2018Aja done it again, she kept you coming back for more. Eli became the best, hated by his father because he was better then his sire and used by his mate who had no feeling for him. Eli didn't know what feeling was until he found Clare who cared for him and gave him compassion and taught how to love. This great book but please read the book in order you will get to know the characters and it give you a peek into her next book.
April 8, 2020
Another great book in a great series!
So well written,so full of emotions. To see the other side of the MC's life is heartbreaking and his re-making SO heartwarming. Such amazing character development in these books, finding love and being loved in return the greatest gift woven into every sentence.
So well written,so full of emotions. To see the other side of the MC's life is heartbreaking and his re-making SO heartwarming. Such amazing character development in these books, finding love and being loved in return the greatest gift woven into every sentence.
December 16, 2020
I needed this book
OMGGGG he is so hotttt
I love how it gave Enlil a second chance to be good and it explained his background. It was so heart breaking I started to understand him better. I didn't think it could get better than Tal but it surprisingly did. This book kept me on the edge my seat, i'm honestly surprised it took me this long finish it.
Clara was such a sweetheart, she saw the good in him and focused on it.
I love that Enlil was finally loved for who he is and had his real family.
OMGGGG he is so hotttt
I love how it gave Enlil a second chance to be good and it explained his background. It was so heart breaking I started to understand him better. I didn't think it could get better than Tal but it surprisingly did. This book kept me on the edge my seat, i'm honestly surprised it took me this long finish it.
Clara was such a sweetheart, she saw the good in him and focused on it.
I love that Enlil was finally loved for who he is and had his real family.
September 16, 2021
Enjoyed this one, 🔥hero tortured by his past 🎨heroine, next one please.
June 23, 2021
Blah, I believe this was my least favorite book, besides the first one that is. I loved all the characters here, but I couldn't get over the fact that she fell in love with her staker in a metter of hours, her STALKER. The bloodsucking, serial killer, without a memory, dangerous stalker. And she accepts everything without even blinking. I mean, and she had a young charge to take care and think of. It made no sense to me all the trust and acceptance so easily. In my mind you need time to develop some things.
The insta-love plus memory loss was too cheesy a trope for me to swallow. The mixture of the two of them made it so lackluster.
I enjoyed seeing the hero's side of the villain story, and oh boy, if it was possible to hate the villain even more, sign me in. How much suffering the hero took, in his own way he was as enslaved and as a prisoner as Tal was, the only difference being that he doesn't have physical scars to prove it.
The end felt extremely rushed and even after finishing the book, I still have no idea what happened. Does Clara and Annie have some sort of gift? What happened when Annie used her voice? Why? I have no clue what happened and I am disappointed about it. I know the hero said a possible explanation, but it was just thrown out there and puff, the end. It felt very unsatisfactory.
The best part of this book was the meeting between Ava and Grace. It was simply superb!
3.5 stars.
The insta-love plus memory loss was too cheesy a trope for me to swallow. The mixture of the two of them made it so lackluster.
I enjoyed seeing the hero's side of the villain story, and oh boy, if it was possible to hate the villain even more, sign me in. How much suffering the hero took, in his own way he was as enslaved and as a prisoner as Tal was, the only difference being that he doesn't have physical scars to prove it.
The end felt extremely rushed and even after finishing the book, I still have no idea what happened. Does Clara and Annie have some sort of gift? What happened when Annie used her voice? Why? I have no clue what happened and I am disappointed about it. I know the hero said a possible explanation, but it was just thrown out there and puff, the end. It felt very unsatisfactory.
The best part of this book was the meeting between Ava and Grace. It was simply superb!
3.5 stars.
May 4, 2022
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
First Impressions
Dark Redemption was such an interesting book that really held my attention and I was immediately drawn to it. This author is always so fun to read because she just pulls you immediately iinto a book and it’s the type of engagement that you know you are in for a wild ride. I have found that Aja James is such a dependable author that I can rely on her writing style to really work for me. When I picked up Dark Redemption, I was pretty amazed by the level of world-building that this author creates that can be so addicting from the first few pages. I will say I didn’t even know what this book was about, I literally just jumped right into it and as always this author knows how to write a story that has such a compelling feel to it and I have read her enough so far to know that I can trust her to write a brilliant romance and she definitely worked wonders with this book and even though it wasn’t my favorite of the series, I still had a wild fun time with it.
Summary
The major points of the story are that our characters Enlil and Clara meet on a public bus transport. Enlil has lived for centuries and is a dark one, but also has just lost all of his memories. He knows that he has a past, has lived for a long time, and is a danger to humans but he doesn’t remember where he came from or who he is. And then there is Clara, who is an art teacher and getting ready to adopt a little girl who has held her heart. When she meets Enlil, she is instantly attracted and the chemistry between them could burn your clothes off. But she also knows that he can be dangerous but at the same time there is a level of trust that she has with Enlil that doesn’t make sense, but she knows that he would never hurt her. As Enlil and Clara begin to explore what they have together in their relationship and building a family together, there is also dangers ahead as there is someone that seeks to destroy what they have built as a family and tear them apart….
What I Loved
There were so many aspects to this story that I dearly loved. I really had a great time with the chemistry and its off the charts in this one here. I was actually so shocked by it, because it happened so quickly. This definitely had a instant love feel to the story so if that isn’t your cup of tea, just be mindful of that. I also really enjoyed the child aspect to the story. There is such a sense of love and found family in this book and seeing these three form a unit together was so endearing and precious. You see how they each are so lonely and in need of family in their lives and seeing them bond and connect was so satisfying. I also wanted so much from the romance and even though it wasn’t a perfect story, I was also really drawn into what we see build in this one. I was intrigued to see where our characters would go and what would be ahead for them. We also get flashbacks which aren’t really my favorite thing especially when they are back and forth all the time but to be honest, it wasn’t horrible in this one. But I will say that they need to be read in this book, its essential for the hero and to understand him more and when I realized whom he was connected to I was in shock because I literally never saw it coming and he is connected to one of my favorite characters in the series so that was so a unique twist where the author really shocked me (but it was a happy shock). It was such a treat to get some side action with other couples that were featured here and I am really intrigued to see where the author takes the series next.
What I Struggled With
There were a few things that I had some issues with and while I enjoyed the book as a whole, it had its flaws. The first being this was very insta love. While I love this trope, I do feel like it was a bit too rushed when it came to the romance and I really felt like this book could have used much more in length. Because I really just wanted more of this couple, and because the book is shorter as its only 250 pages, so it just felt like the story could have used more focus on the relationship.
Overall View
I found Dark Redemption to be a thrilling novel that took my breath away. It’s a novel of connection, redemption, and desire. Its emotional landscape will keep you thrusting for more and eager to read onto the next one in the series.
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
His beauty was so raw, so elemental and devastating, that it reached physically into her internal organs, deep into her blood and bones, and made the primitively female part of her sit up and growl—mine.
First Impressions
Dark Redemption was such an interesting book that really held my attention and I was immediately drawn to it. This author is always so fun to read because she just pulls you immediately iinto a book and it’s the type of engagement that you know you are in for a wild ride. I have found that Aja James is such a dependable author that I can rely on her writing style to really work for me. When I picked up Dark Redemption, I was pretty amazed by the level of world-building that this author creates that can be so addicting from the first few pages. I will say I didn’t even know what this book was about, I literally just jumped right into it and as always this author knows how to write a story that has such a compelling feel to it and I have read her enough so far to know that I can trust her to write a brilliant romance and she definitely worked wonders with this book and even though it wasn’t my favorite of the series, I still had a wild fun time with it.
Summary
The major points of the story are that our characters Enlil and Clara meet on a public bus transport. Enlil has lived for centuries and is a dark one, but also has just lost all of his memories. He knows that he has a past, has lived for a long time, and is a danger to humans but he doesn’t remember where he came from or who he is. And then there is Clara, who is an art teacher and getting ready to adopt a little girl who has held her heart. When she meets Enlil, she is instantly attracted and the chemistry between them could burn your clothes off. But she also knows that he can be dangerous but at the same time there is a level of trust that she has with Enlil that doesn’t make sense, but she knows that he would never hurt her. As Enlil and Clara begin to explore what they have together in their relationship and building a family together, there is also dangers ahead as there is someone that seeks to destroy what they have built as a family and tear them apart….
His physical shell was the most beautiful thing she’d ever seen, but his soul was even brighter. If only it could be set free.
What I Loved
There were so many aspects to this story that I dearly loved. I really had a great time with the chemistry and its off the charts in this one here. I was actually so shocked by it, because it happened so quickly. This definitely had a instant love feel to the story so if that isn’t your cup of tea, just be mindful of that. I also really enjoyed the child aspect to the story. There is such a sense of love and found family in this book and seeing these three form a unit together was so endearing and precious. You see how they each are so lonely and in need of family in their lives and seeing them bond and connect was so satisfying. I also wanted so much from the romance and even though it wasn’t a perfect story, I was also really drawn into what we see build in this one. I was intrigued to see where our characters would go and what would be ahead for them. We also get flashbacks which aren’t really my favorite thing especially when they are back and forth all the time but to be honest, it wasn’t horrible in this one. But I will say that they need to be read in this book, its essential for the hero and to understand him more and when I realized whom he was connected to I was in shock because I literally never saw it coming and he is connected to one of my favorite characters in the series so that was so a unique twist where the author really shocked me (but it was a happy shock). It was such a treat to get some side action with other couples that were featured here and I am really intrigued to see where the author takes the series next.
What I Struggled With
There were a few things that I had some issues with and while I enjoyed the book as a whole, it had its flaws. The first being this was very insta love. While I love this trope, I do feel like it was a bit too rushed when it came to the romance and I really felt like this book could have used much more in length. Because I really just wanted more of this couple, and because the book is shorter as its only 250 pages, so it just felt like the story could have used more focus on the relationship.
Overall View
I found Dark Redemption to be a thrilling novel that took my breath away. It’s a novel of connection, redemption, and desire. Its emotional landscape will keep you thrusting for more and eager to read onto the next one in the series.
What is the point of living if there is no pleasure? No joy and laughter? Even if pain and sadness are ever in their company, isn’t it better to feel?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews