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Nephilim's Destiny #1
Destined Darkness
They’ll do anything to protect her... as long as they never learn her secret.
I’m Officer Essie Shaw, and I shouldn’t exist. If anyone finds out their friendly neighborhood beat cop is a nephilim — public enemy number one — I’ll be imprisoned. Or worse, dissected. I survive by keeping my head down and my barely-there magic under wraps.
But when I lose a fight with a strange, smoke-like wraith, I’m confronted with my worst nightmare. A Joined Parliament Team of Agents — supernatural monster hunters who’d arrest me in a heartbeat if they knew the truth — a no-nonsense angel whose mere gaze captures my soul, a vampire with a breathtaking bite, an incubus with enticing hellfire in his eyes, and, worst of all, my smoldering-hot ex-partner, turned werewolf thanks to my rookie mistake.
This wraith has been picking off veterans of the recently won war against the archangel Michael, and the bodies are piling up. My unwanted connection to it, along with the team’s skills, could be the key to trapping it in magical stasis. Question is, am I strong enough to serve as bait, while keeping the secret that could brand me their enemy?
Destined Darkness is the first book in the Nephilim’s Destiny series, an action-packed full-length paranormal romance with four irresistible guys and a kick-ass heroine who doesn’t have to choose.
I’m Officer Essie Shaw, and I shouldn’t exist. If anyone finds out their friendly neighborhood beat cop is a nephilim — public enemy number one — I’ll be imprisoned. Or worse, dissected. I survive by keeping my head down and my barely-there magic under wraps.
But when I lose a fight with a strange, smoke-like wraith, I’m confronted with my worst nightmare. A Joined Parliament Team of Agents — supernatural monster hunters who’d arrest me in a heartbeat if they knew the truth — a no-nonsense angel whose mere gaze captures my soul, a vampire with a breathtaking bite, an incubus with enticing hellfire in his eyes, and, worst of all, my smoldering-hot ex-partner, turned werewolf thanks to my rookie mistake.
This wraith has been picking off veterans of the recently won war against the archangel Michael, and the bodies are piling up. My unwanted connection to it, along with the team’s skills, could be the key to trapping it in magical stasis. Question is, am I strong enough to serve as bait, while keeping the secret that could brand me their enemy?
Destined Darkness is the first book in the Nephilim’s Destiny series, an action-packed full-length paranormal romance with four irresistible guys and a kick-ass heroine who doesn’t have to choose.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 25, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
January 27, 2019
Eh, this wasn't so bad. I have certainly read worse. I liked that the heroine is not lusting over all the guy yet( she kind of is, but not crazy crazy lust) so that's good. Everything is nice and neatly explained.
The heroine doesn't seem able to make her own decisions though, she is always steered into the decision she makes. Also, a little selfishness on her part would be nice. She's known these guys for a couple of days/weeks and she's already self sacrificing. Please. No one is like that. I'm not going to try to kill myself to save you when I don't even know you. Nope.
As another reader also said the plot sort of reminds me of Debbie Cassidy's RH books. Nonetheless I am curious to see how she acts in book two, after seeing a friend's update I know she's still going to be a pushover but hopefully she doesn't irritate the hell out of me.
The heroine doesn't seem able to make her own decisions though, she is always steered into the decision she makes. Also, a little selfishness on her part would be nice. She's known these guys for a couple of days/weeks and she's already self sacrificing. Please. No one is like that. I'm not going to try to kill myself to save you when I don't even know you. Nope.
As another reader also said the plot sort of reminds me of Debbie Cassidy's RH books. Nonetheless I am curious to see how she acts in book two, after seeing a friend's update I know she's still going to be a pushover but hopefully she doesn't irritate the hell out of me.
January 16, 2019
This book was pretty good however the author was just a little long winded and the heroine kinda got on my nerves with her indecisiveness... But that's not going to stop me from reading the next installment of this series...
April 7, 2019
Alright Cam I’m putting down an amazing part of book 2 just to review this. Mainly because Abi needs some praise for bringing this to my attention and I’m really glad she did! This is why we need good friends in the RH genre, recommendations are the best!
First this series is finished so I’m able to go straight into the next one which is a great feeling. I can tell this is going to be a binge session
Why have I giving this 4 stars when I’m about to burst with excitement to get back to book 2 instead of writing this review? Got no clue. I might actually change this to 5 but I think it’s going to get better so I’m kind of holding my 5 out for that.
Essie is the Nephilim on the cover. She a cop in a world where supes are not hiding but tend to stay to their own kind. A war with angels and Nephilim have left them as the new boogy man and Essie is hiding from angels for fear of being discovered.
The action begins in the first chapter and doesn’t let up. Que entry of supernatural investigation team on the case of something Essie has got caught up in .
And this is why I love this so much. Multiple types of supes. It’s got all my favourite things
One incubus, one angel, one vampire and one second change romance. Angel bonds, Vampire Thralls..*eyes light up*
Essie is pretending to be human but she’s not some super powerful angel in hiding just waiting for the end to show her powers.Nope. She’s a half breed and only has a little extra juice, she doesn’t really kick ass and is a magnet for trouble. She spends most of her time hot and cold from her emphatic gift and in pain from injury’s. It’s the kind of book where you wonder how she’s still standing most of the time and not passed out.
When do they find time to eat? When was the last time anyone slept? You know in a Bloodhunter kinda way - but you can follow what’s happening here. She just keeps rolling with the punches and they don’t stop
It’s slow burn but not no burn, it’s got everything you’d want in a UF and loads of incentives to keep reading. Which I'm going do now
Toodles
apologies for spelling and grammar mistakes- ain't got the time ya know?
February 10, 2020
So I actually don’t remember much of the first half of this book.
I started it and then left it to read another book.
I came back with a renewed freshness and I liked it.
Yes, I liked it. Even if I don’t remember half of it very much.
The characters:
Essie: she really just wants to be regular. But oh no honey, you were written into the plot of an RH novel so your life won’t be regular.
Gideon: lol I kinda feel sorry for him. The love of his life dies, and then he finds out the chick he’s been so formally calling *insert stuffy nose* Officer Shaw is his mate. Ok maybe I’m laughing.
Marcus: why the wolves always gotta be so overprotective. It’s 2020 Marcus, you should know better.
Jacob: TEAM JACOB.
Kol: TEAM KOL.
And I’m down for a Kol and Jacob collab if you get what I’m saying, more than I am down for a Kol and Marcus collab. Just throwing that out into the universe.
The plot:
So public enemy #1 ENDS (dies) sooo that begs the question of what’s next?
The second half definitely picks up pace in the way it needed to so bravo.
I’m now interested in book 2.
I started it and then left it to read another book.
I came back with a renewed freshness and I liked it.
Yes, I liked it. Even if I don’t remember half of it very much.
The characters:
Essie: she really just wants to be regular. But oh no honey, you were written into the plot of an RH novel so your life won’t be regular.
Gideon: lol I kinda feel sorry for him. The love of his life dies, and then he finds out the chick he’s been so formally calling *insert stuffy nose* Officer Shaw is his mate. Ok maybe I’m laughing.
Marcus: why the wolves always gotta be so overprotective. It’s 2020 Marcus, you should know better.
Jacob: TEAM JACOB.
Kol: TEAM KOL.
And I’m down for a Kol and Jacob collab if you get what I’m saying, more than I am down for a Kol and Marcus collab. Just throwing that out into the universe.
The plot:
So public enemy #1 ENDS (dies) sooo that begs the question of what’s next?
The second half definitely picks up pace in the way it needed to so bravo.
I’m now interested in book 2.
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January 22, 2019
ONE LINE REVIEW
Very slow-burn (right now she's only attracted to one of the four men) reverse-harem with intensely self-sacrificing heroine, whom I'd prefer to see more anger from; the plot set-up is reminiscent of Debbie Cassidy's RH books.
[Blog] - [Bookstagram]
Very slow-burn (right now she's only attracted to one of the four men) reverse-harem with intensely self-sacrificing heroine, whom I'd prefer to see more anger from; the plot set-up is reminiscent of Debbie Cassidy's RH books.
[Blog] - [Bookstagram]
June 3, 2021
Not bad.
Sad to say, I can't write too many things about this book. Yes, I remember I liked it. Yes, I know the author and she's pretty good. Yes, the characters were fun and the books were fast paced.
But well... that's kinda it.
Is it enough to make you want to try the series? Probably not.
But maybe, just maybe, you'll put it on your TBR pile and who knows, at one point, you might stumble on it and decide to give it a try.
Sad to say, I can't write too many things about this book. Yes, I remember I liked it. Yes, I know the author and she's pretty good. Yes, the characters were fun and the books were fast paced.
But well... that's kinda it.
Is it enough to make you want to try the series? Probably not.
But maybe, just maybe, you'll put it on your TBR pile and who knows, at one point, you might stumble on it and decide to give it a try.
February 2, 2019
Big fat no from me
Don't even bother with this one, its definitely a waste of anyone's time. this RH introduction is just weird an unconvincing, there is no real pull or sparks between these individuals which just makes it weird. She is all about self sacrifice throughout the whole book but is also so damn selfish with only thinking of herself and her own secrets to keep that it doesn't work for her. She's also a cop who seems not to be able to handle tough situation, she's continually having bile come up and being sick, eyeroll , get yourself together jeez! I honestly had no love for essie, she was a heroine I felt I really couldn't freaking stand, no matter how much I read the more I seemed to think she weak and just useless. I wish I could unread this. (Sigh) . Left on a bad cliffhanger, drags on so much ur skipping pages, bored to death, and when you finally get to the real action parts of the book, you end up reeling from the book and heroines stupidity! "Scrubbing hand down my face"
Don't even bother with this one, its definitely a waste of anyone's time. this RH introduction is just weird an unconvincing, there is no real pull or sparks between these individuals which just makes it weird. She is all about self sacrifice throughout the whole book but is also so damn selfish with only thinking of herself and her own secrets to keep that it doesn't work for her. She's also a cop who seems not to be able to handle tough situation, she's continually having bile come up and being sick, eyeroll , get yourself together jeez! I honestly had no love for essie, she was a heroine I felt I really couldn't freaking stand, no matter how much I read the more I seemed to think she weak and just useless. I wish I could unread this. (Sigh) . Left on a bad cliffhanger, drags on so much ur skipping pages, bored to death, and when you finally get to the real action parts of the book, you end up reeling from the book and heroines stupidity! "Scrubbing hand down my face"
February 4, 2019
Weakness is not a virtue
The plot and the story foundation was great. I couldn't wait to see a kick butt heroine deal with her being something that is forbidden. I liked the intent. I was very disappointed. She let those guys walk all over her because of her being a nephilim and I just didn't understand why. Then she has that other Angel girl talk down to her. I mean everyone within the story looked down on her. I felt like saying WTH do something. I honestly looked at her as a weak character and that just turned me off.
The plot and the story foundation was great. I couldn't wait to see a kick butt heroine deal with her being something that is forbidden. I liked the intent. I was very disappointed. She let those guys walk all over her because of her being a nephilim and I just didn't understand why. Then she has that other Angel girl talk down to her. I mean everyone within the story looked down on her. I felt like saying WTH do something. I honestly looked at her as a weak character and that just turned me off.
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July 24, 2020
Destined Darkness was so fun! I really liked Essie's perspective, aside from everyone thinking she was reckless when all the decisions she made were sensible to me lol, and the mystery surrounding what she was. The writing was also super easy to get into and the world-building was pretty unique as far as Urban Fantasy novels go.
I did wish the guys were a bit more fleshed out? This felt like a really short novel because of the fast pace and how engrossing the plot was and, because of that, it seemed like the character developed was lacking. Aside from Essie, really, no one was that deep or complex or anything like that. I do hope this changes some in the next installments because I am excited to read them :D
There was a lot of sexual tension and a few twists that complicated things a looot for the characters, but I liked that the romance between all of them wasn't the huge focus of the story. The novel did a good job at introducing everyone and establishing the chemistry between Essie and all of the guys, but without making it the only important thing about the novel.
I did wish the guys were a bit more fleshed out? This felt like a really short novel because of the fast pace and how engrossing the plot was and, because of that, it seemed like the character developed was lacking. Aside from Essie, really, no one was that deep or complex or anything like that. I do hope this changes some in the next installments because I am excited to read them :D
There was a lot of sexual tension and a few twists that complicated things a looot for the characters, but I liked that the romance between all of them wasn't the huge focus of the story. The novel did a good job at introducing everyone and establishing the chemistry between Essie and all of the guys, but without making it the only important thing about the novel.
March 4, 2019
Destined Darkness starts out with a heroine who has a secret, and she has to do everything she can to keep it. That becomes a problem when she is taken to Angel central to help locate a serial killer who is after her.
This book wasn't what I thought it was going to be. I enjoyed the story, and I'm really intrigued by it, but the heroine got on my nerves at times. Sometimes I really liked her, and then sometimes she was so annoying. Other than that, I'm looking forward to reading more and finding out what happens next!
This book wasn't what I thought it was going to be. I enjoyed the story, and I'm really intrigued by it, but the heroine got on my nerves at times. Sometimes I really liked her, and then sometimes she was so annoying. Other than that, I'm looking forward to reading more and finding out what happens next!
January 27, 2019
Got through it with a lot of skimming but this story was just missing a soul for me. The main character isn’t particularly likable, isn’t funny, and is not very smart. She just sort of bumbles around thinking about being a martyr. I didn’t believe any of the relationships that are being set up and the plot felt like a series of nonsensical events. The blurb for the book says “they’ll do anything to protect her” and after reading it that makes me lulz. They wouldn’t, hardly any of these people give a shit about her. And I can’t really blame them. Shrug.
February 3, 2019
Really good! I love the world Tessa Cole has created, and the main character, Essie, who is interesting and strong. The plot and the action kept me engaged, and the romantic elements were fun, intriguing, and a bit frustrating (but it's only book one). Overall, I really enjoyed it, and at the time of writing this have binge-read the first three books in the series in one day (I'd start on the next but it's not released for a couple of weeks). Just really good. Urban fantasy RH done right.
April 23, 2020
Little to no character development and it takes a little time to get used to the writing but overall it's a very enjoyable read with an interesting concept. It's also full of hunky men so it's an absolute win.
March 28, 2019
I don't know how to really review this without going on and on trying to explain what I mean so I will try to sum it up.
This is a review of basically 1-4 since I binged read them all, I couldn't stop, yet also got annoyed at things throughout. So take what you want from that. I was annoyed but couldn't stop lol
there was a lot of repetitiveness of her indecision's and things she was worried monologuing in her head and we kept hearing about it over and over and I found myself skimming those bits
also wasn't a huuuge fan of how the RH is coming together (anger and avoidance-ness) , I like the characters just fine except MC can get kind of annoying. the repetitiveness and her just on going monologue
They also always feel like they are running on empty or constantly injured that it loses its shock or emotional grab of it all. The fight scenes are just so long that Ive lost interest and skimmed same with sex scenes
also there was one scene not sure which book # but she was going in and out and in and out and in and out I swear it was legit like 3 pages of her walking back and forth and screaming at some indecision she had. I think that needed to be edited and cut back to a paragraph it went from wtf confusing to almost humorous. I pictured myself as a by stander off to the side watching this character walk back and forth like a complete nutter it just didn't feel natural and just really weird
ooh one thing.. spoiler probably from a later book but and idea/theory that I've had from the first but super spoiler so be warned.
anyways ALL of this and yet it still made me want to keep reading it... and I am itching for the next one to come out least its only 2 days. So take what you want from this review I think even with all the little annoying things ( probably from my pov only anyways ) its worth a read ( I think I still went on and on )
This is a review of basically 1-4 since I binged read them all, I couldn't stop, yet also got annoyed at things throughout. So take what you want from that. I was annoyed but couldn't stop lol
there was a lot of repetitiveness of her indecision's and things she was worried monologuing in her head and we kept hearing about it over and over and I found myself skimming those bits
also wasn't a huuuge fan of how the RH is coming together (anger and avoidance-ness) , I like the characters just fine except MC can get kind of annoying. the repetitiveness and her just on going monologue
They also always feel like they are running on empty or constantly injured that it loses its shock or emotional grab of it all. The fight scenes are just so long that Ive lost interest and skimmed same with sex scenes
also there was one scene not sure which book # but she was going in and out and in and out and in and out I swear it was legit like 3 pages of her walking back and forth and screaming at some indecision she had. I think that needed to be edited and cut back to a paragraph it went from wtf confusing to almost humorous. I pictured myself as a by stander off to the side watching this character walk back and forth like a complete nutter it just didn't feel natural and just really weird
ooh one thing.. spoiler probably from a later book but and idea/theory that I've had from the first but super spoiler so be warned.
anyways ALL of this and yet it still made me want to keep reading it... and I am itching for the next one to come out least its only 2 days. So take what you want from this review I think even with all the little annoying things ( probably from my pov only anyways ) its worth a read ( I think I still went on and on )
February 19, 2024
Love that this is a reverse harem where they don’t all instantly fall into bed together right from the start. There’s so much keeping them all apart. Tons of attraction, and even one fated mate deal, but for each of the men, there’s a reason they can’t/won’t get together. In her case, she’s hiding from the supernatural community since nephilim are forbidden and usually killed on site, so she’s trying to stay under the radar and come across as fully human. One of the men has a history with her and is trying to honor her desire to stay away from supernaturals (though he doesn’t know why she feels that way), another is her fated mate but dislikes humans and would vehemently hate her if he knew she was nephilim (and he doesn’t even know she’s his mate, so she sure isn’t gonna tell him), another knows about her mate bond and doesn’t wanna betray his friend by going there (despite a desire to go there), and the third is caught up in a vampiric master/servant sort of bond with her (for necessary reasons) and is trying to give her space until it wears off so he doesn’t abuse that connection.
And through all of this is some uber powerful villain who’s trying to kill half of them and possess our nephilim as a tool for his own goals. AND she’s gotta hide what she is while doing what she can to help save people from this big bad.
I love it! The book moves super fast. There’s no long, drawn out pages of internal dialog with lengthy descriptions of a couch in the background or the room (seriously, some authors describe things soooo much that by the time they get back to the dialog I forget what’s going on! LOL). The audiobook is very good with great voice actors (two men and one woman). I’ve read this book and listened to it. Liked both versions!
And through all of this is some uber powerful villain who’s trying to kill half of them and possess our nephilim as a tool for his own goals. AND she’s gotta hide what she is while doing what she can to help save people from this big bad.
I love it! The book moves super fast. There’s no long, drawn out pages of internal dialog with lengthy descriptions of a couch in the background or the room (seriously, some authors describe things soooo much that by the time they get back to the dialog I forget what’s going on! LOL). The audiobook is very good with great voice actors (two men and one woman). I’ve read this book and listened to it. Liked both versions!
August 11, 2019
I’m gonna write a general review of the series (with no spoilers)
Some aspects were worthy or 4 or 5 stars and others of 2 or 3, that’s why I’m gonna go with 3.
First, I’ve got to say that I’m so into reverse harem it’s not even funny, the last 30 or so books I’ve read were RH. And this one had a set of characters that managed to be quite different from what I’ve read before (there where certain similarities but not stereotypes) and that is the strongest part of the book, the characters.
The plot wasn’t bad but it was so fast paced and so overwhelming that you ended up quite mentally exhausted after the book. There were too many things happening and no time to assimilate, honestly I found the action excesive and the focus on the relationships quite lacking (this seems to be a weak spot because some RH authors fail while doing the opposite, I think they must find the equilibrium)
I ranted a lot, I don’t usually review books but I ended up frustrated with this one, It had so much potential! The characters were great and the plot was great but the pace was excessively quick and the description of places and of the MC emotions and beliefs was excesive and repetitive. Overall, I don’t know if I would recommend it. Maybe a year ago I would have, but I’ve read some really good RH books and now I wouldn’t know.
Sorry for the rant and happy reading!
Some aspects were worthy or 4 or 5 stars and others of 2 or 3, that’s why I’m gonna go with 3.
First, I’ve got to say that I’m so into reverse harem it’s not even funny, the last 30 or so books I’ve read were RH. And this one had a set of characters that managed to be quite different from what I’ve read before (there where certain similarities but not stereotypes) and that is the strongest part of the book, the characters.
The plot wasn’t bad but it was so fast paced and so overwhelming that you ended up quite mentally exhausted after the book. There were too many things happening and no time to assimilate, honestly I found the action excesive and the focus on the relationships quite lacking (this seems to be a weak spot because some RH authors fail while doing the opposite, I think they must find the equilibrium)
I ranted a lot, I don’t usually review books but I ended up frustrated with this one, It had so much potential! The characters were great and the plot was great but the pace was excessively quick and the description of places and of the MC emotions and beliefs was excesive and repetitive. Overall, I don’t know if I would recommend it. Maybe a year ago I would have, but I’ve read some really good RH books and now I wouldn’t know.
Sorry for the rant and happy reading!
February 7, 2021
This book has been on my 'to-read list' forever. So I decided to just knock it out...
Yep, you already know. This fell short of not so glorious, but still pretty good expectations.
Kind of reminded me of cookies and cream ice cream, but without the cookies... or cream.
Which is like regular vanilla? Right?
The book was missing something. I don't know what, but all I know was that it was. I kind of liked our MC, Essie, I admired her in a way. The book started off interesting but then fell flat. So...
Yep, you already know. This fell short of not so glorious, but still pretty good expectations.
Kind of reminded me of cookies and cream ice cream, but without the cookies... or cream.
Which is like regular vanilla? Right?
The book was missing something. I don't know what, but all I know was that it was. I kind of liked our MC, Essie, I admired her in a way. The book started off interesting but then fell flat. So...
September 17, 2021
"I threw what was left of my essence, the strange power within me, the gnawing buzz grating in my mind, always present, even what little of Gideon’s electricity I could feel, into the ring. All of it. All of me. Every bit, every miniscule flicker of magic, every hope and fear and heartache. Everything I had. It went into the ring, and poured through me into the archnephilim in a ferocious inferno a thousand times stronger than the archnephilim’s fire."
***** Resenha com spoiler *****
Destined Darkness é um livro de fantasia urbana, com harém reverso e uma mistura de todos os melhores tipos de sobrenaturais que existem. É um livro cheio de mistério, reviravoltas, intrigas, paixão e muita, mas muita luta. E a melhor parte? É um livro completamente slow burn, do tipo que dos quatro interesses da mocinha, ela apenas beijou um. Então não é segredo o quanto eu gostei desse livro, já que envolve de tudo um pouco das coisas que eu amo em leituras.
Essie é uma investigadora da polícia, que durante toda a sua vida escondeu sua verdadeira natureza, sua verdadeira eu, de tudo e de todos. Sempre fugindo quando alguém começa a se aproximar e desconfiar do que ela é, nossa mocinha viveu a maior parte da sua adolescência correndo, até que consegue se fixar em seu cargo na polícia humana e trabalhar, através de todo o esforço dela, o mais longo possível dos Super - nome dado aos sobrenaturais que resolveram se relevar para a sociedade.
E tudo está indo bem, até que um dia, durante sua rotineira passada à farmácia para comprar adesivos de nicotina (a única coisa que a ajuda a passar pelo efeito de quem ela é), se depara com um assalto. Desarmada e tentando salvar os funcionários da farmácia, ela consegue levar o assaltante para um beco, e é aqui que seu mundo cuidadosamente afastado dos Super desaba. Atacada e marcada por um ArchNephilim, Essie passa a ser perseguido pelo monstro que quer vingança contra todos os envolvidos na guerra que matou os Nephilims.
Com a ajuda da equipe de agentes do Parlamento responsável pelos sobrenaturais, nossa mocinha se joga na busca pela morte do monstro, enquanto se vê envolta com os quatro membros da equipe que a protege.
Gideon, nosso anjo loiro, de ombros extremamente largos, olhos azuis e completamente fechado é também o líder do grupo, e está nessa caçada por motivos pessoais, já que o mostro vem matando todos os seus companheiros da época de guerra. O que o anjo não esperava, no entanto, é que Essie não só seria uma parte muito importante dessa missão, como também sua companheira de vínculo.
Logo depois temos Marcus, moreno, com olhos verdes brilhantes, barba aparada e um corpo com músculos por quilômetros, ele é o mais novo dos sobrenaturais, tendo sido transformado em shifter anos antes quando trabalhava com Essie na polícia humana. Com um passado turbulento ligado à Essie e um desejo gigantesco por nossa mocinha, é impossível não perceber as faíscas do desejo voando, ou a forma como o seu lobo insiste em marcá-la como dele.
Em terceiro lugar temos Jacob, nosso vampiro gigantesco, com olhos escuros intensos, cabelos castanhos na altura dos ombros e uma tendência ao cavalheirismo. Inicialmente Essie e Jacob não tem muito em comum, chegando até mesmo a serem distantes um com o outro. Até que em uma reviravolta do destino, eles são obrigados a dividir um pelo de ligação entre humano e vampiro, para salvar a vida de Jacob de uma vampira mais poderosa. E é aqui que os destinos dos dois se interliga, tendo apenas um problema: agora o vampiro pode comandar Essie e seu corpo a fazerem coisas, mesmo que não intencionalmente.
Por último temos Kol, nosso demônio íncubo é sexy, gostoso, cheio de músculos, com cabelos negros brilhantes, chifres, olhos castanhos envolventes e muita, muita energia sexual vazando por todos os seus poros. Desde o começo Kol não consegue esconder seu desejo por Essie, mas diferente de seus companheiros de equipe, o íncubo também cuida, ajuda e se preocupa com nossa mocinha a partir do momento que a conhece. Mas considerando toda a bagunça romântica já presente na vida de Essie e em respeito aos seus companheiros de equipe e amigos, ele se mantém distante e não investe em nossa mocinha, passando a se vigiar a todo momento para não se envolver.
Só posso dizer que essa equipe passou por muito nesse livro e ainda tem muito a passar, não só com relação aos segredos que cada um deles guarda, mas também para encontrar um caminho para se manterem juntos e bem. Mas isso não vai ser fácil, não quando Essie é tão altruísta a ponto de colocar sua vida em perigo sem pensar duas vezes para ajudar ao próximo.
A escrita da autora é bem divertida, envolvente e cheia de ação, fazendo com que o leitor não queira largar o livro ou parar de ler em nenhum momento. Os mistérios envolvendo cada um dos personagens e as possibilidades futuras fazem com que a gente queira terminar o livro o mais cedo possível só para ver como tal acontecimento vai se desenrolar.
Outro fator interessante a se pontuar é o de que este é o tipo de livro em que você termina um e já que ler o próximo, sem nem mesmo desanimar ou dar uma pausa. E considerando que esta reação é algo que eu não tinha sentido em algum tempo, intrigante com toda certeza é uma palavra que descreve muito bem Destined Darkness.
Obs: Lido em inglês.
***** Resenha com spoiler *****
Destined Darkness é um livro de fantasia urbana, com harém reverso e uma mistura de todos os melhores tipos de sobrenaturais que existem. É um livro cheio de mistério, reviravoltas, intrigas, paixão e muita, mas muita luta. E a melhor parte? É um livro completamente slow burn, do tipo que dos quatro interesses da mocinha, ela apenas beijou um. Então não é segredo o quanto eu gostei desse livro, já que envolve de tudo um pouco das coisas que eu amo em leituras.
Essie é uma investigadora da polícia, que durante toda a sua vida escondeu sua verdadeira natureza, sua verdadeira eu, de tudo e de todos. Sempre fugindo quando alguém começa a se aproximar e desconfiar do que ela é, nossa mocinha viveu a maior parte da sua adolescência correndo, até que consegue se fixar em seu cargo na polícia humana e trabalhar, através de todo o esforço dela, o mais longo possível dos Super - nome dado aos sobrenaturais que resolveram se relevar para a sociedade.
E tudo está indo bem, até que um dia, durante sua rotineira passada à farmácia para comprar adesivos de nicotina (a única coisa que a ajuda a passar pelo efeito de quem ela é), se depara com um assalto. Desarmada e tentando salvar os funcionários da farmácia, ela consegue levar o assaltante para um beco, e é aqui que seu mundo cuidadosamente afastado dos Super desaba. Atacada e marcada por um ArchNephilim, Essie passa a ser perseguido pelo monstro que quer vingança contra todos os envolvidos na guerra que matou os Nephilims.
Com a ajuda da equipe de agentes do Parlamento responsável pelos sobrenaturais, nossa mocinha se joga na busca pela morte do monstro, enquanto se vê envolta com os quatro membros da equipe que a protege.
Gideon, nosso anjo loiro, de ombros extremamente largos, olhos azuis e completamente fechado é também o líder do grupo, e está nessa caçada por motivos pessoais, já que o mostro vem matando todos os seus companheiros da época de guerra. O que o anjo não esperava, no entanto, é que Essie não só seria uma parte muito importante dessa missão, como também sua companheira de vínculo.
Logo depois temos Marcus, moreno, com olhos verdes brilhantes, barba aparada e um corpo com músculos por quilômetros, ele é o mais novo dos sobrenaturais, tendo sido transformado em shifter anos antes quando trabalhava com Essie na polícia humana. Com um passado turbulento ligado à Essie e um desejo gigantesco por nossa mocinha, é impossível não perceber as faíscas do desejo voando, ou a forma como o seu lobo insiste em marcá-la como dele.
Em terceiro lugar temos Jacob, nosso vampiro gigantesco, com olhos escuros intensos, cabelos castanhos na altura dos ombros e uma tendência ao cavalheirismo. Inicialmente Essie e Jacob não tem muito em comum, chegando até mesmo a serem distantes um com o outro. Até que em uma reviravolta do destino, eles são obrigados a dividir um pelo de ligação entre humano e vampiro, para salvar a vida de Jacob de uma vampira mais poderosa. E é aqui que os destinos dos dois se interliga, tendo apenas um problema: agora o vampiro pode comandar Essie e seu corpo a fazerem coisas, mesmo que não intencionalmente.
Por último temos Kol, nosso demônio íncubo é sexy, gostoso, cheio de músculos, com cabelos negros brilhantes, chifres, olhos castanhos envolventes e muita, muita energia sexual vazando por todos os seus poros. Desde o começo Kol não consegue esconder seu desejo por Essie, mas diferente de seus companheiros de equipe, o íncubo também cuida, ajuda e se preocupa com nossa mocinha a partir do momento que a conhece. Mas considerando toda a bagunça romântica já presente na vida de Essie e em respeito aos seus companheiros de equipe e amigos, ele se mantém distante e não investe em nossa mocinha, passando a se vigiar a todo momento para não se envolver.
Só posso dizer que essa equipe passou por muito nesse livro e ainda tem muito a passar, não só com relação aos segredos que cada um deles guarda, mas também para encontrar um caminho para se manterem juntos e bem. Mas isso não vai ser fácil, não quando Essie é tão altruísta a ponto de colocar sua vida em perigo sem pensar duas vezes para ajudar ao próximo.
A escrita da autora é bem divertida, envolvente e cheia de ação, fazendo com que o leitor não queira largar o livro ou parar de ler em nenhum momento. Os mistérios envolvendo cada um dos personagens e as possibilidades futuras fazem com que a gente queira terminar o livro o mais cedo possível só para ver como tal acontecimento vai se desenrolar.
Outro fator interessante a se pontuar é o de que este é o tipo de livro em que você termina um e já que ler o próximo, sem nem mesmo desanimar ou dar uma pausa. E considerando que esta reação é algo que eu não tinha sentido em algum tempo, intrigante com toda certeza é uma palavra que descreve muito bem Destined Darkness.
Obs: Lido em inglês.
November 14, 2023
It should have been an enjoyable read. Female protagonist, four hot love interests, kitchen sink urban fantasy world that includes angels; hey, I am in!
Unfortunately, the majority of the story was the internal whining of the emotionally weak female lead who continually went over the same ground again and again and again without any type of growth, progression or resolution. She desperately needed to put on her big girl pants and deal!
On top of that:
1) The world-building was thin
2) The female lead's bizarre empathic sense gave her zero emotional intelligence
3) The angel's and wolf's characterizations were one note
4) The vampire's and demon's characterizations were non-existent
5)
6) The concept of came out of left field halfway thru the book and it made no sense that the female lead hadn't been using that as a cover all along
7) It also made no sense that the female lead would be lumped with the evil Nephilim given she is natural born, seven years older, magically weak and isn't a crazed psychopath!
Definitely do not recommend.
ETA: I skimmed thru the rest of the series on the off-chance it got better and the female lead got her shit together (spoiler alert: it didn't, she didn't) and about halfway thru the third book I realized the repetitive, circular wangsting and emotional stupidity of everyone involved was very reminiscent of the Anita Blake 'ardeur-focused' books (Incubus Dreams+).
Take that as you will.
Unfortunately, the majority of the story was the internal whining of the emotionally weak female lead who continually went over the same ground again and again and again without any type of growth, progression or resolution. She desperately needed to put on her big girl pants and deal!
On top of that:
1) The world-building was thin
2) The female lead's bizarre empathic sense gave her zero emotional intelligence
3) The angel's and wolf's characterizations were one note
4) The vampire's and demon's characterizations were non-existent
5)
6) The concept of came out of left field halfway thru the book and it made no sense that the female lead hadn't been using that as a cover all along
7) It also made no sense that the female lead would be lumped with the evil Nephilim given she is natural born, seven years older, magically weak and isn't a crazed psychopath!
Definitely do not recommend.
ETA: I skimmed thru the rest of the series on the off-chance it got better and the female lead got her shit together (spoiler alert: it didn't, she didn't) and about halfway thru the third book I realized the repetitive, circular wangsting and emotional stupidity of everyone involved was very reminiscent of the Anita Blake 'ardeur-focused' books (Incubus Dreams+).
Take that as you will.
June 8, 2019
This is book one in a paranormal reverse harem series by an author new to me and it is really hitting the spot for me this week - I’m basically binging the series now. It is action-packed, kind of has a crime solving/procedural feel to it and has a slow burn-ish romance complete with some jealousy/possessiveness and at least one taciturn hero. I’m not sure I understand the history of the angels/supers/nephilim world all that well - but I also didn’t care because it wasn’t my focus as I was reading.
4.5 ⭐️
4.5 ⭐️
August 23, 2022
Note to self: Never read this series again. Never ever. Unless you want to have another rage fit. This girl is a stupid doormat who pines after the men who constantly reject her and treat her like shit. Run away!
January 14, 2019
Again enjoyed the hell out of this series. It was good just missing the 5 star mark for me
July 15, 2019
Essie
Oh, I loved it! Brand new to me author and a red from one of my groups really paid off! So much, action, suspense, and heart pounding drama with a selfless mc! The para element was on point and I'm addicted!
Oh, I loved it! Brand new to me author and a red from one of my groups really paid off! So much, action, suspense, and heart pounding drama with a selfless mc! The para element was on point and I'm addicted!
January 3, 2019
So good.
I wish I could review this book 10 times! I read a lot of RH, and usually have to slog through a lot of junk. Books like this make it all worth while. Excellent writing and a great plot. Can’t wait for the next one!
I wish I could review this book 10 times! I read a lot of RH, and usually have to slog through a lot of junk. Books like this make it all worth while. Excellent writing and a great plot. Can’t wait for the next one!
February 20, 2019
I took very few notes for this book, and I read it a month ago, so don't expect too much from this review. I thought this was an enjoyable start to a series that seemed to have good potential.
The MC—Esther, aka Essie—is the last surviving member of a hated species, so she desperately masquerades as a human to avoid death or scientific experiments about her supposedly impossible birth. She is a cop who wants to avoid the supernatural world at all costs, because supernaturals are the ones most likely to figure out what she really is. Unfortunately, circumstances force her to work with the team from the supernatural law enforcement agency. This team includes a cold angel (Gideon), a (Fun? Mischievous? Cool? Nice? Good Guy?) incubus (Kol), an angry werewolf (Marcus), and a kind vampire of the strong and silent variety (Jacob). Obviously, none of this is good, especially since Essie has history with this werewolf. Things only get more complicated from there as inescapable relationships form and the bad guy continues to seem unbeatable.
I'm a sucker for supernatural/fantasy law enforcement agencies, so I had a feeling I would like this one. I was right. I’m not usually a fan of series that involve constant secrets between love interests, but the species secret 100% needs to be kept. Some other secrets later in the book were understandable, but keeping them didn’t help anything.
I’m now relying on my Kindle notes to help me remember stuff:
1. She has what she describes as a buzz in her body, and only nicotine patches help. I felt like I never got a great understanding of what that buzz really felt like, as that was mostly told instead of shown (e.g., stuff like “My buzz is back”). I also would have liked to learn more about the trial and error that led to her realization that nicotine patches help.
2. This book had some writing issues, such as the use of “then” instead of “than.”
3. Around 74%, the author started to just nonchalantly describe events that I didn’t know were possible, so that was a bit disorienting and alienating.
4. I don’t know who Essie was intimate with at 84%, but I made a note about not liking that intimacy in that stage of their relationship, lol.
5. Essie had some grand plan for how to defeat the bad guy, but it seemed stupid to me. It involved doing something to herself instead of him, but that actually made sense here. The problem was that, for some reason, she decided she had to get close to him before hurting herself, so he was almost able to stop her before she hurt herself in the way that she needed to.
6. I felt bad for Gideon and his feelings for the other angel, but the feelings also seemed sort of superficial to me. I know they had known each other for a long time, but it kind of seemed like they hadn’t seen or talked to each other in a long time, so Gideon’s sudden devotion seemed odd.
Here are my reviews and ratings of the other books in the series:
(2) Destined Blood ★★★
(3) Destined Fire ★★★
(4) Destined Storm ★★★
The MC—Esther, aka Essie—is the last surviving member of a hated species, so she desperately masquerades as a human to avoid death or scientific experiments about her supposedly impossible birth. She is a cop who wants to avoid the supernatural world at all costs, because supernaturals are the ones most likely to figure out what she really is. Unfortunately, circumstances force her to work with the team from the supernatural law enforcement agency. This team includes a cold angel (Gideon), a (Fun? Mischievous? Cool? Nice? Good Guy?) incubus (Kol), an angry werewolf (Marcus), and a kind vampire of the strong and silent variety (Jacob). Obviously, none of this is good, especially since Essie has history with this werewolf. Things only get more complicated from there as inescapable relationships form and the bad guy continues to seem unbeatable.
I'm a sucker for supernatural/fantasy law enforcement agencies, so I had a feeling I would like this one. I was right. I’m not usually a fan of series that involve constant secrets between love interests, but the species secret 100% needs to be kept. Some other secrets later in the book were understandable, but keeping them didn’t help anything.
I’m now relying on my Kindle notes to help me remember stuff:
1. She has what she describes as a buzz in her body, and only nicotine patches help. I felt like I never got a great understanding of what that buzz really felt like, as that was mostly told instead of shown (e.g., stuff like “My buzz is back”). I also would have liked to learn more about the trial and error that led to her realization that nicotine patches help.
2. This book had some writing issues, such as the use of “then” instead of “than.”
3. Around 74%, the author started to just nonchalantly describe events that I didn’t know were possible, so that was a bit disorienting and alienating.
4. I don’t know who Essie was intimate with at 84%, but I made a note about not liking that intimacy in that stage of their relationship, lol.
5. Essie had some grand plan for how to defeat the bad guy, but it seemed stupid to me. It involved doing something to herself instead of him, but that actually made sense here. The problem was that, for some reason, she decided she had to get close to him before hurting herself, so he was almost able to stop her before she hurt herself in the way that she needed to.
6. I felt bad for Gideon and his feelings for the other angel, but the feelings also seemed sort of superficial to me. I know they had known each other for a long time, but it kind of seemed like they hadn’t seen or talked to each other in a long time, so Gideon’s sudden devotion seemed odd.
Here are my reviews and ratings of the other books in the series:
(2) Destined Blood ★★★
(3) Destined Fire ★★★
(4) Destined Storm ★★★
April 8, 2019
3.75.
This was pretty good!
Solid Urban Fantasy setting, plot moved at a decent pace, with some pretty tense moments.
I liked the way all the guys were distinct from one another, and while there is a lot of ground to cover with getting to the know them, I feel like the set up is a solid one.
We've got various kinds of bonds going on here, but I can deal with feelings starting with bonds, if it's slow burn with actual on page binding and character development, which it seems to be doing.
What made this not a solid 4 stars for me was Essie's self sacrificing hero complex, her stubborn instance that she was going 5i he able to just live a normal life, and the fact that them men, particularly Gideon, did not realise what she was, which is completely implausible.
There is also the potenial for great big Reverse Harem drama with the various bonds and relationships, and I don't have a massive tolerance for it. I read RH do I don't get docked about with love triangle nonsense.
I think the next book will cement whether I read the series, so I'm going to give it a go!
This was pretty good!
Solid Urban Fantasy setting, plot moved at a decent pace, with some pretty tense moments.
I liked the way all the guys were distinct from one another, and while there is a lot of ground to cover with getting to the know them, I feel like the set up is a solid one.
We've got various kinds of bonds going on here, but I can deal with feelings starting with bonds, if it's slow burn with actual on page binding and character development, which it seems to be doing.
What made this not a solid 4 stars for me was Essie's self sacrificing hero complex, her stubborn instance that she was going 5i he able to just live a normal life, and the fact that them men, particularly Gideon, did not realise what she was, which is completely implausible.
There is also the potenial for great big Reverse Harem drama with the various bonds and relationships, and I don't have a massive tolerance for it. I read RH do I don't get docked about with love triangle nonsense.
I think the next book will cement whether I read the series, so I'm going to give it a go!
November 5, 2022
This book and the series really suffered by the ridiculous pacing. Characters would be at deaths door, sort of healed by an exhausted healer that was almost tapped out and then an hour later head back out to do it all over again. The healer was always almost out of juice and the characters were always low in power/energy. Very rarely did a character eat or sleep. Some of the characters almost died repeatedly in 24-36 hours. There were some good aspects to the book but the frenetic pacing really ruined the book for me along with how repetitive the inner struggle some of the characters thought about over and over and over. If I played a drinking game of when the FMC was on the brink of energy/magic depletion while in a bad situation but managed to survive/overcome whatever it was. I would probably die if alcohol poisoning.
January 19, 2021
Pretty Good
I really got into this. I really like Essie, but her harem won't be an easy one partly due to her nature and partly because of the guys. I really want her to have a real connection with Marcus, but I can't help wondering if he and Amiah used to sleep together. Her anger at Essie when they first met felt extremely personal and then there's the way she touched him near the end. And of course there's Gideon with his disappointment and hatred of nephilim. And then Kol who woot want to make a move on his friend's mate and I'm not sure if Jacob feels anything at all. Good thing book two is already out.
I really got into this. I really like Essie, but her harem won't be an easy one partly due to her nature and partly because of the guys. I really want her to have a real connection with Marcus, but I can't help wondering if he and Amiah used to sleep together. Her anger at Essie when they first met felt extremely personal and then there's the way she touched him near the end. And of course there's Gideon with his disappointment and hatred of nephilim. And then Kol who woot want to make a move on his friend's mate and I'm not sure if Jacob feels anything at all. Good thing book two is already out.
January 20, 2019
Selflessness
Essie is a great cop. Selfless and smart but also a bit suicidal in her selflessness. She wants to save everyone which is why I like her but trouble has found her and she doesn't listen to her self-preservation. The monster trying to take her won't stop until he has her and gets his revenge.
The men who protect her have all felt a connection with her but Marcus is the one she wants a connection with. I would be interested to get more of their background story. I am excited to see what happens nexr.
Essie is a great cop. Selfless and smart but also a bit suicidal in her selflessness. She wants to save everyone which is why I like her but trouble has found her and she doesn't listen to her self-preservation. The monster trying to take her won't stop until he has her and gets his revenge.
The men who protect her have all felt a connection with her but Marcus is the one she wants a connection with. I would be interested to get more of their background story. I am excited to see what happens nexr.
December 29, 2018
Great Series!!!
Wow!!! I loved the first book in this new series!!!! Essie is one of those characters that you can’t help but like. She is tough, but definitely has a vulnerability that makes her relatable. There is a lot of unanswered questions at the end of this book! Luckily I only have to wait a few days for the next one!!!!!
Wow!!! I loved the first book in this new series!!!! Essie is one of those characters that you can’t help but like. She is tough, but definitely has a vulnerability that makes her relatable. There is a lot of unanswered questions at the end of this book! Luckily I only have to wait a few days for the next one!!!!!
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