Dark Illusion

Dark #33

by Christine Feehan

A mage and a warrior must see beyond their facades and embrace the bond that links their souls in this powerful Carpathian novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan.

At any other time, Julija Brennan would find solace in the quiet of the Sierra Mountains, but now the mage is in the race of her life. Having broken free from her controlling family, Julija's attempts to warn the Carpathians of the coming threat has failed and put a target on her back—and those who hunt her are close behind...

After centuries locked away in a monastery in the Carpathian Mountains, Isai Florea can't believe he's finally found his lifemate—the missing half of his soul. The second he sees Julija his world blazes with color. But despite their explosive connection Julija rebels against what she sees as Isai's intent to control her and rejects the bond that would prevent him from becoming a monster.

As their unfulfilled bond continues to call to them both, Julija and Isai aim to complete the task that brought them together. They are used to facing danger alone, but now the mage and the ancient warrior must learn how to rely on each other in order to stop a plot that threatens all Carpathians...

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

432 pages, Paperback

First published September 5, 2019

About the author

Christine Feehan is a #1 New York Times bestselling author multiple times over with her portfolio including over 100 published novels, including five series; Dark Series, GhostWalker Series, Leopard Series, Drake Sisters Series, the Sisters of the Heart Series, Shadow Riders, Torpedo Ink and her Romantic Suspense novels. All of her series have hit the #1 spot on the New York Times bestselling list as well. Her debut novel Dark Prince received 3 of the 9 Paranormal Excellence Awards in Romantic Literature (PEARL) in 1999. Since then she has been published by various publishing houses including Leisure Books, Pocket Books, and currently is writing for Berkley/Jove. She also has earned 7 more PEARL awards since Dark Prince.
Her series include:
The Dark Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/darkb...
The GhostWalker series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/ghost...
The Leopard Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/leopa...
The Shadow Series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/shado...
Torpedo Ink series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/torpe...




IN HER WORDS:
I've been a writer all of my life -- it is who I am. I write for myself and always have. The ability to create pictures and emotions with words is such a miracle to me. I read everything; I mean everything! All kinds of books, even encyclopedias. I am fascinated by the written word and I love storytellers. It is a great privilege to be counted one myself. (www.christinefeehan.com)

Reviews

[Jessica's Totally Over The Top Book Obsession · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 corporal punishment against your lifemate is not sexy Stars

Warning this review will be one long rant with spoilers and lots of bitching ....





I'm going to start this review off with a...


Public Service Announcement

All romance authors............. The hero spanking the heroine as a punishment is not sexy... I REPEAT NOT SEXY!! Erotic spanking with consent is sexy! Physically reprimanding someone with the intent to treat them like they are a disobedient child is not sexy and is not okay PERIOD! It's disrespectful, abusive, and degrading. So please stop writing these heroes that spank their love interest like it's cute. It just makes the hero an unlikable asshole.



I love Christine Feehan. LOVE HER! I gladly pay 14 dollars or more a pop for her books every year when they come out. I have been a huge fan of hers for years now. Very rarely does she write a book that I don't love. This is one of those rare times. I was so excited for this book. So imagine my shock when I'm only 24 pages in and I am so pissed at the hero I'm ready to dnf the book and throw it across the room. Isai, ONLY 24 pages into the book, and having just met his lifemate, acts like an abusive asshole and spanks her. Hard. All because she didn't speak to him within the first few minutes of meeting him. And by meeting him I mean she is hiding, on the run, and he is all of a sudden on top of her, trapping her and taking her blood without even asking. And all right after telling her this bullshit.

"I am your lifemate. Your lord. You belong to me. It does not matter in the least that you fight me on this. You will learn obedience, and you will learn treachery is a very dangerous game to play."-Isai



After that loving declaration he takes her blood. Now she of course tells him to fuck off, as I myself would have done and he does this!

In one smooth move, he rolled her over forcing her face down on the hard rock, trapping her arms beneath her. One silent command and he had stripped the bag from her body, leaving her in her jeans and tee. He brought his hand down hard on her bottom. Over and over. He wasn't gentle about it. "You are getting off lucky in spite your cries and pleas. You helped steal from the prince of the Carpathian people. That isn't even your worst crime." He put a little more power into his smacks on her rounded bottom. "You deliberately tried to deny me, your lifemate, what is mine. You belong to me. I've lived a life of honor. I've risked my life to save every species over and over, century after century. You knew, just looking at me , and yet you childishly and stubbornly refused to open your mouth and give me back emotions and color." She sobbed softly, no longer struggling or trying to get him off her back. She just lay beneath him, accepting his punishment, her small body shuddering.-Page 24



Is that suppose to be sexy? Cute? All it made me want to do is stake his ass in the heart. Where was the sexy loving perfect Carpathian lifemate that cherish and protects. Now I stopped for a about ten minutes after reading this. Ranted at my poor husband about how pissed I was. Decided that I would give the hero another chance as he was new to emotions and from a time when men spanked their wives. Can you guess how long it was before Isai had me in a murderous rage again........9 pages later when the asshole spanks her again after having just had sex with her. Yup you heard me right he whipped her ass again.

He was on her in half a second, pulling her across his lap and smacking her hard over and over. He knew she wasn't feeling it with the thick trousers he'd given her so, using mind commands, he removed them. There was satisfaction in seeing his handprint on her bare skin. She screamed when he connected. He wasn't being gentle. His hands were large, and she was extremely petite. His palm took up one cheek easily. He reddened them both and only stopped when she was crying.-page 33



I mean are you fucking kidding me right now? This is not sexy.....it's abuse. You don't put your hands on your woman to hurt her. Just because he was slapping her ass and not her face doesn't make him less of an abusive piece of shit. He was angry at her and decided to use his size and strength to hurt, and humiliate her. He was trying to control her. That isn't love. It's Disgusting. At this point I didn't think I could be any madder. Truly...



but again I was wrong. After beating her ass, twice, and talking a bunch of crap about how she stole from the Prince(which she didn't), stating how he was her lord, he had the balls to be shocked that she didn't sound excited about being his lifemate. He decide that she wasn't what he thought a lifemate should be, and coldly rejected her. He, the asshole, tells her she has no honor. OMG what a joke. After acting like an abusive ass, he decided to give her a little emotional abuse too. I mean lets make her think she falls short of what a lifemate should be. She is the one without honor. Not the brute that didn't take five minutes to learn why his lifemate was scared to be claimed, but instead talked shit to her and beat her ass. Yea she was the disappointment. It totally wasn't him. I can't quote every single time he took a dig at her. Acted cold and distant towards her. Insinuated she was selfish and had no honor. Told her she wasn't good enough for him. She was not what he hoped for. Because I would be here all day. But this quote touches on it.

"You're determined to think the worst of me. You're the one who spanked me. If you do that again, I'm going to stab you through the heart." "It won't be necessary to spank you again. In my world, at least during the time I came from, a man treasured his woman. If she needed a lesson as you did, it was his duty to give it to her. He was responsible for all aspects of her care. Times were very dangerous, and obedience was necessary for safety. Others, not Carpathians, over the centuries abused their women and I suppose it became something else. Something not between two people who love each other." She started to tell him it wasn't love, but then what he said caught at her. "What do you mean it won't be necessary?" "You are clearly not my treasure."-Julija and Isai



By this point I was just done with Isai. I couldn't stand him. Later when he learned he was wrong and caught feelings for her, deciding she was worth it I didn't care. He wasn't worth it. I can never look at him and see anything other than an asshole. When he later spouted crap about how lifemates are perfect for each other, and the males always make the women happy. That they love and treasure them blah blah fucking blah.... I Just rolled my eyes and thought," Yeah fucking right, you asshole.". The romance was ruined all because an author thought to add spanking to the story. It's not edgy or cool. I have seen this more and more in books, and I don't like the trend. Like I said erotic spanking is for sexual pleasure, it's consensual. I enjoy books with erotic spanking, but when you write about a whipping for punishment it's disgusting. I did finish the book because it has a carrying story line and I'm 33 books into the plot. Can't miss something important because the love story sucked. It took me forever to finish it and I hated Isai so hard. Overall I gave the book 2 stars for the plot alone. I really hope the next book is better. So disappointed.



On a side note I forgot to add the ending was rushed and didn't feel like an ending. It felt unfinished. Like all the other books in the series there is 44 pages at the back of the book that are appendix 1 and 2 filled with Carpathian healing chants (gibberish) and the Carpathian language (also made up gibberish) . It's just 44 wasted pages that could have added to the ending . I don't understand why there needs to be 44 pages in every book of the same Carpathian made up gibberish. Just sayin'.

[Ꮗ€♫◗☿ ❤️ ilikebooksbest.com ❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time reading Christine Feehan. I thought it was fantastic!


Carpathians are the bomb in the paranormal world. Of course they are not perfect, but they can do so much. They are in essence a sort of mix between vampires (since they drink blood and live for a very long time but they don’t kill humans), shifters, and they have some magical ability thrown in for good measure.

Carpathians have to find their lifemate, since as they very slowly age over the millennia, they lose the ability to see color and feel emotions and eventually they will turn into a vampire which will be be dangerous to humanity since they will feed with no thought for life and kill humans indiscriminately.

Isai Florea is one of the ancient Carpathians, he was a warrior who spent his life hunting Vampires until a time when he believed himself to be getting to dangerous. Isai went to a monastery high in the Carpathian Mountains with his brethren to live a simple life where there was no danger of turning Vampire. Isai left the monastery in search of his brother who stole an evil book of spells that was created by the worst high mage that ever existed, Xavier. The book was in the property of the Prince of the Carpathians, Mikhail.

Isai’s brother Iulian stole the book and a mage named Julija is following him in the Sierra Mountains in the Western United States. Isai isn’t sure if Julija wants the book for herself or helped him steal it. However, when he catches up with her he finds that she is both high mage and Carpathian on her mother’s side and his lifemate. From there the adventure begins.

The book seems to me to be as much Fantasy as it is Paranormal. I have read Vampire books and Shifter books and they both have aspects of adventure in them. Meaning they have storylines that take the main characters on a quest-like journey to find someone or something. But even when they add different Supernatural beings with other powers they pretty much stick to the paranormal genre. This felt more like a fantasy quest, probably because there was so much magic and shifting into different beings, in addition to drinking blood.

There were some huge magical battles between Julija and her family who had treated her horrendously in her life. There were some great scenes with these unnatural shadow creatures and there were other crazy out of this world creatures and characters that were involved. The world Christine Feehan built was so unbelievably detailed and awesome, I could picture it completely in my mind.

The characters were the same. Every character was well rounded and explained fully, especially how they treated the main characters. Christine has a great way of doing that, not only in the characters own memories, but once their lifemate joins with them, they can read each other’s memory. The lifemate can see how others act or treated them. With dual POV, that shows the characters from a completely separate viewpoint.

The romance between Julija and Isai is sizzling hot from the very start. Though there is tension, so it is not smooth sailing for them. I liked that, because even if they have that instant lifemate attraction and lust, that doesn’t always mean they want that or know each other right away.

I have read long running series before like The Breeds and Black Dagger Brotherhood and I know how they work, so I realize that there are probably some things that I missed as far as storylines that have been ongoing throughout the series, since this was my first book. However, it truly didn’t bother me at all. This can be read as a stand-alone without any problem. Though now I definitely want to read more.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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[Natalie ~ The Biblioholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever heard the one about a mage, a Carpathian warrior, a book of evil, and the love of a lifetime? Dark Illusion is such a delicious story and I can't wait for you to meet Isai and Julija!

Isai's an honorable man who has spent centuries looking for his lifemate while defeating the forces of evil. He's handsome, honest, considerate, fierce, loyal, intelligent, strong, fearless and genuine. I cannot adequately describe the many ways I loved this hero. He was unreal! His patience with Julija knew no limits, which thankfully came in handy because she tested mine.

He would divide his attention, risk his life, even his soul for her. He might think he was wholly dark, but he had honor. Integrity. He was a man who walked in light even when he didn't see it around him. - Julija

Julija was a little hard to connect to at first, but in the end I adored her too! She came from a family of evil and yet she retained her light. While trying to save an entire race by destroying an evil book of spells, her family is hunting her down. Are they trying to kill her or do they want to recapture their pet? Her abusive ex, an extremely powerful mage, is also out there hunting for her, wanting her back in his control. However, Julija has much more power than even she expected and with the faith, love and guidance of Isai, she just might come into her own. After living a life ruled by fear and doubt, Isai has encouragd her to take charge, find her confidence, and to truly believe in herself. I'm in love with this man!!

Have I tempted you yet? If you love your paranormal romance full of action, incredible world building, impossible to resist characters, and yummy steaminess, then you definitely won't want to miss out on this book!

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Illusion, a unique pairing of a mage and an ancient Carpathian. I was mildly apprehensive about lifelong enemies evolving into a loving partnership without a lot of conflict along the way. I read literary fiction for pleasure, to be entertained, and Christine Feehan consistently fulfills my need for enjoyment and escapism by letting me explore new worlds with interesting and exciting stories.

I was very pleasantly surprised at the different turn of events, especially since for the first a Carpathian male is the one to reject his lifemate. I thought it was ingenuous to have Isa, one of the monastery ancients, really express his true thoughts and emotions of disappointment in a lifemate he’d waited centuries to find. Usually, Carpathian males fall all over themselves with instant love and devotion once he finds the one woman to restore his soul, colors, and emotions. Not Isai. His emotions come across as authentic and it was good to see an ancient male display an honest response upon meeting his one and only.

“She felt his utter and complete disappointment. His rejection of her as his lifemate. It was one thing for her to reject him, but it stung when it was the other way around.”

This is a very powerful turn of events in this world wherein it’s usually the male who has to carry the load of the relationship. Isai is my favorite type of hero - possessive and domineering, but he can gentle and very supportive. The tension was fast-paced and the plot consistent with the mission the couple pursued together.

Julija, half-mage/half-Carpathian, has stubbornly refused to accept being a lifemate to a Carpathian male. Despite being created in violence, abused, and used as source of blood to provide longevity to her mage family, Julija has an ingrained fear of Carpathians, and her evil mage family has convinced her that she wants nothing to do with being a lifemate, despite knowing that she is condemning her lifemate to becoming vampire of choosing suicide. In Isai’s mind, this is unacceptable. Therefore, he frees her of any obligation to him and plans to return to the monastery after finding his brother, Iulian Florea, and dangerous mage spell book.

Apparently, Julija is also on the trail of Isai’s distraught brother, Iulian Florea, who had found his own lifemate on her deathbed and she was unable to restore his soul. Julija discovers that Iulian has destroyed a shadow cat that had stolen the spell book from prince Mikhail and she vows the spell book will never get into the hands of her father and brothers. Her brothers are on her trail with the intent to kill her as a traitor and retrieve the book. Julija plans to warn the Carpathian prince of her family’s evil intention to retrieve the spell book to destroy other species then she plans to go into hiding from her family.

Isai path to find his brother crosses with Julija’s and their passion is steamy and all-encompassing. Until Julija states that she does not want to be a lifemate despite her knowledge of her holding his soul. Once Julija decided to trust and came communicated about the abuse she suffered in the past, her and Isai’s relationship development was wonderful escapism. As they pool their powers and resources to retrieve the spell book, Julija and Isai’s relationship develops towards more communication and understanding.

My preferred heroine is one who is kind, intelligent and likable heroine, meaning she is a nice woman who is strong but doesn't fight everything. Julija, for the most part met my standards of a good heroine once she came to terms with her unfounded mage fears of Carpathians and accepted Isai for himself…an ancient and honorable man.

The sex was well-done and didn't overpower the story. I understand that sex in a romance novel is necessary; however, a romantic plot is far more essential to relationship development. Sex and violence are easy plot tricks to keep the conflict/emotion high. When used for shock value, or as a supplement for character development, sex becomes boring. However, not all of life is about sex. There are many other facets to existence such than just sex. When used properly, sex can move a plot forward.

Another aspect of the story was the deep friendship between Elizabeta and Julija the women formed a deep bond during their captivity in Sergei’s clutches. The two women formed a bond of friendship that will help them both navigate new lives as strong women and as lifemates to ancients. It was very poignant when Elizabeta pointed out to Julija that as the keeper of Isai’s soul, her rejection was condemning him to darkness and death or becoming a vile creature as Sergei. I cannot wait for Elizabeta and Ferro’s book!

Overall, Isai and Julija's love journey was an example of the fierce passion of new love that's overwhelming and the story focused primarily on the couple without tons of baggage that gets in the way of the passion and romance in the story. My heart melted when Isai showed his compassionate side by reaching towards out to the tortured shadow-cats to win them over as allies rather kill them outright. I loved this book and look forward to the next Carpathian adventure!

[Tim · Rating 2 out of 5]

This decent story needed a stronger end, thus inspiring an apt title, "Fading Illusion." 5 of 10 stars

[Anita · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hate hate hate that I am writing yet another bad review for the Dark Hunter series by Christine Feehan but I am.

In my view this series just hasn't been the same since Dark Storm, book #23 in the series...which was the last one I truly enjoyed. These last several books have women in them I find seriously unappealing and the writing for the men now feels stiff and awkward...I just don't buy it anymore.

I honestly did a double-take when I was barely into to chapter 2 and the main characters were already into a hot and heavy sex scene....seriously? On chapter 2??? I'm no prude and I know Feehan's stories contain erotica but Chapter 2?!

Julija comes off as another wishy-washy female. "I don't like your controlling ways, you can't control me....but I'm going to let you do that anyway." YUCK!

This really disappointed me because the snippet for the book leads you to believe that Julija will resist Isai's attempts to control her...but does she? Oh hell no! Boo, Hisssss....grow a flipping backbone lady! Come on! I don't care if she has turned more Carpathian or not and if she does understand what a lifemate is...this has become just....YUCK! Once again, as a reader, I'm given no reason to root for this pairing because they just go right at it. There's not even any sexual tension that builds up....they just go right to it. Even a reader needs a little foreplay.

It has become more and more apparent to me that Feehan has sold out. It seems she is hoping that erotica will sell her books. Okay...that's fine but the stories themselves are seriously suffering. I once read these books raptly...now they turn my stomach and I find myself skipping page after page.

The once darkly attractive Carpathian males that made me say "I want one of them" now come across as stiff cardboard imitations of what Mikhail, Aiden, Lucian once were. Now the women who used to have brains of their own now have no backbones. I still maintain that the best stories were the ones where the Carpathian male found a human, those always made better stories because the human had a reason to resist an unfamiliar world. She had a life of her own, a brain of her own and wasn't just there to please the man. These stories with female Carpathians just have had nothing for me to root for....the women just go along with everything and that's just boring.

I've said it before but it bears saying...for the final time. I'm done with this series.

[AvidReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely delightful book.
Throughout reading this, was thinking of rereading it again! I loved it that much.

When the author said this book concentrate on the couple exclusively, with a sigh I was ready for a book which is romantic and passionate but with plenty and plenty of se* scenes, domineering attitude, and repetitive phrases.

But it smashed all my preconceptions. Not only it didn’t have that boring repetitions and too many se* and the couple was a(ww)dorable with their pack of shadow cats.

Julija is one hell of fighter heroine. God...her past torture was horrendous. But she came out of it blazing and kicking teeth. She was one powerful heroine. I liked that author made her more powerful than many other mages. Still her self confidence was an ever low after her family continuously put her down. Even after all this she went to warn the Carpathian people of imminent danger.

Isai, an ancient surprised me so much. After the initial meeting the decision Isai took was one I didn’t see coming. And how they navigated through their problems and decided on each other was done very well. Characterization was bomb as was the way the author connected this book, one of the previous book in the series-Dark demon, Xavier and the dragon seekers.
There were many surprising twists and turns in the story. Especially regarding the Villain. And I felt so much sorrow for Isai’s brother. His addition to the story was amazing but heartbreaking. But I was at peace with the last scene of him.
There were so many humorous scenes in the story. Especially with the shadowCats. I loved how they were incorporated to the story and how loyal and protective they were. Reminded me of Ivory Malinov and her wolves.
I also loved the last battle scene.
Absolutely recommended but mind the trigger.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isai is ½ mage and ½ Carpathian, she has broken free of her evil mage family and is trying to save the Carpathian people by destroying Xavier’s spell book. On her quest, she runs into Julija, who is a Carpathian ancient and just happens to be her life mate.

Julija has a lot to over come in convincing Isai that they should be bonded life mates. Isai has been tormented and tortured, flat out brutalized, her entire life by those who should have protected her.

The story is dark, the circumstances behind Isai’s life would be upsetting to anyone. Her family was straight up evil.

First, I have to say: I loved the shadow cats, they are an excellent new addition.

There is no denying the chemistry between life mates and Feehan makes it sizzle.

I’ve been an avid Feehan follower and have read every book in all her series. The Dark: A Carpathian Novel series was my first series to follow and it holds a special place. I must admit over the years I’ve started to feel blasé with the similarities in the plot repetitions. Dark Illusion has broken that mold wide open. Yes, it is a little bit of circling back to the origins of the series, but the mages are back, and they are out for Carpathian blood.

My Rating: 4 stars
Written by: Christine Feehan
Series: Dark
Sequence in Series: 29
Print Length: 430 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1984803468
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: September 3, 2019
Sold by: Penguin Group (USA) LLC
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Illusion-...
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dark...
Itunes: https://books.apple.com/mt/book/dark-...

[Leo (Queen of the Rants and Spoilers)]

Excuse me, I would like to ask the author what is she’s smoking? Really? 14$+ tax for an ebook. Let me ask again what are you smoking?

#greedyauthors

[Maureen Gianinio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful read by Christine Feehan. This book contains so much its difficult to summarize in a review without feeling you’re leaving too much out. You really need to experience this one in its entirety, submerge yourself in it!

The definition of Illusion is prevalent in many ways throughout the story. The magical use of power to make a thing wrongly perceived or interpreted by the senses. And information that gives a deceptive appearance or impression about a person or event, a false idea or belief based on information you have about others.

The hunt for Xavier’s book is on! The book was somehow taken from the safe keeping of the Prince. I love the way it happened and no one suspected the truth. It leads to misconceptions and twists that make this book even more intriguing. The journey Isai and Julija have to take to discover each other’s intentions is not the typical lifemate claiming. They move from separate untrusting journeys to one solid union to fight for their survival and the survival of the Carpathians. For them to reach that place they need to unravel their misconceptions, self perceptions, judgments of themselves and each other. To do this they need to be open, trusting enough to share their journey, their pasts. Both are heart-touching and heartbreaking.

Isai quickly realized he was wrong about his perception of her deceit and treachery. Understanding dawns as he comes to know her. Sees her reaction to events as they search for the book.

Julija has a bit more difficult time trusting, her life had bombarded her with so much deceit, misconceptions of herself and others, she doesn’t know what is real, what to trust. She becomes open to him and their relationship through the support and knowledge she gets from her friendship, her bond with Elizabeta. Love the way this is shared in the book. Love how her self sacrifice for Elizabeta and the Carpathians is revealed, even with all it may cost her. She becomes one of my favorite heroines in the Series. Her courage and trust in him builds a strong bond that gives her hope and faith in herself, in him, and them as a couple and at last hope for victory.

As they share their histories, Isai begins to melt my heart. His stoic strength, facing those who had and would harm his woman, his encouragement to help Julija understand, come into her own abilities and admire her confidence in herself is so beautifully written. They use her knowledge and the knowledge he has learned from other Carpathians to fight the evil mages, form unique alliances. (Always trust someone who is kind to animals.) past events from previous books are wonderfully revisited as they decide how to proceed.
The love story that develops between them touches the heart. Forgiveness and acceptance, and the willingness to sacrifice everything for each other. they join together to overcome her family , discover the truth about his brother, and destroy Xavier’s book.

All with action, and amazing Mage against Carpathian battles. Passion and romantic touching moments, and of course touches of humor. In the end one powerful mage remains as a danger to Julija and the Carpathians, adding even more danger beyond the Vampire threat. Questions about Ferro and Elizabeta are raised. And something big is brewing for the Ancients and those at Tariq’s compound. I'm going to absorb all that’s in this one for awhile while anticipating what’s coming next!

[Lover of Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceI received this book for free from Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Dark Illusion is the newest installment in the Carpathian series or also known as the "Dark" series, and I truly had such a fun time with this book. Its a crossover of a paranormal and romantic suspense like many of her books. With each installment in this series the more I have learned to adore. The world building that Feehan has done is one the BEST ever created and I truly love the development in the more recent books and after reading this one I really really NEED the next book because oh my I know its going to tear me to shreds but I am ready.

So this story begins with our heroine who is traveling the Sierra Mountain range in search of a evil book ---the book that Xavier created that could only bring about more evil works of his relations. Relations that our heroine, Julija is connected to. She is hunting it to make sure it doesn't fall into the wrong hands but along her search she finds herself being the lifemate to a very ancient Carpathian. Their first interactions are very tense and some distrust and emotional damage is formed, but when they join forces to bring down their enemy, their relationship is mended and the lifemate bond is cemented.

Isai Florea has been living in a monastery with his other Carpathian brethren for many years and is one of the oldest of his kind. When he finds his lifemate and the danger she is put in, all other concerns are put in the backseat and even though his instincts are telling him to protect her he also realizes how powerful she is and that she is the key to bringing down the evil members of her family who have used, abused her in the worst of ways. Together they form a bond so powerful and so intimate nothing evil will stand....

This was truly a fabulous story here and I am in love with this. now I will admit the beginning of the book began very angsty and I wasn't really on board, in fact I almost wanted to put it down. Almost had a bodice ripper theme to it but I did become won over and they do get the issue resolved pretty quickly here. Now its important to understand the HERO is very alpha, one of the stronger alpha's I have seen from this author so I di let some of what he did go because he is SUPER old so I get it but at the same time it did rub me the wrong way at times. So just fair warning to keep that in mind when you start reading this one.

I did feel like this book was truly emotional and life changing in many ways here. There was so much emotional dynamics that it will really tear at your emotions at times. What they both go through but most especially what our heroine really has dealt with in her young life is very heart breaking. But you see her true strength at the core and how determined she is to make she they don't win because they are truly evil. We see the level of intimacy that develops between our pair here and probably one of my favorites to be honest. These moments that form between them from their support of each other, playing and teasing each other and the sexual chemistry that is fiery hot that will send all the tingles down the spine is truly elemental to the story.

Overall I found Dark Illusion to be a on the edge of your seat story that will delight, enlighten, and create emotional reactions to adore in every sense!!













 

 

[Adaiah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Illusion was a wonderful read!

minute ago

Dark Illusion was a wonderful read. Great storyline, and action pack! I adore these Ancient Carpathian Monks!

Isai, and Julija have a bumpy start to their bonding, and the eventual claiming of each other as lifemates. But, Isai adjustments to the modern world is pretty smooth, considering he thinks he wants a woman that clings to his every word. Silly male! What he receives is a lifemate that's just as honorable, protective, and loyal as he is.

Julija is such a wonderful strong character. She's honorable to the degree, that she reminds me of the Carpathian male. Honorable, loyal, and a protector of all! Julija had such a terrible upbringing, raised among people that are monsters, but was able to retain her sanity, fight for good, and not succumb to despair, and the pressure of evil.

Xavier, Xaviero, and Xavion are still impacting the lives of the Carpathian people even though two (2) of the triplets are dead. We find out what happens to Xavier's dark book, and receive more information on how long Xavier's plan in destroying the other species has been in progress. We see the Shadow Cats, and learn even more about them, and how the evil mages have used them over the years. We're introduced to a new villain. I can't wait to see more of him in future books. He's deliciously evil.

We also get an update on Elizabeta, and how she's healing mentally. It'll be interesting to see how Ferro will handle his mate, and the abuse she's been subject to.

[1-Click Addict Support Group · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mage and Carpathian meet… and it’s FANTASTIC!

The Dark series never fails to surprise me even after dozens of stories. Each story sees a new couple connecting and building onto the tangled web that is the Carpathian existence. This time out, I felt the strength of the Dark family, and saw glimpses of them, but Julija and Isai had to rely on their own strengths and courage to dal with their life-threatening situation. What was real and what was magic? It was almost impossible to tell…

Julija’s character was this wonderful blend of confidence and insecurity, even as she fought fiercely for those she loved. Be they Carpathian, human, or cat, all creatures deserved love and compassion and she had that in abundance. Isai was an ancient warrior, hanging on for centuries for this moment. His moment. Their moment. When their first meet up fizzled like a cliché’d first blind date, it was hard to tell if that rocky start was actually the end…

Thank goodness there was a lot more! Their courtship was one of trust-building in a trial by fire unlike anything you could imagine. It was sweet and sexy and full of heart-pounding suspense as they battled each other and their enemies…

This story consumed me with its emotion and unpredictability, its magic casting a spell on me as well. If the ending was unexpectedly quick and almost quiet, that just spoke volumes about what came before it. And it was all FANTISTIC! ~Diane, 4.5 stars

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The most difficult thing of all to give is trust.

I can always trust Christine to write about strong yet fallible female characters and male characters that make my heart ache in the best way. I teared up a bit reading this so have some tissues handy. This feels like classic Christine Feehan.

Note:
- It might be difficult to keep the past history and characters straight unless you read many past books in the series, but it's not necessary to read past books to still enjoy this one as a complete story. For myself, it's motivation to go back and reread.
- There are some triggers here for readers who have grappled with abuse though nothing too graphic.

*My honest review was made possible thanks to an Advanced Reader Copy from the author.*

[Marie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm so tried of all the abuse of women in Ms. Feehan books. The world right now is very ugly with all the hate and violence. All I want is to escape for couple of hours with a good book. Her last couples of book are about child rape victims, women rape victims and women being tortured. I just don't understand why all the violence.

[Edwina " I LoveBooks" "Deb" · Rating 3 out of 5]

After waiting 13 years!! Since 2006 "Dark Demon" book was released. The High Mage Xavier's book of Dark Magic Spells was introduced into the Dark series storyline. Hurray!!! we finally find out what happens to this evil book of magic spells.

I can't believe I have been waiting 13 years to see how Christine Feehan would write the destruction of the book. The first time readers get a glimpse of the evil book is in Dark Demon. Natayla and Vikirnoff's story. The search and destruction of the book by Julija and Isai was very well written. I like the relationship between Isai and Julija. CF has done what many fans have asked her by writing shorter and less sex scenes. Dark Illusion is no where near erotic like her other Dark series book and that also, is a good thing. The best part of the entire book was when Julija and Isai found Iulian. He is Isai's brother who had stolen the evil book from The Prince. He sacrifices his life to guard the book with his blood. He becomes a Shadow Warrior. I was hoping they could resurrect him somehow.

The reader is introduced to lots of new characters. I think we will see one again. But the book seemed rushed. There was not camaraderie between the Carpathian like in other books. Which leaves it lacking. I felt like it was over edited leaving gaps at the end. The End was abrupt and almost felt like a cliffhanger. I hope the next book is about Elisabeta and her lifemate Farro. She does make a good show in Dark Illusion talking telepathically with Julija. But she is still in the ground. The Dark series storyline moves at a Snails Pace!!

I wish Christine would spend more time on The Dark series. Her best selling and oldest series she writes. One incomplete story Once a Year is Just Not Enough!!

[AlwaysV · Rating 5 out of 5]

A vintage Christine Feehan's writing style! Her amazing gift of a fantastic story teller was in full display in Isai and Julija's book! Double Wow! Nothing was as captivating as when the HEA couple got 100% of page time together! Or when I didn't have to wonder if/when they would be lucky enough to have a baby. Or no matter how powerful, tough, and cunning the enemies were, together Isai and Julija could hold their own until help arrived! And yes, one of the super bad and despicable enemies had to run with his tail between his legs, so to speak ‼️ My blood-thirsty heart did a happy dance!

The fight scenes as well as the spell casting scenes were incomparable! I was so mesmerized & captivated! It was also a throw back to my favorite book in this series ➡️ Dark Slayer 💖

I might have some problem with the story, but couldn't remember any right now. Sharing one of my favorite scenes:

. . . a bright light burst from beneath her clothing and the dragon was there. The scales were a shiny black obsidian. Although small in stature, it didn't need to be anything else. The fire was just a effective as if it had been a full-sized dragon. 🔥

[Handcrafted Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each story is still unique, even after 28 previous stories! Julija comes from a mage family with direct ties to the villainous triples of Xavier, Xayvion, and Xaviero. She is the product of the son of Xavier and a kidnapped Carpathian girl named, Francesa, who was planned for in order to provide Carpathian blood to her family. Brainwashed and brutalized her entire life, she is still able to break away from her family to warn the Carpathian people and do the right thing. Her plans go array due to others interference and now she's running from her family, from the Carpathians, from Sergey and his vampires and still determined to do the right thing and find and destroy Xavier's evil book of spells.

Isai is on the trail of his blood brother, who took the book to protect it from getting stolen by a shadow cat. On his hunt, he finds Julija instead. His biases and her scars make for some firework level clashes as these two lifemates learn how to work together when they're coming from such contradicting life philosophies.

I thoroughly enjoyed the detail that showed more about their travels and search for safe places to bed down each day. Plus, the addition of the shadow cats was super cool too. A great addition to this series and while not a hard read, still a fun one!

[Tina Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great instalment in this long running series.
Excited to read Julija’s story after meeting her in Dark Legacy. Enjoyed her story and seeing her and Isai coming together, learning about each other and falling in love.
Love learning more about the Ancients and catching more glimpses of Elisabeta. I hope her story is up next.
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Lyn *Nomadic Worlds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good but I want Ferro's story more!

[Cathy Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love. Hope. Redemption. Trust.

Dark Illusion by Christine Feehan gives you these and so much more! Once I started reading, I couldn't stop! Mrs. Feehan is one of my favorite Authors. When she releases a new book, I need to bask in the awesomeness created.

The romance between Julija and Isai is sizzling hot from the very start, but there is an underlying current of mistrust. When they are brought together for the common goal of getting, and destroying, the book of evil spells that could end all Carpathians. But evil is chasing them, and they must work side-by-side to fight the evil that chases them on their appointed endeavor. They learn to trust each other, and themselves.

The beginning of the story was angsty, but as I read, I understood the reasoning. The book is fast-paced and will keep the reader needing to turn the pages to find out what would happen. Dark Illusion - the reader can consume it as a stand-alone!

5 BIG BRIGHT BEAUTIFUL STARS!

[Slavica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Series Book #33
Release Date: 09/03/2019
Review by Slavica/SKO

Julija Brennan is a mistress of illusion the best within her family and yet her two brothers want her dead. She chose to separate herself from her family, leave them and go to warn the Prince of Carpathian people Mikhail Dubrinksy of the conspiracy against him and his people. Xavier, the high mage created a book of evil spells to bring on death and destruction to the Carpathians. Julija is determent to find the book and destroy it but plans did not include running into Isai Florea, her lifemate.

Isai Florea spent centuries in a monastery high in the Carpathian Mountains. His honor as a warrior, and the hope of finding his lifemate kept him going. The activities of a busy city, lights, traffic noise, and the people, all made him very uncomfortable. However, centuries of discipline helped him focus on his assignment of finding his brother Iulian Florea and Xavier’s evil and deadly book of spells. What Isai Florea did not expect was to find his lifemate Julija Brennan. Even though Julija is not too thrilled to learn Isai is her lifemate she reluctantly accepts his help to accomplish what she set out to do. However, Isai was not willing to lose her.

Dark Illusion is book 33 in the Dark Series, also known as the Carpathian Novels. Each book is a standalone read; however it helps if you know the history of Carpathian people. I was totally captivated from the first to the last page and could not put the book down until I finished it. Just when I thought Xavier would be gone forever he is still causing havoc. As Julija and Isai search for the book their bond grows stronger and as their bond grows so does their love for each other. Isai helps Julija search her past memories to understand the present and the true meaning of the lifemate bond. Will the evil legacy Xavier left behind continue to torment the Carpathians or will the ancient Carpathian and mistress of illusion outwit the evil ones and destroy Xavier’s evil book once and for all?

As always Christine Feehan storyteller extraordinaire gives us more then we bargained for. The book is action packed, sweet romance and more information that may just require a second and a third reading.
Want to live longer? Read a book, and as always until next time happy reading!

[Autumn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julija Brennan has no idea how powerful she really is. She’s been utterly destroyed by her father and the cruel men that surround him. They think that she alone could never gather the strength to find and destroy the one book that they desire above all else. They are so wrong.

Isai Florea is searching for his brother. Iulian, an ancient warrior, disappeared shortly after obtaining a book of spells rumored to be powerful enough to wipe out the entire Carpathian race. What he finds instead is a beautifully broken young mage who is not only headstrong beyond anything that he’s ever encountered – she’s also his lifemate.

Together they must find a way to blend the magic of the mage with the strength of the Carpathian if they are going to win this war. But their bond is brand new and Julija’s traumatic past is ever present. Will their love end before it even has the chance to really begin?

“You have to stop. I can’t think when you’re staring at me like that.”
“Like what?”
“I don’t know. A hungry wolf. You look as if you might devour me any minute.”
He flashed a small enigmatic smile at her. “It is a possibility.”
“I’m sorry I doubted you, Isai. Or even acquainted you at all with the likes of Barnabas or my father. I should have believed in my own ability to tell truth from lie.”
“Do not apologize to me, my little mage. They conditioned you to doubt everything. You will soon believe in yourself again and in us.”

In Dark Illusion, Christine Feehan once again introduces us to a lifemate who is just as fierce as her fated Carpathian! Julija is a study in contrasts. She embodies the kind of strength and vulnerability that makes her the perfect equal to a hardened warrior like Isai. The push and pull between them is an actual living force. It flows flawlessly from tentative beginning to satisfying ending. And fans of the Dark series – both old and new - will fall completely under its sensual spell…

[Reading In Pajamas]

✦Review & Giveaway: DARK ILLUSION (A Carpathian Novel, Book 33) by Christine Feehan https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-bg4
Publication Date: September 3, 2019
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 4 Stars

I enjoyed this installment – for the most part. Do I dare say that they are becoming repetitive? Nothing new except the characters themselves? 33 stories have pushed this romance series to its limit? I rated it a 4 because I like her writing style, and I get sucked into the Carpathian saga. Granted, I was rather worried at the beginning that I would not like Isai at all. His behavior when they first met pissed me off. Thankfully that changed and I understood him more. Julija’s motives and actions were also believable with her background, so nothing jumped out at me and I’m glad they got together and found their love. I sadly found myself almost speed-reading through the many spells and over-abundance of pages to describe one action. If you love the Carpathians, you will enjoy this book and how it leads into the next one…leaving some unresolved issues. It’s not a cliff-hanger, just readying the readers for what comes next.

*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.

~*~*~*~
Kindle $13.99 https://amzn.to/2T2nmVy ‬

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75/5 stars

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

CF has done it again. The book was fantastic. A little bit of everything thrown in. Can't wait for more!

[Megzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[The Romance Book Disciple (Samantha) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark Illusion continues one of my favorite series, the Carpathians. I love the fated mates trope, so this series has always been a hit for me. Isai and Julija were delightful as well. I think readers will LOVE Isai-what a steadfast and honorable hero! I will say he is VERY alpha. If that isn't your thing, you won't find Isai so perfect.

Isai is a warrior and he is enchanting. He has a list of swoon worthy qualities I could go on about forever, but basically, he is perfection! He is strong, patient, and devoted. Julija isn't instantly likable and there were times when I felt she was NOT good enough for Isai (because he was so perfect). However, her life hasn't been easy-her family was horrible, her ex was abusive, and she is seeking an evil book so it can't be used to destroy everything. Isai (being perfect and wonderful) helps her not only with her quest, but in finding her courage and strength. Julija is a really powerful mage and I enjoyed that aspect of the story.

Dark Illusion was fast paced (like most of Feehan's stories) and you will be sucked in fairly quickly as Isai and Julija's emotional journey unfolds. While the beginning is a tad angsty (ok, for me, it was really angsty), once I got to understand the characters better, the story began to level out and the angst was focused outside the couple. If you enjoy paranormal romance, a variation on the vampire lore, and steamy romance, Dark Illusion delivers!

[Kari Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christine Feehan can be a hit or miss for me. I'll admit that I thought this was going to be a miss in the beginning but I held in and it became a hit. I am not saying this was the greatest book ever or even Feehan's greatest but it was enjoyable. This followed the usual pattern of old ancient guy falling apart, young woman who is damaged by her past. They heal each other and fight a bad guy. Simple and to the point.

Three stars for enjoyable but nothing special.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for an ARC. This is an honest review.

[Kathleen Schrieber · Rating 3 out of 5]

For some reason we have gone back to spending too much of the book on sex. On one hand it makes the book shorter and faster to read as you can skip a lot of pages, but that is also a draw back. The book is otherwise very good. Plus Anatolia was Xavier's grandson, not son.