Pure Destiny

Pure/Dark Ones #12

by Aja James

Destiny is cruel…

Since the moment they first met, in another life time, another world, Dalair and Sophia could not deny the longings of their heart, their souls, for each other.

But the stars aligned against them, capriciously pushing them together only to heartlessly tear them apart. She was never meant to be his, but he gave all of himself to protect her.

Fate can be rewritten…

Both reawakened to their long buried memories, they fight desperately against the prophesies that shackle them.
Sophia, the first-ever Pure Queen, the reigning queen, and the Destroyer of races, must find a way to save Dalair’s soul before it’s too late.

Dalair, trapped in a body that no longer obeys his will, controlled by thoughts that are not his own, fights to the death to reclaim his soul. And to reclaim, in the process, the only woman he’s ever loved.

But at what cost?

The Pure Ones might have triumphed over one adversary, but the more devious villain remains, continuing to spread chaos and mass destruction. Will Sophia and Dalair overcome the odds and carve a new, better future, or will they succumb to the Darkness? Including the enemy within— him.

Genres: Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Romance, Fantasy, Erotica, Suspense, Paranormal Urban Fantasy

252 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 11, 2021

About the author

https://aja-james.blog/

Best-selling author, Aja James, just completed the Pure/ Dark Ones paranormal-fantasy romance series in 2020. If you want your heart battered, bruised, shattered and skewered, then put back together in the most glorious ways, check out the series below. Every couple gets an HEA, but they fight like hell for it on the way.

Aja is now working on her new series, Dragon Tails, because dragons are her favorite shifters of all!

Check out Aja's expanded distribution of the Pure/ Dark Ones series on Google, Apple, Kobo and Barnes & Noble Books.

Visit Aja's blog or join her reader-started Addicts group to learn more:

https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...

She loves to hear from readers. Email her at:
megami771@yahoo.com

Reviews

[Starr (AKA Starrfish) Rivers · Rating 5 out of 5]

REREAD: Liked it even better this time around!

IT'S DONE!! HOLY CANOLI!

I tried to drag out this ARC read, I really did... but it's so HARD!! Even though I read the beta chapter by chapter over the past couple months that it took for the author to write it, I still couldn't put my ARC down when I got started...REALLY LOVED THIS ONE!

I agree with a number of other ARC readers/ fans of the series that despite it feeling AWESOME and SATISFYING to have Sophia and Dalair get their HEA, what I cared most about was BENJI and ERE!!! (and Papa and Titi)...

This book echoes and completes a lot of the threads from Book 1 Pure Healing (which BTW is being rewritten!). In the way that Aja always said in book after book how history tends to repeat itself, there are a lot of parallels and retracing of steps and the similar expansion of the complex world with so many characters in 1 book (except we know them all by heart now!)...

But at the same time, this book proves that Destiny can be changed through choices made. Different choices lead to different paths. My interpretation of the Goddess' prophesy for Dalair - that he and Sophia was never meant to be - is that it was a warning, or it was their ORIGINAL destiny. But if it's one thing I've learned over the course of this series it's that WE HAVE CONTROL OF OUR DESTINY! And Sophia and Dalair took charge of theirs and said to hell to anyone else's warning or not--they were going to be together no matter what!

I enjoyed this "f*ck you" to destiny immensely.

As I'm reading Book 1 reboot now (only the first 4 chapters thus far), I'm meeting these characters for the first time, I see so clearly how much Sophia has evolved. Dalair, too, in a more subtle way. The way he took charge of her in the SCENE you know the one -- pool scene -- well, pretty sure the old Dalair would have done no such thing!!

I also meet other important, seemingly innocuous or seemingly evil characters in Book 1 and think, OMG! I never would have guessed it! Who knew a villain could be the most anticipated hero of the whole series! Who knew a minor character could be the ultimate baddie!! Who knew a little boy could be the KEY to it all!!

Who knew there be DRAGONS!!!!!!



I am on the edge of my seat for Book 13, the "extra" book to satisfy all our cravings for this series (and make us grovel for spin-offs...)

Aja simply can't write fast enough!!

*************************************************************




Waiting for the ARC to write a proper review. All I can say is... THAT WAS F*CKING EPIC!!



And...

I WANT THE NEXT BOOK YESTERDAY!!!



OK, I am soooooo MAD at GR!! Why are all my gifs not working on status updates even tho they do when I post them?? Then suddenly they disappear into [error]?? They aren't even PG!!

Well, fine, then I will post here.

Thanks to PUC's inspiration and AlwaysV's borrowing, I am on the Can Yaman band-wagon for him being a double for Dalair... he even kind of looks like the guy on the cover...

So, here are a few gifs for my fave scenes:

Eh... this might not relate to any particular scene actually, I just think this is how Dalair smolders and communicates without words...



Waterfall/ pond...



This really doesn't need any scene to post :P Anyway, Dalair spends most of the book either shirtless or naked, so...



Getting more to the point....



Dalair coming out of "pool"...



OK... you get my point... this is ONE FINE MAN!!!

[Princess under cover · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

What can I say that others haven't already about this phenomenal book? The one that comes full circle from book 1 (but not to worry, fans, our favorite baddie will get his HEA hopefully in the "extra" book).

First check these awesome reviews out...

AND, enjoy Cecile's uber spectacular review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

And Carmen's: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

And Firstpella's: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

And Claudie's: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

And.....too many to tally! YOU JUST GOTTA READ FOR YOURSELF!!

Here's what I will say:

As background, you should know that Sophia and Dalair have never been my fave couple. Esp. Sophia. I like Dalair just fine. And I LOVED his novella that was told entirely from his POV.

We met Sophia from Book 1 when she was a bratty teenager starting college. I am not fond as a rule of teenagers. I prefer not to have to interact with them in real life, so... it's me, not you, Sophia.

But she has finally come into her own in this book. Her character arc has developed over the course of the whole series, which, including novellas, is pretty involved, culminating in her and Dalair's HEA in this book, #12.

Dalair is Dalair in this book. I still like his novella better bc I just love hearing his thoughts, since he shows so little outwardly and doesn't express verbally either. There's a LOT of silent, brooding, tortured heroes in this series. And since that's one of my fave types of heroes, I don't complain.

The best part, tho, to Firstpella's point, for me anyway, was BENJI and EREBU in this book. The epic battle at the end was incomparable IMO thus far in the series. I don't know how Aja will top this in book 13.

All in all, an absolute must-read.... AND I am on the edge of my seat for the next book!!!


***********************************************

Alright, since Starr and I have been trading gif-sults all morning, I'm in the mood to get my gifs going for this book that contains characters we're fighting over.

For the first part of Chapter 1--the "Hero" for Creature...





Except all in gold if I recall correctly from Dark Possession .

Sophia-Dalair part of Chapter 1--want him but can't have him...



She might not be doing it, but she wants to!

Chapter 2 - Kira's first look at Dalair







My new obsession....yaman erkenci Lordy but that man is FINE! Potential double for Dalair?

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 'I want Ere's HEA' stars

Oh, dear, where to start? It seems I'm in a minority here but I really can't say that this book blew my mind. Maybe because I was never a fan of Sophia... But let's get to positive things first.

Benji!!! My precious little human, who's probably made of sunshine and rainbows and never fails to bring a smile to my face. I loved every moment with him, especially how badass and fearless he was, coming face to face with the ultimate evil. Also, his humorous comments were priceless.

Benji goggled with revelations. Octopuses, serpents, dragons and angels… he was having a wicked wild day!

Tal and Ishtar 💖💖 Seeing them together and in love always makes me happy!! 😊😊

Titi and her Papa. Their scenes were so cute and adorable but also heartbreaking because I knew the outcome. I'm glad we got yet another point of view on these important events because it shed some more light on the reason why everything happened the way it did. And all these revelations who is who... Just wow! The family tree of all the characters is truly all over the place. And I don't mean that in a bad way.

The fighting scenes. That was truly amazingly done! Totally worthy of epic fantasy genre. I've always liked how detailed are fighting scenes written in this series but in the last two books, the author really outdid herself. Aja, if you ever decide to start writing epic fantasy, you have my complete support. The battle at the end was my favorite part of the book (I found perfect music for it too) and I can't wait to see more badass fighting in the next one.

And now I have to address the negative things too. There was nothing specifically wrong with this book but I was just so bored. In the first half of the book nothing very thrilling has happened. There was a lot of talk about prophecies and stuff, which I get that it's important for the plot but honestly, I couldn't care less.

I also couldn't bring myself to care for Dalair and Sophia. It's no secret, I was never fond of Sophia but I did like Dalair. However, since he was taken and been transformed into this super strong zombie soldier, I kind of became indifferent to him. And sadly, his personality didn't reappear after he came back to himself. I just didn't feel them together. I even skimmed through their sex scenes, which I very rarely do *shocked*

And lastly, this isn't a critique but merely an observation. I adored that scene of friendship in Dark Possession, when Clara, Ava, Grace and Eveline were having a girl's night. It was such a lovely moment of bonding between characters that are usually not on the scene together but we could observe them becoming friends. And it made me realize that we don't often see the characters in this series to tangibly interact with one another. They've known and fought alongside each other for centuries (some even millennias) but I didn't get the impression that they would be prepare to die for each other. For their mates - yes, for their brothers at arms - no. IMO, these relationships outside of mating partners are lacking. For instance, when they were in a helicopter and Rhys was cracking jokes - I already knew that Rhys is a joker and I would much rather prefer to see a conversation between Eli and Tal, who were together on a scene for the first time after several thousands of years. Maybe a thank you for saving my son or sth like that. I admit it wasn't the most convenient moment but it was still a missed opportunity.

Despite this book being one of the two least liked books in the series, I'm - surprisingly - very curious about the next book. Ere, my poor child, you managed the impossible and made me fall for you. I guess, everyone deserves a second chance and you earned my forgiveness. Now, let's get you a deserved HEA!! 💙💙 And a song for the epilogue - yes, the title is for a certain unnamed character, whom I can't wait to meet.

The ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Aja!
************************************
Pic inspiration as always. Apparently, we have a new Dalair.



Credit goes to PUC 😉

[Aja James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am using review space again to add a few thoughts to this particular installment of the series:

This book was hard to write, for many reasons.

1) It brings together almost all of the trajectories and threads (the most important ones) throughout the entire series. For this reason, I would strongly recommend against a new reader starting the series with this book! Please don't! Even if you manage not to be confused, you won't get even 10% enjoyment out of it as you would if you started from the very beginning.

2) It's about Sophia and Dalair, one of the (if not THE) couples in the series that fans love best. That's a lot of pressure for me to live up to, so I am biting my nails whether I've lived up to it...y0ur reviews will tell, and I will read every single one, good or bad :)

3) Sophia, in of herself, completes her arc (and perhaps begin a new one) in this book. Her character development is important to get right. I know that many readers were most interested in her since Book 1 Pure Healing, and many were exasperated, frustrated by her as well, thinking she was a spoiled brat of a teenager, really at odds with the rest of the characters. Honestly, she irritated me too while I was writing her :P. Hopefully, she is a worthy queen now. And deserving of someone as special as Dalair.

4) Dalair. One of the favorite Heroes of the series. Again, a lot of reader expectation to live up to, so... hopefully you all love him even more now.

5) We are coming to the end, folks. I both hate and love it. I thought I would end this series on book 12, and novellas aside, miraculously, we're on 12! (Cecile, this is what I mean by not planning but sort of having a vision and yet "fatefully" it all works out. For the record, there is no bat-cave. :P). It will be sad to say goodbye to this series... But you never know what new joys and loves are coming around the corner.

BUT, there is one more story to tell, so we won't say goodbye yet :)

Enjoy!

[Cécile Smits · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when you think you know what to expect,Aja James cranks up the heat just that little bit more. And just when you think everyone has suffered enough,she puts them through the wringer,agáin! And worse than before.....

She left her own “review” here:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

There is no way to write a review that will do this story justice.
No words to explain how much it made me FEEL. How it made me curse. Cry.
Bite my nails to the bone in Pure Agony.
Because of everything that is revealed and all that happens.



How it broke my heart into a million pieces,only to be mended by those,very much needed,moments of Sweet and Innocent humor,and the moments of Pure Love.
How it made me NEED for it to end with love and hope.
So,instead i’ll try and tell you,without tóó much detail,what happens.....

The Creature or,as we know him now,Ere voluntarily submits himself to “The Evil One’s” torture.



Determined to survive whatever she throws at him. Because he doesn’t want her to get her filthy claws on his son. But it is AGONY! And he dóes die a few times....only to be brought back to life,and endure even MORE AGONY....



In the meantime,Dalair is under Rain’s care,with Sophia staying as close as possible. Only barely breathing,injured so badly he’s near death. How to help him heal,that is the challenge. Not only his body,but his soul,too. Sophia decides to follow her heart,and it works....or does it? She dóes learn a LOT more about herself and past lives along the way,that’s for sure!

Dalair is at war with himself,he has his orders,but that insufferable woman awakens something he doesn’t know how to deal with....But she dóes help his body heal....



What to do when she joins him on the journey back once he gets “the package” he came for? Even worse,what to do with the emotions she evokes? All those feelings he thought he could do without? The ones that nearly broke him before? Can he believe her when she shows him hers? How she’s felt about him all along? That he is,in fact, the other half of her soul? That she needs him more than her next breath? In the end,it’s simple. Nothing can stop them from their Pure Destiny.



But it also means he won’t follow orders. Benji was “the package” supposed to be delivered to “The Evil One”,but they’ll do anything to prevent thát from happening. That sweet boy is definitely not going near her if they can help it! Good thing they have enough time to “explore” eachother (AND HOW!!),because that means Dalair is at full strenght when the enemy closes in.



But will that be enough? Seeing her Dalair in trouble,what can Sophia do? It’s a good thing friends are coming. Friends,surprising allies and someone else.....But will they get there in time?

And what about Ere? Has he become what “The Evil One” wanted him to? Has he transformed into what she envisioned? Is he the pawn she can use as she sees fit? What will he do if he sees Benji in her claws? What will she do if he defies her?





This was a book stuffed to the brim with revelations. Connections that intertwine throughout the ages. A story of endurance. A tale of how true love conquers all. At times,a story that lifted my spirits with laughter when i really needed it ....

And even though my heart threatened to shatter and stop altogether at times,i’m still left with hope. I feel it in my bones. Even though the epilogue left me in tears......

I NEED Ere’s story!!!




Here are the reviews from my fellow Muses:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

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

One of my favorite things about this series is that as much as I think I know... I quickly realize there is still so much I need to learn.

These stories about the Pure and Dark Ones have been some of the most brilliant, incredible, and emotional reads I have ever come across. And I'm a pitiful mess right now because as much as I've loved reading these books, I'm devastated that there is only one story left.

Dalair was a man of action.
He proved his loyalty with fists and feet, blood and sweat.
He defended, protected, fought, conquered.
And he loved.
Oh, how passionately he loved!

So much devastating events led to this moment... Dalair is a mind-controlled minion/general of Medusa and company's army. In Pure Requiem, after falling in love with Ere, and realizing that he was giving the good guys a chance to rescue Dalair (and so many other things), I knew that this book was going to be deep. I knew that I was going to watch Sophia struggle with controlling her Destroyer side, struggle with returning Dalair's soul back, and that everyone was going to struggle with Wan'er/Fox Spirit/Lilith. Can this person just die already? I also knew that this author was going to deliver because she has for Fifteen. Other. Books!!

The following are my thoughts, feelings, conclusions, and questions while reading Pure Destiny, so if you want to avoid spoilers — STOP HERE!

If you want more...

Find my full, spoiler-filled review here

[AlwaysV · Rating 5 out of 5]

My deep gratitude to the incomparable Aja James for the ARC. Here's my honest from the heart thoughts.

My feelings at the end of Dalair & Sophia's story? ➡️ "Five Beyond-My-Dreams-of-Perfection Stars❣️" Yet, I didn't feel that the book itself was dedicated to telling their story but rather a trailer to the Feature Presentation . . . namely Book #13! Having realized that fact, strangely, unexpectedly, helped me appreciating the amazing couple who captured my heart and owned my imagination.

Dalair was definitely not a heroic Hero. He was enslaved/mind controlled/enhanced to become a General of the villains' army. He defeated his own people the entire series. The only two times he fought the enemy as himself with his soul intact; one to protect Princess Kira, another to protect Sophia and Benji, he lost. How could any readers have cared for him? No one could have, if not for Sophia.

Sophia wasn't a heroic heroine either. She couldn't control her phenomenal power as the Destroyer. As the Pure Queen, she hasn't helped her people the entire series. Except once, when her long dead father whispered in her mind ➡️Darkness isn't the only way. You have Light within you too, remember? . . . You also know love . . . You have the best of us...choose wisely, ... Her love finally saved Dalair as well as the others, mind-controlled minions made by the villain.

Their haunting past, amazingly only one past life together, was both mesmerizing and breaking my heart. The scene Dalair fought 98 warriors to death, for his Princess Kira, was one of my all time favorite scenes in the series.

This has been an amazing writing! The book practically and intentionally showcased extremely flawed Hero and heroine and dared me to take them as they were. Oh, yeah! I couldn't help myself but fall so crazy in love with them both. Their story was totally the Feature Presentation for me, never a trailer! Sharing two of my favorite scenes:

💘 "Could the son of a Persian slave, the King's concubine, a no one. . . could he be standing before the most exquisite woman in the world, a being as beautiful, strong, brave and powerful . . . was Sophia truly his? "

💘💘she answered his unspoken question in her mind. I choose you, Dalair. I will always choose you. Come for me again. I love you I love you I love you. . .
So he did. And together, they embarked on a whole new Destiny.

[Alaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will honestly love any book with dragons. It's science really. So it's safe to say that I loved and devoured Pure Destiny. It also doesn't hurt that I got so much Dalair and Sophia. Even though he tried to stab me in the heart multiple times throughout the entire freaking book.

It's cool though - I still love him and them being together.

The romance between them was amazing and Dalair is probably the main reason as to why I'm loving this book. Sophia and I didn't mesh in the beginning of this series but she started to become very likable after their little novella. This book just made me fall in love with her a bit more because she never gave up. She was her usual stubborn self but she knew that Dalair was hers and dammit - she was going to make it work!

In the end, I feel like the next book will be about Ere and his mate? Maybe? Potentially? PLEASE?!? I just need more happiness and for this series to go out with a freaking bang. I'm just a little sad that the next book isn't out on KU yet and I have to wait until May to dive into it.

Let's hope I don't forget to dive into it!

[Set · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way I imagine the Nine tails, Lilitu. The much awaited book after Dalair is captured by the Pure one's hive/shield. There is closure on many conflicts but this story opens up other story lines and mysterious possibilities.
Big truth bomb: Sophia starts to recollect memories of her past when she was a little girl by the name of Ninti or Titi for short. She remembered her father who was a leopard beast and her mother who sometimes had red eyes whenever other women spoke to her mate. The nine tails' name is Lilitu or Lilith (not biblical). There was a prophesy that Ninti would become the Lady of Life and Light. Sophia is born of light and dark and her father told her that one day she would have to choose. Her father was the one captured by Queen Ashlu and killed in front of his lover and mate, her being the nine tail. So, Sophia is the nine tail's daughter who was left at a noble's house after her mother lost her leopard husband. The nine tails doesn't feel emotions and is completely psychopathic. She didn't even show emotions and caring to her daughter Titi like a mother would. But she did feel the loss of her mate.

Eveline came to the shield and updated them on Ramses and how he is the Chosen Elemental King.
The group went to Ramses to see if he would ally himself with them. They informed him that Medusa was dead, meaning, his daughter. Ramses wants Jade to rule over a hive that was under Medusa's control.


Sophia brought Dalair back with a kiss, the sleeping beauty. lol In this book, we see Sophia's POV when she met Dalair as Cambyses. Daliar escaped from the hair in the shield and attacked some of his comrades to complete his mission. Dalair's mission was to take Benji to his mistress. The reason that the Nine Tail wanted Ere and Benji is because they are both ground-bound dragons. When Dalair was backed up into a corner, he jumped from the top of a building with Benji. Sophia jumped after them, grabbed them and hugged them while falling. They were grabbed by a claw and were suspended by a helicopter until hulled up onto it.

She overrode his programming by reminiscing on their past and letting him know how much she loved him. She shared with him through a mental link, special ability newly found, her memories of when she first met him and how she always knew who he was when he entered her bedchamber. He abandoned mission and brought down the aircraft. He spent a night with Sophia by the river while Benji slept. The next day, they were attacked by a large group of mind-controled Pure warriors and Sophia was about to go dark mode like that time Dalair fought all those men at the temple of Neith. I think that Benji might be Sophia's father reincarnated father because he spoke to her in a different voice and said the same thing Sophia's father had said to her when she was Titi, "You have the best of us…choose wisely, my sweet Ninti…" She used her pure power instead of the dark one. But this tells me that he is her reincarnated father and the fox tail is her mother.
Enil, Tal, Rhys: the eagle man, Cloud and Valerius went on a mission to save Sophia, Benji, and uncontrolled Dalair but Benji was taken. Benji was in the middle of the fight when everything froze and only he could move, that is when he saw the dragon fly and he followed it; he was taken by Lilith. He heard bells and a woman's laughter beckoning him into the trees and then darkness engulfed him. They found Benji at the nine tail's lair and they rescued him after a long fight. The nine tail hacked her own head off to trigger the hydra. Ere fought the hydra as a black dragon. The black dragon fought with the hydra and won. The black dragon disappeared into the lake after the fight. A dragon went into the lake, burned the black dragon and carried him out of the lake. Sophia and Dalair finally had a mating ceremony before their friends. HEA


Now that I have the closure that I sooooo desired, I feel like I've finally eaten the carrot that was dangling in front of me and I have no where to go. I feel like I'm missing something. Can their story really be over? =[ What will I do with myself?

[Lover of Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.5


First Impressions
Pure Destiny is the culmination of the past few books in the series and we have finally received the story of Dalair and Sophia. I have been putting this off for a while, I just wanted to have the right headspace for these two as I will be honest in that Sophia was never a character that truly intrigued me or one that I wanted to be fully invested in. But Aja James really pulled out another miracle out her hat here and wrote a story that I would want to be fully invested in as I had a blast with their story and I can see why so many are in love with this one here.

First Line
There's Pain.

Summary
Dalair has been changed into a man none of them recognize as he was changed into. He is now safe within their sanctuary, and Sophia is determined to save the man who holds her soul. But the journey to finding him will lead them on a journey neither imagined that would be taken on. Here we have a journey where Sophia and Dalair will be pushed to their limits in order to not only save themselves and the love they hold for each other but also to confront their enemy.

What I Loved
This story was truly magnificent. My heart just went out to Sophia and Dalair as we delve into their past history, see how they met, and what drove them to the present. This is a heart-wrenching dual unrequited love that melts the heart. You instantly are at attention from the very beginning when we see the determination that Sophia holds to save her soul mate. It's not going to be an easy road for her and there are many mysteries left unsolved. But we also get some delightful turns with one of my favorite characters Benji. Benji is a character that just lightens up your spirit. I am not sure how Aja James has written this character so endearing, but he honestly lightens up some of the darker elements and especially in this book my heart just lightened whenever he entered the story and seeing the connection that this boy has to the series and how the plot has been growing was so different than I was expecting. This author really adds some surprise reveals along the way that I was completely on the board with and something even more delightful was MORE DRAGON CONNECTIONS. I am stoked to begin the Dragon series soon because the author is really adding those ties that connect what is happening next I am sure.

The romance between Dalair and Sophia was so well done here. Now keep in mind that there are flashbacks in this story but they aren't long and they add so much depth and history to this couple that really digs into issues which I appreciated the author touching base on with. It was a delight to see their history together and what really motivates them. It just adds so much more dimension to the story as a whole and creates a more powerful reaction to this romance. I am curious to see what will happen with the one creature that has intrigued me the most in his journey and to find out his true identity. BLOW AWAY People. I especially am curious to see his journey continue and see more moments with Benji.

What I Struggled With
There wasn't much I struggled with, but I was reading this during the Christmas holiday so I was a bit distracted which is probably why it wasn't a five star read. Not to say that there was anything wrong with this book. There really wasn't, but I wasn't as into the story as I would have been if I had read this without distractions.

Overall View
I found Pure Destiny to be a compelling romance that digs deep into connection, history and a thrilling plot to keep you captivated from beginning to end.

Favorite Quote(s)
Even though his heart still burned. His thoughts not his own. Even though she was never meant to be his… At least there was one thing real he could claim: The single tear that contained all of his love and anguish, all of the memories buried fathoms deep, that rolled from the corner of his shut eyes, down the line of his nose, to the lips that pressed against Sophia’s skin.

“If it’s love your soul needs, I will give you all of my love. I have an infinite store, you see. The more I love you, the stronger it grows. It fills me with such desperate sadness and aching joy. If only you would love me back…”

Now that he felt what she’d felt, as if he lived the past with her, inside of her, he finally understood the truth. She’d always been speaking of him. No matter the pretense, no matter their circumstance, he had been her prince. He had simply and utterly been hers.

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Mythological Fantasy Romance
Character Types: Alpha Male, Anti Hero, Royalty
Themes: Pining hero/heroine, Kick Ass, Danger
Tropes: Unrequited Love, Second Chance

Book Perspective
Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A blend of both

Song This Book Inspires
Young and Beautiful by Lana Del Rey

Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes, I do think for serial plot happenings, this series must be read in order, although some of the earlier books you could probably read as standalones if you needed to. But once you get midway through the series, its a much better experience to read in order.

Steam/Spice Explanations

Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.

[Lorrie (Clockworkbookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 - I received the Pure Destiny ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review.

Advance warning... This review is a rambling mess, proceed with caution....

Edited: 10/2/20 (hopefully it makes more sense)

This was a hard book for me to rate and review, it had nothing to do with the story or writing, it was all me. I was, mistakenly, under the impression that Pure Destiny was the final book of the series, therefore, by the end I was very torn. If that had been so, it would greatly affect my review rating and I did not want to do that. Thankfully, I have been told that an "extra" book (Dark Purity) is in the works.

So, now on to Pure Destiny - the culmination of Sophia and Dalair's story.

I love the way Aja James writes. She has a way of taking the very ugly and painful and writing it in such a way that ultimately makes the suffering beautiful. It is a dichotomy and this prologue shows that mastery to perfection.

I am glad Sophia and Dalair finally have their HEA. I like them together and I know they are the favorite couple for numerous readers, but I didn't feel as much for them as I did for others within the series. Their main issues stem from a lack of communication and pretending/falsehood (for good and valid reasons), but still an easier fix than what others in the Pure/Dark Ones Series have had to contend with. They caused the majority of the issues. Since my 1st read of the goddess's warning to Dalair, after Sophia becomes The Destroyer and Dalair becomes a Pure One, I have believed he (in usual Delair fashion) misunderstood her warning. He has continuously felt unworthy, he misunderstands Kira's clues/words and I get the impression he hears only what he "thinks" the goddess said. I truly believe the answer and truth belong in the words left off, it is even an open-ended sentence. Something missing.


'...Dalair tried to recall her exact words…

"Your soul is restless, warrior. You believe you have failed her—the one you tried to protect. You cannot return to the Balance like this. You have not yet fulfilled your Destiny. And so I offer you another path: to become a Pure One in service of the Balance. Your bravery and determination will be tested as the Paladin, but you are strong. You will triumph. Yet listen well, warrior. And heed my warning lest you lose yourself and the world around you to an eternity of Darkness and pain. You will meet her again—the one you wish to protect. She will not be the same. Do not make the mistake twice. Choose wisely this time. She was never meant to be yours…'

Notice it says "You believe you have failed her—the one you tried 'to protect'." I am convinced that the goddess was telling Dalair that - '... She was never meant to be yours... to protect.' This makes sense to me as Kira/Sophia has an incredible power and that power is the ultimate game changer. Dalair does eventually come to this realization and does choose differently. This choice thus allows them to both live, finally able to love one another in the end. The meaning behind the goddess's statement that made Dalair believe that his love of Kira is wrong and that she was never meant to be his is never addressed. I hope that is clarified in the next book, Dark Purity.

My rant aside, Sophia "The Destroyer" is creepy and now we know why. Aja definitely left bread crumbs and I followed them pretty early on with the origins of Sophia and Benji. Oh Benji, that little beautiful soul and how I love him. Benji is just such a perfect break of beauty and joy to help you through the sorrow and darknes. We all need our own "lamby blanket". I have said all throughout the series that it was Benji for the win and boy was I right. So much left to learn there. I can't wait.

Erebu on the other hand... no one should have to go through that. Tal's treatment and abuse is horrific, but what Erebu has been through is beyond words. He did horrible things while under Medusa's control, but so did Dalair. Erebu's torment lasted thousands of years. As with Dalair, once he was able to break through the control he fought back with EVERYTHING he had. We don't see much of the fight, but the resulting destruction and devastating end was horrific! So yes, I feel that his HEA is paramount. Erebu, it is an absolute imperative, that he get his HEA.

Now we just need our "extra" book, Dark Purity, for the many unresolved questions and storylines. Answers or resolutions needed include Erebu (obviously, as he is literally in the wind), Papa, Benji needs to be ok, Little Flower Orphanage etc. and I am very much looking forward to it.

I thank Aja James again for the opportunity to review her incredible ARC of Pure Destiny and the amazing Pure-Dark-Ones Addicts - BETA READ MUSES for their insight, gorgeous gifs and hysterical "GIF-sults".

===================
Thoughts while reading...

3.0% "The Prologue 3% - 😭😭😭😭😭😭😡

Wait a minute! I wanted this ARC and this pain? I am deliberately doing this to myself. Aja you had better let this not go unpunished! Poor Creature!

Rant over. 😬 The Prologue is so incredibly powerful. You comprehend and empathize completely. Wow."

September 18, 2020 –
17.0% "First off, Little Flower Orphanage! The previous implications are absolutely chilling.

Poor Creature, Delair and Sophia, so much sorrow and pain. Again Benji for the win. Lol Pure love and unfiltered purity."

September 18, 2020 –
23.0% "Oh! I thought this might be a thing! Yeah!"

September 18, 2020 –
37.0% ""My Prince."

Yes! Finally!"

September 18, 2020 –
47.0% "So very good..."

September 19, 2020 –
68.0% "Awaiting reservations on Sophia's 5 star cavern tours.
Oh my... Dalair's admission was beautiful. Monster Sophia is not my favorite, interesting, but I prefer her Light or balanced.

"... the wrath of vengeful gods."

Jade teasing Eveline was funny. Might not have been smart with Eveline's talent, hidden and emerging gifts. Definitely could have warmed up the area. Luckily she realized she had taken it far enough."

September 19, 2020 –
70.0% ""WHAT'S IN A NAME? THAT WHICH WE CALL A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME WOULD SMELL AS SWEET” (ROMEO AND JULIET BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE, CA. 1600)

Regardless of the name... W'aner/Lilitu/Lilith etc, it doesn't change the appalling creature she is. Very interested in the clue and almost reveal, look forward to more info. Questions following scenes in another of the books and Aja's bread crumbs are finally coming together."

September 19, 2020 –
71.0% "Since my 1st read of the goddess's warning to Delair, I believe he (in usual Delair fashion) misunderstood her warning. He has felt unworthy and misunderstood Kira's clues.

You will meet her again—the one you wish ... will not be the same. Do not make the mistake twice. Choose wisely this time. She was never meant to be yours...

I truly believe the answer and truth belong in words left off, it is even open-ended."

September 19, 2020 –
80.0% "NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!!!!!!! 😭

...It didn't seem real. This couldn't be happening.
Not again.

😱
Where is he?! I will not accept him being gone. I refuse to cry because this can't be over. There are "ways" and it better happen by one of them."

[Debra Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Solid Stars

This is going to be a tough one for me to review. I'm so used to being completely In Awe with every book in this series that I was surprised that didn't happen for me with this one.

Some of the Flashbacks for Sophia and Dalair were part of my problem. We have already experienced a couple of them in previous books. Which hit my 'repetitive' peeve.
There were a couple of areas with the fighting scenes in the cave and the lake that felt jumpy to me. It also felt like the Flow of the story in whole was off just a bit.

I did enjoy the story for the most part. There is plenty of action in fight scenes and in the sex department.
Very hot and steamy scenes between Dalair and Sophia. Some really surprised me as to how hot they are together. Who knew Sophia would be the Kinky one!
Truthfully I think I loved Dalair more than I did Sophia. Not sure why. His strength in many ways is amazing.

So many revelations about Sophia and Benji! Those were mind blowing!
Benji was the only one to bring any laughter to this story. He definitely had me chuckling a few times.

Then there is The Creature. God my heart hurts for him! He is one of my Top Favorite characters. And he did not disappoint me! Some really interesting things going on there!

A lot of my favorite characters in this one. Loved seeing them all interact. Eveline & Eli! Yesss.

We even get a lot more startling information about Wan'er. That Evil Bit@#!

So, even though this isn't my favorite & I don't feel it is up to 's normal standards, it is still a fantastic read.
And has me anxiously awaiting her next in the series.

[Mar, Queen of Darkness · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't even know how to review this book, it was so good. It just... has everything a book should have!
I have provided a list of key ingredients:

-An EPIC, star-crossed romance that transcends space and time
-Hot, steamy, scandalous, hot-flash-inducing love scenes that will make you scream and scramble to hide your book when your hubbie leans in and tries to see what you're reading (true story)
-Nail-biting, heart-racing, edge-of-seat-omg-I'm-not-breathing battle scenes
-An adorable little boy who is everyone's favourite person
-An evil, terrifying, insanely powerful villainess
Annnd last but not least...
-A bunch of hot, immortal badasses fighting to save the world!

There is literally nothing this story doesn't have!

All that is to say, this book is f*#@$&%@#$king amazing and yet another example of why P/D Ones has become one of my all-time fav PNR series. (Which says a lot because I literally only read PNR and Fantasy Romance. I am a woman of refined tastes and I know what I like! And it is this f*cking series!)

And now I'm dying for Ere's story!



Thank you to Aja James for providing me the ARC for my review ❤️🙏🏻

[Firstpella · Rating 5 out of 5]

RerererereRead.
Why
Are
You
Not
Reading
James,
People
!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Original Review:

Funny, what is the penultimate tale about Sophia & Dalair - and this story IS theirs - is still for this Reader all about you know who.

Who - or what - saves him. This time. Is it the same being that at the beginning of the book hears his faint cries.
Does he know his baby boy is funny as fuck.
Why Olivia, there are p l e n t y of young, bland, blonde, borderline bimbo barely legal young women out there to screw and knock up. What made HER his Britney Spears.

Who I trust is James, this is her World and while Lilith is evil-scheming to become (or return?) a God, a Writer is God for they control the landscape they create. It took forever for Sophia, and all her lives previously, to earn ‘My Prince’ and it took Dalair oceans of centuries to accept his worth and her love. And their reunion was great. And I cried. A lot. I was shocked at revelations exposed in this next to last story in the series - how could Dark/Light Sophie be anyone else’s daughter but That Bitch. I laughed often - Benji, Evie - who knew drool could be adorable. I gasped when Papa’s voice whispered in the Destroyers mind. I adore Papa. His tale woven through this series is the one that continuous to just...break me. He has no happy ending...he is like The General without His Ishtar. He understood the risk with loving That Bitch and he paid. Eternally. Shit...here I go again 😭.

Ongoing thanks to James for gifting me her art before publication - my reasons for adoring this tale may/not be different from others who ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ but I know we all agree : Aja James and her stories are our Lamby Blanket.

#AtNightWeLive ❗️

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Spoiler***

There are just no words to explain how amazing this book is.

Seriously read it as fast as I could since I couldn't really bring myself to put it down.

Aja, you have done it again! What a great addition to the series.

So excited that Sophia and Dalair finally found themselves together. With all the heartache and pain from the past and present they still made it in the end.

AND Benji.... what an amazing character. He is too cute for words and just so positive. I loved that we got to see so much from his point of view. LOVED being able to get a description of the hydra from his POV. He is just truly an angel.

AND AND Erebu!!!! I mean come on... he is just magnificent! Love him. love his strength, love his dedication to Benji and I absolutely love how he didn't give it to Lilith no matter what she did or said. He is by far my favorite character EVER!!! (I'm pretty sure I've already said that several times haha)

AND AND AND HELLLLOOOOOOO beautiful ending... Cannot wait to find out what happens to Erebu as he "floats" away (can't give away too much now)

[Allyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowziers is all I can say right now!!

Okay so well where to start. First off this is the book I have been waiting on for so long because this is Dalairs book. He is my favorite hero in this series, he is loyal, strong, fierce, noble, ALPHA, protective, possessive, HOT, loveable ... oh my I could keep going. This book put my heart back together and also ripped it a part. Sophia has come into her own and I like her so much in this book. She has grown so much and was a major part in helping Dalair. The suspense in this book had me holding my breath so many different times. I wanted to jump into the book and steal some of the characters to get them out of harms way. I'm telling you it was a roller coaster ride for my heart , it was either the suspense or the HOT HOT times with Dalair and Sophia. Benji oh sweet Benji played a big part in this book also, I don't want to say much because I don't want to spoil anything but it had me on the edge of my seat wondering which way Aja was going to go. The epilogue killed me and I can't wait for my next favorite (yes I am saying this) character to please get his happy ending Ere!!! Aja you did an amazing job once again and I am so happy with my Dalairs story !!!

[Mya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know how long I have waited for the story of Sophia and Dalair; and now it’s right before me. Yet This piece of the puzzle is still unsolved. So let’s get into my thought of this Book.
I actually would like to rate this book slightly over a 4.5 so I just gave it a 5, because it wasn’t a 4. Sophia has a uncontrollable monster that is apart of her. One, that she knows not how it got there. All she knows is this it was activated by Dalair, Sophia’s love. Which happens to be a problem because he was taken by Medusa to become a mindless soldier/ Leader for her sinister army.

Previously Erebu had to damage him so that he hung on the edge of life and death to regain his sensibilities and return once again to the pure ones. The only one that can do this is... The Pure Queen, Sophia.

Sophia Longs to be with her beautiful man but does not know if he will return to her as the male she knows or a mindless shell that she must destroy to save her people. But she is already teetering close to insanity because if the Palidine dies, she will become the monster “ The Destroyer”; then all will be destroyed. For if Dalair is no more then neither is she.

This story has many twists and turns and surprisingly is not about Sophia’s destroyer but more about how Benji fits into the equation. For there are prophecies of dragons and there are only 2 people that could possibly fit it. Benji or his father ; who I must say has a crappy life. Seriously Aja... why are you doing Erebu like this hun ? At least let him get some lovin too. Jeeez

[~V~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

**4 1/2 stars**

~Slight spoilers for those who haven't read this yet~

So, overall i loved it...I, as most fans of this series, have desperately been waiting for Dalair and Sophia to finally get their HEA and that is definitely what we got so in that respect i am extremely satisfied, however, there is one little thing that i didn't love that kept me from giving it an absolute 5 star rating.

The book started off where the last book left off...with Dalair back with his 'family' after being with the enemy for a very long time and being severely injured. Although his mind was very much still under the control of his 'mistress' he has a hard time not feeling the pull of his connection with Sophia. The interactions between those two..when he's tied down and she's trying to 'reach him' were really sweet and dang sexy! And when he gets away to continue with his mission and jumped with Benji and Sophia!?...that was crazy!!...and so exciting!!

Where i had a bit of a problem was with the sex. I love sex in my books...i love detailed sex in my books... and have never been shy to state in a review when i am disappointed that there is not enough of it. One thing i am not a huge fan of though, which again, i've commented on in reviews of other books, is a** play. I get it..romance authors love to put it in their books and romance readers loooove to read about it so it's obviously not uncommon in romance novels. When it's there i suck it up and just keep reading... but when Dalair and Sophia finally, truly, came together with both of them being aware of what was going on (man, was i excited!!)...what started out as a really sexy encounter turned into entirely too much focus on Dalair's 'star'...his puckered star, his clenching star and Sophia not being able to stop thinking about it and talking to him about...one mention of it was enough, but she couldn't seem to stop obsessing about it!...and the sex also went on and on and on! I know i'm very much in the minority on this but it almost felt like their sex scenes were meant to top sex scenes from past books...maybe because this was Dalair and Sophia?...because their reuniting was so anticipated and it needed to be 'more' than others? The sex in every single book in this series has always been uber sexy and i haven't had a single complaint but for some reason it felt a little bit over the top this time. Again, i'm sure i will be in the minority on this.

Now, onto what i did love about this book!!...

- Obviously, Dalair and Sophia are at the top of that list...there's no denying those two were fated to be together and their connection in this life and past lives, after everything they've had to endure, made their reunion that much sweeter!

- Ramses!!! Sexy, sexy Dark King Ramses!! I think i've finally decided that HE is the sexiest hero in the entire series! That's right...he is hands down the sexiest and the only bummer is how little we got of him in this book!! However, when he's on the page he commands and exudes sexiness and Aella got to experience this for the first time, which was so fun to read!! Just typing this out is making me want to go re-read his book! I also loved the scene between Eveline and Jade, where Jade finally understands why Ramses chose her as his mate...it was hilarious how Eveline's possessiveness came out when Jade tried poking fun about staying back to visit with Ramses.

-The Pure and Dark Ones working together! Finally!! I wanted more interactions between all of them but what we got was great!

- Erebu...snarky as ever...loved his transformation and can't wait to find out what happens in his book!!!

-Benji (i can't believe i forgot about sweet Benji!)..he was such a HUGE part of this book!...he's absolutely adorable and hilarious! A couple crazy things were revealed, like his connection/past with Sophia! I did not see that coming!!...that revelation, in turn, connects Sophia's past to Wa'ner aka the mistress...that's crazy!!

I'm not sure if the next book will be the last in this series or if there will be more to come but i'm on board for whatever Aja wants to send our way!! Regardless of my personal issue/opinion on the sex in this particular book, this series as a whole is hands down one of my favorite paranormal romance series and i will not stop recommending it to anyone who will listen!!

*This was an ARC, generously provided by the author

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG ! WOW, WOW, & WOW!
Finally! 💗💕💖👍💖💕💗

Dalair and Sophia are together !!!!!!

This book was completely X rated! Holy crap. I've never read anything so descriptive and pornographic as this!!! I'm no prude but that was like Beyond just sexual! Holy shit. Insane
Anyway, very glad she was able to bring him back to himself, and that they are now together!!!
However, there's still that little problem of the goddess telling him she was never meant to be his. But it was awesome when Benji was able to help her use love and light as a weapon, instead of being the Destroyer.
And poor Ere!!! he just never gets a break does he?! unless, he was being taken to the heavens and will be returned as something else maybe?? Or maybe now he can be at peace. But somehow I don't think we've seen the last of him it wouldn't be a happily ever after without him in it.

Spoiler alert !!!

I think Wa'ner is Ninti's mother! Which would be Sophia's mother really. And Benji is her father's soul reincarnated. Everything coming full circle ???
And I think Ninti's/Sophia's mother was one of the original twin goddesses maybe? Cuz there was that comment how she used to be one of the most powerful, and now she was in a powerless shell, so there's something about that little tidbit. We haven't gotten to that yet, obviously.
But when she was talking about being mated, and she couldn't ever completely give him all of herself, and then he was taken from her. It sounded like when Queen Ashlu came and took Titi's father, which was Ninti, which is Sophia!
That's my take on it.
Definitely a crazy insane ride.

Obviously, I can't wait to see where this story is headed next !!!

[Carmen Boyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Worth the Wait!
This is book 12 of the Pure/Dark Ones Series by Aja James
I shall say it again, if you haven't read the previous books in this series, do NOT start with this book. Your brain will be boggled. But, go back and start with book 1, Pure Healing. You won't regret it.

Pure Destiny leads me back to Pure Healing, because it's where we meet young Sophia. Whiny, immature Pure Queen. A lot of people say they can't stand her.
I love her.
I love her journey from young girl, lost in a world so big and complicated, to the Pure Queen. I love her learned strength, power, and love. i adore her geeky, quirky Gen Z-ness.
I love her love.

I also LOVE her love. Dalair.
I love his quiet, stoic passion, and how he feels everything but NEVER shows it. Well, until this book!!

It has been suggested to me that I explain my obsession with three of the heroes from this series. I think I may be confusing my fellow muses...

Ok, in contextual order:
Dalair = I would marry and screw daily.
Ramses = we'd never get outta bed but we wouldn't have much to talk about but I'm not sure I'd care because I'd be too busy trailing my fingers over his abs and other... things 🤔
Ere = we'd lay in the bed, facing each other, not touching, just speaking our souls and being really annoyingly sarcastic to each other. I have a feeling his smile would end me.

Don't judge. They are fictional characters and I can have them all if I wanna!



And finally, in this book we get Sophia and Dalair's HEA. Which is a long time coming and so passionate and powerful and Pure.

But we get SO much more than that.
We get Ere, Benji, Titi and Papa (who melt my heart in every single scene they occupy). Which means we get love and humor and silliness and laugh-out-loud moments.

We get more about the ultimate "bad guy". I don't want to give anything away, but the fight in the next book will have to be beyond epic to defeat "it".
There are so many threads that come together in this book, kinda makes my head spin at times, but in a good way.
And, this book is full of fast paced action. You won't be able to put it down and you won't have any fingernails left when you do.

Then there's the Claiming. I won't give spoilers. But DAYUMMM.



Yes, it's my favorite so far, and yes I know I say that with every book, but it's because Aja James keeps upping the ante!
I have a feeling Ere's book is gonna blow my mind.
I am SO freakin excited for the last book of this series, I cannot even express it!

[Kate V · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars! ARC Review.

"Where there was darkness, there would always be light."

This story pulled so many emotions from me. I cried for Dalair's suffering. I sobbed for Erebu's pain. I warmed at Benji's heart. And I rejoiced at Sophia's never ending love for Dalair.

Dalair and Sophia were never my most favorite couple in this series but I wanted a happy ending for Dalair more than any other male character (Erebu has now taken that spot). I wasn't sure how James was going to revive Dalair's soul but ultimately I thought it was perfect how it all came together. Their joining was raw and intimate and such a beautiful culmination of their long history of grief, pain, loss and love. Despite the prophecy that Sophia was never meant to be Dalair's, I think Benji was the key to changing that destiny. His light made Dalair and Sophia's destiny pure.

On that note...Benji...I mean what can I say about this wonderful child. He is the light to everyone's darkness. I kept imagining him as being like the 'Light of Earendil.' He always seems to be the shining star when someone goes to dark places within themselves. The switch when there is no light.

"Monsters aren't determined by what they look like but what they do."

Lilith...what a horrible lost soul. But even Benji got to her. What she was doing/did to Erebu...just stick a dagger in my heart.

Erebu is one of the most complex characters in this series. He likes for everyone to believe he is selfish and unlovable when it's actually quite the opposite. He has so much goodness in him. I was literally dying when he transformed. He deserves happiness especially after how brutal that ending was. I adore Erebu and look forward to seeing what destiny has in store for him.

Lastly, it was so nice catching up with past characters and their mates. The world James has created, as I've said before, is extraordinary.

As always, James has flayed my heart right open but it's the best pain because seeing everyone get their HEA is heart melting. If you haven't picked this series up, what are you waiting for?! Do not pass go... do not collect $200.

[~~~Heather S.~~~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! I knew I loved these two but holy hell they were more than I imagined when they got together!! Burning hot hellfire passion, so powerful and soul consuming. Fantastic suspense and intrigue mixed in too, this book was non-stop from start to finish.

PNR fans must read this series, what are you waiting for?!!

[Hot Mess Sommelière ~ Caro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ugh.

I was *very* excited for this book. I even read the shitty book about Alend Ramses and then went to the trouble of re-reading both Sophia/Dalair novellas. That's a lot of work just to read this one book!! All because I was hooked from book 1 on Dalair and Sophia. They were my one big couple in this series.

Of course the book didn't measure up, like, at all.

I will explain, because it's not as if the whole thing sucked. It didn't. The only thing that sucked is that Sophia turning Dalair back was unbelievable and that their relationship sucked. The rest was well-done. But I wanted the best of both worlds and that didn't happen and now I'm sad.

First of all: the plot was pretty damn exciting. Dalair was back with the Pure Ones, but still mindless evil Dalair, so he goes nuts and kidnaps Sophia and Benji.

That's a good set-up. Now, we have a very dangerous high-stakes situation AND Sophia still has to get Dalair back into his own brain. That's cool.

The showdown against Lilith is handled really well too, totally badass and epic. Loved it. I totally live for these scenes. Great POV both from Lilith and from Ere. Also great use of flashbacks from both the Dalair/Kira times and from Sophia as Ninti. Those offered a wide spectrum of view and finally revealed some crucial information about who Sophia's parents were (I had had my ideas before ... now I'm sure on both counts).

BUT

What was Aja James thinking when she gave Dalair, who, to this day, had only one tiny novella of his (mostly past Dalair's) POV, a grand total of maybe 20 lines of dialogue in this huge novel that not only gets him back to his true self but also mates him forever to Sophia??? And where all the old miscommunications are revealed? He talks no more now than he did back when he was a zombie, possibly even less than that. It's horrible.

It BOGGLES my mind. I know, I know he doesn't talk much, but seriously? He had more conversations as old Dalair with Cambyses than he did with Sophia!

I mean, we got something else instead. As in, at least 48 hours of rabid rabbit sex that somehow fit into a few hours (they had time to sleep before AND after! I know this is fantasy but seriously?? No one can do this kind of sex gymnastics in that short a timespan, I'm pretty sure it's physically impossible.).

My takeaway from this book is that Sophia and Dalair are even more cocaine-addict level horny than ANYONE else on the planet, and they just don't need to talk to have a valid relationship and character development. Because yeah, the incredibly long sex scene was used for character development. A dialogue would have been nice. But that's just wishful thinking.

Also, the big choice Sophia makes? (that was HUGE, btw) The scene got chopped into three POVs, which meant that her part in the choice actually got downplayed and basically shoved off-page, just because Benji's and Dalair's view was maybe a little more cinematic (Benji's POV was crucial, of course - but Sophia's should still have been longer and done the full scene, while Benji could just have recapped.).

So the love story was a let-down. I just didn't buy how easy it was for Sophia to get Dalair back to his roots, without him ever having to open his mouth. I don't see how it was crucial to have an incredibly long sex scene in this book when they could have had a dialogue as well. Not gonna lie, it was a huge let-down.

But I can see how book 13 might be really epic and of course I'm looking forward to reading it in May. I love Ere so no matter how or with whom he ends up, I'll likely be super excited just to read his POV, which is balm for my soul always. It's just, it would have been nice to end the whole series on a high note and not just the last book. Especially since this mostly sucked because of "Directing" decisions and not the plot or the writing.

3 stars I hoped for more

Initial review:
*screeching*


My history with the Pure/Dark Ones series is long and twisted. I kinda liked the first one and decided to keep reading. I really like Paranormal Romance as a genre, even though there has never been a series that remained on the same level in terms of quality (so most of the time I drop PNR series after a while and it sucks).

Since the first book which I liked, there have been books in the series I enjoyed, books that I couldn't care less about and books I absolutely loathed. That's a wide range of emotions and once I really hated one book, a series can rarely recover from my resentment. Aja James recovered into my good graces, not once, not twice but 3 or 4 times. That's a laudable achievement in itself.

Right now I am on to Alend and Eveline, two people whose romance is as fascinating to me as reading a phone book. Why keep reading for so long, you might ask? Because I am fucking INVESTED in Sophia and Dalair, since book 1. Sure I'm bitching and moaning about all the crappy couples and the dumb sideplots and the atrocious dumb genius characters in this series and how I had to read thousands of pages about them that went nowhere. But the truth is I am so invested in Sohia getting her happy end, I would have read another 5000 pointless pages about whatever so long as I could finally make it here. Turns out it's happening sooner rather than later and that is a great gift to me, but also sad because what PNR series will I be reading from now on? I recently dropped the Black Dagger Brotherhood series and there's nothing left that I actually enjoy.

In this series, I have cared about nothing except the bad guys (Medusa and Wan'er are as interesting to me as the Creature and I would read spin offs about them lol) and Sophia and Dalair. This book better be good.

[Serenechaosnyc · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so happy that I don't have to wait for the next book in the series because I think I would go into a kind of depression. It really would be difficult to wait... (note: if you haven't been following the series, it's best to read in order because while most of the books, barring the novellas, follow a couple to a "conclusion", the underlying arc, the conflict between good and evil, goes through the series. And this fantasy world is so original, so detailed, and so well thought out that you really don't want to miss a thing.)

Now, this book. This book follows Sophia and Dalair and boy, what this couple had to go through (I mean, it required 2 novellas and now this book to adequately describe the torturous route to their HEA). Even in the beginning of this book, they don't have a clear route to happiness as Dalair is still the mindless, almost soulless minion of the Master (I really really dislike her). The story is full of nonstop, adrenaline inducing action as Sophia and Dalair (eventually his soul and mind returns) and the rest of the team fight to save Benji from being kidnapped by the Master. That's not all, of course. In Aja James' unforgettable style, this book is very sensual and steamy, leading me to alternate between fanning myself and gripping my seat in fear for my favorite characters.

The other thing that is so awesome about this story is that we see so many of the prior couples. You know things are coming to a head because we see the continued evolution of the evil and how the Dark/Pure Ones have to come together as a team in order to win (or stave off defeat). The evil is near unstoppable.

And finally, Ere and Benji. Ere is probably one of my favorite characters across all the books I've read in the many years I've been reading paranormal romances. While we don't see as much of him in this story, we still get some instances of his wit, his humor and his snarkiness, even when he's being tortured (trigger warning). And the look into Benji is enlightening (a bit of pun intended).

The memorable and likable (or in some cases, detestable) characters over this series is one of the main reasons I keep wanting to devour these books. I'm so glad I found this series!

[Laura..devouring books like crumpets · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I was expecting more.... Dalair Has been my fave throughout....




After the epic mindblow that was pure awakening i have been anticipating this ever since! Sophia has always been one of my least favorites, as Sophia... Ninti a different story.... But Sophia no i never thought she really deserved Dalair, She does come into herself alot into this book, but i really was waiting on her to do something truly self sacrificing for Dalair after all hes been through for her. Their story i felt was a little lackluster quickly resolved and got steamrolled by everything else. Also when we get glimpses into the past lives... It was all stuff i had read before i found myself skimming alot of it.

As amazing as this whole series has been, i felt friendships and comradery lack between characters, Sophia and Aella have had a close friendship in other books, Aella and Eveline even, but they haven't been touched upon in a while... Aella is really the only one who has somewhat strong ties with anyone who isnt family or her mate.

That being said there was some smoking hot scenes... Sophia a little Nympho!







Wan'er had some revelations of her own.... Creature... Ere is growing on me alot.... his sarcastic humor at the end was a great send off to the book giving it some lightness after all the intensity...

"Maybe dragon balls weren't appealing, who knows"

Also loved Aja Timeline and family history added at the end of the book really helped refresh my memory....

So still a good read, definitely worth reading... Dalair Ramses and Cloud are still my favorite man meat... Cant believe this Fantastical series is nearly finished!!!!

[Neela Maraj · Rating 4 out of 5]

The wait is finally over!!!!

Dalair finally has Sophia, after rebirths and countless separations, love will always bring two hearts that were meant to be together. I truly wanted more story of these two but throughout the series there has been so much about them and finally they have each other. Sex was a little too much but good read. Now I am all hyped up for Ere, love him, love him, love him.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/21/2021)! 🎁

[☾Sabrina♡༄ · Rating 5 out of 5]

He was her trigger, yes. But he was also the answer to any question she could ever ask. He was her solution, her antidote. He fired her up and calmed her down. He made her feel limitless while always grounding her with his protection.

It was the most exhilarating way to soar—to know that you never have to fear falling.

Disclaimer: This will be a biased review because of how strongly I feel for my son, Ere. If you’re a Dalair-Sophia shipper, YMMV and all that.

 

💖Perfect Papa

My nameless love. He was such an irresistible warm ray of sunshine, a cinnamon roll, all that is good and pure and joyful. Does the world deserve him?

“You coddle her.” “It pleases me to do so,” Papa returned easily, wrapping his arms around Mama from behind. “Just as it pleases me to coddle you.”

I felt torn—I wanted to soak in all his goodness and hoard him all to myself. Even as I wanted the world to share him and be the best versions of themselves because of him.

The most beautiful thing about him is his ability to find beauty in the Darkness. That his light shone so brightly that it illuminates one with absence of it. As Benji said, Darkness was merely the absence of light. Everyone needs love, but not everyone is easy to love. Who would have ever loved Mama if not for him? She would have never known what it was to love and be loved, however brief it might have been.

“Darkness is in all of us. Just as there is light, hope and joy, there are those shuttered spaces in our souls, those whispers in the seething night, yawning chasms of blackness and doubt.”

I’m so happy we got to see more of him, I’ve been so fixated on him from the first mention.

Ever since Dark Obsession my heart has hurt thinking of him, wanting to know more of him. This innocent, beautiful man who had everything taken away from him, even his Mate’s love.

And I still can’t get this scene out of my mind, it haunts me!

“Please,” the mighty queen had begged. “Please tell me that you love me too. Just a little. Lie, if you must.” He’d turned his face away from her then, denying her this last request.

That the person this wonderful man gave his heart to called him filthy, polluted, a whore for protecting his loved ones... I can’t imagine it.

At the same time, some part of me still can’t help but feel sorry for her.

“…you are only half him. Half me. I do not love the other half. I hate it.”

 

💖Ere

My witty, mischievous, self-sacrificing child.

“I am grateful for your companionship, dearest. Have I told you that lately? Don’t ever leave me.” “Please. I don’t want to be alone.”

“I won’t leave you, Cam,” she promised, hugging him with all the un-wifely love in her heart.

But we know how that went. Luckily for Ere, he later finds THE MOST PERFECTLY WONDERFUL PERSON WHO WOULD NEVER EVER EVER BREAK A PROMISE TO HIM.

 

Dalair and Sophia… I’ve often wondered how they were going to overcome the inevitability of Fate. The Goddess warned Dalair to not want Sophia again, that she was never meant to be his.

 

🤎Sophia

It’s been a rollercoaster ride with her. I always tried to empathise with her, imagine myself in her shoes each time I had less than generous thoughts about her. When I first met her, she was kind of bratty and annoying. But she was a teenager so I told myself I shouldn’t compare her too harshly against people around her that have had thousands of years to mature. 😅 Back then, I liked Dalair and was hoping she’d mature in the coming books and come to “deserve” Dalair. And since Dalair rescued her as a baby, she was basically imprinted on him. Growing up, he was the one she wanted to spend all her time with the most. Dalair’s sudden rejection and withdrawal from her must have been excruciating at that age. Confused and hurt, she must have started acting out, which was why the young prepubescent Sophia surprisingly felt more wise and mature than the girl we met in Harvard.

I also try to empathise with her actions (including adultery) stemming from her cowardice and insecurity—she wasn’t sure if Dalair felt the same way.

It was nice seeing Kira’s POV. Like with Eveline, I enjoyed how Kira analysed herself and discovered jealousy for the first time. And all her care packages for Dalair beyond what she had the blacksmith design—ointments, food, army supplies.

She loves him wholly—even the violent, forceful monster inside of her loves him.

 

💔Dalair

He’d never given her the words, he was well aware. He’d never told her that he loved her. She said them freely, passionately, and he even believed her. But he would always love her more. There were no words in any language that could convey what he felt for her.

HMM. 🤔

I liked that when Dalair was attracted to someone for the first time he thought his love interest was a man, but he didn’t care.

He’d wanted this being, no matter what.

But it wasn’t enough for me to only get a flash of regret/pain on his face when it came to Ere. I was waiting for him to bawl his eyes out for his brother, not for Dalair to just focus on his pain of having another man claim Kira when it should have been him.

At least Sophia saw this:

“You were his brother, he loved you, and I was his wife. Yet neither of us put him first. No one in his whole existence has ever put him first, I think.”

Though he kindddd of redeemed himself a bit when he tried to save Ere? Barely.

Honestly if I hadn’t read the last book yet, I would have been more generous with him. But as it is, remnants of my regard for him when he was Sophia’s protector is all I can give him.

There's much love for this man. Cambyses and Kira both loved Dalair more than they loved each other.

The more I learn of Dalair and Sophia though, the more I see that their love is a selfish one and it is hard for me to love.

My problem is I don’t see why their past lives loved each other so much that countless lives would be sacrificed over it. I get Tal and Ishtar, Alad and Inanna, and even present-life Dalair and Sophia. I don’t doubt the rest for a second.

And please, guys, not in front of the kids!! Just thinking of Papa seeing her with Dalair I wanted to die from mortification LOL.

 

Other thoughts:

📝 Val likes soft-boiled eggs.

THAT PLOT TWIST. 🤯 And not lil Benji tryna call a demon Lily. 😂😂

How does Ramses feel about being the sire…?

What an impact Goya’s dad has on everything.

Eli is such a protective, loving dad. Aww. And so surreal to see the shadow warrior alongside Tal.

 

I’ll say it again, I’m smitten with Eveline’s fiery jealousy and possessiveness 😍

“You should never doubt him.” “I don’t doubt him,” she said readily. “It’s all the other people I have to watch out for. They all want a piece of him.”

I mean we do, so she’s not wrong. 😛

 

I loveee how much diversity there is in the entire series. And what mythology has ever existed in our world? You can HAVE IT ALL. Sometimes I just sit and think of how grateful I am to have found this series. I love it with all my heart.




Review to come, because I genuinely have not an iota of self-control and can't help but read ahead.

I need to make sure someone loves my son the way he deserves to be loved.

[TamaraT · Rating 4 out of 5]

So before I start this review I have to state that from the moment we met him in book 1 I was fascinated by Dalair. His mysterious past, his obvious feelings for Sophia, they drew me in. Through the series he became my favorite character even when he was 'turned' (maybe especially because of that...the Winter Soldier is my fav Marvel character and there are similarities in their situations).

I absolutely loved Sophia's novella and that's why I had big expectations for Dalair's book. Maybe they were too big because while I highly enjoyed this book I somehow expected more. I think part of it comes from...going spoilers now....

So I loved seeing the scenes from Ninti's POV and OMG Lilith is her mother 😱 also discussion point...is Lilith one of the twin goddesses,the one cursed to feel after toying with Tiger King Goya? If so does this mean that in some way Sophia is related to Goya and Maximus?

Drifting from topic... I liked seeing scenes about Kora/Sophia from her POV but a part of me was like 'Yeah, yeah I already know what happens next, read this from Dalair's POV already'. Did I enjoy the scenes? Yes. Did it give more insight into what happened in the past? Yes. Was it new and exciting like learning about Ninti and all of Ere's transformation and suffering? No.

Oh and may I please plead for mercy for our poor Creature. He might not be my favorite but his suffering is unending. I loved his sarcasm and tenacity, especially in the beginning. Also his dragon form!!!! DRAGONS🤩😍.

So yeah that's why 4 stars instead of the 5 I immediately wanted to give. It felt hypocritical for me to give it the 5 stars when I enjoyed the ones I rated at 5 before more. This is no reflection on Aja James' writing which was excellent, just my personal interpretation. I still loved this book, just not as much as some of the others.

[Paola · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, thanks so much to the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is the story about Sophia and Dalair, and I've been waiting for it for a long time now, and now that I've finally got the chance to read it I want more, that ending left me with hope for my beautiful creature....
In this book Sophia is trying everything to save Dalair, since he is trapped in a body that doesn't obey him and thoughts that aren't his own.
Everything can be lost if Sophia lose Dalair, because she's the destroyer and is very near to lose control, but Dalair has orders to fulfill and he'll do everything he must to please Wan'er.
On the other hand we'll find more about Benjamin, he's surch a wonderful character, full of light and love, he is the only one that can calm Sophia when she's about to lose it.
Finally the creature is prisoner of Wan'er that is doing many experiments with unknown purposes... I want so much a happy ending for him.
In this book you'll find passion, action, fantastical creatures, lust, love, redemption and hope.
A must read if you love paranormal romance.