Dark Purity

Pure/Dark Ones #13

by Aja James

An unlikely hero…

He was once known as the Creature. An indefinable “it.” His life had never been his own, used and abused by despicable beings. Worst of all, he never knew himself.

Despite his tortured past, despite the darkness inside him, he has chosen a brighter path. He has a name—Erebu. His first stand was to defy the Master who created him to save his son. But instead of destroying the greatest enemy of all, he himself was destroyed…

An unlikely love…

From distant lands, across fathomless seas, someone heard the Creature’s cries. He gave Ere a second chance, a miraculous rebirth that came at a steep cost, remaking Ere with his own breath, body, blood and soul.

This mysterious savior has a past of his own to face, and a future to define and embrace. Will Ere be able to find him in time? Will they forge their path together or pursue separate destinies?

An end and a beginning…

No matter their decision, one thing is certain: they must work together to unite all Kinds if they have a hope of defeating their ultimate nemesis.

The end is near…

And so is a brand new beginning.

Genres: Paranormal, M M Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Romance, Dragons, Erotica

396 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 15, 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]

RE-READ WITH SABRINA. SHARING OUR MUTUAL LOVE OF SORIN AND ERE.

So, Sabrina and I both think Ere got the PERFECT Mate bc AJ loves him so much that she put all of the best parts of every hero in this series into Sorin. Let's count them down, shall we? Sabrina, we can compare notes 😁

What Sorin has from every Hero:
1. Valerius' protectiveness
2. Gabriel's steadfastness
3. Ryu's mysteriousness
4. Devlin... not sure what he got from Devlin - the golden coloring??
5. Tal's strength and courage
6. Eli's badassery
7. Seth's self-control and serenity
8. Max's BOSS
9. Cloud's purity
10. Ramses' KING
11. Dalair's silent suffering
12. Goya's SILENCE period :P Man of few words

And SORIN has it ALL and THEN SOME, bc he's f*cking ONE OF A KIND!!!!

ERE AND SORIN ARE HANDS DOWN MY FAVE COUPLE IN THIS SERIES!!!!



So... I was on my ARC read after my beta chapter by chapter read and I was trying to pace myself up to 33% and whooosh!



Couldn't stop the speeding train! Couldn't put it down!



Hands down, bar none, BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR FOR ME, for the best series EVER! (maybe... unless AJ writes something new and better :)



(OK, that was supposed to convey orgasmic good... maybe this one)...



This is really the ULTIMATE CULMINATION of all of the various trajectories in this series. And even tho AJ said before that Sophia and Dalair were supposed to be the end (book 12, nice cycle number), and that the Creature's book is "extra," to me, THIS is the real ending (as well as a beginning!!! DARE I HOPE!!)



You can see all my status updates below for the blow-by-blow. I'll just put the highlights here:

TRUE LOVE, CHECK.



HOTTEST MM EVER???? CHECK!!!



(don't know why I put that... the muscles tho.... 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥😍😍😍😍😍😍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️)

TORTURED HERO(ES)? CHECK.

AMAZING ACTION (I MEAN COME ON! DRAGONS!!!!) CHECK!



BEST COUPLE OF THE CENTURY? CHECK!



HUMOR AND HEART-WRENCHING, CHECK.



AND DID I MENTION -- DRAGONS!!!!!



Need I say more??!!!

Who knew the Creature that we met in Book 1 would become the HERO (and what a HERO HE IS!!!) in this last book of the series??

I'll give one small spoiler--

I totally thought that Sorin would be the "Hero" of this book, and Ere would be the damsel in distress. But that's not it at all, folks!

It's F*CKING BRILLIANT!!!



A gazillion heart-felt stars!!



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

As you can see from my labeling of this book, it's GOT IT ALL!!!!!!

I am reading as the author is writing. This is a beta reading progress review.

A few things I'd like to point out:

First, and most important: SOREN IS MINE!!!!! I CLAIMED HIM MONTHS AGO WHEN THE FIRST INKLING OF HIM WAS INTRODUCED IN .

Now that's out of the way... here's a potential Soren pic:



Except Soren has GOLD eyes, like "miniature suns". My favorite description from Ere's POV:

"If he was the size of an ant, he’d cliff-dive off those cheekbones and hope to be caught upon those beautiful, full lips. If they weren’t as soft as they looked and he broke upon impact, it would be a glorious, worthwhile sacrifice. Maybe he’d get lost in the beard instead. Maybe he’d root around in the thick, forest-like maze and never come out."

And more...



Not "CUT" enough, cuz Soren is over 6'6" and extremely CUT. I have to post more of this guy, cuz as Carmen pointed out, these next pics are HER version of Sorin (with an i)











OK I gotta switch it up for a sec... I think you get the gist - Sorin is BIG, BAD and BEAUTIFUL



And I still like this one for the body if not the fit with description :P



Pretty sure this will be one of those instances where no real man will do SOREN justice!!

So.... As I'm listening to Cecile's song rec and watching the video, I got obsessed with the guy in the video...

Gorgeous...

[Princess under cover · Rating 5 out of 5]

REREAD BEFORE RELEASE...DAAAAAYYYYYMMMMMNNNN, IS ALL I CAN SAY. HANDS DOWN MY FAVE COUPLE EVER!

Well...I don't know how to write this review.



There are no words to do it justice. So please look at my friends' reviews below.

This is the perfect ending to the most phenomenal fantasy-paranormal romance series I've ever read (and I read a great many of these things). This final book has exceeded all of my expectations and, true to AJ, left me begging for more.



I don't know how to describe the perfect love between Ere and Sorin. I can't tell you how SPECIAL both of them are as individuals and how INCREDIBLE they are together.

I don't read many MM books, because I'm picky about the ones I do read. The only thing that draws me to MM is to get a double dose of MAN. This is what I got in spades in this book, tho both males are so unique and different from each other.

Ere's journey in this book from beginning to end was completely magical and completely RIGHT. Nothing was rushed. Every detail came about in natural evolution. How Sorin gave him strength not by doing things for him but helping and pushing Ere to do for himself... it was beautiful to see. It takes a VERY special love to set Ere free.



I don't know why I had doubts about AJ's ability to make this happen, because Ere's past and personality are just soooooooo complex... BUT SHE DID IT FOLKS! And IT'S PHENOMENAL!!!

OK, so I basically said a bunch without really reviewing anything or telling you any of the story. You will just have to read it. Read the other reviews too.

But here are some highlights I loved. I don't typically do this... collect quotes from books. Too lazy to type them. But I can't help it. It's THAT good!



If he was the size of an ant, he’d cliff-dive off those cheekbones and hope to be caught upon those beautiful, full lips. If they weren’t as soft as they looked and he broke upon impact, it would be a glorious, worthwhile sacrifice. Maybe he’d get lost in the beard instead. Maybe he’d root around in the thick, forest-like maze and never come out. -Ere meeting Sorin for the first time

Where to start? he wondered.
But then, he realized it didn’t matter. It wasn’t the where that was important. It was simply that he start. - Ere thinking about the bounty that is Sorin

“You might shake loose a spleen if you don’t let that laugh out. You only have the one spleen. I hear it’s one of those noncritical but irreplaceable body parts. Rather like me. Annoying but one of a kind.” - Ere to Sorin

If Sorin laughed at him now, he would just die.
He wanted the bed to turn into a miniature black hole and suck him into an alternate universe so he could disappear and pretend this never happened. And he’d only come back through the portal when his new and improved alternate self was a bonified sex god. - Ere after a "preamy creamy" 😛

Sorin roared his own release at the indescribable completion and euphoria on Ere’s face. This was what he was made for—to fulfill and protect this dragon.
His Bane.
His Erebu.
His beautiful curse.
His wicked salvation.

“Come.”
He gestured for Ere to follow him inside.
“I sure did. Don’t need the invitation.” He thought the male muttered beneath his breath.
Sorin frowned with incomprehension. Until a dark stain in the front of Ere’s pants drew his gaze.
- Sorin taking Ere on his first flight 😍😍🔥🔥

“Actually, I came with you so we could fuck each other into next Sunday without the threat of burning the whole town to the ground,” he muttered.
Then, he slid a nervous glance at Sorin.
“Hope you don’t mind.”
- Ere explaining why he REALLY came along to Sorin's "nest" 🤤🤤🤤🤤

"That was then. This is now. When you’re dragon enough to submit me, you can fuck me any way you like. Not a moment before."
Whoomph, went Ere’s body, every cell exploding in a simultaneous conflagration of volcanic desire.
- Sorin giving Ere incentive to get his dragon on.... lawd have mercy!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🤤🤤🤤🍆🍆🍆🍆

"You want me to come, make me. Where is this “Hoover” you spoke of?" - Sorin egging Ere on

Ere heaved an aggravated sigh.
“Brilliant. Your half-form is a fucking archangel, and I get to be a flying rodent. That’s poetic justice for you.” - Ere, upon discovering his wings in half-form 😛😂😂



"I couldn’t believe my eyes when you exploded out of the sarcophagus. I’ve never seen anything like you. You were…”
“Magnificent,” Ere supplied.
“Gorgeous. Splendiferous. Awe-inspir—”
“One big-ass, ugly, scaly motherfucker,” Dalair said with finality.
Ere sniffed.
“Don’t make fun of my ass. I can’t help it if it’s big. All hereditary, you know. Check Tal’s out. His is bigger.”
- Ere and Dalair catching up

"That’s all you think about? Care about? Fucking?"
“Not at all,” Ere said gravely. “All I think about and care about is fucking you.”
- Ere with his confidence, staking his claim

I love the feeling of falling with you. I want the world to be spinning around us when I come inside. When I make you lose your mind, and you plummet and soar to your little death, so I can revive you with my breath and start all over again. - Ere reunited with Sorin



And of course check out all my gifs and pics in the status updates :P


THIS BOOK GETS INFINITE STARS!!!! 🌟 ⭐️ ✨ I don't need to wait for the ARC. I KNOW IT WITHOUT A DOUBT. But my review will come after ARC

Here's a superior review by my babygirl Starr: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

And the awesome music Muse Cecile!!
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

And Carmen who loves Sorin BEST, even tho Starr and me also Claimed him:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

And Kate who has recently joined our Muses circle of mutual addiction support and beta reading:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

And Chella, Claudie, Liz... I could go on.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I'm inspired enough by what I've read so far to start a rolling review...

Starr has the real estate (and dibs) on Brock O'Hurn being the mortal stand-in for Sorin, so I have to find another.

How about these?



Too skinny, I know... but the HAIR!



Why is this search so tough!!! (Blonds, BTW, are not my fave type of men, so maybe that's why I'm having trouble... even tho SORIN is the BOMB!!)



The bod? Doesn't look big and tall enough...



Closer?


OK I give up... let's do some animal forms instead!

[image error]

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 'All hail the dragons' stars

The Pure/Dark series ended with a BANG!! What an ending. Yay! And I think this is the longest series I completed, so double yay!

When I started reading this series, I hadn't imagined that I would ever anticipate Ere's book so much. I truly didn't like his character at first but through the books, he had a fantastic transformation from a villain to an anti-hero and lastly to a hero or should I say THE HERO. He will never be one of my favorite heroes of this series but he undoubtedly is one of the best-written ones. And his ironic, sarcastic and totally honest humor is priceless.

The dragon was never serious. But he was so lovable Sorin couldn’t hold his annoyingness against him.

Sorin has intrigued me since the first time he appeared. I mean, who doesn't love mysterious, brooding guys? However, I have to admit he didn't really sweep me off my feet as much as everyone else apparently. I certainly wouldn't exchange him for my darlings Tal and Ramses, lol.

This was what he was made for—to fulfill and protect this dragon.
His Bane.
His Erebu.
His beautiful curse.
His wicked salvation.

Despite not being among my favorite characters... as a couple, these two were perfect. I can't believe I'm gonna say this but I think that their love story even surpassed that of Tal and Ishtar. I just loved them together so much. I'm a sucker for tragically painful love stories (with HEAs, of course) and it's hard to get more painful than what Ere and Sorin have gone through. A little time before I started reading this book, I became obsessed with Not Strong Enough by Apocalyptica, and I was ecstatic when I found this song on the soundtrack for Dark Purity. It's more than perfect for their relationship. The whole song is practically made for them. Sharing only a tiny bit here because I simply have to.

🎵🎶 And it's killing me when you're away, I wanna leave and I wanna stay
And I'm so confused, So hard to choose.
Between the pleasure and the pain
And I know it's wrong, and I know it's right
Even if I try to win the fight, my heart would overrule my mind
And I'm not strong enough to stay away 🎶🎵

Doesn't this just scream their relationship? Ok, I'm gonna stop fangirling over a song now. But seriously, they are pain and pleasure, anguish and love, all mixed together into this bond they share. I couldn't get enough of seeing them together. So different but so right for each other. And all the hot moments they shared! Their (official) first night together... I'm at loss for the words 🔥🔥🔥

He’d never taken Ere’s desire for granted. And in the end, what the dragon wanted was all that mattered.
Millennia of controlling his body were all for naught. It belonged to the dragon now. What Ere wanted, Ere got.
He would never let this dragon go.

And also all the scenes with Bane that were so very adorable. No matter the form, I see now how his soul has always been child-like pure. And why Sorin has always been drawn to him no matter the body. That scene when Ere calls him Solemnity was so heartbreakingly emotional. It didn't make much sense that it would be the same word but the sentiment behind was worth overlooking that detail.

I have to take back everything I said about how I wasn't able to see Ere with a mate. Well, obviously I didn't have anything close to Sorin in mind. How these two precious souls complete each other. In one word? Beautiful. In two words? Fucking beautiful!!

He knew and felt nothing else. Not Sorin’s wings enfolding them both. Not the flames that blazed around them. He was the fire himself. It was inside him. Everything burned. And nothing hurt. He could feel himself healing.

Sorin and Ere aside, I also love how other characters were present as well. I always love seeing Tal and Ishtar!! And I loved reading about Ere bonding with his sister and Mike. And Benji, of course. And I mustn't forget brother bonding with Dalair. That was awesome. However, I missed some of the other characters.

I understand that it would be too cramped to stuff every single character of the series into this last book but I couldn't help myself and felt like something was missing. The last battle - not only of this book but an entire series actually - was phenomenally written... but what happened later was a little anti-climatic. I had a feeling like everything just fell into the right place a tiny bit too easily. And I wouldn't mind an additional chapter or two for the purpose of catching up with other characters. I know we were told some of the things that happened but it would be so much better to actually see them. A little 'after the series epilogue' perhaps?

What bothered me a little was that all the loose threads haven't really connected at the end. Dandelions, anyone? I was waiting for the tech master to be revealed and was quite annoyed that his POV was basically a dead end. He took up the page space almost for nothing. I get that there's gonna be a spin-off and that a lot of things will probably be explained and continued there but I still wasn't a fan of these unfinished businesses.

However, as I said I don't finish a lot of such long series and maybe there's always this feeling like something should have been explained more or that there's always a scene that is missing. Maybe it's just hard to say goodbye to the characters that you spent so much time with. Overall, this was a great ending for a great series and I'm glad I was able to be a part of it!

The dragon and his phoenix.
Together at last.

The ARC of this book provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Aja!!

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

I tried to read this book very slowly, but found it so hard to pace myself because it was DELICIOUS!! Let it be said... I loved Ere and Sorin together!

Not that I'm surprised.

To love Ere is to love anyone he happens to love. The list isn't large, but those he cares for are the best of the best and Sorin definitely deserved his place.

I fell in love with Sorin right from the start. How could I not? Oh. My. Gosh! I can't get over how Ere 'waxed poetic' about each part of his physical form.

I was enamored by the connection these two males shared, even if Ere couldn't remember why they shared it. I couldn't get over the way his body reacted. Or the way his thoughts were obsessed with Sorin, making him feel things he's never felt before. Or the way his insatiable need for the man made him crave to be close to him. Well, I guess it went both ways.

Seriously, when I was only 16% in, I was a true goner for these males. I still can't get over how succinctly Sorin summed up everything awesome that made up Ere.

And how could I possibly not love how fiercely each male loved the other. Whether it was Sorin wanting to heal everything that was broken in Ere, or Ere wanting to give joy to overcome the sorrow he felt from Sorin's soul, these males gave their all to each other.

Aside from these two, there were other things that were explored with this story, such as The Dandelions. These people were the result of experiments and I was hoping to get more of them before The End. For example, Clara and her adopted daughter Annie were 'experiments'. So was Ariel. The Tech Master. Who else was there and how would they have featured in some way? What powers would they each develop?

I think my biggest shock, apart from the fact that Benji's heritage wasn't explored (I really wish my questions from the last book were answered), was the fact that Lilith/Wan'er/Fox Spirt was one of the original Twin Goddesses. What?! This evil chick was the Dark Goddess? I loved how the author created her back story, including her punishment to experience humanity as a lesser being. She obviously learned nothing, and her end was well deserved, and the author did an incredible job building and building and building to the ultimate climax of this story.

I found so much of this story simply beautiful and I adored how devoted these characters were to each other. I'm in love with the way this author captures romance and blends it so well with mythology and suspense. I'm at once thrilled and broken after experiencing this series. Thrilled that I got the chance to read it and broken because this particular journey is over. I don't want to say goodbye!!

Okay, so I left out all of the delicious quotes. You can find my full review here!

[Aja James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will be short.

Using review space to THANK MY WONDERFUL MUSES AND ADDICTS, without whom this series would not have been possible.

This is the last book of the Pure/ Dark Ones series, but perhaps not the last you will read of this world. It has been an incredible journey, made all the more memorable by you, dear readers!

A hint of what I'm working on... dreaming of...

https://aja-james.blog/2020/12/13/dre...

XOXO,
Aja

[Debra Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Solid stars

Super Steamy Highly Intimate & Romantic Adult Scenes.
Scorching Hot and Passionate.
Meaning My Kindle, My Couch and My Body Incinerated from the HEAT.

The beginning was tough for me. A bit to much repetition about Benji.
From 40% on it was well written.

It still isn't up to Aja James normal MAJIC.
I did find a couple of typos. Maybe 3?

Would I recommend?
You bet your sweet bippy I would!

[Cécile Smits · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now that we’ve arrived at the end of this magical journey,i want to take a moment to thank Aja James on behalf of my fellow Muses and all the addicts.
To show our appreciation for the fact that she asked us to join her on this journey.
To show our gratitude for the introduction to all these beautiful people.
And even allowing us to get to know them intimately.
And to kneel at her feet in worship of the magic of her words,and the love she poured into each and every story.



And on behalf of my fellow Muses and all the addicts i would like to ask Aja for a favor....
Can we please get more?
Because we love this world!
Because you got us addicted to it and all that live there....




Dark Purity is the GRAND FINALE of this series,and it tells Ere’s and Sorin’s story.
A devastating story,one that breaks your heart into a million pieces.
But also one that puts those pieces back together with a loving hand.
Ere and Sorin have a history together that only now comes to light,a history that goes back to the beginning.
When the Goddesses went to war with the other Gods.
And the way they met is.....unique,to put it mildly.
Problem is,though,that Ere doesn’t remember.





He’s been put back together by Sorin,mostly.
But knowing that evil b**ch will still come after Benji,he needs to go home.



Only Sorin made a promise a very long time ago,and he is determined to keep it.
Even if it’s the last thing he does.
So,he follows Ere and finds his way back into his life.
With véry interesting results!







Question is,can he get Ere back to his full powers in time?
And will that be enough to defeat evil,and survive?
And maybe even get a chance of a hea?
SO MUCH is happening in this final book,it blows your mind!
And FINALLY,Ere becomes the person he is supposed to be....for the only person he needs beyond life itself.



I want to thank Debra from the bottom of my heart for introducing me to this series.
Girl,you know what you did to me,lol
You made me an addict,and i love this choice of drug!
The epilogue gives me hope for more,and i need it.
Because i am NOT READY to kick this habit!



My fellow Muses have their reviews here:
Starr and PUC have all the HOT pics you need....

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SHOCKER, folks: This book rocked! (Just kidding. That's not shocking at all. It's Ere's book! Of COURSE it rocked!)

Even when Ere was the evil, conniving Creature, I loved him. His development throughout the series was probably my favourite overall plot arc. In this book, his transformation from self-loathing to acceptance and then confidence happened so naturally---it was beautiful! I was a little afraid he would meet his mate and then instantly be like I LOVE MYSELF NOW! But obviiii, AJ wouldn't do us like that. She knowsss. Yeah, his true love gave him a killer confidence boost in the best way, but in the end, it was all Ere realizing his worth by himself and I freakin' loved it.

YAY for self-love and growth!

Also: SORIN. I cried for him. For a big, scary alpha, that boy needed some SERIOUS lovin' and I was so happy when our darling, clueless Ere finally figured it out. HEH. Sorin's unconditional love and complete acceptance was so pure. Even when he thought Ere didn't love him back, he was willing to be there for him in every way he needed because of a promise he'd made a zillion years ago. If that's not true love, I don't know what is!

Best thing was, for a series ender, it wasn't all exploding battles and intense strategic plotting (though there was definitely some of that too, and it was awesome!) There was plenty of fun interaction and playful banter between our two Hs. (Or rather, Ere's playful banter because Sorin never talked LOL)

And, of course, loadsssss of hot, steamy sex. Because DUH.
I'm not normally an MM reader, but when it's the right couple, it works. And it DEFINITELY worked for me here. Phew!


My only complaint........ is that it's OVER! :'( What am I supposed to do with myself now?!

I like to wait a few months between rereads so I can pretend I haven't read it before. I guess, in the meantime, I'll go... clean my house? Pay attention to my hubby? Go outside? Do all the stuff I haven't done while I've been obsessively reading this amazing series? Or maybe I'll just mope around in book withdrawal for a while...

[Kate V · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is how I feel knowing this series is over.


This is how I feel after reading this exquisite story.


Dark Purity deserves every star possible. It is one of my TOP READS EVER! I am so grateful that I got to not only beta read this but read it again with the ARC. This story completely enthralled me. It was everything I wanted for Ere and more. It’s hard to believe that a character that many readers were probably unsure about in the beginning turned into who he was meant to be in the most spectacular way. It doesn’t take a scientist to realize his story arc was absolutely poetic. Not only that, Sorin was absolutely perfect for Ere.


I don’t want to say too much because you really need to go into this blind. At this point if you haven’t read this series or gone into every single one of these stories mostly blind, well that’s on you.


So here are a few things to drive home that you absolutely have to read this series and the final story because Ere and Sorin are EVERYTHING!

First, there are dragons and if you follow me…well you know I fricking love dragons.



Second, it’s the best and hottest MM I have ever read. Hands down. There is so much emotion and passion between Ere and Sorin, you’ll be feeling the burn (see what I did there Muses) for a long time.


Third, AJ does a spectacular job at bringing everything together, tying up loose ends but also throwing some bread crumbs to her readers that perhaps there will be more stories in this world. Pretty please?!


Fourth, AJ throws in Ere’s signature humor and I am not sure there is anyone that does a tortured hero better than AJ. This story will break your heart in to a million pieces but their past, present and future is epic.


Finally, while Ramses may still be my favorite hero in this series, Ere and Sorin take the spot as my favorite couple.

“Let the Age of Dragons Begin.”

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starting off with this review I will say my heart is both very happy and broken all at the same time. In time I will explain the brokenness.

Ere was one of those characters I will say in the beginning I was like damn what an ass! Like he did so many things to so many people that it was like wow come on man! But I always had a feel for some time that there was more to it than meets the eye. Someone was pulling his strings just as much as he was making his own moves. Ere had been hurt by so many people for so many years, and when all you know is pain sometimes you give that to others. All the painful memories and everything he went through..... I remember reading that for the first time and seeing him in a whole knew light. No long the Creature who was there to stir the pot, but someone I wanted to hug and take all the pain away from. I remember the tears spilling from my eyes as I read everything about him. So the fact he has someone like Sorin I screamed with joy!

These two together have been through so many trials and tribulations that it’s about time they get their little slice of heaven! I love the fact that Sorin saw Ere for who he really was inside. Not the form that he would take in that moment, but the really Ere. He finds his real form beautiful! That made me so happy that he got him to be in his real self! These two together I feel is an amazing fit! When you read this you will so understand what I mean! I can’t go into to much detail without spoiling it 😉 let’s just say along with the steamy romance these two are matched made in book heaven!

This book has so much to offer with the hot romance scenes, hilarious conversations from Benji, Ere, and Sorin, and with epic battle scenes! This book had me laughing, crying, and screaming all at the same time! I found myself savoring every detail of this book that I could as I read it. I didn’t want it to end! This is where the heartbreak comes into play. I’m beyond happy Ere found his forever mate that will treat him the way he deserves to be treated! He gets his happily ever after that was way over due! But I sit here with my heart breaking because the story has reached its end. We have reached the conclusion of this series, and I’ll say it I want more! I don’t want it to be over!

As I reach the end of this review I would like to say thank you Aja James for taking me on this amazing journey! Thank you for creating this amazing world that made me feel like I was right there along with them fighting the good fight, feeling the broken hearts, and feeling the same joy as all the characters you brought into this world. Thank you for bringing so many awesome characters for me to read about and fall in love with! This will always be a series that I can read and re-read and always find something new! If I could give all these books more stars there wouldn’t be enough to give them! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️The beauty of this series you created I’ll never be able to thank you enough for! And I’ll never get enough of this series!

I’m keeping my fingers crossed and my hopes up along with many others that hopefully there will be more in the future! Who knows maybe a spin off series! 🖤🖤🙏🏻🙏🏻

LET THE AGE OF THE DRAGON BEGIN!!

Happy reading!! 🖤🖤🖤

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Spoiler***

...And just like that the series comes to an end.



What an amazing book! I cannot begin to explain how fantastic this book is and what a great way to end the series. Aja has done an amazing job and I will be re reading this series several times.

1st and foremost I just want to say that Erebu is by far my favorite character in this series... well at this point he is my favorite character among all the books I have ever read. I love that he is such a torture soul, but has so much love to offer. He doesn't even realize how amazing he truly is. He starts of as a baddie in Pure Healing and has come a full circle to this wonderful person in Dark Purity. He is loyal, dedicated, loving, hilarious, snarky and I just love love his "squirk". Just cannot get enough of him.

Erebu and Sorin are absolutely perfect for one another and their love is out of this world. They totally complement each other and their passion and chemistry is off the charts. Just loved reading every bit about them. Sorin was strong, calm, brooding, confident, silent warrior vs Erebu was loud, talkative, the life of the conversation, tense, unsure of himself but very very strong. They are just so perfect.

Loved that we got to see a lot of the other characters in his book. Mike was great and so glad that Ere was able to find a life long friend. Super happy that Dalair and Ere had time together and were able to talk about their past and move forward. Inanna and Ere were able to have some brother sister bonding... also loved how she kept on eyeing Sorin after Ere came back bruised after training with Sorin. haha. Such a sister move. Loved it!

and Benji... he is such a miniature Ere. They are so much alike it is wonderful. That boy is super brave too... especially when he repeatedly stood up to Lilith so he could save his loved ones.

This book really did have everything....The final battle was great. it didn't drag on and this book was so so much more than just the battle especially since it is the last book in the series and was closing lose ends. Speaking of lose ends....so so glad that the dandelions turned into something and was explained in the epilog by Benji.

AND OH MY GOSH can we just talk about how BADASS ERE/ BANE really is... I mean come on.. I did not see that history coming. A god killer, true bringer of light and a FREAKIN DRAGON!!!!. Ekkk he was amazing. Loved his playfulness as a dragon. That scene with Bane and Sorin by the waterfall when he showed his jealous self when they spoke about Sorin's rutting habits. It was so cute. AHH I just love them both.

Ok seriously this was an amazing series and I will be reading it again. Aja has truly done an amazing job and I recommend this series to everyone.

Now I just don't know what to do with myself and I will be missing these characters terribly.

[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:📔📔📔📔
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨✨✨


First Impressions
Dark Purity is the EPIC finale of the "Pure/Dark Ones" and this has been the long awaited story for "the creature" and I had such a blast with it. It was utterly satisfying and completely opposite then what I actually expected Erebu's story to actually be. And the fact that this is a MM romance---BROWNIE POINTS because this element was so incredible. From beginning to end, you will be captivated by this powerful chemistry that just melted my heart and kept me at the edge of my seat *Literally*. Dark Purity packs a punch of emotion, thrills and barrels of laughs.

First Line
My name is Benjamin Larkin D'Angelo. That's Warrior Angel to you! (I mean EPIC beginning with some Benji delights)

The Main Protagonists
The Other Protagonist: Erebu aka 'The Creature'
Tortured and Tormented
Blood related father to Benji
Change Forms
Hidden Identity

The Other Protagonist: Sorin
Big badass Viking Supreme
Broody
Secretive
Lots of Grunts
Possessive

Summary
There is a darkness within Erebu, he has had a lifetime of pain and torment and being changed against his will. But this time, he is choosing his own path, and that path is to protect his child, Benji. It's a secret most don't even realize. He has found a new family that accepts him but they have an enemy, an enemy who will never let him go and he will have to destroy her and he knows it will take everything he has and that his time is limited. Then he meets, with Benji's aid of course, a Viking looking stranger, Sorin who is broody and says very little but Ere only wants to be consumed by Sorin. But there are secrets, a identity he isn't aware of, and a love he will find with Sorin....but can he survive the coming battle with the man he loves with the deepest parts of his soul?

What I Loved
Dark Purity melted my heart from the get go. There was something so much "more" to this story than I expected. And seeing my dear Erebu with this viking lookalike who holds him captivated to the point where he can't speak? Yep I LOVED it. There was something about the chemistry between these two that was so heart melting. Literally I stayed up half the night reading their story because I literally couldn't put this down. Their connection is so riveting and deep. You sense from the very beginning that there are secrets for Erebu and boy are there SECRETS and REVEALS!! WOWZA I didn't think that this author could constantly leave me so surprised but yeah she delivered 150% on this one for me.

I first want to get into my favorite character of the series....BENJI. This boy is incredible and his dialogue literally gave me happy feels, the type of feels that gave me the urge to dance in the street like I am in a "singing in the rain" musical. That is the type of goodness and light this little boy conveys and its so endearing. He sets up the story so well and his bond to Erebu literally had me sobbing at times throughout the story.

The romance between Erebu and Sorin was literally EPIC and will make you SOAR! From the beginning, they have a powerful chemistry. Literally, you can feel it bouncing off of them in waves. There is this courting game between them and it was quite fun seeing when the other would fall first. Both are so stubborn haha but determined to win. It felt like watching a romantic game of chess when it came to these two. Then enter in the flashbacks. I know I KNOW flashbacks aren't going to be for everyone BUT these flashbacks were by far my favorite in the series. But they really showcase the HISTORY between these two and WHY their connection is so powerful and where these two originally come from. Then we have the smexy times in the "nest" yeah I adored seeing them together in their nesting grounds lol It was so different and unique and explosive. The MM aspect of the romance was so resonating, it flowed so smoothly and felt so "right" for them. Seeing Erebu and Sorin embrace the precious moments will thrill your heart. They have such a relationship that might seem unexpectation but it fit so well.

Now we have the plot of the story. Okay so this book gets INTENSE! If you need some good thrills and action, then look no further than this one. It was action packed and I felt like I was watching the biggest badass story of my life with these scenes. Our villain, is such a villain. and she really pushes our team that come together to defeat her. And YES we get ALL of our favorites that come into the mix. But seeing their unity and working together and never GIVING up in the end was what was so powerful in the experience of seeing the events play out in the end.

And the ENDING....Yeah I totally didn't see that happening. In all honestly, this book was a whirlwind and only Aja James could deliver such a story. This book is 6 STAR TIER LEVEL GOODNESS and I can't recommend it enough. So NOW BRING ON THE DRAGON ERA!!! Because after this book I need to indulge in this series.

What I Struggled With
Honestly with all these 600 page contemporaries coming out....Aja James couldn't have made this longer??? Because I did NOT get enough of Sorin and Erebu!!! That's my only complaint, their book needed more length because I could stay with them forever!


Overall View
Dark Purity is a powerful tale that sweeps you away into enigmatic thrills, a romance to touch deeply to the soul, delivering an epic finale while ushering in a fresh new chapter....A KEEPER OF THE HEART!

Favorite Quote(s)
Where to start? he wondered.
But then, he realized it didn’t matter. It wasn’t the where that was important. It was simply that he start. - Ere thinking about the bounty that is Sorin

I love the feeling of falling with you. I want the world to be spinning around us when I come inside. When I make you lose your mind, and you plummet and soar to your little death, so I can revive you with my breath and start all over again

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Fantasy Paranormal Romance
Character Types: Shape Shifter, Vampire, Uncommon Shifter, Dragons, Broody, Alpha
Themes: Tear Jerker, All the Feels, One True Pairing, MM Lovin', Kids, Danger
Tropes: Second Chance Romance, Epic Love

Book Perspective
Multiple POV's

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A Blend of Both

Song This Book Inspires
What is Love? by Frances
Tangled Up by Billy Currington

Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes read in order if possible. It will improve your experience of the series as a whole.

Steam/Spice Explanations

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

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a perfect end to an awesome series. I can’t quite believe it’s over. I haven’t been able to write reviews for all the books because that was time I needed to spend reading the next one. Everything came together better than I could have imagined. I’m a bit lost to explain just how much I’ve enjoyed every book.
My only criticism is that I had to wait until the last book to get me some serious MM romance. I might be able to overlook that if say, I don’t know, I got a whole new series with LOADS of MM romance in it. And more dragons. Anyways, can’t sit around here all day writing a review when I need my time to start reading a new series….

[TamaraT · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hesitated to give this 4 stars because I could have easily gone with 3 stars as well. I chose to go with 4 because this was the ending of a series I've truly enjoyed. It's funny that the author made a reference to Game of Thrones as I feel that some of the issues with that final season came in to play here as well.

In a span of 12 books Aja James created a fascinating new world with so many wonderful characters. And just like how GoT's ending felt hurried and forced, so did the ending of this series. It wasn't bad, not at all. I liked reading about Ere and Sorin. My favorite moment in the book was when Ere and Dalair had a much needed talk. Benji was adorable. So, so many good things in here.

But there were also some not so good things. I'll put the details in spoilers. The final battle.... it was ok I guess? Here we had a gathering of every character we've met and it just felt bland. There was no real tension for me. Maybe because it was truly between Lillith and Ere. Maybe because it seems that the author tried to cram in every single being she had come up with in one scene. All I know is that I felt let down when the battle was over. The epilogue where we got the info dump on how everyone was ok, rushed but ok.

My big issue though was even though she was wrapping up her series the author still introduced a whole new plotline. Yes there were hints of it through the series but the Dandelions had never before been named. Apparantly they were scheming against Lillith oh and the Tech Guru that was supposedly on Lillith's side was a spy...oh and then he died. So yeah I'm a bit salty about that.

Griping aside...I did enjoy reading this book. The story flowed well and the sexy parts were hot like burning.

[Hot Mess Sommelière ~ Caro · Rating 2 out of 5]

So that's what it feels like when you finish a long-ass series but somehow a lot of threads are left dangling for the spin-off to scoop up.

This is the REINCARNATION PATCHWORK FAMILY love story of Ere and Sorin (formerly Bane and Sol).

The thing with the Pure/Dark One series is that all of the characters (minus some of the humans) are OLD old. Not just grandpa old (although that too, tbh), but ANCIENT Akkadian empire old. Some of the characters might have met a Neanderthal or two. Who knows. In any case, those that are less old, usually have one or two past existences behind them (Dark Ones hat used to be Pure Ones that used to be humans? Check).

If both characters happen to be OLD old, with past existence schtick to boot, it gets confusing (and messy) quickly.

Also, everyone is related! For instance, Ere is the twin brother of Inanna from Book 2 and both of them are the children of Ishtar and Tal Telal from Book 5 AND Ere is also the father of Benjamin, wo in turn was adopted by his twin sister Inanna and her mate, Gabriel. If that confused you, this series may well be too much for you.

Now, I am a pretty big fan of Ere as a character, especially since his two super mega awesome novellas, so his own romance book with a neat HEA should've been GREAT, right? Well... that's what I expected for Dalair and Sophia as well (my BIGGEST ship in this series ... it sailed without me T_T Buh-bye little butterfly ... )

Sorin was kinda sorta introduced in Alend Ramses and Eveline's books (one of the biggest suckfests in the entire series, if you ask me). Since I didn't care for that book, I was not hyped to read this one. When the book opened with a chapter narrated by Benjamin, the little overpowered rascal, I was already lowkey annoyed (because Benjamin always plays a very tiny role and/or gets used as a deus ex machina, which I hate). I was even more annoyed when the bad cliffhanger of book 12 got resolved in that neat little prologue (GRRR!) and we were then pushed into Ere playing house in two random jobs with random colleagues.

Yeah, he works as a barrista these days, couldn't you tell? That pissed me off.

Because the threat from Lilith is very serious, obviously now is a good time to work two jobs and live a life that's as normal as possible ...right?

No it's not. Bruh.

Next thing we know, we find out that Ere had a life before he became the son of Ishtar and Tal Telal. That was a big surprise, because I sure didn't see that one coming. In a couple of backhanded flashbacks that came from the nebulous depth of nowhere, Ere is re-introduced to us in his past life and love, where he was randomly close to Sorin.

Essentially, there are two ways to do a reincarnation plot. Either you unwrap that mess slowly over several books and novellas (see: Dalair and Sophia) OR you just waste 12 books and 4 novellas, two of which were exclusive to Ere, and just spring the happy news on the readers in the very last book.

One of these options is better than the other, because it suggests planning.

Anyway.

Sorin is practically new, but I am expected to embrace him like the long-lost love that he supposedly is. While Ere works two random jobs. Because Lilith isn't that big of a threat. While Ere's blood-brother Dalair and his ex-wife/bestie Sophia are ... very far away.

W H Y

Why did this book decide to skip over Ere's months-long torture AND rescue AND reunion with his family and instead shows us Ere's life as a barrista (morning) and female singer (evening). How is THAT the more sensible way to open an uber-tense finale of a paranormal fantasy series that features immortals, shapeshifters, vampires, super-sized hydras and now DRAGONS?

Not only is Ere now a barrista, he also switched personality since his two novellas. Instead of being snarky and bitter and funny, he is now simply ... horny.

Yes. The once sex-repulsed, asexual-identifying snarkman is now a messy, horny, thirstpuddle. Because Sorin showed up. And his thick, roped, muscled, toned, sexy, pornorous arms entered Ere's field of vision. In a moment, all of the repulsion was washed way by the strong and pure wave of horniness that hit him.

Transformed, but not in a good, believable way.

Instead of reading a credible love story between a character I know and love and a new character, the character I love was bastardized and transformed into something I don't recognize as Ere anymore, while a fake backstory for these two that explains their love is shoved down my throat.

I call BS on all of this.

This was supposed to be the epic, climactic, heart-rendering FINALE with dragons flying into airplanes and legions of immortals chopping off Hydra heads. To be fair, we got SOME of that, but too little, too late. The threat from Lilith felt less real and less awful than before, even though she is more over-powered and threatening than ever. Hell, she's a moving nuclear weapon at this point, so what is Ere doing, working in a coffee shop???

Full disclosure: all the scenes with Dragons were effing cool. Like last book, which had a super badass fight at the end.

But that simply doesn't save this mess of a book. Sorin? Too new, don't care. Ere? Completely changed person. Dalair and Sophia, who are supposed to be having Ere's back? Gone, but Ere has a new friend in his coffee shop. Benjamin? He's his cheerful self, but the big conversation these two have to have. Hah. You'll never read it. Apparently, Ishtar and Tal already had their moments of relationship development with Ere, so there's nothing new on that front either. Inanna has a conversation with Ere for the first time though, and it's utterly forgettable (gah!). Lilith? Has a scene where she cackles madly at a wall, like a cartoon villain. I get it, this bitch is crazy, but come ON! She had way more depth before this book. And now? Nothing.

In short, I guess this disappointed me even more than Dalair and Sophia (I stand by what I said, Dalair was done dirty with the two lines of dialogue he was awarded in his own book - even Sorin has more dialogue in this book, despite animal spirits not being too keen on speaking), because on top of giving Ere a personality-makeover, Lilith threat level felt suddenly inconsequential and the final fight felt meh, despite DRAGONS. No fight with Dragons and planes should be this meh!

But as usual, I ever give up until I read it all. I'm gonna read the Dragons series just to find out if I am correct about Sophia's parents (I think I am). Also curious about Benjamin's dragonfly since it first appeared way back.


Original pre-read review:

How I met my father, my mother, my son (his ex and his daughter), my half-sister, my grandfather and hopefully my one true love: the series.

Seriously though, most people in the series are related in some way or another which means the Pure/Dark Ones may as well be an account of European royal houses.

Then again, how could anyone write a convincing shakespearean meltdown without secret brothers, mothers, daughters and so on?

Can't wait.

[Deryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful story to end the series on.

Ere has long been one of the most fascinating, compelling characters of the series. Present from the very beginning, his character development has been consistent and engaging. And, not only is he a well-drawn, complex anti-hero, he also brings a welcome lightness and humour. As such, Ere steals every scene he's in.

Ironically, the success of Ere's character is what makes it so difficult to write a satisfying romance for him. Ere's love interest has to be equally engaging, or else they are in danger of being overshadowed - and yet, the author must also be careful not to fall into the trap of 'toning down' Ere's character. The love interest must feel like a believable partner to Ere, and the romance must reveal new facets of Ere's personality, whilst remaining true to his characterisation. And, on top of all that, the romance and relationship must allow Ere, as a character, to shine. In other words, a very difficult balance to strike.

And Aja James manages it with ease. Sorin and Ere are the highlight of the book (and possibly even the entire series - they are definitely my favourite couple). Sorin is a compelling character, in and of himself, with an engaging backstory, and clear motivations. His history is particularly well written, and is steadily revealed (through well-placed flashbacks), as the book progresses. This well-paced unveiling of the character draws the reader in, ensuring your investment in Sorin, and his relationship with Ere, for Sorin's sake, not just Ere's. Considering Ere's popularity as a character, this is especially impressive. However, where Sorin is particularly successful is as a foil for Ere. His stoic, reserved nature contrasts strikingly with Ere's exuberance and wit, and their attraction to each other is thoroughly believable. It's hard to say more without going into spoiler territory, but Aja James is able to hit all the emotional marks, without the relationship feeling rushed. Their story is by turns tragic, poignant, heartwarming, and hilarious. A thoroughly engaging romance, that carries the whole book.

The one downside of such a strong romance at the heart of the book, is that less time is given to tying up loose ends. 15 books long, and with an extensive cast of characters, it was always going to be difficult to bring the series to a satisfying close. And, whilst Aja James does an admirable job, there were a few elements that felt slightly unfinished.

After such a tantalising glimpse into Lilith's character and history in Pure Destiny, it was disappointing to see her reduced to a plot function, interchangeable with any other villain. The story is still strong, and the threat adds tension to the romance, but for the finale of such a long, complex series, it was a shame not to develop a villain with such potential. Further developing Lilith as a complex villain, and exploring her relationship with Sophia and Benji, could have added depth and poignancy to the climax of the series. Exploring Lilith's history as a goddess in more depth, and the parallels between Sorin's history and the present, would have linked well with the theme of breaking age-old rules, and forging of new paths.

It was for similar reasons that I was disappointed that the 'King/ Queen of all kinds' prophecy, so portentous in Dark Possession, was seemingly left hanging. This plot thread could also have fit well into the running theme of the Immortals/ humans rebelling against the rules of their creators, and forming a new order.

In fact, I felt that there should have been more explicit references to all the prophecies of the Pure/Dark Ones. The prophecies have been present from book one, and interpreted in many different ways. A moment where characters consider potential interpretations of the prophecies, after everything has come to an end, could have been an effective way of tying the series together.

With such an extensive cast of characters, it was inevitable that not all would be present in the finale, but Aja James does a good job at including several favourites (Goya, Eli, Dalair, Inanna), and the character moments are lovely. Ere's relationships with characters such as Tal, Ishtar, Inanna, Benji, and Dalair are particularly wonderful. It would have been nice, perhaps, to have seen more 'sibling' moments between Ere and Inanna, and Ere and Dalair, but the ones we have are subtle, emotional and compelling.

That being said, I would have liked to have seen more of Benji and Sophia. Benji's power, and his connection to Sophia and, in particular Lilith, were intriguing story threads, and it seems a shame to have left them hanging. The epilogue does suggest we may be seeing more of Benji in a new series - so fingers crossed!

However, it is Sophia's absence, that is most deeply felt. Whilst each book has focused on a different couple, Sophia has always felt like the focus of the series as a whole. She opens the series, is present in the majority of the books, and has been positioned as a character of great significance. Her immense power, her direct relation to the goddesses, her position as Queen of the Pure Ones - everything seemed to building up to something spectacular. Why was Sophia reincarnated so many times? Why were the Pure Ones promised a Queen, who they sought for hundreds of years? Although Pure Destiny is a wonderful book, Sophia never quite came into her own. As such, her complete absence in the finale felt anti-climatic.

All in all, Dark Purity is a great book, with a spectacular romance at its heart. Despite its flaws, it is a lovely ending to superb, well-plotted series. I can't wait to see what Aja James writes next!

[Carmen Boyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a 5 STAR REVIEW!
Please, do not let my melancholy fool you.
This is the thirteenth book in the Pure/Dark Ones Series by Aja James
It is the finale.

I hope this review will make sense. I love this series and I'm having a hard time finding the right words. I hope, if you're reading this, you will take the chance and start this series. You won't regret it! I promise.

I must say, I am in awe of Aja's imagination. Her ability to go bigger and better with every book. At the same time, I am somewhat depressed. It's over. This series means a lot to me. For several reasons. It was a refuge for me when I needed one. And it has inspired me beyond. I know there's more to come—(I hope, I hope, I hope!) She simply cannot leave us hanging when there's just so many more characters and worlds for her to explore—but still, it's hard to accept that it's the end of this series.

And for it to end on THIS story. The ultimate arc. The creature/Ere/Binu.
And with the hottest, loveliest, strongest, most enticing, endearing MC of the whole series. A perfect Mate for our Creature.
Sorin.
AJ saved him for last, and I can't decide if I'm mad about that or happy. I didn't think I could love the characters of this series any more, but with Sorin, I do.
This book is about self-discovery, undying, uncompromising, love and acceptance. Of self and others, to self and others. Sorin's pain took my breath away throughout this book. But it was so worth it. As was Ere's journey of self-acceptance.

If you've read this far, please, I say it with every book, don't start here. Start with book 1, Pure Healing (Pure/ Dark Ones #1) REBOOT
It's worth your time and, to get to this final book 13, worth the wait. You can't love the Creature/Ere/Binu the way he deserves, otherwise.
And he DESERVES it!

So, I also need to amend my lovers list...
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.
REPLACE ALL ABOVE WITH: SORIN, SORIN, SORIN!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

I'd like to say Thank You to AJ for allowing me to come on this journey with her and with my fellow Muses and Addicts. I mean it when I say it has changed my life.
And to the Muses, Thank You, too. You have all been a family to me, and I have been excited and happy to log in to see what was happening in the world of Pure and Dark. I love your wit, your encouragement, and your laughter. And your gifs. Ahem. PUC.

I can't wait for the next journey! "Let the AGE OF DRAGONS BEGIN!"


~~~~~ ~~~~~

Epilogue.
And Done.
Series Finish.

I will wait to post my review after the ARC, cuz, well, there's just a lot of thoughts to collect.

I will say this: Ere and Sorin are my favorite couple from The Pure/Dark Ones Series. There's no comparison. They even beat out Dalair. Ugh. I can't believe it's over.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've got mixed emotions right now.

🤩I'm so happy with the ending of the series.


😭😭Yet I'm also sad to see some of my favourite Characters of all freaking time go.


This series is definitely on my forever favourite list. From the get-go I knew this series would be memorable and it sure was. The characters all had such strong emotions and amazing personalities, making it easy to form a connection with them. Through the whole series I haven't for a second lost interest, the plot of the series was enthralling and as soon I was familiar with the world, I fell in love. Aja has definitely gotten an addict and a loyal reader for her books.

------------------------------------------------

Moving onto Dark Purity.

OMFGGGG

❤️🤩This book was Spectacular


This book had me at Benji's Prologue. A soon as I read it I knew it would be mind-blowing, ship-crashing amazing. The best thing is that was all that and MORE. I felt like I was so ready for this book, since it was the one that I had wanted to read first. But nothing could have prepared me for this masterpiece. Since it was the finale, every Main Character was in this book except Devlin and Grace, Ryu and Ava, and Aella.

Sorin had all the best qualities of the brooding, silent, strong male characters that I experienced throughout the series, and I loved that fact. As I continued to read the book, I started to love him. Overcoming his past, and telling Erebu about his past and previous incarnation and his Bane was a really tough process but he did it and they loved each other so much. At the end when he nearly committed suicide I was already crying 😭😭

The best Character development in this series was between Ere and Sophia. Ere made me laugh and smile in this book. It really brought out his childlike character, he was so similar to Benji it surreal. Ever since the first book I have never hated him, even when he was known as the creature. He was and amazing character throughout the whole series, his sarcasm and wit made him one of my favourite antagonists turned good of all time.

I can't wait to read Dream of Dragons

[AlwaysV · Rating 5 out of 5]

With deepest gratitude to an incomparable author for the gift of this ARC🙇🏽‍♀️ Here's my honest review:

What an Erotic Epic Finale featuring Two To-Die-For Heroes 🔥 I'm a true Hero & heroine lover, so I have no words to do justice to this unique and exquisitely written book. Whatever I'm feeling won't be adequate to convince you, who love M/M couple, to pick up this book. But I'm going to try. Hoping you might randomly see my review and then discover these two hottest Heroes ever and fall in love with them too.

Ere and Sorin were like no other HEA couple I've ever read. They were super captivating and mesmerizing together. Fifty-one percent of the book was devoted to their literally page-burning sexy scenes. Right there, I really wished with all my heart that m/m was my thing. I felt like a squirrel in possession of a rarer than rare black diamond . . . when I could only value some fresh acorn.

The other forty-nine percent was all about learning about themselves, getting to know each other again, as well as their relationship with those who loved and appreciated them and wanted them to be happy together. And finally, the ultimate heart-pounding battle to save their world just blew my mind away! Ere had readily given up his life to destroy the undefeated villain once and for all!

The book will be released on May 15, 2021 and also available on Kindle Unlimited. Please mark your calendar. You definitely want to pick up this super gorgeous book.

Sharing one of my favorite PG scenes, which was just an example of how entertaining and quirky this book was:

"Why is Sorin carrying the mattress outside?"

Ere absolutely loved Benjamin's curious mind. The boy's brilliance knew no bounds. But sometimes, he asked the most inconvenient questions. This was one of those times.

"Eh. . . "

"And why is the mattress charred black? Did you set the bed on fire, Uncle Ere?"

Why, yes, indeed he did! In more ways than one. He scrounged his orgasm-numbed brain for a reasonable explanation.

"It's all Sorin's fault," was the best he could come up with.

Five pairs of eyes turned on him as the entire family stood in a horizontal line watching Sorin heap the ruined mattress onto the side of the street for Monday trash pickup.

[Alaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.



Not going to lie.. I was really excited to dive into Dark Purity after finishing the previous book. Mostly because I only really got pieces of The Creature/Ere through the novellas and I was waiting for Ere to meet his mate. Ohmydamn, I met the mate and I was freaking the freak out for the entire book.

So, yeah, it's is very safe to assume that I enjoyed the heck out of this book. I loved the love even though Ere was like - nope, this is just friends with benefits or whatever. Uh, no sir - please choose your fighting words wisely. You are mates whether you like it or not. I needed their hearts to find happiness and peace dammit.

Ya know.. after the hydra is dead but details.

Besides all of that, Benji's little chapters were freaking adorable. Heck this kid was adorable throughout the entire freaking series. Definitely a favorite character for sure and I will fight anyone for his adorableness. As for how this one ended? Well, shit. I really need to dive into the dragon series stat!

In the end, so happy I got the chance to dive into this one and that I dove into this series without ghosting it. Enjoyed the heck out of getting to know everyone, coming up with absurd theories and such, and still having unanswered questions! So. Much. Fun.

[Set]

Friends, don't kill me but make it make sense. This was the first m/m book I've read and contrary to every review, it was hard for me to get through. There was zero service to my sexuality and I had to envision scenes I would never fantasize about. Weird that a series starts as f/m romance and every book is literally f/m until the last book in the entire series...and the main character aside from Sophia is not straight. Why would a gay man read 16 "straight" romance books to get to the last "gay" one? And you can't just read this one as a stand alone because you won't understand anything. Do straight girls like to read m/m? I've never thought about that. I wonder if they make straight stories in gay series. My gay friends do not like to even imagine straight sex but I guess bi men would be into this series.
But of course, I had to finish the story to kill my OCD and get some closure and boy did I get closure.

War of the gods-
We know from the last book that the nine tail/hydra was still alive. The fox tail is actually one of the twin goddess, probably the Pure twin, that was put in that form in order to learn compassion and the value of life. Medusa had fallen on her hubris when she thought that the nine tail was weak. But the nine tail became the hydra, a mixture of beast, elemental and vampire. The hydra wanted the phoenix's heart feather in order to become a god again. I really wish there was more about the twin goddesses. It's what I most enjoyed about this book, little as it was.

Ere has a romance with the eagle king, Sorin, an eagle warrior, reincarnated as a phoenix. In his past life, the eagle king was Sorin's father and Sorin was the young eagle warrior, in the times of the gods. He was given a charge by the gods, or more like a bane of his existence. Sorin had to hatch the egg, Rai, his charge. The Bane was the one that saved Sorin and died winning the war of the goddesses. Sorrin had died at the hands of Ramses during the tournament for Ashlu's hand. Sorin recently reincarnated from the ashes of a fire mountain to heed Ere's call in his time of trouble. The eagle king went after Eveline that day and brought her into his cave/nest in order for her to undo his rebirth. And now Sorin wanted to sacrifice himself to kill the hydra. Ere found his wings as a dragon and learned how to fly and other abilities in his new form; Sorin helped him train. Sorin makes his peace with Ramses and Ere makes his peace with Dalair. Sorin gave Ere a feather from his heart.

They went to battle with the hydra and Sorin was nearly defeated after his wings were torn off. The hydra had Benji and wanted to trade him for the feather, an ingredient to make her a god. Everyone attacked her all at once and the bane in dragon form cinched her to smithereens; he supposedly expired at the same time she perished. Sorin grieved Ere and that is when he realized that he actually loved Ere and not just the bane. When he went to the nest, without his wings, he was planing on jumping from the height but Ere stopped him. Ere had been revived by the goddess and probably because of the phoenix feather. They had sex and healed together. The sisters finally reunited on the other side. Pretty much, she was the one that caused all this chaos to begin with. The goddess gave Ere duties we are not privy to yet.

The children on the orphanage have powers and under the protection of the group.

The techmaster escaped the hydra but she blew up his plane. He is in his 20's and rich from working for the hydra.

I still don't know what Clara Scott and Annie are going to do about their mortality? Yeah, they're elementals but they will still die, nes pas? And from what I know, Benji is also a human mortal although he will become a beast of some sort. Ere finally told Benji that he is his father. But we don't get an answer of why Ere slept with Olivia in the first place.

It's hard to say goodbye for now but I will be back like the phoenix when the second season is finished. There are still unanswered questions so I'm glad I gave recaps of every book that I can read before starting the second series. Aja James gave vampire romance a whole different vibe from what we typically read.

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

4.5 Wow what a Finale to the series!!!!

I have never been the biggest Ere Fan but i fell for his sarcasm and otherworldly innocence in this....
A dragon claiming his horde...

I was Always in two minds over who would eventually break the creatures Barriers if Anyone, and i was on the cusp if he deserved it, I loved Ere Aja did it in the Last book.... Not without a little help from Sorin, i was putting off this read as he was my least favorite character but couldn't think of the finale any other way.

Sorin.... I loved him from the word go so soulful and stoic, i loved how he knew how to handle Ere as he shared the soul with his Bane...

Lets not forget the moment!!!!



I loved Ere's inner monologue....

"For the love of Loki’s hairy balls, that voice!"

"Arm porn Galore"

Why it wasn't a 5 star for me, small things but still.....

Im not a huge fan on all the lives and rebirths it all got a bit too much and confusing for me...

The battle scenes, when a battle scene happens i feel the few times its too Much going on too many characters to keep check on...

The ick factor when Parents go on about sex life Making two strangers share a bed.... “And don’t you dare sleep on the floor,”& “It’s too cold. You’re always cold. Sorin looks hot.” from his Mum... Nope


That aside I loved it, I loved the Epilogue too kind of ties everything up!

[Allyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a scary, hold your breath for a minute, lovable, talented, amazing and so much more story . Ere and Sorin love story well I am pretty speechless about it. It was absolutely beautiful! There isn't much I can say because I don't want to give anything away but wow just wow!!! This was "supposed" to be the end but we are all praying that maybe Aja will continue in one way or the other. Please see other reviews on this book. There are several ladies that are so much better at reviews especially on this series. Oh and if you love paranormal writing you have to read this series.

[Mary Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

First many thanks to Aja for the opportunity to read this book and to goodreads for without them I would have likely never found this amazing author. Sadly this is the last installment of the Pure/Dark Ones series ,if you haven’t read them yet take my advice and pick up a copy they are worth it you will be hooked in no time.
As we have come to know in previous books the creature otherwise known as Erebu -Ere and a few other names isn’t all bad as we first believed he has good in him and a pure soul and is trying to be good. Over the millennia he has lived many incarnations and in everyone he was used and abused and has a low self worth and doesn’t believe he is worth being loved.
True he has done many horrible things but he has also done many noble things in this time. Now with the end drawing near he just wants to protect the ones he loves. He meets Sorin and from the beginning he is drawn to him but doesn’t understand why , and can’t understand what Sorin sees in him a broken man.
Sorin has been alone for many millennia since he lost his other half and has been searching for him through the ages to fulfill a promise he made to him. One day he hears a cry for help and he finds Erebu broken after the battle with the Hydra and he saves him.
Erebu is a broken shell of his former self and if he can trust in Sorin he can heal him and make him whole again. After millennia of being alone and abused can Erebu learn to trust and open his heart to Sorin. Can these two heal each other of the wounds that they each carry and make each other whole again? With the final battle drawing near can two halves become whole again and learn that love is everlasting and can heal even the most weary of hearts. Join in on the adventure and find out you won’t be disappointed and be sure to read the series if you haven’t already your goin to be in for a wild ride.

[Paola · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, thanks so much to the talented author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I must admit that I was nervous when I started to read this book, because I love this series so much and since it's the final book, I had a lot of expectations.
This book definitely delivered, the lector can find out more about the creature Erebu and his past, the creature never felt attracted to anyone, at least not in a romantic way. That is until he meets a mysterious male named Soren, the problem is that the creature doesn't believe he deserves him, Ere is very insecure because he made bad things in his past and now for the first time he is in a family where he is fully accepted and beloved.
Ere knows the time for war is coming and he must protect his kid, and sadly he may die now that he found his soul mate...
In this amazing book you'll find hot romance, action and the ending for this amazing series.

[enaJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE ERE!!!!!

A fitting ending for the series. Though not the last you'll hear from them, of course.

Did I tell you I love Ere? Well, I really do. I love that he finally found his eternal mate. He deserved a HEA after all the sufferings he lived through. I love the choice of Sorin for him. I love their story from their first lives to now. I love that he finally learned self-love and to fight for himself.

I LOVE EREBU!!!!!!

[Stefanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

6 stars... 6 MF stars!



Best in series - great series ender with options to continue if we bug Aja enough?!?!

First off, I have to say that Aja writes so well - the descriptions of the places and the character development is amazing. I find sometimes I am reading a book with great writing but get bored when there is too many parts of the story that aren't going anywhere. That does NOT happen with Aja, not only in this book but in all of them. I feel so connected to all the characters. I can get more connected to a character in 260 pages of a pure/dark ones book than 550 pages of some of my other 5 star rated books!

I wish I could have read slower and posted more updates but that just wasn't possible! I needed to know how this turned out.


I could write a million spoilers but instead let me make a couple of comments:

1. Best m/m romance I have ever read. Prior to this, it was JR Ward all the way but this just blows my previous number 1 out of the water. Perfect mix of tenderness and testosterone... well done!

2. I'm from Canada and have only been to the Yukon from Alaska for a half a day when I was a kid. But OMG, you make me want to go back there to have breakfast and a hot chocolate. Come on! Any Canadian (not currently living in the Yukon) would agree, the Yukon is not on many of our destination lists... but the descriptions make even me reconsider LOL.

The ending was so damn satisfying.



Thank you so much for trusting me with an advanced copy.

Your fans will keep reviewing and talking about these books to make sure others can enjoy this as much as we all have! Thanks to Star for the original recommendation and thanks to the whole community of readers that have made reading this amazing series even more amazing!

[Michelle Degrández · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG OMG OMG!!!!!

I need a Sorin in my life.

This book shocked me bad... I wasn't expecting this side of Ere so sweet, innocent and curious as the bane that just reminded me how Benji is.
He sacrifice himself not one but 3 times (Bane, Hydra under water, final battle).

And my favorite quote of the book (and this was hard because there are a lot of quotes in this hot hot book but I choose this one because it melt my heart):

"I would die a thousand deaths to protect the people I love. But you’re the one I live for, Sorin. Only you."

OMG! My heart just explode every time I read this.

But I remain with 3 doubts:

1. When Benji finally awakes as a Pure will he remeber that he was the Dark Godess mate, the blood slave of queen Ashlu, father of both Isthar and Sophia... I need to read their reactions... PLEASE!!!

2. I don't know if it was just me but I feel that the Dark Godess knew his mate before that life, was he a beast spirit or a God? Or something else?

3. Will someone finally explain to Erebu that he wasn't abandoned that Isthar was deceived and that's the only reason why she didn't look for him because he thought he was dead (and Tal didn't even knew about his existence)?

[Brawdzilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I experienced every emotion known to Goddess and women, over this book!

I gave this book a rating of 10 but sadly, it would only let me give a 5! I am soooo happy Ere got his ever after and learned about true soul crushing love! After many books of him getting shafted with the short end of the stick, he's finally found his heart's desire 😁

Perfect ending to a perfect series, Aja.....bring on the next, my all-time favorite DRAGONS!

[Antonette Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing

What a beautiful story and ending. Aja James you are brilliant. In the beginning I never care for Erebu but his story was so broken and for it to end this way Amazing. This is my favorite book. I was waiting patiently for Dalair and Sophia story and it was everything and beyond but this one beat it by a little. Can’t wait for the Dragons. More Ere and Sol.