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Dark #35
Dark Tarot
Sandu Berdardi continues to exist only to protect his people. An ancient Carpathian, his entire long life has been dedicated to honor above all else. He knows his time has passed, especially since he has not been able to find his lifemate — the anchor to keep him sane in a world he no longer understands. But just as he truly starts to give up hope, a voice reaches out to him in the night and his world explodes into color.
Adalasia enters Sandu's mind seamlessly, as if she has been a part of him forever. While she can see the shape of things to come in her deck of cards, her gift is both a blessing and a curse. The true course of Sandu's quest remains unclear, with danger waiting at every turn. She cannot see everything the future holds, but she does know it is a journey they will take together.
Adalasia enters Sandu's mind seamlessly, as if she has been a part of him forever. While she can see the shape of things to come in her deck of cards, her gift is both a blessing and a curse. The true course of Sandu's quest remains unclear, with danger waiting at every turn. She cannot see everything the future holds, but she does know it is a journey they will take together.
512 pages, Hardcover
First published November 9, 2021
583 people are currently reading
2603 people want to read
About the author
Christine Feehan
156 books52.9k followersChristine Feehan is a #1 New York Times bestselling author multiple times over with her portfolio including over 100 published novels, including five series; Dark Series, GhostWalker Series, Leopard Series, Drake Sisters Series, the Sisters of the Heart Series, Shadow Riders, Torpedo Ink and her Romantic Suspense novels. All of her series have hit the #1 spot on the New York Times bestselling list as well. Her debut novel Dark Prince received 3 of the 9 Paranormal Excellence Awards in Romantic Literature (PEARL) in 1999. Since then she has been published by various publishing houses including Leisure Books, Pocket Books, and currently is writing for Berkley/Jove. She also has earned 7 more PEARL awards since Dark Prince.
Her series include:
The Dark Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/darkb...
The GhostWalker series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/ghost...
The Leopard Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/leopa...
The Shadow Series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/shado...
Torpedo Ink series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/torpe...
IN HER WORDS:
I've been a writer all of my life -- it is who I am. I write for myself and always have. The ability to create pictures and emotions with words is such a miracle to me. I read everything; I mean everything! All kinds of books, even encyclopedias. I am fascinated by the written word and I love storytellers. It is a great privilege to be counted one myself. (www.christinefeehan.com)
Her series include:
The Dark Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/darkb...
The GhostWalker series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/ghost...
The Leopard Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/leopa...
The Shadow Series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/shado...
Torpedo Ink series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/torpe...
IN HER WORDS:
I've been a writer all of my life -- it is who I am. I write for myself and always have. The ability to create pictures and emotions with words is such a miracle to me. I read everything; I mean everything! All kinds of books, even encyclopedias. I am fascinated by the written word and I love storytellers. It is a great privilege to be counted one myself. (www.christinefeehan.com)
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November 5, 2021
In
Dark Tarot
, Christine Feehan brings danger, suspense, romance, and action to her latest book in the Dark paranormal romantic suspense series. Sandu Berdardi, an ancient Carpathian who puts honor above everything else has spent his life hunting vampires. He hasn’t been able to find his lifemate who would keep him sane. But as hope has dwindled, a voice communicates with him telepathically. Adalasia Ravasio reads tarot cards and has been trained since childhood to fight demons. Their journey together has risks and rewards. How will they fare?
Sandu and Adalasia are attracted to each other. Both have strong personalities and both can fight well. Sandu’s natural reaction is to protect and shield Adalasia, while she is independent, thinks for herself, and is used to making her own decisions. Trust must be earned and compromise is needed for their success. I quickly connected with the main characters and this added to my reading enjoyment. The secondary characters provided balance, opportunities for humor, support, and conflict. I hope some of them have their own story in future books in the series. Several characters from former books show up as well, which lends continuity to the series.
The novel is set in contemporary times in a variety of locations including California, Montana, Washington, France, Brazil, Peru, and Italy. Therefore, it’s a journey rather than a set location and takes place over a longer period of time than many in this series. The author does a great job of world-building in each location, transporting readers seamlessly.
The plot was somewhat straightforward with high stakes and lots of risk. The significant amount of danger and action kept me fully engaged and made this a true page turner for me. This is a riveting story with protagonists that I liked and cheered on as their journey progressed and became ever more dangerous and unusual. It contained the elements that I love in this genre of books. The book delivers on escapism through attraction, friendship, family, romance, action, and love while also tackling serious issues including secrets, trust, stressful situations, honor, having the courage to do what’s right, duty, loyalty, battling evil, and selfless sacrifice for others.
Overall, it was suspenseful, full of danger, and action-packed. The subplots tied together well, the main characters were strong and the ending was bittersweet. If you enjoy thrilling paranormal romantic suspense novels, then I recommend you check out this series.
Berkley Publishing Group and Christine Feehan provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for November 9, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
Sandu and Adalasia are attracted to each other. Both have strong personalities and both can fight well. Sandu’s natural reaction is to protect and shield Adalasia, while she is independent, thinks for herself, and is used to making her own decisions. Trust must be earned and compromise is needed for their success. I quickly connected with the main characters and this added to my reading enjoyment. The secondary characters provided balance, opportunities for humor, support, and conflict. I hope some of them have their own story in future books in the series. Several characters from former books show up as well, which lends continuity to the series.
The novel is set in contemporary times in a variety of locations including California, Montana, Washington, France, Brazil, Peru, and Italy. Therefore, it’s a journey rather than a set location and takes place over a longer period of time than many in this series. The author does a great job of world-building in each location, transporting readers seamlessly.
The plot was somewhat straightforward with high stakes and lots of risk. The significant amount of danger and action kept me fully engaged and made this a true page turner for me. This is a riveting story with protagonists that I liked and cheered on as their journey progressed and became ever more dangerous and unusual. It contained the elements that I love in this genre of books. The book delivers on escapism through attraction, friendship, family, romance, action, and love while also tackling serious issues including secrets, trust, stressful situations, honor, having the courage to do what’s right, duty, loyalty, battling evil, and selfless sacrifice for others.
Overall, it was suspenseful, full of danger, and action-packed. The subplots tied together well, the main characters were strong and the ending was bittersweet. If you enjoy thrilling paranormal romantic suspense novels, then I recommend you check out this series.
Berkley Publishing Group and Christine Feehan provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for November 9, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
November 10, 2021
AUDIBLE EDITION!! The book cover and the book design is beautiful. Each chapter has a nice artistic drawing of a Tarot Card.
The story however didn't feel like a Dark series story. If felt like a Standalone! There were Carpathians in the story and the H/H Sandu and Adalasia are lifemates. But I didn't feel there connection
The way the story is written was Odd!! If felt like more then one story. Sandu is trying to recover his memory. Adalasia has a job to do closing the gates of hell. As they travel with 4 other ancient Carpathians now named Guardians, we get to revisit H/H's from previous Dark series stories. I never new Carpathians slept in Caskets. There were just to many battles with weird insects and bugs!!
I thought the ending was very good! I hope to hear more about the Carpathian Justice who is trapped!
This story just didn't feel like Christine Feehan to me. But authors writing styles do change. It was just Odd!! I don't want to give to much away!
The story however didn't feel like a Dark series story. If felt like a Standalone! There were Carpathians in the story and the H/H Sandu and Adalasia are lifemates. But I didn't feel there connection
The way the story is written was Odd!! If felt like more then one story. Sandu is trying to recover his memory. Adalasia has a job to do closing the gates of hell. As they travel with 4 other ancient Carpathians now named Guardians, we get to revisit H/H's from previous Dark series stories. I never new Carpathians slept in Caskets. There were just to many battles with weird insects and bugs!!
I thought the ending was very good! I hope to hear more about the Carpathian Justice who is trapped!
This story just didn't feel like Christine Feehan to me. But authors writing styles do change. It was just Odd!! I don't want to give to much away!
August 4, 2021
I'll be honest and say that I wasn't expecting to like this novel as much as I did! It was an unexpected delight due, in part, to it's uniqueness when compared to the rest of the series and the appearance of so many other couples.
Sandu is one of the many ancient Carpathians we've been introduced to throughout the past few novels. Adalasia is a whole other cup of tea. She is a human, raised to fight the demon world that has only ever been hinted at in this series previously. We know of hellhounds, shadow warriors, and other realms, but never before has Christine Feehan directly involved demons into Carpathian thinking. And that is the major challenge between Sandu and Adalasia. She was raised under a family history and prophecy with high expectations when her lineage finally meets its destiny. And Sandu is so set in his ways, the Carpathian traditions, and the expectation that they know all of the enemies that could possible be important to any Carpathian that they two have trust issues.
I absolutely LOVED that this novel wasn't a moment by moment storyline that occurred over a super short period of time, which is a tendency of this series. AND I LOVED the appearance of previous characters. Getting a peak into their current lives was really great, especially because it was tied into the slow reveal of Sandu's back story and family. Really great.
I received this novel as an ARC from Edelweiss+.
Sandu is one of the many ancient Carpathians we've been introduced to throughout the past few novels. Adalasia is a whole other cup of tea. She is a human, raised to fight the demon world that has only ever been hinted at in this series previously. We know of hellhounds, shadow warriors, and other realms, but never before has Christine Feehan directly involved demons into Carpathian thinking. And that is the major challenge between Sandu and Adalasia. She was raised under a family history and prophecy with high expectations when her lineage finally meets its destiny. And Sandu is so set in his ways, the Carpathian traditions, and the expectation that they know all of the enemies that could possible be important to any Carpathian that they two have trust issues.
I absolutely LOVED that this novel wasn't a moment by moment storyline that occurred over a super short period of time, which is a tendency of this series. AND I LOVED the appearance of previous characters. Getting a peak into their current lives was really great, especially because it was tied into the slow reveal of Sandu's back story and family. Really great.
I received this novel as an ARC from Edelweiss+.
March 13, 2022
CF, when will you write books about triplets brothers Tomas, Lojos & Mataias. Eager to know.
July 6, 2023
Will wonders never cease? I actually gave five stars to a Feehan Dark book. I am stretched out on my chaise, fanning myself vigorously from the shock. Dark Tarot is the lucky winner.
First off, it's just not a F * * K book unlike most ( I can't say all since I haven't read them all) of the other Dark books. Wait, what am I talking about, unlike most of Feehan's other books. I didn't mind so much in the Sea Haven and Drake Sisters books, because the women were strong and the men were good-looking. (Sorry couldn't resist). The reverse is true too.
In the Dark books, the women are mostly insipid, eventually give into all demands, and the men jerks.
The Caparthians are all Find Lifemate, Seduce Lifemate, Lifemate too stupid to understand what it means, don't bother telling lifemate about the horrid the conversion process, etc etc etc over and over again. Have sex that lasts for pages and pages. I just flip through the pages -so many, oh dear lord, just so many pages-until the story picks up. Fight vampires, suffer greatly until ancients come and help you heal. There are a few Dark books where the women are overprivileged brats, but they quickly end up getting with the program.
Ahh, but Dark Tarot is different. Adalasia had been trained since birth to fight, to fight demons, Sandu, one of the Carpathian ancients is deciding whether or not to walk into the dawn. Adalasia's voice reaches him and suddenly his world changes.
All Adalasia knows has come from the stories in an ancient book that has been read to her every night since childhood, or from her ancient deck of Tarot cards. She has been waiting for Sandu, and they start their quest together to battle a great threat to the world.
Here is what I love about the book, the ancients that Sandu asks to be their guardians are a hoot. No, really. Vampires are barely there. Some long overdue revenge is finally eaten cold, Adalasia and her merry band visit couples from past books (this is so wonderful), and the true heroes of the the story are the women. Adalasia is not the only one.
I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.
First off, it's just not a F * * K book unlike most ( I can't say all since I haven't read them all) of the other Dark books. Wait, what am I talking about, unlike most of Feehan's other books. I didn't mind so much in the Sea Haven and Drake Sisters books, because the women were strong and the men were good-looking. (Sorry couldn't resist). The reverse is true too.
In the Dark books, the women are mostly insipid, eventually give into all demands, and the men jerks.
The Caparthians are all Find Lifemate, Seduce Lifemate, Lifemate too stupid to understand what it means, don't bother telling lifemate about the horrid the conversion process, etc etc etc over and over again. Have sex that lasts for pages and pages. I just flip through the pages -so many, oh dear lord, just so many pages-until the story picks up. Fight vampires, suffer greatly until ancients come and help you heal. There are a few Dark books where the women are overprivileged brats, but they quickly end up getting with the program.
Ahh, but Dark Tarot is different. Adalasia had been trained since birth to fight, to fight demons, Sandu, one of the Carpathian ancients is deciding whether or not to walk into the dawn. Adalasia's voice reaches him and suddenly his world changes.
All Adalasia knows has come from the stories in an ancient book that has been read to her every night since childhood, or from her ancient deck of Tarot cards. She has been waiting for Sandu, and they start their quest together to battle a great threat to the world.
Here is what I love about the book, the ancients that Sandu asks to be their guardians are a hoot. No, really. Vampires are barely there. Some long overdue revenge is finally eaten cold, Adalasia and her merry band visit couples from past books (this is so wonderful), and the true heroes of the the story are the women. Adalasia is not the only one.
I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.
December 4, 2021
It has been a while since I read this series.
Good thing is, my return to this one had been wonderful.
You can call this one, a lovely trip down memory lane! 😘
We visited lots of our previous Dark heroes/heroines and I just noticed I haven’t even read some of their story yet, and their stories looked interesting 😍.
Btw, I would like to read Justice/Beast book next, Ms. Feehan ☺️😘
❤️❤️❤️
Good thing is, my return to this one had been wonderful.
You can call this one, a lovely trip down memory lane! 😘
We visited lots of our previous Dark heroes/heroines and I just noticed I haven’t even read some of their story yet, and their stories looked interesting 😍.
Btw, I would like to read Justice/Beast book next, Ms. Feehan ☺️😘
❤️❤️❤️
December 29, 2021
Dark Tarot…this 31st book in the Carpathian series is beautiful. The cover, the story, the characters and couple are pure magic.
These Magnificent Seven Monastery ancients have brought such depth and gravitas to this transformative series. Sandhu Berdadi is the ultimate Carpathian male…loyal, devoted, and protective of his one and only.
The heroine, Adalasia Ravasio is so richly developed as an intelligent, compassionate woman who is also a well-trained, kick-ass demon killer. I adored her.
Their destined journey goes beyond being lifemates, theirs is an ancient connection which leads them to the homes of several beloved characters, seeking answers to contain a most dangerous and evil enemy.
I loved how Sandu called upon his trusted brethren’s to help with safeguarding Adalasia, who in turn find a talisman in this protection to keep holding on.
There are so many phenomenal moments that just took my breath away and I don’t want to give too much away so others can fully savor this book. I would give Dark Tarot a hundred shining stars if possible. Well done Ms. Feehan.
These Magnificent Seven Monastery ancients have brought such depth and gravitas to this transformative series. Sandhu Berdadi is the ultimate Carpathian male…loyal, devoted, and protective of his one and only.
The heroine, Adalasia Ravasio is so richly developed as an intelligent, compassionate woman who is also a well-trained, kick-ass demon killer. I adored her.
Their destined journey goes beyond being lifemates, theirs is an ancient connection which leads them to the homes of several beloved characters, seeking answers to contain a most dangerous and evil enemy.
I loved how Sandu called upon his trusted brethren’s to help with safeguarding Adalasia, who in turn find a talisman in this protection to keep holding on.
There are so many phenomenal moments that just took my breath away and I don’t want to give too much away so others can fully savor this book. I would give Dark Tarot a hundred shining stars if possible. Well done Ms. Feehan.
November 10, 2021
After taking YEARS off from reading this predictable, repetitious, boring, POV flip-flopping, and much too overstuffed series (I think I stopped reading after Dark Blood, then tried Dark Sentinel {which was actually somewhat good} then took another break), I thought this book, with its supposed new direction away from mages and vampire tech conspiracies, would be a great time for me to jump back into the seriously long Dark series. I was wrong. Still have mages and vampire conspiracy, but now we add in DEMONS, long-lost FEMALE CARPATHIANS, family lines of magic humans, some beast in a cage, gatekeepers, LILITH, and a whole new slough of male Carpathians we've never heard of before. While the sex scenes have gotten better, the overstuffing with characters, plots, backstories, enemies, and new species completely ruined my reading fun. I had to FORCE myself to read just one more chapter to give it a chance. Sadly, at 45%, I threw in the towel. I think Ms. Feehan needs to take a break from writing altogether, get some fresh ideas, and then come back. You AND your readers need a f**king break.
Also...$14.99 for a f**king ebook?!
Also...$14.99 for a f**king ebook?!
October 9, 2021
This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceI received this book for free from Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Dark Tarot is the latest book in the Carpathian series by Christine Feehan. I honestly had no clue what to expect with this book, all that I knew was that it was Andu's book. After Dark Song, I wasn't sure anything could compare to that book. But comparing Dark Song and Dark Tarot, they are complete opposites from each other. The characters in each book are so diversely different. So make sure you don't compare the two or think one is better than the other, and quite frankly Dark Tarot is a whole another level. This is a pivoting book though, there are so many things that happen in this story, and it's a beast of a read at 500 pages so it isn't a light quick read. You will definitely spend most of the day reading it. There needs to be so much to happen though, just because of who this couple is and what they have to do together and it does get pretty heavy so lets get into this.
Dark Tarot is one kickass adventure with a pairing every fan will adore:
Andu-one of the Ancient Carpathians, no memory of his family or past, hunter, alpha male,
Adalasia-tarot card reading, psychic abilities, fighter against demons, strong but kind
Dark Tarot is a story that sets off with our hero, Andu, who is sitting on a rooftop contemplating what he should do in the future. Should he meet the dawn or should he go back to the monetary with his brothers in arms? But he is heavy with despair not knowing if he will ever meet his lifemate. But in the darkness, comes a voice of light and laughter, Adalasia, who whispers words of comfort to him. The moment that he hears her voice he knows that she is vital and she is real and he goes to California to find her, and she takes his breath away. But her life is in danger, she is being hunted, she has magical abilities, and they are meant to be together. Her family has always known that one of them would be mated to one such as he and that they would save the world from demons and a greater enemy they can only imagine. Andu knows he will do all that he can to protect his woman, and calls upon his band of brothers to be their guardians on this journey. As Andu and Adalasia go on this journey together of discovering this fated love, building a familial bond with their guardians, meeting with other Carpathians on their journey, and facing an evil they have never faced ....their path is brutal and dangerous but also filled with such promise of hope and love and family...
Dark Tarot is a story that really took my breath away and it was simply beautiful in so many elements. The relationship that we see develop between these two is similar to some that we have seen in the past, but not exactly. I loved their unique relationship and more of one of the "modern" romances that we have seen with Feehan. Our heroine is a modern day woman, a fighter and catches on quickly to being a Carpathian. She does get turned more quickly in the beginning of the story, so we also have that. This story is different in that it is not about her turning, its more of the backdrop of the story, their journey is what is most vital. I really enjoyed seeing so many of some of my favorite side characters such as Lucien, Gabriel, Luiz, Dax and Solange just to name a few.
As they travel around, searching for clues and answers to Andu's past which connects to their future, they see where their journey is taking them. But along the way we get plenty of fun bantering with the guardian Carpathians, despite them being the ancient Carpathians, sometimes they act like little boys. Although I think them being around Adalasia has given them a sense of hope and you see such humor in their personalities that rise to the surface and I can't wait to see their lifemates. I have a feeling they might be connected to the "4 Gates". The romance that develops between these two is so precious. They have such balance in their relationship. Adalasia doesn't fight being a Carpathian, like so many previous heroines have. She has known of her destiny connected to Andu and has been preparing herself for it. And she takes to it so naturally and is such a fast learner. I was truly impressed by her character, her sense of honor and duty, wanting to fight beside Andu and be a true partner to him and gives him the "third degree" when he deserves it.
The turning point of the series as a whole is truly elemental in this book. I really found it so fascinating to see what leads this couple to the "4 Gates" of hell and the female Carpathians that are guarding the gates. We see Andu's sister (the one they know is alive but her location is unknown, and no one has heard of her for centuries) and loved seeing their reunion and how valuable she has been in fighting off the vampires and guarding against demons. I honestly hope her book is soon and I can't wait to meet the other women in the group who have been such fighters and warriors in guarding against this. I really felt for so many of our side characters here but we get some reveals on future pairings so I am really excited for that and most especially for Luiz as we get to see who he is paired up with.
Overall I found Dark Tarot to be an enthusiastic wild ride of laughs, of thrills and chills, an epic uplift of world-building that only this author crafts, and a stunning romance that conveys such unity, healing, and freedom.
Dark Tarot is the latest book in the Carpathian series by Christine Feehan. I honestly had no clue what to expect with this book, all that I knew was that it was Andu's book. After Dark Song, I wasn't sure anything could compare to that book. But comparing Dark Song and Dark Tarot, they are complete opposites from each other. The characters in each book are so diversely different. So make sure you don't compare the two or think one is better than the other, and quite frankly Dark Tarot is a whole another level. This is a pivoting book though, there are so many things that happen in this story, and it's a beast of a read at 500 pages so it isn't a light quick read. You will definitely spend most of the day reading it. There needs to be so much to happen though, just because of who this couple is and what they have to do together and it does get pretty heavy so lets get into this.
Dark Tarot is one kickass adventure with a pairing every fan will adore:
Andu-one of the Ancient Carpathians, no memory of his family or past, hunter, alpha male,
Adalasia-tarot card reading, psychic abilities, fighter against demons, strong but kind
Dark Tarot is a story that sets off with our hero, Andu, who is sitting on a rooftop contemplating what he should do in the future. Should he meet the dawn or should he go back to the monetary with his brothers in arms? But he is heavy with despair not knowing if he will ever meet his lifemate. But in the darkness, comes a voice of light and laughter, Adalasia, who whispers words of comfort to him. The moment that he hears her voice he knows that she is vital and she is real and he goes to California to find her, and she takes his breath away. But her life is in danger, she is being hunted, she has magical abilities, and they are meant to be together. Her family has always known that one of them would be mated to one such as he and that they would save the world from demons and a greater enemy they can only imagine. Andu knows he will do all that he can to protect his woman, and calls upon his band of brothers to be their guardians on this journey. As Andu and Adalasia go on this journey together of discovering this fated love, building a familial bond with their guardians, meeting with other Carpathians on their journey, and facing an evil they have never faced ....their path is brutal and dangerous but also filled with such promise of hope and love and family...
Dark Tarot is a story that really took my breath away and it was simply beautiful in so many elements. The relationship that we see develop between these two is similar to some that we have seen in the past, but not exactly. I loved their unique relationship and more of one of the "modern" romances that we have seen with Feehan. Our heroine is a modern day woman, a fighter and catches on quickly to being a Carpathian. She does get turned more quickly in the beginning of the story, so we also have that. This story is different in that it is not about her turning, its more of the backdrop of the story, their journey is what is most vital. I really enjoyed seeing so many of some of my favorite side characters such as Lucien, Gabriel, Luiz, Dax and Solange just to name a few.
As they travel around, searching for clues and answers to Andu's past which connects to their future, they see where their journey is taking them. But along the way we get plenty of fun bantering with the guardian Carpathians, despite them being the ancient Carpathians, sometimes they act like little boys. Although I think them being around Adalasia has given them a sense of hope and you see such humor in their personalities that rise to the surface and I can't wait to see their lifemates. I have a feeling they might be connected to the "4 Gates". The romance that develops between these two is so precious. They have such balance in their relationship. Adalasia doesn't fight being a Carpathian, like so many previous heroines have. She has known of her destiny connected to Andu and has been preparing herself for it. And she takes to it so naturally and is such a fast learner. I was truly impressed by her character, her sense of honor and duty, wanting to fight beside Andu and be a true partner to him and gives him the "third degree" when he deserves it.
The turning point of the series as a whole is truly elemental in this book. I really found it so fascinating to see what leads this couple to the "4 Gates" of hell and the female Carpathians that are guarding the gates. We see Andu's sister (the one they know is alive but her location is unknown, and no one has heard of her for centuries) and loved seeing their reunion and how valuable she has been in fighting off the vampires and guarding against demons. I honestly hope her book is soon and I can't wait to meet the other women in the group who have been such fighters and warriors in guarding against this. I really felt for so many of our side characters here but we get some reveals on future pairings so I am really excited for that and most especially for Luiz as we get to see who he is paired up with.
Overall I found Dark Tarot to be an enthusiastic wild ride of laughs, of thrills and chills, an epic uplift of world-building that only this author crafts, and a stunning romance that conveys such unity, healing, and freedom.
December 12, 2021
I was already so blown away from the get go! What an amazing plot line! 💝 Honestly? I didn't expect Book 31 (but my Kindle copy insisted that this was Book# 35) to turn the new corner and open up the new vast landscape plus a fresh enticing heart pounding quest/adventure!
I was captivated by Adalasia's super amazing legacy and the most stunning fact that the female of her bloodline had faithfully carried the other half of Sandu's soul through time ~ until they found each other. This was the first Dark book that the quote/concept (➡️ "You are the keeper of my soul, born over and over until I found you." ) every carpathian male repeated was shown clearly to me how that was done!
The entire story kept me on the edge of my seat! The mysterious and perilous quest Sandu and Adalasia went on together was heart-stoppingly scary! Their true enemies couldn't even enter this world! They controlled their minions from where they were locked into! Even with four of the most experienced and fiercest ancients as their guardians, Sandu almost lost his life at an early battle!
Since the heart of this series was how the Lifemates ended up happily ever after ~ I had also prepared to lose myself in Sandu & Adalasia's magical time together. And ~ oh ~ yeah ~ they were totally beyond words fantastic together!
Loved all the places and other beloved characters Sandu & Adalasia visited to get more information on the quest. This was such a gift from the author to us! I'd been missing all of them so much. Thank You 🙇🏽♀️ Well ~ my blood thirsty heart was also doing a celebratory dance when a nasty character whom the Dark One "Gregori" should have snapped her neck in Dark Celebration, finally got what she deserved! Ha‼️
Begging for Justice's Book, please 🙇🏽♀️ Here's why:
I was captivated by Adalasia's super amazing legacy and the most stunning fact that the female of her bloodline had faithfully carried the other half of Sandu's soul through time ~ until they found each other. This was the first Dark book that the quote/concept (➡️ "You are the keeper of my soul, born over and over until I found you." ) every carpathian male repeated was shown clearly to me how that was done!
The entire story kept me on the edge of my seat! The mysterious and perilous quest Sandu and Adalasia went on together was heart-stoppingly scary! Their true enemies couldn't even enter this world! They controlled their minions from where they were locked into! Even with four of the most experienced and fiercest ancients as their guardians, Sandu almost lost his life at an early battle!
Since the heart of this series was how the Lifemates ended up happily ever after ~ I had also prepared to lose myself in Sandu & Adalasia's magical time together. And ~ oh ~ yeah ~ they were totally beyond words fantastic together!
Loved all the places and other beloved characters Sandu & Adalasia visited to get more information on the quest. This was such a gift from the author to us! I'd been missing all of them so much. Thank You 🙇🏽♀️ Well ~ my blood thirsty heart was also doing a celebratory dance when a nasty character whom the Dark One "Gregori" should have snapped her neck in Dark Celebration, finally got what she deserved! Ha‼️
Begging for Justice's Book, please 🙇🏽♀️ Here's why:
Fighting demons was different but she didn't hesitate. They made it through the portal, and it was Justice who slammed the portal closed.
The gates, Sandu. Domizio built the gates. Surround me with four gates. Cage me in before it is too late.
There was urgency to Justice's command, and Sandu hasn't hesitate.
November 16, 2021
Sigh
Repetitive wording, repetitive descriptions, completely inane in some places. I liked the characters, but as is becoming more usual in Christine Feehan's books she forgets her own rules of character. Supposedly, after a certain age male Carpathians stop feeling anything until they find their lifemates. But, the supporting male characters in this book seem to have plenty of feelings. They joke, they're real tricksters. That doesn't follow along with having no feelings.
This book is like a little trip around the world. They go all of these different places to learn things about Sandu's forgotten past. That's actually not as good a plot device as one would think. It makes the book very choppy. So, the book is repetitive, then chopped up in pieces, and forgetting to follow the world character rules. Also, it's sort of like a fourth of a book, because there are these other gates out there and you can see what's coming at the reader clearly - four sequels centered around tarot.
I'm not going into the details of the story, I invite the readers to do that themselves by reading the book. But, warning, this book was a hard read. A book this size I normally do in one day, I dragged this one out a week. I got so bored in place I had to put it down and walk away. Sadly, I'm probably enough of an idiot to buy the next four just to see what happens. But I won't be sitting around waiting with bated breath for them to be produced.
Repetitive wording, repetitive descriptions, completely inane in some places. I liked the characters, but as is becoming more usual in Christine Feehan's books she forgets her own rules of character. Supposedly, after a certain age male Carpathians stop feeling anything until they find their lifemates. But, the supporting male characters in this book seem to have plenty of feelings. They joke, they're real tricksters. That doesn't follow along with having no feelings.
This book is like a little trip around the world. They go all of these different places to learn things about Sandu's forgotten past. That's actually not as good a plot device as one would think. It makes the book very choppy. So, the book is repetitive, then chopped up in pieces, and forgetting to follow the world character rules. Also, it's sort of like a fourth of a book, because there are these other gates out there and you can see what's coming at the reader clearly - four sequels centered around tarot.
I'm not going into the details of the story, I invite the readers to do that themselves by reading the book. But, warning, this book was a hard read. A book this size I normally do in one day, I dragged this one out a week. I got so bored in place I had to put it down and walk away. Sadly, I'm probably enough of an idiot to buy the next four just to see what happens. But I won't be sitting around waiting with bated breath for them to be produced.
December 22, 2021
A sweeping quest full of adventure and magical romance…
Whether the first or the thirty-first (wow!), each read is a new piece to a sweeping, complicated puzzle. Much-loved characters, intriguing new ones, they all add to the mystery and magic. This time, Sandu and Adalasia are surrounded by friends, and enemies, as they search for truth, and love…
In recent reviews, I mentioned some repetition in the stories, where long-known information about the Carpathians were repeated often. That is not the case here at all. Every page is new information, intriguing knowledge and insight into the survival of my much loved Carpathians. Sandu and Adalasia were brought together for a reason. Whether it was in the cards, whether destiny or fate, they came together in a quest to look for answers. And they found them, revealing secrets, vanquishing enemies, and finding truths, and love, along the way…
A huge step in this ongoing journey, and another great read to add to this magical series, this quest is far from over. I couldn’t be more thrilled about what is yet to come! ~Diane, 4.5 stars
Whether the first or the thirty-first (wow!), each read is a new piece to a sweeping, complicated puzzle. Much-loved characters, intriguing new ones, they all add to the mystery and magic. This time, Sandu and Adalasia are surrounded by friends, and enemies, as they search for truth, and love…
In recent reviews, I mentioned some repetition in the stories, where long-known information about the Carpathians were repeated often. That is not the case here at all. Every page is new information, intriguing knowledge and insight into the survival of my much loved Carpathians. Sandu and Adalasia were brought together for a reason. Whether it was in the cards, whether destiny or fate, they came together in a quest to look for answers. And they found them, revealing secrets, vanquishing enemies, and finding truths, and love, along the way…
A huge step in this ongoing journey, and another great read to add to this magical series, this quest is far from over. I couldn’t be more thrilled about what is yet to come! ~Diane, 4.5 stars
November 12, 2021
We're 30 books into this series, you think we'd know all there is to know about things, but this time we get to learn a new facet of Carpathian life that even some of the ancients didn't know. I really like that, it keeps the series fresh.
I really liked Adalasia, a modern woman, with so much to hide. Despite knowing a bit of what was going on she didn't really trust Sandu for quite a while in this one. I think it was due to her mission, which was a bit crazy! Once Adalasia did start sharing with Sandu it seemed to help, one thing would lead them to another, to another until they were right there, fighting to save their way of life. Along the way we got to see so many of the characters we've come to love and get to know Sandu's friends more. I really loved how the other Ancients took to Adalasia and started to tease her, she really gave back more than she got, which was go good!
With the way this one ended you know there is so more to come, the least of which is to find the other 3 people that had the same mission as Adalasia. It will be fun to see what happens next.
I really liked Adalasia, a modern woman, with so much to hide. Despite knowing a bit of what was going on she didn't really trust Sandu for quite a while in this one. I think it was due to her mission, which was a bit crazy! Once Adalasia did start sharing with Sandu it seemed to help, one thing would lead them to another, to another until they were right there, fighting to save their way of life. Along the way we got to see so many of the characters we've come to love and get to know Sandu's friends more. I really loved how the other Ancients took to Adalasia and started to tease her, she really gave back more than she got, which was go good!
With the way this one ended you know there is so more to come, the least of which is to find the other 3 people that had the same mission as Adalasia. It will be fun to see what happens next.
November 9, 2021
"You are very conflicted. I don't wish to disturb you, but sometimes talking things out can help."
These are the words Sandu hears, while trying to decide whether to return to the Monastery in the Carpathian Mountains, or meet the dawn. Hearing his life mate's voice changes everything for Sandu. His life mate Adalasia Ravasio is a reader of Tarot Cards, a true, and powerful "Diviner." After they meet in person, Adalasia reveals that the cards have shown her that they both must take dangerous journey to find out the origins of the Tarot cards, that are preserved in Carpathian female blood....Bernardi blood. Sandu has no memory of his family and what the connection can be with the Ravasio family. Adalasia has been told she's not only the protector of the Tarot Cards, but also the Gatekeeper, who must keep the wild creature in hell, which cannot be let loose on the world, trapped behind it's gates. What follows is a Quest to find out more about the Bernardi lineage, and what they are to the Carpathian people. We journey to meet old friends, and questions are answered from previous books, and we see a new plot twist to the Carpathian saga. We meet new villains that may be more dangerous than the vampires, and see how even the dead Xavier is still affecting all species. Excellent read.
These are the words Sandu hears, while trying to decide whether to return to the Monastery in the Carpathian Mountains, or meet the dawn. Hearing his life mate's voice changes everything for Sandu. His life mate Adalasia Ravasio is a reader of Tarot Cards, a true, and powerful "Diviner." After they meet in person, Adalasia reveals that the cards have shown her that they both must take dangerous journey to find out the origins of the Tarot cards, that are preserved in Carpathian female blood....Bernardi blood. Sandu has no memory of his family and what the connection can be with the Ravasio family. Adalasia has been told she's not only the protector of the Tarot Cards, but also the Gatekeeper, who must keep the wild creature in hell, which cannot be let loose on the world, trapped behind it's gates. What follows is a Quest to find out more about the Bernardi lineage, and what they are to the Carpathian people. We journey to meet old friends, and questions are answered from previous books, and we see a new plot twist to the Carpathian saga. We meet new villains that may be more dangerous than the vampires, and see how even the dead Xavier is still affecting all species. Excellent read.
November 9, 2021
Sandu was contemplating meeting the sun since he had lived such a long time, had not found his lifemate and knew his time was fast approaching when he would have to make the choice. Then he heard a voice in his head speaking telepathically to him and colors popped all around him which was quite shocking since he had lived in a gray world, colorless and emotionless for centuries. He knew what it meant, he had found his lifemate and she was speaking with him telepathically. After speaking to him for a moment she quickly cut off all communication but he was able to find her because they were now linked.
Adalasia lost her mother a year ago in a break in. The people had been looking for something, she knew it and they hadn't found what they were looking for. Now she knew that those same people were after her, meant her harm and she was in danger. So when Sandu finds her at her tarot reading shop and confronts her, she tries to send him away to keep him safe but he's not going anywhere and he's not going to let her get hurt by anyone.
Adalasia has a special tarot deck that has been passed down from mother to daughter for generations. Her family are gatekeepers and her deck of cards has magical properties that these other people know about and want. There are 4 gatekeepers that keep a beast locked away somehow. When Sandu and Adalasia talk and he finds out she is in danger, he knows they have to run and she knows it too so they do. It's right away that Adalasia finds out that he is more than human and because she has some idea from a legend she's heard about him and his people, she's not quite as shocked as someone else might have been.
Not only are they on the run from the people who want her and her tarot deck but they want to find out more about Sandu's family and childhood because somehow, Sandu and Adalasia are linked in a way that they can't explain.
After talking to other Carpathians about Sandu's childhood and his family because he cannot remember anything about his family and childhood, they decide to seek out other Carpathians that might have come across his family when he as a child. In doing this we get to re-visit some of the beloved characters from other books in this series that readers have come to love over the years.
A lot happens as they gather more and more information and the danger they find themselves in gets greater. This book kept me on the edge of my seat right up until the end. I never knew what was going to happen next and I really enjoyed the role that Adalasia's tarot cards played in this story. There's a lot more magic in this book than there has been in other books from this series and I liked the slight twist that the magic brought to the series. After reading this I know that we'll be seeing more the ancients from the monastery and I'm glad about that.
Disclocure: I was given an e-ARC of this book via NetGalley but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Adalasia lost her mother a year ago in a break in. The people had been looking for something, she knew it and they hadn't found what they were looking for. Now she knew that those same people were after her, meant her harm and she was in danger. So when Sandu finds her at her tarot reading shop and confronts her, she tries to send him away to keep him safe but he's not going anywhere and he's not going to let her get hurt by anyone.
Adalasia has a special tarot deck that has been passed down from mother to daughter for generations. Her family are gatekeepers and her deck of cards has magical properties that these other people know about and want. There are 4 gatekeepers that keep a beast locked away somehow. When Sandu and Adalasia talk and he finds out she is in danger, he knows they have to run and she knows it too so they do. It's right away that Adalasia finds out that he is more than human and because she has some idea from a legend she's heard about him and his people, she's not quite as shocked as someone else might have been.
Not only are they on the run from the people who want her and her tarot deck but they want to find out more about Sandu's family and childhood because somehow, Sandu and Adalasia are linked in a way that they can't explain.
After talking to other Carpathians about Sandu's childhood and his family because he cannot remember anything about his family and childhood, they decide to seek out other Carpathians that might have come across his family when he as a child. In doing this we get to re-visit some of the beloved characters from other books in this series that readers have come to love over the years.
A lot happens as they gather more and more information and the danger they find themselves in gets greater. This book kept me on the edge of my seat right up until the end. I never knew what was going to happen next and I really enjoyed the role that Adalasia's tarot cards played in this story. There's a lot more magic in this book than there has been in other books from this series and I liked the slight twist that the magic brought to the series. After reading this I know that we'll be seeing more the ancients from the monastery and I'm glad about that.
Disclocure: I was given an e-ARC of this book via NetGalley but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 26, 2021
I've been an avid reader of the Dark series for quite a few years now. Read every book, majority pretty good and some I even re-read. This book was disappointing compared to the other books though. Too many things are going on at once. Sendu finding his lifemate was practically rushed and made the beginning dry and uninteresting. These tarot cards and the backstory of demons and hidden gates combined with Sendu's lack of memory could have made something interesting by itself. But the author just smashed where Dark Song left off with the stones and their story. It just jumbled the book and destroyed the writing style the author made for previous books. What's worse, the author has changed the rules about sharing blood. From the beginning, if a lifemate dies, the other either follows or pretty much goes into a depression/mental state. For some reason now, sharing blood between Carpathians and having that bond if either dies, then the other person dies. Since when?! Gregori told Gary in their book that sharing blood would give them both a link that would allow Gregori to know exactly where Gary was and what he was doing at all times. With how this book changed things, if either Gary or Gregori dies then the other will die now. Only in this book because of that link Sendu has with Gary and others in the monastery, if any of them die, the rest will die. It didn't work like that before, why does it now?
November 17, 2021
The cover is so beautiful! At first glance, it looked like crystals, but if you take a real look, you can see the Tarot Cards! I love it! And it's a fantastic read too! It added so much more lore to the Carpathian universe!
November 12, 2021
kinda boring
November 21, 2021
Will write a review later when I have time.
November 6, 2021
4.5 stars--
4.5 stars--DARK TAROT is the thirty-fifth instalment in Christine Feehan’s contemporary, adult DARK/CARPATHIAN erotic, paranormal romance series. This is Carpathian ancient Sandu Berdardi, and tarot reader Adalasia Ravasio’s story line. DARK TAROT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
SOME BACKGROUND: All Carpathian males must find their lifemates before they turn vampire or greet the dawn. Without a lifemate, the males no longer see in color, feel pain or experience emotions. A lifemate is the light to their dark. She is the keeper of his heart and the keeper of his soul. As the unmated Carpathian male ages, the darkness begins to envelope his soul, eventually turning the male vampire or forcing him to greet the dawn.
Told from dual third person perpectives (Sandu and Adalasia) DARK TAROT follows the building romance and relationship between ancient Carpathian warrior Sandu Berdardi, and Tarot reader Adalasia Ravasio. Sandu Berdardi is one of the ancient warriors who had left the monastery in search of his lifemate but Sandu was considering greeting the dawn until a feminine voice in his head restored emotions and colors. Searching for his lifemate, Sandu finds Tarot reader Adalasia Ravasio, a young woman of immense power, trained as a warrior, but a woman who has spent her entire life on the run, trying to escape a mythological evil connected to Lilith, the wife of Satan. Throughout her life, Adalasia has known that Sandu would be making the journey with her, a journey where the past meets the present leading towards a future together. As Adalasia continues to avert the danger that is ever present, Sandu and the others must battle the master vampires, their minions, and a new evil that has attached itself to the woman he loves.
Sandu Berdardi is a man in search of his past, a past he can no longer remember but a past that may be connected to our story line heroine. Sandu, Adalasia and several ancients launch themselves on a journey around the world, a journey wherein Sandu discovers the truth about his life, and his family, but a journey wherein Adalasia’s ablities reveal a powerful woman, an warrior equal to the power of the ancients, themselves.
As Adalasia, Sandu and his fellow ancients embark on their search for the truth, the reader is reunited with several Carpathians and characters introduced previously in earlier stories: Dominic Dragonseeker and Solange, Solange’s cousin Jasmine, Jubal Sanders and Jasmine’s now six year old child Sandrine, jaguar turned Carpathian Luiz De La Cruz, Lucian Daratrazanoff and Jaxon, Gabriel Daratrazanoff and Francesca, Danutdaxon ‘Dax’ and his lifemate Riley. There are mentions of Josef, Joie and Traian Trigovise, and the De La Cruz’ brothers, Trixie and Fane, Gabrielle and Aleksei, as well as a little more information about Xavier and the parasites that have always been attributed to the high mage. Although not a reunion story line, the author does reveal some history, some back story and updates about the characters we have previously met.
DARK TAROT establishes the Dark series new arc wherein Sandu, and his fellow ancients Afanasiv ‘Siv’ Belan, Nicu Dalca, Petru Cioban and Benedek Kovac must find their lifemates or greet the dawn. Adalasia Ravasio’s ability to read the Tarot cards reveals the legitimacy of the ancients’ search for the other half of their souls, and whether their journeys are fruitless and unkind but Adalasia’s abilities do not end with the Tarot, as our heroine is a fighter, a capable warrior who alongside the ancients, is able to take down the malevolent and creatures that threaten their lives. A new battle has begun, a battle that pulls the Carpathians into a war with demons from the Underworld, where the four portals or gates to hell, have been protected and guarded by four woman, ancient Carpathian females who have yet to find a lifemate of their own.
DARK TAROT reestablishes and reinvigorates the Dark/Carpathian series. A new path, a new evil, a new war wherein the ancients find the other half to their souls, while protecting the people they know and love, revealing more of the history and back story of the Carpathian people. DARK TAROT is a lengthy, complex and detailed storyline wherein the world building is intricate and thorough: the premise is intriguing and intense; the characters are inspiring and energetic; the romance is seductive and passionate.
www.thereadingcafe.com
4.5 stars--DARK TAROT is the thirty-fifth instalment in Christine Feehan’s contemporary, adult DARK/CARPATHIAN erotic, paranormal romance series. This is Carpathian ancient Sandu Berdardi, and tarot reader Adalasia Ravasio’s story line. DARK TAROT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
SOME BACKGROUND: All Carpathian males must find their lifemates before they turn vampire or greet the dawn. Without a lifemate, the males no longer see in color, feel pain or experience emotions. A lifemate is the light to their dark. She is the keeper of his heart and the keeper of his soul. As the unmated Carpathian male ages, the darkness begins to envelope his soul, eventually turning the male vampire or forcing him to greet the dawn.
Told from dual third person perpectives (Sandu and Adalasia) DARK TAROT follows the building romance and relationship between ancient Carpathian warrior Sandu Berdardi, and Tarot reader Adalasia Ravasio. Sandu Berdardi is one of the ancient warriors who had left the monastery in search of his lifemate but Sandu was considering greeting the dawn until a feminine voice in his head restored emotions and colors. Searching for his lifemate, Sandu finds Tarot reader Adalasia Ravasio, a young woman of immense power, trained as a warrior, but a woman who has spent her entire life on the run, trying to escape a mythological evil connected to Lilith, the wife of Satan. Throughout her life, Adalasia has known that Sandu would be making the journey with her, a journey where the past meets the present leading towards a future together. As Adalasia continues to avert the danger that is ever present, Sandu and the others must battle the master vampires, their minions, and a new evil that has attached itself to the woman he loves.
Sandu Berdardi is a man in search of his past, a past he can no longer remember but a past that may be connected to our story line heroine. Sandu, Adalasia and several ancients launch themselves on a journey around the world, a journey wherein Sandu discovers the truth about his life, and his family, but a journey wherein Adalasia’s ablities reveal a powerful woman, an warrior equal to the power of the ancients, themselves.
As Adalasia, Sandu and his fellow ancients embark on their search for the truth, the reader is reunited with several Carpathians and characters introduced previously in earlier stories: Dominic Dragonseeker and Solange, Solange’s cousin Jasmine, Jubal Sanders and Jasmine’s now six year old child Sandrine, jaguar turned Carpathian Luiz De La Cruz, Lucian Daratrazanoff and Jaxon, Gabriel Daratrazanoff and Francesca, Danutdaxon ‘Dax’ and his lifemate Riley. There are mentions of Josef, Joie and Traian Trigovise, and the De La Cruz’ brothers, Trixie and Fane, Gabrielle and Aleksei, as well as a little more information about Xavier and the parasites that have always been attributed to the high mage. Although not a reunion story line, the author does reveal some history, some back story and updates about the characters we have previously met.
DARK TAROT establishes the Dark series new arc wherein Sandu, and his fellow ancients Afanasiv ‘Siv’ Belan, Nicu Dalca, Petru Cioban and Benedek Kovac must find their lifemates or greet the dawn. Adalasia Ravasio’s ability to read the Tarot cards reveals the legitimacy of the ancients’ search for the other half of their souls, and whether their journeys are fruitless and unkind but Adalasia’s abilities do not end with the Tarot, as our heroine is a fighter, a capable warrior who alongside the ancients, is able to take down the malevolent and creatures that threaten their lives. A new battle has begun, a battle that pulls the Carpathians into a war with demons from the Underworld, where the four portals or gates to hell, have been protected and guarded by four woman, ancient Carpathian females who have yet to find a lifemate of their own.
DARK TAROT reestablishes and reinvigorates the Dark/Carpathian series. A new path, a new evil, a new war wherein the ancients find the other half to their souls, while protecting the people they know and love, revealing more of the history and back story of the Carpathian people. DARK TAROT is a lengthy, complex and detailed storyline wherein the world building is intricate and thorough: the premise is intriguing and intense; the characters are inspiring and energetic; the romance is seductive and passionate.
www.thereadingcafe.com
March 14, 2022
I am a fan of this series. Like all series that have many, many books that focus on one main couple, you like some couples and you don't like others. I enjoyed Sandu and Andlasia's story, although I feel like there were some pieces missing like we never did find out how Sandu lost all of his memories.
I am enjoying all the intrigue that is being thrown in surrounding the other ancients and their lifemates, I think it is a good way to keep the series interesting and keep the fans interest until the books we are all waiting for (Gary's story and Josef's story) are released.
The introduction of Justice and the female Carpathian who is not his lifemate was a well played moved by the author because I think I have some idea as to whose lifemate that female is and I am anxiously looking forward to seeing if I am right and seeing how their story will play out.
I am enjoying all the intrigue that is being thrown in surrounding the other ancients and their lifemates, I think it is a good way to keep the series interesting and keep the fans interest until the books we are all waiting for (Gary's story and Josef's story) are released.
The introduction of Justice and the female Carpathian who is not his lifemate was a well played moved by the author because I think I have some idea as to whose lifemate that female is and I am anxiously looking forward to seeing if I am right and seeing how their story will play out.
May 11, 2023
This series has really had a breath of fresh air breathed into it. It had started to drag but the author definitely found some inspiration and revamped the series in a big way. After this one I’m really excited to keep reading and I truthfully haven’t felt that for this series in a while. Enjoyed this one, there was lots of travelling and cameos from couples in previous books which was great. And I loved the interaction between the core group, the teasing the h did with her 4 guardians was really sweet. And I loved that the H actually listened and managed to control his old world he-man ways in the end, we don’t always get that in these books and it’s sometimes a bit much 😂😂 and so many potential lifemates is really exciting! I’m hoping so hard that they will be able to save Justice cause he sounds awesome.
November 9, 2021
"You are very conflicted. I don't wish to disturb you, but sometimes talking things out can help."
These are the words Sandy hears, while trying to decide whether to return to the Monastery in the Carpathian Mountains, or meet the dawn. Hearing his life mate's voice changes everything for Sandu. His life mate Adalasia Ravasio is a reader of Tarot Cards, a true, and powerful "Diviner." After they meet in person, Adalasia reveals that the cards have shown her that they both must take dangerous journey to find out the origins of the Tarot cards, that are preserved in Carpathian female blood....Bernardi blood. Sandu has no memory of his family and what the connection can be with the Ravasio family. Adalasia has been told she's not only the protector of the Tarot Cards, but also the Gatekeeper, who must keep the wild creature in hell, which cannot be let loose on the world, trapped behind it's gates. What follows is a Quest to find out more about the Bernardi lineage, and what they are to the Carpathian people. We journey to meet old friends, and questions are answered from previous books, and we see a new plot twist to the Carpathian saga. We meet new villains that may be more dangerous than the vampires, and see how even the dead Xavier is still affecting all species. Excellent read,
These are the words Sandy hears, while trying to decide whether to return to the Monastery in the Carpathian Mountains, or meet the dawn. Hearing his life mate's voice changes everything for Sandu. His life mate Adalasia Ravasio is a reader of Tarot Cards, a true, and powerful "Diviner." After they meet in person, Adalasia reveals that the cards have shown her that they both must take dangerous journey to find out the origins of the Tarot cards, that are preserved in Carpathian female blood....Bernardi blood. Sandu has no memory of his family and what the connection can be with the Ravasio family. Adalasia has been told she's not only the protector of the Tarot Cards, but also the Gatekeeper, who must keep the wild creature in hell, which cannot be let loose on the world, trapped behind it's gates. What follows is a Quest to find out more about the Bernardi lineage, and what they are to the Carpathian people. We journey to meet old friends, and questions are answered from previous books, and we see a new plot twist to the Carpathian saga. We meet new villains that may be more dangerous than the vampires, and see how even the dead Xavier is still affecting all species. Excellent read,
September 28, 2024
Wow! Once again Christine Feehan amazes me! What an fantastic read! I don’t know how she manages to have a story flow so beautifully and have it so full of information. This is book 35 of the Dark series and she’s magically breathed new life into it. Old threads are revisited, like mini stories throughout, and new dangers and antagonists introduced. The transition is smooth and still whispers of connection to old villains, leaving the door open to danger possible from all directions down the road. If you’re not yet addicted to this series, this is a great jumping in point. If you’ve been reading, this book is so much fun. And either way, you can’t help but fall in love with so many characters. I’m going to write a vague review because I do not want to spoil it for anyone.
.
The Ancients sacrificed so much to keep their kind and humanity safe from not only the undead of their kind but the demon growing powerful inside them. Time has taken its toll on Sandu and he is questioning the best way to hold on to his honor, ending his existence or returning to the Monastery, away from others, when the light, the other part of his soul calls out to him and he knows his salvation his lifemate is near. Through the messages in the Tarot cards, Adalasia knows he is meant to be her partner, to work by her side to stop a threatening danger. This is the story of two bloodlines, alludes to possibly more, who’ve sacrificed much more than we know to protect the world. He’s gone centuries without the memories others have to help hold onto honor and keep the demon at bay and still had the strength of character to do so. She’s part of a bloodline who’s trained generation after generation preparing for this fight.
.
Adalasia is a fantastic character and her story tugs the heart strings as much as Sandu’s. She is a pleasant surprise! The cards bring them together. She knows in order to be victorious they need to be partners, but can they be? Both have different ideas of what partner is, and fears of how to trust and succeed. Afraid to share because the other is withholding something and withholding something because the other won��t share was a hard wall to crumble. However, The cards tell them their success depends on discovering how to be partners and to recall the memories he has blocked…so off on a quest, 4 brethren along to protect and fight at their sides, to find the information they need from old friends from past books who may know.
.
Each stop brings the reader information of past threads with a lot of well explained Oh Wow! revelations and discoveries needed to help defeat the danger, the enemy, they face and learn where the journey needs to take them. And through the visits, and the adventures that happen during them, lessons are learned on how to be the lifemate, the partners, they need to be. Its not a 50/50 a childhood fairytale ideal would have her believe. It’s knowing each other’s strengths, when to step back and let the other lead, when to let the other shine and support lend help when needed when to ask for help and when to even sacrifice. Of course, this includes amazing action, sweet bonding and love, and a bit of butting heads and heart stopping moments. Of course communication is key!
.
The Fellow Ancients play their parts beautifully, too. Becoming family to Adalasia, there is banter, action and so much more that helps us get to know them more. Of course, we also get to learn what the cards have in store for them, as clearly as the future can be seen, that is. The end is an amazing happily ever after for the couple, with their quest ending in love we got to see grow and more so for Sandu, definitely a lump in throat happy! And so many possibilities for the series!
.
The Ancients sacrificed so much to keep their kind and humanity safe from not only the undead of their kind but the demon growing powerful inside them. Time has taken its toll on Sandu and he is questioning the best way to hold on to his honor, ending his existence or returning to the Monastery, away from others, when the light, the other part of his soul calls out to him and he knows his salvation his lifemate is near. Through the messages in the Tarot cards, Adalasia knows he is meant to be her partner, to work by her side to stop a threatening danger. This is the story of two bloodlines, alludes to possibly more, who’ve sacrificed much more than we know to protect the world. He’s gone centuries without the memories others have to help hold onto honor and keep the demon at bay and still had the strength of character to do so. She’s part of a bloodline who’s trained generation after generation preparing for this fight.
.
Adalasia is a fantastic character and her story tugs the heart strings as much as Sandu’s. She is a pleasant surprise! The cards bring them together. She knows in order to be victorious they need to be partners, but can they be? Both have different ideas of what partner is, and fears of how to trust and succeed. Afraid to share because the other is withholding something and withholding something because the other won��t share was a hard wall to crumble. However, The cards tell them their success depends on discovering how to be partners and to recall the memories he has blocked…so off on a quest, 4 brethren along to protect and fight at their sides, to find the information they need from old friends from past books who may know.
.
Each stop brings the reader information of past threads with a lot of well explained Oh Wow! revelations and discoveries needed to help defeat the danger, the enemy, they face and learn where the journey needs to take them. And through the visits, and the adventures that happen during them, lessons are learned on how to be the lifemate, the partners, they need to be. Its not a 50/50 a childhood fairytale ideal would have her believe. It’s knowing each other’s strengths, when to step back and let the other lead, when to let the other shine and support lend help when needed when to ask for help and when to even sacrifice. Of course, this includes amazing action, sweet bonding and love, and a bit of butting heads and heart stopping moments. Of course communication is key!
.
The Fellow Ancients play their parts beautifully, too. Becoming family to Adalasia, there is banter, action and so much more that helps us get to know them more. Of course, we also get to learn what the cards have in store for them, as clearly as the future can be seen, that is. The end is an amazing happily ever after for the couple, with their quest ending in love we got to see grow and more so for Sandu, definitely a lump in throat happy! And so many possibilities for the series!
November 10, 2021
Another fabulous installment in the Carpathian series.
The "fated mates" trope took a bit of a spin from most of the books in this series for our characters. Adalasia has been trained to fight demons since she was very young, and to protect a deck of tarot cards, handed down through the women in her line. One day, a man would come to them, and put them on a path that would change their life. The cards would let them know when it's time.
Sandu is floored when he gets a mind to mind contact from a woman he has never met. When said woman is his life mate, he doesnt know what to expect. He seeks her out, because she seems to be in danger.
From there, we go on a whirlwind, world wide adventure, visiting various couples throughout the series to solve the puzzle or Sandu's forgotten past, and to relieve the dangers to Adalasia.
Sandu makes some really dumb decisions early on in the book, but she is quick to call him out on his bad behavior, and to correct it so that they are partners, not protector and life mate. This book is very much a polar opposite to the previous installment, Dark Song, but equally enjoyable.
The "fated mates" trope took a bit of a spin from most of the books in this series for our characters. Adalasia has been trained to fight demons since she was very young, and to protect a deck of tarot cards, handed down through the women in her line. One day, a man would come to them, and put them on a path that would change their life. The cards would let them know when it's time.
Sandu is floored when he gets a mind to mind contact from a woman he has never met. When said woman is his life mate, he doesnt know what to expect. He seeks her out, because she seems to be in danger.
From there, we go on a whirlwind, world wide adventure, visiting various couples throughout the series to solve the puzzle or Sandu's forgotten past, and to relieve the dangers to Adalasia.
Sandu makes some really dumb decisions early on in the book, but she is quick to call him out on his bad behavior, and to correct it so that they are partners, not protector and life mate. This book is very much a polar opposite to the previous installment, Dark Song, but equally enjoyable.
November 9, 2021
Book: Dark Tarot (Dark #31)
Author: Christine Feehan
My Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by: Tammy - Book Nook Nuts
REVIEW
Never met a Christine Feehan book I haven't loved and this one reminds me why.
Sandu is an ancient who held no hope of ever finding his lifemate.
This book leads us on a journey of sorts. And he knows, when he hears her in his mind, his heart that he has found her. Danger though implodes, will he be too late?
I actually enjoyed this story very much and I feel like we are at a crossroads...
Can't wait to see what will happen next.
Best one yet!
**I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book**
Christine Feehan
Author: Christine Feehan
My Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by: Tammy - Book Nook Nuts
REVIEW
Never met a Christine Feehan book I haven't loved and this one reminds me why.
Sandu is an ancient who held no hope of ever finding his lifemate.
This book leads us on a journey of sorts. And he knows, when he hears her in his mind, his heart that he has found her. Danger though implodes, will he be too late?
I actually enjoyed this story very much and I feel like we are at a crossroads...
Can't wait to see what will happen next.
Best one yet!
**I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book**
Christine Feehan
November 20, 2021
Loved this book. Hearing from previous hunters was a wonderful touch. Loved the different twist to this book
November 12, 2021
This book is a turning point in this series.
Prior to this book, most of the books were the story of one couple as they meet, become life mates and overcome some difficulty together. That changes with this book.
While it is the story of Sandu and Adalasia, it does not follow their daily struggle to become life mates. It is more a group of vignettes over a longer period of time. Their meeting, their journey, one stop here, one stop there with much of the day to day events being skipped. Previous couples were visited and small stories took place with them as Sandu and Adalasia completed a journey.
Clearly, this style change was done to allow a much larger story to begin. Four gates. This book was the story of one gate, East. But it has set the stage for the other three. It has set the guardians (four ancients that traveled with them to help protect Adalasia) as the males for these next books. Leaving one of those four to the last without a gate. Though I have a good guess as to what he is waiting for.
I think I wanted to love this one a little more than I did. It is a change and perhaps that is the reason for my caution. But I think it has more to do with the story feeling cut in places. The story moved abruptly at times and I was often left with questions. Too many things were left for you to assume they took care of that but the story didn't show it. I guess the meticulous manner that the author has dealt with those kinds of things in the previous books had me expecting the same. I was sad to miss out of some of the events that bring a couple together. This couple has some issues in the beginning as is the case in most of the books in this series. While I see the growth they made towards each other, too much was said or summarized due to missing so many little moments.
The advantage to missing the day to day events is that much more was included in the story. It goes beyond this couple and does a good job of setting up a challenge for the next four, possibly five books. Though I admit to feeling like the books plot was not aligned as I expected it to be. The climax is not the journey and the climax happens sooner than I realized. It was only looking back that I realized this. It left the end of the book falling flat for me.
Overall, I enjoyed being in the world. That is the reason for the rating of 4 stars. But I do think that many fans may be left feeling lost with this book as it really doesn't follow the same formula as those that came before.
That said, it was an enjoyable book and I am glad to have read it. I will continue to read this author and this series. I do love the Carpathian world.
Prior to this book, most of the books were the story of one couple as they meet, become life mates and overcome some difficulty together. That changes with this book.
While it is the story of Sandu and Adalasia, it does not follow their daily struggle to become life mates. It is more a group of vignettes over a longer period of time. Their meeting, their journey, one stop here, one stop there with much of the day to day events being skipped. Previous couples were visited and small stories took place with them as Sandu and Adalasia completed a journey.
Clearly, this style change was done to allow a much larger story to begin. Four gates. This book was the story of one gate, East. But it has set the stage for the other three. It has set the guardians (four ancients that traveled with them to help protect Adalasia) as the males for these next books. Leaving one of those four to the last without a gate. Though I have a good guess as to what he is waiting for.
I think I wanted to love this one a little more than I did. It is a change and perhaps that is the reason for my caution. But I think it has more to do with the story feeling cut in places. The story moved abruptly at times and I was often left with questions. Too many things were left for you to assume they took care of that but the story didn't show it. I guess the meticulous manner that the author has dealt with those kinds of things in the previous books had me expecting the same. I was sad to miss out of some of the events that bring a couple together. This couple has some issues in the beginning as is the case in most of the books in this series. While I see the growth they made towards each other, too much was said or summarized due to missing so many little moments.
The advantage to missing the day to day events is that much more was included in the story. It goes beyond this couple and does a good job of setting up a challenge for the next four, possibly five books. Though I admit to feeling like the books plot was not aligned as I expected it to be. The climax is not the journey and the climax happens sooner than I realized. It was only looking back that I realized this. It left the end of the book falling flat for me.
Overall, I enjoyed being in the world. That is the reason for the rating of 4 stars. But I do think that many fans may be left feeling lost with this book as it really doesn't follow the same formula as those that came before.
That said, it was an enjoyable book and I am glad to have read it. I will continue to read this author and this series. I do love the Carpathian world.
September 29, 2021
Having read every single book in this series, this particular one came as a nice surprise. Several of the more recent books had started to feel somewhat formulaic; however, this one was original all around. Instead of fighting dozens of multiple vampires, there is one relatively quick skirmish toward the start of the book, and then there aren't any more. Instead, these protagonists and a cadre of ancients who are journeying with them, embark on a dangerous quest to find out more about Sandu Berdardi's past. His forgotten past is linked somehow to a deck of tarot cards being wielded by Andalasia Ravasio. These cards have been passed down from mother to daughter over the centuries and these cards direct this group on their quest. They learn new and important pieces of the puzzle with every stop that they make and with each ancient warrior that they talk to. Each stop leads them to the next step in their quest, and in doing so, they travel and meet multiple pairs of lifemates from prior books in the series. It feels like seeing old friends again!
Sandu is a very traditional Carpathian male; however, he changes and adapts to his partner over the course of the book and becomes a delightful lifemate to independent Andalasia. Readers also get the chance to see this group of ancient warriors accept Andalasia into their confidence, and she gives them renewed hope that they will find their own lifemates. There are a couple of practical jokes that add some levity to this story as well. This book focuses on a different threat to the world--demons escaping from the nether world through very small cracks within the barrier wall that keeps them imprisoned. This book also sets up the foundation for at least three more stories, and possibly as many as five more stories, if Ms. Feehan continues along the path she starts in this book.
Dark Tarot captured this reader's interest from the first page. The tension stays tight and the pacing does as well. There isn't a lot of unnecessary verbiage, as each scene advances the storyline, and readers get to travel from place to place with this group of warriors as they add knowledge with every stop. The tarot cards add an interesting twist that may intrigue readers. Overall, this was a delightful and refreshing change from the typical "Dark" books in this series. This book definitely breathes new life into the series, and this reader is anticipating the next entry with renewed excitement!
Sandu is a very traditional Carpathian male; however, he changes and adapts to his partner over the course of the book and becomes a delightful lifemate to independent Andalasia. Readers also get the chance to see this group of ancient warriors accept Andalasia into their confidence, and she gives them renewed hope that they will find their own lifemates. There are a couple of practical jokes that add some levity to this story as well. This book focuses on a different threat to the world--demons escaping from the nether world through very small cracks within the barrier wall that keeps them imprisoned. This book also sets up the foundation for at least three more stories, and possibly as many as five more stories, if Ms. Feehan continues along the path she starts in this book.
Dark Tarot captured this reader's interest from the first page. The tension stays tight and the pacing does as well. There isn't a lot of unnecessary verbiage, as each scene advances the storyline, and readers get to travel from place to place with this group of warriors as they add knowledge with every stop. The tarot cards add an interesting twist that may intrigue readers. Overall, this was a delightful and refreshing change from the typical "Dark" books in this series. This book definitely breathes new life into the series, and this reader is anticipating the next entry with renewed excitement!
January 17, 2024
2nd read: 4 stars
Ever since Christine Feehan introduced the Ancients back in Dark Promises, I’ve been anticipating their stories with bated breath. Though some of the newer stories had more of an erotic tendency, she never failed with her fantastic storylines. You’d think that after 34 books in the Dark series with one of the major plot-lines concluded in book 20, Dark Slayer, she’d run out of new plots. But not so. Once again she amazes me with the start of a new storyline that brings new villains to be fought in the Carpathian world.
Dark Tarot is the ancient, Sandu and his lifemate, Adalasia’s story. As an ancient Sandu has lost all hope of ever finding his lifemate until a voice reaches out to him and floods his senses with colors and emotions. Of course, life is never so easy as to just hand you your happiness on a platter. No, blood and sweat are always involved. Complication upon complication awaited. And an underlying mystery that led back to Sandu and his connection to his lifemate.
I liked Adalasia so much. She was quite fierce and protective of her family’s legacy. Ah, the marvelous tarot cards! I’ve always been fascinated by tarot cards but Christine Feehan wove a whole new deck with fantastic descriptions that made them so real to me. I was amazed by Adalasia’s mastery of her magical tarot deck.
The best things about this book were the fun interactions between Adalasia and the other ancients, Sandu’s ‘brothers’, seeing all my favorite characters again, and all the potential of a new storyline that brought forth new lifemates for the ancients and the unmated Carpathians that we’re still hoping find their happy-ever-after and of course, evil antagonists that need to be slain. I can’t wait for the new stories!
∼Lyn
Posted on Blog
Ever since Christine Feehan introduced the Ancients back in Dark Promises, I’ve been anticipating their stories with bated breath. Though some of the newer stories had more of an erotic tendency, she never failed with her fantastic storylines. You’d think that after 34 books in the Dark series with one of the major plot-lines concluded in book 20, Dark Slayer, she’d run out of new plots. But not so. Once again she amazes me with the start of a new storyline that brings new villains to be fought in the Carpathian world.
Dark Tarot is the ancient, Sandu and his lifemate, Adalasia’s story. As an ancient Sandu has lost all hope of ever finding his lifemate until a voice reaches out to him and floods his senses with colors and emotions. Of course, life is never so easy as to just hand you your happiness on a platter. No, blood and sweat are always involved. Complication upon complication awaited. And an underlying mystery that led back to Sandu and his connection to his lifemate.
I liked Adalasia so much. She was quite fierce and protective of her family’s legacy. Ah, the marvelous tarot cards! I’ve always been fascinated by tarot cards but Christine Feehan wove a whole new deck with fantastic descriptions that made them so real to me. I was amazed by Adalasia’s mastery of her magical tarot deck.
The best things about this book were the fun interactions between Adalasia and the other ancients, Sandu’s ‘brothers’, seeing all my favorite characters again, and all the potential of a new storyline that brought forth new lifemates for the ancients and the unmated Carpathians that we’re still hoping find their happy-ever-after and of course, evil antagonists that need to be slain. I can’t wait for the new stories!
∼Lyn
Posted on Blog
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