Dark Song

Dark #34

by Christine Feehan

Two Carpathians find hope in the bond that ties their souls in this passionate novel in Christine Feehan’s #1 New York Times bestselling series.

Stolen from her home at a young age and tormented for centuries, Elisabeta Trigovise is scared to show herself to anyone. Even though she has been rescued and is now safe within the Carpathian compound, she has lived in fear for so long she has no idea how to survive without it. She wants to answer the siren call of her lifemate—but the very thought terrifies her.

Before he found Elisabeta, Ferro Arany was an ancient warrior without emotion. Now that his senses have come alive, he knows it will take more than kind words and soft touches to convince the fractured woman that they are partners, not master and prisoner. For now, he will give her his strength until she finds hers, allowing the steady rhythm of his heart to soothe Elisabeta's fragile soul.

But even as she learns to stand on her own, the vampire who kept her captive is desperate to claim her again, threatening the song Elisabeta and Ferro are writing together.

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

496 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published September 1, 2020

About the author

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




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

Reviews

[Jessica's Totally Over The Top Book Obsession · Rating 4 out of 5]

As much as I love this series, this book was a bit slow for me. I like both Ferro and Elisabeta, but they aren't my favorites. I loved seeing some of the older couples. I also really loved all the Josef time. I really want his book soon. I also loved most of my Gary time. I didn't like that CF had him thinking of Killing Elisabeta and Ferro to protect a secret. That is so out of Gary's character and it made him look like a dick. I am also really starting to dislike the overly complex and excessive plots that have been happening in this series lately. I understand that with any long series there has to be new things to keep it fresh. BUT But........With all the new enemies, spells, and God help me demon worms from the netherworld(what is this Minecraft?), I am starting to worry she will go too far. I worry it will be like The Dark-Hunter by Sherrilyn Kenyon with such over the top, and ridiculous plots that it will become boring, confusing and a chore to read. I hope to God I'm wrong.

[Lover of Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

Dark Song is the newest installment in the Carpathian/Dark series by this incredible author. Christine Feehan has done a work of art within this series and most especially this book. I always am so impressed with how big this series has grown over the years (and I am definitely blessed to have followed it from almost the beginning) and seeing the depths of the world building and how this world she creates is utterly captivating and it NEVER loses it magic and this is what impresses me the most about this author. I can never seem to get enough of her work. Dark Song, however, is a must read for any paranormal romance lover, because I guarantee you will fall in love with it. There are some aspects (which I will discuss below) that you need to have an open mind in especially in regards to the heroine, but I promise this will win your heart just as it has mine.



Dark Song encompasses two characters that are both ancient Carpathians and both have suffered but have a love story that will be memorable for years to come. Our heroine Elisabeta (which is so pretty of a name) has been tortured, tormented, abused, demeaned by an ancient vampire, one of the Malinov brothers. She was kidnapped from her home and family and put through hell for most of her existence. She has only known pain and suffering. She has never had a life for herself. And then she is rescued and taken to a haven but she knows that is temporary and she now has a lifemate. A man she knows she will never be worthy of but will strive to survive just as she has all of these generations of time. Ferro, is an ancient Carpathian, one of the oldest of his kind and part of the monastery group. When he finds Elisabeta and realizes she is his lifemate, he knows their path will not be an easy one. She has suffered severe PTSD, doesn't know how to do the basic things but he is determined to show her of her true worth and gift. Through their journey together Ferro and Elisabeta will forge a bond so powerful....the notes of their song will sing to the world....



Dark Song may be the 30th installment (and yes you heard that right) but its one of my favorites of the series and quite frankly probably one of the MOST heart breaking and heart felt of them all. This story was NOT easy to read because of the journey that our heroine goes through especially. Now I want to make it clear this heroine is not weak, feeble, or a door mat. Too many times I see in this genre, heroines that are written in this way belittled and demeaned in this terminology. Elisabeta has been ABUSED for hundreds of years, and that takes a toll on someone. Elisabeta doesn't even know her own capabilities. She just knows laws, rules, obedience. That is it. She doesn't understand many concepts, or the women's movement or anything. She is more at ease following commands than forging her own path. But what was so incredible about her character was her growth. Seeing her come into her own, being more independent, seeing the value of her own worth and her own gifts.



I will admit I want to see more heroines like this in the series that are "Ancient" because I love seeing how strong they are that are equal to the males in their power and gifts. Because if you understand the Carpathian way ....longer you live the more talented and more power you have. And the women that are ancients always seem to surprise the men so deliciously and boy this heroine shocks the males int his book and I was so down with that. Our hero though I want to give him a commendation for how he treated Elisabeta. Because he was so patient with her, gentle, and kind. Even though his alpha instincts are riding him hard, he is so supportive and encouraging of her. Their story was so stunning in so many ways. And there is SO much going on in this book plot wise alone, so to see such depths and growth in their relationship and individually was powerful.



Overall I found Dark Song to be a vibrant, thrilling, heart felt romance that will stun your senses and captivate hearts along the way.....BEAUTIFULLY PENNED IN EVERY WAY!

[Gift Elo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally!!!!!
Ferro and Elisabeta😍
Broken.....no.....that means it cannot be fixed...lets go with *dented* Beauty and the Carpathian caveman 😊
Just what the doctor order
Gimme😋😋😋😋😋
September where are thou🙁

[Namita · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely amazing read. Christine Feehan has outdone herself. I loved Ferro and Elisabeta. Mix in the old favourites and it was pure joy. Ferro was an amazing lifemate to Elisabeta. Held captive for centuries and scared senseless, Elisabeta had a spine of steel. Ferro was there for her every step of the way. Incredibly romantic book.
Just when I thought, I had things figured out, Christine threw a curve ball. I didn't see that coming and I am beyond excited for the next books in the series. Carpathians are love 💓
Made me realize why I love this so very much and why Christine Feehan is one of my favourite authors.
Five amazing 🌟 's

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christine Feehan is a master at writing Paranormal Romances. She knows how to weave a story and how to get the reader engaged in what she is writing. Dark Song was an intriguing story about how love and trust can overcome the darkest pasts anyone could imagine.

Elisabeta and Ferro’s story was just that. He’s a vampire hunter that lived centuries. She was a captive of a vampire for centuries. Through time, hunters lose their emotions until they find their lifemate and Ferro was no different. Until he found Elisabeta. Everything came alive for him. He saw colors, he felt passion, he knew he would protect and savor his one and only forever. He didn’t know if she would want a man like him to spend the rest of her life with. He’s killed, he’s been through battles that no woman should ever see and she will once their minds meld. He’s a dominant man set in his ways and knows that she will need a gentle but firm touch to teach her all that she needs to learn in this new to her world.

As for Elisabeta, she was caged and tormented for as long as she could remember. She had her memories wiped and only knew fear and dominance. It would take coaxing and a gentle hand to bring her into the woman that she was meant to be. She knew, every time she heard the song, that her lifemate was calling to her. Would he want someone as scarred and scared as she was? Would she be able to stand by him and provide him with all that a lifemate should? She protected his soul for so long so that he wouldn’t turn vampire. But, the atrocities that she witnessed would now be known to him when their minds joined. She knew he would not want a woman like her standing by his side.

Each wakening is filled with trepidation by Elisabeta and joy by Ferro. As problems arise within the compound, they know that it’s the vampire causing it and trying to come for her. She is determined to use her gift to give back to her people, the people that saved her. She needs to overcome her fear of not being caged; she needs to learn to be Carpathian again; she needs to stand by Ferro and the friends that she made; she needs to trust Ferro to protect her, care for her, give her what she needs to survive.

Dark Song was an interesting story. Unfortunately, this is the first Carpathian Novel that I have read and, coming into the story, not understanding the background of all the characters, had me at a loss. At times I was confused, other times I felt like I understood. But, it was not an enjoyable read for me because I felt lost. It was a beautiful love story and could be read as a standalone but, I am one that really likes to know backstories and understand all the characters. It was beautiful watching Eliabeta come into her own and Ferro knowing just what she needed to get there. And they both had a little bit of a sense of humor which lightened things up a bit when everything was so dark in the story. The supporting characters each had their own gifts they brought to story line. They all had a hand in either Ferro’s life or the rescuing of Elisabeta so that added an extra something to when they were all together. I am sure followers of the Carpathian series will truly enjoy this story.

Review copy provided for a voluntary review.

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a love/hate relationship with Christine Feehan's heroes. Thankfully, this alpha hero falls into my love category. Picking up from the previous story, Feehan writes a soulmate romance between an self admitted caveman like hero and a fragile heroine who had been emotionally and physically abused most of her her life. A sturdy plotted storytelling blends perfectly with the exploratory romance. Well timed comedic dialogue and very slow burning sexual awareness from the heroine keeps the reader engrossed as the story unfolds. Plenty of action and suspense, along with subtle tie ins to previous characters, helps to keep the reader up to date on the series.

I genuinely enjoyed Ferro and the ways he chose to help Elisabeta regain her independence.Everything he does is with the explicit knowledge that her actions/reactions are by her choice and no one elses. Even his "orders" are given with the caveat that she can refuse with no fear of punishment. This world is huge and scary for her and Ferro walks beside her every step of the way. Im looking forward to the next in the series.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

When one of these books features a song or poetry, you know it’s going to be a romantic one. And Dark Song doesn’t disappoint. I’ve been reading these books for 21 years and these characters have become almost real. This is the magic Christine Feehan weaves for her readers. This book harkens back to the early books where the focus was on the romance between the two main characters.
I was never convinced Elisabeta was dead when we first learned about her way back in her brother, Traian’s book. And when she was rescued in Dark Legacy, we knew she would need a special lifemate.
Ferro becomes that for her. Traditionally, Carpathian males are a bane for feminist readers. They are archaic, stubborn, and traditional in their expectations of a lifemate. Ferro is no different, or so he thinks. The key thing about lifemates in this vast and unique world Feehan has created is that a lifemate becomes whatever their mate needs. Ferro does this for Elisabeta and she for him, without him knowing what he needed. The sex isn’t as ubiquitous or lengthy as in previous books and this helps in aiding the romantic nature of the book and the care Ferro has for Elisabeta’s safety and security, as well as her confidence and trust.
He is endlessly patient with her after her centuries of captivity at the hands of an evil master vampire with an inferiority complex. He takes his time teaching her, understanding what she needs and when, speaking for her when she can’t speak for herself, and simply loving her.
Sure, there’s a mystery afoot, battles and attacks coming their way – there always is in the world of the Carpathians, vampires, and psychic humans, but the focus stays on the couple, how they navigate the threat, soft Elisabeta finding her place among these warrior men and women, a place of value and usefulness. Her immediate compassion when someone was hurting and a compelling need to aid them is so central to the female Carpathians and important for Elisabeta who had almost forgotten how to be Carpathian because of her captivity.
I enjoyed how the shifting nature of Carpathians is explained in greater detail. I’ve always thought they simply take the shape of the animal, but they essentially become it. They see with its eyes, sing their songs, hunt their prey. There’s a risk in hiding do deeply within the animal that a Carpathian could lose themselves, and this has been hinted at before but not really explained until now.
I love it when we get to revisit with old characters, and I expected Elisabeta’s brother and his lifemate Joie to travel from the Carpathian Mountains to the American compound. I was pleasantly surprised to see the Dark Troubadour’s again, and that Darius and Tempests’ daughter finally has a name. The other ancients from the monastery were also a welcome surprise despite only hearing them by name. I would have loved to see more interaction between them and the ancients at the compound, and Gabrielle and Gary meeting again after the events of Dark Promise. I wanted to see more of the women.
Onto Gary. Oh, my heart both breaks and melts for this character. Once human, mortally injured protecting children and converted because Gregori Daratrazanoff didn’t want to lose him (and if you know what type of character Gregori is, this puts Gary extremely high in his esteem). Once converted he was introduced to the deceased warriors in a ritual and fully accepted. He became a Daratrazanoff in every sense of the word. All the skills in hunting and healing flooded into him and he instantly lost his emotions and colors, essentially becoming an ancient, despite his new conversion. I love Daratrazanoff Gary, especially the true, ruthless, willing to do what is necessary no matter how distasteful the nature of a second-in-command Daratrazanoff. But I miss nerdy, brilliant human Gary sometimes. I don’t know if I can wait for 18 or so books for him to find his lifemate. Maybe we will have another jump in the timeline soon given some potential lifemates are young.
I was worried one of the peripheral but humorous characters would take a dark turn and found myself literally begging him not to.
Mikhail Dubrinsky was my first Carpathian, the Prince of the race, and a favorite character and I found myself gritting my teeth when his leadership wasn’t necessarily called into question, but not implicitly trusted by the ancients. I understand their reticence though and hope the meet him soon and see he is not like his father.
Now, Josef. Sweet, exacerbating, technical genius Josef. I am so happy the Carpathians in the US compound recognize his skill and potential. They don’t belittle him or brush him off (like his Uncle Byron tends to do) or torment him as his adopted brother does. They appreciate him and want to teach him; they listen to him and don’t scoff at him. It’s a joyous thing, having seen this character grow up in the books, to read him begin to come into his own with confidence and swagger. I always look forward to seeing more of him
There were some new elements of Carpathian life mentioned in this book and it will be interesting to see how they play out in future plots.
I do hope we return to the Carpathian Mountains again soon; I miss the hunters and warrior women there.
And I am still wondering after what we find out in Dark Sentinel, is Aidan Savage OK?

[Adaiah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romantic!

My Review of DARK SONG:

I enjoyed reading DARK SONG. A beautiful, and well written romance. I loved the poetry at the beginning of the book. Simply beautiful. Ferro was a supportive male, that followed Elisabeta's lead while she found her core of inner strength to face the world after being held captive for centuries by Sergey Malinov. Ferro has Elisabeta's back, and became whatever she needed. She endured centuries of torture, and abuse, but with the support of her lifemate was literally able to face her fear, and her torturer. With the support of her friends, who are all strong women in their own way, Elisabeta's slowly finding her place in the compound.

There was enough battle scenes to appease my need for action, and for the bad guys to get what they deserved. Unexpected plot twists involving the villains, who are brilliant, and deliciously evil. We learn more about the Carpathian history, and what should've been set in place regarding Draven, and passing judgement on him, that would've taken some of the pressure, and responsibility of making the decision off of Vlad, and Sarantha.

We saw many old friends return, to fight the good fight against their enemies. We get updates on babies, and see new characters introduced.

I'm looking forward to the next book. Maybe Sandu? If not, I'm sure Sandu, and Josef will bring some comic relief to Tariq's compound.

[Catherine Heloise · Rating 2 out of 5]

Content warning: The heroine has survived prolonged abuse (not sexual) and torture, including suicide attempts. This book contains a fair bit of violence, but I mean, it's a vampire book, so that comes with the territory. I can't think of any other content warnings.
I've not previously read any of Christine Feehan's work, but I've been hearing about her for years, and when I saw her latest novel was on NetGalley I thought I'd give it a try. This is apparently book number 34 in her Carpathian series, and while it's clear that there are a LOT of other couples who have backstories in this world, I didn't feel lost - the story worked well as a standalone. Perhaps this was because Elisabeta is essentially a newcomer to all things Carpathian, and so we were gradually introduced to a lot of the culture and world through her eyes.
It's a little hard to review this novel usefully, because while I think it mostly did what it set out to do, it turns out that I... just didn't really like the relationship between Ferro and Elisabeta very much. I'm a bit over alpha heroes and fragile heroines, and while Elisabeta's fragility, thankfully, reduced markedly over the course of the book, there was something about the dynamic between them that made me deeply uncomfortable – I think perhaps its hard, in 2020, to write a romance with a very alpha hero and a fated mates scenario that doesn't feel, maybe not coercive, but deeply unequal on some level. And, on reflection, it does bother me that Elisabeta, who has suffered centuries of abuse, keeps talking about how she would be perfectly happy to just be with Ferro and not have other friends or relationships. It bothered me that after being forcibly separated from the people who loved her by her abuser, Elisabeta is now in a romantic relationship that, while it is certainly not abusive (Ferro may have caveman tendencies, but he's not actually an asshole), is almost as isolating as her kidnapping was. I don't think that's the intent of Ferro or of the book, but it really, really didn't sit well with me.
Things I liked: Elisabeta coming into her power over the course of the book was pleasing (and a great relief – her state at the start was pretty horrifying). I liked the secondary characters, and the subplot with the strange psychic illness was great. The sensual connection between Elisabeta and Ferro was well done. And the worldbuilding was very vivid – especially the exploration of psychic links between characters. (Having said that, there seemed to be no place in it for any sort of queerness, and as a mostly straight girl I honestly wasn't expecting to find that so troubling, but I really, really did.)
Things I liked less: the pacing. I found that the story dragged in the middle - I think I wound up skimming close to a third of the story, because it just wasn't holding my attention. I also felt like Ferro and Elisabeta spent a lot of time going around and around in their own heads with their own insecurities and took an enormously long time to get around to actually talking to each other about them. This was frustrating when it was clear from early on that the things they were each insecure about were not things that bothered the other.
Altogether, this feels like a book where if I'd read it in the 1990s, I'd have probably enjoyed it a lot more. I think the pacing issues and the *will they ever actually TALK to each other* issues would still have bothered me, but the rest would have felt less jarring. But it's not the 1990s any more - I'm older and the world has changed. I think, if you are someone who likes your romances a little bit retro/old school, then this might well appeal to you. But for me, it just didn't work.

[Mary Kirkland · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've been reading this series then you already know Elisabeta. She's the heroine of this book and her story is a very sad one. She was captured by a vampire who kept her hostage for a very long time and once she was rescued and safe, her lifemate found her. Now she's healing, mentally and physically so she can get to know her lifemate.

Ferro is a Carpathian warrior and knew as soon as he heard Elisabeta's voice that she was his lifemate. She's been in captivity for so long that she's afraid of everything so he has to curb is own alpha personality and be extra gentle with her.

When Sergey sets out to get Elisabeta back from the compound that she's safely tucked away in with Ferro, he and the others will not stop until she's safe. But when the ancients, kids, and humans all start to develop anger issues at the compound, the healer knows that something isn't right. Somehow Sergey or his minions have succeeded in getting inside and infecting some of the people there. It's an all-out war between them and Sergey when he turns the danger up a notch in his obsessive need to get Elisabeta back. But then we learn Sergey isn't only after her and a new and surprising twist is thrown in the story.

All the while, Ferro is there by her side, being strong for her, showing her that he can be trusted and that she's not the coward she thinks she is. With Ferro's help, Elisabeta slowly comes out of her shell and shows everyone that she's a strong woman with gifts of her own.

I've been reading this series from the beginning and have loved most of the books but I have to say that Ferro and Elisabeta are one of my favorite couples. They are so good together and make each other better and stronger. I liked that we got to see some characters from past books and a small look at how they are doing. I liked that new characters were introduced and hope to see them in upcoming books. I always look forward to the next book in this series and this one did not let me down.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elisabeta has been missing for centuries and now that she's been rescued she still has a fight ahead. The vampire who took her wants her back at any cost. There's tension in the compound where she's healing that has caused Carpathians to choose sides. And the oldest of the ancient immortal warriors from the monastery claims to be her lifemate.

This book is one of the most romantic paranormal romance novels I've ever read. Feehan continues with her Dark Series and the idea of lifemates with Ferro and Elisabeta and she does it with flair and romance.

I love the action and adventure, the fantasy aspect of it, the paranormal but mostly I love the couple. Great characters and a great story!

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Those of you familiar with Christine Feehan will know that she is hailed as the "Queen of Paranormal Romance." Her Dark Carpathian books are just one of the many series that she continuously adds to. If you haven't heard of her before, these books are full of men with scars (physical and emotional) from long centuries of fighting vampires, as well as battling the temptation to become one of the undead themselves. The women are from a variety of backgrounds, some human, some Carpathian, but all have some tragedy in their lives. When the two fated lifemates find each other, their complementary strengths help them to rise above all the terrible happenings in their pasts and forge a partnership that is healing for them both.

In this thirtieth installment, Elisabeta Trigovise has been rescued from the clutches of a vampire, but has no idea how to survive out in the world on her own. Her lifemate, Ferro Arany, is a battle-hardened warrior that many fear will be too old-fashioned to deal with her as gently as she needs. While the two of them try to work out their relationship, the area where they live is under attack from an army of undead led by the vampire who held Elisabeta captive for centuries. Between the others trying to intervene and make Elisabeta an independent female and Ferro a more modern/liberal male, an unknown contagion that is spreading violence among children and adults alike, and the looming threat of the vampires - how will the couple ever find the time to become acquainted with one other, much less heal past trauma and find a way to function in the community?

One of the enjoyable things about this series is the way characters from previous books reappear and their stories connect with the new plot. This time readers will see Traian (Elisabeta's brother) and his wife Joie (Dark Descent), young Josef (who has featured in several books - Dark Symphony and Dark Wolf especially), along with many of the brotherhood of ancient warriors who have travelled to America in the hopes of finding their lifemates. Each time one of the unattached warriors is mentioned, readers will be wondering which is next to have their own story in the series.

Recommended for mature readers who enjoy paranormal romance and do not mind explicit details of intimate encounters between the characters

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

Elisabeta’s story… finally!

Oh, I’ve waited for this story for a long, long time. This is the thirtieth book in the series – I know, how time flies, right? – yet it was (is) one of the best reads so far…

If you’re a fan, then Ferro and Elisabeta, and their families, are no strangers. They are Carpathians, slayers of vampires. They were warriors, defenders and, above all, lovers… Elisabeta’s story was heart wrenching. Crazy, melt your heart, wonder ‘how did she survive’ kind of stuff. Tormented for centuries, she knew Ferro was her lifemate but fear kept her from everything and everyone. Ferro knew her. How to soothe and allow her to heal, to give her space to re-learn her strengths and healing abilities. To cajole, encourage and command as needed. Together, they were love personified as they fought her demons, and soon for the survival of themselves and those they called family…

The series over-arching plot took a devastating and revealing turn as vampires, mage and destinies collided in a story that showed an incredible depth of emotion alongside the fiercest of battles. This was an intense, riveting read so if you want to get the most of it, and you are new to the Dark, be prepared for a lot of incredible catch up reading ahead… ~Diane, 4.5 stars

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carpathian, Vampires, romance and love. As with most readers of this series I was not impressed with Ferro in previous meetings. Jerk covers it. In Dark Song, his and Elisabetta story, he is king. OK not title of King, but he becomes a king in my eyes. He sees his faults and does everything and anything to help Elisabetta come into her own. He also feels a threat to Elisabetta from Gary and Tariq!! Say what??? I love the mystery, the support, new friends and old. This was a winner for me.
Thank you Berkley and Net Galley for the arc. This is for mature readers. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #DarkSong #Berkley # NetGalley

[Ashley · Rating 1 out of 5]

Anyone who knows me knows that it doesn't take me 2 weeks to finish a book. This book bored me to tears and I only finished it because I couldn't return it for a refund on Amazon and I spent $20 on it.

I'm glad Elisabeta became stronger throughout the story. Ferro was a supportive partner. Those are probably the only positive things I have to say about Dark Song. The book is overloaded with detail and I found myself skipping pages to get to something more interesting. The romance was slow as well. Everything felt slow paced.

[Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Song

Ferro and Elisabeta’s story is another example of Ms. Feehan’s strength in telling an elegantly emotional story. Her telling of how lifemates learn to find ways to make each other complete is told with two of her more challenging hero and heroines.

Elisabeta, a prisoner for centuries, unable to do the simplest things without the permission of her truly evil captor, Sergei, has been rescued. Now in the safety of the Carpathian compound she struggles to cope with her new life. Add to that her lifemate, Ferro, is a true ancient, hard and unused to the emotions that having a lifemate brings. She works to understand this man who sings to her each rising all the while demanding she step out on her own and has you cheering for each hard won step forward.

Ferro, the one who has always commanded immediate obedience and truly believed that his lifemate would be obedient to his every command deals with the humorous (to me) dilemma of ‘be careful what you ask for’, aware that such demands would further harm Elisabeta, his struggles to find a way to bring his lady’s innate strength back, to convince her that what she has endured for centuries has only made her the perfect woman to stand by his side had me laughing and crying so many times during their story.

Dark Song is one of Ms. Feehan’s best, winding the trauma of PTSD, the patience to deal with such horrific emotional scars and the strength of love, friendship and family into a deeply satisfying story. Of course there is the action, the humor and the extra treat of the gathering of past Carpathians we always crave to make this a 5 star addition to her Dark Series!

[GONZA · Rating 2 out of 5]

This time I am pretty sure it is going to be the last time that I read a Carpathian novel. I really suffered trough all the useless pages of descriptions and repetitions and in the end, at last, Sergey is dead, but I do not have the strength of finding out if the other 2 master vampires are up to something. It is a pity because I really loved this series for years, but it doesn't go anywhere and I am tired.

Stavolta credo proprio sará l'ultima che leggeró un libro di questa serie. Ho davvero sofferto attraverso le infinite e ripetitive descrizioni di trame e complotti e anche se alla fine, finalmente, Sergey é morto, non ho piú la forza di continuare a leggere per sapere se e cosa stanno facendo gli altri due master vampiri che sono sfuggiti all'agguato. Un peccato, perché questa serie per tanti anni é stata una lettura certa, ma ormai non sta piú andando da nessuna parte e io sono stanca.

[Treena · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's been a while since I last picked up this series. I didn't realize that there are now 30 books. It's been that long.

The book's heroine has been in captivity for centuries, tortured and abused. He's an ancient Carpathian hunter. The dynamics of the entire storyline revolve around on her fragility and budding self-discovery and how he, as her lifemate, helps her through all her issues; all while fighting the bad guys. It's, honestly, nothing new. But I totally get why others loved it as there's a whole of emotional depth between the MC's but it's just not my kind of story.

[Aly · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was the first book of the series that I read, and I really felt like it dragged on FOREVER! I loved the fact that this was a very intricate and well thought out world of fiction. However, I felt like they talked way to much about her turning into an owl and learning to fly through the forest, talked to much about what were in the characters minds, and talked about the main character hiding things from her life mate. It really was just to much. I wanted more romance and less talking about how to turn into an owl.

[S.R. Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

I don't really know how I feel about this installment in the series. I wasn't overly impressed with Ferro or Elisabeta if I am being honest.

I did enjoy seeing old characters from the very beginning of the series and I like that Josef is getting some more story time. I hope that means he will be in more books until he gets his own.

While I do enjoy the series, I hope it will be wrapping up soon.

[Jules cressall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this latest installation to the Dark Series, Elisabeta and Ferro were a fantastic couple. I enjoyed seeing some of our older characters come back and Josef was awesome. I guess where the book fell flat was the constant repetition of the same material. Still it was a solid addition to the series.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars--DARK SONG is the thirtieth instalment in Christine Feehan’s adult DARK / CARPATHIAN paranormal, erotic, romance series. This is ancient Carpathian warrior Ferro Arany, and Elisabeta Trigovise’s story line. DARK SONG can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary. Elisabeta is Traian Trigovise’s sister (Dark Descent).

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 numerous third person perspectives including Ferro and Elisabeth DARK SONG follows the building romance and relationship between ancient Carpathian warrior Ferro Arany, and Elisabeta Trigovise. Centuries earlier a teenaged Elisabeta was abducted by a Carpathian male nearing the end of his life of honor but in the ensuing years the male would turn vampire using and abusing our heroine, starving her in the hopes of recapturing his soul. Upon her rescue and recovery in the healing soil, Elisabeta would trigger Ferro Arany’s emotions, and find herself waking as the lifemate to an ancient warrior but all is not well as Elisabeta’s rescue has angered the master vampire, the remaining Malinov brother, and his vengeance will target many people at Tariq’s Carpathian compound. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Ferro and Elisabeta, as the master vampire enacts a well conceived and intricate plan of revenge against the Carpathian warriors.

Elisabeta Trigovise grew up never knowing how to be a Carpathian female. Stripped of her memories of a time before her violent abduction, a fragile and broken Elisabeta struggled to perform the basic of needs yet within days of her claiming, our heroine would become one of the Carpathian’s most powerful females. As an ancient warrior, Ferro Arany knew very little about the modern world and battled to accept the rise of feminism in the Carpathian community thusly, Elisabeta, from a time long ago, is the perfect foil for a man who prefers his woman submissive and meek.

The relationship between Elisabeta and Ferro is a fated mating. Elisabeta’s rescue and ultimately her voice would trigger Ferro’s colors and emotions, and in this there are no questions as to the reality and truth of who is her lifemate. Elisabeta struggled with her freedom, preferring or opting to have Ferro speak when spoken to including the inability to acknowledge her brother’s love. Ferro ids a warrior who never thought he would find his fated mate. His patience and need to protect the woman he loves manifests with songs of love, nature and a time long ago. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters. All of the Carpathians remain guarded at Tariq’s American compound. Several of the original Carpathians return to help fight the master vampire including Josef but much of the other’s presence is more by way of acknowledgement and mention. As to the master vampires, once again, Ferro recognizes a number of his former warriors and friends-the list of names and connections are many.


If you are a long time reader of the Carpathian series you will recognize a familiar format and pattern to the author’s latest story line-reminiscent of Xavier’s attempts to destroy the Carpathian’s and of one woman’s ability to heal the wounded. Saying that, when an author recycles and repeats a previous formula, I question the author’s lack of innovation and imagination as he/she is relying on the success of a former story line arc. I also struggled with the heroine’s earlier fragility and inability of comprehend basic personal needs and survival skills, yet within days she is one of the most powerful females with abilities beyond comprehension, and is able to direct the most skilled of warriors. The information she reveals and her competence and skill level is a complete shift in direction to her initial introduction and behavior yet there is no mention of hidden abilities that seemingly manifested overnight. She waffled between powerful or apprehensive on numerous occasions.

I would also like to note how Feehan’s vampires have evolved to modern day IT techs and wizards….something I didn’t see coming !

DARK SONG is an intoxicating tale. The premise is familiar yet captivating; the romance is seductive.

Copy supplied for review

www.thereadingcafe.com

[Kelley White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elisabeta’s story makes my heart weep!
Elisabeta should have been a proud Carpathian woman, sharing her gift with the Carpathian people and being a woman proud of her heritage and her healing gifts.
Instead, Elisabeta was betrayed as a young woman, and held for centuries by an evil Vampire. Starved, tortured, forced to watch as her captor maimed and killed people in front of her in a continuous attempt to break her! No one knew she was alive, and only her captor could see her. At times, she prayed for death. She could no longer remember who she really was, who her family was, or if she even had any family that might miss her. She is ordered around, never making a decision on her own, or even allowed to speak if not given permission. Until Julija found her and helped get her rescued, Elisabeta was sure she would spend eternity where she was.
After her rescue by the Carpathian warriors, Elisabeta was so weak and starved, she stayed in the healing grounds, waking only to be fed, and then back to sleep, healing her wounds and resting.
One evening at the compound, an ancient Carpathian warrior, Ferro, heard a cry that changed his future forever! That quiet sound gave him emotions and color back into his life after centuries of having nothing but his honor to keep him going. He had found his life mate, the other half of his soul. His life mate was the poor Carpathian woman who had been missing for centuries.
Ferro gave Elisabeta time to heal, only having her rise each evening for him to feed her. But finally, he gave her the command to rise. Elisabeta knew she must do so but was in fear of Ferro as she had been ordered around for centuries and did not know how to fend for herself.
Ferro and Elisabeta have so much to learn about each other. Can a fierce Warrior, who has answered to no one and comes and goes as he pleases, learn to be gentle to a poor soul who can no longer make a decision for herself, cannot clothe or bath herself? Elisabeta is too afraid to speak to anyone, or even be in the same area. She has been alone for way too long.
Read along as Ferro learns to help Elisabeta become stronger and use her gifts yet protecting her from all she is afraid of.

[Candace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Held captive, tormented and tortured for centuries by a master vampire, Elisabeta Trigovise has been rescued and rests safely in the healing soil of the Carpathian compound. She is awaken by the song of her lifemate, Ferro Arany, and though she doesn't want to rise, she knows she cannot refuse. Ferro gently calls to Elisabeta to rise. She doesn't know the basics, such as cleansing herself or dressing herself. She doesn't know how to make a decision because of her captivity. Elisabeta knows rules, laws and obedience. Ferro patiently and calmly teaches Elisabeta. She depends on Ferro when she is feeling overwhelmed or emotionally battered and bruised. As Elisabeta grows, she becomes stronger and more courageous, willing to face the Carpathians within the compound and develop friendships. Elisabeta's growth is sheltered and encouraged by Ferro. Their love for each other grows stronger and within the protective arms of Ferro, Elisabeta blossoms into an ancient Carpathian woman with her full powers and gifts.

I loved the story of Elisabeta and Ferro. It didn't have the angst common with human conversion. Being two ancient Carpathians, both damaged, we get to witness their growth and their love. The love scenes do not feel like fillers, but happen naturally. The characterizations are so real and personable that this reader feels like the characters are family. Both old and new characters appear in this story. Josef makes up a significant part of this story as well as Elisabeta's birth brother, Traian. The plot is intricate and the subplots are neatly wrapped up. The description and settings are real and grounded. It is hard to believe this is the 30th book in the Carpathian series because it is so fresh and realistic. Elisabeta's PTSD was handled gently and respectively, while encouraging her slow and steady growth into the woman she was to become. I highly recommend this series to those who enjoy Paranormal Fiction and Romance. This book does contain adult situations.

[Edwina " I LoveBooks" "Deb" · Rating 4 out of 5]

HARDBACK COVER EDITION!! Book is much better then the audible addition!

It seems the Narrator Jim Frangione has Incorrectly changed the pronunciation of two of the characters in Dark Song. "Genevieve" we first meet in "Dark Carousel" and "Joie" lifemate to Traian Trigovise "Dark Descent". At First I didn't know who he was talking about. I keep thinking who are these characters? Soon it hit me he changed the way there names are pronounced. Why??? Is this a technical error. He got Genevieve's name correct in Dark Carousel. I have no answer for what happen here.

The story is very good I loved the way CF handles Elisabeta's PTSD. Ferro is so gentle and kind to her. Elisabeta has some astounding gifts. She is so strong and talented. I just wish she had more interaction with her brother Traian Trigovise and his lifemate Joie.

Josef was the man of the hour. I loved Josef in this story. He was brilliant and fearless. Still very insecure but just a great character. He adds so much to the storyline!

CF has expanded her storyline and the world of the Carpathian. I can't wait to see where this new storyline leads!! I hope it leads us back to The Carpathian Mountains. I am a bit sick of being in the U.S. . The Carpathian mountains are more realistic environment for Vampires and Carpathian. The U.S. is just over crowded with people in the cities and the rural areas are crowded too.

What I didn't like about Dark Song. One The Ancients from the monastery against and not trusting the Ancients and supporters of there Prince Mikhail. I also, didn't like some parts of the new storyline with Mikhail is being watched to see if he has to be overthrown by this ancient Carpathians watching him. This is just wrong!!

I am going to read my Hardcover book!! I am not happy with the audible narration!!

[Dr. Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this long awaited book. CF set the bar high in this installment of the "Dark Series" that tells the story of a long lost, terribly abused heroine who had no sense of who she truly was and just how powerful her gifts are, and an old-world, fearsome warrior who had long given up hope on ever finding his other half this this lifetime. I enjoyed how supportive and protective the hero (Ferro) was of his very fragile lifemate (Elisabeta). He truly was the wind beneath her wings, per say, and that made me love this character, deeply, as possibly my most favorite in the series now. I am very much looking forward to the next "Dark" lifemate(s) story! Stellar storytelling for sure.

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luckily, the Dark series continues to grow as more couples are added to progress the story line even further... and I think this may yet be one of the most romantic couples that Christine Feehan has given us. Ferro and Elisabeta's relationship is beautifully written as it develops. The dialogue between the two of them is so intimate and personal. I genuinely loved getting to know these two better and watching them find their way to each other completely.

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book, I liked Ferro, I liked how kind and patient he was toward his woman.

[Edwina " I LoveBooks" "Deb" · Rating 4 out of 5]

THIS REVIEW IS BASED ON THE AUDIBLE EDITION!!

It seems the Narrator Jim Frangione has Incorrectly changed the pronunciation of two of the characters in Dark Song. "Genevieve" we first meet in "Dark Carousel" and "Joie" lifemate to Traian Trigovise "Dark Descent". At First I didn't know who he was talking about. I keep thinking who are these characters? Soon it hit me he changed the way there names are pronounced. Why??? Is this a technical error. He got Genevieve's name correct in Dark Carousel. I have no answer for what happen here.

The story is very good I loved the way CF handles Elisabeta's PTSD. Ferro is so gentle and kind to her. Elisabeta has some astounding gifts. She is so strong and talented. I just wish she had more interaction with her brother Traian Trigovise and his lifemate Joie.

Josef was the man of the hour. I loved Josef in this story. He was brilliant and fearless. Still very insecure but just a great character. He adds so much to the storyline!

CF has expanded her storyline and the world of the Carpathian. I can't wait to see where this new storyline leads!! I hope it leads us back to The Carpathian Mountains. I am a bit sick of being in the U.S. . The Carpathian mountains are more realistic environment for Vampires and Carpathian. The U.S. is just over crowded with people in the cities and the rural areas are crowded too.

What I didn't like about Dark Song. One The Ancients from the monastery against and not trusting the Ancients and supporters of there Prince Mikhail. I also, didn't like some parts of the new storyline with Mikhail is being watched to see if he has to be overthrown by this ancient Carpathians watching him. This is just wrong!!

I am going to read my Hardcover book!! I am not happy with the audible narration!!

[Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been awhile since I’ve given a full 5 stars to a Carpathian romance but Dark Song finally reached the goal. Why? Because the plot and story had meat, and it had what I like – action, suspense and mystery.

What makes me like this book over the past couple is the balance of story over sex. When there are too many sex scenes, or pages upon pages dedicated to every conceivable step in the process, it bores me. It can drag down my enjoyment because there is no purpose. Dark Song gives me a story worth spending time with – the challenge to solve the mystery of a truly baffling illness that is creeping through the compound which is compromising everyone’s safety. An unseen, seemingly unstoppable evil that no one can figure out? That got my attention. The fact that it affects those that should remain unaffected? Fascinating.

Another reason I looked forward to reading Dark Song was the heroine, Elisabeta. She was rescued in one of the previous books and it’s taken a while to heal enough for her to even attempt to rejoin the living. Not that she knows what living really is because she’s been in a cage for centuries, tortured and deprived of all life experiences other than fear. What kind of life is that? How can a person even know where to begin to live again when every decision was made for her? All good questions and all are answered in good time. The catalyst is the hero, Ferro. He’s her life mate and he intends that the rest of her healing can only be done with him, out in the open so she can see him, smell him, hear him, taste him and know the man he is. The hero has a huge task in front of him – to get Elisabeta to trust him and in him.

One more element that made me like this book more than others is the fact that the author wasn’t as repetitive as she’s been in past stories – repeating a fact or excuse over and over so I end up yelling at the book “okay! I get it!” — I didn’t do that in this novel. Yes, readers are more than made aware that the heroine is fearful and ignorant of even the basic things, like walking. That the heroine can’t make decisions for herself because she’s been prevented doing so. The difference is – for every time this is stated, soon after the hero does something that helps her make a change, a choice, to encourage baby steps forward. It’s because of that continual forward momentum that I respected the characters, the plot, the writing and the overall relationship between Ferro and Elisabeta. He believed in the heroine, he respected her and never wanted to do or say anything that reminded her of the cruel vampire who kidnapped and kept her for so long. Ferro truly earned my respect. Ferro didn’t focus only on the lust aspect of his returned feelings and emotions. No, his goal was to earn what all solid, successful, good relationships should be based on – trust.

The discovery of what is attacking the people on the compound had a couple of levels that truly intrigued me. One was a modern issue and the other was ancient. It was a mesmerizing combination that I could never have guessed at or anticipated. I like being impressed.

The physical aspect of their romance, when it finally happens, stems from a slow, steady, sensual buildup of gentle touches, teasing kisses and languid gentle strokes. That build up is why I enjoyed the scenes so much. The sex scenes were powerful because they were a sign of healing, joy and a hint at a promising future. What’s not to like about that?

There were a lot of secondary characters, the two most prominent were Gary and Tariq. Both men present a new fact of Carpathian society I hadn’t known about. They know what they’re talking about but a reader isn’t quite sure of all the subtext and inferences of just how important this revelation really is. Ferro gets it, and Elisabeta is on the cusp. Even though I didn’t quite understand the whole of it, I think it’s a hook for a new plot twist. If so, it’s effective and it makes me want to know more and more and more. Call me impatient but I think Ms. Feehan needs to write faster.

Taking out all the glossary, chants and stuff, this story was about 386 pages and it took me 2 days to read. It would have taken me one day but I started too late the first day for me to finish in one go-round. I sure gave it a good try though. Staying up until 1 AM isn’t the best idea on a work night. The only author I seem to do that for on a regular basis is Ms. Feehan. There’s just something about those Carpathian men I can’t resist. I hope when you pick up your own copy of Dark Song, you’ll like it as much as I did.