What do you think?
Rate this book
Order of the Blade #2
Darkness Seduced
Can a warrior condemned to an eternity without love find salvation in the courageous, sassy witch to destroy him?
★★★★★ "A wonderful story full of action, suspense, love, and lots of passion! It really takes you away. I couldn't put it down!" ~Patricia (Five-star Amazon Review)
Immortal warrior Gideon Roarke made an oath five hundred years ago to the woman who died for him. The ancient guardian is ruthless in his quest to honor that promise, even if it means risking everything by teaming up with the one woman who will either destroy him, or finally bring redemption to his blackened, hardened soul.
After escaping from a two-year imprisonment at the hands of a madman, Lily Davenport wants is to go home and reclaim her life. But she is now the hunted…and the only one who can keep her alive is the demanding protector whose dangerous seduction threatens to claim her life…and her soul.
Time is running out for Gideon to save the woman who is his only hope.
**The Calydons Destiny: The Calydons are a race of ancient immortals cursed with a dark side. Each Calydon is destined to meet his soul mate, to be so drawn to her that he is unable to resist bonding with her through the rituals of his race...but their destiny is to destroy each other and all they care about the moment their bond is complete.**
★★★★★ "A wonderful story full of action, suspense, love, and lots of passion! It really takes you away. I couldn't put it down!" ~Patricia (Five-star Amazon Review)
Immortal warrior Gideon Roarke made an oath five hundred years ago to the woman who died for him. The ancient guardian is ruthless in his quest to honor that promise, even if it means risking everything by teaming up with the one woman who will either destroy him, or finally bring redemption to his blackened, hardened soul.
After escaping from a two-year imprisonment at the hands of a madman, Lily Davenport wants is to go home and reclaim her life. But she is now the hunted…and the only one who can keep her alive is the demanding protector whose dangerous seduction threatens to claim her life…and her soul.
Time is running out for Gideon to save the woman who is his only hope.
**The Calydons Destiny: The Calydons are a race of ancient immortals cursed with a dark side. Each Calydon is destined to meet his soul mate, to be so drawn to her that he is unable to resist bonding with her through the rituals of his race...but their destiny is to destroy each other and all they care about the moment their bond is complete.**
384 pages, Paperback
First published April 15, 2012
260 people are currently reading
1321 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Rowe
112 books1,536 followersHailed as a "paranormal star!" by J.R. Ward, Stephanie Rowe is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty-five novels. She is the 2018 RITA® winner for Best Paranormal Romance, as well as a five-time nominee for this prestigious award. For more on Stephanie and her books, visit her at www.stephaneierowe.com, or on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/StephanieRow....
A life-long reader, she began crafting stories at age ten, but didn't realize it was her dream until she was an adult.
Once the light dawned, she immediately left behind "work" as the world defines it and went to "work" as she defines it, which means getting up every morning with a smile in her heart so she can spend the day doing that which makes her spirit sing.
Stephanie believes in learning to listen to your heart in order to figure out what your dreams are, and then opening yourself to the inspiration that will direct you there. She believes we all deserve the right to enjoy life, and for the ride to be as easy as we want it to be, and that we all should accept nothing less than making our dreams come true.
Stephanie lives in New England, and spends every day doing her best to fill it with people, observations and activities that uplift her soul, which include writing, tennis, dancing, friends, and her amazing family.
A life-long reader, she began crafting stories at age ten, but didn't realize it was her dream until she was an adult.
Once the light dawned, she immediately left behind "work" as the world defines it and went to "work" as she defines it, which means getting up every morning with a smile in her heart so she can spend the day doing that which makes her spirit sing.
Stephanie believes in learning to listen to your heart in order to figure out what your dreams are, and then opening yourself to the inspiration that will direct you there. She believes we all deserve the right to enjoy life, and for the ride to be as easy as we want it to be, and that we all should accept nothing less than making our dreams come true.
Stephanie lives in New England, and spends every day doing her best to fill it with people, observations and activities that uplift her soul, which include writing, tennis, dancing, friends, and her amazing family.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
October 19, 2015
I’m glad I stuck with this series. Not only did I enjoy this second installment more than the first, I am really excited about reading the third. As I had hoped, this book explains so much more about the larger series arc, and about who are villains are and what they hope to accomplish. The world-building remains interesting and the characters, fleshed out. The romance is about on-par with the last book.
This is Lily and Gideon’s story, two people who are even more tortured than the main characters from book 1. Lily has spent the past two years as a captive to the evil crazy Calydon named Nate. She is a Satinka, a member of a nearly extinct race, connected to earth magic, capable of bonding to a Calydon man and boosting his power. It’s a gift designed to give only to her mate, but that hasn’t stopped others from trying to take it by force. That’s one of the reasons she has made it her life’s work to expose the Calydon’s. The other reason: Gideon killed her grandmother, destroying her family.
Of course, Gideon knows none of this when he is sent to rescue Lily from the prison Nate created. And the animosity makes it even stranger when the two are powerfully attracted to one another. Gideon isn’t worried, though, since he’s already met his sheva. No warrior gets a second soul mate, right? Er, wrong.
The story follows these two as they fight against the bond neither of them wants, while trying to stop the plot Nate started in the last installment. Now Frank is leading that charge and we learn more about who and what he is, as we get closer to the execution of his plan to free the ancient Calydon, Ezekiel.
Frank is a better bad-guy than Nate was. He’s much scarier and here, the author provides some backstory to help us understand how he got this way and why he is doing what he is doing. Gideon is a bit more fleshed out than Quinn was. The death of his first sheva shaped his life. I enjoyed watching his icy facade crumble as his bond with Lily grew.
Meanwhile, Lily is a real survivor. Yes, she is pretty awful in her initial assessment of our hero, but I can’t really blame her, knowing her history. As she gets to know him, she is able to put her prejudice aside and see the real man. This woman has been through some really rough stuff, so the very fact that she is able to love –or even function, much less fight– is pretty impressive. The sexual tension is good, too, though it takes awhile before these two seal the deal. (A very different approach than we had in book 1.)
I saved the best for last in this: I am so excited about book 3. I don’t want to spoil it, because it was a great reveal, but I love who the couple will be! I was hoping this would happen, but I didn’t think it would. Thank you, Stephanie Rowe. I can’t wait to jump in and see what happens next.
Rating: B (B+ for the twist at the end)
This is Lily and Gideon’s story, two people who are even more tortured than the main characters from book 1. Lily has spent the past two years as a captive to the evil crazy Calydon named Nate. She is a Satinka, a member of a nearly extinct race, connected to earth magic, capable of bonding to a Calydon man and boosting his power. It’s a gift designed to give only to her mate, but that hasn’t stopped others from trying to take it by force. That’s one of the reasons she has made it her life’s work to expose the Calydon’s. The other reason: Gideon killed her grandmother, destroying her family.
Of course, Gideon knows none of this when he is sent to rescue Lily from the prison Nate created. And the animosity makes it even stranger when the two are powerfully attracted to one another. Gideon isn’t worried, though, since he’s already met his sheva. No warrior gets a second soul mate, right? Er, wrong.
The story follows these two as they fight against the bond neither of them wants, while trying to stop the plot Nate started in the last installment. Now Frank is leading that charge and we learn more about who and what he is, as we get closer to the execution of his plan to free the ancient Calydon, Ezekiel.
Frank is a better bad-guy than Nate was. He’s much scarier and here, the author provides some backstory to help us understand how he got this way and why he is doing what he is doing. Gideon is a bit more fleshed out than Quinn was. The death of his first sheva shaped his life. I enjoyed watching his icy facade crumble as his bond with Lily grew.
Meanwhile, Lily is a real survivor. Yes, she is pretty awful in her initial assessment of our hero, but I can’t really blame her, knowing her history. As she gets to know him, she is able to put her prejudice aside and see the real man. This woman has been through some really rough stuff, so the very fact that she is able to love –or even function, much less fight– is pretty impressive. The sexual tension is good, too, though it takes awhile before these two seal the deal. (A very different approach than we had in book 1.)
I saved the best for last in this: I am so excited about book 3. I don’t want to spoil it, because it was a great reveal, but I love who the couple will be! I was hoping this would happen, but I didn’t think it would. Thank you, Stephanie Rowe. I can’t wait to jump in and see what happens next.
Rating: B (B+ for the twist at the end)
April 11, 2012
I was lucky enough to score an ARC of the first book in this series from the author. So when she emailed me with the second book I was extremely excited.
I went into this book expecting a great story, a hunky hero and a tingling dose of sizzle sizzle - and that's exactly what I received.
The best part about this set of unique warriors is that they sense their sheva (destined mate) straight away. The connection is instantaneous, their emotions strong and pure....and hot real hot.
I have to admit I am being a bit picky with the 4 star rating. I was wavering on giving it a 4.5 or closer to 5 rating but there were a few things that didn't make it entirely perfect for me. Firstly, I enjoyed the first half of the book immensely, not only was it action packed, but it was well written. Highly description in an emotional and physical sense, and smooth to read. It wasn't until the second half of the book that the editing wavered a little. There were a lot of tiny word errors, that made the reading stutter a bit for me. But in saying that, I pick up these sorts of errors easily because I listen to the book on my kindle instead of reading it.
The second thing that I felt wasn't entirely necessary, was a bout of monkey sex in the middle of an action scene. I know, I know - you're shocked right? I'm complaining about sex, but in this one particular case it didn't fit for me. BBUUUTTTT! Like I said, only being a hard task master. Unnecessary to mention really, but they are the reasoning for the 4 stars.
The conflicts between Gideon and Lily made for a really interesting story. Could you really love a man that had devastated your family? What if your special abilities made you fall in love with this man? What if you needed him to survive?
It was a roller coaster ride of emotion, action and hippety-dippety and I really enjoyed.
I can't wait to see how Stephanie twists and turns the next story. How will the mating bond draw the next couple together? I'm already wondering how the story will be weaved to make it unique to the characters. Fingers crossed it's Ana.
Favourite Quotes:
“....Ever since I saw you in that hallway, I've been completely fixated on getting you naked. Inappropriate as hell, but I can't fucking help it.”
"I can see down your shirt"
He stayed right where he was, shielding Lily with his body, accepting her violent emotions, and running his hands over skin that was too precious to be marred with so many bruises.
I went into this book expecting a great story, a hunky hero and a tingling dose of sizzle sizzle - and that's exactly what I received.
The best part about this set of unique warriors is that they sense their sheva (destined mate) straight away. The connection is instantaneous, their emotions strong and pure....and hot real hot.
I have to admit I am being a bit picky with the 4 star rating. I was wavering on giving it a 4.5 or closer to 5 rating but there were a few things that didn't make it entirely perfect for me. Firstly, I enjoyed the first half of the book immensely, not only was it action packed, but it was well written. Highly description in an emotional and physical sense, and smooth to read. It wasn't until the second half of the book that the editing wavered a little. There were a lot of tiny word errors, that made the reading stutter a bit for me. But in saying that, I pick up these sorts of errors easily because I listen to the book on my kindle instead of reading it.
The second thing that I felt wasn't entirely necessary, was a bout of monkey sex in the middle of an action scene. I know, I know - you're shocked right? I'm complaining about sex, but in this one particular case it didn't fit for me. BBUUUTTTT! Like I said, only being a hard task master. Unnecessary to mention really, but they are the reasoning for the 4 stars.
The conflicts between Gideon and Lily made for a really interesting story. Could you really love a man that had devastated your family? What if your special abilities made you fall in love with this man? What if you needed him to survive?
It was a roller coaster ride of emotion, action and hippety-dippety and I really enjoyed.
I can't wait to see how Stephanie twists and turns the next story. How will the mating bond draw the next couple together? I'm already wondering how the story will be weaved to make it unique to the characters. Fingers crossed it's Ana.
Favourite Quotes:
“....Ever since I saw you in that hallway, I've been completely fixated on getting you naked. Inappropriate as hell, but I can't fucking help it.”
"I can see down your shirt"
He stayed right where he was, shielding Lily with his body, accepting her violent emotions, and running his hands over skin that was too precious to be marred with so many bruises.
October 6, 2012
I knew giving this series a chance was good idea. I really want to give it like 3 3/4 stars. This was much better than the first. The were still quite a few eye-roll inducing moments but they were fewer and further between than the fist. I figured out what my problem with her writing is. She gives the same details over...and over...and over again. Its same "soul tearing" "intense" "overwhelming" feeling from the hero and heroin. And the characters aren't that different from each other. Quinn and Gideon are basically the same person with different histories, looks, and abilities. And its the same with Grace and Lily. I did like Gideon and Lily better as a couple though. I dunno every series I've read I've never really liked the first couple. With exception of Wrath and Beth from BDB. Im excited the read the next one. With Elijah half crazy it should provide a change in pace as far as characters go. I know the plot will be the same tug and pull struggle that Rowe will fill up 10 pages of what is supposed to be describing two minutes in the story.
May 6, 2015
loved it
April 23, 2012
"Order of the Blade" has become a highly addictive and thrilling paranormal series that leaves you satisfied, yet craving the next book right after you get to the last page. Leaving you thinking, even crying out, "No!! I don't want to wait! I want it now!!" Stephanie Rowe has created such an amazing world with her fierce, sexy Calydons and their equally determined, strong women. In "Darkness Seduced", we run into Gideon, who promised to find Lily after they rescued Ana. Lily, who has been held captive by Nate for two years, is just about out of hope, but she is a fighter and does not give in. Known for her knowledge and seminars on the Calydon world, Lily is an expert. She has spent her entire life learning about them never expecting this would lure her into capture, though she knew there would be risks. When Nate doesn't return after a week, Lily is relieved. She hopes that Ana has gotten away to find help and Nate must be dead. Mixed with the hope is fear that she will die in this place that has been her personal hell, but refuses to give in. Gideon arrives here to rescue her, as promised, but there is a battle against rogue Calydons to protect her. While they are battling, Lily takes advantage and flees the scene. Briefly, she feels utter relief. Freedom is at her fingertips, yet there are more rogue Calydons on her tail. There is also Gideon. He is after the rogues, but distracted. For some reason, he is drawn to Lily, despite trying to keep his mind focused squarely on the mission. He needs to protect her, save her and not just because of the mission. His determination leads to him saving her again from the rogues. Gideon hears bells, which happens to be Lily's magic. She is Santika, a rare find. The Santika draw magic from the earth and this magic comes alive for the Calydon destined to be their chosen mate. Both Gideon and Lily thought they were safe together. Even though they were drawn to each other, Gideon had already found his Sheva and watched her die. Between Lily's music calling to him and his brand on her arm, they are in for quite a ride to beat destiny.
Rowe takes you on a ride where you will be falling in love with Gideon and Lily as you experience all the emotions they go through. You will feel the love and passion, as well as the anger and hate. The big, bad warrior Calydon feels guilty over what he had to do, even though it was to protect everyone. The end will have you questioning what has happened as it turns into an "Oh My God!" moment. I can safely say there is never a dull moment when you have the Order facing off to save the world against the evil of Ezekiel. I can't wait for Elijah in "Darkness Surrender" (Coming out May 15th) or for Stephanie Rowe to seduce me once more into the darkness that is the Calydon world.
Rowe takes you on a ride where you will be falling in love with Gideon and Lily as you experience all the emotions they go through. You will feel the love and passion, as well as the anger and hate. The big, bad warrior Calydon feels guilty over what he had to do, even though it was to protect everyone. The end will have you questioning what has happened as it turns into an "Oh My God!" moment. I can safely say there is never a dull moment when you have the Order facing off to save the world against the evil of Ezekiel. I can't wait for Elijah in "Darkness Surrender" (Coming out May 15th) or for Stephanie Rowe to seduce me once more into the darkness that is the Calydon world.
August 11, 2014
Yeah...it's the writing since I should ADORE this series - alpha imortal men with one woman forEVER falling hard - hello BDB, LoTU, etc. But sadly not for me with this series. Too much internal thoughts/thinking, not enough doing and dialogue and a writing style of it happening vs telling the reader what the characters are thinking.
DNF.
DNF.
June 12, 2019
Gideon hated himself so much. I'm glad Lily whipped him into shape. 😂😂 Side note: poor Drew! And Elijah for that matter. Elijah is my favorite in this series. (This is the second time I'm reading them.) On to book three. 😉
January 16, 2024
At first I thought it was going to be like the first, however it was so much better!!! Can’t wait to start the third one.
April 14, 2012
This is the 2nd book in the Order of the Blade series. These, in my opinion, are not stand alone books.
This book picks up where the 1st one ended. Lily Davenport has been kept prisoner and tortured for 2 years by Nate Tipton, a crazy Calydon warrior who was under the influence of the evil Ezekiel who has been imprisoned in a magical prison for over two thousand years and wants out. Lily was a professor who was a renowned Calydon expert who wrote books and did seminars about the Calydon warriors who she despised. One warrior in particular she hated the most. Gideon Roarke. When Lily’s grandfather went rouge Gideon had to kill him and also his wife. All of this was done in front of their son and daughter. Year’s later Lily brother who was also a Calydon died in the crossover. Lily has always blamed Gideon for the destruction of her family. But Lily also has a tie to the Calydon warriors that she cannot break. She is a Satinka. Satinka’s have earth magic and there magic seeks out a Calydon who is worthy of her. Lily is a extremely powerful Satinka and her magic test all Calydon warriors she comes in contact with to see if he is the one. Her magic when given to a Calydon warrior makes that warrior even more powerful. After not hearing or seeing anyone for days while locked in a basement a rogue Calydon breaks down the door. As Lily tries to escape she is rescued by Gideon but as she doesn’t trust any Calydon’s and while Gideon is fighting off many more rogue Calydon’s she escapes. But Gideon catches up with her again and saves her from more warriors trying to kidnap her.
Gideon Roarke is known to be the most fearless warrior who is stone cold when it comes to emotions, that even when he watched his sheva being killed in front of him 500 hundred years ago it didn’t affect him. We find this to not be true. His internal struggle with his emotions when he first meets Lily confuses him. He has already met his sheva he shouldn’t be having the feelings he is for her. But Lily with all her knowledge of the Calaydon warriors knows that she is his sheva. This is a blow to both of them as Lily has sworn to hate Gideon and Gideon doesn’t understand how he could have a 2nd sheva and doesn’t want to go through losing one again. Even after finding out that Gideon was the one she had sworn to hate her whole life she realizes that she is not only Gideon’s sheva but also his Satinka.
For most of this book we watch as both Gideon and Lily struggle with this. They both had preconceived notions about each other and after they both tell the other about their tragic past they realize they were both wrong. Gideon’s internal struggle was very touching to watch.
As we know from the ending of the 1st book Frank Tully (who was working with Nate) had kidnapped Drew who was Dante’s son. We find out that Frank is really an illusionist like Ana and Grace and that he played a big role in what happened to Ana and Grace’s parents. Ana is confused by Frank and keeps going to him and when he ask her to get the knife with the ancient markings on it she does not knowing that Frank has evil intentions for her, Lily and Drew.
In a huge showdown at the end of the book we find out what Frank’s true intentions are. We also find out some answers to questions that we were left with in the first book but things are far from over. We will have to wait for the 3rd book which is sure to be the best.
This book picks up where the 1st one ended. Lily Davenport has been kept prisoner and tortured for 2 years by Nate Tipton, a crazy Calydon warrior who was under the influence of the evil Ezekiel who has been imprisoned in a magical prison for over two thousand years and wants out. Lily was a professor who was a renowned Calydon expert who wrote books and did seminars about the Calydon warriors who she despised. One warrior in particular she hated the most. Gideon Roarke. When Lily’s grandfather went rouge Gideon had to kill him and also his wife. All of this was done in front of their son and daughter. Year’s later Lily brother who was also a Calydon died in the crossover. Lily has always blamed Gideon for the destruction of her family. But Lily also has a tie to the Calydon warriors that she cannot break. She is a Satinka. Satinka’s have earth magic and there magic seeks out a Calydon who is worthy of her. Lily is a extremely powerful Satinka and her magic test all Calydon warriors she comes in contact with to see if he is the one. Her magic when given to a Calydon warrior makes that warrior even more powerful. After not hearing or seeing anyone for days while locked in a basement a rogue Calydon breaks down the door. As Lily tries to escape she is rescued by Gideon but as she doesn’t trust any Calydon’s and while Gideon is fighting off many more rogue Calydon’s she escapes. But Gideon catches up with her again and saves her from more warriors trying to kidnap her.
Gideon Roarke is known to be the most fearless warrior who is stone cold when it comes to emotions, that even when he watched his sheva being killed in front of him 500 hundred years ago it didn’t affect him. We find this to not be true. His internal struggle with his emotions when he first meets Lily confuses him. He has already met his sheva he shouldn’t be having the feelings he is for her. But Lily with all her knowledge of the Calaydon warriors knows that she is his sheva. This is a blow to both of them as Lily has sworn to hate Gideon and Gideon doesn’t understand how he could have a 2nd sheva and doesn’t want to go through losing one again. Even after finding out that Gideon was the one she had sworn to hate her whole life she realizes that she is not only Gideon’s sheva but also his Satinka.
For most of this book we watch as both Gideon and Lily struggle with this. They both had preconceived notions about each other and after they both tell the other about their tragic past they realize they were both wrong. Gideon’s internal struggle was very touching to watch.
As we know from the ending of the 1st book Frank Tully (who was working with Nate) had kidnapped Drew who was Dante’s son. We find out that Frank is really an illusionist like Ana and Grace and that he played a big role in what happened to Ana and Grace’s parents. Ana is confused by Frank and keeps going to him and when he ask her to get the knife with the ancient markings on it she does not knowing that Frank has evil intentions for her, Lily and Drew.
In a huge showdown at the end of the book we find out what Frank’s true intentions are. We also find out some answers to questions that we were left with in the first book but things are far from over. We will have to wait for the 3rd book which is sure to be the best.
April 12, 2012
Darkness Seduced is such a passionate book. From the first chapter, I was successfully hooked and absorbed into the plot and the characters; I knew immediatley that I would love it.
We are immediately introduced to Lily, an intelligent professor who is being held hostage. Throughout the whole of Lily's remarkable journey of discovery, love and need for revenge, we are allowed to witness her fears, her logic and her desires. All of which are shared and developed through beautifully crafted writing, amazing imagery and a well constructed narrative.
What I really liked about Darkness Seduced, was how Stephanie Rowe enables us to see both points of view of the main protagonists, Lily and the gorgeous Gideon.
When Gideon enters Lily's life, he immediately is thrown by his overwhelming desire and need to protect her *sigh*. His reaction to Lily, not only at the beginning of the book but throughout, is so lovely to read. The passion behind his words, his actions and the passion he hides away in his heart, develops beautifully. Stephanie Rowe very effectively allows her readers to bond with her characters, which is an amazing feat considering the genre and nature of the novel. She shapes her characters so well that her characters come to life making them so very realsitic.
As the novel progresses, there are times that the action slows down a little allowing us to glimpse different sides of Lily and Gideon. I really liked that we have the opportunity to see many sides to Lily and Gideon: their humour, their fears, their ambitions.
There were many times that I laughed out loud and several times that I had to concentrate really hard so that I wouldn't cry! Admittedly, I'm a wuss at times, especially when it comes to such tender, heart-wrenching moments.
The book was extremely passionate and fiery. The scenes between Lily and Gideon sometimes made me need a cold shower before I could continue, but were not so graphic that I blushed when I was reading! :-)
This book is a superb follow up, and I sincerely can not wait to read book 3.
Bravo to Stephanie Rowe!
We are immediately introduced to Lily, an intelligent professor who is being held hostage. Throughout the whole of Lily's remarkable journey of discovery, love and need for revenge, we are allowed to witness her fears, her logic and her desires. All of which are shared and developed through beautifully crafted writing, amazing imagery and a well constructed narrative.
What I really liked about Darkness Seduced, was how Stephanie Rowe enables us to see both points of view of the main protagonists, Lily and the gorgeous Gideon.
When Gideon enters Lily's life, he immediately is thrown by his overwhelming desire and need to protect her *sigh*. His reaction to Lily, not only at the beginning of the book but throughout, is so lovely to read. The passion behind his words, his actions and the passion he hides away in his heart, develops beautifully. Stephanie Rowe very effectively allows her readers to bond with her characters, which is an amazing feat considering the genre and nature of the novel. She shapes her characters so well that her characters come to life making them so very realsitic.
As the novel progresses, there are times that the action slows down a little allowing us to glimpse different sides of Lily and Gideon. I really liked that we have the opportunity to see many sides to Lily and Gideon: their humour, their fears, their ambitions.
There were many times that I laughed out loud and several times that I had to concentrate really hard so that I wouldn't cry! Admittedly, I'm a wuss at times, especially when it comes to such tender, heart-wrenching moments.
The book was extremely passionate and fiery. The scenes between Lily and Gideon sometimes made me need a cold shower before I could continue, but were not so graphic that I blushed when I was reading! :-)
This book is a superb follow up, and I sincerely can not wait to read book 3.
Bravo to Stephanie Rowe!
January 14, 2013
I rated this 4 stars because I like the series and I like Gideon, but like the first book, there were parts of the story that did not sit well with me. I did like the twist on Lily's role as Satinka, but I didn't find myself loving her anymore than Grace. For some reason, the guys definitely come across more likeable even though they are the ones that have demon "essence" in them. Maybe that is because they essentially know that the women are destined for them so they know to a very large extent it is inevitable whereas the women "fight" it. The other thing is that Gideon is supposed to be really strong, but comes across very emotional at times...and yes, I get that he is an empath and that part of his lure is he like Quinn shut down their emotions to do what they had to do in killing innocents, but deep down he does care. The scene with her parents at the end really bothers me and I struggle with this because I know the point was to give him that sense of really wanting to belong, but it came across as too desperate for me. However, at the end, I'll continue to read the series since I do want to see how it ends and I want to see the other characters find their mates too.
March 12, 2013
I hate to say it but this one was even worse than the first one. I sincerely could not wait for this book to be over.
Again, all I'm going to say is that I am incredibly over an MC who instantly has to ravage the the heroine because of some psychic connection. How about developing a love story that even if it's "meant to be" there's more than five minutes before they're having the most explosive and best sex ever.
I wouldn't continue to read this series.
Again, all I'm going to say is that I am incredibly over an MC who instantly has to ravage the the heroine because of some psychic connection. How about developing a love story that even if it's "meant to be" there's more than five minutes before they're having the most explosive and best sex ever.
I wouldn't continue to read this series.
January 30, 2015
Really??
Has it ever occurred to anyone that in the 500 years they spent killing innocent women and young girls, that the reason these men went rogue was the threat to their Sheva???? They go around killing everyone's mate but they are the only ones worthy of true love? They get a happy ever after and everyone else has to die... That's just not right. I connected with some of the characters and the action seen were good but I can't be ok with the plot.
Has it ever occurred to anyone that in the 500 years they spent killing innocent women and young girls, that the reason these men went rogue was the threat to their Sheva???? They go around killing everyone's mate but they are the only ones worthy of true love? They get a happy ever after and everyone else has to die... That's just not right. I connected with some of the characters and the action seen were good but I can't be ok with the plot.
July 3, 2012
LOOOOVED IT! I'm gonna write a review later when I have better time.!
October 10, 2017
"Darkness Seduced" by Stephanie Rowe. Book 2 in the Order of the Blade series.
I just finished reading this book October 10, 2017. This is my review.
I'm giving this book 3.5 stars. Action packed and sexually charged right from the beginning. This story about Gideon and Lily was exciting and emotionally driven. Technically, you 'can' read this book as a stand alone but I would recommend reading the first book, "Darkness Awakened" first so that you have a base knowledge of the world and the rules, the curse/destiny and the history of the Calydon.
Gideon is a Calydon warrior, charged by a young woman named Ana, to find her friend Lily, who has been held prisoner for the last two years by a Calydon named Nate. When Nate was killed by the Order, Lily was left in a cell with no hope of escape. When Gideon rescues Lily, there is an instant connection between them. Not just sexual attraction. Gideon instantly becomes protective of Lily, wanting to make sure she's safe and just hold her in his arms for comfort. Could Lily be his sheva? His mate? It can't be possible because he already found his sheva...and she was killed 500 years ago and it was all his fault. No Calydon ever gets more than one mate. Even though destiny has claimed that once a Calydon has found his sheva they will destroy each other, Gideon can't stay away from Lily. And Lily may be the only one who can help the Order of the Blade defeat the evil Ezekiel from being released from his prison which has held him for 2000 years.
Lily can't believe she's been rescued by the Calydon Gideon; the man who devastated her family. She'd dedicated her life to researching Calydon, especially Gideon, vilifying him as a cold-hearted, emotionless bastard, willing to kill innocent women without a backward glance. How the hell can she feel so connected to him!? After being held prisoner for two years by Nate, she's taught herself how to survive. And she won't let any Calydon hurt her again. But now that Nate is dead, she's still not safe. Nate's partner, Frank, is still after her and he'll stop at nothing to capture her again and use her Satinka powers to free Ezekiel. Can she really trust a Calydon to keep her safe? Can Gideon even keep her safe when it's the Order of the Blade itself that may end up killing her?
I really liked this story. I would have given it a sold 4 stars but I took a 1/2 star off because I still have an issue with the whole sheva curse/destiny thing, (It was an issue for me in book 1 as well.) but that's just me. I won't go into an explanation of the curse/destiny thing because it's too long for a review. Book 1 explains it, hence my recommendation for reading Book 1 first.
Other than that, I really enjoyed the overall story line in this book. The romance between Gideon and Lily is hot and passionate, right from the start. The whole way through the story, you feel the sexual charge between them. Mix that with their emotional issues and tragedies from their childhoods, you really feel their emotional struggle with each other and why each of them is in denial about being able to be together. The story line involving the freeing of Ezekiel keeps the story flowing really well and kept me interested the whole time. I loved that we get to see what happened to Drew, Dante's son, who was kidnapped in the first book. I also really liked the teasing story line about Ana and Elijah, who are the next couple to get their HEA in the next book, "Darkness Surrendered".
Overall, this was a good book and I will definitely be reading the next one.
I just finished reading this book October 10, 2017. This is my review.
I'm giving this book 3.5 stars. Action packed and sexually charged right from the beginning. This story about Gideon and Lily was exciting and emotionally driven. Technically, you 'can' read this book as a stand alone but I would recommend reading the first book, "Darkness Awakened" first so that you have a base knowledge of the world and the rules, the curse/destiny and the history of the Calydon.
Gideon is a Calydon warrior, charged by a young woman named Ana, to find her friend Lily, who has been held prisoner for the last two years by a Calydon named Nate. When Nate was killed by the Order, Lily was left in a cell with no hope of escape. When Gideon rescues Lily, there is an instant connection between them. Not just sexual attraction. Gideon instantly becomes protective of Lily, wanting to make sure she's safe and just hold her in his arms for comfort. Could Lily be his sheva? His mate? It can't be possible because he already found his sheva...and she was killed 500 years ago and it was all his fault. No Calydon ever gets more than one mate. Even though destiny has claimed that once a Calydon has found his sheva they will destroy each other, Gideon can't stay away from Lily. And Lily may be the only one who can help the Order of the Blade defeat the evil Ezekiel from being released from his prison which has held him for 2000 years.
Lily can't believe she's been rescued by the Calydon Gideon; the man who devastated her family. She'd dedicated her life to researching Calydon, especially Gideon, vilifying him as a cold-hearted, emotionless bastard, willing to kill innocent women without a backward glance. How the hell can she feel so connected to him!? After being held prisoner for two years by Nate, she's taught herself how to survive. And she won't let any Calydon hurt her again. But now that Nate is dead, she's still not safe. Nate's partner, Frank, is still after her and he'll stop at nothing to capture her again and use her Satinka powers to free Ezekiel. Can she really trust a Calydon to keep her safe? Can Gideon even keep her safe when it's the Order of the Blade itself that may end up killing her?
I really liked this story. I would have given it a sold 4 stars but I took a 1/2 star off because I still have an issue with the whole sheva curse/destiny thing, (It was an issue for me in book 1 as well.) but that's just me. I won't go into an explanation of the curse/destiny thing because it's too long for a review. Book 1 explains it, hence my recommendation for reading Book 1 first.
Other than that, I really enjoyed the overall story line in this book. The romance between Gideon and Lily is hot and passionate, right from the start. The whole way through the story, you feel the sexual charge between them. Mix that with their emotional issues and tragedies from their childhoods, you really feel their emotional struggle with each other and why each of them is in denial about being able to be together. The story line involving the freeing of Ezekiel keeps the story flowing really well and kept me interested the whole time. I loved that we get to see what happened to Drew, Dante's son, who was kidnapped in the first book. I also really liked the teasing story line about Ana and Elijah, who are the next couple to get their HEA in the next book, "Darkness Surrendered".
Overall, this was a good book and I will definitely be reading the next one.
July 8, 2012
This book, like Darkness Awakened, is steamy and hot, but this one is almost volcanic. My Kindle Fire was so hot that steam was coming out of it's ports that was how hot it was. Ladies, you can't go wrong with this book, but read the first one first, or you won't know what's happening.
THE PLOT: We start up where we left off. Ana is saved and Nate is dead. Grace helped everyone to stave off the illusion that they were being attacked, so everyone way OK. They made Grace an honorary member of the Order of the Blade for the mission for doing that. Of course, if Quinn goes rogue, they'll kill her without prejudice. How comforting is that. While Ana was being saved. She made someone promise to save Lily, who was still trapped by Frank - Gideon stepped up and promised that he would do it. Why he did, he didn't know. He just did. It made Ana feel better knowing that there great big Calydans would save her friend from the evil guys who kidnapped her. So, they took her back to the house, she had a broken ankle, so they splinted it and put her to bed and gave her something for the pain. Grace was so happy that Ana was safe. This made Quinn happy too, because she was his Sheva and he could feel her through the bond they shared. So the mission was on to save Lilly. We find Lilly in a cell in Nate's house. No one has come for days, she has been saving food and water and eating crumb by crumb to survive. She is scared of what is happening. Especially scared of Frank who is truly evil.The next thing she knows, someone is taking an axe to the door of the house. It has to be a Calydan, because of the strength they are wielding. Soon, the door falls, in walks some Calydans, but what happened to Frank's Calydan's guarding the house? These Calydan's walk to the cells. She makes herself small and hides the best she can. They call out " Lilly!" "That's me," she responds, looking into the most gorgeous Calydan she's ever seen, muscles out to here, hair wavy, eyes warm, gorgeous, simply gorgeous. "My name is Gideon, I've come here to save you." She believes him, but it could be something new thing that Frank has cooked up to get at her Santika magic, so she's scared. After he unlocks her cell, she runs away to the kitchen to gets to keys to Nates Hummer so that she can escape all by herself. Gideon follows her. Talks to her quietly. Reassures her that he is here to help her. He is not with Frank. He is with the Order. She starts to feel safer. He starts to lead her out of the kitchen, when all hell breaks loose. They are being attacked, by more Calydans from Frank. "Stay here," says Gideon. He magics the twin axes out of his arms and goes to battle the other Calydan's. She watches him from the kitchen window, killing with every stroke of his axe, two at a time, one by one, sometime one two, one two in rhythm. He is like a killing machine. While they are fighting, Lilly grabs the keys to the Hummer and takes off. Driving as fast as she can, she heads for home. Gideon sees and follows in a truck, because a runner from the bad guys has gone after her, he has to save her, he promised Ana. There is a scene on the highway. But in the end, Lilly is safe in Gideon's arms. They both are in the truck with Kane. There is pursuit from the bad Calydans. What will they do? Two against how many? He has to save Lilly and she is physically and emotionally damaged and drained, He has to save her. And he does, but rather unconventionally. They find out when they're together that they have something special together that breaks the rules of typical Calydan relationships. There is magic involved in selecting as well. And remember the evil plot to take over the world from book one? That is what this book is about too. So, let's just say, Lilly and Gideon become an inseparable couple. The fight to kill the plot is on, and Lilly can help, so after danger is over, they go to the house, and she helps. Then all hell breaks loose. Kidnapping Ana, stealing the knife, torturing Elijah, making Ana help in the rite that will free the ultimate bad Calydan, trying to kidnap Lilly again, many battles between good and bad Calydan with blood and weapons flying, dead reduced to flames and dust, illusions that were so bad they'd make you cry if a Calydan could. The plot was a twisty as a poodle's hair. Lilly must be present at the rite for the magic to free to ultimate evil Calydan to ruin the world. Some want to kill her, some want her to help them. The help them people win by a slight margin, of course Gideon, would kill anyone who touched her with so much as a feather. And help them she does, in all kinds of ways. Give this plot an A+
THE CHARACTERIZATION: You can always tell a great writer, when the secondary characters get great treatment. Ms. Rowe does one better, all characters get great treatment. Even some guy in a bar gets attributes, quirks and foibles, making him feel just like some guy you's meet in a bar on any day of the week. The main characters get VIP treatment, you know their insides so well, that you'd swear you'd been to therapy with them. They are so real and human, they could call you on the phone and have a conversation with you, and you'd fell right at home - no problem. So three dimensional, so perfect in every way, shape and form. How do you do this Ms. Rowe? You make your characters breathe, but they are only on paper. Paper doesn't breathe, but you make it do so, you must be a wizard, or an alchemist. That's it you are an alchemist, mixing the right potions together. Putting real people into the pages of your books. Trapping them in cellulose forever. That is why they seem real - they are real, just trapped. Now I've got it. Well, however you do you, it is pure magic. Keep doing it, because I love it and if I love it, others surely love it too. A++ on characterization.
THE PACING: This book takes you by the hand at the first word on page one and says hold one. It then straps you in, and off you go, at the speed of light. WHOOOSH! Right past the moon. There goes Saturn and Jupiter. We're out of our solar system now, so hold on very tight, we're in uncharted territory. The book flies past - fingers forgotten, totally immersed in the subject matter. Never coming up for air, never taking any type of break. Never even talking to anyone who is talking to you. You are SO gone it is scary. It never lets up. It never slows down. It never speed up. It keeps humming along at the speed of light. And when you are done and come back to earth, you open your eyes, and realize that it's over and wish it wasn't. You are sad that it didn't last until at least tomorrow, or maybe the day after that, but I have a life that needs tending. I must persevere. So, it's time to go back to reality once more.
THE ENDING: The ending is comprised of the final battle and rite which will release the ultimate bad Calydan. Nothing goes as planned as we fight to stop the evil from being released to the Earth. But will good win? Will evil triumph? Will Lilly use her magic? Will Ana help with her illusions? What will happen to Elijah? He was supposed to be dead, but he's not, will he survive? God, there's so many things that have to happen for things to turn out correctly, will they occur? What will happen to Frank? Find out and read the book. The ending is sad, an leaves room for the sequel. That's all I'll say about that.
THE UPSHOT: Just buy the first two books and read them. For the ladies, these books are steamy, full of men with muscles, consideration, romance and manliness, who would die for you. That works in my book. How about you? Hey you guys, do you want to find out what women want from guys? You don't need a how to book, you need these books, they tell you all you need to be the biggest stud on the block. You'll have the inside track on women and what they want in a guy. You could probably teach seminars after reading these, make millions of dollars. Think about it. I telling you the truth. Buy them.
THE PLOT: We start up where we left off. Ana is saved and Nate is dead. Grace helped everyone to stave off the illusion that they were being attacked, so everyone way OK. They made Grace an honorary member of the Order of the Blade for the mission for doing that. Of course, if Quinn goes rogue, they'll kill her without prejudice. How comforting is that. While Ana was being saved. She made someone promise to save Lily, who was still trapped by Frank - Gideon stepped up and promised that he would do it. Why he did, he didn't know. He just did. It made Ana feel better knowing that there great big Calydans would save her friend from the evil guys who kidnapped her. So, they took her back to the house, she had a broken ankle, so they splinted it and put her to bed and gave her something for the pain. Grace was so happy that Ana was safe. This made Quinn happy too, because she was his Sheva and he could feel her through the bond they shared. So the mission was on to save Lilly. We find Lilly in a cell in Nate's house. No one has come for days, she has been saving food and water and eating crumb by crumb to survive. She is scared of what is happening. Especially scared of Frank who is truly evil.The next thing she knows, someone is taking an axe to the door of the house. It has to be a Calydan, because of the strength they are wielding. Soon, the door falls, in walks some Calydans, but what happened to Frank's Calydan's guarding the house? These Calydan's walk to the cells. She makes herself small and hides the best she can. They call out " Lilly!" "That's me," she responds, looking into the most gorgeous Calydan she's ever seen, muscles out to here, hair wavy, eyes warm, gorgeous, simply gorgeous. "My name is Gideon, I've come here to save you." She believes him, but it could be something new thing that Frank has cooked up to get at her Santika magic, so she's scared. After he unlocks her cell, she runs away to the kitchen to gets to keys to Nates Hummer so that she can escape all by herself. Gideon follows her. Talks to her quietly. Reassures her that he is here to help her. He is not with Frank. He is with the Order. She starts to feel safer. He starts to lead her out of the kitchen, when all hell breaks loose. They are being attacked, by more Calydans from Frank. "Stay here," says Gideon. He magics the twin axes out of his arms and goes to battle the other Calydan's. She watches him from the kitchen window, killing with every stroke of his axe, two at a time, one by one, sometime one two, one two in rhythm. He is like a killing machine. While they are fighting, Lilly grabs the keys to the Hummer and takes off. Driving as fast as she can, she heads for home. Gideon sees and follows in a truck, because a runner from the bad guys has gone after her, he has to save her, he promised Ana. There is a scene on the highway. But in the end, Lilly is safe in Gideon's arms. They both are in the truck with Kane. There is pursuit from the bad Calydans. What will they do? Two against how many? He has to save Lilly and she is physically and emotionally damaged and drained, He has to save her. And he does, but rather unconventionally. They find out when they're together that they have something special together that breaks the rules of typical Calydan relationships. There is magic involved in selecting as well. And remember the evil plot to take over the world from book one? That is what this book is about too. So, let's just say, Lilly and Gideon become an inseparable couple. The fight to kill the plot is on, and Lilly can help, so after danger is over, they go to the house, and she helps. Then all hell breaks loose. Kidnapping Ana, stealing the knife, torturing Elijah, making Ana help in the rite that will free the ultimate bad Calydan, trying to kidnap Lilly again, many battles between good and bad Calydan with blood and weapons flying, dead reduced to flames and dust, illusions that were so bad they'd make you cry if a Calydan could. The plot was a twisty as a poodle's hair. Lilly must be present at the rite for the magic to free to ultimate evil Calydan to ruin the world. Some want to kill her, some want her to help them. The help them people win by a slight margin, of course Gideon, would kill anyone who touched her with so much as a feather. And help them she does, in all kinds of ways. Give this plot an A+
THE CHARACTERIZATION: You can always tell a great writer, when the secondary characters get great treatment. Ms. Rowe does one better, all characters get great treatment. Even some guy in a bar gets attributes, quirks and foibles, making him feel just like some guy you's meet in a bar on any day of the week. The main characters get VIP treatment, you know their insides so well, that you'd swear you'd been to therapy with them. They are so real and human, they could call you on the phone and have a conversation with you, and you'd fell right at home - no problem. So three dimensional, so perfect in every way, shape and form. How do you do this Ms. Rowe? You make your characters breathe, but they are only on paper. Paper doesn't breathe, but you make it do so, you must be a wizard, or an alchemist. That's it you are an alchemist, mixing the right potions together. Putting real people into the pages of your books. Trapping them in cellulose forever. That is why they seem real - they are real, just trapped. Now I've got it. Well, however you do you, it is pure magic. Keep doing it, because I love it and if I love it, others surely love it too. A++ on characterization.
THE PACING: This book takes you by the hand at the first word on page one and says hold one. It then straps you in, and off you go, at the speed of light. WHOOOSH! Right past the moon. There goes Saturn and Jupiter. We're out of our solar system now, so hold on very tight, we're in uncharted territory. The book flies past - fingers forgotten, totally immersed in the subject matter. Never coming up for air, never taking any type of break. Never even talking to anyone who is talking to you. You are SO gone it is scary. It never lets up. It never slows down. It never speed up. It keeps humming along at the speed of light. And when you are done and come back to earth, you open your eyes, and realize that it's over and wish it wasn't. You are sad that it didn't last until at least tomorrow, or maybe the day after that, but I have a life that needs tending. I must persevere. So, it's time to go back to reality once more.
THE ENDING: The ending is comprised of the final battle and rite which will release the ultimate bad Calydan. Nothing goes as planned as we fight to stop the evil from being released to the Earth. But will good win? Will evil triumph? Will Lilly use her magic? Will Ana help with her illusions? What will happen to Elijah? He was supposed to be dead, but he's not, will he survive? God, there's so many things that have to happen for things to turn out correctly, will they occur? What will happen to Frank? Find out and read the book. The ending is sad, an leaves room for the sequel. That's all I'll say about that.
THE UPSHOT: Just buy the first two books and read them. For the ladies, these books are steamy, full of men with muscles, consideration, romance and manliness, who would die for you. That works in my book. How about you? Hey you guys, do you want to find out what women want from guys? You don't need a how to book, you need these books, they tell you all you need to be the biggest stud on the block. You'll have the inside track on women and what they want in a guy. You could probably teach seminars after reading these, make millions of dollars. Think about it. I telling you the truth. Buy them.
February 24, 2018
Such a guilty pleasure
The second book is developing the Orders of the Blade's world more deeply and it's getting more interesting. I would love to know more about this world and the Calydons's history and how the Order came to be.
When I say this is a guilty pleasure, it is, in that I don't want to read real world romance. I like the sweep me off my feet, you and I are destiny love story. It's fun, it's escapism, it's....why not???
The one suggestion that I would like to give that is just my own opinion, I find that thoughts and ideas are repeated too often. When instead, we know about the curse, we know about the bonds, use the constant reminders or babbling to enhance the history or world building. Just my opinion.
But, I adore the characters, the women are strong. The men are exactly what you'd want in a fantasy alpha male. The storyline is growing and is getting more complex.
Fans of Black Dagger Brotherhood will enjoy this series.
The second book is developing the Orders of the Blade's world more deeply and it's getting more interesting. I would love to know more about this world and the Calydons's history and how the Order came to be.
When I say this is a guilty pleasure, it is, in that I don't want to read real world romance. I like the sweep me off my feet, you and I are destiny love story. It's fun, it's escapism, it's....why not???
The one suggestion that I would like to give that is just my own opinion, I find that thoughts and ideas are repeated too often. When instead, we know about the curse, we know about the bonds, use the constant reminders or babbling to enhance the history or world building. Just my opinion.
But, I adore the characters, the women are strong. The men are exactly what you'd want in a fantasy alpha male. The storyline is growing and is getting more complex.
Fans of Black Dagger Brotherhood will enjoy this series.
October 25, 2020
Gideon and Lily
We learn about these two in the first book.
Gideon is a member of the order. He Quinn and Elijah have a blood bond for the last 500 years. He's always been known to be cold and efficient in his job. Doing what needs to be done for the order.
Dr. Lily Davenport has been held captive by Frank for the last two years. She's an expert on Caldyon's, she's researched them her whole life, especially Gideon.
Gideon saves Lily and in the process they begin the sheva bond. A bond that's destroyed Caldyon's and their mates for two thousand years. The only ones that jave been able to break the curse are Quinn and Grace.
There's a lot going on in this book, we learn about their pasts and why they are abd believe what they do. They have a lot to work through to reach their hea, but it's definitely worth it.
This book is very well written and keeps you turning the pages. I cannot wait for more.
We learn about these two in the first book.
Gideon is a member of the order. He Quinn and Elijah have a blood bond for the last 500 years. He's always been known to be cold and efficient in his job. Doing what needs to be done for the order.
Dr. Lily Davenport has been held captive by Frank for the last two years. She's an expert on Caldyon's, she's researched them her whole life, especially Gideon.
Gideon saves Lily and in the process they begin the sheva bond. A bond that's destroyed Caldyon's and their mates for two thousand years. The only ones that jave been able to break the curse are Quinn and Grace.
There's a lot going on in this book, we learn about their pasts and why they are abd believe what they do. They have a lot to work through to reach their hea, but it's definitely worth it.
This book is very well written and keeps you turning the pages. I cannot wait for more.
October 14, 2018
The second book is jam-packed with action, passion, and suspense. I loved the characters and the plot, it was fast-paced and entertaining. This series gets going quickly, the author didn't waste anytime with releasing their major enemy. Book two, has the heroes racing against time to stop Ezekiel from rising and fighting off Frank, who was introduced in book one. I don't want to drop any spoilers but know that, unlike other series where the author waits until 5+ books in before the big-dog baddie is released, Rowe doesn't, which is AWESOME. She isn't dragging it out, she is just getting down to it, which is refreshing. Gideon and Lily are great together and they try really hard to fight their fate but in the end, their love is too strong to ignore. I loved it a lot, great story.
August 24, 2018
A Great Read.
It's never easy giving a review without mentioning what has happen within the pages of the story, therefore all I can say is that I really, really enjoyed "Darkness Seduced" more then "Darkness Awakened" and am looking forward to reading "Darkness Surrendered".
I wasn't sure if I would continue after the 1st Bk in this series, but am so glad that I did.
I'm now hooked! Just as I was with Ms Rowe's "Soulfire" series.
I would recommend you read the blurb, acquire the Bk and judge for yourself.
A Strong 4 star's. 🌠 🌠 🌠 🌠
It's never easy giving a review without mentioning what has happen within the pages of the story, therefore all I can say is that I really, really enjoyed "Darkness Seduced" more then "Darkness Awakened" and am looking forward to reading "Darkness Surrendered".
I wasn't sure if I would continue after the 1st Bk in this series, but am so glad that I did.
I'm now hooked! Just as I was with Ms Rowe's "Soulfire" series.
I would recommend you read the blurb, acquire the Bk and judge for yourself.
A Strong 4 star's. 🌠 🌠 🌠 🌠
April 21, 2023
If it’s possible for a series to get better this is it!!
I loved the first book! I read this book, expecting the same bond and curse situation… But I was so wrong. This book is action packed from beginning to end, and you’re just happy that there is moments to catch your breath. The story, the characters, the intrigue, and steamy intimacy keep you engaged and wanton for more. I thought I would be done with this series with book2, but I’m super excited that there’s a book3 that I get to read!!!
I loved the first book! I read this book, expecting the same bond and curse situation… But I was so wrong. This book is action packed from beginning to end, and you’re just happy that there is moments to catch your breath. The story, the characters, the intrigue, and steamy intimacy keep you engaged and wanton for more. I thought I would be done with this series with book2, but I’m super excited that there’s a book3 that I get to read!!!
July 23, 2018
The author goes on and on about the characters feelings (anxiety, denial, and resistance to fate). The story line is not progressing, a lot a rehashing of what happened in the first book. I'm skimming a lot of pages. I'm not feeling love and tenderness between the characters-but lots of cold determination. I will read the next in the series to see if it gets better (reviews say its the best book in the series).
January 12, 2018
Thinking I don't like this series. It has a good potential in the storyline but there are rules created by the author for the Calydans and that she doesn't follow so it doesn't make sense. Such as the Mjue ( I think that's what it was called) that is left behind when one dies so one can experience their last moments. If one hasn't really died, how does it exist to show anything?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2019
3.5-4 stars
There's an overall arc to the series but each book is about a coupled pair.
I liked the depth of the characters. There's many males in the Order and female characters in the book but it didn't seem overwhelming keeping track of them.
The story was a little long but for the overall story arc it helped pace and build the story.
There's an overall arc to the series but each book is about a coupled pair.
I liked the depth of the characters. There's many males in the Order and female characters in the book but it didn't seem overwhelming keeping track of them.
The story was a little long but for the overall story arc it helped pace and build the story.
January 17, 2021
Great book
This series is a great one. How can one person survive such a crap storm and still come out good, well that's Lily and in turn she helps Gideon find his real self. They live in a world with lots of darkness and death, but have survived their curse to fulfill their destiny.
This series is a great one. How can one person survive such a crap storm and still come out good, well that's Lily and in turn she helps Gideon find his real self. They live in a world with lots of darkness and death, but have survived their curse to fulfill their destiny.
March 22, 2022
Intense
Lily and Gideon have such an emotional story of loss, pain, emotional and physical torment, and finally, triumph. They are amazingly resilient characters, the storyline is engrossing, and the writing is evocative. Lily's past abuse may require a trigger warning for some, but I will read the next in this fine series.
Lily and Gideon have such an emotional story of loss, pain, emotional and physical torment, and finally, triumph. They are amazingly resilient characters, the storyline is engrossing, and the writing is evocative. Lily's past abuse may require a trigger warning for some, but I will read the next in this fine series.
December 25, 2022
It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t good. Had to DNR at about 70%. I wasn’t a fan of the whole premis of their own people wanting to kill each others mates. Then they’re like, oh they need you to complete this ritual that will doom the world, let’s definitely go to that spot and check it out. I ended my reading at that point.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2022
3.5 stars. A little better than Quinn’s story. It was an okay read. A little predictable for me. Even the realization of Elijah. I really have not connected to the couples yet. It seems more purpose than love to me.
December 2, 2016
Amazing read
This is an amazing story and I can't wait to read the next book. Buying it now. Totally awesome books.
This is an amazing story and I can't wait to read the next book. Buying it now. Totally awesome books.
January 4, 2018
LOVE IT STARTING NUMBER 3 now can’t wait 😊
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews