Dark Stranger

Primes #8

by Susan Sizemore

New York Times bestselling author Susan Sizemore presents an exciting twist on her popular Primes series: the novel read by the one and only Vampire Book Club! Share the thrills as you discover a hidden world where passions and fear run high, and a vampire General and an Empire princess together find illicit, unquenchable desire....

A twist of fate made Zoe Pappas heir to the Byzant throne. Bound by duty and devotion to keep the Empire safe, Zoe is captured while on a secret diplomatic mission and sent to an underground prisoner-of-war camp. In this strange, shadowy place, residents are governed by fellow inmate General Matthias "Doc" Raven, whose powerful magnetism rouses an urgent desire in Zoe. But the intensity of her attraction is matched by her surprise at discovering that Doc has a secret of his own: he is a vampire.

Zoe's presence puts everyone in the camp in danger. Doc knows it, and knows too that Zoe's royal status makes it impossible for her to bond with a vampire. The only way to save her is to help her escape, and lose her forever. But some fires are impossible to quench, even when following your heart is the ultimate taboo....

Genres: Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Romance, Vampires, Fantasy, Futuristic, Urban Fantasy

351 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 3, 2009

About the author

Susan Sizemore's life and interests include such varied activities as medieval costuming and embroidery, being a chef, and working in the defense industry.She is owned by her spoiled rotten, beloved mutt dog, rather than the other way around, and this is just fine with her.Current hobbies include hiking and studying t'ai chi. She travels whenever she can, loves history, loud music, movies, good coffee, and writes constantly.She hopes readers enjoy her stories as much as she enjoys writing them.She has won the Romance Writers of America's Golden Heart Award and has been nominated for two Romantic Times awards.

Reviews

[Brandy *Ahviel* · Rating 5 out of 5]

A twist of fate made Zoe Pappas heir to the Byzant throne. Bound by duty and devotion to keep the Empire safe, Zoe is captured while on a secret diplomatic mission and sent to an underground prisoner-of-war camp. In this strange, shadowy place, residents are governed by fellow inmate General Matthias "Doc" Raven, whose powerful magnetism rouses an urgent desire in Zoe. But the intensity of her attraction is matched by her surprise at discovering that Doc has a secret of his own: he is a vampire.

Zoe's presence puts everyone in the camp in danger. Doc knows it, and knows too that Zoe's royal status makes it impossible for her to bond with a vampire. The only way to save her is to help her escape, and lose her forever. But some fires are impossible to quench, even when following your heart is the ultimate taboo....

My thoughts.......
First I have to say that this was a great story. I loved Zoe and Doc from the moment they meet they are at odds and you know from that moment on there is going to be chemistry between them. Doc hides who he is except for a few women who he feeds off of. Those women also keep Doc's secret. Men hit on Zoe as well but she is drawn Doc, not just by his presence but something more. They struggle with their attraction just as the truth of who Zoe really is comes out. It doesn't change their feelings but it changes Doc and he starts to pull back because he feels as though there is no hope for them.
Needless to say feeling are hurt but they work together to try to escape. I loved the escape even thought I thought it could have shown more of what took place, but over all it was great. I loved the end

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by admitting I have not done my author research yet for this book. I finished the book in one 4 hour sitting and then once I started to put the review up learned that this book is part of a series...it is actually number eight in Susan Sizemore's 'Primes' series. Well, color me shocked, I had no idea this part of a series as I read it, I never felt like I was missing anything and there wasn't any reference (that I noticed) to previous books or anything like that, crazy. Now on to what I thought...I thought this book was awesome...I just finished it and I am trying to think of anything negative from the whole book...but I can't. The whole story line was very easy to follow, the complexity of the different cultures was unique and easy to understand as well. The characters were awesome and everything had a raw basis of sexuality...and it works well for the book. This book is Kenyon's League meets Ward's brotherhood with a splash of Riddick. I liked it. I think I heartily retract my abhorrence for futuristic romance....can't wait for the sequel as I start the search for the rest of the series.

[Katie(babs) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Zoe Pappas, diplomat and heir to the Byzant throne has been taken as a prisoner by the Hajim, an enemy alien race and sent to their underground prisoner-of-war-camp run by another alien race called the Krils. There she keeps her identity a secret and is mistaken as a lieutenant pilot. She is surrounded my many other war prisoners who vary from humans to other interesting life forms. One such prisoner gives her pause. He is Dr. Matthias Raven, the highest-ranking Byzant officer at the camp and in charge of all the human POW’s. Matthias goes by the nickname of Doc and has been at the underground prison for sixteen months. Now that eighty new humans have arrived, he must acclimate them to their new home and warn them that there is no escape.

Doc finds Zoe to be very brave and outspoken. Because there are not many women at the prison, he feels he must watch over her and protect her from those males who have been without a woman for so long. Zoe is a quick learner and is able to navigate around and make some new friends. She finds herself bonding with Doc and ignores the jealous feelings she has, especially when some female prisoners have a habit of latching onto Doc. But Doc doesn’t want any of them, only Zoe.

When Zoe is attacked and almost killed, Doc is there to save her and she finds out his secret. Doc is not human, but an alien with the worst type of reputation. He is a vampire, a parasite that comes from a planet known for its dark pleasures where blood sucking during sex is accepted. Doc tells Zoe his true identity and is in for a shock when Zoe tells Doc that she is the heir to the Byzant throne and must find a way to escape before her mission is lost. If the Hajim figure out who Zoe is, her life will be forfeit. Only Doc can save her and possibly the whole empire.

DARK STRANGER is a great gross-genre book that takes the vampire myth and evolves it into a very believable science fiction tale. The sexual tension between Doc and Zoe is very intense and these two work very well together as a team. There are no stereotypical clichés in regards to any miscommunication between these two and they are very upfront and honest with one another. Readers who enjoy a more mature hero and heroine will certainly like Doc and Zoe.

I also loved the world building as well as many other characters Zoe and Doc interact with. Susan Sizemore has a great skill of building up a sympathetic response with her readers in regards to the situations that arise in Dark Stranger. Even though there is danger and death, there are some light moments, especially when the prisoners try to find ways to relax and forget their closed in quarters.

Susan can sure write some steamy love scenes and even though Zoe and Doc have an intense physical relationship with one another, I loved how their emotional bond grew. It was very believable and I kept turning the pages, hoping they would escape their prison and work towards a happy and long life with one another.

If you like a different type of science fiction story with a great futuristic feel and well written romance with lots of action, definitely give Dark Stranger and Susan Sizemore’s Prime series a read.

[Melindeeloo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked the Futuristic Primes in Space - but the epilog cut short the HEA

Zoe Pappas is a diplomat who is captured and sent to a surprisingly benign prison world. There she meets the rugged powerful former General and doctor Matthias "Doc" Raven who serves as the leader of the humanoid prisoners. In a place where exclusive relationships are discouraged, the pair are drawn together by an irresitble attraction, though both hide secrets which do not bode well for a happy after should they ever escape.
Dark Stranger a bit slow to start, it takes a little while to get Zoe settled in her new 'home' before things heat up between her and the Doc and to discover what each of the pair was hiding, but once Dark Stranger got going it was pretty good.

While I did like Dark Stranger, I would have liked it even better if Sizemore had skipped the epilog - instead of just sticking with Primes (vampires) in the future in outerspace, Sizemore tried to bring in her current Prime leading ladies, and by making this story just a book for their Vampire Book club it sort of ruined the ending for me.

Okay I do get that it's just a story, but being actually 'told' its just a story pulled me out of my fantasy world before I was ready. I really liked the idea of the vampire Primes having their own colony world in outer space even though it's only mentioned in passing and hope that Sizemore makes a return journey to this universe.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book, while I do not worry if I haven't read all of susan sizemore's books. This one is a definite keeper. The characters are so well drawn, you feel for them right from the start.
Not really deep but a very interesting story line and the characters shine.\
rereading

[Maura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set as a sci-fi, futuristic, paranormal romance, this takes place many, many years in the future of the Prime Universe. None of the characters from previous stories appear (except in the epilogue), but all the rules and many of the clan names still exist, so this doesn't really work as a standalone. Zoe, who is clearly someone of importance but who exactly is not clear at the beginning, is captured by warring aliens and put in a prison, underground on an alien planet. Within this prison system, she meets Brigadier General and medic, Matthias Raven or Doc. He's essentially the leader of the human faction in the prison and knows that Zoe is trouble and keeping secrets, but she's pretty damn useful to have around with her diplomatic skills. Zoe knows that Doc is keeping secrets too and eventually learns that he is a Prime...only by this point she's developed a strong attraction (the Prime bond) and isn't happy to learn that he's feeding from other women. Doc for his part doesn't really want to, but when he learns who Zoe is the princess of the empire he knows they don't have a future. But the more time he spends with her the closer the bond becomes and the less likely he'll survive their inevitable separation. And he knows it's coming because Zoe is determined to organize and escape so she can get back out and return to her duty.

This was just a surprisingly good story. I wasn't expecting much since this story really takes us out of the story line for the Prime series thus far, but it really worked. I think the Primes just work better in the future for some reason...maybe it's because Matthias wasn't really hiding who he was and was more accepted or maybe it was the lack of all that clan pressure or just the fact that Matthias didn't need all that prime alphaness when he had marine alphaness...so he didn't come across as an arrogant asshole. I can't explain it, but I liked it. That being said, Zoe was a tad melodramatic at times. She fought to be strong, but she was way more emotional than I expected and had a tendency toward weeping. It felt a bit off for her character, but I guess was explained away as a reaction to the darkness. I also feel that the author skimped on the sexy times. These two generate some serious heat and passion, so a quick paragraph quickly describing their sex in rushed, vague terms really does them a disservice. I know this author has written better passionate scenes before, so I don't know why she didn't for this one. I just wish there'd been more there.

[Mandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Time flies when you are having orgasms.” HA! That quote kills me.

Dark Stranger is first book I have read by Susan Sizemore, but I had absolutely no trouble following it. I believe this to be a spin-off of her Prime series, and based on the epilogue, those that have read that series might get a little chuckle.

I think there is a wonderful twist halfway into this book, which I was not expecting and since it is mentioned in the blurb above, I am going to talk about it, but I do consider it a bit of a spoiler. Susan Sizemore writes a wonderful sci-fi book, and Dr. Matthias Raven, is a vampire, which I think just throws in a really cool twist. Not only do Zoe and Matthias have to find a way to escape this awful prison, and survive the dark, oppressive conditions while they are held captive, but they must also deal with Matthias’ vampire self – the blood lust and the soul mating. It definitely adds a more complex element that made the story better. Matthias is not the only one with a secret. Zoe has to pretend to be someone else, in reality she is the Porphyrgia, the heir to the Byzant empire. The Hajim are looking for that heir, but they have no idea what he or she looks like. Zoe feels a huge responsibility to keep all people safe, and considers her safety last of all – which bugs the hell out of Matthias. He is drawn to her independent spirit and calm attitude.

Their relationship is very much a mature one, and I really enjoyed that aspect. Nothing is rushed – heck they don’t even kiss until page 165! (Not that I was waiting, or anything ;) But that is not to say romance is lacking in this book. It is very much there, and makes for a much more realistic relationship. Although the two of them have attraction for each other from the get go, they both realize they have other responsibilities they must face before they can give into temptation. Let me tell you though, once the dam is burst open, the sexin’ is very nice.

My biggest complaint is that at some points the story moved so slow I found myself trudging through some parts that probably could have been left out. However, it was an enjoyable read and one that I recommend.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read - Sizemore's Primes universe with a futuristic twist. This is a very successful science fiction romance. She fits it into the chronology of the Primes by having it be the first book the vampire ladies are reading for the newly formed Vampire Book Club.

The plot is set in a prisoner of war camp - and it is definitely NOT Hogan's Heroes. But it's also not Auschwitz. One of the reasons it is as good as it is is the hero Matthias Raven; the ranking human officer [a Brigadier General with the Marines:], a doctor, and a charismatic leader. The camp is underground with very little lighting... It also houses two non-human races which are relative unknowns.

Zoe is a diplomat who was trying to negotiate an alliance with some of the alien races to aid the Byzant Empire against their foes but her she is captured when an enemy fleet appears. She is sent to the POW camp along with the others captured. She and Raven immediately clash over escape plans - she feels they should be trying to escape, he forbids it. As they begin to work together she serves as diplomatic contact with the aliens and tries to avoid entanglements. Both of them have secrets they are hiding but the lust is rising on both sides. Throw in politics [human and alien:] and bigotry [again human and alien:] and the path to true love will not run smooth...

Very enjoyable read for me - I hope there are more! This could be read as a stand-alone.

Primes
1. I Burn for You (2003)
2. I Thirst for You (2004)
3. I Hunger for You (2005)
4. A Touch of Harry (2004) (in The Shadows of Christmas Past)
5. Master of Darkness (2006)
6. Primal Heat (2006)
7. Primal Desires (2007)
8. Tempting Fate (2007) (in Moon Fever)
9. Primal Needs (2008)
Dark Stranger
10. Primal Instincts (2010)

[Charee · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn't put it down. But I really didn't care for it.

[Kim · Rating 1 out of 5]

i'm not into vampire romance books
couldn't get into this book

[May Mostly Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

หนังสือเรื่องนี้เป็นอีกหนึ่งเล่มที่สร้างความเซอร์ไพร์สให้กับแม็กซ์ค่ะ เพราะเราไม่คิดว่า ตัวเองจะชอบมากขนาดนี้ เนื่องจากเรารู้สึกว่า ตัวเองเล่มเนื่อยมาก ๆ แล้วกับหนังสือในชุดไพร์มของซูซาน ไซซ์มอร์เสียแล้ว แต่คนแต่งก็เก่งพอค่ะที่พลิกเรื่องเล็กน้อย แล้วเอาพล็อตเรื่องที่เหมือนเหล้าเก่า มาใส่ขวดใหม่ แล้วทำให้มันดูใสปิ๊งขึ้นมาได้ซะงั้น

สุดท้ายเล่มนี้เลยกลายเป็นหนังสือที่เราชอบมากเล่มนึงเลยล่ะ

Dark Stranger ของซูซาน ไซซ์มอร์

หนังสือเล่มนี้เป็นส่วนหนึ่งของหนังสือชุดแวมไพร์ของซูซาน ไซซ์มอร์ แต่มีความแตกต่างที่สำคัญก็คือ แทนที่จะต่อเนื่องกับหลายเล่มที่ออกมาก่อนหน้า ซูซานได้เอาคอนเซ็ปส์แวมไพร์ของเธอมาปรับ แล้วเขียนเรื่องให้เกิดขึ้นในยุคอนาคต จากนั้นก็ทำให้หนังสือเรื่องนี้กลายเป็นหนึ่งในนิยายที่ตัวละครในชุดแวมไพร์ ของเธออ่านกัน (งงไหมคะเนี่ย) ดังนั้นโดยสรุปก็คือ เรื่องนี้เป็นส่วนหนึ่งในโลกของแวมไพร์ แต่เหตุการณ์เกิดขึ้นในโลกอนาคต

ในโลกยุคอนาคตที่การเดินทางระหว่างดวงดาวเป็นสิ่งที่เป็นไปได้ และมนุษย์ได้ขยายตั้งรกรากไปจนทั่วจักรวาล แต่อย่างไรก็ตามสงครามก็ยังคงมีอยู่ มันเป็นการเป็นการต่อสู้กันระหว่างเผ่าพันธุ์มนุษย์ที่มีผู้นำอยู่ที่อาณาจักรไบแซนท์ และฮาจิม ซึ่งเป็นสัตว์ประหลาดที่ไม่ได้มีโครงสร้างดีเอ็นเอคล้ายคลึงกับมนุษย์

หมวดโซอี้ แพพพาสเป็นเจ้าหน้าที่ทางการทูตของอาณาจักรไบแซนท์ ซึ่งถูกจับขณะปฏิบัติภารกิจการเจรจาสันติภาพ เธอเป็นหนึ่งในมนุษย์หลายร้อยคนที่ถูกจับ และส่งไปขังในคุกที่ตั้งอยู่บนดาวอันห่างไกล ซึ่งที่นั่นเองเธอได้พบกับสังคมใหม่ ที่ซึ่งต้องปรับตัว

โครงสร้างคุกของฮาจิมนั้นจะปล่อยให้นักโทษใช้ชีวิตตามที่ตัวเองต้องการ ปล่อยให้จัดการบริหารกันเอง เพียงแต่ไม่อาจหลบหนีออกไปจากที่คุมขังได้ นักโทษที่มียศสูงสุดในคุกแห่งนั้นคือ นายพลแมทเธียส เรเวน

แมทเธียส หรือด็อก (เพราะเขาเป็นหมอเพียงคนเดียวในคุกแห่งนั้น) เป็นผู้ที่กุมชะตากรรมของนักโทษมนุษย์ทั้งหมดเอาไว้ในกำมือ เขาประเมินสถานการณ์และรู้ดีว่า โอกาสของการหนีออกไปจากคุกแห่งนี้เป็นเรื่องที่ไม่ควรเสี่ยง ดังนั้นเขาจึงเตือนตั้งแต่วันแรกให้นักโทษทุกคนต้องไม่พยายามหลบหนี แม้ความจริงก็คือด็อกสามารถออกไปจากคุกแห่งนี้เมื่อใดก็ได้ แต่ด้วยความรับผิดชอบในชีวิตของผู้ใต้บังคับบัญชา ด็อกตัดสินใจที่จะไม่ทำเช่นนั้น

โซอี้ซึ่งมีความเชี่ยวชาญในการพูดหลายภาษา ได้รับโอกาสจากด๊อกให้เป็นผู้ประสานงานระหว่างนักโทษที่เป็นมนุษย์ กับสิ่งมีชีวิตอื่นที่ถูกขังอยู่ในคุกแห่งเดียวกัน และนั่นเริ่มทำให้เธอมีโอกาสใกล้ชิดผู้นำที่ดูแข็งกร้าว แต่เป็นธรรมอย่างยิ่งคนนี้ โซอี้เรียนรู้การใช้ชีวิตในสังคมใหม่ รู้จักเพื่อนทหารที่ติดคุกอยู่ด้วยกัน เริ่มสร้างความสัมพันธ์กับทุกคน แต่กระนั้นเธอก็ยังคงเก็บงำความลับสำคัญเอาไว้

นั้่นเพราะโซอี้ไม่ใช่เป็นแค่หมวดโซอี้ แพพพาส เจ้าหน้าที่การทูตทั่วไป เธอคือรัชทายาทแห่งบัลลังค์ของอาณาจักรไบแซนท์อีกด้วย ซึ่งเธอรู้ดีว่า หากความลับนี้ถูกเผยแพร่ออกไป ทุกคนในคุกแห่งนี้ก็จะอยู่ในฐานะลำบาก เพราะเธอล่วงรู้ความลับสำคัญของอาณาจักรไปมาก ความลับที่ไม่อาจแพ่งพรายไปได้

และในขณะเดียวกัน ด็อกเองก็มีความลับเช่นกัน เพราะเขาไม่ใช่แค่หมอทหาร (สปอยล์) เขาคือแวมไพร์ สิ่งมีชีวิตที่ได้รับรองสิทธิพลเมืองเช่นเดียวกับมนุษย์ธรรมดา แต่กระนั้นก็ยังคงมีความระแวง และรังเกียจในหมู่มนุษย์ที่ไม่ไว้วางใจกลุ่มคนที่มีพลังเหนือธรรมชาติเช่นพวกเขา นั่นเป็นเหตุผลที่ด็อกตัดสินใจเก็บความพิเศษอันนี้ของตัวเอง ไว้เป็นความลับจากคนส่วนใหญ่ แต่เขาก็เปิดเผยมันออกมา เพื่อรักษาชีวิตโซอี้ หญิงสาวที่เขาเริ่มต้นยอมรับความตัวเองแล้วว่า มีความรู้สึกบางอย่างให้

แต่ความรักระหว่างเจ้าหญิง และนายทหารที่แม้จะเป็นถึงนายพลแต่ก็เป็นแค่คนธรรมดา (และเจ้าความลับของด็อกนั่นอีก) มันช่างดูเป็นไปไม่ได้ แต่นั่นก็ไม่ใช่เหตุผลที่ด็อกจะไม่ปกป้องโซอี้ ซึ่งรวมทั้งการทำทุกอย่างเพื่อพาตัวเธอออกไปจากคุกแห่งนี้

ในแง่นึงหนังสือเล่มนี้ก็คือพล็อตแนวดอกฟ้ากับหมาวัดค่ะ มันอาจจะไม่ชัดแจ้งแบบนั้น แต่ด้วยฐานะของโซอี้ ทำให้เราแปลความเช่นกันก็ว่าได้ ในขณะเดียวกัน ฐานของด็อกในความเป็นผู้นำของกลุ่มนักโทษทหารทั้งหมด ทำให้สถานะของเขาโดดเด่นขึ้นมา และแน่นอนว่า ความเท่ห์ของพระเอกก็เป็นอะไรที่ทำให้แม็กซ์กรี๊ดไปหลายรอบ

เราชอบความสัมพันธ์ที่พัฒนาขึ้นระหว่างโซอี้และด็อกค่ะ มันเริ่มต้นอย่างมีที่มาที่ไป และดำเนินไปอย่างน่าเชื่อ เรื่องราวไม่เร่งรีบที่จะยัดเยียดด็อกและโซอี้ให้กันและกัน ทั้งคู่มีเวลาทำความรู้จัก และเมื่อเป็นที่แน่ชัดว่า มันคือความรัก ทำให้การตัดสินใจในการเอาชนะอุปสรรคของความแตกต่างกันทางฐานะจึงดูเป็นไปได้ และน่าเชื่อมาก ๆ

ในแง่คาแร็คเตอร์ ก่อนที่เราจะเริ่มอ่านเล่มนี้ เรารู้สึกถึงความ “เกินไป” ในตัวพระเอกนะคะ เพราะเป็นทั้งนายพล เป็นหมอ (สปอยล์) แถมยังเป็นแวมไพร์อีกต่างหาก ทำให้รู้สึกว่า อะไรจะมากขนาดนั้น จนกระทั่งได้อ่านเรื่องค่ะ เรารู้สึกว่า คนแต่งสามารถเขียนออกมาได้อย่างลงตัว เธอปล่อยข้อมูลแต่ละอย่างเกี่ยวกับด็อกจนเราไม่รู้สึกว่า มันมากเกินไป หรือเ��่งเกินมนุษย์จนน่าหมั่นไส้ และทำให้เขากลายเป็นหัวใจหลักของเรื่อง เป็นผู้นำที่เข้มแข็ง ที่สามารถรักษากำลังใจของผู้ใต้บังคับบัญชาให้ฮึกเหิม และมีพลังในการสู้ต่อไป แม้จะถูกคุมขังชนิดที่ไม่เห็นโอกาสที่จะได้รับอิสรภาพเลย

สำหรับโซอี้ เธอเปรียบเสมือนคนอ่าน ที่ถูกแนะนำเข้าไปสู่โลกที่ไม่รู้จัก เธอและคนอ่านค่อยเรียนรู้ชีวิต และกฏเกณฑ์ในคุกทีละน้อย ปร���บตัว จนในทีสุดโซอี้ก็กลายเป็นส่วนหนึ่งที่สำคัญของทุกคน การเพิ่มความสำคัญทีละน้อยของโซอี้เข้าไปในกิจกรรมที่เกิดขึ้นในคุก ทำให้ในตอนท้ายที่สุดคนอ่านจึงเข้าใจว่า ทำไมนักโทษทุกคนจึงยินดีที่จะเสี่ยงชีวิตเพื่อช่วยโซอี้ออกจากคุก ไม่ใช่เพราะเธอคือเจ้าหญิงรัชทายาท แต่เพราะเธอคือโซอี้ ส่วนหนึ่งของพวกเขานั่นเอง

จุดเดียวที่เราคิดว่าเป็นข้อด้อยของหนังสือเล่มนี้ก็คือช่วงต้น เรื่อง ที่ไม่ได้บอกเล่ากฎเกณฑ์ของการปกครองคุกในยุคอนาคตให้ชัดเจน จนเรารู้สึกสับสนเล็กน้อย เพราะเอาความรู้เกี่ยวกับการปกครองคุกในยุคนี้มาปรับคิด ทำให้เราค่อนข้างงงกับฐานะของด๊อกในตอนต้นเรื่อง สงสัยว่าเขาเป็นฝ่ายไหนกันแน่ เพราะด๊อกทำหน้าที่เป็นผู้นำกลุ่มนักโทษมนุษย์ ทำให้เขามีหน้าที่ต้องติดต่อกับกลุ่มผู้คุม ซึ่งในตอนแรกเราไม่เข้าใจความสัมพันธ์ในลักษณะนี้ จึงงงไปเล็กน้อย แต่เมื่อภายหลังมีการอธิบายรายละเอียดตรงนี้ จึงทำให้เริ่มเข้าใจมากขึ้น

โดยรวมแล้ว หนังสือเล่มนี้สนุกอย่างที่ไม่คาดคิดมาก่อน และทำให้แม็กซ์อยากอ่านเรื่องราวต่อไปมากเลยค่ะ (แต่ดูเหมือนจะต้องผิดหวัง เพราะข่าวว่าซูซานจะกลับไปเขียนชุดแวมไพร์ในยุคปัจจุบันต่อ)

คะแนนที่ 83

[Angela Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has it all... vampires, aliens, 1 woman to every 20 men appreciation, arms royalty. I mean what else is there? lol. I just learned there's a sequel.
This book I have been looking for years for a second one with the same themes...I guess a sequel will do.. GREAT BOOK if toy like vamps and sci fi... read on!

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book mixed up two of my favorite genres: Science Fiction and Paranormal. Initially, it took me a little to get drawn into this book, but once it took hold, I couldn't put it down.

[Gigi Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a fabulous sci fi romance and so unusual. This a keeper fo me.

[CJ - It's only a Paper Moon · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.8

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Been reading this book over and over for years actually. It's one of my comfort books - love the action, the tropes, and everything.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off I'd like to start this out by saying, what the hell did I just read! I mean this novel really had me going at first that's for sure. I actually thought that this series had gotten bumped up to the far future, that's how messed up my brain was. It really threw me for a loop when I read the ending, and I must say that I'm very impressed with what I read. Susan Sizemore has gone above and beyond with this novel. It's just in the way that she wrote the whole thing. She brought so much to life in just one novel. Making it to where if there had been an actual series based on this novel I'd most definitely read the whole thing.

In this novel we see the main characters Zoe and Doc fall in love. Zoe is the heir to a throne and can't tell anyone. She's been captured by the enemy and can't even tell anybody that. Not that she would even if she could. Zoe doesn't want to hurt anyone if she can help it. So when she has to go undercover as a lieutenant she does it wholeheartedly. If keeping her identity a secret will keep every species safe then she'd do it all over again. Her plan was going well too, that is, until she comes across Doc. Doc's been stuck in this underground hell hole for sixteen months now, and it still doesn't get any easier for him. He's the commander of the human section of the prison, and he rules them with an iron fist. He's never really had a problem in his section either, but lately there seems to be one. And it all seemed to start when Lieutenant Zoe came down to them. If it wasn't for the fact that Zoe was helping to keep peace between the other species and the humans, then he'd be rather suspicious. As it is he's already far too intrigued about Zoe and it's starting to affect her. Zoe is starting to get nervous about what doc thinks he knows. He already watches her like a hawk and keeps her around him at all times. But what she's afraid of is what may happen if he finds out who she really is. Which he's very close to discovering.

This is quite a novel that's for sure. Its quiet an action packed, kick ass, romantic, adventurous novel. It's got all of this and much more in it. That's what made this such a great novel. It has so much going on in it that you'll never know what to expect next. It's one of the thrills that goes with reading this novel. Between all of this and the plot for this novel, then you'll get one very happy reader. It'd be hard not to be when it's got such an attention-grabber. That's what really starts to do you in; when the attention-grabber really starts to pop out. This is why my recommendation for this novel is so easy to make. Because it's definitely a novel that anyone could enjoy. Especially for those of us who like a good urban fantasy novel.

*Read on April 15th, 2016

[Paranormal Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the heroine spacecraft is under siege and she's taken to an alien POW camp, she knows that she\s in real danger. As princess to her people, she knows that if anyone should get even a hint of her true identity, she'll be used in the war and more lives will be lost. This is something she can't allow to happen, so she goes undercover. Stuck underground with the other captured soldiers, she meets the magnificent heroine, General of their prison and the only thing keeping all of them sane. He is charming and larger than life, someone with whom she feels safe with, someone she can trust. He's enraptured by the new addition to their hellhole and her intelligence and ability to speak the enemies language makes her a vital part of the team. But not only that, he's drawn to her spark and her beauty. He's known around camp for being a free man with the ladies. They are drawn to him and he takes them into his bed with pleasure but makes it perfectly known that he expects no strings attached. But with the heroine, he desires something more. Deep inside he recognizes his mate. When a former bodyguard is sent to kill her, to make sure she isn't used by the enemy, he snaps and he can no longer fight the urges he feels to both protect her and possess her. But he also knows that it's only this predicament they find themselves in that come bring about such a union.

The outcast vampire and the Princess together? What a laugh. It's actually the heroine who pushes the relationship, especially when finding out that it's only her blood that he can feed on now. When the enemy begins to close in on her in the camp, they must do everything they can to escape and survive.

I enjoyed this book a lot. I thought it had great characters and a bucketful of passion and drama. I did think more than a little odd, however, that the author would suddenly pack up in the middle of the series and send the characters to space.... I mean, WFT, it made no sense!! But that being said, I forced myself to treat this book as a stand alone from the Prime series and in doing so, I could allow myself to enjoy the writing, not thinking about how absurd this was. I loved the hero. Strong, dark at times, but about to laugh and tease. I loved the heroine because she was an equal balance of fragile and strength. She didn't want to be a burden to anyone, or to allow anyone to die because of her but when she needed comfort or a shoulder to cry on, she could rely on the hero. She was also sarcastic at times, deadpan at others but she could handle herself in the prison, mentally if not allows physically. As I said, I really liked this book even though it's set in out-freakin-space!!

[Gaby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark Stranger: Book One of the Vampire Book Club is set in a future world populated by a variety of intelligent species that originate from and inhabit different planets at a time when interplanetary travel is a reality. Descendants of man from planet Terra co-exist with various "suprahumans" that include werewolves and vampires. There are many other species as well and the different life forms trade, forge alliances and compete with each other. On the one side is the Byzant Empire (the "Empire") which has a royal family that originated from Terra. The most powerful enemy of the Byzant Empire are the Hajim.

In the course of a diplomatic mission on behalf of the Byzant Empire, Zoe Pappas and her bodyguard are caught in the middle of a surprise attack. Aside from being highly skilled and with expensive and rare technological implants, Zoe Pappas is somehow of great significance. While she is able to escape the attack, Zoe is among the prisoners brought to a Hajim underground outpost.

Zoe spars with the head of the human delegation, General Raven, but they quickly read each others' strengths and work together. General Raven's main goal is to protect the humans and help them survive captivity. Zoe wants to form alliances with the other captive species and nations and arrange an escape. While they work together to smooth volatile relations with the other captives and deal with Hajim, their mutual attraction spills over. Both Zoe and General Raven hold deep secrets. Will they trust each other and combat the increasing demands of the Hajim?

Review:
Dark Stranger: Book One of the Vampire Book Club is my first exposure to Susan Sizemore and her Prime novels. I thoroughly enjoyed it! The world that she created with the peaceful coexistence of the different intergalactic species reminded me of Star Trek in a good way. The Byzant Empire with its commitment to equality and fairness was not too different from the Federation. The main characters of Zoe Pappas and General Raven, the suprahumans (vampires and werewolves), and the romance took this book away from the Star Trek model.

In Zoe Pappas, Susan Sizemore created a strong, sympathetic and interesting action lead. I was engrossed in the book and very much look forward to the next in the series.

I highly recommend Dark Stranger to anyone looking for fun escapist fiction with fantasy, science fiction and romance.
Publisher: Pocket Star (October 27, 2009), 384 pages.
Review copy provided by the publisher.

[Wendy Hines · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll be honest, this is the first book I've read by Ms. Sizemore so I have no idea about her Prime series. With that said, DARK STRANGER is the first in an exciting new series, the Vampire Book Club. Whose in the club? From what I can understand, the characters of her previous books in the Prime series.

This story takes place many many years into the future of the Primes. There are aliens, space crafts, and many worlds. When human diplomat Zoe Pappas is negotiating with the alien Asi for an alliance for her Empire, the Hajim attack. The Hajim are the enemies of everybody, or so it seems.

Zoe is disguised as a Navy Lieutenant and is taken with all the other prisoners to a POW Camp deep underground. Not only are their POW humans, but other races as well, and they don't all get along. In fact, one of the races eats humans for breakfast! Who can sleep at night knowing that's down the hall?

The General of the POW Camp is Matthias "Doc" Raven, who has his own set of rules for the camp. Number one is no escaping. Zoe must find a way to survive in the dark camp, keep her secret, and fight her attraction to the Prime Doc. But soon, the two can't seem to stay away from one another, and when Zoe's secret is revealed, Doc feels he isn't good enough for her and pushes her away. It may mean his death, but he refuses to put her or the Empire in jeopardy because his heart is breaking.

Sizemore's world building is phenomenal! The characters of Zoe and Doc are passionate, but yet realistic. Very sexy scenes! The intensity in the camp will have you wanting to bite your nails until the climatic end. This may be my first Sizemore novel, but it won't be my last. A very unique setting that has set the scene for more.

[Kasey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so confused when I started this book. It does not fall in line with the other Prime books. Once I got past my shock of the obvious and unexpected difference in this book I was pleasantly surprised. This is the Prime world, but is set far into the future. So it comes off a little more sci-fi romance and urban fantasy romance mixed. It could have actually been a spin off from the series, but either way I liked the book and look forward to more like it. In this future world the story starts long after a great devastation to the human population and humans become nearly extinct. By humans we include all earth born humans, vampires or primes ,and werefolk. In this futuristic Prime story Sizemore adds in several different alien breeds and then there is of course future technology all added to a normal Prime falling in love and bonding. I loved both Zoe and Doc they made great leads. They were both likeable and far from what they first appear to be.

[Barbara ★ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! This series is consistently 4 or 5 stars. A little different from the other books in the series and actually the start of another series (Vampire Book Club). I really liked the book but I could have done without the epilogue and the book club ladies. They totally through me out of the story...good thing it was over by then.

Diplomat Zoe Pappas is captured and sent to a prison world where no one is expected to actually do anything. No work, no torture, no nothing. Here she meets General Matthias Raven who is also the camp doctor and in control of the prison camp. The book starts slowly but once you figure out what is going on and who is who, the action kicks up a notch and is thoroughly enjoyable.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have never read any of Susan's books before so I am not that familiar with her Prime series but I thought this book was just ok. The story just did not grab me and I think it was because Zoe's character seemed so wishy washy for someone who was supposed to be the heir to the throne. Yes, she was not initially first in line but for someone who was trained to be the ultimate diplomat and a strong leader I was surprised how quickly she became dependent on Doc. Even some of her actions like trying to kill herself didn't make me feel admiration for her sense of duty to keep herself out of her captors hands but rather a craving for more attention from Doc. Still after a slow start thestory did pick up pace.

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zoe has found herself the heir to the throne. She is determined to protect her people and ends up in a POW camp. Her status in the world makes her a threat to the rest of the inmates.

She meets Doc who runs the camp from the inside. Doc is a vampire and he wants nothing more than to make Zoe his own. Does he care enough to break her out of this prison hell and in turn save her life or will his powerful feelings keep him from letting her go?

Hot, hot, hot! This is a spicy romance with unforgettable characters.

Giving away 2 copies
http://bridget3420.blogspot.com/2009/...
Ends 11/29

[Sirenprincess · Rating 3 out of 5]

I couldn't get into this one. First of all, although it says Vampire Club Book #1 on the cover, it is actually like #8 in a larger Prime's series. I felt very lost trying to just pick it up and read it. That wasn't the only problem, though. The characters felt very flat. There was very little inner thoughts, and the book seemed to be written in the X happened, Y happened, Z happened format. Just didn't work for me, which is a pity because I greatly liked one of Sizemore's short stories.

[Stacie]

Zoe is captured and kept as a prisoner of war. The doctor in the camp is a vampire but wants that knowledge hidden. It took a while for the relationship between Zoe and Doc to get going. Zoe hardly seemed like a prisoner of war in this story. The dilemma of the story is that Doc wants to help Zoe escape but he knows that if he does he can not go with her.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

The start of this book was a little slow for me. I was hesistant on continuing it becuase the future aspect of it all; but once i got past the first few chapters I really got into it. It is a good read, but I wasn't to sure i liked the whole alien future part of it. but Susan Sizemore still didn't let me down with her writting.

[Cassandra Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far the best Susan Sizemore book I've read to date. Loved the fresh and unique setting, the backstory, and the characters. She really did create a compelling page-turner. If you like vampires that don't sparkle, enjoy sci-fi elements in your romance, but also like a touch of gritty realism, then you Must. Read. This. Book. I'd give it three thumbs up if I had an extra thumb. :D

[Maria Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely an awesome book. It was a bit confusing at first because I've just started reading the Primes series and was disoriented about the setting, but it was a pretty good book that can stand on its own. The epilogue was hilarious because I was expecting more on Doc and Zoe and I ended up getting all the characters I'm used to instead.

[Llaph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a nice addition to the series even though the setting is far in the future and is basically sci-fi. I wouldn't mind reading more books set in this world about Doc and Zoe, the short story just isn't enough!