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Dark Protectors #16
Warrior's Hope
This thrilling novel in the New York Times bestselling author’s popular Dark Protectors series takes readers on a wild ride as the only female vampire ever born brings a love triangle to its explosive conclusion—deciding the fate of battling factions as the forces of good and evil gather for the ultimate showdown.
As the only female vampire ever born, and the heir to two powerful immortal families, Hope Kayrs-Kyllwood has always felt the weight of fate and destiny. Now her heart is torn between two men and two different futures. It’s a choice between duty and love, peace and war, with the fate of everyone she loves hanging in the balance.
As the leader of the Kurjan nation, Drake has always known that mating Hope is the best path to avoiding war. He’s counting on her to know the same. . . . Paxton has been Hope’s best friend and protector since they were children. He would kill and die for her without a second thought. In fact, he’s always known that would be his path . . .
With deadly factions at her heels, Hope must decide whom to trust and where her loyalty lies—before the choice is taken away from her . . .
As the only female vampire ever born, and the heir to two powerful immortal families, Hope Kayrs-Kyllwood has always felt the weight of fate and destiny. Now her heart is torn between two men and two different futures. It’s a choice between duty and love, peace and war, with the fate of everyone she loves hanging in the balance.
As the leader of the Kurjan nation, Drake has always known that mating Hope is the best path to avoiding war. He’s counting on her to know the same. . . . Paxton has been Hope’s best friend and protector since they were children. He would kill and die for her without a second thought. In fact, he’s always known that would be his path . . .
With deadly factions at her heels, Hope must decide whom to trust and where her loyalty lies—before the choice is taken away from her . . .
325 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2023
472 people are currently reading
3295 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Zanetti
123 books10.1k followersNew York Times, USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti has published more than seventy novels and novellas, which have been translated into several languages, with millions of copies sold world-wide. Her books have received Publisher’s Weekly and Kirkus starred reviews, favorable Washington Post and New York Times Book Reviews, and been included in Amazon best books of the year.
Rebecca has ridden in a locked Chevy trunk, has asked the unfortunate delivery guy to release her from a set of handcuffs, and has discovered the best silver mine shafts in which to bury a body…all in the name of research. Honest.
Rebecca has ridden in a locked Chevy trunk, has asked the unfortunate delivery guy to release her from a set of handcuffs, and has discovered the best silver mine shafts in which to bury a body…all in the name of research. Honest.
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October 3, 2023
Warrior’s Hope by Rebecca Zanetti
Dark Protectors series #16. Conclusion of the second arc between Vampire’s Faith this book. Best read as part of the series in order. Paranormal romance.
Hope Kayrs-Kyllwood has always known that she is the key to a specific destiny. As a prophet she believes her job is to somehow bring the two nations together. Her choice is between duty and love, peace and war, with the fate of everyone she loves hanging in the balance.
Drake is the leader of the Kurjan nation. Hope and Drake have known each other since they were children when Hope was able to create a dream world. He believes that taking Hope as a mate will be the ultimate win for their collective future.
Paxton has been Hope’s best friend and protector their whole lives. He will kill and die for her without a second thought. It’s his path.
It’s time for Hope to make life altering choices. Can she love one or the other exclusively or can sh bring the warring nations together in peace?
It’s time. Hope feels she must be the link to bring everyone together for the future.
She’s the only female vampire ever born. Her bloodline includes demon, vampire, witch and has yet to manifest any powers. She might just have to face the fact that she’s more human than anything else.
Hope is caught in the middle between duty and love. Can she turn duty into love? For the good of the Realm and Kurjan nations?
My heart has been bleeding for Hope for years. I was always silently hoping she wouldn’t have to make a choice.
Pax is so loyal and protective. And hot! He will do anything for Hope. Beat him up and put him in a cell and his thoughts are “is Hope ok? Did she get a warmer coat? Did someone heal her arm and take her pain away?”
I admit the fighting/battle was sometimes a bit too much for me.
The drama, and choices, and love were explosive and satisfying. And so heart-clenching!
I wasn’t sure what to expect in the conclusion but it doesn’t disappoint in the least.
Loved this so much. All the stars.
(So hard to write this without spoilers!)
I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I’ve also bought multiple copies to share and all formats to keep.
Dark Protectors series #16. Conclusion of the second arc between Vampire’s Faith this book. Best read as part of the series in order. Paranormal romance.
Hope Kayrs-Kyllwood has always known that she is the key to a specific destiny. As a prophet she believes her job is to somehow bring the two nations together. Her choice is between duty and love, peace and war, with the fate of everyone she loves hanging in the balance.
Drake is the leader of the Kurjan nation. Hope and Drake have known each other since they were children when Hope was able to create a dream world. He believes that taking Hope as a mate will be the ultimate win for their collective future.
Paxton has been Hope’s best friend and protector their whole lives. He will kill and die for her without a second thought. It’s his path.
It’s time for Hope to make life altering choices. Can she love one or the other exclusively or can sh bring the warring nations together in peace?
It’s time. Hope feels she must be the link to bring everyone together for the future.
She’s the only female vampire ever born. Her bloodline includes demon, vampire, witch and has yet to manifest any powers. She might just have to face the fact that she’s more human than anything else.
Hope is caught in the middle between duty and love. Can she turn duty into love? For the good of the Realm and Kurjan nations?
My heart has been bleeding for Hope for years. I was always silently hoping she wouldn’t have to make a choice.
Pax is so loyal and protective. And hot! He will do anything for Hope. Beat him up and put him in a cell and his thoughts are “is Hope ok? Did she get a warmer coat? Did someone heal her arm and take her pain away?”
I admit the fighting/battle was sometimes a bit too much for me.
The drama, and choices, and love were explosive and satisfying. And so heart-clenching!
I wasn’t sure what to expect in the conclusion but it doesn’t disappoint in the least.
Loved this so much. All the stars.
(So hard to write this without spoilers!)
I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I’ve also bought multiple copies to share and all formats to keep.
October 3, 2023
What an ending! I honestly didn't see it ending that way. I had no idea how they were going to take down Ulric but I also did not see that coming.
I have to say I had a hard time seeing Hope, Paxton and Drake as adults in this book. We've gotten to see them grow up together as kids in all the previous books, that I guess I wasn't ready for them to be adults. Maybe it has something to do with knowing this would end this series which I have enjoyed so much. Either way, I do love who Hope ended up with and thought this was a great way to finalize the story.
This series has been such a treat to read. I loved all the characters. I loved all the action. I loved how close these characters were and how they had each others backs and even strangers backs. All the main characters in each book truly were protectors.
I have to say I had a hard time seeing Hope, Paxton and Drake as adults in this book. We've gotten to see them grow up together as kids in all the previous books, that I guess I wasn't ready for them to be adults. Maybe it has something to do with knowing this would end this series which I have enjoyed so much. Either way, I do love who Hope ended up with and thought this was a great way to finalize the story.
This series has been such a treat to read. I loved all the characters. I loved all the action. I loved how close these characters were and how they had each others backs and even strangers backs. All the main characters in each book truly were protectors.
September 11, 2023
If for some reason this review disappears (looking at you, GR), find it here: Warrior's Hope
Going into this, I knew I'd be a wreck. Fifteen previous books were leading me here, to the final showdown. Would all of the characters I grew to know and love survive? Would love really conquer all?
Hope is the only one of her kind. She's a mix of basically every bit of paranormal DNA in existence. She's also a prophet. Her life hasn't really ever been her own and she just tries to make the most of it. On one hand, she believes destiny is telling her to mate with Drake to unite the realms. On the other hand, her heart keeps trying to pummel some sense into her. Paxton is the one for her, the male who truly gets her, her best friend, her strongest ally. Which will she choose: fate or faith?
I loved the way the author revealed the secrets of Paxton. He isn't just an accessory for Hope. He's a warrior, as fierce and determined and as brilliant as our leading lady. Together, they're story gave me the ending I was hoping for. I will admit that some events that took place took me by surprise, some deaths weren't expected, but I am NOT complaining.
Sadness doesn't begin to describe how I feel at the end of this series. It's a bittersweet feeling to know that all of the turmoil these characters faced is now over... I think. That there are no more books, no more adventures, in this incredible world Zanetti created. My only real solace is knowing that this author will deliver something else for me to fall in love with.
August 22, 2023
First and foremost, in the spirit of complete transparency, I am a
DIEHARD
Zanetti fangirl! Have been since I first discovered this series a decade ago. Secondly, while this was the series that started it all for me, I have now read six different Zanetti series. Suffice it to say that I read almost everything Zanetti puts out. I even read the novellas and anthologies that come out in between full installments. I can’t help myself; I just really enjoy her writing and storytelling and will continue to be her devoted fangirl for the rest of my life!
On that note, rather than proceed with a review of this particular installment, I feel that a review of the series thus far would do the series much more justice and who knows, it may even intrigue someone to check the series out. After 16 full installments and 11 novellas, this series has become an epic story about immortal characters and secret wars between a variety of species, all of which has been transpiring right under the eyes of the mortal world for thousands of years. It’s a world of a vast array of different species who are just so fascinating and exciting and, of course, the individual characters who are just sooo funny and sexy who live and love like their lives depend on it. It’s a story of survival of those that have been hunted throughout time and their strength to thrive in the face of extinction whether it be by the hands of fate or destiny or the machinations of evil or the grip of disease. This genre of urban-fantasy and paranormal history and romance have simply been my guilty pleasure from the get-go!
On that note, in the 12yrs since the publication of the first installment, the series timeframe has spanned several decades (30-40yrs). What started with the clan of the Kayrs brothers, a powerful vampire family that has ruled the Realm for centuries, expanded to the brothers finding their destined mates, enhanced human females, who possessed extraordinary skills and abilities. The Realm, a society of immortal beings (vampires, demons, shapeshifters, witches, etc…), has been in a war with the Kurjans, an evil faction of vampires that, initially, didn’t possess the numbers, strength, technology, power and/or skills and abilities that the Realm vampires possesses. The series continued with several installments that included key members of many of the other species who were key players (often leaders of their species) in the Realm’s war with the Kurjans.
At this particular point in the series, the story now includes the offspring of the Kayrs brothers as well as the kids of many of the leaders of the other species, who have now joined with the Realm in their fight with the Kurjans. Additionally, starting with book 8 (plus four novellas), Zanetti started an arc in the series with the emergence of the Seven, a group of seven immortals, some of whom are absolutely ancient and believed to have been long dead with the leader being the oldest Kayrs brother. The Seven have disrupted the laws of physics and screwed up the powers of the Realm immortals, which has not endeared the Seven to the Realm, regardless of their family connections. The Seven were tasked with reinforcing the off-world imprisonment of an evil monster named Ulric, a member of an offshoot tribe of Kurjans called the Cyst. Now, they are trying to kill Ulric using three keys and a lock all of which are enhanced human females, who will be sacrificed in order to kill Ulric.
In this installment, Zanetti brings the arc of The Seven to its conclusion in an absolutely magnificent ritual that The Seven have been waiting years to perform. The absolutely gruesome and really gross end came in an explosive (literally) finale. I do feel compelled to warn that a lot of the war battles and fight scenes in this series are truly gruesome and bloody and some of them downright gross. Think of the myth that the only way to kill an immortal is to cut their head off – yeah, that kind of gross.
I love this series and I can not wait to see what Zanetti has planned for the next installment. The final chapter was a lead-in to what the future holds for the Realm and the Dark Protectors series. It’s kind of exciting to think of what Zanetti has stored for us fans. I want to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #KensingtonBooks #WarriorsHope
On that note, rather than proceed with a review of this particular installment, I feel that a review of the series thus far would do the series much more justice and who knows, it may even intrigue someone to check the series out. After 16 full installments and 11 novellas, this series has become an epic story about immortal characters and secret wars between a variety of species, all of which has been transpiring right under the eyes of the mortal world for thousands of years. It’s a world of a vast array of different species who are just so fascinating and exciting and, of course, the individual characters who are just sooo funny and sexy who live and love like their lives depend on it. It’s a story of survival of those that have been hunted throughout time and their strength to thrive in the face of extinction whether it be by the hands of fate or destiny or the machinations of evil or the grip of disease. This genre of urban-fantasy and paranormal history and romance have simply been my guilty pleasure from the get-go!
On that note, in the 12yrs since the publication of the first installment, the series timeframe has spanned several decades (30-40yrs). What started with the clan of the Kayrs brothers, a powerful vampire family that has ruled the Realm for centuries, expanded to the brothers finding their destined mates, enhanced human females, who possessed extraordinary skills and abilities. The Realm, a society of immortal beings (vampires, demons, shapeshifters, witches, etc…), has been in a war with the Kurjans, an evil faction of vampires that, initially, didn’t possess the numbers, strength, technology, power and/or skills and abilities that the Realm vampires possesses. The series continued with several installments that included key members of many of the other species who were key players (often leaders of their species) in the Realm’s war with the Kurjans.
At this particular point in the series, the story now includes the offspring of the Kayrs brothers as well as the kids of many of the leaders of the other species, who have now joined with the Realm in their fight with the Kurjans. Additionally, starting with book 8 (plus four novellas), Zanetti started an arc in the series with the emergence of the Seven, a group of seven immortals, some of whom are absolutely ancient and believed to have been long dead with the leader being the oldest Kayrs brother. The Seven have disrupted the laws of physics and screwed up the powers of the Realm immortals, which has not endeared the Seven to the Realm, regardless of their family connections. The Seven were tasked with reinforcing the off-world imprisonment of an evil monster named Ulric, a member of an offshoot tribe of Kurjans called the Cyst. Now, they are trying to kill Ulric using three keys and a lock all of which are enhanced human females, who will be sacrificed in order to kill Ulric.
In this installment, Zanetti brings the arc of The Seven to its conclusion in an absolutely magnificent ritual that The Seven have been waiting years to perform. The absolutely gruesome and really gross end came in an explosive (literally) finale. I do feel compelled to warn that a lot of the war battles and fight scenes in this series are truly gruesome and bloody and some of them downright gross. Think of the myth that the only way to kill an immortal is to cut their head off – yeah, that kind of gross.
I love this series and I can not wait to see what Zanetti has planned for the next installment. The final chapter was a lead-in to what the future holds for the Realm and the Dark Protectors series. It’s kind of exciting to think of what Zanetti has stored for us fans. I want to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #KensingtonBooks #WarriorsHope
July 20, 2023
4 stars!
The latest book in the Dark Protectors series, this book finishes the second story arc of the series - that of ‘the Seven’ - and, like her parent’s book before hers, Hope’s story brings yet another big shift to the world as a whole, answering longstanding questions and resolving a love triangle to bring a gorgeous romance.
Hope is the daughter of Janie and Zane (their book is Marked). As the daughter of the demon king and the only female vampire ever born, she is a mystery, and though she lacks the powers that others in her family have, she has her own unique abilities and a fate that is tied to the future of the realm itself. She’s now all grown up, and uses her strategic skills to lead a group of warriors, but she’s still trying to figure out where her own destiny lies. Hope knows that she’s destined to change the world. She is an essential part of an ancient prophecy to rid the world of an unimaginable evil – though nobody quite knows what her role in the ritual is, and while she is prepared to give her life, her loved ones are fiercely fighting against that.
She’s also torn between the two men in her life. Drake is the leader of the Kurjans, he is Hope’s childhood friend who visits her in dreams, and he knows that they are destined to be together, that their mating will bring peace for both of their races. And then there’s her best friend, Paxton, who has been there for her and protected her for her whole life. He would gladly sacrifice himself for her, but he has his own battles to face which bring big changes to him, and to the realm. All three of them are right in the middle of the unfolding action, and it’s a wild ride as the story unfolds.
I won’t give details, because anything I say will be a spoiler, but Zanetti manages to deliver some big surprises, while tying up multiple ongoing storylines in this book, bringing twists and turns and satisfying conclusions, managing to mix things up enough to bring huge changes for the continuation of the series, and I cannot wait to see where it all goes from here!
Along the way we get to see a number of series faves – Dage and Talen of course, the members of the Seven, and Zane absolutely shines as Hope’s protective father, and a father-figure to Pax..
The romance is there, though is not quite as epic as I was hoping (I prefer my books heavy on the romance), but with so much going on in the story, everything is balanced well.
It’s exciting, dramatic, suspenseful, emotional and full of action. There were moments towards the end of this book that had my heart pounding, and me holding my breath in shock, desperate to see what was going to happen next. I was completely captivated as the story unfolded, and I loved the wild ride.
Such a great read - 4 stars!
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The latest book in the Dark Protectors series, this book finishes the second story arc of the series - that of ‘the Seven’ - and, like her parent’s book before hers, Hope’s story brings yet another big shift to the world as a whole, answering longstanding questions and resolving a love triangle to bring a gorgeous romance.
Hope is the daughter of Janie and Zane (their book is Marked). As the daughter of the demon king and the only female vampire ever born, she is a mystery, and though she lacks the powers that others in her family have, she has her own unique abilities and a fate that is tied to the future of the realm itself. She’s now all grown up, and uses her strategic skills to lead a group of warriors, but she’s still trying to figure out where her own destiny lies. Hope knows that she’s destined to change the world. She is an essential part of an ancient prophecy to rid the world of an unimaginable evil – though nobody quite knows what her role in the ritual is, and while she is prepared to give her life, her loved ones are fiercely fighting against that.
She’s also torn between the two men in her life. Drake is the leader of the Kurjans, he is Hope’s childhood friend who visits her in dreams, and he knows that they are destined to be together, that their mating will bring peace for both of their races. And then there’s her best friend, Paxton, who has been there for her and protected her for her whole life. He would gladly sacrifice himself for her, but he has his own battles to face which bring big changes to him, and to the realm. All three of them are right in the middle of the unfolding action, and it’s a wild ride as the story unfolds.
His smile was wicked. “I’m done waiting for you to figure things out.” Then his lips were on hers again.
I won’t give details, because anything I say will be a spoiler, but Zanetti manages to deliver some big surprises, while tying up multiple ongoing storylines in this book, bringing twists and turns and satisfying conclusions, managing to mix things up enough to bring huge changes for the continuation of the series, and I cannot wait to see where it all goes from here!
Along the way we get to see a number of series faves – Dage and Talen of course, the members of the Seven, and Zane absolutely shines as Hope’s protective father, and a father-figure to Pax..
The romance is there, though is not quite as epic as I was hoping (I prefer my books heavy on the romance), but with so much going on in the story, everything is balanced well.
“Whatever happens next, it isn’t going to be easy. For either of us or our people.”
“I’ve never wanted easy,” he murmured. “I’ve only wanted you.”
It’s exciting, dramatic, suspenseful, emotional and full of action. There were moments towards the end of this book that had my heart pounding, and me holding my breath in shock, desperate to see what was going to happen next. I was completely captivated as the story unfolded, and I loved the wild ride.
Such a great read - 4 stars!
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 4, 2023
Holy heck! How did I not imagine this ending?
This series introduced Hope, Paxton and Drake when they were children. Through each book, a little more information was given about them and the tension escalated as to what their ultimate roles would be. Especially Hope’s. I admit, I’ve loved this story arc and I’m disappointed that it’s over. It seems too fast. I wanted more of them as children/teenagers/young adults.
Nevertheless, this trio is grown and it’s time that their destinies play out. I never imagined it going in this direction and I was enthralled with each turn of the page. Once the relationships settled themselves down, the question of Ulric, and Hope’s place in it all took center stage. And then BAM! This author took the resolution into a way I never imagined and I absolutely LOVED it!
This is a fast paced read despite having plenty of meat on its bones. It’s filled with danger, drama and intensity, including the sizzling chemistry between Hope and her chosen one. Highly recommend this book wrapped up in this series.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
This series introduced Hope, Paxton and Drake when they were children. Through each book, a little more information was given about them and the tension escalated as to what their ultimate roles would be. Especially Hope’s. I admit, I’ve loved this story arc and I’m disappointed that it’s over. It seems too fast. I wanted more of them as children/teenagers/young adults.
Nevertheless, this trio is grown and it’s time that their destinies play out. I never imagined it going in this direction and I was enthralled with each turn of the page. Once the relationships settled themselves down, the question of Ulric, and Hope’s place in it all took center stage. And then BAM! This author took the resolution into a way I never imagined and I absolutely LOVED it!
This is a fast paced read despite having plenty of meat on its bones. It’s filled with danger, drama and intensity, including the sizzling chemistry between Hope and her chosen one. Highly recommend this book wrapped up in this series.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
October 5, 2023
I am so happy and excited that this was a fantastic series finale! I can't say anything else because I don't want to spoil a ting. Just know, this one was worth the buildup and the wait. I really hope it's not the end of the Dark Protectors. But if it is, what a way to go! Happy reading!!
October 4, 2023
Very disappointed 😞
In book 7 Marked, where Hope's parents meet along with Kalin the son of the Kurjan leader in the dream world she created, she loved zane but she also care a lot for kalin. He was a cruel kurjan more than any other and he took enjoyment killing women for his pleasure but he never hurt janie, he had this obsession with her maybe he loved her a little. He protected her many times and at the end he died for her. Even though he was terrible I felt sad when he died.
Anyway, the end of the book gave me the impression when janie and zane's daughter Hope also created a dream world to meet with Paxton and Drake the Kurjan 's son leader, I thought the outcome was going to be Hope ending up with Drake. I was really looking forward to that particular book. It took a long wait and finally the book was written and ready for preorder. I was really excited, imagine when I started reading Drake hardly appears or hardly mentioned for while and then when he did was in the dream world for just a meaningless second. To tell u the truth, I felt cheated. I got board with the book, the story was tiresome, talked about the same thing over and over 😒. I didn't care for Paxton. He was a puppet. I also didn't care for Drake, he was insipid, had no personality what so ever or vocabulary. All he said was.. It doesn't concern you just do as I say over and over,and Hope couldn't put a word in it and it she did he will kill everyone. I enjoyed this author very much and I have plenty of her books and I specifically loved Marked book 7 which I have read a few times because of the incredible action pack and love. Reading warrior's hope one time was one time too many. The end of book 7 was misleading. Also all this big deal about how she is the prophet and all those big marks on her neck .... for what, to be the lock? No big amazing or explosive ending for her,Pax was the one to actually finished the untouchable kurjan. I'm really surprised the book has good review..we all have different opinions and I guess that is a good thing.
In book 7 Marked, where Hope's parents meet along with Kalin the son of the Kurjan leader in the dream world she created, she loved zane but she also care a lot for kalin. He was a cruel kurjan more than any other and he took enjoyment killing women for his pleasure but he never hurt janie, he had this obsession with her maybe he loved her a little. He protected her many times and at the end he died for her. Even though he was terrible I felt sad when he died.
Anyway, the end of the book gave me the impression when janie and zane's daughter Hope also created a dream world to meet with Paxton and Drake the Kurjan 's son leader, I thought the outcome was going to be Hope ending up with Drake. I was really looking forward to that particular book. It took a long wait and finally the book was written and ready for preorder. I was really excited, imagine when I started reading Drake hardly appears or hardly mentioned for while and then when he did was in the dream world for just a meaningless second. To tell u the truth, I felt cheated. I got board with the book, the story was tiresome, talked about the same thing over and over 😒. I didn't care for Paxton. He was a puppet. I also didn't care for Drake, he was insipid, had no personality what so ever or vocabulary. All he said was.. It doesn't concern you just do as I say over and over,and Hope couldn't put a word in it and it she did he will kill everyone. I enjoyed this author very much and I have plenty of her books and I specifically loved Marked book 7 which I have read a few times because of the incredible action pack and love. Reading warrior's hope one time was one time too many. The end of book 7 was misleading. Also all this big deal about how she is the prophet and all those big marks on her neck .... for what, to be the lock? No big amazing or explosive ending for her,Pax was the one to actually finished the untouchable kurjan. I'm really surprised the book has good review..we all have different opinions and I guess that is a good thing.
January 26, 2024
Great ending to this series.
Soul mates. Friends to lovers.
Enjoyed reading about characters from previous books.
Action packed and great pacing.
Both hero and heroine were top notch characters.
Soul mates. Friends to lovers.
Enjoyed reading about characters from previous books.
Action packed and great pacing.
Both hero and heroine were top notch characters.
July 16, 2023
Rebecca Zanetti, you have filled my heart full of happiness and my head full of exhilaration! I’m afraid that my words are inadequate to capture my awe of your ability to create emotion, suspense, and thrill. So grateful that your own words never fail. Warrior’s Hope is a masterpiece!
Hope Kayrs-Kyllwood is a first daughter of both the Vampire and Demon nations. Decades of detente with their historic enemy, the Kurjans, is about to devolve into war, unless a deal can be struck that will safeguard enhanced women from being kidnapped and harmed by the Kurjans and their spiritual leader, Ulric. Like the rest of the ruling immortals, Hope is trained for battle, amongst the first to fight and perhaps, the first to fall. But despite being the only vampire princess in existence, Hope has yet to manifest many of her families’ immortal powers. Will her sexy childhood friend, Pax, be there to help her figure it out? Or will she be forced into a compromise with Drake, the Kurjan leader, that will be more than her family is willing to bear?
Whether you have been following the Dark Protectors since Hope’s grandparents met in Fated (Book 1) or jumped in when The Seven realized the threat of Ulric returning to our world in Vampire’s Faith (Book 8), Warrior’s Hope (Book 16) is targeted for Dark Protectors fans. It’s not a standalone! Despite being well-versed in this author’s cleverness, she still managed to shock and surprise me. All the elements that I needed for this to be another 5 star read were present in spades. Hope and her team bring the action and camaraderie. There’s depth, and layers, and nostalgia. I was giddy every time a familiar name appeared on the page. And the steam! Ms. Zanetti brings the heat once again and I loved every moment of it.
Label me one very satisfied customer. If this was a 5 star restaurant, I’d be (discreetly) licking my plate, overtipping, and making another reservation on the way out. With this story arc coming to a close, dare I hope that there will be more Dark Protectors in my future?
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ARC.
Hope Kayrs-Kyllwood is a first daughter of both the Vampire and Demon nations. Decades of detente with their historic enemy, the Kurjans, is about to devolve into war, unless a deal can be struck that will safeguard enhanced women from being kidnapped and harmed by the Kurjans and their spiritual leader, Ulric. Like the rest of the ruling immortals, Hope is trained for battle, amongst the first to fight and perhaps, the first to fall. But despite being the only vampire princess in existence, Hope has yet to manifest many of her families’ immortal powers. Will her sexy childhood friend, Pax, be there to help her figure it out? Or will she be forced into a compromise with Drake, the Kurjan leader, that will be more than her family is willing to bear?
Whether you have been following the Dark Protectors since Hope’s grandparents met in Fated (Book 1) or jumped in when The Seven realized the threat of Ulric returning to our world in Vampire’s Faith (Book 8), Warrior’s Hope (Book 16) is targeted for Dark Protectors fans. It’s not a standalone! Despite being well-versed in this author’s cleverness, she still managed to shock and surprise me. All the elements that I needed for this to be another 5 star read were present in spades. Hope and her team bring the action and camaraderie. There’s depth, and layers, and nostalgia. I was giddy every time a familiar name appeared on the page. And the steam! Ms. Zanetti brings the heat once again and I loved every moment of it.
Label me one very satisfied customer. If this was a 5 star restaurant, I’d be (discreetly) licking my plate, overtipping, and making another reservation on the way out. With this story arc coming to a close, dare I hope that there will be more Dark Protectors in my future?
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ARC.
September 22, 2023
An end to a wonderful series. Zanetti has again, given her readers a wonderfully written book that comes full circle in terms of the plotline and dark protectors universe. However, this book was not what I imagined a series finale to be. When the author started up the dark protectors series again, I was excited to revisit some characters and get Hope's happy ever after. The way Zanetti set up each new book towards Hope's book was such a great build up, but after reading this book, it was not a finale that worked with the previous books. This book felt a bit rushed, especially towards the end where it feels like the final battle was such a letdown. And the build up of Drakes character and his and Paxton's rivalry wasn't portrayed very well either. Reading the book was like reading Marked all over again, but with different character names. The falling for enemy and falling for best friend trope were obvious either way, but Drake's character was just written off, making him the big bad Kurjan like all the previous books. Drake wasn't even integral to the story. So what was the point of him throughout all these past few books? The storyline of previous books and plot in this one was to resolve the Realms issues with every nation to be at peace. Yet, again the Kurjans were made the bad guy and there were no redemption arcs for either the nation or individual Kurjans that would lead towards at least a start at peace. The Kurjan nation just fell in line because it was said so. That being said, my favorite character was Vero. He was what I imagined when thinking of a Kurjan hero for this book. He showed the most character growth and I loved how he handled his internal and external struggles. Overall, this book was great for a Dark protectors book but an OK ending to the series.
July 16, 2023
Hope Kayrs-Kyllwood is an anomaly, the only known female vampire she can visit dream worlds but can't heal herself and is no stronger than a human. She is the Lock in the prophecy of how to kill the immortal evil Ulric, along with the blood of the three Keys and The Seven. Now all grown up, she is the strategic leader of a small group of Realm warriors rescuing Enhanced women before they can be kidnapped by the Kurjans.
There has been a love triangle practically all of Hope's life between her best friend, half-demon Paxton and the heir, now leader, of the Kurjans, Drake. Hope believes her fate is to bring peace between the Kurjans and the Realm with the help of her childhood friend Drake.
And so it ends, after sixteen novels did Rebecca Zanetti deliver the goods, or like so many others did the series end with more of a whimper? Let me put you out of your misery, it was spectacular! There are epic battles, betrayals, many, many betrayals, surprises and a deeply satisfying resolution of the Ulric problem.
LOVED it.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
There has been a love triangle practically all of Hope's life between her best friend, half-demon Paxton and the heir, now leader, of the Kurjans, Drake. Hope believes her fate is to bring peace between the Kurjans and the Realm with the help of her childhood friend Drake.
And so it ends, after sixteen novels did Rebecca Zanetti deliver the goods, or like so many others did the series end with more of a whimper? Let me put you out of your misery, it was spectacular! There are epic battles, betrayals, many, many betrayals, surprises and a deeply satisfying resolution of the Ulric problem.
LOVED it.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
October 3, 2023
I've been reading this series since the very beginning so I know all of the characters that show up in this book and there are a lot of them. So for that reason I would say it's better to read this series from the beginning so you know what's going on with this story.
Hope, Paxton and Drake have known each other for years, since they were kids. Drake is now the leader of the Kurjans. Paxton is part demon and had a really bad childhood because his father beat him after his mother died. It was only after Hope found out about it and told her father who is the leader of their kind that Paxton went to live with his uncle and was treated better. Hope is the only female vampire hybrid ever to be born but she doesn't have any special powers and the doctors and scientists have been researching her blood since she was a small child trying to figure out why she gets sick and can't heal herself.
The Kurjan nation is at war with just about everyone else because they are kidnapping enhanced females. Plus Drake is helping Ulric who wants to perform another ritual that could destroy the Universe and many of the enhanced females as a sacrifice for the ritual. So Hope and the other immortals are doing what they can to stop him. Drake says he wants to stop Ulric but does he really?
I really thought I knew what was going to happen with Hope, Drake and Paxton but boy was I wrong. Even though Hope can dream walk and bring Paxton and Drake along with her so they can all talk, all three of them have been keeping secrets from each other for as long as they have known each other. And the secrets were big, really big. All of those secrets come to light in this book which made the story have so many different twists so that I was kept guessing what might happen next with these three. But I liked the ending even though I was a little sad because these three weren't exactly like I thought they would be after watching them grow up.
Disclosure: I was given an e-ARC via NetGalley but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Hope, Paxton and Drake have known each other for years, since they were kids. Drake is now the leader of the Kurjans. Paxton is part demon and had a really bad childhood because his father beat him after his mother died. It was only after Hope found out about it and told her father who is the leader of their kind that Paxton went to live with his uncle and was treated better. Hope is the only female vampire hybrid ever to be born but she doesn't have any special powers and the doctors and scientists have been researching her blood since she was a small child trying to figure out why she gets sick and can't heal herself.
The Kurjan nation is at war with just about everyone else because they are kidnapping enhanced females. Plus Drake is helping Ulric who wants to perform another ritual that could destroy the Universe and many of the enhanced females as a sacrifice for the ritual. So Hope and the other immortals are doing what they can to stop him. Drake says he wants to stop Ulric but does he really?
I really thought I knew what was going to happen with Hope, Drake and Paxton but boy was I wrong. Even though Hope can dream walk and bring Paxton and Drake along with her so they can all talk, all three of them have been keeping secrets from each other for as long as they have known each other. And the secrets were big, really big. All of those secrets come to light in this book which made the story have so many different twists so that I was kept guessing what might happen next with these three. But I liked the ending even though I was a little sad because these three weren't exactly like I thought they would be after watching them grow up.
Disclosure: I was given an e-ARC via NetGalley but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 3, 2023
Roll up, roll up because you can finally discover if this ends with friends to lovers or can a bad boy be redeemed ? Yes it’s finally time to place your bets because answers are here and shocks and surprises too !
The Dark Protectors series has been such a wild ride with its uber growly alpha males and the women that thwart, taunt and finally bring them crashing to their knees but trust me that’s a good thing ! We have followed for several books now the triangle between Hope, Pax and Drake that began when they were children and finally everything is coming to its ultimate conclusion . Wars have been won and lost but perhaps the greatest fight of all is for Hopes heart .
I think what I love about this series is the fact that the world building is consistent and the characters stay true to themselves and there’s no unexpected tangents that confuse or muddy things . In a long running series that’s rare and I applaud the author for keeping readers entertained . Yes perhaps sometimes the males are overbearing, large and in charge ( well except for Benny but he’s unique ) but it’s paranormal romance at its finest and I have no complaints about that . Memorable, fast and sexy and definitely a must read,
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested on NetGalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
The Dark Protectors series has been such a wild ride with its uber growly alpha males and the women that thwart, taunt and finally bring them crashing to their knees but trust me that’s a good thing ! We have followed for several books now the triangle between Hope, Pax and Drake that began when they were children and finally everything is coming to its ultimate conclusion . Wars have been won and lost but perhaps the greatest fight of all is for Hopes heart .
I think what I love about this series is the fact that the world building is consistent and the characters stay true to themselves and there’s no unexpected tangents that confuse or muddy things . In a long running series that’s rare and I applaud the author for keeping readers entertained . Yes perhaps sometimes the males are overbearing, large and in charge ( well except for Benny but he’s unique ) but it’s paranormal romance at its finest and I have no complaints about that . Memorable, fast and sexy and definitely a must read,
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested on NetGalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
December 31, 2023
I expected this to have been the logical end of the series. No dice...now feels like a cash grab.
They did my boy Drake so dirty. Complete character assassination. He had no depth or personality in this book, unlike in the glimpses we caught of him before. Suddenly, he is a caricature, almost a cartoony villain. We do not even get a glimpse into his mind. There is no point in marketing this as a love triangle. Any triangle was only in the previous books. The POVs in this book make that super obvious...No illusion whatsoever that Drake could be the one.
So much for the war ending. This is all set up for the new generation of fighters.
The ending was very dues ex machina.
They did my boy Drake so dirty. Complete character assassination. He had no depth or personality in this book, unlike in the glimpses we caught of him before. Suddenly, he is a caricature, almost a cartoony villain. We do not even get a glimpse into his mind. There is no point in marketing this as a love triangle. Any triangle was only in the previous books. The POVs in this book make that super obvious...No illusion whatsoever that Drake could be the one.
So much for the war ending. This is all set up for the new generation of fighters.
The ending was very dues ex machina.
July 21, 2023
Warrior’s Hope does not disappoint. From the first page to the very last, Rebecca Zanetti keeps us tied to our seats and immersed in this standalone PNR tale. While the saga of the Seven concludes, there is so much room to continue on with the Dark Protectors. And the new generation, damn! They are just as hot, wicked and feisty as their ancestors. I loved every moment of this story so much!!!
October 26, 2023
I have loved this series and the apparent ending to this story arc was really good! Looking forward to seeing where RZ plans on going now!
October 8, 2023
*I received a free copy of Warrior's Hope. This has in no way influenced my voluntary review which is honest and unbiased. *
Warrior's Hope follows Hope and her team, with the addition of Pax, who might now be a traitor.
There is a lot of action, mystery, attraction, friendship, treason, romance... yeah, Warrior's Hope is fast-paced and filled with a lot, and especially one story-arch from a long time ago finally coming to a conclusion.
Warrior's Hope follows Hope and her team, with the addition of Pax, who might now be a traitor.
There is a lot of action, mystery, attraction, friendship, treason, romance... yeah, Warrior's Hope is fast-paced and filled with a lot, and especially one story-arch from a long time ago finally coming to a conclusion.
October 6, 2023
I gave this 2 stars because I loved this series. But this book doesn’t really give you any new information until about 60% in. So that first half is just a rehashing of “we don’t know what anything means” bullshit. Very aggravating.
There is a nice twist at the end. But seriously I’m glad this series is over.
There is a nice twist at the end. But seriously I’m glad this series is over.
October 3, 2023
Ms. Zanetti has done it again! 5 fantastic, wonderful, Hope filled, always knew Paxton was her heart, HEA stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Wow, this story really packed a punch! The suspense had me on the edge of my feet. I loved it all. I loved how Hope followed in Grandfather's steps (Talen Kayrs) by becoming one of the most strategic brains in the Realm. This book was freaking awesome, and of course, I'm biased. I've read them all! Filled with nonstop action, banter, laugh out loud times, heartfelt moments, betrayal, and so much killing made for an excellent read! The kids have grown up, and now Hope runs her own squad. The Kurjans are still evil, and Ulric wants to kill even more enhanced females...go figure. Pfft... However, our resident heroes, with appearances from our past characters, stop evil in their tracks. Paxton was 'THE' perfect hero, and he brokered no argument that Hope was his. I loved watching them grow together and fall into that deep abiding love that only friendships can evolve from. I loved it, and I can't wait to see what's in store next!!!
****I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book provided by NetGalley*****
****I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book provided by NetGalley*****
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2023
A great conclusion to the second arc of the Dark Protectors series! We have been watching Hope grow up since Marked and waiting to see what her fate will be. Will she end up with Drake the Kurjan leader she has been meeting in her dreams since she was a child, or will she end up with Paxton, her childhood friend? There were several twists and turns in this story that I was not expecting. We get to see some more of previous characters (ex. her parents Janie and Zane), but also some new characters that I hope to see in future stories.
I definitely recommend this book but do think you need to read the some of the previous books first. If not from the first book (Fated), at least from the start of the second arc (Vampire's Faith). This book is a conclusion of a conflict that started in Vampire's Faith which is why I recommend reading the previous books first. Thank you Netgalley, Kensington, and Lyrical Press for providing me this story in exchange of an honest review.
I definitely recommend this book but do think you need to read the some of the previous books first. If not from the first book (Fated), at least from the start of the second arc (Vampire's Faith). This book is a conclusion of a conflict that started in Vampire's Faith which is why I recommend reading the previous books first. Thank you Netgalley, Kensington, and Lyrical Press for providing me this story in exchange of an honest review.
October 7, 2023
wow, loved hope's story.
August 31, 2025
Good ending of this story arc. I think Pax is the most underrated character in this arc who ends up becoming the most amazing hero. Having gone back to read some of the original books I really wish Hope had a little more grit - for all the stuff she knows and has seen her naivety even around her own parents story is at times frustrating.
The only other thing I wish had been incorporated more is the mates of the Seven. I feel like the author went through all of this effort to explore their stories and somehow didn’t wrap it altogether at the end. My impression is they all + Sam became better and stronger because of their mates but like none of them seemed to draw on that strength and during the penultimate battle scene the 7 displayed some abilities they hadn’t before. I get that this was Hope’s story, but you build up The 7 so much and their prophetic role only to minimize it (IMO) in the end.
The only other thing I wish had been incorporated more is the mates of the Seven. I feel like the author went through all of this effort to explore their stories and somehow didn’t wrap it altogether at the end. My impression is they all + Sam became better and stronger because of their mates but like none of them seemed to draw on that strength and during the penultimate battle scene the 7 displayed some abilities they hadn’t before. I get that this was Hope’s story, but you build up The 7 so much and their prophetic role only to minimize it (IMO) in the end.
February 7, 2026
ARC courtesy of Netgalley
Boy, oh boy, was this book good. You would think after so many books in the series, the shine would start to diminish a bit....but let me tell you, from where I'm standing, this series is still shining bright.
I loved Hope's book. It was everything I wanted it to be. Paxton was completely swoon worthy, and it was so nice to have seen these characters grow up together through all the other books to finally getting their own story. I found myself watching the counter at the bottom of the book, dreading it getting closer to the end.
I really hope that we never have to leave this fantastic world that Rebecca Zanetti has created and that we see plenty more vampire, shifter, and demon stories.
Boy, oh boy, was this book good. You would think after so many books in the series, the shine would start to diminish a bit....but let me tell you, from where I'm standing, this series is still shining bright.
I loved Hope's book. It was everything I wanted it to be. Paxton was completely swoon worthy, and it was so nice to have seen these characters grow up together through all the other books to finally getting their own story. I found myself watching the counter at the bottom of the book, dreading it getting closer to the end.
I really hope that we never have to leave this fantastic world that Rebecca Zanetti has created and that we see plenty more vampire, shifter, and demon stories.
October 4, 2023
I have been looking forward to this one for a while... but honestly I was kind of bummed not to love it. I think part of it was that Zanetti isn't great at bridging between their storylines and generations - and this one felt very much like it wasn't connected to others. Also Hope... is a dummy. I couldn't get behind her the whole time. Pollyanna, deeply naive and honestly a little dumb. I couldn't handle it - especially because she wasn't like that UNTIL this book. But Paxton - is a goddamn delight. I adore the boy. Deeply consistent as a character and also just a sweetie with a big heart who needs and deserves all the love. I think I know where she is going next as an author? But honestly I might take a hard pause here. ... I did love Pax though.
October 3, 2023
I loved this book. The triangle between Hope, Drake and Pax comes to its conclusion. We have followed these characters since they were children and they all have stayed true to who they are. Hope ended up with the male who is her destiny. I loved seeing the other couples, Dage, Talen, Zane and Garrett. This series kept me always wanting more from these characters, who are truly a strong, fierce family. In the end, they finally take Ulric down with help from the Seven. I will miss this series, one of the best I have read. But I wait for what Ms Zanetti has for the future for The Realm.
October 10, 2023
In a word, Predictable
There was so much build up with the last 8 books just to be rushed at the end with the last 20 pages. A lot of things went unanswered. Lots of similarities to Janie and Zane. I feel like she could’ve spent more time on the ending to make or not be so rushed and wrap it up better. I feel a bit jipped with the details and complexity.
There was so much build up with the last 8 books just to be rushed at the end with the last 20 pages. A lot of things went unanswered. Lots of similarities to Janie and Zane. I feel like she could’ve spent more time on the ending to make or not be so rushed and wrap it up better. I feel a bit jipped with the details and complexity.
January 1, 2024
Omfg I loved every second of this story. Hope & Pax kept me on the edge of my seat and I'm so glad we finally got to see what the Seven and Ulric's ultimate battle would all come down to but holy shit I did NOT see that ending coming. Zanetti never fails to blow my mind.
Full review coming soon to the blog
Full review coming soon to the blog
December 7, 2023
Final book in this fantastic series was a huge disappointment. What happened to the fantastic adult banter? What happened to the strong capable women?
January 8, 2024
This series is problematic to me (alpha buttheads) but it's easy to read escapism. I thought this book was kinda boring and I felt bad for Hope's character being presented as a naive fool. Oh well.
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