What do you think?
Rate this book
Dark #33
Dark Memory
Safia Meziane has trained since birth to protect her tribe, the family she holds so dear. All along she told herself the legends she was raised with were simply that. But now, she must call upon all of her skills to fight what lies ahead. Evil has come to their small town on the cost of Algeria, evil that Safia can feel but cannot see.
She is terrified she will not be able to protect the ones she loves. As her family’s “chosen one,” she has always believed she would face this task alone—until her family reveals she has been promised to a warrior who will join her. An outsider. A Carpathian. . . .
Petru Cioban is one of the oldest Carpathians in existence, and he has spent all that time without the soothing presence of his lifemate. For two thousand years he has waited for this woman to be reborn, only to find her in the sights of a monster he has fought before, a vampire risen again to finish a battle started centuries ago.
Now, Petru must face his greatest enemy and his greatest shame. He has no hope that Safia will forgive his betrayal once the memories of her past life return to her. But he will not make the same mistake again, even if he has to sacrifice everything for the woman who has claimed his immortal soul.
She is terrified she will not be able to protect the ones she loves. As her family’s “chosen one,” she has always believed she would face this task alone—until her family reveals she has been promised to a warrior who will join her. An outsider. A Carpathian. . . .
Petru Cioban is one of the oldest Carpathians in existence, and he has spent all that time without the soothing presence of his lifemate. For two thousand years he has waited for this woman to be reborn, only to find her in the sights of a monster he has fought before, a vampire risen again to finish a battle started centuries ago.
Now, Petru must face his greatest enemy and his greatest shame. He has no hope that Safia will forgive his betrayal once the memories of her past life return to her. But he will not make the same mistake again, even if he has to sacrifice everything for the woman who has claimed his immortal soul.
423 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2023
663 people are currently reading
1477 people want to read
About the author
Christine Feehan
155 books52.9k followersChristine Feehan is a #1 New York Times bestselling author multiple times over with her portfolio including over 100 published novels, including five series; Dark Series, GhostWalker Series, Leopard Series, Drake Sisters Series, the Sisters of the Heart Series, Shadow Riders, Torpedo Ink and her Romantic Suspense novels. All of her series have hit the #1 spot on the New York Times bestselling list as well. Her debut novel Dark Prince received 3 of the 9 Paranormal Excellence Awards in Romantic Literature (PEARL) in 1999. Since then she has been published by various publishing houses including Leisure Books, Pocket Books, and currently is writing for Berkley/Jove. She also has earned 7 more PEARL awards since Dark Prince.
Her series include:
The Dark Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/darkb...
The GhostWalker series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/ghost...
The Leopard Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/leopa...
The Shadow Series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/shado...
Torpedo Ink series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/torpe...
IN HER WORDS:
I've been a writer all of my life -- it is who I am. I write for myself and always have. The ability to create pictures and emotions with words is such a miracle to me. I read everything; I mean everything! All kinds of books, even encyclopedias. I am fascinated by the written word and I love storytellers. It is a great privilege to be counted one myself. (www.christinefeehan.com)
Her series include:
The Dark Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/darkb...
The GhostWalker series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/ghost...
The Leopard Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/leopa...
The Shadow Series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/shado...
Torpedo Ink series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/torpe...
IN HER WORDS:
I've been a writer all of my life -- it is who I am. I write for myself and always have. The ability to create pictures and emotions with words is such a miracle to me. I read everything; I mean everything! All kinds of books, even encyclopedias. I am fascinated by the written word and I love storytellers. It is a great privilege to be counted one myself. (www.christinefeehan.com)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 303 reviews
September 30, 2023
A legend, a protector of her tribe, and a 2000-year-old warrior are combined with suspense, action, and romance in
Dark Memory
by Christine Feehan. This is the thirty-seventh book in the Carpathian Dark paranormal romantic suspense series. Safia Meziane has trained to protect her tribe and family since birth. Evil is coming to Dellys, Algeria soon. While afraid she won’t be able to protect those she loves, she always thought she would face evil alone. However, her family reveals that isn’t so. She has been promised to a warrior. He’s an outsider and a Carpathian. Petru Cioban is over 2000 years old and has spent that time without the presence of his destined lifemate. Now he arrives only to find her ready to battle vampires and other evil beings.
While Safia and Petru are physically attracted to each other, their cultures are very different. This means they must work through their expectations and needs. Safia has been trained to be a warrior and defender of her people. She has abilities other humans don’t. She’s courageous, giving, compassionate, has fast reflexes, loves to bargain, and is used to speaking her mind. Petru is dangerous, a man of honor, powerful, intimidating, intelligent, an experienced fighter, and doesn’t believe in arguing. The secondary characters provided balance, opportunities for humor, support, and conflict and were well-developed.
While the novel is set in contemporary times, Safia’s family has passed down legends from generation to generation and have trained each to fight the coming evil. The narrative was descriptive giving readers a good feel for the Meziane farm as well as the nearby town of Dellys.
The plot was somewhat straightforward with high stakes and lots of risk. The significant amount of danger and action kept me fully engaged and made this a true page turner for me. This is a riveting story with protagonists that I liked and cheered on as their journey progressed and became ever more dangerous. The prose is well-written and engaging. Woven through the novel are threads of caring for others, family, betrayal, treatment and expectations of women, leadership, love, respect, trust, friendship, and the battle between good and evil. There are a couple of spicy scenes and a lot of violence in the story.
Overall, this novel is entertaining, suspenseful, full of danger, and has great characterization. If you enjoy thrilling paranormal romantic suspense novels, then I recommend you check out this series. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Berkley Publishing Group and Christine Feehan provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for October 03, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
-----------------------------------------
My 4.41 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
While Safia and Petru are physically attracted to each other, their cultures are very different. This means they must work through their expectations and needs. Safia has been trained to be a warrior and defender of her people. She has abilities other humans don’t. She’s courageous, giving, compassionate, has fast reflexes, loves to bargain, and is used to speaking her mind. Petru is dangerous, a man of honor, powerful, intimidating, intelligent, an experienced fighter, and doesn’t believe in arguing. The secondary characters provided balance, opportunities for humor, support, and conflict and were well-developed.
While the novel is set in contemporary times, Safia’s family has passed down legends from generation to generation and have trained each to fight the coming evil. The narrative was descriptive giving readers a good feel for the Meziane farm as well as the nearby town of Dellys.
The plot was somewhat straightforward with high stakes and lots of risk. The significant amount of danger and action kept me fully engaged and made this a true page turner for me. This is a riveting story with protagonists that I liked and cheered on as their journey progressed and became ever more dangerous. The prose is well-written and engaging. Woven through the novel are threads of caring for others, family, betrayal, treatment and expectations of women, leadership, love, respect, trust, friendship, and the battle between good and evil. There are a couple of spicy scenes and a lot of violence in the story.
Overall, this novel is entertaining, suspenseful, full of danger, and has great characterization. If you enjoy thrilling paranormal romantic suspense novels, then I recommend you check out this series. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Berkley Publishing Group and Christine Feehan provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for October 03, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
-----------------------------------------
My 4.41 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
October 3, 2023
This book started out incredibly slow with all the backstory about Safia's people and how her grandfather is the head of her tribe and has trained her to speak the Carpathian language for when she meets her lifemate. But he never told her that until recently and now she is not happy that the person she's supposed to marry is not someone from her tribe. Her grandfather also didn't tell her that this male she's been promised to is an immortal who drinks blood to live or that she will have to become like him in order to become his lifemate. Safia has been trained since she was very young to be the defender of her people against vampires and demons but she has yet to actually battle any. But her grandfather knows the time she will have to is fast approaching.
Safia is a warrior and when she has to face down vampires, demons and insects being controlled by evil who is out to kill her, she does so easily. She is also a tarot card reader and the cards tell her the future. When she finally meets Petru and the five Carpathian males that have accompanied him to help rid her village of the master vampires and demons that were sent there to kill her, she's not sure what to think of the male who is to be her lifemate.
This is not one of my favorites from this series because it's getting away from how this series started out with lots of Carpathians interacting with each other, nor did it bringing back characters from previous books. We don't see a lot of characters from previous books and that's a real shame, a missed opportunity right there. But I did like Petru, he was of course the typical Carpathian male who is bossy and likes to take charge but he saw Safia for the warrior she was and gave her the respect she deserved. So he at least had that going for him.
Towards the middle of the book it did pick back up and I found myself again very engaged in the story.
Dark Memory is book 37 in the Dark series by Christine Feehan, but I think it would be read as a standalone because we don't get a lot of backstory about the other characters from previous books.
Disclosure: I was given an e-ARC of this book via NetGalley but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Safia is a warrior and when she has to face down vampires, demons and insects being controlled by evil who is out to kill her, she does so easily. She is also a tarot card reader and the cards tell her the future. When she finally meets Petru and the five Carpathian males that have accompanied him to help rid her village of the master vampires and demons that were sent there to kill her, she's not sure what to think of the male who is to be her lifemate.
This is not one of my favorites from this series because it's getting away from how this series started out with lots of Carpathians interacting with each other, nor did it bringing back characters from previous books. We don't see a lot of characters from previous books and that's a real shame, a missed opportunity right there. But I did like Petru, he was of course the typical Carpathian male who is bossy and likes to take charge but he saw Safia for the warrior she was and gave her the respect she deserved. So he at least had that going for him.
Towards the middle of the book it did pick back up and I found myself again very engaged in the story.
Dark Memory is book 37 in the Dark series by Christine Feehan, but I think it would be read as a standalone because we don't get a lot of backstory about the other characters from previous books.
Disclosure: I was given an e-ARC of this book via NetGalley but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 6, 2023
I adore this particular series from Feehan, and this installment felt truly unique. I love the lore that she brought into this particular story, and our tortured hero was incredibly patient while our heroine got her feet and mind around the situation. I love me a man who is patient in a fated mates situation. This installment is beautiful, and I hope you will pick it up!
October 15, 2023
Frustrated Carpathian fan here 😟
Once again I am quite frustrated by this latest book
The last one or two in this series improved a bit but this one is just full of repetition, we as readers are intelligent enough to member the information we are reading throughout the story without the need for the same details being listed again and again constantly in each chapter , it's quite annoying & boring if I am honest, I enjoyed the story & the characters but my enjoyment of the book as a whole is tarnished by the constantly repeated same information!!
£12.99 for a kindle edition that ends at 88% is just disrespectful to those of us who have bought, read and followed this series for many years. Sadly that is this reader done with it which makes me sad as most of the series are wonderful books, richly imagined world building with fantastic characters, it's as if there's a different author writing the later stories, sorry but I can't keep paying for over priced, often poor & repetitive additions to this once much loved & enjoyed series. So frustrating 😥
Once again I am quite frustrated by this latest book
The last one or two in this series improved a bit but this one is just full of repetition, we as readers are intelligent enough to member the information we are reading throughout the story without the need for the same details being listed again and again constantly in each chapter , it's quite annoying & boring if I am honest, I enjoyed the story & the characters but my enjoyment of the book as a whole is tarnished by the constantly repeated same information!!
£12.99 for a kindle edition that ends at 88% is just disrespectful to those of us who have bought, read and followed this series for many years. Sadly that is this reader done with it which makes me sad as most of the series are wonderful books, richly imagined world building with fantastic characters, it's as if there's a different author writing the later stories, sorry but I can't keep paying for over priced, often poor & repetitive additions to this once much loved & enjoyed series. So frustrating 😥
October 4, 2023
I sometimes don't like these books when they are set away from the greater Carpathian people, as I like seeing the group as a whole and for them to help the new person. While this one was missing that, we had Safia's family, so there were some similarities. I really loved learning the history of Safia's family and how for so many years they kept alive the warrior in stories and by having one of their women always learning how to fight to help when the need came again.
Safia did pretty well learning about the Carpathian's and how her life would change. The only thing that really made her want to halt things was changing, but only because that meant her family wouldn't be protected. But when Petru let Safia know there were other ways they could keep the family safe, that helped, as did his capitulation that they would stay with her family until they were gone.
The battles came pretty fast and they all had to work together to do what needed to be done and fight on all fronts. Happily they were successful!
The ending was a bit bittersweet. Petru and Safia were happy, but others with Petru were still searching for their lifemates. Safia at least could give them a starting place and some info with her cards, but it still looks like it won't be easy for them.
Safia did pretty well learning about the Carpathian's and how her life would change. The only thing that really made her want to halt things was changing, but only because that meant her family wouldn't be protected. But when Petru let Safia know there were other ways they could keep the family safe, that helped, as did his capitulation that they would stay with her family until they were gone.
The battles came pretty fast and they all had to work together to do what needed to be done and fight on all fronts. Happily they were successful!
The ending was a bit bittersweet. Petru and Safia were happy, but others with Petru were still searching for their lifemates. Safia at least could give them a starting place and some info with her cards, but it still looks like it won't be easy for them.
October 16, 2023
This book both deserves and doesn't deserve 3 stars. It deserves 3 stars because I'm still enamored with this world. I like the various supernatural beings and the strategy sessions figuring out how to fight them and the battles showing our heroes in action. It doesn't deserve 3 stars because, man, is it repetitive. Like, ridiculously repetitive. You'll read pages repetitively describing or explaining something and then a few pages later you get more pages describing or explaining the exact same thing. I could be wrong but it reads like an attempt to increase the word count. It's very frustrating because this world Feehan has created is fantastic. Know how I know I'm TRULY bothered by the flaws? I pretty much skip the "adult" scenes in this series (and her others) nowadays. Lol.
October 4, 2023
Rating-3.5 Stars
Received a ARC copy in exchange for a honest review
My Review:
First Impressions
Dark Memory is the 33rd installment in the Carpathian series (also known as the Dark Series), and in this one we get the story of Petru and Safia. I had been pretty excited for this one but honestly, I knew I wasn’t going into this one in the right mood to enjoy it fully. I did enjoy many aspects of this book though and it was intriguing to see that this book was set on an island and had some strong family aspects to it that I really enjoyed. There is something so endearing and compelling about the ways in which Feehan will create the atmosphere of her stories and it can immediately pull you into a story. The premise of this book was very intriguing and I was curious to see how it would be handled. And while it didn’t quite fully work for me in the ways that I would have liked, many readers of PNR and those that love kick ass heroines, will quite get a kick out of this one. Its also important to note that I recommend at least reading Dark Tarot and Dark Whisper before reading this one just due to some of the aspects of the world building that is implemented within this one here.
Summary
Safia Meziane was raised on an island with her family and her tribe. She has been trained almost since birth to be the fighter of her tribe. All she has really known is training and solitude. Even though she loves her family she has felt lonely. There has been some evil that has been spreading across their island, and she learns that her family has kept secrets from her and a destiny that she never knew existed. Safia is the “Chosen One” which means that she was born to be the lifemate to a Carpathian, which is unknown for any in their tribe. But she is learning she has been destined to marry a complete stranger and her family kept the truth of it from her. She has trained to fight demons and to be the cardholder. Then we have Petru Cioban, who is one of the older Carpathians and he lost his lifemate as a child but knew that she would come back to him and that rebirth has been done within Safia. Safia and Petru are complete strangers to each other. As they learn each other, they also have a growing evil of vampire and demons coming for them and Safia’s tribe. But there are secrets that will need to be revealed before Safia and Petru can find the destiny they are meant for…
What I Loved
There were so many aspects to this story that I truly loved. I really was curious to see where the author would take this story. The setting first off I was super impressed with. I am not sure I have read this author ever having such a setting and it felt so rich in culture and vibes of mystery and intrigue. This is also the perfect book to kick off my October month with. If you want some kick ass and spooky vibes, then look no further than Dark Memory. It was superb in delivering the right atmosphere that you can easily get behind on. I also adored the hero. He is so patient and understanding with Safia. For a man and immortal who has lived for centuries, he definitely delivered more grace than Safia deserved at times. And while he isn’t perfect, he is sincere and genuine with Safia. There were aspects of Safia’s character that I did like at times. She does have a caring heart and is devoted to her family even when they have kept secrets from her for years, she has a forgiving heart for them. She also is brave and willing to face whatever challenge that comes to her and I did admire her spirit in fighting evil.
What I Struggled With
There were some aspects to this story that I did struggle with. It wasn’t an easy read. And first off, I do recommend making sure you are in the mood for a kick ass type of heroine. Because if you aren’t, this might not be for you. I struggled with Safia’s character at times. I wanted to love her and I went into this story with an open mind but to be honest, she is one of my least favorite heroines that I have read from this author. She was a bit too modern for my liking. Some aspects of her character just didn’t quite fit and she was self-righteous at times which turned me off. She tended to be a bit naive when it came to the relationship with Petru and was not willing to take accountability for her own actions, but willing to place the blame on others.
Overall View
Dark Memory is a sensational tale that will keep you hooked. It’s a story of second chances, claiming your destiny, and moving forward with courage and zeal! AN ACTION-PACKED GEM THAT ONLY FEEHAN CAN DELIVER!
Received a ARC copy in exchange for a honest review
My Review:
First Impressions
Dark Memory is the 33rd installment in the Carpathian series (also known as the Dark Series), and in this one we get the story of Petru and Safia. I had been pretty excited for this one but honestly, I knew I wasn’t going into this one in the right mood to enjoy it fully. I did enjoy many aspects of this book though and it was intriguing to see that this book was set on an island and had some strong family aspects to it that I really enjoyed. There is something so endearing and compelling about the ways in which Feehan will create the atmosphere of her stories and it can immediately pull you into a story. The premise of this book was very intriguing and I was curious to see how it would be handled. And while it didn’t quite fully work for me in the ways that I would have liked, many readers of PNR and those that love kick ass heroines, will quite get a kick out of this one. Its also important to note that I recommend at least reading Dark Tarot and Dark Whisper before reading this one just due to some of the aspects of the world building that is implemented within this one here.
Summary
Safia Meziane was raised on an island with her family and her tribe. She has been trained almost since birth to be the fighter of her tribe. All she has really known is training and solitude. Even though she loves her family she has felt lonely. There has been some evil that has been spreading across their island, and she learns that her family has kept secrets from her and a destiny that she never knew existed. Safia is the “Chosen One” which means that she was born to be the lifemate to a Carpathian, which is unknown for any in their tribe. But she is learning she has been destined to marry a complete stranger and her family kept the truth of it from her. She has trained to fight demons and to be the cardholder. Then we have Petru Cioban, who is one of the older Carpathians and he lost his lifemate as a child but knew that she would come back to him and that rebirth has been done within Safia. Safia and Petru are complete strangers to each other. As they learn each other, they also have a growing evil of vampire and demons coming for them and Safia’s tribe. But there are secrets that will need to be revealed before Safia and Petru can find the destiny they are meant for…
What I Loved
There were so many aspects to this story that I truly loved. I really was curious to see where the author would take this story. The setting first off I was super impressed with. I am not sure I have read this author ever having such a setting and it felt so rich in culture and vibes of mystery and intrigue. This is also the perfect book to kick off my October month with. If you want some kick ass and spooky vibes, then look no further than Dark Memory. It was superb in delivering the right atmosphere that you can easily get behind on. I also adored the hero. He is so patient and understanding with Safia. For a man and immortal who has lived for centuries, he definitely delivered more grace than Safia deserved at times. And while he isn’t perfect, he is sincere and genuine with Safia. There were aspects of Safia’s character that I did like at times. She does have a caring heart and is devoted to her family even when they have kept secrets from her for years, she has a forgiving heart for them. She also is brave and willing to face whatever challenge that comes to her and I did admire her spirit in fighting evil.
What I Struggled With
There were some aspects to this story that I did struggle with. It wasn’t an easy read. And first off, I do recommend making sure you are in the mood for a kick ass type of heroine. Because if you aren’t, this might not be for you. I struggled with Safia’s character at times. I wanted to love her and I went into this story with an open mind but to be honest, she is one of my least favorite heroines that I have read from this author. She was a bit too modern for my liking. Some aspects of her character just didn’t quite fit and she was self-righteous at times which turned me off. She tended to be a bit naive when it came to the relationship with Petru and was not willing to take accountability for her own actions, but willing to place the blame on others.
Overall View
Dark Memory is a sensational tale that will keep you hooked. It’s a story of second chances, claiming your destiny, and moving forward with courage and zeal! AN ACTION-PACKED GEM THAT ONLY FEEHAN CAN DELIVER!
October 5, 2023
Safia is a kickass heroine with superpowers to vanquish the bad guys. She finds out she’s been promised to Petru, a Carpathian hottie and legendary vampire fighter, her lifemate. Safia’s not too happy she wasn’t told about this, but there are bigger things to worry about like evil vampires, demons and Lillith the ultimate baddie, coming for her and her family!
Love the whole “fated mates” concept and they have a past! Their romance is a slow burn, well done and hot!
Dark Memory was an exciting paranormal romance! Good vs. evil, danger and action at every turn, a chemistry filled romance and a family, both found and blood related, to love and root for!
Things to note: The story took a bit to get into but worth the time. Safia and Petru’s story wraps up, but the fight against evil isn’t over. Petru’s Carpathian friends will be getting their own stories complete with lifemates. Dark Memory can easily be read as a standalone.
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
Love the whole “fated mates” concept and they have a past! Their romance is a slow burn, well done and hot!
Dark Memory was an exciting paranormal romance! Good vs. evil, danger and action at every turn, a chemistry filled romance and a family, both found and blood related, to love and root for!
Things to note: The story took a bit to get into but worth the time. Safia and Petru’s story wraps up, but the fight against evil isn’t over. Petru’s Carpathian friends will be getting their own stories complete with lifemates. Dark Memory can easily be read as a standalone.
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2023
Dark Memory is as fascinating as it is thrilling. There is truly never a dull moment as the wicked tension and delicious romance continually builds at a steady rate. You never know what to expect from this dark yet passionate world with its beautifully extraordinary characters. I know I am never disappointed, and I am always left wanting more.
Sofia knows her time of finding her mate is at hand. However, the revelation of who he is shocks her to the breaking point. While knowing she is unique; she never realized just how special she is. Petru knows one thing above all others; his life mate is in danger. He will move Heaven and Hell to ensure her safety, but no one said how hard it would to watch her play out her role in the coming battle with Lillth. Can Petru allow Safia to take her role on the deadly chessboard, or will he lose his sacred light forever?
Safia was a joy to get to know. She was very independent, completely devoted to her family, and passionate about her role in keeping her city safe. All of her rough edges as other saw only served to soothe the pain and fill the empty spaces in his very soul. Petru may be an ancient, but there is a reason that a woman completes a man. They are the softness that tends the barren soil in order to make it fertile and brighten their life.
Christine Feehan stretched out hearts to make room for two very important and crucial couples in her world. While I wait with bated breath for her next book in this series, I will never forget them, and I will think often of how their differences fit together just right. Her world helps me to realize that each of us have a purpose in this life, and once we find it, nothing will ever be the same again.
Sofia knows her time of finding her mate is at hand. However, the revelation of who he is shocks her to the breaking point. While knowing she is unique; she never realized just how special she is. Petru knows one thing above all others; his life mate is in danger. He will move Heaven and Hell to ensure her safety, but no one said how hard it would to watch her play out her role in the coming battle with Lillth. Can Petru allow Safia to take her role on the deadly chessboard, or will he lose his sacred light forever?
Safia was a joy to get to know. She was very independent, completely devoted to her family, and passionate about her role in keeping her city safe. All of her rough edges as other saw only served to soothe the pain and fill the empty spaces in his very soul. Petru may be an ancient, but there is a reason that a woman completes a man. They are the softness that tends the barren soil in order to make it fertile and brighten their life.
Christine Feehan stretched out hearts to make room for two very important and crucial couples in her world. While I wait with bated breath for her next book in this series, I will never forget them, and I will think often of how their differences fit together just right. Her world helps me to realize that each of us have a purpose in this life, and once we find it, nothing will ever be the same again.
October 8, 2023
Always a beautiful love story.
This series has 37 books so far so many tragic love stories mired in danger with tragedy always a heartbeat away. For so long it was just the turned Carpathians (vampires) along with their minions that our heroes had to fight, then came the evil mages who utilised the vampires and the Carpathians own biology against them (bringing the race to the brink of extinction). Now, when the threat from these evils has almost been eradicated (there is one mage left and always there are more vampires) comes the demons..........straight from hell. Controlled by a princess of hell Lilith this is not the first time she has tried to invade the earth and enslave humanity. But there are a select group of Carpathian males, ancients who have spent centuries hidden away in a monastery so they could resist the temptation of turning vampire. They took strength from the bonds they forged between each other. This new enemy has drawn them down from the mountain and across the world to find their lifemates one by one as each woman is a special warrior herself, raised and trained from birth to protect the earth and humanity from Lilith and her demons. Each woman protects a gate, which leads directly to hell and which must be guarded and kept sealed............... Each couple faces a deadly foe, many battles resulting possibly in tragic losses but the price if they are defeated will be help on earth...................
This series has 37 books so far so many tragic love stories mired in danger with tragedy always a heartbeat away. For so long it was just the turned Carpathians (vampires) along with their minions that our heroes had to fight, then came the evil mages who utilised the vampires and the Carpathians own biology against them (bringing the race to the brink of extinction). Now, when the threat from these evils has almost been eradicated (there is one mage left and always there are more vampires) comes the demons..........straight from hell. Controlled by a princess of hell Lilith this is not the first time she has tried to invade the earth and enslave humanity. But there are a select group of Carpathian males, ancients who have spent centuries hidden away in a monastery so they could resist the temptation of turning vampire. They took strength from the bonds they forged between each other. This new enemy has drawn them down from the mountain and across the world to find their lifemates one by one as each woman is a special warrior herself, raised and trained from birth to protect the earth and humanity from Lilith and her demons. Each woman protects a gate, which leads directly to hell and which must be guarded and kept sealed............... Each couple faces a deadly foe, many battles resulting possibly in tragic losses but the price if they are defeated will be help on earth...................
October 5, 2023
Good story ,not worth the money charged !
First time I’ve given one of dark series low rating ! I found story good but seemed lot of repeating and to be truthful just not worth the money ! Had I paid under £10 ,I would not feel as disappointed but for length of book and all the extras that make story even shorter . I have every book in Dark series but definitely not getting same value for money as used to ! Such a shame !
First time I’ve given one of dark series low rating ! I found story good but seemed lot of repeating and to be truthful just not worth the money ! Had I paid under £10 ,I would not feel as disappointed but for length of book and all the extras that make story even shorter . I have every book in Dark series but definitely not getting same value for money as used to ! Such a shame !
October 11, 2023
This story didn't keep my attention! Very repetitive! I did like the ending, where Safia does a reading for each Carpathian warrior as they go off to search for their lifemates!
October 3, 2023
✦Review: DARK MEMORY by Christine Feehan https://bit.ly/45eXTNA
Publication Date: 10/3/2023
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 4.5 Stars
I got lost in this tale from the start. I loved the Algerian aspect and family customs so easily incorporated into the storyline. Safia came alive as the family and tribe’s demon slayer and protector. Those around her aided in describing her character and strength just by their interaction with her, making me become invested in all the tribe’s future. Petru is the usual ancient Carpathian. He had a few different nuances because of his and Safia’s history, but his character was not as rounded out as hers. I enjoyed their lover’s banter as the relationship progressed. Nice sexiness intertwined with the danger and evil surrounding them.
The story itself was fast paced and quite riveting. Safia’s way of fighting demons and vampires had new aspects that made it interesting. Lilith and her demon horde had their work cut out for them when facing Safia and Petru’s people. I cannot wait for the next installment. The hints about it sounded quite enticing.
*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.
~*~*~*~
Kindle https://amzn.to/3F290OZ
Publication Date: 10/3/2023
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 4.5 Stars
I got lost in this tale from the start. I loved the Algerian aspect and family customs so easily incorporated into the storyline. Safia came alive as the family and tribe’s demon slayer and protector. Those around her aided in describing her character and strength just by their interaction with her, making me become invested in all the tribe’s future. Petru is the usual ancient Carpathian. He had a few different nuances because of his and Safia’s history, but his character was not as rounded out as hers. I enjoyed their lover’s banter as the relationship progressed. Nice sexiness intertwined with the danger and evil surrounding them.
The story itself was fast paced and quite riveting. Safia’s way of fighting demons and vampires had new aspects that made it interesting. Lilith and her demon horde had their work cut out for them when facing Safia and Petru’s people. I cannot wait for the next installment. The hints about it sounded quite enticing.
*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.
~*~*~*~
Kindle https://amzn.to/3F290OZ
August 31, 2025
Ok so this was the first book in this series and by this author that took me a really long time to get into and finish it. I almost didn’t but I wanted to stay the course. It was hard because this series was everything about Carpathian’s and it was always fascinating and suspenseful and full of so much heat that is one of the things I love about Mrs. Feehan’s writing is she never shied away from the sex in her books but this one just took forever and wasn’t as spicy as I’m used too. Definitely still good just different.
January 1, 2024
3 and 1/2 stars
September 1, 2023
Another wonderful installation in the Dark series. Christine continues to expand her world and I always look forward to her books! Fated mates/soulmates is one of my favorite tropes!
Safia is a strong warrior and defender of her area. Her family has been training for two thousand years, waiting for the return of Lillith and her demon horde. Petru is an ancient Carpathian who realizes that two thousand years ago he made a decision to choose destroying Lillith and saving his lifemate. These dark memories (ha, title drop) concern him about meeting her again in this time.
Christine does a great job of making time for Safia and Petru to make real connections with each other, while also preparing for a war with demons and vampires. Looking forward to the next installment, which will hopefully be either Benedek or Nicu.
Thank you to Net Galley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Safia is a strong warrior and defender of her area. Her family has been training for two thousand years, waiting for the return of Lillith and her demon horde. Petru is an ancient Carpathian who realizes that two thousand years ago he made a decision to choose destroying Lillith and saving his lifemate. These dark memories (ha, title drop) concern him about meeting her again in this time.
Christine does a great job of making time for Safia and Petru to make real connections with each other, while also preparing for a war with demons and vampires. Looking forward to the next installment, which will hopefully be either Benedek or Nicu.
Thank you to Net Galley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2023
I loved reading this story and this couple, with their particulars, because boy, they have a lot to deal with!
August 7, 2024
If you prefer to listen with added extras: YouTube SERIES Review
I have been reading the Dark Carpathian series for a long time - we are of course on book 33! But I agree with another reviewer, this book seems like it was written by somebody else. The setting is of course different, it's not with the de la Cruz in South America, it's not with Aiden and his brother and others in the US or in the Carpathian's themselves... it's North Africa, and I applaud that, but it doesn't feel right.
I feel like Feehan got bored, and then got way too engrossed in this new tribe she's found and researched. There is way too much information about customs and traditions and not enough interaction between the lifemates. I've watched Petru keenly and wanted his story, but I just don't' feel it in this one.
The addition of demon's into the Dark series is a bit of a ick for me, this emerging story of 4 hell gates guarded by the Carpathian women - and I want to know about the trapped Carpathian I really do!! But now the water is muddied as to who is working against who - and what and why... we had the mages, we had Razvan and his family and now.... LILITH!!! Really!! I feel that Lilith is used way too easily and often as an excuse to use her name and was very disappointed about the use of her.
I found myself skipping huge paragraphs of fluff - yes fluff is a technical reading term - and skipping to the good bits. I miss good old master vampires and stuff and whilst I am holding out for Nicu getting his lifemate, I'm not sure I can read anymore other stories in this series before we get there.
I have been reading the Dark Carpathian series for a long time - we are of course on book 33! But I agree with another reviewer, this book seems like it was written by somebody else. The setting is of course different, it's not with the de la Cruz in South America, it's not with Aiden and his brother and others in the US or in the Carpathian's themselves... it's North Africa, and I applaud that, but it doesn't feel right.
I feel like Feehan got bored, and then got way too engrossed in this new tribe she's found and researched. There is way too much information about customs and traditions and not enough interaction between the lifemates. I've watched Petru keenly and wanted his story, but I just don't' feel it in this one.
The addition of demon's into the Dark series is a bit of a ick for me, this emerging story of 4 hell gates guarded by the Carpathian women - and I want to know about the trapped Carpathian I really do!! But now the water is muddied as to who is working against who - and what and why... we had the mages, we had Razvan and his family and now.... LILITH!!! Really!! I feel that Lilith is used way too easily and often as an excuse to use her name and was very disappointed about the use of her.
I found myself skipping huge paragraphs of fluff - yes fluff is a technical reading term - and skipping to the good bits. I miss good old master vampires and stuff and whilst I am holding out for Nicu getting his lifemate, I'm not sure I can read anymore other stories in this series before we get there.
November 22, 2023
I think this series might be starting to get a little dry because as I was reading it the thought crossed my mind that these lead characters are starting to sound alike. It’s like a cookie cutter tall, buff, beautiful, long haired man who has no emotions until he runs into the virgin woman that’s his other half. One thing I can say is that at least the man is also a virgin, so it’s not all one sided. I may read later books in this series but it’s debateable.
October 12, 2023
Saphia is from an Amazonian tribe and is the chosen 1 and defender of her family. It is a very close family. Her brothers and sisters are happily married thanks to her grandfather who is Aseeer and the priest and leader of the family. Saphia is the one who was chosen to be the defender of their family and watches over her grandfather when he goes to commune with the spirits whenever she ask her grandfather who she will marry he tells her you will find out in the day has come what her father and grandfather tells her makes her angry they say she will marry a Carpathian warrior Who was born over 1000 years ago but thanks to him saving her ancestors they promised when the warrior was needed he would come back but when he did they had to promise the chosen daughter would be his bride and the time has come and the daughter is Saphia. Lately she has been having little accidents and feeling dark spirits somethings she had first blows off but once her grandfather realizes the danger he tells the whole story to her and about her soon to be bride groom. Let me just say this is an awesome awesome story I am not in to stories about vampires and they have those in here as a matter of a fact that they are the danger but everything about the story is awesome from her meeting her Carpathian warrior to the battle with the vampires the little ones and the biggest ones it’s all awesome if this is the beginning of a series Count me in this girl is such a bad ass and I haven’t even mentioned her spiritual sister or Mia I know I spelled that wrong but either way the story is a story that keeps giving because that’s the story goes along each little nuance and secret is revealed and it makes the story that much better I do think this book could’ve had A more spectacular name but OMG it really is a relevant want to get into the story such a great book! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it I want to thank the publisher and Net Galley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
December 8, 2023
Petru Cioban is a two thousand year old Carpathian Male a master hunter and without feeling colors or any light until he finds his life mate. He knows who she is and where she is but he feels unworthy of her since he has let her die once before something no other Carpathian Male has ever done. Safia is Petru's life mate but she is also her family's demon slayer their defender passed down to her since the day of her birth she knows nothing of strange men called Carpathians and what being with one is like or what is expected of her...Her Grandfather says she is promised to this man and she must obey so she will....but with demons and vampires coming for her her village and her beloved family she is running out of time. Can she and the man called Petru stop the evil and keep everyone Safia loves and cherishes safe and protected or will she lose someone she holds close????Lilith is pure evil and has had two thousand years to plan her revenge on Petru and on Safia and her family.
October 22, 2023
Another one bites the dust
I love this series, but I swear... Each book gets more and more complicated and there are 0 answers to all the questions. I have lost track of what is going on... What happened to the good old evil vampire hunters? Why is Lilith the principal bad character? What happened to the others? Why don't they let Justice out? Why... Why... Why...
I love this series, but I swear... Each book gets more and more complicated and there are 0 answers to all the questions. I have lost track of what is going on... What happened to the good old evil vampire hunters? Why is Lilith the principal bad character? What happened to the others? Why don't they let Justice out? Why... Why... Why...
November 8, 2023
Way better than the last 2 .. and kinda excited for the next book
December 11, 2023
This book has great unrealized potential. The world building is terrific but there is far too much repetition in relating the back story and some of the characterizations. Great writing is about showing what is happening rather than telling about what has happened. Some exceptions are the LENGTHY sex scenes and some of the fights and battles. You can tell which the author has thought out most carefully. Only a few major characters get the full treatment. Most are easily interchangeable. Only recommended for fans of the series.
February 10, 2024
me gusto bastante el principio, lleno de accion, tambien me gusto como describen a la familia de la FL y sus costumbres
pero para el final se me hizo bastante aburrido, excepto claro.. cuando le hace la lectura de cartas a los demas, no puedo esperar por ver a la pareja de Nicu en el proximo libro
pero para el final se me hizo bastante aburrido, excepto claro.. cuando le hace la lectura de cartas a los demas, no puedo esperar por ver a la pareja de Nicu en el proximo libro
October 12, 2024
Loved this story! Petru & Safia are such fun. I am anxious to see what happens with the rest of the ancients and their search for their own lifemates.
November 24, 2024
Christine Feehan works her magic yet again as the Quest of these Ancient Carpathians continues! Lilith Queen of the underworld has been trying for ages to plot and plan and gain the heart of Mother Earth and power over the world. So far, these Ancients have come up against her in some different way in their pasts... and now, with their lifemates and brethren, they have come against her yet again…in this latest installment, we learn of Petru’s story.
Our brave warrior, master of weapons and strategy. He and the Amazigh people made the greatest sacrifice millennium ago, to sacrifice the One, his one, to save the many. He carried his guilt awaiting her rebirth, the return of the light of his soul.
Safia discovers she is the one promised to an ancient warrior, one who has lived in her dreams, the battle of her nightmares…Petru Cioban. Petru finally has his lifemate. Lilith plots again to destroy them keep them apart. This time his woman is not a child but a strong powerful warrior in her own right. And She has her warrior to help save her people. And the battles and action fill the pages to go along with it!
But also woven into the threats is the dreamy sigh moments of man and woman . His discovering her skills and partnership that truly makes her the other half of his soul. And Safia discovering Petru as more than the warrior but as the man, the one not only to fight beside but to love her and in return one she can love. Along with the aid of her family, his brethren, Aura the Guardian, this is truly a journey that has you turning pages with the gambit of emotions.
Our brave warrior, master of weapons and strategy. He and the Amazigh people made the greatest sacrifice millennium ago, to sacrifice the One, his one, to save the many. He carried his guilt awaiting her rebirth, the return of the light of his soul.
Safia discovers she is the one promised to an ancient warrior, one who has lived in her dreams, the battle of her nightmares…Petru Cioban. Petru finally has his lifemate. Lilith plots again to destroy them keep them apart. This time his woman is not a child but a strong powerful warrior in her own right. And She has her warrior to help save her people. And the battles and action fill the pages to go along with it!
But also woven into the threats is the dreamy sigh moments of man and woman . His discovering her skills and partnership that truly makes her the other half of his soul. And Safia discovering Petru as more than the warrior but as the man, the one not only to fight beside but to love her and in return one she can love. Along with the aid of her family, his brethren, Aura the Guardian, this is truly a journey that has you turning pages with the gambit of emotions.
February 3, 2024
I love the Carpathian (Dark) series. Every new instalment leaves me wanting more. Christine Feehan crafts such excellent plotlines! Just look at how far the Carpathians have come. The books started with the Prince and some key characters to introduce the Carpathians and the lifemate concept. I love how Christine Feehan then introduced the different story arcs in such a seamless way that all these new characters and their backstories blended in so well, as if they’d always been part of the Carpathian world. Case in point, my darling Dax. (see Dark Storm).
My review of Dark Memory would have been incomplete without mentioning the story arcs. You can see that seamless integration in Dark Memory with a new female MC, Safia, who is so fierce and courageous and how she fit in perfectly with Petru. I loved it! I was amazed at the plotline & Petru’s backstory broke my heart.
And of course, we have the latest story arc interwoven with Safia & Petru’s story, leaving us with the anticipation of when, when, when! I, for one, am waiting with bated breath for the next Carpathian book & of course, the much-anticipated conclusion.
Stay tuned.
∼Lyn
Posted on Blog
December 15, 2024
Loved this book and this series.
This book is part of a mini-arc in the series that could be read without reading the rest of the series. It starts with Dark Tarot (Dark, #31). It deals with the ancient hunters who have lived too long and given up finding their lifemate. Too dangerous to be hunting any longer, they band together to hold their honor. But when they are tempted out with the knowledge that their lifemates live in this century, they travel together to search.
This book is a unique addition to this series. Safia lives in a different world, trained to protect her tribe and the family she loves. She carries the cards. She has the gifts that will allow her to defeat the monsters sent from the underworld. She knows that Petru is coming to help her. She met him in a different life. But is there too much for them both to overcome to save her tribe and those around them?
I love this little mini-arc and can't wait for more.
This book is part of a mini-arc in the series that could be read without reading the rest of the series. It starts with Dark Tarot (Dark, #31). It deals with the ancient hunters who have lived too long and given up finding their lifemate. Too dangerous to be hunting any longer, they band together to hold their honor. But when they are tempted out with the knowledge that their lifemates live in this century, they travel together to search.
This book is a unique addition to this series. Safia lives in a different world, trained to protect her tribe and the family she loves. She carries the cards. She has the gifts that will allow her to defeat the monsters sent from the underworld. She knows that Petru is coming to help her. She met him in a different life. But is there too much for them both to overcome to save her tribe and those around them?
I love this little mini-arc and can't wait for more.
November 16, 2023
Every Christine feehan book is amazing! But I particularly loved this one, especially remembering Petru swearing he would never stand a woman fighting vampires back in Andor's book... That thought didn't take long to go out the window... He adjusted to the idea real quick 😆
Displaying 1 - 30 of 303 reviews