Darkness Returns (Guardians of Eternity #13) by Alexandra Ivy-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 16, 2019

More powerful than ever, the Guardians of Eternity are facing their greatest challenge yet: a war within their ranks. Their future is in the hands of one rebel vampire, who must choose between loyalty and love . . .

Blessed with an even more compelling allure than most vampires, Chiron has made a fortune in the human world, creating an empire of resorts and casinos. Since the betrayal and imprisonment of his master, he has existed outside the order of the Guardians, trusting no one. But now, the new vampire king has given him a peace offering: a scroll that could free his master. Following the relic’s magic leads him to a demon hotel deep in the Everglades, a lush paradise owned by a mysterious and
mesmerizing woman . . .

As far as Lilah knows, she’s lived her entire life within the confines of her enchanted estate. Memories of her own past are elusive and cloaked in shadows. Even Chiron can’t figure out exactly what she is, and if her intoxicating beauty is his destiny or an illusion drawing him ever closer to his demise—or perhaps to an even more tormenting choice, between his master and his mate

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REVIEW: DARKNESS RETURNS is the thirteenth full-length instalment in Alexandra Ivy’s contemporary, adult GUARDIANS OF ETERNITY paranormal romance series. This is hotelier and ancient vampire Chiron, and hotelier Lilah’s story line. DARKNESS RETURNS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: WHEN DARKNESS ENDS was originally intended to be the final book in the author’s Guardians of Eternity series but the storyline ended with a happily ever after –for now, so it was the end of that particular arc. Now it appears Ms. Ivy will be continuing to focus on her Guardians of Eternity with a new story line arc.

Told from several third person perspectives including Chiron and Lilah DARKNESS RETURNS follows ancient vampire Chiron as he is tasked by the Anasso Styx (King of the Vampires) to find the vampire Chiron once called Master and friend, a male whose whereabouts are currently unknown. When the reigning Anasso discovers an ancient scroll, Chiron and the gargoyle Levet are called in to help locate the key that will hopefully free Tarak, the missing male. Strong magic and a veiled resort brings Chiron face to face with his future-enter hotelier Lilah, an immortal woman of unknown origins, and the woman Chiron knows to be his mate. What ensues is the search for the key; the discovery of magic and secrets, and the potential fall-out as the truth is revealed.

DARKNESS RETURNS is a story of betrayal, secrets, lies and loss. Lilah is unaware of the true nature of her past, a past that has been wiped from her mind and her thoughts. Chiron knows his Master is still alive but our hero must battle between head and heart when freeing Tarak could place his mate in mortal danger.

Alexandra Ivy introduces a new species or two to her world of the supernatural, species I suspected early on in the story. Levet’s inaccurate use of words and euphemisms is priceless and fun; the return of Viper, Styx and Ulric lends connection, cohesion and familiarity to the current story line. The premise is captivating; the romance is passionate; the characters are colorful, dark, and dangerous. DARKNESS RETURNS ends on a cliff-hanger, you have been warned.

Previous Reviews (this a list of books we have reviewed at The Reading Cafe. We have read most if not all of the books in the series but have not posted a review !)

When Darkness Comes
Embrace the Darkness
Darkness Everlasting
Darkness Revealed
Darkness Unleashed
Beyond the Darkness
Devoured by Darkness
Taken by Darkness
Darkness Eternal
Bound by Darkness
Where Darkness Lives
Fear The Darkness
Darkness Avenged
Darkness Eternal
Hunt the Darkness
A Very Levet Christmas
When Darkness Ends
Darkness Returns

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy