Dark Wolf (Dark Carpathian #25) by Christine Feehan-a dual review
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DARK WOLF (Dark Carpathian #25) by Christine Feehan
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 7, 2014
Skyler Daratrazanoff always recognized the miracle that was Dimitri Tirunul, a man beyond any dream that had ever engaged her nights. But she was human. Vulnerable. He was Carpathian. Nearly immortal. She was nineteen. He was an ancient. Yet she held half his soul, the light to his darkness. Without her, he would not survive. Caught between the two warring species, Dimitri has spent centuries hunting the undead to keep his people free, and humans safe. He had survived honorably when others had chosen to give up their souls. But now, marked for extermination by the Lycans, Dimitri found himself alone, and fearing for his life. But salvation was coming…
No Lycan would ever suspect someone like Skyler to dare mount a secret rescue operation. A teenage girl. A human of untested abilities. But she had something no one else had. She was predestined for Dimitri—as he was for her. And there was nothing stronger for Skyler than her desire to see her life-dream come true. Whatever the risk.
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REVIEW by Sandy
Dark Wolf (Dark Carpathian #25) by Christine Feehan is the second part of a three part trilogy storyline focusing on the Carpathians, the Lycans and a new hybrid breed of vampire. This is Skyler and Dimitri’s storyline.
Some background about the series: All Carpathian males, must find their lifemates before they turn vampire or greet the dawn. Without a lifemate, the males no longer see in color, feel pain or experience emotions. A lifemate is the light to their dark. She is the keeper of his heart and the keeper of his soul.
DARK WOLF is one of the most anticipated storylines in Christine Feehan’s Dark Carpathian paranormal romance series in a number of years. Dark Wolf focuses on Skylar Daratrazanoff-a nineteen year old woman who years earlier discovered that an ancient warrior known as Dimitri Tirunul was her lifemate. All Carpathian males must find their lifemate before the darkness takes over their mind and their soul; without a lifemate a Carpathian male will eventually turn vampire or walk into the sun to end his life. But Skylar was too young to be claimed and Dimitri has waited patiently until now. With his life literally in her hands, Skylar offers the one thing that Dimitri desires most-her trust and her soul.
The storyline continues on the heals of Dark Lycan and one that reveals much more about the history of the Lycan and a vampire/lycan hybrid known as the Sange rau. We will follow as Dimitri is used as bait to pull the Carpathians into a war between the species but when a fiercely independent and strong young woman sets about to rescue the man that she loves, the lycans further their plans with an attempt against the Prince and the Carpathian people.
Christine Feehan has walked a delicate line with Skylar and Dimitri’s relationship. It has been building for a number of years-ever since Dimitri revealed that a sixteen year old Skylar was his lifemate during the holiday gathering of Dark Celebration. Too young to be claimed and too emotionally battered to understand, fans have been divided as to how Ms. Feehan should approach the claiming of a woman said to be too emotionally and physically fragile. As a survivor of sexual abuse, Skylar’s story would have to be handled with care and Christine Feehan has done an amazing job putting the struggles of both characters into perspective. After all, it is a paranormal storyline built around fantasy and romance and who better to heal the mind and soul but a man who knows that there is only one woman for him-in the world.
Christine pulls together many of the previous storyline characters including the entire De La Cruz family, Josef and Byron, as well as the Daratranoff brothers, Razvan and Ivory, and the Dragonseeker twins. It felt like old times with the return to the Carpathian Mountains. And as we all know Dimitri is one with the wolf and we will be introduced to a new wolf pack that both Skylar and Dimitri will hold close to their hearts.
Review by Barb
Dark Wolf by Christine Feehan is the 25th book in her Dark series. However, Dark Wolf is the 2nd book in her special trilogy that began with Dark Lycan. In this book, we finally finally get what many people have been anxiously awaiting for a long time….. Skyler and Dimitri’s story. When Christine noted that she will be bringing the popular couple together as true lifemates, I worried how this would be handled. We knew Skyler was a teenager still, though Christine has allowed a few years to pass, and Skyler is now 19. As I noted in my Dark Lycan review, I was thrilled that Christine has gone back to the stories that made this series so special. Well, she continues this fabulous return, as Dark Wolf is a fantastic and fabulous read. Skyler and Dimitri’s finalizing their lifemate bond was handled so well.
When we last left off in Dark Lycan, Dimitri was captured by the Lycan’s to be killed as a dangerous breed, Sange rau. While Mikhail is back home in the Carpathian mountains meeting with the Lycan council trying to work out an agreement to save Dimitri, and any other mixed breed Carpathian; other Carpathians have unsuccessfully been able to locate Dimitri.
Being able to sense Dimitri, and his weaken state, our wonderfully grown up Skyler takes matters in her own hands with the help of her two best friends, Josef and Paul. She is determined to save him, and all three of them go on a secret mission, not telling anyone. Over the years, we have watched all three grow up, and watching them work together to try to save Dimitri was wonderful.
During their intense rescue mission, the tension is somewhat released for us often by the fun of the three best friends, as they head to try to save Dimitri. I loved the camdarie between Skyler, Josef (whom I am beginning to love more and more), and Paul. The three of them are totally wonderful together, real true friends, who will do anything for each other.
Dark Wolf is such an exciting story from start to finish, with so many breathtaking moments throughout. Just when you thought you could relax, there were so many dangerous and deadly scenes that held your breath to see what will happen next. Christine did a fabulous job of maturing Skyler and I loved watching her learn and use her budding powers. Skyler is a Dragonseeker, a Mage, a daughter of Mother Earth; but she is now truly a…….Daratrazonoff.
I am not going to spoil this to tell you what happens, but there is so much more to this story then just rescuing Dimitri, and the final bonding of this wonderful couple we have waited patiently for. I will say that Dimitri is the perfect lifemate for Skyler, and this book proves it.
Another one of the major things I loved about this book is knowing that many of the families of Skyler, Josef and Paul would be part of the story, and it was great to see them all again…..Gabriel, Francesca, Lucian, Razvan, Ivory, Byron, Vlad, the Delacruz Brothers, Fen, Tatiana, Bronnie; not to mention Mikhail, Gregori, and many others. If you are a big Dark series fan, you will be in your glory.
There are many questions that get resolved; many answers will have to wait for the last book in this arc, Dark Blood. One of my favorite scenes is a gift given by Razvan & Ivory to Skyler & Dimitri that I am so anxious to see more of in the next book. Dark Wolf was in my opinion the best book since Dark Slayer or Dark Demon, filled with action, excitement, danger, romance, sex, and in between all of that, pure fun moments. Christine Feehan has finally fully returned to what we love the most about the Dark series.
Copy supplied by the publisher.
OMG It’s finally here Wonderful reviews ladies, I usually don’t read reviews on reads I can’t wait to get my hands on but it is nice to know that nothing is given away but knowing you enjoyed Dark Wolf excites me even more . I wish I had gotten Dark Wolf on my Kindle but since I try to get all of CF’s books I went the other route now I sit here waiting counting the hours or my luck days until I can get my little piece of reading heaven in my hot little hands . ” sigh ” is it here yet !!!!
Terrific reviews, Ladies. I love this series, and I cannot wait to read Sklyer and Dimitri. The last book was great, and reading your reviews confirms that I will be reading the minute it loads to my kindle.
I simply love it when you ladies post dual-reviews. I always enjoy the different thoughts and perspectives. Fantastic job, and thank you so much for not spoiling anything. It was wonderful to read your reactions to this highly anticipated story. I am very excited to read this….if you had asked me a year ago if I wanted to read Skyler’s book, I would have had a much different answer. The glimpse of Dark Wolf did not imply we would receive a traumatized heroine, and based upon your reviews it appears Skyler is looking forward. Exactly what I was hoping for. Amazing job ladies. 🙂
I totally agree with you, Miranda. A year or so ago, I was not looking to read Skyler’s story any time soon. But Christine has done such a fantastic job in this book. I am happy to say, now into two books, Christine if BACK. 🙂 You will love this book.
WOW, these are wonderful reviews. Nice concept to do two. I love this series, and have been waiting years for Skyler and Dimitri. Cannot wait to read it.
Both wonderful reviews and the book sounds like it is going to be marvelous. Won’t see mine until the end of the week or so, but really looking forward to the read.
I have to admit I did not read these reviews, but I am going to give this series another try .. you have convinced me! LOL
Rachel 🙂
Wonderful reviews, Barb & Sandy. I really enjoy dual reviews, looking at different perspectives. You have both made this sound like a exciting and fabulous story.
Great reviews. Of recent years, I have not been reading this series, but I did pick it up again for Dark Lycan. Wonderful to know that Dark Wolf is also going to be good.
Great reviews but darn you didn’t give anything away. LOL
You have me curious about the gift given but I think I know what it might be. Looking forward to seeing all the De La Cruz and Dara’s and other favs. I have been a little let down by a couple of the Dark series but I truly like them all just some more than others. LOL
I have been waiting for this storyline. Let’s hope it doesn’t disappoint. Thanks for the reviews ladies.
Wonderful reviews ladies, have to say I do enjoy the dual reviews we do here. Nice to hear two perspectives on a book. I’m dying to read this one, I’m so jealous that you two have already read it. I’m ordering it first thing tomorrow morning as I still can’t pre-order on Kobo. So excited for tomorrow
AWESOME REVIEWS!!!!!!!!!! I loved loved loved this one!!! I think that Christine handled everything that needed to be handled and did a great job!!!
Great review. I stopped reading this series a few books back, but now that Skylar and Dimitri’s story has finally been written, I may go back. Thanks.
Great job on the review and you didn’t give anything away. Dark Slayer is my favorite book so saying Dark Wolf is on par with DS is exciting! Looking forward to see the old favorites but seeing Razvan and Skyler’s relationship begin the healing process. I’m preordered on my Nook so I’ll be ready to read in the morning.
I love this series. Awesome reviews Ladies.
I am giddy just having read your amazing reviews, ladies!!!! Made me want to skip the previous one and dive right in. Did I just admit to STILL being behind in the series? 🙁
Nevertheless, it sounds like C.F. is delivering excellence and your reviews made her proud! 🙂
Per Ms. Barb’s request, I am posting my own thoughts, and feelings on Dark Wolf. Honored that you thought my musings were interesting enough to be included in the phenomenal reviews you and Sandy produced. 🙂
~ I do not even know how to start this review so I am just going with my thoughts are reactions. Dark Wolf is one of the most intricate, multi-layered, beautifully written story lines…not just in the entire Dark series, but in all of literature. I have been reading Christine Feehan’s work for over 11 years, and it is novels like Dark Wolf that keep me coming back for more. If you want to know why this author has one of the longest, and most successful running series in Fiction–Dark Wolf is a prime example. I simply could not put this book down.
Although Dark Predator is a personal favorite of mine, and still holds the title of the most emotionally charged novel of the series, in my opinion, Dark Wolf destroys any other previous installment in regards to plot. Finally we are back to the type of writing that hooked me years ago. Finally we are back to a seamless transition from beginning, middle, to end. Finally we are back to an entire cast of fleshed out, wonderfully diverse, finely crafted main and secondary characters. Showcasing a signature, delicate blend between action, tragedy, humor, romance, and emotion–that I have come to expect from the ONLY author I read from the PNR genre.
At this point, those reading this may believe I am simply among the legions of Skyler and Dimitri fans, that have waited anxiously for years to read this story–and that is why I enjoyed this book so greatly. To that I respond. A year ago I was amongst the very small minority of readers who held absolutely NO interest in Skyler’s character. Did I want to learn that she was happy, and continuing to move forward from her childhood traumas? Absolutely. Did I believe I would ever enjoy a nineteen year old, traumatized heroine paired with an ancient Carpathian male? Nope. Not a chance. How wrong I was, and if you find yourself reading this, and are hesitating to pick up this novel for a similar reason….I implore you. Read Dark Wolf, because you cannot possibly fathom the phenomenal reading experience it has to offer.
In addition….one name. Dimitri. He is by far, one of the greatest heroes this series has ever seen, and it only took us 25 books to reach him. As a unit, Dimitri and Skyler are one of the most incredible couples this series has seen. Their bond was somehow different, more profound, and beautiful than any other Carpathian couple of this series. The length of time Dimitri waited for, conversed with, and provided comfort for her, attributed to this. I will say that that Skyler Rose, a character whom I never truly anticipated the culmination of her journey, has become one of my most favorite heroines in literature. Simply for the personality, compassion, elegance, and beauty of her spirit.
I have but one gripe in regards to the flower ritual. While I appreciate the symbolism of fertility in the power this flower presents, while I find the description of the field in which they bloom in the Carpathian mountains, beautiful. Please. I cannot handle another comparison of male anatomy to that of this flower. I do not find it erotic, romantic or sexy in the least. That moment thrown in at the end, detracted slightly from the profound connection I felt between Skyler and Dimitri. However, I am not what many would consider a “true” romance reader, and perhaps this is why I felt the disconnect.
Regardless, The Queen of Paranormal is back. And now that I know my theory on Zev is in fact correct, I anxiously await the next, and final installment in this wonderful trilogy–Dark Blood. Happy reading all. 🙂