Dark Song (Carpathain) by Christine Feehan – Dual Review

Posted on September 1, 2020 by Barb

Dark Song (Dark / Carpathian #30) by Christine Feehan – Dual Review

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Description:
Stolen from her home at a young age and tormented for centuries, Elisabeta Trigovise is scared to show herself to anyone. Even though she has been rescued and is now safe within the Carpathian compound, she has lived in fear for so long she has no idea how to survive without it. She wants to answer the siren call of her lifemate–but the very thought terrifies her.

Before he found Elisabeta, Ferro Arany was an ancient warrior without emotion. Now that his senses have come alive, he knows it will take more than kind words and soft touches to convince the fractured woman that they are partners, not master and prisoner. For now, he will give her his strength until she finds hers, allowing the steady rhythm of his heart to soothe Elisabeta’s fragile soul.

But even as she learns to stand on her own, the vampire who kept her captive is desperate to claim her again, threatening the song Elisabeta and Ferro are writing together.

•••••••••••••••

Barb’s Review:
Dark Song by Christine Feehan is the 34^th book in her wonderful Carpathian series. I was thrilled to find out that Elisabeta was our heroine in Dark Song, and could not wait to read it. I am happy to say I loved the story and both lead characters, Elisabeta and Ferro.

Elisabetha Trigovise was rescued in the last book, and takes center stage in this one, as does Ferro Arany, an ancient who was close to death when he discovered she was his lifemate. Ferro comes across as hard and cold, but he turned out to be a fantastic hero and mate to Elisabeta, as he patiently protected her while she was slowly healing in the rich soil, and he would reach her mind singing a song that would become their own. Elisabeta has been held prisoner for centuries by the evil Sergey Malinov, as he tortured, terrified and ruled her all those years.

Ferro was very gentle with Elisabeta, as he slowly brought her out of the soil and began to teach her how to cleanse and dress herself, as well as to learn to trust him and become confident in herself. It would take awhile before Elisabeta can get past the memories of her suffering and terror, especially of Sergey coming back for her. Everyone in Tariq’s compound at first feared that Ferro was too strict and rigid for Elisabeta, but he was determined for her to rise up, and learn to use her powerful capabilities. They really were the ultimate lifemates, with a strong bond that Ferro helped her build with his gentle patience. I loved when he taught her to learn to shift into an owl and fly. Despite her continued fears, Elisabeta’s growth over time was amazing, and she became such a powerful asset to all the Carpathians.

It was nice to see many of our favorites, with Gary, Tariq, Julija, Lorraine, and a few of Ferro brethens. But it was great to see an old favorite, Traian and Jolie, who came to the compound with Josef; especially for Traian to finally see his sister (Elisabeta) after all these years of trying to find her. I also loved seeing many other favorites who came to help fight the vampires; such as Julian, Darius, Tempest, Desari, Maxim, Blaze, Charlotte, Dragomir, Emeline, etc.

Elisabeta was a wonderful heroine, who despite her many years kept captive by Sergey Malinov, was able to use her memories to help the Carpathians be ready for the vampire attack, and stop them from destroying the compound. What follows is an exciting, intense story line where both Ferro and Elisabeta have to be one step ahead of Sergey and his vampire cronies. To say too much more would be spoilers, and a lot happens in this book.

Christine Feehan outdid herself with how she handled the romance between Ferro and Elisabeta, which was so wonderfully done. The Malinovs have been villains’ throughout many of the books, as well as Xavier. Will Dark Song be able to stop Sergey? You need to read this book to find out.

___________

Sandy’s Review: DARK SONG is the thirtieth instalment in Christine Feehan’s adult DARK / CARPATHIAN paranormal, erotic, romance series. This is ancient Carpathian warrior Ferro Arany, and Elisabeta Trigovise’s story line. DARK SONG can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary. Elisabeta is Traian Trigovise’s sister (Dark Descent).

SOME BACKGROUND: 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. As the unmated Carpathian male ages, the darkness begins to envelope his soul, eventually turning the male vampire or forcing him to greet the dawn.

Told from numerous third person perspectives including Ferro and Elisabeth DARK SONG follows the building romance and relationship between ancient Carpathian warrior Ferro Arany, and Elisabeta Trigovise. Centuries earlier a teenaged Elisabeta was abducted by a Carpathian male nearing the end of his life of honor but in the ensuing years the male would turn vampire using and abusing our heroine, starving her in the hopes of recapturing his soul. Upon her rescue and recovery in the healing soil, Elisabeta would trigger Ferro Arany’s emotions, and find herself waking as the lifemate to an ancient warrior but all is not well as Elisabeta’s rescue has angered the master vampire, the remaining Malinov brother, and his vengeance will target many people at Tariq’s Carpathian compound. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Ferro and Elisabeta, as the master vampire enacts a well conceived and intricate plan of revenge against the Carpathian warriors.

Elisabeta Trigovise grew up never knowing how to be a Carpathian female. Stripped of her memories of a time before her violent abduction, a fragile and broken Elisabeta struggled to perform the basic of needs yet within days of her claiming, our heroine would become one of the Carpathian’s most powerful females. As an ancient warrior, Ferro Arany knew very little about the modern world and battled to accept the rise of feminism in the Carpathian community thusly, Elisabeta, from a time long ago, is the perfect foil for a man who prefers his woman submissive and meek.

The relationship between Elisabeta and Ferro is a fated mating. Elisabeta’s rescue and ultimately her voice would trigger Ferro’s colors and emotions, and in this there are no questions as to the reality and truth of who is her lifemate. Elisabeta struggled with her freedom, preferring or opting to have Ferro speak when spoken to including the inability to acknowledge her brother’s love. Ferro ids a warrior who never thought he would find his fated mate. His patience and need to protect the woman he loves manifests with songs of love, nature and a time long ago. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters. All of the Carpathians remain guarded at Tariq’s American compound. Several of the original Carpathians return to help fight the master vampire including Josef but much of the other’s presence is more by way of acknowledgement and mention. As to the master vampires, once again, Ferro recognizes a number of his former warriors and friends-the list of names and connections are many.

If you are a long time reader of the Carpathian series you will recognize a familiar format and pattern to the author’s latest story line-reminiscent of Xavier’s attempts to destroy the Carpathian’s and of one woman’s ability to heal the wounded. Saying that, when an author recycles and repeats a previous formula, I question the author’s lack of innovation and imagination as he/she is relying on the success of a former story line arc. I also struggled with the heroine’s earlier fragility and inability of comprehend basic personal needs and survival skills, yet within days she is one of the most powerful females with abilities beyond comprehension, and is able to direct the most skilled of warriors. The information she reveals and her competence and skill level is a complete shift in direction to her initial introduction and behavior yet there is no mention of hidden abilities that seemingly manifested overnight. She waffled between powerful or apprehensive on numerous occasions.

I would also like to note how Feehan’s vampires have evolved to modern day IT techs and wizards….something I didn’t see coming !

DARK SONG is an intoxicating tale. The premise is familiar yet captivating; the romance is seductive.

Dark Illusion by Christine Feehan – Dual Review & Giveaway

Posted on September 3, 2019 by Barb

Dark Illusion by Christine Feehan – Dual Review & Giveaway

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Description:
A mage and a warrior must see beyond their facades and embrace the bond that links their souls in this powerful Carpathian novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan.

At any other time, Julija Brennan would find solace in the quiet of the Sierra Mountains, but now the mage is in the race of her life. Having broken free from her controlling family, Julija’s attempt to warn the Carpathians of the coming threat has failed and put a target on her back—and those who are hunting her are close behind.…

After centuries locked away in a monastery in the Carpathian Mountains, Isai Florea can’t believe he’s finally found his lifemate—the missing half of his soul. The second he sees Julija, his world blazes with color. But despite their explosive connection, Julija rebels against what she sees as Isai’s intent to control her and rejects the bond that would prevent him from becoming a monster.

As their unfulfilled bond continues to call to them both, Julija and Isai aim to complete the task that brought them together. They are used to facing danger alone, but now the mage and the ancient warrior must learn how to rely on each other in order to stop a plot that threatens all Carpathians.…

Barb’s Review:
Dark Illusion by Christine Feehan is the 29^th book in her wonderful Carpathian series. I am happy to say I really ended up loving this story, but at the very beginning I was a bit turned off by the abusive behavior of the Carpathian man; worried that we were going back to that again. But thankfully, that was just the beginning, and everything was great from there on in.

Julija Brennan, our heroine, is a mage and Carpathian. We met her in a previous book (Dark Legacy), where she tried to warn the Carpathians about the threat, but ran away to help find the book of evil spells that could destroy all Carpathians. Julija knows how dangerous the book is, as well as how powerful her father and brothers are (they are products of the evil Xavier) and their determination to find her, get the book and kill her. She has the ability to sense the Carpathian man who has the book and is attempting to hide it; using her mage sense she keeps tracking him, knowing her family will attempt to kill the man. Before she could go too much further, she is accosted by a powerful Carpathian warrior who thought she betrayed the Carpathians.

Isai Florea, our hero, and the Carpathian sent to track down Julija, is shocked to discover that she is his lifemate. Isai is an ancient from the monastery, struggling with his lack of emotions or color, and treats Julija abusively at first, since he felt she belongs to him, and she must obey him. Fortunately, Julija is powerful in her own right, and in time, she will teach him how women need to be treated equally. Julija has suffered her whole life, as her family brutalized her often.

Isai began to change quickly, as his love for Julija grew, and his admiration how powerful she was becoming, being both a mage and Carpathian. Together their goal was to get the book and destroy it, but they knew they were being followed by Julija’s family. What I loved the most about this book, was not the wonderful romance that was sweet and steamy, but how they both fell hard for the Shadow cats (panthers) that the mages beat and forced them to hurt people. I loved how Julija and Isai helped treat them, and remove the spells on them. Blue and Belle were the first two, and their loyalty to Julija and Isai was wonderful, and eventually 4 more would eventually join them. I loved how they would become part of them, much like Ivory and her wolves.

What follows is an exciting, intense story line where both Isai and Julija and the cats have to be one step ahead of her family, and another powerful mage, Barnabas, who are set to destroy them. Along the way, they must find the book and destroy it. Dark Illusion was a pulse-pounding, edge of your seat thriller, that kept me unable to put the book down; as well as having a wonderful couple to root hard for. Dark Illusion though tying most ends, did end a bit abruptly, especially with the powerful Barnabas still around. We know the Malinovs are still around, but now the Mages are too. So much more to come. If you read this series, do not miss Dark Illusion

Sandy’s Review:

DARK ILLUSION is the twenty-ninth instalment in Christine Feehan’s CARPATHIAN / DARK erotic, paranormal, romance series. This is ancient Carpathian Isai Florea, and mage Julija Brennan’s story line. DARK ILLUSION can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: 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. As the unmated Carpathian male ages, the darkness begins to envelope his soul.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Julija and Isai) DARK ILLUSION continues to focus on a group of ancient Carpathians, nearing the end of their search for a lifemate who have isolated themselves away from the world in a monastery high in the Carpathian mountains. As his search for his younger brother Iulian takes him to the Sierra Mountains, Isai comes across a woman he discovers to be his fated lifemate. On the run from her family and her past, Julija Brennan believes herself to be an enemy of the Carpathian people due to her family’s attempts to destroy them all. What ensues is the building relationship between Julija and Isai, and the potential fall-out as our couple come under fire from some very powerful mages.

Julija Brennan doesn’t believe she is worthy to be a Carpathian mate, and immediately refuses Isai attempts to claim her as his own. Having struggled through the abuse and captivity of her earlier life, Julija battles between head and heart when Isai is willing to walk away without a fight. Isai Florea knew immediately Julija Brennan was his lifemate but her stubbornness amounted to silence in an effort to protect the man with whom she would fall in love. As Julija and Isai search for Isai’s missing brother, our couple find themselves the target of Julija’s past, and the family that is determined to imprison her, once again.

The relationship between Julija and Isai is one of immediate attraction but our heroine believes she is an enemy of the Carpathian people. Unable to resist the pull between one another, Julija and Isai will complete the bonding but to both their surprise Julija is so much more than a powerful mage. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

DARK ILLUSION is a revealing story line, one that begins to reveal the history and back story of one of the Carpathian’s most hated enemies, an enemy who was and is determined to take down a race of people using any means necessary. Christine Feehan has pulled from one of her more successful story line arcs where the Carpathian people had to fight and discover the truth, in order to survive. The premise is engaging, entertaining and edgy; the romance is steamy and seductive; the characters are strong and determined but there is limited interaction with any of the previous story line characters.

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Dark Sentinel (Carpathian / Dark Series #28) by Christine Feehan-Dual Review & Giveaway

Posted on September 4, 2018 by Sandy

DARK SENTINEL (Carpathians / Dark Series #28) by Christine Feehan-Dual Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

DARK SENTINEL
Carpathian / Dark Series #28
by Christine Feehan
Release Date: September 4, 2018
Genre: adult, paranormal, erotic, romance

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 4,2018

After the devastating loss of her entire family, Lorraine Peters heads to the woods searching for peace of mind and anything to quell the anger in her soul. Instead, she stumbles upon a scene of horrific violence, as one man lies helpless in the face of three attackers.

Andor Katona’s existence has been a harsh one, living for centuries as a monk in the Carpathian Mountains. Unable to find his lifemate, he almost welcomes his release from a colorless and unfeeling world at the hands of the vampire hunters who have mistaken him for their prey. That is, until a whirling ball of fury bursts onto the scene, determined to save him.

In one glimpse, in one breath, Andor recognizes Lorraine as his lifemate, but it will take more than their telepathic connection to convince her of their immortal bond. Lorraine is a lethal combination of cunning and courage. So much so that she captures the attention of a master vampire, one who has already lost what was once irreplaceable to him. One who will strike with deadly precision at Andor and his ancient Carpathian comrades in a war to end all wars.

•••••••••

Sandy’s REVIEW: DARK SENTINEL is the twenty-eighth instalment in Christine Feehan’s CARPATHIANS/DARK erotic, paranormal, romance series. This is ancient warrior Andor Katona, and Lorraine Peters’ story line. DARK SENTINEL can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty although there is an ongoing series arc that continues in Dark Sentinel. Several of the previous story line characters play secondary and supporting roles including a number of warriors, from a Carpathian monastery, who have yet to find their lifemates.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Andor and Lorraine) DARK SENTINEL continues to focus on a group of ancient Carpathian warriors, nearing the end of their search for a lifemate, who had previously locked themselves away from the world in a monastery high in the Carpathian mountains. A call to help their fellow warriors in America found our hero Andor Katona fighting the evil that had once been a proud Carpathian male. Close to death, Andor would face his future in the guise of human female Lorraine Peters, a woman willing to risk her life to protect a stranger who was telepathically announcing the end of his life. With just a few spoken words from our story line heroine, Andor knew that the brave but stubborn female was his fated lifemate. What ensues is Lorraine’s effort to help heal the man with whom she is falling in love, as a powerful vampire resurfaces in an effort to find his own fated mate.

DARK SENTINEL follows the building relationship between ancient warrior Andor Katona, and Lorraine Peters. Lorraine easily accepts the existence of vampires and the Carpathian species but struggles with the ‘fated lifemate’ aspect of their lives. As a human female with strong psychic capabilities Lorraine soon finds herself traversing between ‘planes of existence’ as the Carpathian healers battle to save Andor’s life but our heroine remains hesitant to give up control of her human life.

Andor Katona gave up all hope of finding the light to his dark; his other half knowing to hide away in a mountainous monastery would in effect hide the warriors from any potential mate. Moving to America to aid in the war against the growing army of vampires, Andor knows that Lorraine is his salvation but convincing the woman, is a task on its own. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

DARK SENTINEL follows all the hallmarks of Christine Feehan’s CARPATHIAN/ DARK series including the stubborn heroine, and a Carpathian male who is duty bound to protect the woman he loves. There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including the reappearance of infamous healer Gary Daratrazanoff, as well as a number of former Carpathian monastery warriors. Details continue to emerge regarding the Malinov brothers and their decision to turn vampire, including new information not previously revealed. The vampires have acquired the ability to formulate plans, something else that is slowly changing the series arc. The premise is entertaining and revealing but bogs down with too much repetition; the characters are bold and colorful; the romance is fated and spicy. DARK SENTINEL is an intriguing and detailed story , one that will be enjoyed by die-hard Feehan fans.

Barb’s Review: Dark Sentinel by Christine Feehan is the 28^th book in her fantastic Dark/Carpathian series. I must say that I am thrilled that Christine Feehan has returned to what made the Dark series so successful. After a number of books where the Carpathian men were very abusive, I had thought perhaps the time had come to move on, but that has happily changed.

Andor Katona, our hero, is one of the men who spent years in the monastery living as a monk, and is now living with Tariq’s group in their compound in the US. After a major battle where he killed a few vampires, Andor is attacked by humans who have become puppets by a master vampire, and he lays badly injured; he decides that perhaps now is the time to end his life. But out of nowhere comes a woman swinging a saucepan at the three men to protect Andor. To his shock her voice reaches him and he begins to see color; finally after centuries, he has found his lifemate.

Lorraine Peters, our heroine, loves the peace and quiet of the woods, and while camping she discovers the badly beaten man being attacked, and instincts push her to help save him. Of course, Lorraine doesn’t believe in vampires, and in a short time, she will learn that there is a different life out there. Lorraine tries to protect Andor, whom she feels some attraction to, from being attacked further. A few of Andor’s friends come to his rescue and to Lorraine, when she is attacked. One of our favorites, Gary, plays a big part in this story, as he is the healer who will save Andor, along with two other Carpathians.

What follows is a wonderful story, where Andor and Lorraine, work with Gary, Sandu and Ferro to destroy the puppets, and quickly return to Tariq Asenguard’s home, to prepare for whatever Sergei Malinov is planning against them. When Lorraine was attacked, they feared Malinov implanted something in her, but nothing was found. In the previous book, we learned that Sergei is trying to take Elisabeta, who is underground healing. I expect we will learn more about her in the next book.

I loved Andor and Lorraine together. She was a great heroine, a tough fighter, who willingly accepted Andor’s and Carpathian’s lifestyle. Andor was so wonderful & patient with Lorraine, such a welcome change. Their romance heated up quickly, but though very sexual, Andor was so good with Lorraine. It was also nice to spend time with Tariq, Charlotte, Genevieve, Emeline, Dragomire, and the children we got to know in the previous two books.

In Dark Sentinel, so much happens to keep us glued to our seats, and I could not put the book down. The exciting storyline plots; the return of Sergei Malinov; a strong wonderful heroine and a hero who not only worshipped his life mate, but treated her like a queen, and the great recurring characters in Tariq’s compound. I loved Dark Sentinel.

Dark Sentinel was a fantastic, exciting, non-stop pulse pounding story, with a wonderful couple we rooted for from the beginning. The story does end somewhat abrupt with knowing that we still have more with the Malinovs still around, I can’t wait to see where Christine will be taking us in the next book.

Copy provided by Publisher

“Are you comfortable?” Andor kept his gaze fixed on Lorraine’s face. She clearly had no idea how beautiful she was, or what danger she was in. She was confident in her skills to protect herself, and he understood why. She had training. She was far better than average when it came to defending herself, man or woman. The problem was, she was dealing with a Carpathian, not a human and he had no intentions of letting her get away.
“Yes. I should ask you the same thing.” She turned her head to look down at him.
She had finished covering him up to his neck in rich, dark soil. Already he could feel the healing properties working on his wounds. He wasn’t out of the woods, so to speak. He needed more blood and a good healer. He had sent out the call to his brethren, using their common path, not the one used by most Carpathians. Vampires would have been able to hear that one as well.
“I am as comfortable as possible.” He was, as much as he could be under the circumstances, but he needed to shut down his heart and lungs, to keep from losing any more blood. He had definitely slowed the leaks, but until he could get a healer there to help him, he was still in trouble.
He sent her a small smile. “You’re indulging me.”
She turned on her side and propped her head up with one hand. “Yes. I figure if you’re right, and the soil helps, it’s all to the good. If you’re wrong and you get some raging infection, at least I granted your last wish before you died.”
“I have decided I want to live.”
“The great debate you had going earlier. It didn’t make sense until I saw all those wounds on your body. You really were in a battle before the three stooges showed up.”
He picked up from her mind that the reference to “three stooges” was from a long-ago television show. Her natural shields were lowered because she’d started to grow comfortable with him. He knew he would have to work on that with her. They could never take the chance that a vampire nearby might read her thoughts, or creep into her mind.
“I was in a battle. I know I look like I didn’t do very well against them, but in my defense, there were several of them. I managed to defeat them, and while I was trying to heal the wounds, the band of assassins showed up.” There was just the slightest bit of ego in telling her the truth. He didn’t want her to think her lifemate couldn’t take care of her.
“I wondered how they managed to sneak up on you and do so much damage.”
“To heal a body, one has to shed their own body and become pure spirit. I didn’t have anyone guarding the empty shell I left behind. That gave them their opportunity.”
Her eyes widened. “Could you do that now? I could guard you. I wouldn’t let anything happen to you.” Her tone was skeptical but hopeful.
He nearly groaned. He wasn’t making a good showing as a potential husband or mate. “I’m too weak.”
“I’ll give you more blood.”
It was a generous offer considering she didn’t like anything to do with blood and she would have to remove the shields completely from her mind as she’d done before. “Thank you, sívamet. I appreciate your offer and certainly will take you up on it later, but at the moment, I wish to hear your voice. It soothes me and keeps the pain at bay.”

Christine Feehan is a #1 New York Times bestselling author multiple times over with her portfolio including over 70 published novels, including five series; Dark Series, Ghostwalker Series, Leopard Series, Drake Sisters Series, the Sisters of the Heart Series and Torpedo Ink. 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.

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The Reading Cafe and Christine’s Feehan’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of DARK SENTINEL to ONE lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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Dark Legacy by Christine Feehan – Dual Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

Posted on September 5, 2017 by Barb

Dark Legacy by Christine Feehan – Dual Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

Dark Legacy
Carpathian (Dark) series – Book #31
by Christine Feehan
Release Date: September 5, 2017

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Description:
In a beautiful compound hidden away from the world, Emeline Sanchez tries to blunt the pain that has wracked her body ever since her terrifying ordeal in the labyrinth beneath the city—when she was forced to exchange blood with an evil master vampire.

Now, it’s his voice that haunts her…that calls to her in the dark…that never lets her rest. And while the children that she helped to free from his clutches struggle to heal, watched over by their Carpathian protectors, Emeline knows one thing: She must sacrifice herself to keep them all from harm…

Barb’s Review:
Dark Legacy by Christine Feehan is the 31^st book in her Dark (Carpathian) series. In my last review, I had noted how happy I was that Christine was ‘back’ to giving us what we fell in love with in the Dark series. Dark Carousel was the best book in my opinion since Dark Slayer, though I did enjoy Skylar & Dimitri’s story. In Dark Legacy, so much happens to keep us glued to our seats, and unable to put the book down. The exciting storyline plots; the return of the evil Malinovs; a strong wonderful heroine and a hero who not only worshipped his lifemate, but treated her like a queen from the start; not like the abusive male heroes we had to endure in many of the later Dark books. I loved Dark Legacy.

Emeline Sanchez was one of the people rescued in Dark Carousel and staying at the home of Tariq Assenguard. Emeline has a secret that she hides from her friends and those staying at Tariq’s mansion. When she was in captivity by the Malinovs, Emeline suffered many horrific disturbing things by Vadim Malinov, and he now has the ability to talk to her telepathically, threatening her to return to him. Emeline has her own psychic powers, which enable her to be able counteract his demands, but he is still able to hurt her with enormous pain.

Dragomir, our hero, is one of the Monastery Carpathians that is helping to protect Tariq’s family (including Emeline, and the children rescued in the previous book), and home. He avoids talking to anyone, concentrating only protecting everyone. When Vadim sends in his creatures to attack everyone, Dragomir goes into action, and runs to save Emeline from the evil master vampire. At that moment, everything changes for Dragomir, as his world opens up with color and he knows that Emeline is truly his lifemate.

What follows is a wonderful story, where Darogmir , his ancients from the Monastery & Tariq’s people must find a way to protect Emeline, the children, and the entire Asenguard home from the massive attacks by the Malinovs . I also loved seeing how strong Gary has become, as well as meeting so many new ancients. It was nice to spend time with Tariq, Charlotte, Genevieve and the children we got to know in Dark Carousel. It was amazing to watch Gary, Dragomir, the ancients together, not once but a few times to remove Vadim’s splinters in Emeline, and some of the children. Dark Legacy was nonstop action all the way through and written so well by Feehan.

Though Christine’s stories continue to have a lot of sexual content (erotic), the storyline and the couple remained in the forefront. Dark Legacy was a fantastic exciting pulse pounding story, with a wonderful couple we rooted for from the beginning. With the Malinov’s still around, I can’t wait to see where Christine will be taking us in the next book.

Sandy’s Review

There may be some overlapping information between mine and Barb’s reviews, as well as the possibility that we do not necessarily agree on the overall impact and enjoyment of this particular story line.

DARK LEGACY is the thirty –first installment in Christine Feehan’s DARK CARPATHIANS paranormal, romance series. This is ancient Carpathian warrior Dragomir Kozel, and Emeline Sanchez’s story line. DARK LEGACY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty although there is an ongoing series arc that continues in Dark Legacy. Several of the characters from previous story lines play secondary and supporting roles including a number of Carpathian warriors, from a Carpathian monastery, who have yet to find their lifemates.

NOTE: DARK LEGACY contains scenarios and references to rape, sexual assault of women and children.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Dragomir and Emeline) DARK LEGACY continues to focus on the search for a master vampire. Dragomir Kozel, a Carpathian warrior, has yet to find his lifemate, and like many of the ancients, he struggles with his lack of emotions, colors, and the pull of the dark side. Now that Tariq Asenguard (Dark Carousel) has found his lifemate, he has opened his home and his California compound to a number of homeless children and women, whose own psychic abilities have attracted the evil vampires-former Carpathian warriors-who have lost the battle with evil, or have given up finding the mate of their heart. Enter Emeline Sanchez, a young psychic woman whose recent capture and torture by Vadim Malinov has left our heroine struggling with the lure of dark side, and her belief that she is no longer pure for the Carpathian world. What ensues is the quick building relationship between Dragomir and Emeline, and the numerous battles between the Carpathian warriors, and two master vampires with hopes of destroying the Carpathian race.

Emeline Sanchez was brutally tortured and raped by Vadim Malinov. Now with Xavier’s parasites, and an even more prominent reminder of her recent ordeal, Emeline knows that she is a liability to the Carpathian males, and anyone who considers our heroine his mate. As a psychic female, Emeline is a potential mate for one of the Carpathian males but her dreamwalking, precognizant abilities push our heroine towards a warrior who figures prominently in her dreams. Dragomir Kozel knows the reluctant Emeline Sanchez is his lifemate-with his emotions and colors restored, Dragomir is determined to rid his lifemate of the painful parasites, and complete Emeline’s conversion before Vadim Malinov returns to finish the job. But there is something more about Emeline than anyone could have imagined; she hides several psychic abilities and a lingering reminder of Vadim’s cruel and methodical ways.

The relationship between Emeline and Dragomir is one of immediate attraction but Emeline is hesitant to trust another Carpathian male. Her experience with the vampire has left our heroine broken yet determined to protect the other children that Vadim took control. The limited $ex scenes are intimate and intense without the over the top, sexually graphic language and text but as per CF’s style of writing, they are very long and detailed.

There is a very large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including the newly turned and very powerful Gary Daratrazanoff, Tariq and Charlotte, Maksim and Blaze, triplets Tomas, Lojos, and Matais, ancients Petru, Andor, Isai, Ferro, Sandu and Benedek, as well as the orphaned children found in Vadim’s underground lair-Danny, Amelia, Lourdes, Bella and Liv, as well as their nanny Genevieve Marten. The requisite evil has many faces including the return of both Vadim and Sergey Malinov.

DARK LEGACY is a graphically violent story line with fight scenes reminiscent of Dark Demon and Dark Slayer, and the familiarity of Xavier’s experiments, imprisonment and torture; there is plenty of action that, at times, got bogged down with too many characters. The Carpathian race remains at war with the Malinov brothers but a war that has intensified with the possibility of another Malinov heir. With the ‘reemergence’ of Xavier a few stories back, his ‘triplet’ lineage continues with the appearance of another mage who may or may not be a lifemate to one of the ancient warriors. The premise is entertaining but familiar; the characters and romance are similar to many of the previous story line couples. Christine Feehan’s DARK LEGACY continues the author’s escape into the supernatural world of the Carpathian male and the woman that will save his soul.

Copy supplied by the publisher for review

excerpt

This had been her worst nightmare, the dream occurring over and over for the last month. Emeline knew she shouldn’t run to her house. If she did, the Carpathian known as Dragomir would die. He always died saving her. She’d tried to avoid this destiny. She’d made certain not to meet him, never to speak to him, yet here she was, forced to make a split-second decision. If she didn’t make it to her house, Vadim would have her again and there would be no stopping him.

“Don’t follow,” she pleaded, rushing up her steps. She knew Dragomir would. He was one step behind Vadim. She knew coming after Dragomir was Vadim’s army of horrible creatures. Vadim had already weakened her, taking her blood. Her neck burned, a fierce, intolerable pain that spread through her like wildfire.

Vadim waved his hand and her door stuck as she tried to jerk it open. She turned to face him, despair moving through her. Despair. Sorrow. Fear—although she was almost beyond fear. Back to the door, she slid down until her bottom hit the porch, knees up. She already knew exactly how the scenario would play out. Dragomir was on the stairs, and Vadim swung around to face him.

Emeline forced herself to look at the ancient warrior. He was the opposite of everything Vadim was. Roped muscles, scars, waist-length salt-and-pepper hair. He looked rugged. Tough. Scary. He had tattoos drifting up his neck so he looked a little like a modern-day outlaw biker. Vadim, despite his head being blown off repeatedly, always managed to restore his flawless, model looks. At first glance, one would be terrified of Dragomir, not Vadim, and that would be a very big mistake.

Her breath caught in her throat as Dragomir continued right up the stairs toward Vadim. She wanted to close her eyes, but she couldn’t. She’d witnessed his death over and over in her nightmare. She always woke up when he went down and she never saw the outcome, only that he sacrificed his life for hers. She felt the least she could do was watch. More—this time, she planned to aid him.

Her hand dropped to the pocket of the long dress she wore. Once before, after continually trying new things in her dreams, she’d changed the outcome of the future. She was determined to do the same this time, or die trying. Time slowed down. Just as she knew it would, the air exploded with more vampires, and as they appeared, the Carpathian hunters joined in the fight.

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Dark Carousel by Christine Feehan – Dual Review & Giveaway

Posted on August 2, 2016 by Barb

Dark Carousel by Christine Feehan – Dual Review & Giveaway

DARK CAROUSEL
Dark Carpathians #30
by Christine Feehan
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal romance
Release Date: August 2, 2016

Dark Carousel Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
The moment Charlotte Vintage walks into his club, Tariq Asenguard’s blood is set on fire. The ancient Carpathian had given up hope of finding his lifemate, but now he will do anything to make Charlotte his own. What Tariq doesn’t know is that Charlotte is using herself and her best friend as bait—to try to draw out the bloodthirsty killers who have already murdered Charlotte’s brother and mentor.

Charlotte is familiar with Tariq. Not only is he one of the richest and most eligible bachelors in the city, but he’s also a renowned collector of old carousel horses, which Charlotte restores. Their shared passion opens Charlotte up to trusting him with her life and with the desire she can no longer control. But it also makes her vulnerable to a centuries-old curse that will unite her and Tariq in a war against the enemies of humans and Carpathians alike…

Barb’s Review:

Dark Carousel by Christine Feehan is the 30^th book in her Dark/Carpathian series. For those of you who have been reading my reviews on this series, you know I have been disappointed in most of the books Christine has written since my favorite book, Dark Slayer. I did not like most of the heroes (still loved Dimitri), who were abusive/arrogant / macho to their mates for a large part of the story, as well as the books being more erotic then story driven. I also did not like that many of the earlier characters, or villains, such as the Malinovs, did not play much of a part in most of the books. In Dark Carousel I have to say……..CHRISTINE FEEHAN IS BACK. I loved Dark Carousel and I love Tariq. Now to my review. 🙂

We have been waiting for Tariq Asenguard’s story for a long time, and in Dark Carousel he finally gets his story and his lifemate. Charlotte Vintage is our heroine, and we meet her from the start. Charlotte is with her best friend at a club owned by Tarig, where they act as bait to find the men responsible for the death of members of each of their families. Charlotte and her friend, Genevieve were part of a special psychics evaluation that was done for women who have psychic abilities. We did learn many books ago that Psychic women are suspected of being lifemate candidates for the Carpathian warriors. When they leave the club, they are surrounded by dangerous men, who are vampires. Tariq sensed in his club the scent of a woman who pulls on him, and who he suspects is the lifemate he has spent his life looking for. It will be Tariqand his friends who will save Charlotte and Genevieve from the vampires.

Tariq will bring them and Charlotte’s niece to his mansion, where he will protect them. The mansion is also the safe house for a few children that Tariq and his men rescued from the vampires; with most having been tortured, and are in the process of healing. Tariq has assumed responsibility for them, making them his family. Almost immediately after arriving at the mansion, Tariq and Charlotte become a scorching hot couple, with Tariq using his sexual charm and trance to start the lifemate chant. There is no way Tariq will allow Charlotte to get away from him, since she is one person to keep him alive. Charlotte was also falling in love with Tariq, with his loving care of her, and his promise to love her and care for her forever.

What follows is a wonderful story, where Tariq and his Carpathian friends must find a way to save the children in their care, and also save Charlotte, who is in very much danger. It was amazing how we saw all of the warriors work together to heal her from a splinter controlled by a master vampire. As Charlotte’s life hangs by a thread; they had no choice but to convert her early.

This was an exciting, action packed story that brought us back to the days left off in Dark Slayer. The Malinovs are back, with Vadim being the master. Sergey is also there, but so far, Vadim is the one in control. There was a race to the climax to save one of the younger girls that was tortured, and a fight for life against one of Vadim’s other master vampires. I loved how Charlotte adapted to becoming Carpathian and loved her new powers and helping Tariq, and living in his world. Great story, great characters, great couple. The story with the Vadim and Sergey was left open for future books. Welcome back, Christine, I pray we get to see more like Dark Carousel and the rest of the people we just met.

Sandy’s Review:

DARK CAROUSEL is the thirtieth installment in Christine Feehan’s contemporary, adult DARK CARPATHIAN paranormal, romance series. This is ancient warrior Tariq Asenguard, and carousel restorer Charlotte Vintage’s story line. DARK CAROUSEL can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Several of the characters including Maxim and Blaze introduced in DARK CRIME found in the anthology EDGE OF DARKNESS (July 2015) play secondary and supporting roles throughout the story.

NOTE: DARK CAROUSEL is a story with brutally, graphic violence and issues of rape and abuse against women and children.

Told from several third person points of view DARK CAROUSEL follows Charlotte Vintage as she endeavors to come to terms with the deaths of several family members and friends seemingly linked back to her visit to a psychic center in Paris, France. As Charlotte and her friend Genevieve return to America, they are being stalked by an unknown source, and find themselves at a nightclub run by Tariq Asenguard-an ancient Carpathian male who has yet to find the woman who holds the other half to his soul. What ensues is the awareness for Tariq when Charlotte’s voice returns his emotions and color, and the quick building romance/insta love between two people connected by the past. While Charlotte struggles with her attraction and need for Tariq, there is something more sinister working behind the scenes. A master vampire is on the hunt, and Charlotte is one of his intended victims.

Like all of Christine Feehan’s male leads, Tariq is over protective and alpha, but in saying this, he is not abusive, not arrogant, not controlling or verging on total domination like many of Christine’s recent male ‘heroes’-a term I use lightly. For an ancient Carpathian, Tariq is quite modern, and willing to accept that his mate is his partner in many aspects of their relationship but fighting vampires is not in her repertoire.

DARK CAROUSEL, like so many of the recent DARK stories, is a graphically violent tale of murder, rape, blood shed, and gore with disturbing scenes and brutal imagery. Christine Feehan’s vampires are evolving into a darker, more sinister species with the ability to think and act independently, where no one is off limits, and children and women are the latest targets as the vampires struggle for power and control.

The large ensemble cast of characters is numerous including the introduction of several new ancients we first met in Dark Promises, who are struggling to retain their honor, as well as the triplets Tomas, Lojos, and Matais. All of the psychic children introduced in Dark Crime are now wards of Tariq Asenquard, and like Sara and Falcon from Dark Dream, Tariq and Charlotte are now the foster parents for several psychic children who are featured throughout the story. One young child will be the saving grace for an ancient Carpathian (reminiscent of Skylar and Dimitri). Vadim Malinov is the Master vampire and, for newcomers to the series, and as a reminder, Tariq reveals some history about the Malinov’s and their battle with the Carpathian people.

Christine Feehan’s DARK CAROUSEL is a welcome return to her earlier writing style and story line presentation including the ongoing battle with the Malinov family, which has been missing for awhile, but the original characters we grew to love are absent and without representation. The Daratrazanoffs are mentioned for their healing abilities but have yet to make an appearance. The up-kick in graphic and brutal violence against women and children is still an issue-one that I don’t see coming to an end with the current direction of the series, and the ever-evolving vampires. The premise has plenty of action, fight scenes and sexual situations; the characters are an eclectic mix of humans, vampires, children and Carpathians; the romance is a quick build to lifemates and love.

For diehard fans of the series, many are aware that the characters from DARK CAROUSEL are part of a ‘lost’ manuscript previously started by the author-the premise has somewhat changed from the recovered text.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Copy provided by Publisher

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Dark Promises (Dark Series #29) by Christine Feehan-Dual Review & Giveaway

Posted on March 14, 2016 by Sandy

DARK PROMISES (Dark Carpathians #29) by Christine Feehan-dual review and giveaway

DARK PROMISES
Dark Series #29
By Christine Feehan
Genre: adult, paranormal,erotic, romance
Release Date: March 15, 2016

Dark Promises

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 15, 2016

Gabrielle has had enough of battles, of wars, of seeing Gary Jansen, the man she loves nearly lose his life when it isn’t even his fight. Once he was a gentle and very human researcher. Now he’s a fearless and lethal Carpathian warrior with the blood of an ancient lineage coursing through his veins—a man Gabrielle still needs and desires and dreams of with every breath she takes. All she wants is a life far away from the Carpathian mountains, far from vampires and the shadows cast by the crumbling monastery that hides so many terrible secrets. But Gabrielle soon learns that promises made in the dark can pierce the heart like a dagger.

And she isn’t the only one in search of answers in the corners of the unknown…

Trixie Joanes has come to the Carpathian mountains in search of her wayward granddaughter, fearing that she has been lured there by something unspeakable. Instead, Trixie has stumbled into the path of a desperate man and a woman in love and on the run. And they’re all fated for the lair of a mysterious ancient with revenge in his soul and the undying power to make bad dreams come true.

•••••••••••••

Sandy’s Review:

DARK PROMISES is the twenty-ninth installment in Christine Feehan’s adult DARK paranormal romance series focusing on a community of supernatural beings known as the Carpathians. Two ancient warriors will find their mates, and two psychic human females will struggle with their new life.

SOME BACKGROUND: 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. As the unmated Carpathian male ages, the darkness begins to envelope his soul.

At the onset of the story line we revisit the relationship between Gary and Gabrielle –once human, but now both have been converted to Carpathian due to fatal circumstances. As their wedding hour draws near, Gary soon realizes that to claim Gabrielle as his lifemate is something he is unable to do……

Told from several third person points of view DARK PROMISES tells the tale of two ancient Carpathian males-close to turning, Aleksei and Fane have been secluded along with several other warriors in a monastery in the Carpathian Mountains. As they approach the end of their supernatural existence, these warriors find themselves on the verge of turning vampire or greeting the sun. The monastery is the last line of hope for a once proud group of Carpathian men.

Aleksei will be awakened when he ‘hears’ the cries of his fated female as she comes to realize that everything she had hoped for in her life has come crashing down. Aleksei is an ancient who demands obedience and respect, and in this his lifemate will struggle with the arrogance and dominance of the Carpathian male. The former human female Gabrielle is unprepared for the Carpathian lifestyle, a failing that falls upon the Carpathian race. The $ex scenes are aggressive, seductive and provocative- Aleksei is a male who likes to discipline his mate during $ex;. Aleksei is initially abusive towards his new lifemate which is a recent, ongoing issue with many of Christine Feehan’s leading males (in all of her series), but like all Carpathian males, he will come to see that his lifemate is the light to his soul, and his initial treatment was questionable and dishonorable.

Fane is another ancient who will find his lifemate in the guise of an American vampire hunter-Trixie Joanes-Teagan’s (Dark Ghost #28) grandmother-and a woman who is a bit of a snarky, spitfire with attitude to spare. Unlike Aleksei, Fane welcomes his lifemate’s idiosyncrasies, and the couple easily adapts to one another’s emotions. I did have a bit of an issue with the explanation as to her age and fertility, but I leave that up to Christine Feehan to explain this one to the reader!

DARK PROMISES is a story rich in sexually graphic details, but to be fair there are TWO couples who find their happily ever after, and each is given some page time to build up their new found relationships. Christine Feehan’s story lines have always traversed a path of erotic fantasy, and DARK PROMISES is no different. The characters are varied and colorful although Gabrielle’s personality and persona are fragile and weak. The romances are passionate and energetic.

Christine Feehan has, once again, ‘tweaked’ the Carpathian backstory and lifestyle to suit her most recent adventures into the Carpathian Mountains. At one time NO male could be converted, let alone be imprinted with the ritual words of the lifemate vows. There is also an issue with Gary’s conversion that sees a development that Mikhail and Gregori never saw coming; and the latest trio of women introduced to the Carpathian world combine their own psychic powers enabling them to help the ancient warriors. With the conversion of two males and the difficulties of addressing the new complication, the series premise has been modified to allow for another change in direction to the story lines.

Barb’s Review:

Dark Promises by Christine Feehan is the 29^th book in her Dark series. As this story started, it was about two people we have been following for a long long time: Gabrielle and Gary. Though when they first met and fell in love, they were human, and now both have been converted to Carpathian. Early on, we can see Gabby’s unhappiness in all things Carpathian, and her plans on making Gary walk away with her when they are married. She can see a change in him since he was converted, but she is determined to marry him and pull him away from the Carpathian world.

When the time comes to for Gary to do the lifemate words to bond Gabby, he senses something is not right between them; something is standing in their way. This is where we get thrown for a loop, and at the same time I have to admit, I became upset, enough to stop reading this book. We have known Gabby a long time, and when she is brutally pulled away by another Carpathian male; it was disturbing. This man is her lifemate, and in the current fashion of macho abusive men that Christine is so fond of lately, he treated her horribly, so much so I was disgusted. Poor innocent sweet Gabby. Why do this to her?

I kept reading, and in time Alexsei who has become Gabby’s lifemate, begins to calm down and eventually throughout the story, she will fall for him. She will accept that Gary is truly a friend that she depended on, not a lifemate for her. There is also the story of Trixie, who is Teagan’s (last book heroine) grandmother, who will also find her lifemate.

There was an interesting storyline, involving all the Carpathian men who are living in the monastery, as they are all near the end and extremely dangerous. The three ladies will try to help them, and that part was an interesting twist for the future.

Except for the early part of the story, and the latter part, which was nice, the rest of the book was mostly sex scenes. Christine Feehan has always had steamy sex in her books, but in the last few books the sex becomes more dominant and the story becomes the background. I enjoy steamy sex scenes in romances, but I prefer the story to lead.

I loved this series, as at one time this was my top favorite, and loved Christine’s writing. But a lot has changed in the last few books, with more abusive men, who in the beginning you have a hard time liking; and the overall exciting story, which is missing. Sadly, after 29 books, I am considering not reading this series anymore. But there are so many recurring characters that I love that still holds me, so time will tell if it will keep me here.

Copy provided by Publisher

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The Reading Cafe and Christine’s publisher are offering a hard cover copy of DARK PROMISES to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

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10. Giveaway runs from March 14-18, 2016

Dark Ghost by Christine Feehan – Dual Review & Giveaway

Posted on September 2, 2015 by Barb

Dark Ghost by Christine Feehan – Review & Giveaway

Dark Ghost
Carpathian series – Book #28
by Christine Feehan
Release Date: September 1, 2015

Dark Ghost Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
He wasn’t civilized or tame. He had his own code and he lived by it.

Monk. Bounty hunter. Vampire slayer. Andre Boroi has spent centuries battling the undead, holding out against the dark with honor. But now, gravely wounded by master vampire Costin Popescu, Andre will be easy to track—his spilled blood marking the killing trail for Popescu and his hungry band of underlings. Andre’s only chance is to disappear into the gray mist of the Carpathians. To wait. To hope.

She had a healing touch and a scent that was his lifeblood.

In the mountains in search of a precious crystal, geologist Teagan Joanes suddenly finds herself hunted by those she once trusted. Then she comes across the warrior—wounded, wanting and irresistible. Andre has been craving her for an eternity: his lifemate. Her warmth envelops him. Her scent pulsates. And with every beat of her heart, Teagan surrenders to a passion she can’t possibly comprehend.

Now they are bound by destiny, but is it enough to keep them safe from a stalking, relentless darkness that threatens to swallow them alive?

Barb’s Review:

Dark Ghost by Christine Feehan is the 28^th book in her Carpathian series. I thought Dark Ghost was a good story, but I did have mixed feelings; a major part of my feelings is that as I have said before, the old style seems to be missing. Other then the Skyler/Dimitri trilogy, which I did enjoy, the last few books have been a disappointment to me.

Dark Ghost was somewhat better, but still very reminiscent of the other later books. I have been waiting a long time for Andre’s story, and I really liked him a lot. Teagan is our heroine, and I liked her too, but did have mixed feelings with her too.

The story begins with Andre knowing he is getting closer his end, to meet the dawn. He goes underground to heal from major injuries fighting a master vampire, whom he hurt badly, but did not kill him. While he rests underground, Teagan, who is a healer, finds herself in danger, from a friend whom she trusted. Running away, she hides in a cave, and begins to search for a stone that she feels with help cure her grandmother. She comes upon an injured Andre, and uses her healing ability to cure many of his injuries. Much to his shock, Andre know this young woman is what he has been searching for all his life; the woman who will save him….his lifemate.

What follows is a story of a Carpathian hunter, who finds his love and his color/emotions back after centuries; a young woman, who can’t resist the alpha male who showers her with adoration, as well as possessiveness; danger in the Carpathian mountains from both humans and vampires. Most of all it the sexual relationship between Andre and Teagan.

What did I have mixed feelings about? Andre was great, but finding his lifemate and turning her so fast, did not really sit well with me. Teagan was very independent, and they fought from from the start. But throughout the book she kept going back and forth to fight Andre or hopelessly devour him. So many times she changed her mind. Just about 85% of the book took place in the Cave. (Reminded me of Dominic’s story). Not enough action, though I did enjoy the parts that Andre taught Teagan how to fly and her other powers. That was fun. Sex, sex, sex and more sex. I like my steamy romances, but not when it over powers the story.

I thought Dark Ghost was better than many of the other recent books in this series, but Christine Feehan has taken this from a paranormal romance suspense with steamy sex to more of an erotic romance storyline.

Sandy’s Review:

DARK GHOST is the 28th installment in Christine Feehan’s adult, paranormal romance DARK (Carpathian) series focusing on a supernatural species known as the Carpathians. This is Carpathian Andre Boroi, and American climber Teagan Joanes’s storyline. DARK GHOST can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

SOME BACKGROUND: 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.

Told from third person point of view DARK GHOST finds our hero Andre in a fight for his life. A master vampire has targeted Andre, and their latest battle results in a struggle for survival. While Andre lies healing in the ground in the Carpathian Mountains, he will be awakened by the voice of his lifemate-Teagan Joanes-a woman he never knew existed until she was pulled to the very cave where Andre went to repair the damage inflicted by the master vampire. What ensues is Andre’s struggle to understand the mind of the modern woman, and the hunt for the person responsible for attacking his lifemate prior to her appearance in the cave.

DARK GHOST is a slow building story where the growing relationship between Teagan and Andre is the central focus of the storyline. Our couple is secluded in a healing cave in the Carpathian Mountains for most of the book, and there is very little outside influence or external conflict-the majority of the conflict bookends Teagan and Andre’s time in the Mountain cave. That’s not to say there wasn’t any contention; Teagan is a modern woman who refuses to acknowledge Andre’s need for control, and his over protective he-man attitude. She is unaware of the danger that searches for her new lifemate, and with it comes the struggles between a man used to the old ways, and a woman whose feminist ideology doesn’t allow for the give and take in a new, unexplored, supernatural relationship.

For fans of the series you may notice some changes over the last few storylines. The Carpathian claiming verse is longer with additional lines and content; to offer blood freely between two Carpathians now comes with longer prose and text; and Christine Feehan’s storylines are more violent towards women-there is the overriding issue of rape and torture that seems to be directed at many of the female characters-primary, secondary and supporting. I am not sure why the change of attack and the propensity for such anger, but it is something that I have noticed throughout the last few installments. I also had an issue with repetition (as a constant reminder) and redundancy–it was all too familiar from previous storylines.

DARK GHOST sees another ancient Carpathian saved from eternal damnation as the undead. Finding one’s lifemate brings with it the return of emotions, colors and feelings that have been lost for hundreds if not thousands of years. Andre’s endless cycle of hunting the vampire has the additional intensity of protecting his lifemate while he battles the friends who have chosen the dark side. Christine Feehan’s DARK/Carpathian series brought me back into the supernatural genre of vampires and immortals. Here’s hoping that many of the ancients previously introduced in the series find their lifemates before too long.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

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Tag Archives: Carpathian

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