Darkness Avenged (Guardians of Eternity # 10) by Alexandra Ivy-Review, Blog Tour and Character Interview
Darkness Avenged (Guardians of Eternity #10)
by Alexandra Ivy
Release Date: May 28, 2013
Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository
DARKNESS AVENGED (Guardians of Eternity # 10 ) by Alexandra Ivy
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 28, 2013
THE SEARCH FOR A TRAITOR
As the demon world celebrates the defeat of the Dark Lord, the vampire Santiago’s mood remains bleak. He still yearns for the sensual, raven-haired Nefri, who has inexplicably disappeared. But brooding for Nefri is a luxury that Santiago does not have. His traitorous sire, Gaius, is unleashing a violent scourge upon the mortal world, and Santiago must stop him before it’s too late…
LEADS TO A DANGEROUS SEDUCTION
To her dismay, the all-powerful Oracles have sent Nefri on her own mission to find Gaius, and failure is not an option. Nefri’s search leads her to the vampire’s abandoned lair—and straight into Santiago’s path. It’s clear Santiago intends to seduce her, but then an ancient, banished evil reappears, threatening to thrust the world into a madness it cannot survive…
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REVIEW: Darkness Avenged is the tenth storyline in Alexandra Ivy’s Guardians of Eternity and oh, what a ride. There are three overlapping storylines that culminate in a final scene where the major players all seek retribution against the one vampire who has betrayed them all. At the end of Fear the Darkness, the Dark Lord had been destroyed and the tortured vampire Gaius had escaped through the Veil in search of someone long thought dead.
The main storyline focuses on vampires Santiago and Nefri. Nefri has been ordered by The Commission to locate Gaius. Gaius for all intents and purposes is lost to this world but he is also Santiago’s sire. Santiago is the one person who will be able to locate the missing vampire-presumed taken to the afterlife when the Dark Lord was defeated. Having come through the Veil a mere shadow of his former self, Gaius is lost to a darker power when he is promised the return of his beloved and long dead mate. When Santiago discovers it is Nefri who must hunt down Gaius for The Commission, he decrees himself guardian of the beautiful and enigmatic Clan Chief as she endeavors to locate the missing vampire who is wreaking havoc on the emotions of everyone and everything.
Secondary to Santiago and Nefri’s story, Chicago Vampire Clan Chief Roke suddenly finds himself enchanted by the little witch Sally as she is held prisoner at Styx’s estate. As the King of the vampires, Styx knows that Sally was once a trusted friend and companion of Gaius, and both, at one time, lived behind the veil. Styx needs to know what has happened to the man he once called a friend and Sally is the ticket to that information. But Sally refuses to reveal the information in fear that the more sinister side of Gaius takes his revenge. The others will soon learn that Sally is much more than a witch when she is able to break through the vampire King’s warded estate to discover the truth to her witch heritage and powerful legacy.
Thirdly, part of the storyline focuses on Gaius-a vampire so tortured by the Dark Lord, that he was willing to give up his soul to see his beloved mate one last time. This particular part of the storyline followed Gaius as he struggled with the illusion that all would be right in his world once his mate was brought back from the dead. Gaius is no longer the strong and beautiful vampire, but a mere puppet possessed by something much stronger and much older than anyone thought possible. We have followed Gaius throughout the series-cried when he lost his mate: heartbroken when he pledged himself to the Dark Lord: and defeated when we realized there was no turning back for the once brave and powerful vampire.
All three storylines will cross paths as Gaius brings everyone together for a final showdown in a warehouse where a powerful magic must be contained. When the source of everything evil is finally revealed, one vampire will be dust, another will go in search of his missing mate, and still another will retreat to the other side of the Veil to start a life with his family and new love.
The relationship between Santiago and Nefri is fraught with the usual tug of attraction between two souls meant to be together. Their sexual encounters are both loving and hot, and you know that together they will make a formidable pair. As a powerful Clan Chief, Nefri is held in high esteem and worshipped by many who have heard about her powers. It will take a strong vampire, sure in himself, to become consort and mate to such a powerful Chief.
DARKNESS AVENGED is an exciting storyline that answers many of the questions building in the previous books and novels. Alexandra smoothly blends three parallel stories into one imaginative narration of good vs evil, heartbreak and sorrow, love and lost. With her amazing cast of familiar characters readers will feel at home in Darkness Avenged. If you are a fan of Alexandra’s GUARDIANS OF ETERNITY, Darkness Avenged is a must read. There is NO WAY you can skip this installment.
Copy supplied by the author.
Reviewed by Sandy
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LEVET (a novella)
LEVET is a bonus novella included with the paper copy of Darkness Avenged. As the little gargoyle shunned by his own kind, LEVET is a hero in his own eyes. At the end of Fear the Darkness, Levet was instrumental in helping to defeat the Dark Lord but he continues to be the bane of many a vampire’s existence. But Levet is a power until himself and returning home to the land of his birthplace, Levet will encounter the family who pushed him aside as a freak and a mistake. And in his mind, Levet deserves to have his name placed on the Wall of Memories for all time and in doing so Levet must face his worst fears-the gargoyles he once called family.
Levet is like a small child who at times craves the attention of adults, but this little gargoyle is trying to find a place in the grand scheme of the supernatural world. Upon his return to Paris, he must not only face his sibling as well as his brutal mother, but also a vampire who is slowly losing his hold on the woman with whom he has fallen in love. And it will take a small gargoyle with a heart of stone, to show the vampire the way to a woman’s heart is through love.
LEVET is a cute storyline that offers up a small peak into the world of a shunned gargoyle who wants to be loved for himself. Both heartwarming and heartbreaking, Levet is a welcome addition to the Guardians of Eternity family of storylines and novels.
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An interview with Levet:
You are a favorite with the ladies. What’s your secret?
Secret? How can it be a secret when you can see my manly physic and the handsome length of my tail? I use champagne, you know, to keep it glossy. The women adore a man of beauty and strength. And of course, I am quite charming, as well.
You once had a magical wish that allowed you to grow to normal gargoyle size. How did it feel?
It was, a fascinating change. And I suppose that many gargoyles in my position would be disappointed to return to a more…diminutive size. I, however, am a demon who does not need to be a hulking beast to be a formidable adversary. My magic can send entire armies running in fear. Besides, any woman can tell you that size does not matter.
What’s your opinion of Vampires? Werewolves?
Bah. Bloodsuckers are a pain in the ear. No…wait. Is it toe? Neck? Oui. The neck. Did you get the joke? The Vanna gig did not work out so I am rehearsing my monologue for the Tonight Show. It is time for Jay to retire again. And as for those mangy dogs…they should be put into kennels and left to rot.
Unless they are female. And then I find them irresistible.
Have you ever been in love?
Oui. So many, many times. Ah. J’adore être dans l’amour. I am a Frenchman, after all.
What’s your age?
Why. Do you see a wrinkle? Where?
Your favorite movie?
The Hunchback of Notre Dame, of course.
If you could be any leading man, who would you be?
What a silly question. I am considered by many to be an exact duplicate of Brad Pitt. Well, perhaps I am not an exact duplicate. But when you see me in profile in the right lighting…it resemblance is uncanny.
Any words for your fans?
Please know that I adore each and that it has been my very great pleasure to have become a part of your lives. If I can bring a smile to your beautiful face then my work is done.
Alexandra Ivy is the New York Times bestselling author of the Guardians of Eternity series, the Immortal Rogues series and the Sentinels.
Alexandra graduated from Truman University with a degree in theatre before deciding she preferred to bring her characters to life on paper rather than stage. She currently lives in Missouri with her extraordinarily patient husband and teenage sons.
Connect with Alexandra: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads
When Darkness Comes (Guardians of Eternity #1)
It’s been a hell of a day for Abby Barlow. In just a few hours, she’s survived an explosion, watched her employer die, had a startling dream, and now she finds herself in a seedy Chicago hotel with the sexy, unearthly Dante, a man she both desires and fears. For 341 years, Dante has stood as guardian to The Chalice, a mortal woman chosen to hold back the darkness. A terrible twist of fate has now made Abby that woman. Three hours ago, Dante would have used all his charms to seduce her. Now she is his to protect. And he will do so until his very death. A terrifying plan has been set in motion, one that will plunge Dante and Abby into an epic battle between good and evil – and a desperate race to save their love…
Available at: Amazon | B&N | Kobo
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Fear the Darkness (Guardians of Eternity #9)
The Guardians of Eternity are embroiled in an epic battle for survival. They are as dangerous as they are sensual—and their lustful appetites are legendary…
Her Visions Lead Her To Danger
Beautiful Cassandra is a Were, a prophet both vulnerable and defiant, blessed with visions that portend the fate of the world. A rare and delicate creature, Cassie must be protected at all costs. Enter Caine, a powerful cur turned pureblooded Were whose recent tangles with a demon lord have left him in serious need of redemption. Caine is duty-bound to keep Cassie out of danger—and that means resisting his potent urge to seduce her.
And Only He Can Save Her
As Cassie’s mysterious visions lead them in and out of danger, Caine believes he has found his true mate, the woman with whom he is bound for all eternity. Cassie is both charmed and frightened by Caine’s magnetism, and unsure if he—or her feelings for him—can be trusted. But Cassie can’t afford to doubt Cain now. A deadly enemy bent on destruction is closer than they realize—and only they can keep chaos from ruling the world.
Available at: Amazon | B&N | Kobo
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Levet (Guardians of Eternity #9.5)
Just released on March 26, 2013
Gargoyles do not admire difference–and Levet is undeniably different. Of miniscule stature, rather beastly looks, and with fragile, delicate wings, even his family has shunned him, banished him from his beloved Paris. That he is the only gargoyle ever to help defeat the Dark Lord and his hordes of minions makes no impression. But now Levet has come home, determined to be restored to the official Gargoyle Guild. To do so, he must confront the most feared gargoyle in all of Europe. The one who tried to kill him as a child: his own mother. . .
With few allies, Levet’s survival may depend on the aid of two strangers: Valla, a beautiful but damaged nymph, and Elijah, the fiercely possessive, love-struck vampire clan chief to whom she can’t quite surrender–unless Levet has something to do with it. . .
Available at: Amazon | B&N | Kobo
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Darkness Avenged (Guardians of Eternity #10)
Release Date: May 28, 2013
THE SEARCH FOR A TRAITOR
As the demon world celebrates the defeat of the Dark Lord, the vampire Santiago’s mood remains bleak. He still yearns for the sensual, raven-haired Nefri, who has inexplicably disappeared. But brooding for Nefri is a luxury that Santiago does not have. His traitorous sire, Gaius, is unleashing a violent scourge upon the mortal world, and Santiago must stop him before it’s too late…
LEADS TO A DANGEROUS SEDUCTION
To her dismay, the all-powerful Oracles have sent Nefri on her own mission to find Gaius, and failure is not an option. Nefri’s search leads her to the vampire’s abandoned lair—and straight into Santiago’s path. It’s clear Santiago intends to seduce her, but then an ancient, banished evil reappears, threatening to thrust the world into a madness it cannot survive…
Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository
Ivy’s DARKNESS AVENGED Blog Tour Schedule
May 27 – June 9
5/27- The Jeep Diva (interview & review)
http://thejeepdiva.com/
5/27- Under the Covers (guest post)
http://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/
5/28- Books-n-Kisses (interview)
http://www.books-n-kisses.com/
5/28- Musings From An Addicted Reader (series spotlight)
http://musingsfromanaddictedreader.blogspot.com/
5/29- Cocktails and Books (interview)
http://www.cocktailsandbooks.com/
5/29- Books, Books & More Books (series spotlight and review)
http://booksbooksmorebooks.blogspot.com/
5/30- Mad Hatter Reads (guest post)
http://madhatterreads.blogspot.com/
5/30- Vampires, Werewolves & Fairies Oh My! (series spotlight)
http://vampireswerewolvesfairiesohmy.blogspot.com/
5/30- Scenes From A Chaotic Mind (series spotlight)
http://scenesfromachaoticmind.blogspot.com/
5/31- Book Lovin Mamas (guest post)
http://booklovinmamas.blogspot.com//
5/31- Bookin’ It Reviews (series spotlight)
http://www.bookinitreviews.com/
6/01- Book Lovers Hideaway (guest post)
http://booklovershideaway.blogspot.com/
6/01- Page Flipperz (series spotlight)
http://pageflipperz.blogspot.com/
6/02- Wicked Readings by Tawania (series spotlight)
http://www.wickedreadingsbytawania.blogspot.com/
6/02- Froggarita’s Bookcase (interview & series spotlight)
http://www.froggaritasbookcase.com/
6/03- The Reading Cafe (guest post, series spotlight & review)
http://thereadingcafe.com/
6/03- Redheaded Bookworm (series spotlight)
http://redheaded-bookworm.blogspot.com/
6/04- Paranormal Haven (guest post)
http://www.paranormalhaven.com/
6/04- Darker Passions (series spotlight)
http://darkerpassions.net/
6/05- Romance Junkies (interview)
http://www.romancejunkies.com/rjblog/
6/05- A Total Book Nerd (interview)
http://atotalbooknerd.com
6/06- Jocelyn Dex Blog (mini interview & book spotlight)
http://jocelyndex.blogspot.com/
6/06- All The Fun Starts After Dark (series spotlight & review)
http://allthefunstartsafterdark.blogspot.com/
6/06- Urban Girl Reader (series spotlight)
http://urbangirlreader.com/
6/07- I Smell Sheep (guest post)
http://www.ismellsheep.com/
6/08- Book Monster Reviews (guest post)
http://www.bookmonsterreviews.com/
6/08- Literal Addiction (guest post)
http://www.literaladdiction.com/
6/08- United by Books (interview)
http://unitedbybooks.blogspot.com/
6/09- GraveTells (guest post)
http://gravetells.com/
6/09- Riverina Romantics (series spotlight)
http://riverinaromantics.blogspot.com/
Alexandra is giving away the following prizes on her tour:
GRAND PRIZE:
1 – $50.00 Gift card to Amazon
RUNNERS-UP:
2 – winner will receive a $10.00 Gift card to Amazon or B&N (winners choice)
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL READERS AS WELL. (International winner will get Amazon gift card)
NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the Rafflecopter Giveaway. If you have any questions, please contact the tour promoter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Rhyannon: This was such an easy question to answer because I had included images in the cover art file I put together for Berkley’s art department. I sent them a gorgeous photo of Gerard Butler for Ben, and one of the adorable Anna Friel for Reese
Rhyannon: I’m currently working on the copyedits for Make Me Yours, which will be in the WICKED AND DANGEROUS anthology that’s coming out in October. I’m also working on KEEP ME CLOSER, as well as some exciting self-published projects that will be coming out this summer. 🙂
One of the things I got to do more with the youngest was what he called ‘play toys.” “Mom, play toys with me” was an almost daily ritual, one I looked forward to doing since I already knew how quickly children grow out of the wanting to be with mom stage and into the drop me off a block from school stage. So I carefully made sure I played toys whenever asked.
It all begins with the name. The heroes, Optimus Prime or Leader-1? Which has the better name? That also goes for the evil machines – Megatron or Cy-Kill? Need I even ask?
It was a good thing I was into sci-fi and trucks from having three boys because these things became a staple in my house for a long time when they first were introduced by Hasbro. Which brings me to why I loved seeing the Transformers movies. It certainly wasn’t the plots. There were none to speak of. The storylines jumped all around, some character lines weren’t tied up and finalized and mostly, things blew up and there was a lot of noise; for over two and a half hours. And while Shia is not unpleasant to look at for that length of time, he’s no Hugh Jackman as Wolverine or Chris Pine as the current Captain Kirk.
