Gwen’s review of Dawn’s Awakening (The Breeds, Book 4) by Lora Leigh
Futuristic paranormal romance released 5 Feb 08 by Berkley
Leigh’s Breed series is a peek into a world where human/predator eugenisis is a reality and this bioengineering of “weapons” is an old, dirty secret that the world is still reeling from. Dawn’s Awakening is book 4 in that series (books are published out of order and most can be read that way). It’s a raw, compelling world with heroes and heroines you cheer for, and superb villains.
Dawn’s Awakening is one of the best Breed books I’ve ever read. I think it may be the only one with a Breed female and human male H/H and damn if that wasn’t THE MOST fun to read of all the combinations so far. The hero, Seth (love that name, by the way), is still “bigger and better” than an average human male because of the mating hormones, but still, he’s human and it’s just luscious to read how he reacts to his mate. The heroine, Dawn, a Cougar Breed who suffered horribly in the labs, is a flawed, heartbreaking woman who eventually redeems her soul.
Dawn’s Awakening has one of the most “complete” Breed story arcs I’ve read. You read about Dawn and Seth throughout their long acquaintance with each other and are given quite a lot of detail – not too much, though, just enough. The secondary story arcs are small, but contribute to the main plot. the secondary characters are complete people who help the story and move the plot. There’s a little “future book salting” but it’s appropriate to the storyline.
Don’t miss this book. If you’re a fan of paranormal, futuristics, or just damn fine writing, don’t miss this book. If you’re a fan of Leigh or the Breed’s books, don’t miss it. If you’ve never read a Breed book before, this would be an excellent one to start with, so don’t miss it. There’s enough backstory you should have no trouble picking up what’s going on in this complex world. Damn. Just don’t miss this book.
Grade: A
From the back cover:
The runt of the lab she was created in, Dawn Daniels endured years of torture by her pride brother and the council soldiers. Finally freed from her torment, she’s now a Breed Enforcer, in control of her own life. Until she’s assigned to protect the one man destined to be her mate-and realizes it’s far too easy to lose total control…One of the Breed’s most important supporters, Seth Lawrence has spent years trying to forget Dawn, knowing that her lost innocence has made it impossible for her to get close to anyone. But suddenly neither of them can find the strength to fight the overwhelming passion between them. At least until the most brutal tormenter from Dawn’s past reappears-and threatens to destroy their newfound love, along with their lives…
Read an excerpt.
Woohoo! I’m really looking forward to this book and I’m glad you liked it. 😛
Actually, I think the other female’s hero is human and the brother of the first heroine, mate to the leader of the entire feline group. At the moment I can’t remeber any of their names, though. Theirs was a great story. I’ll be watching for this one, too.
Thanks for the review Gwen. Makes it that much more difficult yet eagerly anticipated. February and March are going to be such good months for releases (Lora, Nalini, Meljean, Jaci, Sherry and Anya…) – I should just clear my calendar and hide away with enough food once I get my hands on these books!
There was a male human , female breed before. As Bev said it was Callan’s sister Sherra and Merinus’ (Callaun’s mate) brother Kane. It was called Kiss of heat.
I was really happy to see this book get good reviews, I just finished re-reading most of Lora’s Ellora Cave books so I am really looking forward to this one.
Really timely post
Sophie – it was a kick-ass Breeds book. One of the best I’ve read. Lots of action and emotional development. Everything you read Leigh for.
Great review for a fabulous book! I simply loved it. Great characters, strong emotion, strong connection between hero and heroine, and it moved along at a perfect pace. Talented author without a doubt.