Limecello’s review of Lover Enshrined (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 6) by J.R. Ward
Contemporary paranormal romance released by Signet on 3 Jun 08

I’ve been a huge fan of the Black Dagger Brotherhood books since I started reading them, and I’m curious as to where the series is going to go. I liked this book more than I expected, based on Lover Unbound. I tried to avoid reviews before I read Lover Enshrined – but I still got a sense of disappointment from readers, and it pains me to agree. For those of you who have read the series, you understand. Those of you who haven’t read it yet – I recommend reading the series and formulating your own opinion.

I like Phury – and respect him a lot. He devoted his life to finding his brother, then shot his own leg off to save them both. He’s happy to help out anyone and everyone, and is always sacrificing himself to make the lives of those he loves better. I felt that this book, unfortunately, took a little of that away from him. The fact that he’s a drug addict, and the way he reacts to his addiction makes him a rather unsympathetic character.

Something I found conflicting in the book was the badass seven foot tall ruthless killers, that sounded like middle school girls. The constant texting in the book was also something I could easily have gone without. Then, there was one scene that was minor, but so disappointed me – it was when a character was arrested and Mirandized. That’s not how it works, as anyone with a cursory background in criminal justice would know, which I would expect Ward as a lawyer to have.

While this wasn’t much of a romance – Phury and Cormia are both so troubled – I liked most other aspects of the book. The secondary stories, characters, and plot were almost more interesting than Phury and Cormia, which is sad, because Phury got the short end of the stick with his book. I enjoyed learning what all the secondary characters we’ve already been introduced to are embroiled in – but the storylines are getting more complicated, almost too much so.

The books are no longer stand alone – and least, not completely, in my opinion. If I hadn’t read the five previous books, I think I would have been rather lost. Too many issues were left unresolved. Not only that, but more characters and issues were brought in. The characters are more angsty than group of high schoolers a month before prom with no date. And they deal with their issues in pretty much the same way.

The focus on the younger males – John, Blaylock, and Qhuinn, was fun. I’ve enjoyed following their story since Lover Eternal.

I like the way the book was written, and how well developed it is – the descriptions of the characters emotions and experiences. The settings, atmosphere, is all well done. Ms Ward has an impressive attention to detail – as noted, with the strong focus on the younger characters, even the activities and preferred drinks in the book changed.

To be honest, when I first heard about the BDB, I mocked. ‘Come on! Characters named Rhage, Zsadist, Vishous, and Phury? Give me a break.‘ But I read the first three, and was hooked. I waited impatiently for the fourth, and then the fifth. After reading the sixth, I do plan on reading the seventh.

I’m someone who generally has to follow a series until the bitter end (which is why I’m not that into series – the potentiality for it being written into the ground is too high, as evinced by Gilmore Girls). I felt apprehensive after Lover Unbound, and started reading Lover Enshrined with some trepidation, but overall, I enjoyed it. I have to say though, I miss the stories and books from the beginning of the series. I hope the next one will be more like those.

Grade: C+

Fiercely loyal to the Black Dagger Brotherhood, Phury has sacrificed himself for the good of the race, becoming the male responsible for keeping the Brotherhood’s bloodlines alive. As Primale of the Chosen, he is to father the sons and daughters who will ensure that the traditions of the race survive and that there are warriors to fight those who want all vampires extinguished.

As his first mate, the Chosen Cormia wants to win not only his body but his heart for herself- she sees the emotionally scarred male behind all his noble responsibility. But while the war with the Lessening Society grows more grim, and tragedy looms over the Brotherhood’s mansion, Phury must decide between duty and love.

Read an excerpt here.

For more reviews, excerpts, and posts about this and other Black Dagger Brotherhood books, click on the BDB tag below.