Sandy M’s review of Deliver Me From Darkness (Paladin Warriors, Book 1) by Tes Hilaire
Paranormal Romance published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 7 Feb 12
My string of luck with debut authors is still going strong and healthy with Tes Hilaire’s new book. A fallen angel and the first Paladin female in hundreds of years are the perfect combination to keep you immersed in the pages of this book.
Roland was once one of God’s warriors, a Paladin with brothers who fought by his side. But nearly a hundred years ago he gave in to the lure of dark vampiric power, a time he regrets now for the loss of his soul and because he also saw the destruction of his family at the same time. His life is orderly and clean, just the way he likes it, but all that order is about to be disrupted by one small but very fiery and passionate woman.
Having heard all her life that vampires are evil, Karissa is at first quite frightened by Roland and tries to escape his well-protected home when Logan, Roland’s best friend and the Paladin who rescued her, leaves her alone with the vampire. Even when the creature leaves her be to sleep the day away, she tears his place apart trying to find a way out, all to no avail.
Though they come to a truce of sorts, Karissa opts to leave with Logan when he returns, knowing the man will protect her at all costs, just as her grandfather always told her. But Logan’s good intentions go awry when every Paladin male wants to mark Karissa as his own – there’s a huge deficit in the ratio of women to men in the bloodline and Karissa is seen as the chance to save them all. But even Logan’s family has secrets, as he discovers when he tries to mark Karissa to save her from the wave of Paladins headed her way.
Roland has been able to break the bond with his maker, Christos, but that vampire is now in cahoots with two other powerful and evil lords, with a plan in mind once they get their hands on Karissa and her blood. Roland failed to protect those he loved once before, he’s not about to let it happen again. Working once more with Valin, a brother with dark shifting powers and who prods Roland every chance he gets, they finally locate Karissa through her mating bond with Roland. But are they too late? Will Roland have to face his fear of failure again?
This is a story of good vs. evil, the choice made and lived with for that person, and there are several who have to face the music. Roland is more than the sum of his parts, as his former brothers discover. Even as Karissa discovers. As he himself discovers. At first he tries to push Karissa away, knowing she’s his mate, but he feels he’s not good enough for her, too dark for her light. When she realizes what she is to him, she wants all that it entails and she goes for it, pushing him to confront his feelings and her. He doesn’t want to hurt her or live without her, so he tries to keep his bloodlust and heart at bay. Doesn’t work. When they come together he’s as gentle as can be, despite his body and his darkness wanting more NOW. The other Paladins are just as honorable and sexy in their own way. I look forward to both Logan’s and Valin’s stories.
What a terrific start Ms. Hilaire has given readers at the beginning of her new series. If you’re into vampires, demons, and other otherworldly creatures, if you like your action fast and furious, if you want a hero to die for and a heroine he’ll die for, I think you should start here. This book and this series has it all.
Grade: B
Summary:
A stranger in the night…
He had once been a warrior of the Light, one of the revered Paladin. A protector. But now he lives in darkness, and the shadows are his sanctuary. Every day is a struggle to overcome the bloodlust. Especially the day Karissa shows up at his doorstep.
Comes knocking on the door…
She is light and bright and everything beautiful despite her scratches and torn clothes. Every creature of the night is after her. So is every male Paladin. Because Karissa is the last female of their kind. But she is his. He may not have a soul, but he can’t deny his heart.
Read an excerpt.
