Sandy M’s review of The King (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 13) by J.R. Ward
Paranormal Romance hardcover published by NAL 1 Apr 14
I know some readers, after a while and a lot of books in one series, say the books begin to sound the same, nothing new is going on, and other like comments and opinions. I’m sure that’s even happening with the Brothers of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, but I’m still enjoying this series quite a bit, even when I’ve missed a couple of books along the way.
That being said, having missed those books, I did find myself slightly lost a few times during this read, though Ms. Ward does a fairly good job of filling in in certain instances. That leads me to the length of this book. She couldn’t fill in in every instance, because then there’d be that many more pages and there’s more than enough as is. There is so much going on in this story. Almost too much. I realize the Brothers have all had their stories, and if the series is to continue, there needs to be a way for that to happen. Because of those missed volumes, I’m not up to snuff on some characters and issues and not in the know at this point how much longer the series will be continuing.
While I like this book, I do want more of the Brothers. They’re what drew me to the series, obviously, to begin with. What we do get is great, finding out what’s happening in their lives, but it’s not nearly enough, especially considering the number of pages. But there are some scenes that are heartfelt and emotional, which is nice to see after they’ve all mated, finding love and peace in their lives. I also like the look we finally get into the lives of Wrath’s parents, their meeting and mating, their love, the elder Wrath’s need to take on aspects of the Brotherhood, and, sadly, their deaths.
Interspersed with that are the current trials and tribulations of the King and his mate, Beth. She wants a young, he wants only her, not willing to risk her life when giving birth among their kind doesn’t have the best odds. Then there’s those who are stealthily working to depose Wrath from the throne, and while he takes it as a fait accompli, it’s Beth who won’t let it alone and is determined to find a way to rectify such a wrong. Also in and among these goings-on are the various love lives of other characters, ones I’m not that familiar with due to those missed books. But I enjoyed these side trips. Even those of the bad guys. J.R. Ward has a way of turning the emotion around the ron eader and making them care when they’d rather not.
I’m going to assume, since I see nothing on the author’s web site to the contrary, that there are still more books planned in the series, because there are a few things left hanging. The aforementioned side romances for one. There’s something going on with John Matthew when he’s near Beth at times that’s never fully explained, at least not for me. So hopefully that will be tied up in future books. I do like the ending of this book, especially Wrath finally finding some joy in life and also the turnabout when it comes to the throne. The only downside is there’s a heck of a lot going on, and I’d have preferred more time with the Brothers in that mansion, but it’s still a great BDB book, making me want more and more.
Grade: B
Summary:
Long live the KingAfter turning his back on the throne for centuries, Wrath, son of Wrath, finally assumed his father’s mantle–with the help of his beloved mate. But the crown sets heavily on his head. As the war with the Lessening Society rages on, and the threat from the Band of Bastards truly hits home, he is forced to make choices that put everything–and everyone–at risk. Beth Randall thought she knew what she was getting into when she mated the last pure blooded vampire on the planet: An easy ride was not it. But when she decides she wants a child, she’s unprepared for Wrath’s response–or the distance it creates between them. The question is, will true love win out… or tortured legacy take over?
No excerpt available.
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