Veena’s review of Bound In Darkness (Immortal Brothers, Book 4) by Jacquelyn Frank
Paranormal Romance published by Ballantine Books 24 Nov 15
I had a hard time getting into this book at the beginning, but then the pace picked up, ending with a stunning conclusion that totally blew me away. It was only as I started to verbalize what I liked and didn’t like about this story that I came to the conclusion this is not a love story in the conventional sense. There is no strong relationship building or even soft romance between the characters. When I switched gears and viewed this from the standpoint of fantasy adventure, I got into each quest with the characters and found myself quite enjoying the unfolding of the story.
Maxxum is the fourth brother who was given to Sabo, the god of pain, for his punishment. His punishment is now muted to only nighttime hours, thanks to his brothers’ intervention, and he seeks ultimate freedom like his brothers have gained. Since Sabo has a reputation for cruelty, Maxxum believes his only recourse is battle Sabo for his freedom. With that in mind, he’s assembled a band of warriors and sets out on a quest to acquire magical tokens that will aid him in this epic battle.
Airianne is the latest to join his unlikely band of warriors, when she’s able to successfully steal his latest talisman from him as he and his warriors are celebrating their most recent victory. At the beginning he threatens to use her sexually or give her to his men, and it’s quite off putting, and even when they move into a physical relationship, it appears almost to be one of convenience rather than romantic. It’s almost a surprise that she’s so upset when he challenges Sabo.
What I enjoyed are the stories of the quests and how the team faces danger and near certain death but in each instance escapes with the talisman, having defeated the guardian of said talisman. There are fantastic creatures, like a hydra, that guards a ring of untold power in the midst of a sentient forest or a dragon hoard that is guarded by magical locks and a demi-god who controls a cuff of power. The story of the dagger of truths and the challenges that prove an individual worthy of it all add to the fantasy.
While the story starts off as though the reader should have read the previous books in the series with little or no introduction to Maxxum, it devolves into a stand-alone book with a few token mentions of the other brothers along the way. The author does a great wrap-up at the end, bringing all four brothers and their growing families together so we can wave goodbye and leave them happily ever after in our rear view mirror.
Grade: C+
Summary:
After drinking from the fountain of immortality along with his brothers, Maxum is condemned by the gods to be entombed in the earth. Even though he has now been granted a reprieve by day, each night he is buried anew, his rock-hard body immobilized, his bones crushed by the pressure. When he emerges, his body heals, but his spirit remains scarred. There is only one way for Maxum to be completely free: He must kill the god who cursed him.
The task will require tremendous power, so Maxum must gather talismans to equip him for the battle. To help him on this quest, Maxum approaches the alluring Airianne and strikes a bargain as tempting as it is audacious. A skilled thief, Airianne could be a valuable ally, if only Maxum could trust her. Will this stealthy seductress also try to steal his heart—or will their boldness end up getting them both buried?
No excerpt available.
Other books in this series:
