Veena’s review of Darkness Rises (Immortal Guardians, Book 4) by Dianne Duvall
Paranormal Romance published by Zebra 01 Oct 13
I accidentally fell into my first book by this author and am now hooked for life. I devour each new book as it comes out and then find myself waiting for the next one with bated breath. As the story arc progresses, we get deeper into the world of the immortals, as well into the specific history of some of the guardians. What I enjoy is the relationship building with the characters and having it grow and deepen with each book.
Etienne d’Alencon patrols over the university area, trying to keep us humans safe from the vampires that prey among us. One night as he swoops down to protect a gorgeous young lady, she surprises him by whipping out her swords and taking care of the problem for herself. Fascinated, Etienne follows her into hiding and tries to keep her safe and protected, not that our intrepid heroine appreciates that.
But the peace and quiet is deceptive. One night the unthinkable happens and Etienne cannot protect Krysta, and, in fact, in trying to save her is brought low himself. Now it’s Kysta’s turn to rescue him, plunging her and her brother into a world of danger surrounded by enemies. Etienne’s gifts and Immortal Guardians are no longer secret from the siblings as they are relocated into Etienne’s home for protection.
I love the kick-ass heroine who fights side by side with her partner and refuses to be wrapped in cotton wool and left behind. I thoroughly enjoyed the meet with her parents as both sides skirt around truths and half truths, only to find they’re not necessary.
I’ve been fascinated by the two senior angelic leaders since the first book, but in this one I have to say that I am disappointed that Seth, for all his gifts and enlightened status, dismisses his fellow “angel” without even attempting to understand the truth. I suppose angels are human too when it comes to people they care about?????
Regardless of the little fly in the ointment of my enjoyment, I highly recommend this book and, clearly, the series.
Grade: B
Summary:
Krysta is used to getting the drop on vampires. Her “special abilities” aren’t much, but the plan is simple–she plays helpless pretty young thing to lure them in. Then her shoto swords come out and it’s bye-bye, bloodsucker. Until one night she finds herself with an unexpected ally. He’s a vampire, all right, but different. Mysterious. Handsome. And more interested in saving her skin than draining it.
Étienne has been an Immortal Guardian for two hundred years–long enough to know that Krysta is special. He can’t stop thinking about her long legs, even more than her short swords. Then he discovers the vamps she’s exterminating have friends in high places, and the Guardians are in danger too. He’ll have to accept Krysta’s help to save them. The stakes for a mortal are high. But the cost to his heart might be higher. . .
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
