Limecello’s review of Dark Warrior Unleashed (The Talions, Book 1) by Alexis Morgan
Paranormal romance published by Pocket on 29 Jul 08
I thought the premise of this book was interesting. I began reading it not quite knowing what to expect. I’m not sure how I ended up with this book, but it was entertaining. In fact, I read it in one sitting, because it was an easy read. Not my favorite this summer, but the series shows promise.
Kerry Logan is a forceful heroine, and able to hold her own against two extremely strong willed warriors. She does some extraordinary things, such as save every single person in a packed nightclub from a fire. Not afraid to speak her mind, Kerry seems to deal with each and every situation with competence if not some panache. (After all, she does have super powers.)
Ranulf Thorsen (yes he’s a Viking) is something of a typical paranormal romance hero. He’s lived a thousand years, is burnt out, alone, has had a difficult life, and ready to just have done with it – until he meets the heroine. Then there’s the aspect of him being misunderstood, alone, and not only isolated but almost ostracized, due to his role in Talion society. Ranulf has a sense of humor, however, which is a nice break in tone from the rest of the novel. He’s definitely the star character in Dark Warrior Unleashed.
There was just a touch too much of martyrdom assigned to the male characters in this book for my taste. Then there’s a minor part where Ranulf gives Kerry a torque his long dead wife wore, right before they get it on. (Actually, he puts it on her.) I have to admit I was a bit squicked out. It also would have been nice if some more of the world and culture had been explained. The history of the Talions is laid out, but not the current state of affairs. Also, the threat and conflict throughout the book simply didn’t grip me.
The concept of “other people” living among “normal people” with their own rules yet trying to co-exist isn’t new, but the way Ms. Morgan builds her world is creative. I liked the matriarchic twist on the series, especially since most of the male characters are of the warrior class. Always fun to see big brawny take control men put in their place.
A quick read, but nothing too memorable for me. I think the subsequent books in the series will have a lot more depth. Or, I would expect them to. At times I didn’t find the book believable. A character would cross the line and become over dramatic, or a “real life” place or event in the book wouldn’t jive. An example would be slow songs being played in a packed nightclub where people go to let loose and dance. Maybe it’s an age thing, but I can’t imagine the upset that would happen if a DJ played anything without a throbbing beat, even in a dive bar.
I’ve never read a book by Ms. Morgan before, but I will say that the Talions series could be great. The first book lays out the groundwork nicely, and I’m curious as to how the next few will play out. If you’re looking for a different type of paranormal book, this might be the one for you, especially if you’re a fan of Ms. Morgan’s writing.
Grade: C-
Summary:
He’s on a mission to annihilate the enemy. A Talion enforcer, Ranulf Thorsen has served his people for a thousand years, delivering the eye-for-an-eye justice by which his kinsmen live. Weary of the centuries long fight, the fierce warrior with icy blue eyes had secluded himself on a mountain far away from the chaos below. Now the Grand Dame has called him one final time to face the most dangerous battle of his life and the fate of his people is on the line.
But when he meets the beautiful heroine he has sworn to defend. . . Ranulf and his bitter rival and fellow Talion, Sandor Kearn, must find the bloodthirsty Kyth rogue who set a violent fire in a nightclub. The near-deadly blaze’s unlikely heroine, Kerry Logan, is also a Kyth, possessing the ancient Nordic people’s unique ability to manipulate human energy. She just doesn’t know it yet.
Who will protect his heart? Kerry finds more than comfort in her warrior’s embrace, and Ranulf hungers to both defend and claim the petite powerhouse for his own. But with time ticking away and their lives on the line, Kerry proves she possesses the inner strength to match her Viking lover’s.
Read an excerpt here.
