Limecello’s review of Into the Shadow (Darkness Chosen, Book 3) by Christina Dodd
Paranormal romance released by Signet on 1 Jul 08
Christina Dodd is one of my favorite romance authors, but she’s never won me over on her paranormals… until now! In fact, I’m considering re-reading the previous ones even. So yes – I liked this book, which is the third installment in her Darkness Chosen series.
Karen Sonnet is an interesting heroine. She’s strong, smart, capable, yet vulnerable, a bit thick at times, and craves approval from her father. Yes at times things about Karen were cliché, but she herself wasn’t. She’s also quite determined and able to handle any situation she’s put in – even if she has moments of uncertainty – and you have to respect her for that.
Warlord-Adrick/Rick Wilder is a character that is hard to place. In a way, he starts out as an anti-hero. He’s the conquering barbarian, and he goes after what he wants, end of story. Warlord really is a warlord, who controls everything. Feared by all the men, yet a good ruler. Adrick and Rick are lesser known qualities, and definitely “the modern man.” Throughout, Adrick is quite complex and layered, but the reader is certain he has an inner core of good.
It’s hard to describe how I feel about this book- more I didn’t know how to react to certain aspects of the book. I admit to liking how both the characters, and Ms Dodd committed to having them be who they were. She kept them true to their personalities, which I respect. There wasn’t this “Warlord is cruel and unfeeling to everyone except Karen.” Yes, in a way, there is because he calls her his bride, but on the other hand, not. He stalks her, tricks her, spies on her, and ties her up. He also seduces her and if I think about it too much I could say there was a rape or pseudo rape scene. She refuses and fights him- and the reader isn’t sure if she really means it or not, but it doesn’t matter. What might bother me most is that, I wasn’t particularly bothered by it, because it fit with the book and flowed. That’s just how it is. Basically, he treats her exactly how a warlord would treat his woman.
Going along with that, there was this slightly detached feel to the characters. I liked them, enjoyed reading about them and respected them, but I didn’t really become attached to them. That’s probably a major reason this book didn’t quite make the “A” cut for me. There was also an “otherworldly” sense, with the Warlord period. It felt like something that took place centuries ago, but is actually set in modern times. Actions, words, racial slurs, made the scenes feel dated. At least, that’s how I read it. However, that’s part of what makes the book so interesting, especially with the “new lives” juxtaposed with the first part of the book.
When the setting changes, it seems the personalities of the characters both emerge, yet are lost. Adrick is different, and Karen is too. They’ve both grown wiser, but maybe a little harder. Still, it’s their trappings, not personality that has changed most. Reading through what wrought those changes was very involving. The sharing is done through an memory exchange of sorts when they shared blood. (Reminiscent of the IAD series.)
Overall, I enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would. While I haven’t read the previous two books in a while, I feel that I liked Into the Shadow a lot more. The story is interesting, very different from any other book I’ve read in a while, and it works. The title fits perfectly with the book and is a nice touch. I did think that a reader might be slightly confused if they haven’t read the previous books. Nothing major, but just some minor foundational issues weren’t explained at first, that were laid out in previous books. The tone and feel of the book fit what was happening concurrently, and I thought that was quite clever. I didn’t love part of the ending which was a lead into the next book, but it has made me curious as to how the series will end with Into the Flame.
Grade: B++
Blessed-or cursed-with the ability to change into a sleek, cruel panther, and driven by a dark soul he’s accepted as his fate, powerful Adrik Wilder abandons his family and his honor to pursue a life of wickedness. He excels at every vice, kidnapping strong-willed Karen Sonnet and forcing her to welcome the helpless pleasure only he can give her. But Karen’s spirit and passion make him question the force of his family’s curse, for she could be the key to their survival. And when a new evil emerges, Adrik must choose whether to enact revenge on his enemies and redeem his soul or save Karen from a fate worse than death.
Read an excerpt here.
