Veena’s review of Darkness Returns (Guardians of Eternity, Book 13) by Alexandra Ivy
Paranormal Romance published by Kensington 16 Apr 19
Surprised? If you are like me, you thought that the series ended with When Darkness Ends, but it seems there’s more to come, since I see this is the beginning of a new trilogy. Apparently there is a splinter group that exists outside the Guardians and it appears that betrayal and treachery might have played a role in creating them. Can a peace offering from the current Vampire Leader Styxx forge new ties?
Chiron has moved on outside of the ranks of the Guardians of Eternity and become successful in his own right. A surprise visit from the current Anasso and a secret scroll sends him on the trail of his erstwhile vampire master, who had been betrayed by the vampire nation. His trail leads him deep in the Everglades of Florida and an enchanted hotel catering to various demon kind and the owner Lilah, who is his fated soulmate.
Lilah and her guardian ogress are not exactly friendly, even as Chiron finds Lilah intoxicating. Did I mention that Chiron’s companion on this quest, generously on loan to him from the vampire king, is Levet the gargoyle? You are in for some nice laughs with Levet’s mangled English and French translations. Even as Lilah also seems to feel a strong attraction to Chiron, her guardian ogress definitely does not welcome them and goes out of her way to make their stay challenging, including imprisoning Levet.
Soon Chiron’s second finds his way and lends a hand in attempting to find and free their old leader Tarek. Centuries-old secrets are revealed as the enchantment unravels and the dust settles. Will Lilah and Chiron find a way to be together?
A whole host of new characters and a new story line revitalizes this series, giving us a quick glimpse into some of the characters from the original series.
Grade: B
Summary:
More powerful than ever, the Guardians of Eternity are facing their greatest challenge yet: a war within their ranks. Their future is in the hands of one rebel vampire, who must choose between loyalty and love. . .
Blessed with an even more compelling allure than most vampires, Chiron has made a fortune in the human world, creating an empire of resorts and casinos. Since the betrayal and imprisonment of his master, he has existed outside the order of the Guardians, trusting no one. But now, the new vampire king has given him a peace offering: a scroll that could free his master. Following the relic’s magic leads him to a demon hotel deep in the Everglades, a lush paradise owned by a mysterious and mesmerizing woman. . .
As far as Lilah knows, she’s lived her entire life within the confines of her enchanted estate. Memories of her own past are elusive and cloaked in shadows. Even Chiron can’t figure out exactly what she is, and if her intoxicating beauty is his destiny or an illusion drawing him ever closer to his demise-or perhaps to an even more tormenting choice, between his master and his mate. . .
