The Darkest Night by Gena Showalter
- paranormal, romance -
reviewed by Tara SG
bought eBook via Amazon
Book Order (Lords of the Underworld)
- The Darkest Fire (prequel)
- The Darkest Night * * * 1/2
- The Darkest Kiss
- The Darkest Pleasure
- The Darkest Prison (bonus novella)
- The Darkest Whisper
- The Darkest Angel (bonus novella)
- The Darkest Passion
- The Darkest Lie
- The Darkest Secret (March 2011)
- The Darkest Surrender (July 2011)
Links
Author’s Website : www.genashowalter.com
- Kindle bundle: The Darkest Fire, The Darkest Night, The Darkest Kiss, & The Darkest Pleasure for $9.99!
Add To Your GoodReads TBR List
This book in 6 words:
darkly sexy with a little violence
Why did I read this? And am I glad I did?
I’ve heard about this series here and there, but never picked them up. Now I don’t know why I waited! I really enjoyed reading this. It reminded me a lot of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. The mix of dark romance with strong females and alpha males battling inner demons to be together really work for me. I also loved the Greek mythology. I got so attached to the characters that I even shed some tears near the end.
These kind of books where each one features a different main character while keeping an overall background storyline are perfect for between books. I will definitely be reading the rest of the series.
Brief Summary
His powers — Inhuman
His passion — Beyond immortal . . .All her life, Ashlyn Darrow has been tormented by voices from the past. To end the nightmare, she has come to Budapest seeking help from men rumored to have supernatural abilities, not knowing she’ll be swept into the arms of Maddox, their most dangerous member — a man trapped in a hell of his own.
Neither can resist the instant hunger than calms their torments . . . and ignites an irresistible passion. But every heated touch and burning kiss will edge them closer to destruction — and a soul-shattering test of love . . .
- via GoodReads.com
Plot/Pacing/Writing Style
Like I said above, I really like the Greek mythology. The idea that these warriors were cursed by the Gods and now have to deal with them again was intriguing. For some reason, I love watching the alpha male fight against evil inner demons in order to be with the woman that finally touches their heart (I don’t think I’m alone in this lol). There are some “bad” guys called Hunters, but at least we’re not forced to constantly see through their eyes (like the Lessers).
The pacing is very well-done. It’s a nice mix of sexual tension, brotherly fighting, mystery, and blowout battles.
Characters
At first I was worried that I would be overwhelmed meeting all the Lords, but they are introduced well and you always know who is in focus. I’m very much looking forward to learning more about the other men in future books.
Maddox is the keeper of the demon Violence. He is constantly fighting the urge to hurt anyone, even those he cares about. He never lets himself get close to a woman let alone care about one. But for some reason he can’t stay away from Ashlyn. Watching him battle himself and become a caring, sweet partner was super sexy.
Ashlyn is dealing with her own demons. Hearing voices from the past has made it hard for others to understand or get close to her. She is intelligent, stubborn, and strong. She doesn’t understand why she is so attracted to a man who scares her, but won’t back down.
Recommendations
If you like BDB, then you should really try these out. If you love sexy, dark paranormal romances then this is something you should pick up.
I have all of these on my Kindle! I am thinking her and J. Frost are going to be my winter break reads—I will need it after Statistics and Creating an Argument reading that I will be doing all semester!
Gah! I’m sooooo unread! How many great things have I hear about this series, and I have yet to start it! The Kindle package sounds perfect for me… if only I wasn’t on a book diet! *pouts*
Great review. I am a big BDB fan, and I had the same concerns of meeting too many of the bros at once, but when it is done well, then it is not hard to follow. I’m glad this series has the same kind of vibe, gives me something to look forward to!
@ Felicia : Sounds like a smokin’ hot winter break
Can’t wait to see what you think of them!!
@ Missie : Don’t feel too bad, I hadn’t read them before now either
If you like BDB, then you will like these!
I’ve only read Gena Showalter once, and that was her YA book, Intertwined. I wasn’t super impressed with that one (3 stars, I think?), but since you enjoyed this, I might have to give it a shot. I might just like her adult books better. Thanks for the recommendation!
@ Natalie : I didn’t give Intertwined that high of a rating either. I liked this one much more. If you liked Dark Lover, then I think you would like this.
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