nicolanic89's review against another edition
3.25
I liked the couple but care for any of the Lycan mage stuff.
mees_grows's review against another edition
3.0
Enjoyable book with details that kept it interesting.
lexee9's review against another edition
5.0
Another phenomenal story!!! Absolutely loved this installment and can't wait for more in this series! Couldn't put it down once I started.
bookishcharlotte's review against another edition
2.0
As ever, you can find this on my blog, chatterverse.wordpress.com:
"Dark Blood, the 26th novel in Christine Feehan’s impressively lengthy repertoire, is a rollercoaster of a novel that sits comfortably – and really rather firmly – between the effortlessly welcoming arms of the paranormal romance genre. Featuring a whole plethora of gifted (and talented) individuals with increasingly labyrinthine lineages, Dark Blood is the story of Zev Hunter, an elite warrior with many delusions of grandeur and an increasingly archaic attitudes towards relationships in general and women in particular.
Oh, yes. It’s one of those.
The novel begins auspiciously, as these novels tend to, with Zev regaining consciousness in a cave of warriors immersed in an ancient ritual. It is quickly revealed that he is of course there for a reason, and equally quickly it becomes clear that his problems are only just beginning. An old threat has emerged from the shadows of time, and only Zev and his new family have the power and ability (somewhat predictably) to stand against it. The stakes are high, the possibility of failure both increasingly likely and increasingly untenable, and the climax of the novel comes at the final long battle against a seemingly insurmountable foe.
Does this sound familiar to you?
If it does, that’s because this plot structure is a staple of paranormal romance, and not a particularly good one.
I didn’t enjoy reading Dark Blood. There were some good parts, such as the in-depth exploration of the functioning and application of magic in Feehan’s universe, the assurance in which the various paranormal aspects (of which there are many) are explained, and the structure of the novel in entirety, which is well defined and more or less convincing. Talking about the importance of a definable beginning, middle and end might sound ridiculously simplistic (read: clutching at straws), but with a complicated plot it can be the one thing that allows the reader to dig their way free of the mire, and subsequently have some hope of understanding what’s going on.
However, there were many more parts that, for a variety of reasons, I didn’t enjoy. So sit tight and relax, for all will soon become clear.
On the one hand, Feehan is clearly the master of her chosen universe. She navigates its many twists and turns with considerable ease, and her writing is arguably characterised by a sincere and considerable attention to detail. An assured writer, she melds interesting and varied language choices, intriguing imagery, and plot twists with aplomb, weaving her tale quite confidently.
Additionally, while Dark Blood is part of a much larger series, and features established characters that fans are likely to know from previous novels, Feehan doesn’t shy away from offering basic explanations of the trickier aspects, thus enabling any newcomers to the series to understand at least some of the mythology behind the action, while simultaneously taking care not to bore any readers that are, as they say, in the know.
(Does anyone actually say that?)
However.
The characters are almost entirely two-dimensional, the alleged ‘relationship’ that blossoms between the two main characters is dubious at best, and the plot is frequently circumnavigated in favour of increasingly pointless detours into badly written erotica. These scenes offer nothing to a) the plot, or b) the characters, and seem to exist solely to avoid scenes in which the two characters involved might otherwise be expected to talk. As such, the novel’s structure, while otherwise solidly defined and dependable, frequently loses consistency.
To make matters far worse, the relationship between the main character, Zev, and Branislava, which is apparently solely a matter of fate, begins with the clear assertion that the only hope they have of making the arrangement work is to take it slowly. Branislava has something of an unhappy history (this is a paranormal romance: someone had to) and it would be important to navigate it with care.
Five pages (at most) later, they’re bypassing Branislava’s entirely understandable trust issues with ridiculously forceful sex, during which no allowances are made for any difficulties she might have with such sudden intimacy. Zev dominates proceedings entirely, telling Branislava on multiple occasions that it is his needs that should take priority, and that as his mate she exists solely to see them satisfied. This is all justified by the repeated assertion that Branislava enjoys a rougher time of it, but given the number of times in which that is asserted after the act, not to mention the multiple occasions on which Zev forced Branislava into sex despite her stated reluctance, it was a little too dubious – not to mention a little too ugh – for me.
Piling on the insults, Zev continually refuses to allow Branislava to make a single decision without him, punishes her when she does, and is rendered immediately and viscerally furious when she attempts to suggest that he might be putting himself in unnecessary danger, despite the fact that he spends most of the novel doing the same to her. In the context of their relationship his caution might be considered to be understandable, but it is stated explicitly that it does not come from love, but, instead, the frankly rather insulting assertion that as he is the man in the relationship, he should be the one making the rules.
The problem here isn’t just that Zev dominates all aspects of their relationship, riding roughshod over any and every opinion that he does not share, but the unequal nature of the relationship in general. Branislava is not given any opportunity to reciprocate, and is treated to his disgusting possessiveness at every turn.
Taking a slightly different tack, the characters populating Dark Blood are two-dimensional at best. They’re all supremely overpowered, exhibit little in the way of complexity or depth, and there’s as much character development as might be found in my little finger (read: none). Additionally, in one spectacularly ridiculous case, the three villains happen to be in possession of names that would be identical except for one measly letter.
Inventive, that is not.
On a vaguely similar note, I quickly gave up trying to understand the increasingly complex familial relationships. Practically everyone in the novel is, to some degree, related to everyone else, and/or in a relationship with the few individuals that they are not. It comes across as both ludicrous and unnecessary, and it felt like far too much work to bother keeping track of.
Finally, then, I rated Dark Blood two out of four stars because it does have admirable qualities, including but not limited to Feehan’s impressive mixture of varied language and imagery to generate consistently vivid descriptions, and her discernible confidence and assurance, but I only gave it two stars because of the many negative aspects mentioned above. The characters could have been much more detailed, the plot could have been easier to follow, and there were many unnecessary scenes, all of which could have been removed without incident."
"Dark Blood, the 26th novel in Christine Feehan’s impressively lengthy repertoire, is a rollercoaster of a novel that sits comfortably – and really rather firmly – between the effortlessly welcoming arms of the paranormal romance genre. Featuring a whole plethora of gifted (and talented) individuals with increasingly labyrinthine lineages, Dark Blood is the story of Zev Hunter, an elite warrior with many delusions of grandeur and an increasingly archaic attitudes towards relationships in general and women in particular.
Oh, yes. It’s one of those.
The novel begins auspiciously, as these novels tend to, with Zev regaining consciousness in a cave of warriors immersed in an ancient ritual. It is quickly revealed that he is of course there for a reason, and equally quickly it becomes clear that his problems are only just beginning. An old threat has emerged from the shadows of time, and only Zev and his new family have the power and ability (somewhat predictably) to stand against it. The stakes are high, the possibility of failure both increasingly likely and increasingly untenable, and the climax of the novel comes at the final long battle against a seemingly insurmountable foe.
Does this sound familiar to you?
If it does, that’s because this plot structure is a staple of paranormal romance, and not a particularly good one.
I didn’t enjoy reading Dark Blood. There were some good parts, such as the in-depth exploration of the functioning and application of magic in Feehan’s universe, the assurance in which the various paranormal aspects (of which there are many) are explained, and the structure of the novel in entirety, which is well defined and more or less convincing. Talking about the importance of a definable beginning, middle and end might sound ridiculously simplistic (read: clutching at straws), but with a complicated plot it can be the one thing that allows the reader to dig their way free of the mire, and subsequently have some hope of understanding what’s going on.
However, there were many more parts that, for a variety of reasons, I didn’t enjoy. So sit tight and relax, for all will soon become clear.
On the one hand, Feehan is clearly the master of her chosen universe. She navigates its many twists and turns with considerable ease, and her writing is arguably characterised by a sincere and considerable attention to detail. An assured writer, she melds interesting and varied language choices, intriguing imagery, and plot twists with aplomb, weaving her tale quite confidently.
Additionally, while Dark Blood is part of a much larger series, and features established characters that fans are likely to know from previous novels, Feehan doesn’t shy away from offering basic explanations of the trickier aspects, thus enabling any newcomers to the series to understand at least some of the mythology behind the action, while simultaneously taking care not to bore any readers that are, as they say, in the know.
(Does anyone actually say that?)
However.
The characters are almost entirely two-dimensional, the alleged ‘relationship’ that blossoms between the two main characters is dubious at best, and the plot is frequently circumnavigated in favour of increasingly pointless detours into badly written erotica. These scenes offer nothing to a) the plot, or b) the characters, and seem to exist solely to avoid scenes in which the two characters involved might otherwise be expected to talk. As such, the novel’s structure, while otherwise solidly defined and dependable, frequently loses consistency.
To make matters far worse, the relationship between the main character, Zev, and Branislava, which is apparently solely a matter of fate, begins with the clear assertion that the only hope they have of making the arrangement work is to take it slowly. Branislava has something of an unhappy history (this is a paranormal romance: someone had to) and it would be important to navigate it with care.
Five pages (at most) later, they’re bypassing Branislava’s entirely understandable trust issues with ridiculously forceful sex, during which no allowances are made for any difficulties she might have with such sudden intimacy. Zev dominates proceedings entirely, telling Branislava on multiple occasions that it is his needs that should take priority, and that as his mate she exists solely to see them satisfied. This is all justified by the repeated assertion that Branislava enjoys a rougher time of it, but given the number of times in which that is asserted after the act, not to mention the multiple occasions on which Zev forced Branislava into sex despite her stated reluctance, it was a little too dubious – not to mention a little too ugh – for me.
Piling on the insults, Zev continually refuses to allow Branislava to make a single decision without him, punishes her when she does, and is rendered immediately and viscerally furious when she attempts to suggest that he might be putting himself in unnecessary danger, despite the fact that he spends most of the novel doing the same to her. In the context of their relationship his caution might be considered to be understandable, but it is stated explicitly that it does not come from love, but, instead, the frankly rather insulting assertion that as he is the man in the relationship, he should be the one making the rules.
The problem here isn’t just that Zev dominates all aspects of their relationship, riding roughshod over any and every opinion that he does not share, but the unequal nature of the relationship in general. Branislava is not given any opportunity to reciprocate, and is treated to his disgusting possessiveness at every turn.
Taking a slightly different tack, the characters populating Dark Blood are two-dimensional at best. They’re all supremely overpowered, exhibit little in the way of complexity or depth, and there’s as much character development as might be found in my little finger (read: none). Additionally, in one spectacularly ridiculous case, the three villains happen to be in possession of names that would be identical except for one measly letter.
Inventive, that is not.
On a vaguely similar note, I quickly gave up trying to understand the increasingly complex familial relationships. Practically everyone in the novel is, to some degree, related to everyone else, and/or in a relationship with the few individuals that they are not. It comes across as both ludicrous and unnecessary, and it felt like far too much work to bother keeping track of.
Finally, then, I rated Dark Blood two out of four stars because it does have admirable qualities, including but not limited to Feehan’s impressive mixture of varied language and imagery to generate consistently vivid descriptions, and her discernible confidence and assurance, but I only gave it two stars because of the many negative aspects mentioned above. The characters could have been much more detailed, the plot could have been easier to follow, and there were many unnecessary scenes, all of which could have been removed without incident."
tinasbooknook's review against another edition
4.0
So much fun to read the three Lycan stories back to back. Love the connection between Zev and Branislava and the way their romance develops. Great story with a lot of action.
melodicfate's review against another edition
4.0
***SPOILERS!!!***
Oh man, I loved Zev and Branislava together. I so wasn't expecting them to have the kind of love scenes they did. I mean, I knew Zev was alpha, but wow. I loved that they cared so much about each other from day one, and how they worked together as a team. Learning about Xavier's brothers was a massive revelation, and with Xavion getting away, I'm wondering how things will go from here. I could've done without all the spells, but I loved seeing Branislava get her very well-deserved happy ending. Also, I just plain love Zev.
Oh man, I loved Zev and Branislava together. I so wasn't expecting them to have the kind of love scenes they did. I mean, I knew Zev was alpha, but wow. I loved that they cared so much about each other from day one, and how they worked together as a team. Learning about Xavier's brothers was a massive revelation, and with Xavion getting away, I'm wondering how things will go from here. I could've done without all the spells, but I loved seeing Branislava get her very well-deserved happy ending. Also, I just plain love Zev.
amyiw's review against another edition
1.0
1 1/2 and I don't say that lightly. At some points this was OK but others... I just didn't like. Mainly the over discriptions and continuations of action scenes, on and on, made this a very hard read. Here's the numbers at the end where, really, the book took a turn from a 2 star OK to a 1 star, I really don't like.
So the book is 432 pages, the end is 43 pages of a fight scene (yes one battle with really idiotic twists, these are not really big spoilers but stillAnd the porcupines, that is where I had to draw the line of endurance.
The last 96 pages of a 432 page book that I was already a bit annoyed with the droning and chants had, 43 pages of this, seemingly never ending battle. Probably took 10-15 minutes in real time but took me nearly an hour. An hour of reading one boring battle scene that timing was all off, had an idiotic God like mage, and the stupidest creatures. I kept drifting off and having to get my mind back.
So after the battle, interesting things happen, for 16 pages. Conclusions are made, confronting the Lycans, what about the Sange Rau, etc... And then we go to the next day and the 10 page sex floral, purple prose, sex scene, written old school.
10 pages of this.
After looking at the numbers, I had to wonder, is this romance, action/war, or story based? Um, descriptive fantasy, with lots of repeats.
So what happened to the rest of those 96 pages you may say, that is if you are even interested after my drone and you have added the numbers. 43+16+10 leaves 30 pages... well we've got the appendixes again, two of them actually. First Carpathian healing chants, ARGG!!!! Well not completely, it describes the nomadic existence of Carpathians and how they came to the Kingdom of Hungary, right, hmmm... Hungary 1000 AD (or CE) and Dacia with Dacian and Thracian history from BC (BCE)... I would go with the former. Then after a quick explanation of why it is based in Hungarian, we get the dreaded chants. I believe most people just skip all this but I skimmed through. Then Appendix 2 is the history of the Carpathian language and grammar lessons, dictionary, etc...
So really the book is 405 pages here in the states (that deletes the appendix) and 15% of the ending just bored me to all end. There was a story in the 400 pages but it could have been 100... really, and 300 pages makes this book one I would never pick up again.
So the book is 432 pages, the end is 43 pages of a fight scene (yes one battle with really idiotic twists, these are not really big spoilers but still
Spoiler
Attack frogs with serrated and venomous teeth, hell hounds with one or two heads, possessed Vamp/Werewolves, blue whale sized worms with yet again sharp pointy teeth and venom, dead lycan turn vicious porcupine... yes porcupine, where did she get that?... again with the teeth, evil mages with God like powers that decide for what, showing off sake, that they would do this ceremony to bring back the dead, in front of their enemies. It seemed to me they need some wolf sacrifices, then the Dark Blood for the reincarnate, yet they do this in the middle of Carpathian lands. Is this the stupidest evil mage ever or what. I get the Ego but... idiot.The last 96 pages of a 432 page book that I was already a bit annoyed with the droning and chants had, 43 pages of this, seemingly never ending battle. Probably took 10-15 minutes in real time but took me nearly an hour. An hour of reading one boring battle scene that timing was all off, had an idiotic God like mage, and the stupidest creatures. I kept drifting off and having to get my mind back.
So after the battle, interesting things happen, for 16 pages. Conclusions are made, confronting the Lycans, what about the Sange Rau, etc... And then we go to the next day and the 10 page sex floral, purple prose, sex scene, written old school.
The ground turned a sublet shade of red, her body was a magnet, drawing the magma that was at the very earth's core just as it sought to draw the seed from him. She whispered his name, a soft plea, and he took her over the edge, soaring with her, freefalling through space, while her muscles clamped down around him, milking him, surrounding him with her particular fire.
10 pages of this.
After looking at the numbers, I had to wonder, is this romance, action/war, or story based? Um, descriptive fantasy, with lots of repeats.
So what happened to the rest of those 96 pages you may say, that is if you are even interested after my drone and you have added the numbers. 43+16+10 leaves 30 pages... well we've got the appendixes again, two of them actually. First Carpathian healing chants, ARGG!!!! Well not completely, it describes the nomadic existence of Carpathians and how they came to the Kingdom of Hungary, right, hmmm... Hungary 1000 AD (or CE) and Dacia with Dacian and Thracian history from BC (BCE)... I would go with the former. Then after a quick explanation of why it is based in Hungarian, we get the dreaded chants. I believe most people just skip all this but I skimmed through. Then Appendix 2 is the history of the Carpathian language and grammar lessons, dictionary, etc...
So really the book is 405 pages here in the states (that deletes the appendix) and 15% of the ending just bored me to all end. There was a story in the 400 pages but it could have been 100... really, and 300 pages makes this book one I would never pick up again.
karolinaz14's review against another edition
3.0
Rating: 2 1/2
Review can also be found on: http://bookshelfreflections.com
Contrary to what I expected when I picked it up and first started reading, I have developed very mixed emotions towards “Dark Blood”. After having read Nora Robert’s book “Dark Witch” the week before and being utterly disappointed by it, I needed a book to really rock my world and get me out of that state of “meh”. And I really thought I had found it when I picked up “Dark Blood”. Only a few pages in, I was already hanging by every word of Ms. Feehan. I needed to know what was going to happen to the man rising from the dead and I needed to know stat. I needed to know who that mysterious spirit beside him was, who appeared bound to him and why that woman had bound herself to him in the first place. I just needed to know.
And I did find out. All of it. Sadly, a little bit too quickly if you ask me.
As soon as the initial scene of the waking was over, everything was explained. No mystery left whatsoever. I knew who the main characters were, that their spirits had been woven together and that the only thing they had left to do was complete the bounding ritual. Don’t worry, those aren’t any real spoilers. You find out about all of this in the first fifty pages of the book. You also immediately find out that they do decide to be bound to each other, not out of loyalty but blossoming love and that they are ready to fight and face the coming danger side by side. All good right?
Well, it would have been, if you’d have gotten the chance to connect with the couple or any character on an emotional level. But unless you had read the previous 25 books of the series, there was no chance of that happening. You would have been utterly lost. Thankfully, I had read the first few books of the series, so I had a basic understanding of what was happening. But here is why it was impossible to build an emotional connection with the characters: everything in this book happened too quickly. One minute Zev is rising from the dead, the next he and Branislava are completing the bonding ritual, immediately after that come the battles, followed by more battles, and sex, and battles, and sex, and battles. Nothing more. No in depth discussions, no worries being shared, no heartfelt moments. No. They were either fighting next to each other amazed by how strong the other is and how secure they feel when fighting beside them, or jumping each other’s bones.
And I am not complaining about the jumping each other’s bones parts. Nope. Not at all. Actually, those scene were quite hot. After all Ms. Feehan is known for being able to deliver on these counts.
But the lack of depth or rather the lack of opportunity to connect to those characters and the plethora of them in the book took away all the fun from it.
I can’t complain about the characters themselves. Both Zev and Branislava had very strong personalities, though I did think that Branislava allowed Zev to push her around more often than she should have, and abode by his rules and will much more often than I would have thought a woman described as “fierce” and “strong minded” would and should have. If Branislava hadn’t thought to herself that Zev was an Alpha and very dominant and demanding, from his actions alone, I would not have been able to see that, either. So I guess, the characters where a bit lacking. Overall though, they were strong and had a backstory. They had motives and motivation and they were fit for each other.
Now the constant lighting things on fire when having sex and everybody teasing them about it, I could have lived without.
I also had troubles figuring out the time-span during which everything took place. One minute they were at it, then they were in the middle of fighting brain eating worms and other horrifying creatures (but mainly a variety of deadly worms again) for a few chapters, then they were at it again, only to then find themselves in the middle of a battle again. I couldn’t keep up with the plot. At times it even felt like there were chapters missing in between. There just wasn’t any built up. You went from one fighting scene (which spread over chapters and everything was described in detail. If you can’t handle blood and gore, trust me, this book isn’t for you) to the next one, without any intermissions. No pause. No time for them to regenerate. Seriously, the chapters either started seconds before a battle scene or in the middle of one. I have no idea how they got there, why they got there, how the plot evolved to that point. Nope. Ms. Feehan just throws you right in and you have to deal with it.
Because of the many battle scenes (really, about 90% of the book were battle scenes) there is a constant sense of urgency. The character constantly have to watch out, constantly have to be on high alert. At some point I simply became disengaged. I got it. They were fighting the mages. 24/7. Action. The plot, too, was very fast paced. It was one battle after another. At one point I wasn’t even sure anymore which battle they were fighting and who the enemy was. It also didn’t seem, though, as if they were having many problems wining their battles. They’d all start out very scared and with no idea what to do and after loads of stalling and telepathic communication with each other they’d come up with a solution in 2.0 seconds and the day would be saved once again.
Honestly, I don’t even know what the deal with the mages was. Sure, Branislava was really scared of them. And yet there wasn’t any dark magic they practiced which she wasn’t almost immediately able to fight. It got boring after a point really. Despite all the action packed chapters and the fast moving plot, around page 200-250 came the time where I started skimming, simply because it felt like a constant very predictable repetition. If this makes sense: the plot was fast paced, and still managed to drag.
Now, the one thing that saved the book, was Hemming. As weird as that sounds, the one character who was introduced last and who played no role whatsoever in how the plot developed, was the one I built the strongest emotional connection with. And that because everyone’s reaction to him was so heartfelt. He was a man who had lived his life the way he wanted and suffered for the things he believed in and fought for. He died the way he wanted to, with his head held up high. In the short chapter he was part of, and despite being utterly disengaged with all the other characters by then, I literally cried. I cried because of his bravery, of his sacrifice, of his life. And this, being able to introduce a character in the short span of one chapter and causing such a strong connection that I cried over the loss of him, is what saves this book for me. I do wish, though, a little bit more had gone into the other characters as well.
Overall, this book read more high fantasy than paranormal romance to me, but I guess for lovers of the Dark series, it is an ok read. Anyone who doesn’t know what is happening in this universe I would suggest to start the series from the beginning, if they feel like reading it, because otherwise they will have trouble keeping up with what and why is happening.
Review can also be found on: http://bookshelfreflections.com
Contrary to what I expected when I picked it up and first started reading, I have developed very mixed emotions towards “Dark Blood”. After having read Nora Robert’s book “Dark Witch” the week before and being utterly disappointed by it, I needed a book to really rock my world and get me out of that state of “meh”. And I really thought I had found it when I picked up “Dark Blood”. Only a few pages in, I was already hanging by every word of Ms. Feehan. I needed to know what was going to happen to the man rising from the dead and I needed to know stat. I needed to know who that mysterious spirit beside him was, who appeared bound to him and why that woman had bound herself to him in the first place. I just needed to know.
And I did find out. All of it. Sadly, a little bit too quickly if you ask me.
As soon as the initial scene of the waking was over, everything was explained. No mystery left whatsoever. I knew who the main characters were, that their spirits had been woven together and that the only thing they had left to do was complete the bounding ritual. Don’t worry, those aren’t any real spoilers. You find out about all of this in the first fifty pages of the book. You also immediately find out that they do decide to be bound to each other, not out of loyalty but blossoming love and that they are ready to fight and face the coming danger side by side. All good right?
Well, it would have been, if you’d have gotten the chance to connect with the couple or any character on an emotional level. But unless you had read the previous 25 books of the series, there was no chance of that happening. You would have been utterly lost. Thankfully, I had read the first few books of the series, so I had a basic understanding of what was happening. But here is why it was impossible to build an emotional connection with the characters: everything in this book happened too quickly. One minute Zev is rising from the dead, the next he and Branislava are completing the bonding ritual, immediately after that come the battles, followed by more battles, and sex, and battles, and sex, and battles. Nothing more. No in depth discussions, no worries being shared, no heartfelt moments. No. They were either fighting next to each other amazed by how strong the other is and how secure they feel when fighting beside them, or jumping each other’s bones.
And I am not complaining about the jumping each other’s bones parts. Nope. Not at all. Actually, those scene were quite hot. After all Ms. Feehan is known for being able to deliver on these counts.
But the lack of depth or rather the lack of opportunity to connect to those characters and the plethora of them in the book took away all the fun from it.
I can’t complain about the characters themselves. Both Zev and Branislava had very strong personalities, though I did think that Branislava allowed Zev to push her around more often than she should have, and abode by his rules and will much more often than I would have thought a woman described as “fierce” and “strong minded” would and should have. If Branislava hadn’t thought to herself that Zev was an Alpha and very dominant and demanding, from his actions alone, I would not have been able to see that, either. So I guess, the characters where a bit lacking. Overall though, they were strong and had a backstory. They had motives and motivation and they were fit for each other.
Now the constant lighting things on fire when having sex and everybody teasing them about it, I could have lived without.
I also had troubles figuring out the time-span during which everything took place. One minute they were at it, then they were in the middle of fighting brain eating worms and other horrifying creatures (but mainly a variety of deadly worms again) for a few chapters, then they were at it again, only to then find themselves in the middle of a battle again. I couldn’t keep up with the plot. At times it even felt like there were chapters missing in between. There just wasn’t any built up. You went from one fighting scene (which spread over chapters and everything was described in detail. If you can’t handle blood and gore, trust me, this book isn’t for you) to the next one, without any intermissions. No pause. No time for them to regenerate. Seriously, the chapters either started seconds before a battle scene or in the middle of one. I have no idea how they got there, why they got there, how the plot evolved to that point. Nope. Ms. Feehan just throws you right in and you have to deal with it.
Because of the many battle scenes (really, about 90% of the book were battle scenes) there is a constant sense of urgency. The character constantly have to watch out, constantly have to be on high alert. At some point I simply became disengaged. I got it. They were fighting the mages. 24/7. Action. The plot, too, was very fast paced. It was one battle after another. At one point I wasn’t even sure anymore which battle they were fighting and who the enemy was. It also didn’t seem, though, as if they were having many problems wining their battles. They’d all start out very scared and with no idea what to do and after loads of stalling and telepathic communication with each other they’d come up with a solution in 2.0 seconds and the day would be saved once again.
Honestly, I don’t even know what the deal with the mages was. Sure, Branislava was really scared of them. And yet there wasn’t any dark magic they practiced which she wasn’t almost immediately able to fight. It got boring after a point really. Despite all the action packed chapters and the fast moving plot, around page 200-250 came the time where I started skimming, simply because it felt like a constant very predictable repetition. If this makes sense: the plot was fast paced, and still managed to drag.
Now, the one thing that saved the book, was Hemming. As weird as that sounds, the one character who was introduced last and who played no role whatsoever in how the plot developed, was the one I built the strongest emotional connection with. And that because everyone’s reaction to him was so heartfelt. He was a man who had lived his life the way he wanted and suffered for the things he believed in and fought for. He died the way he wanted to, with his head held up high. In the short chapter he was part of, and despite being utterly disengaged with all the other characters by then, I literally cried. I cried because of his bravery, of his sacrifice, of his life. And this, being able to introduce a character in the short span of one chapter and causing such a strong connection that I cried over the loss of him, is what saves this book for me. I do wish, though, a little bit more had gone into the other characters as well.
Overall, this book read more high fantasy than paranormal romance to me, but I guess for lovers of the Dark series, it is an ok read. Anyone who doesn’t know what is happening in this universe I would suggest to start the series from the beginning, if they feel like reading it, because otherwise they will have trouble keeping up with what and why is happening.
nicolet2018's review against another edition
4.0
I was very skeptical coming into this installment of the Dark series because I felt so conflicted over the last one I read, Dark Wolf. I had so many problems with the way the main lifemate pair was portrayed. I was wondering how much better or worse Dark Blood could be because in the previous books a connection is hinted between Branislava and Zev.
Lots of spoilers ahead!
I have to say the story began well. I like that it is different this time. Zev who has been Lycan his entire life wakes to find himself different. He is now a mixed blood "han ku pesak kaikak" a guardian of all like Dimitri and Fen. Being Carpathian is very new to him and I liked reading about him getting used to the Carpathian way. It was funny to see him so confused about why he got into such a crazy jealous state when any male spoke to Branislava. I wonder where they came up with nicknames like Bronnie and Branka for her. Branislava is a powerful woman of her own. Her bloodline sees to it. Since books ago, readers know that the Dragonseeker line is a very powerful Carpathian family line. But Branislava is more than her lineage, she is smart and observant but not social. Having been imprisoned all her life by Xavier, she has had time to wallow or to learn. I felt that although Branislava is quieter than Tatijana, she is the stronger one.
Finding out about who Zev really is was surprising but it was interesting to explore on the fact that you may be born as something but if you think and are brought up differently your whole life that will stick with you rather than who you were born as. but at the same time I am not really in awe because there are already so many powerful Carpathian families, the Dubrinkys, Daratrazanoffs, Dragonseekers and Tirunuls. To have a few would make it more believable but if the author is going to keep introducing a new powerful family line. It just makes it not special anymore. It might as well be that every Carpathian family is powerful.
Okay, I did not like the romance aspect so much as the main plot. The plot was great with more shocking revelations. I like the scene where Zev dances with Branislava and all the Carpathian lifemates and their children begin to join. It was so nice to see the other pairs! especially since I was missing them and wondering why they did not show up. I love the banter between the characters, it just shows how much they love each other as a family and as friends but at times it seemed so good that it felt fake.
I think Skyler really came into her own in this book despite not being the main character. I saw alot of Ivory, Tatijana and her in this book. She grew more in this book compared to her book which was the last installment. I think this was the time I really began to admire her skills and knowledge. I like how the plot is again expanded to encompass Lycans and Carpathians while providing answers on previous mysteries in the past books. I think it is amazing how the author can keep track of so many characters and make it such that it does jot shy away from the main lifemate pair but the others are not just small background characters. They are special in their own ways. This is a huge challenge and well done I have to say.
I was pleasantly surprised to finally meet Darius and Tempest's child, Andor and the birth of Falcon and Sara's daughter, Isabella. It is quite obvious the author is setting the stage for the children because they are portrayed as powerful despite their age. I feel my skepticism coming though. I like that the Carpathians are open to technological changes and are moving with the times. The healing patch Gary made is cool.
Branislava and Zev are great individuals and admirable people but as per the Carpathian lifemate formula. Things are pretty similar aside from some differences in sex scenes. Come on give me some variety of female body shapes not just big breasts, small tucked in waists and curves! One thing I did not get was how Zev thinks that Branislava tastes like cinnamon honey when he goes down on her. I know he says she smells like cinnamon honey and her blood tastes the same which for Carpathians is not such a stretch but I find it very difficult to believe that a woman's vaginal discharge can taste anything like honey, let alone sweet.
I did like how they talk things out and how understanding they are of each other. It is just that I felt that at times Zev did not need to apologize, not that Branislava forced him to be still it was not his fault. It is interesting to see how Zev becomes used to being Carpathian along with being a wolf. I felt that he was too possessive in some of the sex scenes. I do not know how Branislava can be so open to it. At some point I was worried for her. I did like that Zev is a natural leader and is always calm in stressful situations. I like how this book was about Branislava overcoming her life long fear of Xaviero. I think it is really satisfying to see characters change and grow.
I think this installment has made my view of this series improve. I am excited for the next book. I have always loved this series it is just that after reading the recent installments, I have been having mixed feelings.
Lots of spoilers ahead!
I have to say the story began well. I like that it is different this time. Zev who has been Lycan his entire life wakes to find himself different. He is now a mixed blood "han ku pesak kaikak" a guardian of all like Dimitri and Fen. Being Carpathian is very new to him and I liked reading about him getting used to the Carpathian way. It was funny to see him so confused about why he got into such a crazy jealous state when any male spoke to Branislava. I wonder where they came up with nicknames like Bronnie and Branka for her. Branislava is a powerful woman of her own. Her bloodline sees to it. Since books ago, readers know that the Dragonseeker line is a very powerful Carpathian family line. But Branislava is more than her lineage, she is smart and observant but not social. Having been imprisoned all her life by Xavier, she has had time to wallow or to learn. I felt that although Branislava is quieter than Tatijana, she is the stronger one.
Finding out about who Zev really is was surprising but it was interesting to explore on the fact that you may be born as something but if you think and are brought up differently your whole life that will stick with you rather than who you were born as.
Spoiler
I was happy to find out that Dark Blood is a powerful Carpathian family lineOkay, I did not like the romance aspect so much as the main plot. The plot was great with more shocking revelations. I like the scene where Zev dances with Branislava and all the Carpathian lifemates and their children begin to join. It was so nice to see the other pairs! especially since I was missing them and wondering why they did not show up. I love the banter between the characters, it just shows how much they love each other as a family and as friends but at times it seemed so good that it felt fake.
I think Skyler really came into her own in this book despite not being the main character. I saw alot of Ivory, Tatijana and her in this book. She grew more in this book compared to her book which was the last installment. I think this was the time I really began to admire her skills and knowledge. I like how the plot is again expanded to encompass Lycans and Carpathians while providing answers on previous mysteries in the past books. I think it is amazing how the author can keep track of so many characters and make it such that it does jot shy away from the main lifemate pair but the others are not just small background characters. They are special in their own ways. This is a huge challenge and well done I have to say.
I was pleasantly surprised to finally meet Darius and Tempest's child, Andor and the birth of Falcon and Sara's daughter, Isabella. It is quite obvious the author is setting the stage for the children because they are portrayed as powerful despite their age. I feel my skepticism coming though. I like that the Carpathians are open to technological changes and are moving with the times. The healing patch Gary made is cool.
Branislava and Zev are great individuals and admirable people but as per the Carpathian lifemate formula. Things are pretty similar aside from some differences in sex scenes. Come on give me some variety of female body shapes not just big breasts, small tucked in waists and curves! One thing I did not get was how Zev thinks that Branislava tastes like cinnamon honey when he goes down on her. I know he says she smells like cinnamon honey and her blood tastes the same which for Carpathians is not such a stretch but I find it very difficult to believe that a woman's vaginal discharge can taste anything like honey, let alone sweet.
I did like how they talk things out and how understanding they are of each other. It is just that I felt that at times Zev did not need to apologize, not that Branislava forced him to be still it was not his fault. It is interesting to see how Zev becomes used to being Carpathian along with being a wolf. I felt that he was too possessive in some of the sex scenes. I do not know how Branislava can be so open to it. At some point I was worried for her. I did like that Zev is a natural leader and is always calm in stressful situations. I like how this book was about Branislava overcoming her life long fear of Xaviero. I think it is really satisfying to see characters change and grow.
I think this installment has made my view of this series improve. I am excited for the next book. I have always loved this series it is just that after reading the recent installments, I have been having mixed feelings.