lindaunconventionalbookworms's review against another edition
4.0
This was a really fun book to read! Different kinds of vampires, sorceresses, psychics, fights and some nice fluff. Just what I needed to read when I don't have to read poems or Platon ;)
laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
Night Pleasures by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Book #1 in the Dark Hunters series.
4 Stars
Synopsis:
Unlike the other members of her family, Amanda Deveraux is not enamored of the supernatural. She is, therefore, unimpressed upon finding herself handcuffed to Kyrian of Thrace, a former Macedonian commander reincarnated as a vampire, or Dark Hunter, and sworn to protect humanity from soul-sucking demons. As they grow closer both emotionally and physically, Amanda and Kyrian must overcome their individual fears in order to rid the world of the dangerous demonic foe fixated on destroying them first.
Review:
Let me preface this review with a disclaimer that while I enjoy paranormal romances involving psychics, ghosts and shape shifters, I am not a fan of vampires. That said, I like the premise of the Dark Hunters perhaps because they are not vampires in the traditional sense, but rather creations established on the basis of Greek mythology, which is one of my academic interests.
The characters are endearing, especially Kyrian, whose tortured past contributed greatly to my enjoyment of the book. The world of the Dark Hunters is unique, intricate and imaginative, and I look forward to the incorporation of various mythologies in future installments. Unfortunately, Kenyon’s imagination does not extend to the formulaic storyline, or the insipid and clichéd descriptions of her male characters. There are also numerous references to popular culture, which may irritate some readers. Lastly, I was disappointed by the incongruity between the origins of the characters and their use of modern language, which seems inconsistent with their characterization. The reading experience would be better served if they used more period appropriate language and dialect.
Recommendation: Overall, this book is a solid beginning to the series and I recommend reading it.
Book #1 in the Dark Hunters series.
4 Stars
Synopsis:
Unlike the other members of her family, Amanda Deveraux is not enamored of the supernatural. She is, therefore, unimpressed upon finding herself handcuffed to Kyrian of Thrace, a former Macedonian commander reincarnated as a vampire, or Dark Hunter, and sworn to protect humanity from soul-sucking demons. As they grow closer both emotionally and physically, Amanda and Kyrian must overcome their individual fears in order to rid the world of the dangerous demonic foe fixated on destroying them first.
Review:
Let me preface this review with a disclaimer that while I enjoy paranormal romances involving psychics, ghosts and shape shifters, I am not a fan of vampires. That said, I like the premise of the Dark Hunters perhaps because they are not vampires in the traditional sense, but rather creations established on the basis of Greek mythology, which is one of my academic interests.
The characters are endearing, especially Kyrian, whose tortured past contributed greatly to my enjoyment of the book. The world of the Dark Hunters is unique, intricate and imaginative, and I look forward to the incorporation of various mythologies in future installments. Unfortunately, Kenyon’s imagination does not extend to the formulaic storyline, or the insipid and clichéd descriptions of her male characters. There are also numerous references to popular culture, which may irritate some readers. Lastly, I was disappointed by the incongruity between the origins of the characters and their use of modern language, which seems inconsistent with their characterization. The reading experience would be better served if they used more period appropriate language and dialect.
Recommendation: Overall, this book is a solid beginning to the series and I recommend reading it.
laurahadi's review against another edition
2.0
It was boring not fun it could have been better i dont recommend it but its not awfully so 2 stars is enough
geo_ix's review
5.0
Damn it, now I have to wait for the next book to be shipped to me. I'm loving this series so much. In some ways I'd say it's similar to BDB but that's only because they're both warriors fighting an evil race. Do I love it as much as BDB? At this point I think I might like it more, especially when I know there are different types, or sub races I guess you could say of their people. I love this concept and I see everyday how much fans of this book love all the books in the series. I know it's incredibly big, but because they're standalone series books it's exactly what I look for in a book. I can also sense I won't have the problem of repeat couples like in BDB and for that I'm thankful.
Now I'm off to order a few more books in this series and find something to read in the meantime. Boooooo.
Now I'm off to order a few more books in this series and find something to read in the meantime. Boooooo.
navyredrose's review against another edition
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
0.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual harassment, Violence, Sexual content, Torture, Physical abuse, and Death
Moderate: Misogyny
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders
diaryofthebookdragon's review against another edition
3.0
OK, so I read Fantasy Lover, first book in this series, some years ago and I could not remember anything about it. But I gave it 4 stars at the time, so I thought - why not give this series another shot?
Likes:
+ Interesting twist to the origin of vampires. It involves Greek gods and Atlantis!
+ Greek gods in urban setting. It's always fun reading how much they do (or do not) blend in...
+ Pranks and teasing between Kyrian and his fellow Dark-Hunters.
+ Banter between Kyrian and Amanda.
Dislikes:
- I wish that the topic of Amanda's psychic abilities was more developed.
- Too focused on the romance. The main characters lust after each other (or have wild sexscapades) when they should worry how to survive.
Night Pleasures was not bad at all. It has sizzling chemistry, a lot of banter and Greek gods in urban setting. If I was in a mood for romance, I would have probably given it one more star.
Likes:
+ Interesting twist to the origin of vampires. It involves Greek gods and Atlantis!
+ Greek gods in urban setting. It's always fun reading how much they do (or do not) blend in...
+ Pranks and teasing between Kyrian and his fellow Dark-Hunters.
+ Banter between Kyrian and Amanda.
"Are you going to suck my blood?"
He arched a sardonic brow. "Do I look like a lawyer to you?"
Dislikes:
- I wish that the topic of Amanda's psychic abilities was more developed.
- Too focused on the romance. The main characters lust after each other (or have wild sexscapades) when they should worry how to survive.
Night Pleasures was not bad at all. It has sizzling chemistry, a lot of banter and Greek gods in urban setting. If I was in a mood for romance, I would have probably given it one more star.
meetmeinmalkovich's review against another edition
4.0
At first this confused me, as the plot didn't seem to match with information we had from the first novel of the Dark-Hunterverse. But then I kept reading and it all made sense.
This is the first full-length novel actually featuring a Dark Hunter ([b: Dragonswan|84134|Dragonswan (Were-Hunter #0.5)|Sherrilyn Kenyon|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1390061600s/84134.jpg|81225] has one but it is a short), and Kyrian is my favourite so far! I'm trash for this series, you guys. It is not some feat of literary genius, but damn. I can't help but love it because usually romance novels have really ZERO substance and are mostly good for the juicy bits, but this series has really cool back stories.
This is the first full-length novel actually featuring a Dark Hunter ([b: Dragonswan|84134|Dragonswan (Were-Hunter #0.5)|Sherrilyn Kenyon|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1390061600s/84134.jpg|81225] has one but it is a short), and Kyrian is my favourite so far! I'm trash for this series, you guys. It is not some feat of literary genius, but damn. I can't help but love it because usually romance novels have really ZERO substance and are mostly good for the juicy bits, but this series has really cool back stories.
dominicangirl's review against another edition
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
thegeekyblogger's review against another edition
3.0
Night Pleasures by Sherrilyn Kenyon: Even though this is the 2nd in the series I feel like this is the first in the series. It was a great introduction into the Dark-Hunters and what their life sacrifices are for the greater good. This is a unique twist on Vampire Lore–though I don’t think I would call them vampires (either the good or bad side). I love that it is set in New Orleans–it just seems appropriate. The leads are likable yet stubborn and the supporting characters really add to the richness of the story (even the bad guys). I am excited to read the next one…
max_pink's review against another edition
2.0
—Kyrian: a dull alphahole. 4/10
—Amanda: a dull girlboss with poorly explained powers. 4/10
—Plot: poorly paced with practically no forward momentum. The action scenes slid off my brain immediately. 4/10
—Smut: Mostly boring, with the exception of bdsm sex that (apparently) removes PTSD. 4/10. Are you seeing a theme here?
—Worldbuilding: three baffling infodumps that explain needlessly confusing lore. 3/10.
—Side characters: they were there? Way too many of them were tall tan blond men. I would not be able to distinguish them in a line up. 5/10.
—solid audiobook narration by Carrington MacDuffie
—Overall, I would have DNFed this if I wasn't discussing it with friends and I don't think I would have been missing out.
—Amanda: a dull girlboss with poorly explained powers. 4/10
—Plot: poorly paced with practically no forward momentum. The action scenes slid off my brain immediately. 4/10
—Smut: Mostly boring, with the exception of bdsm sex that (apparently) removes PTSD. 4/10. Are you seeing a theme here?
—Worldbuilding: three baffling infodumps that explain needlessly confusing lore. 3/10.
—Side characters: they were there? Way too many of them were tall tan blond men. I would not be able to distinguish them in a line up. 5/10.
—solid audiobook narration by Carrington MacDuffie
—Overall, I would have DNFed this if I wasn't discussing it with friends and I don't think I would have been missing out.