geleeregina's review against another edition
2.0
I did not like this book as much as the first one in the series. While I like Blake as a character and really WANTED to like this book more, I couldn't.
On the plus side, there seemed to be a bit more of the world building into what is a Paladin but I was frustrated with a lack of a clear cut ending to this novel. I did like Blake's Heroine, Brenna, but the story itself seemed forced. There were several "duh" moments that I had as reader, and couldn't understand why the characters couldn't figure that out as well.
I've got the next one on my to be read list, as I'm really interested in reading about the Other, Barak, but it's not one that will be shooting to the top of the pile.
On the plus side, there seemed to be a bit more of the world building into what is a Paladin but I was frustrated with a lack of a clear cut ending to this novel. I did like Blake's Heroine, Brenna, but the story itself seemed forced. There were several "duh" moments that I had as reader, and couldn't understand why the characters couldn't figure that out as well.
I've got the next one on my to be read list, as I'm really interested in reading about the Other, Barak, but it's not one that will be shooting to the top of the pile.
laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
Dark Defender
4 Stars
Synopsis:
As a Paladin, Blake Trahern fights and dies over and over in the battle against the Others who threaten to invade our world. Now he finds himself reunited with a woman from his past and swears to protect her against a traitor among the Paladins but will he be able to save her and himself when the time comes.
Review:
A solid continuation of the series. Morgan’s writing and dialogue is smooth but her world building is still lacking sufficient detail to completely flesh it out. Hopefully this will be remedied in the next book as the hero, Barak, it one of the Others and his story will provide the perfect opportunity to compare the two worlds in-depth.
The characterization has improved with the provision of more comprehensive background information on Blake’s childhood and adolescence, something that is missing for Devlin’s character in the first book. Brenna is also a strong and likeable heroine, and the fact that she does not immediately believe Blake’s explanations and has trouble accepting the idea of who he is and what he does goes a long way to suspending the reader’s disbelief.
Blake and Brenna’s romance is consequently stronger and more believable than in book one and their shared back story also contributes to the plausibility of their relationship. The reunion between past acquaintances/friends/lovers is a favorite theme of mine and it is well developed in this installment. However, while it is clear that Blake and Brenna will end up together (this is a paranormal romance after all), the final resolution of their relationship is somewhat lackluster and disappointing.
The conspiracy plot continues and takes on additional layers. However, the villain is more annoying than threatening and there is very little buildup of tension and suspense. Moreover, the search for a cure to the Paladins worsening condition does not develop any further and this is frustrating.
In sum, the underlying concept of the series is intriguing and the books are enjoyable. I look forward to reading the next one.
4 Stars
Synopsis:
As a Paladin, Blake Trahern fights and dies over and over in the battle against the Others who threaten to invade our world. Now he finds himself reunited with a woman from his past and swears to protect her against a traitor among the Paladins but will he be able to save her and himself when the time comes.
Review:
A solid continuation of the series. Morgan’s writing and dialogue is smooth but her world building is still lacking sufficient detail to completely flesh it out. Hopefully this will be remedied in the next book as the hero, Barak, it one of the Others and his story will provide the perfect opportunity to compare the two worlds in-depth.
The characterization has improved with the provision of more comprehensive background information on Blake’s childhood and adolescence, something that is missing for Devlin’s character in the first book. Brenna is also a strong and likeable heroine, and the fact that she does not immediately believe Blake’s explanations and has trouble accepting the idea of who he is and what he does goes a long way to suspending the reader’s disbelief.
Blake and Brenna’s romance is consequently stronger and more believable than in book one and their shared back story also contributes to the plausibility of their relationship. The reunion between past acquaintances/friends/lovers is a favorite theme of mine and it is well developed in this installment. However, while it is clear that Blake and Brenna will end up together (this is a paranormal romance after all), the final resolution of their relationship is somewhat lackluster and disappointing.
The conspiracy plot continues and takes on additional layers. However, the villain is more annoying than threatening and there is very little buildup of tension and suspense. Moreover, the search for a cure to the Paladins worsening condition does not develop any further and this is frustrating.
In sum, the underlying concept of the series is intriguing and the books are enjoyable. I look forward to reading the next one.
bibliophiliadk's review against another edition
4.0
I am completely taken in by this fantastic universe and the hot, scary Paladins. There was a good storyline and some good characters - perhaps a little under-developed, but otherwise really good. And that was really my only problem with this book, and with everything else going on, it was easy to to forget.
mitabird's review against another edition
3.0
This book was slightly better than the first one. I find the writing style to be very simplistic. There is no depth as far as the characters or the world building are concerned. The author makes it hard for me to care about anything that is happening in the story. There was a better explanation of what the Paladins and Others are, but it was too little, too late to keep my interest. This is a very bland series that I will not be continuing.
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