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idratherbereading542's review against another edition
4.0
Read Count: 2
- Main Couple: Rhev(vampire/sympath)/Elehna(vampire)
- POVs Included: (will add later)
- Book Playlist (Black Dagger Brotherhood Series Playlist)
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UPDATED REVIEW 5/8/2022:
UPDATED RATING (4 STARS -- SAME)
Re-read after 12 years and still loving it!
Great book! So much better than Phury’s book. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It is super long at 720 pages. But it was written really well and at this point I just love this world so much that I found myself just curling up with the book and enjoying the ride without much of a rush to finish. I loved every minute of it!
In fact, this book incorporated some much-needed lighter moments that I mentioned in my last review was one of the biggest issues I have with this series. In the past, the books tend to run on the more serious side and full of tension. I mentioned the need for more lighter moments and even some comic relief here and there. And this book delivered that!
I loved the banter between the Brothers and even Rhev’s crew. I loved Rhev’s road rage and Elehna accidentally stumbling upon V and Jane’s BDSM pad. Hahaha I also think Lassiter is an excellent addition to the gang and adds the perfect amount of comic relief needed. Even some of the moments with Lash and the lessers were quite amusing.
These kinds of moments changed the overall feel of the book and I was able to settle in a lot better knowing these kinds of light moments would break up the serious things.
So let’s talk about the main couple.
This book gave them much more page time then Phury and Cormia got, which was good. I’m in the camp that actually enjoys the multi-POV format because I feel like it really rounds out the world better and doesn’t make things seem so small. It allows us to get to know the other characters before we get to their official book, and come back to our favorite characters from previous books. But Phury’s book went a bit overboard and as much as I loved the other POVs, Phury and Cormia got so little page time that they hardly had a romance at all. But that is not the case here.
Rhev and Elehna were pretty darn adorable. I adored their phone calls with each other. These convos reminded me of those first phone calls you have with your crush in high school, full of curiosity, sexual tension, and awe. They were so sweet and added so much to their relationship building. These two had some good getting to know you moments too, despite the fact that for most of the book Rhev has to hide who he really is (for good reason).
Which brings me to Rhev. My heart broke for him over and over. This poor worthy male who is hated simply because of who his father was. He proves himself worthy in his actions over and over again and yet is unable to fully be himself. I felt so bad for him and loved him so much for his loyalty, selflessness, and capacity for love. He’s so strong and sweet.
I liked Elehna. She was a good character all around, but I will say her initial reaction to the reveal about Rhev put me off a bit. I know he did this on purpose to protect her, but I think she should have given him SOME room to explain himself before shutting him down. I felt so bad for him. But other than that, she’s a pretty strong female and I enjoyed her character. Once she got on board with Rhev, her actions won me back.
One of the other big POVs we got was Wrath. In this book he goes completely blind. Leading up to that and in the aftermath we got to see what he went through and how him and Beth struggled and came to terms with this new way of life for him. Beth proved herself as a strong and capable queen and shellan for him a I loved her all the more for it. I hope Ward continues to come back to previous couples like this (and like Z and Bella’s novella). It really helps to keep past characters fresh in my mind and I enjoy going back to them.
The other main POVs we got were John and Xhex (who are the next book). I still don’t love these two together, they seem so opposite to me. But I don’t like hate them together, they obviously have some kind of connection. But their story so far is breaking my heart. Xhex using him and pushing him away after his first time having sex was so sad, even if she didn’t know it was his first time (which she probably didn’t). This really pushed John off a ledge and he is like a completely different person now. I’m sad my sweet John is basically gone now. I don’t mind him toughening up a bit, but completely numbing out and pushing away all of those who love him (friends, the Brothers, Thor) just breaks my heart. I hope his book resolves all these issues.
Some of my other thoughts:
- What’s up with dematerialization? The rules for it seem so inconsistent and it’s driving me nuts. It seems like sometimes they can dematerialize into buildings and sometimes not. I know the whole steel thing prevents it, but there have been times they have dematerialized from the mansion and other times they have to go out front first. And what about Quinn and John dematerializing into Lash’s house? Also why don’t they use it to their advantage while fighting more? Or while at knife/gunpoint? It seems like it’s just inconsistent and I’d like the rules to be solidified a bit.
- Where do sympaths and Moors/shadows come from? The Scribe Virgin? I’m so confused how there are these sub-races. Are they vampires? Or does Rhev/Xhex have vampire qualities because they are half-breeds? I hope more is explained in Xhex’s book about this.
- I’m SO GLAD that Phury is back to fighting alongside the Brothers. I was really put off and bummed about how this was left off in his book, like he was an outcast.
- I gotta say I’m liking Mary much more as a side character throughout the books. She’s proven to be a good counselor to the others and is handy to have around.
- As much as I (of course) dislike Lash, I gotta say he’s a much better villain than previous Fore-Lessers. He’s more interesting and psychotic and he’s got a bigger plans. I don’t “like” him, but as far as villains go, he’s more interesting.
Overall the book was great. Probably closer to 4.5 stars than 4 because despite being so long it kept me hooked and I just love this world and characters so darn much. I actually was kind of happy it was long because I could stay in there for longer. :)
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ORIGINAL REVIEW (10/4/2010):
ORIGINAL RATING (4 STARS)
This book was, much to my surprise, a real relief from the previous two books Ward has given us of the Brotherhood. It was actually really good.
The last book especially, but Vishous' as well were very bad for me in that the Brotherhood started falling apart it seemed.
After reading this one, it seems like some unity has returned and I can't help but be happy by that. Phury seems to on good terms with everyone again, although still not living with them. Although I'm sad about that, I'm happy that he's back to fighting with them.
Also, Tohr is finally REALLY back, as in starting to fight again. That was long overdue so I'm really happy about that.
I liked Rhev before this book, but I REALLY like him now. I would have to say he's right up there with being one of my top two favorites now, along with Z.
The one thing I'm missing in these books though is the overwhelming romance. Although I really liked Ehlena and Rhev together, the stories are turning more Urban Fantasy, as many people have said. The overall story is overriding the romance, and I miss the books being drenched in the stuff.
But alas, it is a good read and I am hoping that this means that the next books will be good as well. The previous two had me wondering if I should stop reading the series, but I am renewed and happy with the way this booked turned a lot of things around.
I also kind of thought that Rhev might end up king of the sympaths. I forsee there being an alliance formed in the future between the two races in order to overthrow the lessers. I just hope that it doesn't mean he has to live in those smelly caves all the time. I think it'd be cool if him and Ehlena could live on the Brothers compound too, although I doubt that will happen since he's not technically a Brother.
Anyways, I'll definitely be reading the next one as soon as I can get my hands on it!
- Main Couple: Rhev(vampire/sympath)/Elehna(vampire)
- POVs Included: (will add later)
- Book Playlist (Black Dagger Brotherhood Series Playlist)
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
UPDATED REVIEW 5/8/2022:
UPDATED RATING (4 STARS -- SAME)
Re-read after 12 years and still loving it!
Great book! So much better than Phury’s book. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It is super long at 720 pages. But it was written really well and at this point I just love this world so much that I found myself just curling up with the book and enjoying the ride without much of a rush to finish. I loved every minute of it!
In fact, this book incorporated some much-needed lighter moments that I mentioned in my last review was one of the biggest issues I have with this series. In the past, the books tend to run on the more serious side and full of tension. I mentioned the need for more lighter moments and even some comic relief here and there. And this book delivered that!
I loved the banter between the Brothers and even Rhev’s crew. I loved Rhev’s road rage and Elehna accidentally stumbling upon V and Jane’s BDSM pad. Hahaha I also think Lassiter is an excellent addition to the gang and adds the perfect amount of comic relief needed. Even some of the moments with Lash and the lessers were quite amusing.
These kinds of moments changed the overall feel of the book and I was able to settle in a lot better knowing these kinds of light moments would break up the serious things.
So let’s talk about the main couple.
This book gave them much more page time then Phury and Cormia got, which was good. I’m in the camp that actually enjoys the multi-POV format because I feel like it really rounds out the world better and doesn’t make things seem so small. It allows us to get to know the other characters before we get to their official book, and come back to our favorite characters from previous books. But Phury’s book went a bit overboard and as much as I loved the other POVs, Phury and Cormia got so little page time that they hardly had a romance at all. But that is not the case here.
Rhev and Elehna were pretty darn adorable. I adored their phone calls with each other. These convos reminded me of those first phone calls you have with your crush in high school, full of curiosity, sexual tension, and awe. They were so sweet and added so much to their relationship building. These two had some good getting to know you moments too, despite the fact that for most of the book Rhev has to hide who he really is (for good reason).
Which brings me to Rhev. My heart broke for him over and over. This poor worthy male who is hated simply because of who his father was. He proves himself worthy in his actions over and over again and yet is unable to fully be himself. I felt so bad for him and loved him so much for his loyalty, selflessness, and capacity for love. He’s so strong and sweet.
I liked Elehna. She was a good character all around, but I will say her initial reaction to the reveal about Rhev put me off a bit. I know he did this on purpose to protect her, but I think she should have given him SOME room to explain himself before shutting him down. I felt so bad for him. But other than that, she’s a pretty strong female and I enjoyed her character. Once she got on board with Rhev, her actions won me back.
One of the other big POVs we got was Wrath. In this book he goes completely blind. Leading up to that and in the aftermath we got to see what he went through and how him and Beth struggled and came to terms with this new way of life for him. Beth proved herself as a strong and capable queen and shellan for him a I loved her all the more for it. I hope Ward continues to come back to previous couples like this (and like Z and Bella’s novella). It really helps to keep past characters fresh in my mind and I enjoy going back to them.
The other main POVs we got were John and Xhex (who are the next book). I still don’t love these two together, they seem so opposite to me. But I don’t like hate them together, they obviously have some kind of connection. But their story so far is breaking my heart. Xhex using him and pushing him away after his first time having sex was so sad, even if she didn’t know it was his first time (which she probably didn’t). This really pushed John off a ledge and he is like a completely different person now. I’m sad my sweet John is basically gone now. I don’t mind him toughening up a bit, but completely numbing out and pushing away all of those who love him (friends, the Brothers, Thor) just breaks my heart. I hope his book resolves all these issues.
Some of my other thoughts:
- What’s up with dematerialization? The rules for it seem so inconsistent and it’s driving me nuts. It seems like sometimes they can dematerialize into buildings and sometimes not. I know the whole steel thing prevents it, but there have been times they have dematerialized from the mansion and other times they have to go out front first. And what about Quinn and John dematerializing into Lash’s house? Also why don’t they use it to their advantage while fighting more? Or while at knife/gunpoint? It seems like it’s just inconsistent and I’d like the rules to be solidified a bit.
- Where do sympaths and Moors/shadows come from? The Scribe Virgin? I’m so confused how there are these sub-races. Are they vampires? Or does Rhev/Xhex have vampire qualities because they are half-breeds? I hope more is explained in Xhex’s book about this.
- I’m SO GLAD that Phury is back to fighting alongside the Brothers. I was really put off and bummed about how this was left off in his book, like he was an outcast.
- I gotta say I’m liking Mary much more as a side character throughout the books. She’s proven to be a good counselor to the others and is handy to have around.
- As much as I (of course) dislike Lash, I gotta say he’s a much better villain than previous Fore-Lessers. He’s more interesting and psychotic and he’s got a bigger plans. I don’t “like” him, but as far as villains go, he’s more interesting.
Overall the book was great. Probably closer to 4.5 stars than 4 because despite being so long it kept me hooked and I just love this world and characters so darn much. I actually was kind of happy it was long because I could stay in there for longer. :)
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
ORIGINAL REVIEW (10/4/2010):
ORIGINAL RATING (4 STARS)
This book was, much to my surprise, a real relief from the previous two books Ward has given us of the Brotherhood. It was actually really good.
The last book especially, but Vishous' as well were very bad for me in that the Brotherhood started falling apart it seemed.
After reading this one, it seems like some unity has returned and I can't help but be happy by that. Phury seems to on good terms with everyone again, although still not living with them. Although I'm sad about that, I'm happy that he's back to fighting with them.
Also, Tohr is finally REALLY back, as in starting to fight again. That was long overdue so I'm really happy about that.
I liked Rhev before this book, but I REALLY like him now. I would have to say he's right up there with being one of my top two favorites now, along with Z.
The one thing I'm missing in these books though is the overwhelming romance. Although I really liked Ehlena and Rhev together, the stories are turning more Urban Fantasy, as many people have said. The overall story is overriding the romance, and I miss the books being drenched in the stuff.
But alas, it is a good read and I am hoping that this means that the next books will be good as well. The previous two had me wondering if I should stop reading the series, but I am renewed and happy with the way this booked turned a lot of things around.
I also kind of thought that Rhev might end up king of the sympaths. I forsee there being an alliance formed in the future between the two races in order to overthrow the lessers. I just hope that it doesn't mean he has to live in those smelly caves all the time. I think it'd be cool if him and Ehlena could live on the Brothers compound too, although I doubt that will happen since he's not technically a Brother.
Anyways, I'll definitely be reading the next one as soon as I can get my hands on it!
duckle777's review against another edition
3.0
I'm starting to get bored with this series. The little tidbits that go on are still somewhat interesting and I'm still wanting to know what happens.....But....everyone gets a shellan/hellren and when a new person is introduced you already know they are going to find their 'mate'.....it's the same thing over and over. With a different set of characters.
secretmagic's review against another edition
5.0
'Lover Avenged' is my favourite Black Dagger Brotherhood book so far. I didn't think it was possible to love a book more than 'Lover Awakened' (because Z's transformation was insane), but I stand corrected. Rehvenge's book displayed so much emotion, heartache and hope. I just adored it.
Like all BDB books, we see the focus fall mainly on one male (Rehvenge) and one female (Ehelena). You know there's going to be a pattern. They meet early in the book, develop a relationship, face an unimaginable obstacle and come out on top in the end. You're probably wondering what makes this book better than the rest? Well, like I mentioned before, the emotion in 'Lover Avenged' is off the chart. I've never cried in a BDB book before, but Rehv's struggle to be the perfect male, even with his symphath side make you ache for him. I really enjoyed finding out more about his symphath history and seeing inside the colony was definitely a different experience. But I'm glad he got his happy ending; he definitely deserved it.
I've discovered that one of my favourite characters in this series is Xhex. I loved getting hints at her past, and she's had such a tough life. Her devotion to Rehv is insanely touching. There's never a doubt in my mind that they're anything more than friends, but knowing she'd do anything for him makes me sigh. We get a chance to see her vulnerability; there's more to her than the fighter-chick image she projects to the world.
I love that we see more than one story in each BDB book. I know we connect each book with one male and one female, but I really enjoy seeing the other stories just as much (unless it involves the lessers because they really don't interest me). What made 'Lover Avenged' a better book was seeing Wrath again, and not just small flashes as he's dealing with the Brothers, but an actual sub-plot that brought his role in the series to a new level. We get another look at Wrath and Beth's relationship - the connection that I've missed from them and wasn't seen much since 'Dark Lover' - and you fall in love with them all over again.
I still have a problem getting interested in the lessers. I find when they turn up in the book that I have to flip through the book to find out when the next vampire will turn up. I thought I was going to be more interested in them, because of Lash's involvement with the Lessening Society, but I was wrong. I just wanted to strangle him most of the time, or skip his parts. However, the lessers' role changed a lot in 'Lover Avenged'. There wasn't a lot of fighting and with Lash in charge there was a lot more planning for the future. I'm hoping I'll be a bit more interested in his role in the next book. I know he's going to be an important player.
'Lover Avenged' ended with a big "OMG!" moment, and I can't wait to dive straight into 'Lover Mine' and hope everything gets resolved soon.
5/5 stars
Like all BDB books, we see the focus fall mainly on one male (Rehvenge) and one female (Ehelena). You know there's going to be a pattern. They meet early in the book, develop a relationship, face an unimaginable obstacle and come out on top in the end. You're probably wondering what makes this book better than the rest? Well, like I mentioned before, the emotion in 'Lover Avenged' is off the chart. I've never cried in a BDB book before, but Rehv's struggle to be the perfect male, even with his symphath side make you ache for him. I really enjoyed finding out more about his symphath history and seeing inside the colony was definitely a different experience. But I'm glad he got his happy ending; he definitely deserved it.
I've discovered that one of my favourite characters in this series is Xhex. I loved getting hints at her past, and she's had such a tough life. Her devotion to Rehv is insanely touching. There's never a doubt in my mind that they're anything more than friends, but knowing she'd do anything for him makes me sigh. We get a chance to see her vulnerability; there's more to her than the fighter-chick image she projects to the world.
I love that we see more than one story in each BDB book. I know we connect each book with one male and one female, but I really enjoy seeing the other stories just as much (unless it involves the lessers because they really don't interest me). What made 'Lover Avenged' a better book was seeing Wrath again, and not just small flashes as he's dealing with the Brothers, but an actual sub-plot that brought his role in the series to a new level. We get another look at Wrath and Beth's relationship - the connection that I've missed from them and wasn't seen much since 'Dark Lover' - and you fall in love with them all over again.
I still have a problem getting interested in the lessers. I find when they turn up in the book that I have to flip through the book to find out when the next vampire will turn up. I thought I was going to be more interested in them, because of Lash's involvement with the Lessening Society, but I was wrong. I just wanted to strangle him most of the time, or skip his parts. However, the lessers' role changed a lot in 'Lover Avenged'. There wasn't a lot of fighting and with Lash in charge there was a lot more planning for the future. I'm hoping I'll be a bit more interested in his role in the next book. I know he's going to be an important player.
'Lover Avenged' ended with a big "OMG!" moment, and I can't wait to dive straight into 'Lover Mine' and hope everything gets resolved soon.
5/5 stars
thenovelcourt's review against another edition
4.0
Went into this not stoked on the idea of having to read Rehvenge's book and now I'm totally in love with him, and Ehlena is such a sweetheart ugh yes, so many yes-es. But john?? Wtf??? I hate this John.
To sum up, seven books in and I'm still as obsessed as I was in the beginning, which is truly magic. I feel like I could talk about this series forever.
To sum up, seven books in and I'm still as obsessed as I was in the beginning, which is truly magic. I feel like I could talk about this series forever.
sirdemalmanche's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
theaelise's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
mathiev's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
sidekicka7x's review against another edition
5.0
I sure do love this series. Every book has been brilliant, fun, and addicting.