By: Kate Douglas
Publisher: Beyond the Page
Published: January 6, 2014
Genre: Futuristic, Action/Adventure, Erotic Romance, Paranormal
Content: M/F, M/M, M/F/M, Ménage, Anal Sex, Oral Sex
Length: Novel
Heat Level: Scorching
Reviewer: Toni
Date: February 16, 2014
Romy Sarika has spent much of her life suffering at the hands of a sadistic cult leader. Twenty years earlier she watched him kill her mother, and now she awaits the same fate. But when the self-proclaimed prophet orders Romy killed, the wolf part of her rises up and for the first time she shifts. Managing to save herself, she leaves death and chaos in her wake.
Alone in the woods and badly injured, Romy is found by Jace Wolf and Gabe Cheval, two powerful and striking Chanku who help her heal and simultaneously unleash sensual desires in her that are as new and intense as her wolf-like abilities. But just as Romy’s opening herself to this new erotic world and the passionate connections she’s forming with both men, danger is closing in.
Bent on revenge and driven by bloodlust, cult members are pursuing the trio. Discovery could mean not just Romy’s death but destruction of the Chanku way of life. With their lives at stake and the Chanku race in jeopardy, the three must fight to save themselves and the future of their proud race.
I have read the Chanku journey from the very beginning. I have gobbling up every novel, short story and novella that has been written about them. I can honestly say that their stories have fascinated and pleasantly shocked me from the start. When the final chapter on the main arc (Wolf Tales) was completed I was totally depressed and saddened. But there was a light shining at the end of the tunnel. Hope that the story would continue. I waited and prayed that the children would have their stories told and I was totally thrilled that Ms. Douglas was able to share their stories with us.
Dark Spirit is book two in the Spirit Wild series. Dark Spirit had a different feel for me. I’m not sure it was because it took place away from the compound and essentially didn’t have the normal supporting characters or it is something else. I do know that Ms. Douglas tackles the riveting range of emotional turmoil with brave gusto. She doesn’t shy away from taboo subjects and she handles this books subject matter head on.
I will say not everyone will be comfortable with reading Dark Spirit, but it’s a sad reality that we only read horror stories about, after the fact. Dark Spirit can be a heartbreaking read at times and if she would have delved into the matter in its totality she may have lost a few readers. It is handled delicately and with honor to the victims.
I enjoyed this novel. I do feel that something was missing for me to give it way up high five rating, but needless to say, I think if you have enjoyed other Chanku novels from Ms. Douglas you will likely enjoy this one too. There are grisly bloody action scenes, but surprisingly I wanted more pain and suffering dealt out. This is one comment you will have to read to understand. I can’t remember the last time I was so blood thirsty and violent. Then you switch over to tender love making that shows that the characters are creatures of respect and pleasure. Throw in some healing power and you have a delightfully erotically charged romantic read. Delightful is hardly a word I would normally use to describe Kate’s work, but it seems to fit for me this time around.
Dark Spirit is a story about two journeys. One that takes the characters across the northwest portion of the US and another more important one; a journey filled with pain, discovery and love; packed with heartache, anger, understanding and eventually resolution. It is not for the light of heart, but if you enjoy stories of love, healing and extremely hot sex, Dark Spirit is for you!
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