Darkness Rises by Dianne Duvall

Darkness Rises
By: Dianne Duvall
Publisher: Zebra
Published: October 1,2013
Genre: Contemporary, Action/Adventure, Paranormal, Romance
Length:  Novel
Heat Level:  Spicy
Reviewer: Toni
Date: May 10, 2014

  

Krysta is used to getting the drop on vampires. Her "special abilities" aren't much, but the plan is simple--she plays helpless pretty young thing to lure them in. Then her shoto swords come out and it's bye-bye, bloodsucker. Until one night she finds herself with an unexpected ally. He's a vampire, all right, but different. Mysterious. Handsome. And more interested in saving her skin than draining it.

Etienne has been an Immortal Guardian for two hundred years--long enough to know that Krysta is special. He can't stop thinking about her long legs, even more than her short swords. Then he discovers the vamps she's exterminating have friends in high places, and the Guardians are in danger too. He'll have to accept Krysta's help to save them. The stakes for a mortal are high. But the cost to his heart might be higher. . .

I have followed this series from the start. I absolutely fell in love with the guardians and I’m totally surprised it took me this long to pick up the next installment in the series. I forgot about the joy they gave me; the wonder in the writing and dimension of the storyline. Absolutely brilliant.

Krysta is yet another wonderfully strong and resilient woman to join the group. She is tough, kick-butt and as stubborn as they come. She is also the perfect match for Etienne.

Etienne is a young immortal, by their standards, at two hundred years. For centuries he has fought alongside his two siblings, but now there is a new force in town. She makes his blood heat and well other things. No one can understand what has happened to Etienne to make him seem distant and withdrawn, but he knows. Now if he can just figure out how to protect her from herself and have her in his bed.

Unknown to the immortals, danger is back. They must band together to fight an enemy they thought they defeated. Only they are the last to know that the game has changed. Unfortunately there are even more things to protect, but together they can conquer.

Ms. Duvall has written an amazing story. She has consistently written solid plots and engaging characters. All of this while keeping secrets tight to her chest and making me love and want the series more and more. Her stories are filled with action, humor, intrigue and romance. This is definitely not your grandma’s bodice ripper. It is also not a blush worthy, read it in secret, erotic romance. It’s a perfect blend of genres. Something everyone can enjoy.

Darkness Rises is a wonderful read. It is fast paced and makes you want to read “one more chapter”, time and time again. Regrettably, I do think you need to read all of the stories in the series before this novel. I just can’t fathom someone enjoying this book as much as someone who knows the characters and is invested in them. This is a tight knit group and the past couples are written throughout the book. I will say that if you love a good vampire novel then you won’t be dissatisfied. Darkness Rises didn’t disappoint me and I will keep coming back for more. I can’t wait for the next installment, Night Unbound.

My other reviews for the other books in the series have been added to the site. Enjoy!