Darkness Rises (Immortal Guardians, #4)

by Dianne Duvall

"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. Étienne 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 . . . "--P. [2] of cover.

• ISBN10: 1420129791
• ISBN13: 9781420129793
• Publish Date: 1 October 2013 (first published 1 January 2013)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Zebra Books
• Format: eBook
• Pages: 320
• Language: English

Reviews

[Nadz@Totally Addicted to Reading]

It has been awhile since I visited the Immortal Guardian's world. I thought I was due for a re-visit and decided for revisit. Read on to learn why I enjoy spending time in this world.

I had a wonderful time with this installment of the Immortal Guardian series. After reading Richart's story I looked forward to reading his twin's story.  After my disappointment with the limited page time given to Richart it made me happy to see that Etienne's story would be longer.

This installment introduces siblings Sean and Krysta. They are what one would call gifted ones. Together the pair has been fighting vampires for six years, with Krysta doing the actual fighting and Sean healing her injuries. While hunting one night she attracted Etienne's attention who was intrigued by her fighting skills. At the point when things were about to get for Krysta, he stepped in and saved her.

He was shocked to learn of her knowledge of vampires seeing that she was not a part of the Immortal Guardians network. He knew it was dangerous for humans to know of the existence of his kind, but he couldn't stay away. Then one night while they were both hunting mercenaries attacked placing them both in danger. The event of that night placed on the radar of the Immortal Guardians. Soon she would find herself immersed in their world and falling in love with charming and sexy French immortal guardian. 

What a ride. Romance, suspense, humour, danger and non - stop action permeated the pages of this awesome book. It took longer than my usual time to finish this book, not because it wasn't enjoyable, but due to life getting in the way. However, the moment I got the chance to settle down I didn't stop until it was over.

I enjoyed getting to know Krysta, who I found to be strong, determined, and brave. I understood her need need to hunt vampires despite the risk to both her and her brother's life. It pleased me to see her recognizing that despite having good fighting skills it would serve her well to work with Etienne. 

Catching up with characters from the previous books proved a delightful experience It was great to learn how they were doing and the parts they play in this installment.  All the characters from this world intrigued me and I can never seem to get enough of them, especially the leader of the immortal guardians and his second in command. The author provided a a sneak preview of what to expect to next installment with her introduction Zach. I can't wait to pick that one up.

Narration

Once again Kristen Potter, narrated and she continues to do an excellent job. Frankly, I cannot picture anyone else narrating this series. She brings the world and characters to life. Her voices are distinct, you can always differentiate between each of the characters.

Conclusion/Recommendation

Darkness Rises proved to be a great addition to this growing series. If you enjoy paranormal romance wrapped in action and suspense then grab a copy and immerse yourself in this awesome world.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading

[EBookObsessed]

I really enjoy this series and haven't read a story I didn't like. The only thing that makes me sad is that the next books might be Lisette's and I am so intrigued where that one will be going and it won't be out until Oct 2014. Whaaaatttt?

Be back with a full review http://ebookobsessed.com

[kimbacaffeinate]

Darkness Rises by Dianne Duvall quickly reminded me why I enjoy paranormal romances wrapped in suspense and a little paranormal woo-woo. While this was my first Duvall novel and the fourth in the Immortal Guardians series, this worked wonderfully as a standalone. Fans of Laurie London’s Sweetblood series will love the fast-pace, characters and sizzling romance that Duvall delivers. Three word review: suspenseful, romantic and action-packed.

Etienne an immortal guardian is watching from the rooftops never campus keeping an eye out for vampires. He is a hunter and keeps the bloodsuckers from ruling the night. As he watches he sees Krysta, obviously impaired exiting a sorority house. He is struck by her beauty and begins to follow her fearing she would make an easy target, and sure enough vampires are soon on her tail. When she enters a dark alley, he moves forward to aid her but gets the shock of his life, when this completely sober beauty begins kicking vampire ass. The tale that unfolds was fast-paced, engaging and totally hot. From the characters to the world Duvall had me under her spell, as I laughed, squirmed and rooted for this duo.

All of the characters I encountered throughout Darkness Rises were fleshed out and had unique voices, so that I immediately could tell them apart. Etienne is a two hundred year old Frenchman, who was a gifted one. He was accidentally turned Immortal along with his brother by their sister. As an Immortal, he is young, but already an experienced hunter who can read minds and hear thoughts. I found him to be smexy, funny and just so darn cute. I laughed as much as I sighed over him. Krysta is one kick-ass heroine who see auras. She uses that gift to hunt vampires with her brother, a healer. Krysta is confident, determined and thinks getting to choice her weapons from a collections of bad-ass weapons is the crème de la crème. She is level headed she, and she processes things logically without getting all hysterical. We meet other immortals and gifted ones, and some couples from previous books. I loved how they work as a unit and am anxious to go back and read through the series.

In Darkness Rises, the author gave us a strong sense of the world and the supernatural creatures residing there. I loved all the rich details which slid seamlessly from the author’s pen giving me a panoramic view. While some might say Etienne and Krysta’s romance developed too quickly, but for me, the author made it feel genuine, and I was immediately invested in them both. The sexual tension, banter and smoking hot sex scenes were scrumptious. The plot had the couple facing a new threat, recruiting the enemy and going on the offense. It was intense, action-packed and had my heart racing. The tale is told from several perspectives which help draw me in and connect. There are side threads which develop and will continue into the next book, but for the most part this story was self-contained. After an intense climactic scene towards the end, the author gives us some humor and leaves us on a high note as she sets up for book five.

Fans of action-packed, smoking hot paranormal romance wrapped in suspense will love Darkness Rises and the Immortal Guardians series. I snagged a copy of Darkness Dawns book one in the series and will be working my way through them in anticipation of book five, since I cannot wait to see what happens next.

Copy received in exchange for unbiased review and originally published @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer