I got my first taste of Dianne Duvall’s work when I read Darkness Dawns. The story and the characters captivated me and I knew I had to pick up Night Reigns. My experience with book two may not have been great as it was with the previous book, but I still enjoyed it. I enjoyed spending time with the characters and was disappointed when the story ended.
This installment tells Marcus and Ami’s story. We were first introduced to Ami and Marcus in book one. From the outset, Ami piqued my curiosity as to her identity and the role she would play in the series. Marcus, an 850-year-old immortal is in mourning the loss of the woman he loved. He is not interested in a relationship or working with a second. Therefore, when Seth, the leader of the Immortal Guardians assigned Ami has his second he was not amused.
Ami proved an excellent second for Marcus. He attempted to push her away, but she stood her ground, never once failing her duty. She took her job as a second serious. The more time Marcus spent in her company he realised she could hold her own and that her fighting abilities were incomparable.
Ami’s character was shrouded in mystery. Neither mortal nor human, but she possessed vampire and immortal abilities. I kept wracking my brain trying to figure what she was, but I never did. The revelation when it came was shocking as I never saw that one coming. Who would have thought? I loved her resilience. She survived months of torture and is slowly reclaiming her life. Despite her deep-seated fears of labs and doctors, she willingly risked her life to protect Marcus.
I had hoped to get some more insight into Marcus’s character, but I was disappointed with his portrayal. He did not receive the same amount of attention as Ami’s character. I received a taste of his history, but it did not live up to my expectations.
The story moved at an even pace. I loved the new developments. Now that Bastien was no longer a threat to the Immortal Guardians, there is a new enemy in town. One who is determined to kill all Immortal and reign over the vampires. Non- stop action sprinkled with a hot romance and a pinch of humour help to make the story captivating. I received some interesting tit bits about the immortals and I am curious to learn more, especially where the leader is concerned.
The ending left me wanting more. The non-romantic element of the story was not resolved leaving me with many questions.
NARRATION
I have limited experience with audio books and I am not acquainted with many narrators. This is my second time listening to Kristen Potter and I would definitely listen to any story she narrates. I enjoyed every moment, and she helped to enhance the story. She switched between characters effortlessly, making it easy to identify which character was speaking. I enjoyed her sound effects, from the ringing of the doorbell to the vibrating of the cell phone.
Conclusion/Recommendation
I found this to be a great addition to the series. I am curious to learn more about these fantastic characters. If you have not read this series, and are a fan of paranormal romantic suspense, then I recommend that you do so as soon as possible.
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About Kirsten Potter
Kirsten Potter, a graduate of the Boston University School for the Arts, has performed on stage, film, and television, including roles on Medium, Bones, and Judging Amy. An award-winning audiobook narrator, Kirsten has won AudioFile Earphones Awards for her reading of The Snowball by Alice Schroeder and her performance as Barbara in George Bernard Shaw’s Major Barbara. Her other titles include The Unthinkable by Amanda Ripley, Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson, Sammy’s House by Kristen Gore, and Madapple by Christina Meldrum, which was a Booklist Editors’ Choice for Best Audiobook 2008. Kirsten has received recognition from the American Academy of Achievement and the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts, as well as numerous regional awards.
About Dianne Duvall
Dianne Duvall is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of the Immortal Guardians paranormal romance series. Her debut novel Darkness Dawns, Book 1, was nominated for the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Vampire Romance by RT Book Reviews and for Best Paranormal Romance – Vampire by The Romance Reviews. Night Reigns, Book 2, was declared an “utterly addictive” Top Pick by RT Book Reviews and was nominated for Best Paranormal Romance 2011 by The Romance Reviews. Phantom Shadows, Book 3, was named a Top Pick by both The Romance Reviews and Night Owl Reviews. Her Immortal Guardians novella “In Still Darkness” was released in the Predatory Anthology in May 2013. Darkness Rises, Book 4, was also nominated for the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Vampire Romance. Night Unbound, Book 5 in the series, will be released on September 2, 2014. When she isn’t writing, Dianne loves all things creative. When her nose isn’t buried in a book, she is very active in the independent film industry and once even appeared onscreen as a machete-wielding maniac not unlike the vampires she so loves to create in her novels.
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sorry the backstory lacked, but glad to hear that there was non stop action!
Yeah, I had for more where the hero was concerned. At least I still enjoyed it.
I have had the first book in this series for so many years but haven’t read it yet. This does sound like a series that I would like and it is good to know that the narration is well done.
Your review reminds me that this is a series that I always planned on reading and haven’t started yet. Too bad there was an imbalance in how the characters were developed though good that it was still a solid story. Yay for finding a narrator you enjoyed, too.
It’s an author I heard a lot about too but again one I haven’t tried it I confess but I’m not that much into a PNR phase
I understand,
Sounds fabulous!
Yes it is.
I love this author and series. Wonderful review!! I didn’t read this one. Read one and four on up. I needs to go back!
You should. Kim, it was based on your recommendation that got me started on the series.
Oh sounds good Nadene thanks for letting me know about it
You are welcome, Debbie.
I, too, loved Darkness Dawns and just added Night Reigns to my audio library. 🙂 I’m sorry Marcus’ story didn’t quite live up to Sarah and Roland’s. It’s a shame Marcus’ character wasn’t fleshed out better in his own story but maybe we’ll get to know him more over the course of the series. Hopefully? 🙂 I’m glad Ami was developed well though. Great review, Nadene!