Title: Darkness Rises
Author(s): Dianne Duvall
Series: Immortal Guardians #4
Also in this series: Darkness Dawns , Night Reigns , Phantom Shadows , In Still Darkness , Night Unbound , 🎧︎Phantom Embrace, Shadows Strike, Blade of Darkness, Awaken the Darkness
Narrator(s): Kirsten Potter
Published by Tantor Audio on October 1, 2013
Length: 11hrs 39mins
Genre(s): Paranormal Romance
Source: Purchase
Format: Audiobook
Purchase: Amazon|Audible|Audiobooks.com
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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 . . .
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It has been awhile since I visited the Immortal Guardian’s world. I thought I was due for a re-visit. 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.
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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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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
Both the narrator and the author are new to me Nadene. it seems like a series that should be read in order and I’m glad that even after a long absence you could pick up from where you left off and enjoy this book.
I discovered this through audible escape and I have to say it was a great discovery. Yes it is best read in order.
This is one series I have been meaning to try for a long time. Shari (Delighted Reader) reviewed most of the books in the series and loved them. I’m glad this later book was a wonderful reunion with the world and the characters for you.
I am loving this series. I just need to find the time to get to the other books.
Great review! This series has been on my TBR for a little while now. I’m really hoping to check it out soon!
I hope you get the chance to do so. I thinks its an awesome series.
Yes…. I love this series 🙂 This was a great couple and story.
I agree.
Yay, glad the series is holding up, so many seem to lose traction.
Yes it is still going strong. Looking forward to reading the next book.
Hope this works as so far my comments keep disappearing. Love this series.
Yes it is a great series. I have a lot of catching up to do.
I read that as the Batman movie – The Dark Knight Rises ? Sounds good, glad you enjoyed it.
?? Don’t worry you are not alone. It happened to me too.
Great review. I have not read this book or a series, but I just made one of these days.
ITs a great series. Hope you get the chance to read it.
The cover is scrumptious. Glad you enjoyed!
Yep it sure is scrumptious.