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Dark Angels #4
Darkness Hunts
"New York Times" bestselling author Keri Arthur returns to the enthralling Guardian World--and a twilight realm of danger and desire...
Risa Jones, half-Aedh/half-werewolf, can enter the realm between life and death. She can speak to the dying and the dead, and she can see the reapers, collectors of souls. What she can not yet see is the identity of a stranger murdering women and draining their blood. Now Risa must summon her gifts to find him, even if it means putting her own life in danger. But Risa needn't look far. The killer knows who she is.
He tells her his victims are infected by darkness and he's fated to destroy them. Fascinated by Risa, he engages her in a sinister game: the chance to save the life of his next victim by deciphering his series of clues. In a race against time, she enlists the help of the reaper Azriel.
But as an attraction between them grows, so does the fear that the stranger's motives are only part of a larger, more dangerous stratagem--one that that has lured Risa and Azriel into the dark.
Risa Jones, half-Aedh/half-werewolf, can enter the realm between life and death. She can speak to the dying and the dead, and she can see the reapers, collectors of souls. What she can not yet see is the identity of a stranger murdering women and draining their blood. Now Risa must summon her gifts to find him, even if it means putting her own life in danger. But Risa needn't look far. The killer knows who she is.
He tells her his victims are infected by darkness and he's fated to destroy them. Fascinated by Risa, he engages her in a sinister game: the chance to save the life of his next victim by deciphering his series of clues. In a race against time, she enlists the help of the reaper Azriel.
But as an attraction between them grows, so does the fear that the stranger's motives are only part of a larger, more dangerous stratagem--one that that has lured Risa and Azriel into the dark.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2012
137 people are currently reading
2944 people want to read
About the author
Keri Arthur
100 books5,990 followersKeri Arthur, author of the New York Times bestselling Riley Jenson, Guardian series, has now written more than 25 books. She's received several nominations in the Best Contemporary Paranormal category of the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Awards, and recently won RT's Career Achievement Award for urban fantasy. She lives in Melbourne with her daughter and two crazy dogs
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
June 10, 2015
4.5
An astral killer has set his eyes on Risa and he is taunting the Directorate at the same time.
Darkness Hunts starts with Risa trying to talk to a lost one (a ghost of a man who wasn't to supposed to die, so there was no reaper to lead him away). She interrupts a killer on the astral plane and, unfortunately for her, the encounter intrigues him. As she explains to Ilianna he is 'someone who brings a very fresh approach to the business of being insane.'
How the killer knows everything about her weapons is not explained. I can understand everything else (he does have a hacker accomplice, after all), but that particular titbit is not widely known.
As for the search for the keys storyline, finally the events are moving forward. Risa finally finds out more about her father's past and about Lucian (now, that part was particular satisfying).
There are many changes in Darkness Hunts, both around Risa and within her. Some of those changes are left unexplored here, but that takes nothing out of the story. It only leaves a reader waiting for more.
This book has a very satisfying ending regarding the villain. And a very satisfying ending overall.
An astral killer has set his eyes on Risa and he is taunting the Directorate at the same time.
Darkness Hunts starts with Risa trying to talk to a lost one (a ghost of a man who wasn't to supposed to die, so there was no reaper to lead him away). She interrupts a killer on the astral plane and, unfortunately for her, the encounter intrigues him. As she explains to Ilianna he is 'someone who brings a very fresh approach to the business of being insane.'
How the killer knows everything about her weapons is not explained. I can understand everything else (he does have a hacker accomplice, after all), but that particular titbit is not widely known.
As for the search for the keys storyline, finally the events are moving forward. Risa finally finds out more about her father's past and about Lucian (now, that part was particular satisfying).
There are many changes in Darkness Hunts, both around Risa and within her. Some of those changes are left unexplored here, but that takes nothing out of the story. It only leaves a reader waiting for more.
This book has a very satisfying ending regarding the villain. And a very satisfying ending overall.
November 25, 2012
Spoilers
Risa investigates a series of vampire murders.
-Risa has gotten progressively worse with each installment. There wasn't one moment in the book where she didn't annoy me. Her sheer stupidity pissed me off time and time again. The dumb cow refused to see what was right in front of her even when she was told exactly what was going on. It was obvious her lover, Lucian, was playing her, Azriel warned her numerous times but did the thick bitch believe him or even entertain the thought that he might be right? No, for some reason Risa believed that despite Lucian constantly acting evul and suspicious that he was trustworthy and was most likely adopting kittens in his spare time. I was glad when he finally turned on her, she deserved everything she got. I rolled my eyes when the stupid cow acted shocked, betrayed and hurt after finding out Lucian's true colours when it was so fucking obvious he was using her.
The worst thing about Risa was her reaction to finding out that Lucian compelled her to have sex with him. Did Risa feel violated? Did she feel disgusted? Did she feel betrayed? No, she was just a tad upset. The dumb cow didn't give a fuck that Lucian had basically been raping her throughout their relationship! She was more or less cool about it, not only that she was still looking forward to having sex with him!! WTF?!
Risa started of okay but she's turned into a dumb idiot with no self respect or brains.
-Lucian was a dick head, a wanker and a rapey mother fucker but I guess because he's so 'hawt' all will be forgiven and he'll no doubt be redeemed by the end of the series.
Azriel got on my nerves — he was so emo, and hot and cold with Risa. A part of me was glad Risa was having sex with Lucian, Azriel didn't deserve Risa saving herself for him since he kept giving her mixed signals. At the end he does decide to give things a go with Risa but I wouldn't be surprised if he'll go back to his whiny, fickle self in the next book.
-I'm getting really bored with the series, it's dragging on and on. There was barely any plot development in regard to the overall arc of the series - Risa's still no closer to finding the remaining keys to heaven and hell.
The majority of the story was spent on Risa yet again getting herself involved in another pointless Directorate investigation. It pisses me off that even though she's not a Directorate employee and has no training in law or crime that she's constantly pulled in to work for them.
Her character and story line is too similar to Riley and her series. What was the point of making Risa a restaurant owner when like Riley she's just ended up catching psycho's for the Directorate?!
I'm getting bored with the case of the week style plots taking over the books, if the author actually focused on the main plot of the books instead of cramming them with unnecessary rubbish then the series would have been wrapped up by now.
-The plot was too fast paced. Risa moved from one disaster to the next without taking a break — it was exhausting to read about. I hate reading books where the heroine never gets to recharge, rest or even eat — it irritates me no end.
-There were quite a few British phrases/words used and it made the dialogue and writing seem odd and out of place.
I don't know if I'll bother reading the next book. I'm not sure I can put up with Risa again — she's far too stupid, too much of a doormat and just too bloody irritating for me to want to read another of her rubbish adventures.
Risa investigates a series of vampire murders.
-Risa has gotten progressively worse with each installment. There wasn't one moment in the book where she didn't annoy me. Her sheer stupidity pissed me off time and time again. The dumb cow refused to see what was right in front of her even when she was told exactly what was going on. It was obvious her lover, Lucian, was playing her, Azriel warned her numerous times but did the thick bitch believe him or even entertain the thought that he might be right? No, for some reason Risa believed that despite Lucian constantly acting evul and suspicious that he was trustworthy and was most likely adopting kittens in his spare time. I was glad when he finally turned on her, she deserved everything she got. I rolled my eyes when the stupid cow acted shocked, betrayed and hurt after finding out Lucian's true colours when it was so fucking obvious he was using her.
The worst thing about Risa was her reaction to finding out that Lucian compelled her to have sex with him. Did Risa feel violated? Did she feel disgusted? Did she feel betrayed? No, she was just a tad upset. The dumb cow didn't give a fuck that Lucian had basically been raping her throughout their relationship! She was more or less cool about it, not only that she was still looking forward to having sex with him!! WTF?!
Risa started of okay but she's turned into a dumb idiot with no self respect or brains.
-Lucian was a dick head, a wanker and a rapey mother fucker but I guess because he's so 'hawt' all will be forgiven and he'll no doubt be redeemed by the end of the series.
Azriel got on my nerves — he was so emo, and hot and cold with Risa. A part of me was glad Risa was having sex with Lucian, Azriel didn't deserve Risa saving herself for him since he kept giving her mixed signals. At the end he does decide to give things a go with Risa but I wouldn't be surprised if he'll go back to his whiny, fickle self in the next book.
-I'm getting really bored with the series, it's dragging on and on. There was barely any plot development in regard to the overall arc of the series - Risa's still no closer to finding the remaining keys to heaven and hell.
The majority of the story was spent on Risa yet again getting herself involved in another pointless Directorate investigation. It pisses me off that even though she's not a Directorate employee and has no training in law or crime that she's constantly pulled in to work for them.
Her character and story line is too similar to Riley and her series. What was the point of making Risa a restaurant owner when like Riley she's just ended up catching psycho's for the Directorate?!
I'm getting bored with the case of the week style plots taking over the books, if the author actually focused on the main plot of the books instead of cramming them with unnecessary rubbish then the series would have been wrapped up by now.
-The plot was too fast paced. Risa moved from one disaster to the next without taking a break — it was exhausting to read about. I hate reading books where the heroine never gets to recharge, rest or even eat — it irritates me no end.
-There were quite a few British phrases/words used and it made the dialogue and writing seem odd and out of place.
I don't know if I'll bother reading the next book. I'm not sure I can put up with Risa again — she's far too stupid, too much of a doormat and just too bloody irritating for me to want to read another of her rubbish adventures.
November 11, 2012
March 26th 2012
I just have to keep thinking only 4 more months and I shall have my hands on this!
October 2nd 2012
Only 35 more sleeps and I get my hands on this!! I am not exaggerating that I think of this series at least 3 times during the week.
I tend to daydream about Azriel ALLLLLLLL the time!
But apparently the ending to this book leaves you needing more!
November 8th 2012
About to start.....
I'm nervous......
And excited.....
But scared shitless because the ending leaves you wanting more (more so than I would normally)
WARNING : DO NOT HOLD ME RESPONSIBLE TO MY STATUS UPDATES WHILE READING THIS BOOK!
Official Review
I had such high expectations of this book that I blame myself for not loving it as much as the previous 3 books.
"We both hunger for things that should not be, but for the sake of our worlds, it cannot be."
Azriel for me is in my top 5 BBF (Book Boyfriends) I love everything this man entails and if he was not in this book as much as he was I doubt the book would have been a 3.
The story in itself was lacking the va va voom as I like to say. The previous 3 books all had this certain, keeping you on the edge of your seat. But this story lacked that for me.
With the way it ended I definitely want and need more and I am positive the next installment will be epic!
I just have to keep thinking only 4 more months and I shall have my hands on this!
October 2nd 2012
Only 35 more sleeps and I get my hands on this!! I am not exaggerating that I think of this series at least 3 times during the week.
I tend to daydream about Azriel ALLLLLLLL the time!
But apparently the ending to this book leaves you needing more!
November 8th 2012
About to start.....
I'm nervous......
And excited.....
But scared shitless because the ending leaves you wanting more (more so than I would normally)
WARNING : DO NOT HOLD ME RESPONSIBLE TO MY STATUS UPDATES WHILE READING THIS BOOK!
Official Review
I had such high expectations of this book that I blame myself for not loving it as much as the previous 3 books.
"We both hunger for things that should not be, but for the sake of our worlds, it cannot be."
Azriel for me is in my top 5 BBF (Book Boyfriends) I love everything this man entails and if he was not in this book as much as he was I doubt the book would have been a 3.
The story in itself was lacking the va va voom as I like to say. The previous 3 books all had this certain, keeping you on the edge of your seat. But this story lacked that for me.
With the way it ended I definitely want and need more and I am positive the next installment will be epic!
November 11, 2012
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Keri Arthur for a cliff hanger that is going to last around 7 months!!!!! (Not!) Boy, what an ending to another fantastic Dark Angel Story!!!
I think most of my friends know that Keri Arthur is on my favourite shelf and has been for a long time. Having read all of her books, this lady never fails to disappoint me, I can't see that she ever will!
With Darkness Hunts, it seems a lot of the mystery has crawled out of the wood work and is now staring us in the face, what we need now is the answers to combat every bit...
My favourite characters from way back in Riley Jenson's books surface for a little longer here, bringing fond memories of another life almost - Rhoan plays a bigger part in this book as does the ever handsome and sexy Quinn (Riley is still one lucky lady!). As Risa battles her foe on the astral plain (Not Azriel's fields no less), the mysteries of the keys play alongside. Lucian, a character I love to HATE is now, at last, showing his true colours, and although Risa seems to have stood strong, this is far from over... It also seems Hunter (ugh) has her claws into Risa more than any of us would care to like!
Ariel, I love this Reaper and I think every girl should have one!!! I have a far better understanding of why Ariel has to hold back as far as Risa is concerned but I still don't know it all - however - there is a massive turn of events - read on to find out!!!!
I will never bore of Keri's books, I absolutely adore all of her work and I am craving for the next installment of Dark Angels.
I think most of my friends know that Keri Arthur is on my favourite shelf and has been for a long time. Having read all of her books, this lady never fails to disappoint me, I can't see that she ever will!
With Darkness Hunts, it seems a lot of the mystery has crawled out of the wood work and is now staring us in the face, what we need now is the answers to combat every bit...
My favourite characters from way back in Riley Jenson's books surface for a little longer here, bringing fond memories of another life almost - Rhoan plays a bigger part in this book as does the ever handsome and sexy Quinn (Riley is still one lucky lady!). As Risa battles her foe on the astral plain (Not Azriel's fields no less), the mysteries of the keys play alongside. Lucian, a character I love to HATE is now, at last, showing his true colours, and although Risa seems to have stood strong, this is far from over... It also seems Hunter (ugh) has her claws into Risa more than any of us would care to like!
Ariel, I love this Reaper and I think every girl should have one!!! I have a far better understanding of why Ariel has to hold back as far as Risa is concerned but I still don't know it all - however - there is a massive turn of events - read on to find out!!!!
I will never bore of Keri's books, I absolutely adore all of her work and I am craving for the next installment of Dark Angels.
August 1, 2020
Fourth in the Dark Angels urban fantasy series featuring Risa Jones. This series carries on from Riley Jenson, Guardian, which was a much better series, in my opinion.
My Take
Oh, brother. Risa is getting so stupid. And I hate stupid characters when they're supposed to be the good guys. She gets mad because Azriel pulls back. To protect himself from harm. How can you claim to love someone and want to do things that will hurt them?
Then, she almost purposely avoids eating or sleeping---I suspect it's Arthur's sloppy attempt at creating drama and tension. So, now that Risa's weak, she compounds things by refusing to let Azriel help her simply because he gave in to something she wanted. What is her issue?!
Make up your mind! First she wants him to completely distance himself from her, and at the same time, she wants him up close and personal. I can sympathize with this catch-22 of wanting what you shouldn't, if only she didn't behave like a complete jerk about it.
Oh, brother. Again. Okay, so Risa gets a note on matching stationery. Whoopie-ding-doo. She automatically assumes it's the bad guys when we actually haven't a clue who it is. Arthur is really being sloppy here by simply assuming we'll accept this...because that's what the current story is about. God forbid she should actually drop a clue that would make it a reasonable assumption. OR have to work it to make it a reasonable one.
Arthur continues stringing us along, then she compounds it with that stupid trap.
It's perfectly reasonable for Risa to sleep with Lucian when Azriel is behaving this way. So, he's irritating me a bit as well. Arthur needs to give the guy more dramatic license. As it is, he's simply looking wishy-washy.
Yes, there are a couple of important side developments in this, but really, I'd consider this more of a bridge novel with Arthur dragging things out.
And I'm getting bored...
The Story
While her father and the Raziq play cat-and-mouse with Risa to find the keys, another magical being is killing vampires. He claims it's his heritage.
The Characters Risa Jones is a wolf shifter and an orphan since her mother's death, but she does have great roommates: Tao is another wolf shifter, who has been affected by a fire element (he's also Stane's cousin) and Ilianna is a gay horse shifter. Risa's sword is the bloodthirsty Amaya. The three of them own a successful restaurant, RYT (Rich Young Things). Stane is a computer geek friend of Risa's who can find anything.
She's sleeping with Lucian Dupont, a wingless Aedh who is obsessed with revenge. Lauren McIntyre is a black practitioner who may have a way out for Risa. Jak Talbott is a reporter who betrayed Risa with a story he wrote about her mother. Hieu is Risa's father, and he is not content to simply be a renegade Raziq, but he's a renegade from them as well. James Larson is her father's courier.
Carwyn is a stallion Ilianna's parents want her to hook up with; she hasn't come out to them yet. Mirri is Ilianna's girlfriend.
Azriel is the Reaper in love with her, although, technically, he's a Mijai, a dark angel; his task, however, is to prod her into finding the Keys that too many beings want to use to close the gates between earth and heaven and hell. Valdis is his sword.
Rhoan is her uncle, a wolf, and I think he's second-in-command at the Directorate and Riley is her aunt married to Quinn, a half-Aedh, half-vampire, and a former Cazador (their story is in the Riley Jenson, Guardian series). Harris West is a werewolf with the Directorate. Jack Parnell is the senior vice president of the Directorate and in charge of the entire guardian division. And Madeline Hunter's half-brother.
Adeline Greenfield is a witch and a friend of her late mother's. Logan was John Nadler's attorney. Dorothy Hendricks and Vonda and Dani Belmore are targeted vampires.
Madeline Hunter is a very powerful vampire and "the head of the Directorate of Other Races AND a high-ranking member of the high vampire council". Cross her if you want to die yesterday. Markel Sanchez is one of the Cazadors Hunt has assigned to follow Risa.
Henry Mack has several aliases. Zane Taylor is working with Jason Bright, an IT specialist.
Malin is the female Raziq leader who wants Risa's father. The priest who betrayed her.
The Brindle is the witch depository in Melbourne. Aedh are energy beings who live on the gray fields. The Raziq are a group of renegade Aedh priests who forged the Keys. Razan are humans changed by the Raziq. Reapers are soul guides. Cazadors are the high vampire council's own personal hit squad.
The Cover
The cover is a wide range of oranges with a curious Risa crouching on a rail overlooking a fantastical building, holding her sword, Amaya, her wings closed behind her.
The title refers to the faceless being hunting Risa through the gray fields— it's Darkness Hunts.
My Take
Oh, brother. Risa is getting so stupid. And I hate stupid characters when they're supposed to be the good guys. She gets mad because Azriel pulls back. To protect himself from harm. How can you claim to love someone and want to do things that will hurt them?
Then, she almost purposely avoids eating or sleeping---I suspect it's Arthur's sloppy attempt at creating drama and tension. So, now that Risa's weak, she compounds things by refusing to let Azriel help her simply because he gave in to something she wanted. What is her issue?!
Make up your mind! First she wants him to completely distance himself from her, and at the same time, she wants him up close and personal. I can sympathize with this catch-22 of wanting what you shouldn't, if only she didn't behave like a complete jerk about it.
Oh, brother. Again. Okay, so Risa gets a note on matching stationery. Whoopie-ding-doo. She automatically assumes it's the bad guys when we actually haven't a clue who it is. Arthur is really being sloppy here by simply assuming we'll accept this...because that's what the current story is about. God forbid she should actually drop a clue that would make it a reasonable assumption. OR have to work it to make it a reasonable one.
Arthur continues stringing us along, then she compounds it with that stupid trap.
It's perfectly reasonable for Risa to sleep with Lucian when Azriel is behaving this way. So, he's irritating me a bit as well. Arthur needs to give the guy more dramatic license. As it is, he's simply looking wishy-washy.
Yes, there are a couple of important side developments in this, but really, I'd consider this more of a bridge novel with Arthur dragging things out.
And I'm getting bored...
The Story
While her father and the Raziq play cat-and-mouse with Risa to find the keys, another magical being is killing vampires. He claims it's his heritage.
The Characters Risa Jones is a wolf shifter and an orphan since her mother's death, but she does have great roommates: Tao is another wolf shifter, who has been affected by a fire element (he's also Stane's cousin) and Ilianna is a gay horse shifter. Risa's sword is the bloodthirsty Amaya. The three of them own a successful restaurant, RYT (Rich Young Things). Stane is a computer geek friend of Risa's who can find anything.
She's sleeping with Lucian Dupont, a wingless Aedh who is obsessed with revenge. Lauren McIntyre is a black practitioner who may have a way out for Risa. Jak Talbott is a reporter who betrayed Risa with a story he wrote about her mother. Hieu is Risa's father, and he is not content to simply be a renegade Raziq, but he's a renegade from them as well. James Larson is her father's courier.
Carwyn is a stallion Ilianna's parents want her to hook up with; she hasn't come out to them yet. Mirri is Ilianna's girlfriend.
Azriel is the Reaper in love with her, although, technically, he's a Mijai, a dark angel; his task, however, is to prod her into finding the Keys that too many beings want to use to close the gates between earth and heaven and hell. Valdis is his sword.
Rhoan is her uncle, a wolf, and I think he's second-in-command at the Directorate and Riley is her aunt married to Quinn, a half-Aedh, half-vampire, and a former Cazador (their story is in the Riley Jenson, Guardian series). Harris West is a werewolf with the Directorate. Jack Parnell is the senior vice president of the Directorate and in charge of the entire guardian division. And Madeline Hunter's half-brother.
Adeline Greenfield is a witch and a friend of her late mother's. Logan was John Nadler's attorney. Dorothy Hendricks and Vonda and Dani Belmore are targeted vampires.
Madeline Hunter is a very powerful vampire and "the head of the Directorate of Other Races AND a high-ranking member of the high vampire council". Cross her if you want to die yesterday. Markel Sanchez is one of the Cazadors Hunt has assigned to follow Risa.
Henry Mack has several aliases. Zane Taylor is working with Jason Bright, an IT specialist.
Malin is the female Raziq leader who wants Risa's father. The priest who betrayed her.
The Brindle is the witch depository in Melbourne. Aedh are energy beings who live on the gray fields. The Raziq are a group of renegade Aedh priests who forged the Keys. Razan are humans changed by the Raziq. Reapers are soul guides. Cazadors are the high vampire council's own personal hit squad.
The Cover
The cover is a wide range of oranges with a curious Risa crouching on a rail overlooking a fantastical building, holding her sword, Amaya, her wings closed behind her.
The title refers to the faceless being hunting Risa through the gray fields— it's Darkness Hunts.
November 15, 2014
I've become really hooked on this series over the last few weeks so it'll be no surprise if I tell you that I absolutely devoured Darkness Hunts. Poor Risa seems to go from one fight for her life straight into the next one without a moment to even breathe let alone sleep or eat. Now she has managed to capture the attention of a murderer, one who is attacking his victims on the astral plane, somewhere that even Azriel can't help her so this time she really is on her own.
I absolutely love seeing how far Risa has come in this series, she has gone from strength to strength and although she makes mistakes she always comes back fighting. I think one of the things I love most about her is that she isn't invulnerable, she has impressive abilities but she still gets injured and she feels the after effects of a battle just like anyone else would. I can't even tell you how much I've been enjoying the relationship development between her and Azriel. I've been crazy about his character since the very beginning and desperately want to see the two of them work things out but it isn't easy for them when they are both so different. There are obviously deep feelings there though and I have high hopes that they'll work things out.
Another thing I'm really enjoying is seeing her connection with her sword Amaya, I have a feeling that this is only going to grow stronger with time and it will probably be the thing that saves Risa in the long run. I'm also glad we finally have some kind of resolution to things with Lucian. I've had a bad feeling about his character from the beginning and some of his actions in this book are despicable. I have to say the one thing that stopped this from being a five star read was Risa's reaction when she finds out what Lucian has been up to. I expected her to be outraged by the things he did and she seemed to take them far to calmly and in her stride. I would have been much happier if she had given him a piece of her mind and kicked him into touch.
Like all of the previous books Darkness Hunts has plenty of action, Risa is dealing with the aftermath of her attack by her father's enemies and at the same time trying to juggle the wishes of the vampire council and the Directorate who both need her help, she is having to keep secrets from the people she loves in the hope of protecting them from a madman all while she struggles to deal with her feelings for Azriel and the way he keeps blowing hot and cold with her. I just can't wait to see what happens in Darkness Unmasked!
I absolutely love seeing how far Risa has come in this series, she has gone from strength to strength and although she makes mistakes she always comes back fighting. I think one of the things I love most about her is that she isn't invulnerable, she has impressive abilities but she still gets injured and she feels the after effects of a battle just like anyone else would. I can't even tell you how much I've been enjoying the relationship development between her and Azriel. I've been crazy about his character since the very beginning and desperately want to see the two of them work things out but it isn't easy for them when they are both so different. There are obviously deep feelings there though and I have high hopes that they'll work things out.
Another thing I'm really enjoying is seeing her connection with her sword Amaya, I have a feeling that this is only going to grow stronger with time and it will probably be the thing that saves Risa in the long run. I'm also glad we finally have some kind of resolution to things with Lucian. I've had a bad feeling about his character from the beginning and some of his actions in this book are despicable. I have to say the one thing that stopped this from being a five star read was Risa's reaction when she finds out what Lucian has been up to. I expected her to be outraged by the things he did and she seemed to take them far to calmly and in her stride. I would have been much happier if she had given him a piece of her mind and kicked him into touch.
Like all of the previous books Darkness Hunts has plenty of action, Risa is dealing with the aftermath of her attack by her father's enemies and at the same time trying to juggle the wishes of the vampire council and the Directorate who both need her help, she is having to keep secrets from the people she loves in the hope of protecting them from a madman all while she struggles to deal with her feelings for Azriel and the way he keeps blowing hot and cold with her. I just can't wait to see what happens in Darkness Unmasked!
March 20, 2024
I absolutely adored this series. It has become one of my all-time favorites, a timeless masterpiece that never fails to capture my attention. No matter how many times I read it, the story and characters still feel fresh and engaging. It's a rare gem in the world of Books, an enduring beauty that stands the test of time and continues to grip audiences with its captivating plot and relatable characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2012
Posted on Under the Covers
In the fourth book of the Dark Angels series, Arthur takes a slightly different approach to the storyline. Yes, the keys are needed to make everything right in the world. However, there is a more pressing matter that Risa and Azriel have to attend to. On the astral plane, there is a killer who likes to play games. He claims that it is his duty to rid the world of its evil, so one by one, he is killing off women. To make things even more drastic is the fact that this killer has no face. On the astral plane, his features don’t exist, which makes it even more difficult for Risa to pin him down. Also, he aims to make this a game by contacting Risa and giving her enough incentive to go searching for these victims until their time is up. In a way, Risa is a pawn in a deadly game of chess. But never count Risa out. She has her eyes set on winning.
In the process, Uncle Rhoan is there to guide her and Azriel is there to protect her. But even then, sometimes Risa is too late. More and more people are dying and she is always one step away from saving them. Jak and Lucian have a considerable amount of page time in this book. Risa explores her relationships with both of them and for one of them, the ties are completely severed because of one act that dissolved her trust in him. You need to read the book to find out who and why.
It seems that Risa has chosen one of the guys to be with. Azriel and Risa have had this chemistry from the very beginning so it’s really no spoiler when I say that they have decided that this thing between them in different than what they have with others. However, it’s not all flowery things and happy endings yet. Arthur explores their relationship, both the ups and downs, in a way that keeps readers riveted to the pages. She teases you and coaxes a few smiles because of the sweetness of some scenes, but then there is also heartbreak and sadness as well. Risa and Azriel are learning how to be together. When one person is a celestial being while the other is flesh and bone, having a “normal” relationship has a slightly different meaning to them. With the way Arthur ends this book, she gives those romantic readers some hope that there is a chance to see something good come out of this relationship. But, as is the case with all relationships, it’s about the journey of getting to that happily-ever-after that is part of the ride as well.
*ARC provided by publisher
In the fourth book of the Dark Angels series, Arthur takes a slightly different approach to the storyline. Yes, the keys are needed to make everything right in the world. However, there is a more pressing matter that Risa and Azriel have to attend to. On the astral plane, there is a killer who likes to play games. He claims that it is his duty to rid the world of its evil, so one by one, he is killing off women. To make things even more drastic is the fact that this killer has no face. On the astral plane, his features don’t exist, which makes it even more difficult for Risa to pin him down. Also, he aims to make this a game by contacting Risa and giving her enough incentive to go searching for these victims until their time is up. In a way, Risa is a pawn in a deadly game of chess. But never count Risa out. She has her eyes set on winning.
In the process, Uncle Rhoan is there to guide her and Azriel is there to protect her. But even then, sometimes Risa is too late. More and more people are dying and she is always one step away from saving them. Jak and Lucian have a considerable amount of page time in this book. Risa explores her relationships with both of them and for one of them, the ties are completely severed because of one act that dissolved her trust in him. You need to read the book to find out who and why.
It seems that Risa has chosen one of the guys to be with. Azriel and Risa have had this chemistry from the very beginning so it’s really no spoiler when I say that they have decided that this thing between them in different than what they have with others. However, it’s not all flowery things and happy endings yet. Arthur explores their relationship, both the ups and downs, in a way that keeps readers riveted to the pages. She teases you and coaxes a few smiles because of the sweetness of some scenes, but then there is also heartbreak and sadness as well. Risa and Azriel are learning how to be together. When one person is a celestial being while the other is flesh and bone, having a “normal” relationship has a slightly different meaning to them. With the way Arthur ends this book, she gives those romantic readers some hope that there is a chance to see something good come out of this relationship. But, as is the case with all relationships, it’s about the journey of getting to that happily-ever-after that is part of the ride as well.
*ARC provided by publisher
October 8, 2012
Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Michelle L. Olson:
If you follow my reviews, you know that I'm a huge fan of Keri Arthur's. You also know that I LOVE the DARK ANGELS series. So, when I received an advance reading copy of Darkness Hunts from the Publisher in return for an honest review I was thrilled. I have absolutely devoured every installment of the series thus far with nothing but rave reviews and couldn't wait to see what happened next.
This book was a little different than the ones before. It wasn't quite as action-packed; at least not until closer to the end. It was, however, one of the most emotion filled books I've had the pleasure of reading all year. The over-all feel of the story was incredibly visceral and while immersed in the tale I almost found it hard to breath in sections because it was slightly overwhelming (in a completely wonderful way). I switched rapidly from doubt, betrayal, frustration, yearning, worry, fear, apprehension, and many more. There was something incredibly organic about Darkness Hunts and I thoroughly enjoyed it, though for different reasons than I loved the first three books of the series.
I have to be honest and say that I'm not sure if all fans of the series will like this installment. Keri gifted us all with something we've been waiting long and hard for in Darkness Devours and Darkness Hunts doesn't quite continue that gift giving. It instead pulls back, and in doing so, explores the more human side of the characters. It was beautiful and yet utterly frustrating at the same time.
Risa continues to get herself into bind after bind and Keri takes us, as readers, along with her. There's actually a quote from page 237 of the ARC that I have to share because it's gorgeously written and so encompassing of the series thus far. Risa's dwelling on things that have happened and thinks: "...because I knew, no matter what, there was no going back. This path, this journey, was leading me inexorably into darkness, and I knew with every fiber of my being it was a darkness from which I would not escape."
LITERAL ADDICTION gives Darkness Hunts 5 Skulls for its viscerally organic nature and beautiful prose that literally made my heart ache, as well as for an ending that will have all DARK ANGEL fans clamoring for more!
If you follow my reviews, you know that I'm a huge fan of Keri Arthur's. You also know that I LOVE the DARK ANGELS series. So, when I received an advance reading copy of Darkness Hunts from the Publisher in return for an honest review I was thrilled. I have absolutely devoured every installment of the series thus far with nothing but rave reviews and couldn't wait to see what happened next.
This book was a little different than the ones before. It wasn't quite as action-packed; at least not until closer to the end. It was, however, one of the most emotion filled books I've had the pleasure of reading all year. The over-all feel of the story was incredibly visceral and while immersed in the tale I almost found it hard to breath in sections because it was slightly overwhelming (in a completely wonderful way). I switched rapidly from doubt, betrayal, frustration, yearning, worry, fear, apprehension, and many more. There was something incredibly organic about Darkness Hunts and I thoroughly enjoyed it, though for different reasons than I loved the first three books of the series.
I have to be honest and say that I'm not sure if all fans of the series will like this installment. Keri gifted us all with something we've been waiting long and hard for in Darkness Devours and Darkness Hunts doesn't quite continue that gift giving. It instead pulls back, and in doing so, explores the more human side of the characters. It was beautiful and yet utterly frustrating at the same time.
Risa continues to get herself into bind after bind and Keri takes us, as readers, along with her. There's actually a quote from page 237 of the ARC that I have to share because it's gorgeously written and so encompassing of the series thus far. Risa's dwelling on things that have happened and thinks: "...because I knew, no matter what, there was no going back. This path, this journey, was leading me inexorably into darkness, and I knew with every fiber of my being it was a darkness from which I would not escape."
LITERAL ADDICTION gives Darkness Hunts 5 Skulls for its viscerally organic nature and beautiful prose that literally made my heart ache, as well as for an ending that will have all DARK ANGEL fans clamoring for more!
April 10, 2017
I pretty much read this in one sitting. It's 2:12am so ill digest and review in the morning.
But so good. So good.
Ok I loved this book it was good and exciting but there were some things we didn't do. We didn't look for the keys and we didn't have to deal with Hunter, which was nice because I can't stand that bitch.
What do we do? We chase an astral plane traveler who is able to kill people, specifically vampires. Risa has a few break downs, which is to be expected shits finally catching up to her, emotionally, mentally, and physically. I did not blame her for those freak outs. She has been so strong and brave it's nice to see her being real. We find out whether or not Lucian is in fact as shady as we have expected him to be. We find out slightly more about Azriel and Risa and where they as a they might go, or not go. God I'm with Risa on this one the whole way. Whenever she is talking about Azriel I'm right there nodding and anticipating and feeling the depth of that emotion as well. Omg it's so good. Yep
Side note: The cover bugs me. Risa doesn't have wings and though what happened within this book could change that it didn't appear to in this book so the cover showing what should be our H should not have wings. It's a cool cover don't get me wrong, but wings.....
But so good. So good.
Ok I loved this book it was good and exciting but there were some things we didn't do. We didn't look for the keys and we didn't have to deal with Hunter, which was nice because I can't stand that bitch.
What do we do? We chase an astral plane traveler who is able to kill people, specifically vampires. Risa has a few break downs, which is to be expected shits finally catching up to her, emotionally, mentally, and physically. I did not blame her for those freak outs. She has been so strong and brave it's nice to see her being real. We find out whether or not Lucian is in fact as shady as we have expected him to be. We find out slightly more about Azriel and Risa and where they as a they might go, or not go. God I'm with Risa on this one the whole way. Whenever she is talking about Azriel I'm right there nodding and anticipating and feeling the depth of that emotion as well. Omg it's so good. Yep
Side note: The cover bugs me. Risa doesn't have wings and though what happened within this book could change that it didn't appear to in this book so the cover showing what should be our H should not have wings. It's a cool cover don't get me wrong, but wings.....
November 27, 2012
In this fourth book in the Dark Angels series, Risa seems to be losing a bit of her perceptiveness. She's still tough, to a fault, but too often she opts for stubbornness over common sense. I've patiently waited through four books for progress to be made with the keys and with Risa's relationship with Azriel. While this book does not move these developments forward, there's plenty of gory action and steamy chemistry. This is my thirteenth KA book and the first I've rated below 5 stars, but the series remains on my Favorite Books list as I await the next installment.
June 13, 2013
4.25 stars
I'm so ready for Lucian to die! And I'm even more ready for Reaper Sex! Bring on Darkness Unmasked!
I'm so ready for Lucian to die! And I'm even more ready for Reaper Sex! Bring on Darkness Unmasked!
October 31, 2012
Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads
Blog rating: 4.5/5
Risa can’t even catch a good night’s sleep with all the trouble and danger that finds her. She’s still the key to finding the keys that many different people and beings want to get their hands on. The keys control the gates to heaven and hell and in the wrong hands those gates can be closed permanently, not allowing souls to cross and causing devastation when you consider babies being born without souls. Needless to say, the keys needs to be found and destroyed and not fall into the wrong hands. Risa has a way to sense the keys, thanks to her dear old dad, a being who is now completely made of energy, but who finds ways to communicate with Risa whether she likes it or not. On top of this continuing key storyline that has been building since book 1, there’s a faceless man tormenting the Directorate. With Rhoan on the case, he brings in Risa as the faceless man is now targeting Risa after they have an encounter in one of the gray realms, a space not on earth, but just…between.
Risa and her reaper shadow, Azriel, are still trying to track clues and sources to get more information on the missing keys. That story takes a bit of a backseat to the faceless horror that is the man killing female vampires and playing with the Directorate because he’s bored and likes to mess with people. He’s made Risa his “girl”, making sure she’s the one who follows up on clues and leads to try to help save his victims. When Rhoan gets caught and his life is in danger, Risa’s all in and will do whatever it takes to save him and kill this threat, once and for all.
Poor Risa, I’m not sure how she stands upright sometimes. She’s run ragged in this book, constantly going from one clue to another, finding herself moving from one dangerous situation into another far worse one. She’s run down, everyone thinks she’s looks horrible (much to her delight) and she mentions more than once just wanting a big meal and sleep. She gets very little of both as the action comes at her fast and furious from page 1 and doesn’t let up until her final, dangerous battle with the faceless monster.
Also happening alongside all the action is her attraction to Lucian and the unnatural compulsion she has around him to never be able to say no to the lust that she feels in his presence. Lucian has seemed like he has an agenda from the first moment we met him back at the start of the series and was just using Risa via sex (to read her mind) to further his own plans. I can’t stand this guy and his relationship with Risa finally comes to a head in this story and while I was ready to smack Risa early on for constantly not listening to her own inner warnings about the guy, along with Azriel’s clear hatred of him, let’s just say with a little spell to help her, she finally comes to her senses and Lucian shows some of his true colors. I have no doubt there will be more to come where he’s concerned, but I was finally able to cheer for Risa and how she handled him. It’s been a long time coming.
“I don’t want to die, Azriel.”
“That is not an outcome that would please me, either.”
I couldn’t help smiling. “Really? I mean, it would at least free you from my bothersome tendency to do what I want rather than listen to your good advice.”
Amusement briefly crinkled the corners of his eyes. “Is there not a saying about challenges being the spice of life?”
“Actually, it’s variety that’s the spice of life.”
“And you are nothing if not variable,” he agreed solemnly.
I laughed, then leaned forward and brushed a quick kiss across his lips. “Thank you.”
His hands clenched briefly against mine. I had no doubt he was fighting the urge to reach for me and deepen the kiss, because I was fighting the very same battle. “For what?” he said, voice controlled and very, very even.
“For making me laugh when all I want to do is cry.”
Now, Azriel. I love this guy. He’s so full of inner angst and we really don’t know the full story on that, but we do learn how his feelings for Risa are impacting him personally and how their connection is not a good thing in his eyes. He’s fighting between feeling like he needs to keep his distance so his mission regarding the keys can be seen through, but his feelings for Risa, which he shouldn’t have, are becoming hard to ignore. They have a strong connection that we’re finally given some details about and with the way this story ends, I can’t wait to see how that plays out. Azriel is a reaper, a more energy being than flesh, Risa is half werewolf/half Aedh and a future between them is virtually impossible. But, never say never in this world because Azriel has changed from book 1 to now and who knows what other changes may be happening in the future that would actually give this couple a reason to believe they might have just that, a future. This reader can only hope!
Rhoan, Riley and Quinn all make appearances throughout, especially Rhoan, whose life is put in danger giving Risa all the excuse she needs to go all in against the faceless enemy. I always love seeing my favorites Riley and Quinn in any small way, and I like the way they’ve become family to Risa. She needs them and they’re always there for her.
This is definitely a series that should be read in order. The main missing key storyline keeps building with each book and the relationship between Risa and Azriel is more powerful to have followed them from the beginning. Risa is turning into a strong fighter, even if all she wants to do is be left alone to run her restaurant with her two best friends; that’s not a possibility for her right now. She’s too unique a character to just sit on the sidelines and she’s proving to be a kickass heroine who has to play a lot of different sides to balance all the people in her life who want something from her. I’m enjoying this series more and more with each book and love the direction its heading.
Blog rating: 4.5/5
Risa can’t even catch a good night’s sleep with all the trouble and danger that finds her. She’s still the key to finding the keys that many different people and beings want to get their hands on. The keys control the gates to heaven and hell and in the wrong hands those gates can be closed permanently, not allowing souls to cross and causing devastation when you consider babies being born without souls. Needless to say, the keys needs to be found and destroyed and not fall into the wrong hands. Risa has a way to sense the keys, thanks to her dear old dad, a being who is now completely made of energy, but who finds ways to communicate with Risa whether she likes it or not. On top of this continuing key storyline that has been building since book 1, there’s a faceless man tormenting the Directorate. With Rhoan on the case, he brings in Risa as the faceless man is now targeting Risa after they have an encounter in one of the gray realms, a space not on earth, but just…between.
Risa and her reaper shadow, Azriel, are still trying to track clues and sources to get more information on the missing keys. That story takes a bit of a backseat to the faceless horror that is the man killing female vampires and playing with the Directorate because he’s bored and likes to mess with people. He’s made Risa his “girl”, making sure she’s the one who follows up on clues and leads to try to help save his victims. When Rhoan gets caught and his life is in danger, Risa’s all in and will do whatever it takes to save him and kill this threat, once and for all.
Poor Risa, I’m not sure how she stands upright sometimes. She’s run ragged in this book, constantly going from one clue to another, finding herself moving from one dangerous situation into another far worse one. She’s run down, everyone thinks she’s looks horrible (much to her delight) and she mentions more than once just wanting a big meal and sleep. She gets very little of both as the action comes at her fast and furious from page 1 and doesn’t let up until her final, dangerous battle with the faceless monster.
Also happening alongside all the action is her attraction to Lucian and the unnatural compulsion she has around him to never be able to say no to the lust that she feels in his presence. Lucian has seemed like he has an agenda from the first moment we met him back at the start of the series and was just using Risa via sex (to read her mind) to further his own plans. I can’t stand this guy and his relationship with Risa finally comes to a head in this story and while I was ready to smack Risa early on for constantly not listening to her own inner warnings about the guy, along with Azriel’s clear hatred of him, let’s just say with a little spell to help her, she finally comes to her senses and Lucian shows some of his true colors. I have no doubt there will be more to come where he’s concerned, but I was finally able to cheer for Risa and how she handled him. It’s been a long time coming.
“I don’t want to die, Azriel.”
“That is not an outcome that would please me, either.”
I couldn’t help smiling. “Really? I mean, it would at least free you from my bothersome tendency to do what I want rather than listen to your good advice.”
Amusement briefly crinkled the corners of his eyes. “Is there not a saying about challenges being the spice of life?”
“Actually, it’s variety that’s the spice of life.”
“And you are nothing if not variable,” he agreed solemnly.
I laughed, then leaned forward and brushed a quick kiss across his lips. “Thank you.”
His hands clenched briefly against mine. I had no doubt he was fighting the urge to reach for me and deepen the kiss, because I was fighting the very same battle. “For what?” he said, voice controlled and very, very even.
“For making me laugh when all I want to do is cry.”
Now, Azriel. I love this guy. He’s so full of inner angst and we really don’t know the full story on that, but we do learn how his feelings for Risa are impacting him personally and how their connection is not a good thing in his eyes. He’s fighting between feeling like he needs to keep his distance so his mission regarding the keys can be seen through, but his feelings for Risa, which he shouldn’t have, are becoming hard to ignore. They have a strong connection that we’re finally given some details about and with the way this story ends, I can’t wait to see how that plays out. Azriel is a reaper, a more energy being than flesh, Risa is half werewolf/half Aedh and a future between them is virtually impossible. But, never say never in this world because Azriel has changed from book 1 to now and who knows what other changes may be happening in the future that would actually give this couple a reason to believe they might have just that, a future. This reader can only hope!
Rhoan, Riley and Quinn all make appearances throughout, especially Rhoan, whose life is put in danger giving Risa all the excuse she needs to go all in against the faceless enemy. I always love seeing my favorites Riley and Quinn in any small way, and I like the way they’ve become family to Risa. She needs them and they’re always there for her.
This is definitely a series that should be read in order. The main missing key storyline keeps building with each book and the relationship between Risa and Azriel is more powerful to have followed them from the beginning. Risa is turning into a strong fighter, even if all she wants to do is be left alone to run her restaurant with her two best friends; that’s not a possibility for her right now. She’s too unique a character to just sit on the sidelines and she’s proving to be a kickass heroine who has to play a lot of different sides to balance all the people in her life who want something from her. I’m enjoying this series more and more with each book and love the direction its heading.
November 21, 2015
Amaya is totally freaking awesome! What a cool demon sword! Yes, I have enough experience with demon swords to know when an amazing one is introduced. The connection Risa and Amaya have is awesome. And as the two get more acquainted I love it!! If the other “romances” were dropped and the story was about Amaya and Risa it would be perfect.
Sadly it's not. The truth about Lucian is out. It's just what I thought he was doing and I am so annoyed how unworried Risa seems. She's not worried that Lucian is spying, not really, it's that he physically attacks. Might even have accidently killed her when she confronts Lucian and doesn't fall into line. The only thing saving her was Azriel.
But don't get all chocked up that Azriel is standing up for his woman. Katy Perry's Hot'n Cold song is pretty much Azriel to a T, except he’s worse. And man is he on his Reaper menstrual cycle of mood swings. Firstly he seduced Risa in the last book. He opened that can of worms that Risa was fine to ignore. Now he's talking about all of these horrible things of what could happen by them being together, all these dangers. When he was the one that couldn't keep it in his pants.
Of course now that he broke through Risa's ignore barrier she can't say no any more. She has to have him. Despite all those dangerous reasons, and the huge fact that he's withholding information. Information that I know is going to seriously affect her. Probably information that is super important and will basically be a betrayal.
But she can't seek love/sex else where. No she doesn't do random casual, and if she did she could put that lover at risk. Not to mention that she was fine with Lucian screwing her for information, no really he was reading her mind. Oh, and all of the amazing characters that made the first book good still get benched. There's development but it's all behind the scenes. It's basically second hand information.
This book was too much. Riley's books were always a rush and somehow managed to combine the overall arc with the latest mystery/mission. Risa's books are not doing it. It's actually exhausting, and this time when Risa is pulled into a Directorate case it felt so sloppy. And I feel like Arthur is trying to take back her “gene” altering. You know Riley was experimented on and got tons of powers, well Risa was remade with more Aedh parts in the last book. Now I feel like Risa is too dumb to explore those new powers. Or . . .
I don't know. The romance feels super stupid. Especially since this, and the previous, book Riley's Ex has been back. It's three stupid male love interests in one go. Risa constantly talking about how she shouldn't be attracted but is. With Risa's involvement in this sloppy plot it feels like the search for the Keys and the impending terror of the gates of hell being opened/or closed forever don't seem like a real threat. I've hit a point of exhaustion with this series. Too much of the bad and not enough good. I really enjoy Risa's character. I love that she's got differences from Riley, enough anyway to feel like a different person. It feels like Arthur is trying to make the story so action packed that she forgot secondary characters are a good thing. That they are key to a story. Risa being unwilling to let people help her is passed as her protecting everyone. This is the most tiring book of the series. I'll keep going. But mainly because I want those cameos of the past faves. Oh, and Amaya.
Sexual Content: Wow, if there were sex scenes I can’t remember. I don’t think there were. Strange.
2/5- Average/disappointing, library check-out.
Originally reviewed at Book Whispers.
Sadly it's not. The truth about Lucian is out. It's just what I thought he was doing and I am so annoyed how unworried Risa seems. She's not worried that Lucian is spying, not really, it's that he physically attacks. Might even have accidently killed her when she confronts Lucian and doesn't fall into line. The only thing saving her was Azriel.
But don't get all chocked up that Azriel is standing up for his woman. Katy Perry's Hot'n Cold song is pretty much Azriel to a T, except he’s worse. And man is he on his Reaper menstrual cycle of mood swings. Firstly he seduced Risa in the last book. He opened that can of worms that Risa was fine to ignore. Now he's talking about all of these horrible things of what could happen by them being together, all these dangers. When he was the one that couldn't keep it in his pants.
Of course now that he broke through Risa's ignore barrier she can't say no any more. She has to have him. Despite all those dangerous reasons, and the huge fact that he's withholding information. Information that I know is going to seriously affect her. Probably information that is super important and will basically be a betrayal.
But she can't seek love/sex else where. No she doesn't do random casual, and if she did she could put that lover at risk. Not to mention that she was fine with Lucian screwing her for information, no really he was reading her mind. Oh, and all of the amazing characters that made the first book good still get benched. There's development but it's all behind the scenes. It's basically second hand information.
This book was too much. Riley's books were always a rush and somehow managed to combine the overall arc with the latest mystery/mission. Risa's books are not doing it. It's actually exhausting, and this time when Risa is pulled into a Directorate case it felt so sloppy. And I feel like Arthur is trying to take back her “gene” altering. You know Riley was experimented on and got tons of powers, well Risa was remade with more Aedh parts in the last book. Now I feel like Risa is too dumb to explore those new powers. Or . . .
I don't know. The romance feels super stupid. Especially since this, and the previous, book Riley's Ex has been back. It's three stupid male love interests in one go. Risa constantly talking about how she shouldn't be attracted but is. With Risa's involvement in this sloppy plot it feels like the search for the Keys and the impending terror of the gates of hell being opened/or closed forever don't seem like a real threat. I've hit a point of exhaustion with this series. Too much of the bad and not enough good. I really enjoy Risa's character. I love that she's got differences from Riley, enough anyway to feel like a different person. It feels like Arthur is trying to make the story so action packed that she forgot secondary characters are a good thing. That they are key to a story. Risa being unwilling to let people help her is passed as her protecting everyone. This is the most tiring book of the series. I'll keep going. But mainly because I want those cameos of the past faves. Oh, and Amaya.
Sexual Content: Wow, if there were sex scenes I can’t remember. I don’t think there were. Strange.
2/5- Average/disappointing, library check-out.
Originally reviewed at Book Whispers.
November 8, 2012
Review originally posted on my blog: A Book Obsession..
For the most part, Risa Jones' mixed werewolf and Aedh heritage gives her a large advantage over most of her opponents. However, even her ability to see the dead and turn into a being of pure energy can't seem to help her stop a malicious killer that is preying on women. Even worse, he knows who she is, and has turned his attentions to ensnaring Risa into a nasty game of a race between life and death. Meanwhile she's still being targeted from all sides to find the keys to the gates, and even with the help of the Reaper Azriel at her side it may just prove to be an impossible task. Speaking of Azriel, the attraction between them is only growing stronger, but succumbing could lead to an unimaginable fate that neither of them wants.
I really love how these books not only follow a strong overall arc theme, but each one also has its own individual plot. This is my favorite type of series as it keeps things fresh by adding a whole new threat element with each installment, but it also strongly ties things together by adding developments to the overall series threat, this case being the Gate Key Quest. Although, these books take that intertwining aspect a step even further by not only having the in your face new threat, but also having several different factions going after the "prize", with Risa stuck right in the middle. There is just so much going on that there isn't a single opportunity to get bored, and that's my kind of book!
Not since Mac and Barrons from the Fever series have I been this strung out from the sexual tension between two characters. Sure, there have been plenty of other books where I really want the characters to "get together," but all of those pale in comparison to how I feel about Risa and Azriel. I had thought some of the unrelenting pressure would have been lessened due to them succumbing in the last installment. Unfortunately, it seems to only have brought things to an even higher fever pitch. I realize that this is a series, and Keri can't really have them get their happy ever after yet, but that doesn't mean I don't want to see some kind of promise or hope, or really anything at all between them other than this miserable stasis they are in. Granted, Risa seemed much more willing to give into her emotions, making me really feel for her as she was having a very hard time dealing with the distance forced upon them. I will say that even though Azriel's resistance and emotional armor only slips a few brief times, it is rather obvious that he is suffering from the distance as well. I just cannot wait until they both finally crack, because I think there will be some major fireworks flying. Hopefully that will be in the next book, otherwise I myself might just crack under the pressure.
Although the ending left me needing more, I absolutely loved this book! It really amazes me just how much further I get sucked into this series with each new installment released. The only problem with that high level of enjoyment is that it makes the wait between books even harder. That being said, I can easily see myself re-reading this series several times, as it has earned itself a solid place on my all time favorites list. Fans of this series, cannot possibly be disappointed in this latest installment as Darkness Hunts is an absolute thrilling ride from start to finish!
For the most part, Risa Jones' mixed werewolf and Aedh heritage gives her a large advantage over most of her opponents. However, even her ability to see the dead and turn into a being of pure energy can't seem to help her stop a malicious killer that is preying on women. Even worse, he knows who she is, and has turned his attentions to ensnaring Risa into a nasty game of a race between life and death. Meanwhile she's still being targeted from all sides to find the keys to the gates, and even with the help of the Reaper Azriel at her side it may just prove to be an impossible task. Speaking of Azriel, the attraction between them is only growing stronger, but succumbing could lead to an unimaginable fate that neither of them wants.
I really love how these books not only follow a strong overall arc theme, but each one also has its own individual plot. This is my favorite type of series as it keeps things fresh by adding a whole new threat element with each installment, but it also strongly ties things together by adding developments to the overall series threat, this case being the Gate Key Quest. Although, these books take that intertwining aspect a step even further by not only having the in your face new threat, but also having several different factions going after the "prize", with Risa stuck right in the middle. There is just so much going on that there isn't a single opportunity to get bored, and that's my kind of book!
Not since Mac and Barrons from the Fever series have I been this strung out from the sexual tension between two characters. Sure, there have been plenty of other books where I really want the characters to "get together," but all of those pale in comparison to how I feel about Risa and Azriel. I had thought some of the unrelenting pressure would have been lessened due to them succumbing in the last installment. Unfortunately, it seems to only have brought things to an even higher fever pitch. I realize that this is a series, and Keri can't really have them get their happy ever after yet, but that doesn't mean I don't want to see some kind of promise or hope, or really anything at all between them other than this miserable stasis they are in. Granted, Risa seemed much more willing to give into her emotions, making me really feel for her as she was having a very hard time dealing with the distance forced upon them. I will say that even though Azriel's resistance and emotional armor only slips a few brief times, it is rather obvious that he is suffering from the distance as well. I just cannot wait until they both finally crack, because I think there will be some major fireworks flying. Hopefully that will be in the next book, otherwise I myself might just crack under the pressure.
Although the ending left me needing more, I absolutely loved this book! It really amazes me just how much further I get sucked into this series with each new installment released. The only problem with that high level of enjoyment is that it makes the wait between books even harder. That being said, I can easily see myself re-reading this series several times, as it has earned itself a solid place on my all time favorites list. Fans of this series, cannot possibly be disappointed in this latest installment as Darkness Hunts is an absolute thrilling ride from start to finish!
November 2, 2012
Reviewed by: Rabid Reads
I thoroughly enjoyed the fourth installment in Keri Arthur's Dark Angels series. The fact that Risa's in a race against time for most of this book definitely amps up the intensity level. Plus, her love life undergoes quite the upheaval; Lucian's real motives are finally revealed (I never liked him) and Azriel throws caution into the wind (about time!). As a stand alone story this novel delivers on all fronts but as part of this series' bigger picture it falls short. Again. For the second book in a row I'm left speculating where the main plot line went. I love these books and Keri Arthur's writing but I'm beginning to wonder when the Dark Angel novels are going to get back on track.
As I mentioned, I enjoyed the story line of this installment because it forced me to think outside the box. The clues cross multiple plains of existence and as a result, Risa has no choice but to get a little creative in order to catch the killer. No stone is left unturned and no contact is left unexplored. Thanks to Arthur's layer upon layer of cleverness, Darkness Hunts kept me guessing up until the very end. I was surprised to see Jak in this story. I'd originally thought that he'd served his purpose in Darkness Devours and that that was the last we were going to see of him. However, now I'm thinking he's a replacement for Lucian in Risa's love triangle after the Aedh showed his true colours.
Azriel has caused me endless amounts of frustration in this series and continued to do so for the greater part of Darkness Hunts. He's been my pick for Risa since the get-go and after that jaw dropping ending I think that he may have finally seen the light. YES!! The reaper reveals quite a bit in this installment but there are still several unanswered questions. At least we're making some progress! I hope this forward momentum continues because I am sick and tired of his indecisiveness. I don't know how Risa puts up with it.
My biggest complaint with this novel is that it didn't really further the keys / gates of hell story line. There is some mention of them which is something at least because they weren't even a blip on the radar in Darkness Devours. Risa finally gets the clue she needs to start looking for the next key but this didn't happen until the very end of the book. In my opinion, she should have gotten this lead in the previous book and spent this installment looking for it but that's just me. Ooh, and one other thing, Risa is once again kidnapped and held underground where her reaper can't track her. This has happened in every single installment so far. I think that it's time to come up with some new material because this one's getting rather redundant.
I've been a fan of Keri Arthur's for years now; she's one of my top three favourite authors and Darkness Hunts proves once again why she more than deserves her spot on my list. You can't go wrong with the Dark Angels books; the pacing is relentless, the story is top notch and the ending will leave you begging for more.
I thoroughly enjoyed the fourth installment in Keri Arthur's Dark Angels series. The fact that Risa's in a race against time for most of this book definitely amps up the intensity level. Plus, her love life undergoes quite the upheaval; Lucian's real motives are finally revealed (I never liked him) and Azriel throws caution into the wind (about time!). As a stand alone story this novel delivers on all fronts but as part of this series' bigger picture it falls short. Again. For the second book in a row I'm left speculating where the main plot line went. I love these books and Keri Arthur's writing but I'm beginning to wonder when the Dark Angel novels are going to get back on track.
As I mentioned, I enjoyed the story line of this installment because it forced me to think outside the box. The clues cross multiple plains of existence and as a result, Risa has no choice but to get a little creative in order to catch the killer. No stone is left unturned and no contact is left unexplored. Thanks to Arthur's layer upon layer of cleverness, Darkness Hunts kept me guessing up until the very end. I was surprised to see Jak in this story. I'd originally thought that he'd served his purpose in Darkness Devours and that that was the last we were going to see of him. However, now I'm thinking he's a replacement for Lucian in Risa's love triangle after the Aedh showed his true colours.
Azriel has caused me endless amounts of frustration in this series and continued to do so for the greater part of Darkness Hunts. He's been my pick for Risa since the get-go and after that jaw dropping ending I think that he may have finally seen the light. YES!! The reaper reveals quite a bit in this installment but there are still several unanswered questions. At least we're making some progress! I hope this forward momentum continues because I am sick and tired of his indecisiveness. I don't know how Risa puts up with it.
My biggest complaint with this novel is that it didn't really further the keys / gates of hell story line. There is some mention of them which is something at least because they weren't even a blip on the radar in Darkness Devours. Risa finally gets the clue she needs to start looking for the next key but this didn't happen until the very end of the book. In my opinion, she should have gotten this lead in the previous book and spent this installment looking for it but that's just me. Ooh, and one other thing, Risa is once again kidnapped and held underground where her reaper can't track her. This has happened in every single installment so far. I think that it's time to come up with some new material because this one's getting rather redundant.
I've been a fan of Keri Arthur's for years now; she's one of my top three favourite authors and Darkness Hunts proves once again why she more than deserves her spot on my list. You can't go wrong with the Dark Angels books; the pacing is relentless, the story is top notch and the ending will leave you begging for more.
December 15, 2018
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82 points/100 (4 ¼ stars/5) [revised from 5 stars].
When searching on the astral plane for the mysterious person behind the theft of one of the keys between Heaven and Earth, Risa Jones finds a faceless person trying to murder a woman. When this serial killer takes an interest in Risa, she is tapped by the Guardians to help catch this person who cannot exist. There is also to race against time as Risa is forever threatened by those looking to control Hell.
Darkness Hunts is another book I love for emotional reasons, not exactly for the plot. I love the characters. I love the relationships. I couldn't give a fig about the plot because it spends so much time doing unnecessary things and running around in circles. I just really wish the story was more focused.
At the end of Darkness Devours, Risa's father requested a meeting with her. This was probably supposed to happen at the beginning of this book. Yet it takes, no lie, 30% of the book before we get to that meeting. Which takes place in the span of like three pages, where he chokes her and then runs away. Which leaves Risa dealing with the fallout of their meeting. She doesn't have a choice in any of this, yet everyone blames her for everything. Argh frustrating. Yet this is the part that I actually like. I like feeling trapped. I just dislike the lack of focus.
Our side quest in Darkness Hunts isn't actually that bad. Sure, it is taking time away from the main focus of the series. But I enjoyed reading it. Still though, it feels like a game. Well, it is a game. It is a game of catch me if you can. It is also very interesting lore. It isn't bad. Just again, I really dislike the lack of focus.
Azriel and Risa's relationship changed in the last book! 🎉 I was so so so so so so so happy. Grinning ear to ear. Now, as you might have guessed would happen, Azriel is insisting that they can't be together again anymore "for reasons". He evades on explaining why exactly it is. Talk about frustrating! Yet it is sad, too. It made me cry. The other one, the asshole, Lucian, is annoying me still. No one trusts him, he is using dark magics to solve his problems. It is a mess. It is too bad he is still around, pissing me off.
We see in Darkness Hunts that Risa is starting to break down from the demands. Everyone is constantly trying to get her to eat more. They're telling her she looks like hell, that she needs to take better care of herself. Again and again. It is repetitive, but it highlights just how much this series is demanding out of Risa. It is perfect.
82 points/100 (4 ¼ stars/5) [revised from 5 stars].
When searching on the astral plane for the mysterious person behind the theft of one of the keys between Heaven and Earth, Risa Jones finds a faceless person trying to murder a woman. When this serial killer takes an interest in Risa, she is tapped by the Guardians to help catch this person who cannot exist. There is also to race against time as Risa is forever threatened by those looking to control Hell.
Darkness Hunts is another book I love for emotional reasons, not exactly for the plot. I love the characters. I love the relationships. I couldn't give a fig about the plot because it spends so much time doing unnecessary things and running around in circles. I just really wish the story was more focused.
At the end of Darkness Devours, Risa's father requested a meeting with her. This was probably supposed to happen at the beginning of this book. Yet it takes, no lie, 30% of the book before we get to that meeting. Which takes place in the span of like three pages, where he chokes her and then runs away. Which leaves Risa dealing with the fallout of their meeting. She doesn't have a choice in any of this, yet everyone blames her for everything. Argh frustrating. Yet this is the part that I actually like. I like feeling trapped. I just dislike the lack of focus.
Our side quest in Darkness Hunts isn't actually that bad. Sure, it is taking time away from the main focus of the series. But I enjoyed reading it. Still though, it feels like a game. Well, it is a game. It is a game of catch me if you can. It is also very interesting lore. It isn't bad. Just again, I really dislike the lack of focus.
Azriel and Risa's relationship changed in the last book! 🎉 I was so so so so so so so happy. Grinning ear to ear. Now, as you might have guessed would happen, Azriel is insisting that they can't be together again anymore "for reasons". He evades on explaining why exactly it is. Talk about frustrating! Yet it is sad, too. It made me cry. The other one, the asshole, Lucian, is annoying me still. No one trusts him, he is using dark magics to solve his problems. It is a mess. It is too bad he is still around, pissing me off.
We see in Darkness Hunts that Risa is starting to break down from the demands. Everyone is constantly trying to get her to eat more. They're telling her she looks like hell, that she needs to take better care of herself. Again and again. It is repetitive, but it highlights just how much this series is demanding out of Risa. It is perfect.
July 17, 2013
Seriously, what else is going to happen to Risa? It's just getting ridiculous now. Ms. Arthur is kicking the shit out of Risa. It is also reminisce of Riley's relationship with Quinn. The conflict between Azriel and Risa is classic Ms. Arthur. Essentially, there is "something" keeping them from being together and it usually a choice which will mean the lost of power/identity, blah blah blah. And of course, Risa just wants to have a normal life. That would never happen based on who her mother and father are.
There is STILL no resolution to who killed her mother. We still don't have any movement on the second and third keys. We do learn more about each player and what they really want. Is it a surprise? Not really. The thing about Ms. Arthur is that she does everything in shades of grey. Is it really bad? Is it really evil? How evil is it? How bad is it? Her path of good intentions always seem to lead us straight to hell. I have yet to read another author who keeps setting up scenarios which require the main character to make such hard choices. There are no good choices. It is always the lesser of two evils. This also means it's one step closer to the dark. Is this depressing or what? I'm reading this story and my stomach is in knots for Risa. I don't see any good outcomes.
This is the problem with being so special. With these special traits, the demand is high. For someone so useful as Risa, the groups using her don't care if she gets burned out or damaged. She is really no more than a pawn. It's hard to watch as Risa understands she is a pawn but she can't outwit the players who have centuries over her. It's so frustrating! At times she is so tired that she believes her death would solve all the problems. I can understand her viewpoint. I just feel badly for Risa as she's being tortured and corrupted from all sides. The betrayals is disheartening too. I'm hooked on this series and I need to read all of them. I want to know what happens! Recommended for urban fantasy lovers who want a good plot, engaging characters and a sense of "most extreme elimination" scenarios.
There is STILL no resolution to who killed her mother. We still don't have any movement on the second and third keys. We do learn more about each player and what they really want. Is it a surprise? Not really. The thing about Ms. Arthur is that she does everything in shades of grey. Is it really bad? Is it really evil? How evil is it? How bad is it? Her path of good intentions always seem to lead us straight to hell. I have yet to read another author who keeps setting up scenarios which require the main character to make such hard choices. There are no good choices. It is always the lesser of two evils. This also means it's one step closer to the dark. Is this depressing or what? I'm reading this story and my stomach is in knots for Risa. I don't see any good outcomes.
This is the problem with being so special. With these special traits, the demand is high. For someone so useful as Risa, the groups using her don't care if she gets burned out or damaged. She is really no more than a pawn. It's hard to watch as Risa understands she is a pawn but she can't outwit the players who have centuries over her. It's so frustrating! At times she is so tired that she believes her death would solve all the problems. I can understand her viewpoint. I just feel badly for Risa as she's being tortured and corrupted from all sides. The betrayals is disheartening too. I'm hooked on this series and I need to read all of them. I want to know what happens! Recommended for urban fantasy lovers who want a good plot, engaging characters and a sense of "most extreme elimination" scenarios.
February 27, 2015
This book was read in two sittings in the one day.
We got to see some of Rhoan in this book and it made me happy. Quinn made an appearance too and I would like to see him more as I assumed what you know who did to Risa has to cause some problems or at least changes. Quinn should be there to support her since (as she repeatedly mentions anytime he comes up, he taught her everything she knows).
Risa has again gotten herself wrapped up in another Directorate job. In this book she bounces from her own mission with Jak, to getting stalked by the strange murderer, and her relationships.
Her mission with Jak is going nowhere fast. Her mission to find the keys (the overall story of the series) is going nowhere fast. Her involvement in the Directorate case gets lost in all that nothing. Where is the detail? I'm reading and I'm not feeling the hate or the need to care if they catch the bad guy or not. This book is lacking the detail that the Riley Jenson series had that enabled the reader to understand the clues and try to put them together piece by piece.
I think it's because there is too much of nothing going on and the book is overcrowded with too many dead-end story ideas.
In saying that... I knew Lucian was a bad guy. And despite realising that Lucian had charmed her into wanting him, she didn't seem as upset as you would imagine, like when Riley truly realised what an ass Kye was. She was fit to be tied but Risa seemed to only be able to focus on the fact that Lucian attacked her. It was hardly mentioned after that.
Azriel needs to pull his finger out and just give in. I still love him and I will continue to read this series because he is amazing and while Risa is annoying, blind and very passive... I want to see them get together. I want to see them discover who killed Risa's mother and I want them to kill Risa's father and Hunter.
We got to see some of Rhoan in this book and it made me happy. Quinn made an appearance too and I would like to see him more as I assumed what you know who did to Risa has to cause some problems or at least changes. Quinn should be there to support her since (as she repeatedly mentions anytime he comes up, he taught her everything she knows).
Risa has again gotten herself wrapped up in another Directorate job. In this book she bounces from her own mission with Jak, to getting stalked by the strange murderer, and her relationships.
Her mission with Jak is going nowhere fast. Her mission to find the keys (the overall story of the series) is going nowhere fast. Her involvement in the Directorate case gets lost in all that nothing. Where is the detail? I'm reading and I'm not feeling the hate or the need to care if they catch the bad guy or not. This book is lacking the detail that the Riley Jenson series had that enabled the reader to understand the clues and try to put them together piece by piece.
I think it's because there is too much of nothing going on and the book is overcrowded with too many dead-end story ideas.
In saying that... I knew Lucian was a bad guy. And despite realising that Lucian had charmed her into wanting him, she didn't seem as upset as you would imagine, like when Riley truly realised what an ass Kye was. She was fit to be tied but Risa seemed to only be able to focus on the fact that Lucian attacked her. It was hardly mentioned after that.
Azriel needs to pull his finger out and just give in. I still love him and I will continue to read this series because he is amazing and while Risa is annoying, blind and very passive... I want to see them get together. I want to see them discover who killed Risa's mother and I want them to kill Risa's father and Hunter.
December 9, 2012
I get asked a lot who my favorite authors are. The list is a long one but, Keri Arthur makes it everytime. As urban-fantasy writers go she is one of the best. Her writing comes across as fearless and authentic. She is willing to follow the storylines anywhere and I love that.
Darkness Hunts is book 4 of the Risa Jones dark angels series. It is a spinoff of the much loved Riley Jenson series. The heroine, Risa Jones, is in demand and pulled in multiple directions in this installment. Many characters have an agenda including her own father and seem to see her as a means to an end. Risa is no pushover and though she is dodging bad guys left and right while swamped with difficult demands, she doesn't lose her own voice in the story. As strong of a character as Risa is Arthur does a great job of showing her vulnerability. It would be easy to turn a 1/2 werewolf 1/2 Aedh like Risa into some sort of demigod but, what grounds the story and makes it more believable is that she has to take care of herself or risk weakening. Also, both sides of her heritage come with positives and negatives. Example she can take Aedh form and move as invisible airborne particles but, it drains her. This series has a fantastic pace. It never feels rushed or sluggish. Fans of the Riley series will enjoy multiple cameos from several characters in this novel. ***Risa's hissing, talking sword Amaya is 1 of the best weapons ever***-(just had to add that)
Darkness Hunts is book 4 of the Risa Jones dark angels series. It is a spinoff of the much loved Riley Jenson series. The heroine, Risa Jones, is in demand and pulled in multiple directions in this installment. Many characters have an agenda including her own father and seem to see her as a means to an end. Risa is no pushover and though she is dodging bad guys left and right while swamped with difficult demands, she doesn't lose her own voice in the story. As strong of a character as Risa is Arthur does a great job of showing her vulnerability. It would be easy to turn a 1/2 werewolf 1/2 Aedh like Risa into some sort of demigod but, what grounds the story and makes it more believable is that she has to take care of herself or risk weakening. Also, both sides of her heritage come with positives and negatives. Example she can take Aedh form and move as invisible airborne particles but, it drains her. This series has a fantastic pace. It never feels rushed or sluggish. Fans of the Riley series will enjoy multiple cameos from several characters in this novel. ***Risa's hissing, talking sword Amaya is 1 of the best weapons ever***-(just had to add that)
December 5, 2012
Once again, Keri Arthur has written an action packed novel ripe with romantic tension and imagination! Risa and Azriel may seem to have taken a step back from their romance, but have cranked up the tension until the electricity in the air is smoking hot!
Risa, half-Aedh/half-werewolf, is once again fighting for her life, this time against an unknown killer who is taunting her by forcing her to try and figure out clues he leaves leading to some of his victims, offering to allow her to save them if she can. But is this monster playing fair? Is Risa doomed to meet death head on in a dimension where even Azriel, her guardian cannot save her?
Every new book in this series is fresh, with new plots and threats from all directions, all while Risa is still trying to find the Gate Key to other realms. There is a brief appearance from her Aunt Riley, as well as The Directorate, and her father, everyone with their own idea on what Risa should and shouldn't be doing. Unfortunately, they cannot protect her heart, which is clearly and completely at risk where Azriel is concerned. It was painful to see these two so vulnerable to their feelings for each other. I want them to find a 'happy ever after' for themselves!
Risa, half-Aedh/half-werewolf, is once again fighting for her life, this time against an unknown killer who is taunting her by forcing her to try and figure out clues he leaves leading to some of his victims, offering to allow her to save them if she can. But is this monster playing fair? Is Risa doomed to meet death head on in a dimension where even Azriel, her guardian cannot save her?
Every new book in this series is fresh, with new plots and threats from all directions, all while Risa is still trying to find the Gate Key to other realms. There is a brief appearance from her Aunt Riley, as well as The Directorate, and her father, everyone with their own idea on what Risa should and shouldn't be doing. Unfortunately, they cannot protect her heart, which is clearly and completely at risk where Azriel is concerned. It was painful to see these two so vulnerable to their feelings for each other. I want them to find a 'happy ever after' for themselves!
September 27, 2014
Risa is one of those painful characters who is written with the illusion of intelligence but she's really very dumb. She runs head long into danger she knows she can't handle, she trusts a man who is a template for an evil doer minus the handlebar moustache and black cape and her mind is constantly on sex. I love female characters who are comfortable with their sexuality but she is just one giant hormone. I swear the author started the series with Risa as a hormonal teenage boy and during the final edit decided to make him a her. And I'm so sick of hearing about how obscenely rich she is. We get it, she's loaded. Overall, it felt like very little happened in this book other than her realizing Lucien is evil(SHOCKER!) and even that wasn't enough to keep my attention. This is the end of the series for me.
November 24, 2012
When this series started, it had us all fired up for this hunt for the keys to the gates of heaven/hell/death/whatever. Since then, that BIG HUNT seems to have been relegated to a plot device that allows Risa to be tortured at will and that gives the main characters fodder to endlessly snipe at each other, without Ever. Actually. Doing. ANYTHING. In the meantime, Risa gets sent off on some random mystery of the week that does absolutely nothing to advance the supposed real story. At this point, I have no idea what this series is supposed to be, but if it's really intended to be a MOW, them dump the black oil and let Mulder and Scully move on with their lives, already.
March 12, 2013
4.5
Oh me what an ending! June needs to get here like NOW! The romantic tension between Risa and her reaper is killing me! This one had a Riley feel to it also. Lots of different sub plots going on throughout the book. I can't imagine how Ms. Arthur will conclude this mess with the keys and Risa's dad. Just when you think you might have a handle on what's going on you uncover new info. And let me tell you I do not like Lucien at all, never really did and this book just proved why I don't.
Oh me what an ending! June needs to get here like NOW! The romantic tension between Risa and her reaper is killing me! This one had a Riley feel to it also. Lots of different sub plots going on throughout the book. I can't imagine how Ms. Arthur will conclude this mess with the keys and Risa's dad. Just when you think you might have a handle on what's going on you uncover new info. And let me tell you I do not like Lucien at all, never really did and this book just proved why I don't.
January 2, 2013
A fast paced, paranormal story with lots of action and an intriguing mystery. I was riveted from the first few pages till the end. Treachery is discovered in one of Risa's friends. Lots of twist and turns, Risa once again is fighting for her life. Excellent addition to Keri Arthur's Dark Angels Series.
March 5, 2015
In this book the game has been upped and lots of interesting things happens. Evolution in personal relations (with Lucian and Raziel), the enemy is way cooler than previous ones, the narrative is perfect and I liked this one's plot a lot :)
November 23, 2012
another fantastic book from Keri Arthur and a great ending!
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March 26, 2013It's a good thing I don't usually talk in my sleep or my man would be wondering who the hell Azriel is!!! Come on baby, throw the poor girl a bone already! Literally!!
May 11, 2017
Azriel *swoon*
April 26, 2023
Risa is still so dumb. But, she finally realized that Lucien might have put some kind of spell or compulsion on her and asked Iliana for a protection charm. Her dragon absorbed it and made it a part of her. Lucien said he found a dark sorcerer that might be able to undo what the priests did with the tracker in her heart, so when she showed up for the second meeting, to see the solution, she realized that he did spell her. He admitted it, the sorcerer was a sorceress, who was also sleeping with him and was not impressed, and the thing she made was a magic box and her sword and dragon didn't like so she refused to touch it. That made him irate and he attacked her. She broke up with him, completely. Like he's no longer allowed to be involved in anything at all. And later we find out that he was her father's apprentice, so this was very personal for him and he was taking his anger with her father out on her. Azriel keeps telling her they can't be together because of fears of assimilation, but he also said that she can recharge him because they are the same frequency. They are definitely soulmates, and I think he knows he just doesn't want to admit it to himself. She ends up in a battle with a faceless man who has been taunting the directorate, and learns to to asteral project. There she meets the vampire who has been shadowing her, and he's great. I'm a fan. She defeats the faceless man, saves Rowan, and ends up in the hospital. Her time in the hospital forces Azriel to admit he can't keep pushing her away, so that's finally happening for real! No progress on the keys. Very little Madeline Hunter in this book which is good because I hate her. Tao is awake and struggling with the fire demon. Looking forward to some progress in the next book. Still convinced that Lucien has the 1st key, but since he is officially an enemy now at least we won't have to deal with his ick factor anymore. Team Azriel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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