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Viper (Guardians of Eternity #2)

by Alexandra Ivy (Goodreads Author)

4.12 of 5 stars 4.12 · rating details · 4,183 ratings · 196 reviews

Lady Shay est la dernière de son espèce. Mi-humain, mi-Shalott, son sang est un inestimable aphrodisiaque pour les vampires qui le considèrent comme encore plus précieux que l'or. Même si les Shalotts sont des assassins de renom, une malédiction lancée à l'encontre de Shay l'envoie dans la quartier du marché aux esclaves, où son sort est plus qu'incertain... Viper, le capt...more

Mass Market Paperback, 416 pages

Published May 20th 2011 by Milady (first published November 1st 2007)

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Apr 17, 2010 Leah rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 3-stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Embrace the Darkness is the second book in Alexandra Ivy's Guardians of Eternity series. I started reading this book for a group challenge that I was taking part of. For a while I had owned the fifth book but had never actually gotten up the interest to actually read it. So, I figured this challenge would be the perfect change for me to get started on the series. However, I was a little iffy on participating in the challenge at first because I had not read the first book in the series. After exp...more Embrace the Darkness is the second book in Alexandra Ivy's Guardians of Eternity series. I started reading this book for a group challenge that I was taking part of. For a while I had owned the fifth book but had never actually gotten up the interest to actually read it. So, I figured this challenge would be the perfect change for me to get started on the series. However, I was a little iffy on participating in the challenge at first because I had not read the first book in the series. After expressing this fear, I was informed that you don't really need to read the first book understand everything that happens in the second one. I am going to dispute that fact, though. Although my not reading the first book in no way completely affected my reading of the second one, it would have been nice to read it. The first one dwells on Abby and Dante, and while they are not the main characters in Embrace the Darkness, they do play a somewhat major role and it would have been nice to understand their story a little bit better. Also, it seems like the first book introduces Viper and Shay and some of their individual stories, and knowing that before hand could have contributed to my slight confusion when they first started mentioned in the first time they met.

Despite all that, I thought the book was fantastic. Admittedly, there were a few parts that were somewhat boring compared to other parts of the novel, but they in no way diverted my interest away from the book. I was immediately intrigued by the mystery that Shay and Viper's relationship presented and the puzzle of how they were going to free her from Evor's evil, grimy clutches. The sex scenes were awesome, and I definitely appreciated the extreme sexual tension that was evident from the get-go with these two.

Viper is an interesting character. It was nice to have some of the traditional qualities of vampires while also having some of the new advances made in vampire life incorporated into his life and the overall story. I thoroughly enjoyed Viper's seemingly ever-present amusement. It was refreshing to have a male lead who was highly amused all the time and rarely quick to anger. Of course, I loved the way he treated Shay like a princess to be treasured and the fact that she was unused to it. And, I'm sure that the sexy vampire is a wonderful lover.

Shay, while being a somewhat clichéd heroine in that she refuses to trust the hero, was a great character. The only thing I really didn't like was the fact that, at times, she was extremely rude and mean to Viper. I felt horrible that she had been held as a slave for so many years and the fact that her father was murdered by vampires. I appreciated her friendship and loyalty towards Levet. I was happy when she went to save Viper as he was sacrificing himself for her and I was utterly ecstatic when she finally admitted that she loved him. Also, I found it highly amusing that she had an orgasm when she gave Viper her blood for the first time.

Other interesting characters included Dante, Abby, and Styx. I simply cannot wait to learn more about the three of them and the many other characters in the series as I will definitely be continuing with it.(less)

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Mar 28, 2009 Christel rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: paranormal vampire readers

Great followup to the first Guardians of Eternity book.

Shay is a half-blood Shalott, some sort of demon whose blood is a major attractant to vampire's. She is a slave that was held by the coven of witches in the first book. She helped dante, Abby and Viper to defeat the witch.

Viper is the leader of the Chicago clan of vampire's. Immensely wealthy and dangerous gorgeous. He is attracted to Shay and buy's her at an auction to be his slave.

Then all hell breaks loose. Some other demon is after Shay...more

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Oct 08, 2012 May Mostly Romance rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal

Embrace the darkness ของอเล็กซานดร้า ไอวี่

เริ่มต้นก็ขอวิจารณ์ชื่อชุดอีกรอบ (หลังจากพูดไปแล้วรอบนึงในรีวิวของเรื่อง When Darkness comes) เพราะจนอ่านเล่มสองจบไปแ้ล้ว แม็กซ์ก็ยังไม่เก็ตว่ามันเป็นชุด Guardian of Eternal ไปได้ยังไง ยังไม่เห็นประเด็นเลยนะคะ เพราะในเล่มนี้ยิ่งไปกว่าเล่มแรกเสียอีก (ในเล่มแรกพระเอกยังเป็นผู้พิทักษ์ของฟีนิกซ์) เพราะไวเปอร์ไม่ได้มีหน้าที่ต้องพิทักษ์หรือคุ้มครองใครสักคน การที่เขาเลือกจะปกป้องนางเอกจากเหล่าร้ายก็เพราะเขารักเธอ แต่มันไม่ใช่หน้าที่

คิดว่าคงเป็นชื่อชุดที่ตั้งให้...more

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Mar 28, 2012 Holly rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

In the previous book we are introduced to the enigmatic Viper. While helping Dante he meets the very rare shallot demon Shay. He has been thinking about her in the weeks since and finally tracks her down. She is a slave owned by the troll Evor, who she is bound to by a spell. Naturally the bidding for her is high, since she is thought to be the last of her kind and of course her blood works some voodoo on vampires ;) After a small squirmish with an odd evil little wizard Viper 'buys' Shay. But t...more

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Mar 28, 2012 Nalla rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

"Der Kuss des Blutes" ist das zweite Buch aus der Guardians of Eternity Reihe von Alexandra Ivy. Den ersten Band "Der Nacht ergeben" habe ich schon verschlungen, aber leider sind die Folgebücher irgendwie in meinem SuB verschwunden, bis ich es gestern hervorgezogen und gedacht habe, dass ich es nun endlich mal lesen sollte...

Obwohl es sich bei den Büchern um eine Reihe handelt, könnte man auch dieses Buch ohne jegliche Vorkenntnis lesen. Da aber eine Nebenfigur aus dem ersten Band in diesem Buch...more "Der Kuss des Blutes" ist das zweite Buch aus der Guardians of Eternity Reihe von Alexandra Ivy. Den ersten Band "Der Nacht ergeben" habe ich schon verschlungen, aber leider sind die Folgebücher irgendwie in meinem SuB verschwunden, bis ich es gestern hervorgezogen und gedacht habe, dass ich es nun endlich mal lesen sollte...

Obwohl es sich bei den Büchern um eine Reihe handelt, könnte man auch dieses Buch ohne jegliche Vorkenntnis lesen. Da aber eine Nebenfigur aus dem ersten Band in diesem Buch die Hauptrolle einnimmt und dabei von den beiden Hauptprotagonisten aus dem ersten Band unterstützt wird, wäre es jedoch empfehlenswerter sie der Reihe nach zu lesen.

"Der Kuss des Blutes" macht optisch keine extrem überzeugende Figur. Titel und Cover sind klischeebehaftet und die dürre Kurzbeschreibung gibt nur einen winzigen Hauch der Geschichte preis. Aber das macht gar nichts, denn Alexandra Ivy lohnt es absolut zu entdecken. Ihr Schreibstil hat mich auch schon im ersten Buch sehr gefesselt und da meine absolute Lieblingsautorin J.R. Ward von den Büchern begeistert ist, dachte ich, würden sie mir auch gefallen.
Und Band zwei hat mich auch wieder umgehauen. Es ist zwar wie so oft der selbe Verlauf, aber das ist nicht schlimm, denn jede Geschichte hat ihr Eigenleben und ich finde es immer wieder interessant den selben Handlungsstrang zu lesen - nur von anderen Charakteren mit anderen Persönlichkeiten ausgeführt.

Der zweite Band der Guardians of Eternity Reihe befasst sich mit einer Halb-Dämonin, einer Shalott, die sehr, sehr selten geworden ist und einem Vampir.
Shay ist eine Sklavin und das schon seit etlichen Jahren. Sie ist dem Troll Evor ausgeliefert, der sie in einem Auktionshaus anbietet, wo sich Menschen, Dämonen und andere Irre für ihre ganz persönlichen Perversitäten Sklaven ersteigern können. Befreundet ist sie mit einem Gargyle (wobei ich mich frage, ob das ein Übersetzungfehler ist???), der gerade mal neunzig Centimeter groß ist, der aus Frankreich stammt und in diesem irren Auktionswahnsinn ihr einziger Freund ist, den sie mit allen Mittel beschützen würde.
Als eines Abends ihre eigene Versteigerung angepriesen wird und den Bietern klar wird, dass es sich bei Shay um eine Shalott-Dämonin handelt, bieten sich die Leute in ziemliche hohe Sphären. Das Gebot liegt bei zweihunderttausend Dollar, bis ein Vampir fünfhunderttausend bietet und somit Shays Schicksal an seiner Seite erkauft. Als sich ein Mensch erhebt und Shay für sich haben will, spürt sie direkt, dass an ihm etwas ganz und gar Böses haftet, mit dem sie besser nicht in Berührung kommen sollte. Als ihr neuer Herr sich gegen den Menschen behauptet, wird Shay klar, dass sie den Vampir kennt. Es ist Viper, dem sie damals das Leben rettete...

Ich muss sagen, dass ich schon auf der ersten Seite mehr als angeekelt und schockiert war. Über diesen Troll Evor, der mit dem Leid anderer Geld macht am meisten. Doch Shay stellt sich schnell selbst als harten Brocken vor, der kein Mitleid braucht. Ihre Stärke ist ihr eisiger Wille und keiner ihrer Herren hat es lange mit ihr ausgehalten ohne ihrer Aufsässigkeit überdrüssig zu werden.
Als dann der gute alte Viper, den man schon im ersten Buch kennen lernen konnte, auftaucht und so eine enorm hohe Summe bietet, spürt man direkt, dass er anders ist. Sie ist zwar seine Sklavin, aber er behandelt sie in seinem Haus wie einen Gast, stellt ihr jede Menge Essen, ein eigenes Schlafgemach und eine gewisse Art von Freiheit zur Verfügung. Sie darf sich im Haus frei bewegen und ihm sagen, wenn sie bei etwas, was er von ihr will, nicht mitmachen will.
Es versteht sich von selbst, dass Shay diese Geste ganz und gar nicht als nett erkennen kann und mehr als skeptisch ist.

Viper ist ein Gentleman mit einem Todes-Face. Er zögert nicht, wenn er töten muss und als Clanführer hat er so manchen grausigen, todbringenden Kampf hinter sich, so dass er seinen Posten mit Fug und Recht beanspruchen kann. Schon im ersten Buch war er mir auf merkwürdige Art sympathisch und ich konnte nicht so ganz benennen wieso. Das kann ich auch nach dem zweiten Buch nicht, trotz seiner eigenen Geschichte. Er ist klug, gerissen, sarkastisch, redegewandt und selbstsicher. Ein fettes Problem hatte ich mit der Figur aber schon: Mal stellte ich mir Viper als älteren Herren vor, mit einer Mozartperrücke (verrückt, ja) und manchmal als anfang Zwanzigjährigen, der das Herz seiner Freundin höher schlagen lässt. Selbst wenn ich ihn beschreiben müsste, weil mein Leben davon abhinge - ich könnte es nicht...
Shay hingegen hat mich manchmal ziemlich genervt. Was ist so falsch daran dem starken Mann einfach mal das Feld zu überlassen und an die eigene Sicherheit zu denken? Irgendwie habe ich auch Mitleid mit ihr, weil sie es ja einfach nicht besser weiß. Sie weiß nicht, wie man vertraut... Nur ihr Gargyle Levet ist ihr wichtig...
Dieser Gargyl hat es mir am meisten angetan. Er ist witzig, hat aber auch eine extrem sanfte Seite, die wohl nur ein waschechter Franzose haben kann. Seinem Charme muss man einfach erliegen und sein Humor ist unschlagbar. Er und Viper - das gab schon echt tolle Dialoge!
Was mich auch sehr gefreut hat, war die Rückkehr von Dante und seiner Gefährtin Abby, die im ersten Buch zueinander gefunden haben. Abby vereint den Phönix in sich, eine Kreatur, vor der die Dämonen enormen Respekt haben.

Der Verlauf der Geschichte ging mir zwar manchmal etwas zu schnell, aber auch wenn sich Shay und Viper nicht innig genug kennen gelernt haben, konnte ich schnell die Verbindung zwischen den beiden erkennen. (less)

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Mar 22, 2012 Maddy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

ZUM INHALT:

Ein dunkler Fluch macht die Halbdämonin Shay zur Sklavin. Zähneknirschend muss sie es über sich ergehen lassen, an den Meistbietenden versteigert zu werden. Der glückliche Käufer: Viper, das Oberhaupt eines jahrhundertealten Vampir-Clans. Doch jemand – etwas – folgt Shay, als sie mit ihrem neuen Herrn den Sklavenmarkt verlässt. Etwas Böses, das nicht bereit ist, sie kampflos ziehen zu lassen. Denn Shays Blut birgt besondere Kräfte …

MEINE MEINUNG:

Ich habe ca. vor 2 Jahren den ersten Te...more ZUM INHALT:

Ein dunkler Fluch macht die Halbdämonin Shay zur Sklavin. Zähneknirschend muss sie es über sich ergehen lassen, an den Meistbietenden versteigert zu werden. Der glückliche Käufer: Viper, das Oberhaupt eines jahrhundertealten Vampir-Clans. Doch jemand – etwas – folgt Shay, als sie mit ihrem neuen Herrn den Sklavenmarkt verlässt. Etwas Böses, das nicht bereit ist, sie kampflos ziehen zu lassen. Denn Shays Blut birgt besondere Kräfte …

MEINE MEINUNG:

Ich habe ca. vor 2 Jahren den ersten Teil dieser Reihe gelesen und fand ihn richtig gut und obwohl ich alle weiteren Teile auf meinem SuB habe, habe ich nicht weitergelesen. Dennoch hat mich die Reihe weiterhin interessiert und da nun schon bald Band 7 erscheint, habe ich nun endlich mir diesen zweiten Band gegriffen und einfach angefangen zu lesen.
Direkt zum Inhalt werde ich nichts sagen, nur es passiert einiges und es gibt einige Wendungen, mit denen man nicht rechnet.
Diesmal brauchte ich eine Weile bis ich reinkam, aber das gute ist, dass man die Protagonisten schon ein wenig kennt, denn Viper taucht schon im ersten Teil auf und man trifft auch die Hauptprotagonisten wieder, die hier auch ein Rolle spielen.
Sobald ich wieder in der Geschichte drin war, war ich gefesselt, es ist spannend und dennoch wieder spritzig humorvoll mit einem Schuß Erotik, die typisch für die Bücher sind und den Leser sehr gut unterhalten. Viper und Shay haben mir sehr gut gefallen, gerade zusammen, gerade Shay, eine taffe und starke Frau, die sich Viper stellt und ihn einige Nerven kostet. Sie hat schon so viel durchgemacht und man wünscht ihr nur dass das Glück mal auf ihrer Seite steht. Sie und Viper sind toll zusammen, es gibt freche und schlagfertige Dialoge, die das Buch etwas auflockern, denn es wirkt schon ziemlich düster.
Auch der Schreibstil der Autorin hat mich wieder überzeugt und ich fühlte mich einfach wieder wohl beim lesen.

FAZIT:

Ein gelungener 2. Teil, der alles bietet was sich ein Leserherz wünscht. Frische, Witz, Erotik, Unterhaltung, Spannung und vorallem auch Liebe!!!
(less)

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Jan 27, 2012 Kathy Davie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal, romance

Second in the Guardians of Eternity paranormal romance series revolving around a group of vampires friendly with each other. The couple focus here is on Viper and Lady Shay.

My Take
As cliché as the beginning was, the story still had a nice flavor to it with unique touches, but when it got to the denouement, it all went downhill fast although I liked that too brief section where the imp gloats. Ivy provided some great ground that, if watered, could have really gone somewhere. It was just too simpl...more

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Jun 21, 2011 Netha rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Kali ini aq mencoba baca novel inggrisnya
bener2 penasaran sebenarnya nih series bagus ga sih.... & ternyata.....hhhhhhh....

bercerita ttg viper yg membeli shay, shalott terakhir, dari pasar budak.
shay marah berat karna merasa viper tidak tau berterima kasih banget mengingat baru 2 bulan yang lalu mereka sama2 berperang melawan penyihir edra.
bahkan abby juga marah & mengutus dante untuk menyuarakan protesnya xixixixixi
viper melotot tp ga bisa banyak protes karna merasa percuma juga ngelawa...more

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Sep 27, 2010 Jane Stewart rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-romance

The main characters weren’t interesting enough. The story dragged. At times I wanted it to be over.

STORY BRIEF:
Shay is half human and half Shalott (demon). Her blood is an aphrodisiac to vampires. She is the last Shalott in existence. A curse binds her to the troll Evor. He puts her on the auction block to sell as a slave. Viper (a vampire clan leader) buys her with the highest bid. She expects to be kept as a slave and is wary to find that he treats her as a guest. A powerful evil entity wants...more

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Sep 01, 2010 Cleverly rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A while back I picked up When Darkness Comes The first in the series of The Guardians of Eternity. I didn't take a liking to the book. I said there was a character in the book that grabbed my attention even though he wasn't a big part in it. Viper. What a name, almost cliche. I later found out he was the protagonist in the second in the series. Every time I wanted to pick up a romance book I thought about his character, which is so not like me. After all it's a character in a book. Viper. Which...more

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Nov 04, 2009 Melindeeloo rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

Viper at last!

Embrace the Darkness is a passionate romance that takes up the story several weeks after the end of When Darkness Comes (Guardians of Eternity, Book 1). If you remember nothing else from the previous book, you will remember Viper. Vampire clan leader, Viper was the bored and beautiful fallen angel surrounded by hedonistic decadence, who in aiding Dante and Abby, came into contact with the beautiful demon Shay who saved Viper's life. This brief encounter marked them both and they...more Viper at last!

Embrace the Darkness is a passionate romance that takes up the story several weeks after the end of When Darkness Comes (Guardians of Eternity, Book 1). If you remember nothing else from the previous book, you will remember Viper. Vampire clan leader, Viper was the bored and beautiful fallen angel surrounded by hedonistic decadence, who in aiding Dante and Abby, came into contact with the beautiful demon Shay who saved Viper's life. This brief encounter marked them both and they are both haunted by dreams of the other

Unable to forget Shay, Viper has searched for her and finding her for sale at a demon auction he knows he must possess her. Shay the last living Shalott demon, a race of assasins whose blood is powerful aphrodisiac and a prized delicacy to vampires, is enraged to have been purchased by Viper. Some thanks for saving his life. She figures that Viper's just out for a tasty snack and she's not thrilled to be on the menu. But blood is not what Viper wants from Shay, he wants her in his bed so that he can free himself from the obsession she inspires.

Viper surprises Shay, he treats her reverently and is willing to use his immortal patience to gain her willing surrender. Shay has been a slave for years. She is surprised to be treated with kindness and finds herself unable to resist this magnetic and sensual vamp. And as Shay finally surrenders to the passion that Viper stirs within her, Viper finds that instead of purging his obsession, bedding Shay only strengthens his need for her. He finds himself even more addicted to her and not just in bed. He loves holding her and even just watching her sleep.

But even as the relationship develops between Shay and Viper, a powerful evil seeks Shay for her magical blood. Viper is willing to suffer torture and even to sacrifice his race and his own immortal existence to keep Shay safe, but it looks like that may not be enough. And should he fail, Shay will be sacrificed so that evil may flourish. But in the final climatic battle it will takes everyone's skills and then some to beat the bad guy and save Shay and Viper.

Author Alexander Ivy has really hit her stride with Embrace the Darkness. Though it was difficult to work into the summary here, she did a great job of fleshing out Shay and Viper - who can relate to what Shay suffered as a slave more than you would imagine from the power he holds now. For a romance focused book, Ivy managed a surprising amount of substance in the background plot and the final battle was actually well done and not just some easy toss off. In addition to taking advantage of characters Dante and Abby who return from the previous book, Ivy has again created several wonderful supporting characters. There is Levitt a height and courage challenged gargoyle whose fierce loyalty to Shay ends up allowing him to rise up past his limitations to make him a powerful ally. And then there is Styx, second in command of the Ravyns, a group that has brought the vampires out of savagery and Styx has dedicated himself to maintaining the balance necessary to preserve his people. A powerful warrior, Styx's honor is being corrupted by a vow of loyalty as he tries to hold true to his people and his leader, as the leader degenerates into madness and evil. And like she did with Viper in the last book, Ivy left me wanting more of Styx who will be the hero in her next book.

I really enjoyed Embrace the Darkness, even though I am not a vampire fanatic, and I am really looking forward to her next book.
(less)

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Jan 24, 2013 Kristi rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I loved this book and vampire novels are really not my choice of genre, although I did read the first book in this series and loved it, too.

The chemistry between Viper and Shay was incredible. It'd been awhile since I'd read the first novel so I went back and skimmed through the last half of the first book just to refresh my memory on how they came to meet. At the end of the first book, I didn't have any idea that Shay and Viper would hook up. I don't think Shay was even named at that point. She...more

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Apr 13, 2010 D.C. rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Embrace The Darkness is the second novel in Alexandra Ivy's Guardians of Eternity paranormal romance series. This novel focuses on Shay's and Viper's relationship, whom were both introduced in the first book of the series, When Darkness Comes. Viper, is the vampire clan chief who is extremely sexy, in love of luxury, and used to getting his own way. He is not prepared for it when he gets more than he bargained for when he purchases Shay from a slave auction. Shay and Viper spend most of the stor...more

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Jan 09, 2013 Hannah rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The second book in this series and it's just getting better. This book continues from the first. The first book introduce Viper and the Shallot Shay. Shay was being held by the witches that was trying to capture Abby. Shay helped Viper,Dante, and Abby escape the witches with the Phoenix intact in Abby. Viper the silver haired vampire been interested in Shay since the first book. Shay is a cursed half demon a Shallot who's blood is addictive to vampires. It starts with a troll trying to auction S...more

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Apr 19, 2010 Marsha rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Embrace the Darkness introduces us to Viper, the vampire clan leader of Chicago and the shalott, Shay (a women who is a vampire aphrodiac). They met at the end of book one. Viper buys Shay as a slay from a ruthless troll. He purchased her because he cannot stop thinking about her from the first moment they met and he does not want to see her in servitude. The purchase brings with it some complications. It seems various demons are attempting to kidnap her. Their is the usual bantering between Vip...more

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Apr 19, 2010 Kaleigha rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I am on book three of my Alexandra Ivy Guardians of Eternity marathon (started with the last one, then back to the first). After meeting Viper in the first book, I was more than looking forward to his story, since his character was a standout in Dante and Abby's story. And it wasn't bad at all.

Viper is one of the most powerful of the vampires, a clan chief controlling the Chicago area. Rising to power through the centuries, Viper's vampire existence began much differently. Alone, without a clan...more

I am on book three of my Alexandra Ivy Guardians of Eternity marathon (started with the last one, then back to the first). After meeting Viper in the first book, I was more than looking forward to his story, since his character was a standout in Dante and Abby's story. And it wasn't bad at all.

Viper is one of the most powerful of the vampires, a clan chief controlling the Chicago area. Rising to power through the centuries, Viper's vampire existence began much differently. Alone, without a clan for protection, Viper suffered years of abuse and torture. But with all of that behind him, Viper now lives a life of unimaginable luxury and indulgence. Too powerful to be challenged, Viper does not involve himself in battles and political intrigues of his kind. With his life having grown almost routine, Viper is surprised when his attention is very firmly caught by a beautiful half-Shalot demon slave.

Shay has spent her life in captivity, passed from one master to another. As the only Shalot left, Shay's powerful blood makes her a creature of incredible value. Not only are the Shalot's known for their skills as assassins, but they are also irresistible to Vampires. Their blood is the ultimate power for the vamps - not only as an aphrodisiac, but as a healing agent. With her father being killed by Vampires, and after spending her life hiding from them herself, Shay is more than a little alarmed when she is bought by one of the most dangerous Vampires of them all...Viper.

For weeks, Shay has been all that Viper can think about, so when he tracks her to a slave-owning troll, Viper will stop at nothing to take her out of the life of pain and shame she has been forced to live. The problem is, after that, Viper has no clue what to do with her. Vowing to protect her, and keep her safe even from his own kind, Viper finds himself wanting more than he thought possible. Realizing that Shay is more than just a passing fancy, Viper quickly recognizes Shay is in fact his mate. But not only is Shay hunted by the vampires Viper has called his friends for centuries, she also hates what vampires have done to both her family and her life. Even if he can keep her safe, winning his mate may be more than even Viper can manage.

While I enjoyed this book, and I liked both of the characters, I think I expected more from Viper's story. He was such a commanding presence in Dante's story, I thought he would be more of a stand out for me in his own. Not that he was bad, because he wasn't, but he just didn't catch my interest like I thought he would. I liked Shay, as well, and thought they made a good team. After living such a hard, desperate life, she deserves the happiness she finds with Viper. The best part of this one, for me, was Styx. As Viper caught my eye in Dante's book, Styx definitely caught my eye in this one. I found myself reading the book looking for his appearances. So, while a good book, I think I enjoyed it more as an introduction to Styx than Viper and Shay's story.(less)

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Aug 17, 2012 Fairyblood rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fairy-s-fangfest-reading-challenge

This was a thrilling and sexy story of a vampire, Viper, who can't stop thinking of the Shallot demon, Shay. Being the last of her kind in this world, Shay is sought out from all supernatural creatures for her rare and magical blood. Sold in an auction, Viper feels that having her will finally rid him of his obssession of her...yeah that sounds like a great idea...pfft.

Being passed around from master to master, Shay remains the strong and proud warrior. Friended by a height-challenged gargoyle w...more

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Oct 22, 2012 Amy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jan 03, 2012 Noodle rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-romance

Definite improvement on the first in the series as predicted. I'm guessing, Alexandra Ivy will just keep getting better and better as the series progresses and her confidence improves.

I'm particularly liking the connection to each previous story, tying them altogether despite them being about different characters in each new book. That continuity is reassuring.

This time focus was on Shay (the Shallott who helped Abby last time) and Viper (the very sexy vampire who helped Dante last time). Lovely...more

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May 19, 2012 Anna at Book Lovin' Mamas rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: demons, fae, favorites, paranormal, reading-challenge, shifters, witches, vampires

Description
Being the unfortunate victim of a curse is bad. Being a Shalott demon with a curse is really really bad.

Lady Shay has been a prisoner to her curse for a long time now, so long that it’s become her very existence. All her life is now is being bought and used as a slave, a very expensive and rare slave, especially to vampires, whom her blood is sort of an aphrodisiac to. Once again she’s back in the clutches of her master and being sold but to her surprise it’s not just anyone there to...more Description
Being the unfortunate victim of a curse is bad. Being a Shalott demon with a curse is really really bad.

Lady Shay has been a prisoner to her curse for a long time now, so long that it’s become her very existence. All her life is now is being bought and used as a slave, a very expensive and rare slave, especially to vampires, whom her blood is sort of an aphrodisiac to. Once again she’s back in the clutches of her master and being sold but to her surprise it’s not just anyone there to buy her but the one and only sexy vampire that she just recently saved from being harmed by an evil witch. Unsure of his motives she’s not sure if it’s good or bad that he’s bought her but he’s better than the evil that seems to be following her now.

Viper, chief of his vampire clan, has been obsessed with the sexy little half human/half shalott ever since she saved him from that awful witch. Finding her again has consumed him so he will not pass up an opportunity to purchase her at an auction. He must have her and he’ll do anything to do that but once he has her he knows he only wants her to willingly come to his bed. He never takes a woman by force.
Now chased relentlessly by this mysterious evil, Viper vows to do anything possible to save his shalott from whatever wants her. Now that he has her, he’s planning to keep her…forever. But when he finds out what exactly it is that’s after her, he sees that it’s much, much worse than he thought.

Review
I LOVE this freaking series!!! It’s so hard for me to really get into a vampire series. I’m always so picky about the vampires I read about but as soon as I started the first book in this series I was hooked. What I love most about these vampires is that they stay true to most of what you would immediately think of as ‘vampire qualities’. Sunlight kills them, no holy water, stake through the heart and essentially dead by all definitions. But these vampires also have one extra quality that I love so much. When they find their mate, they’ll go over and above to ensure the safety of that mate and they don’t spend the whole damn book coming to terms with it.

I love the continued world building in this book from the first. There are so many different demons and other creatures that you would think it would get confusing but the way it’s written, it keeps you informed and engaged. I was never once confused and I so love her descriptions of the demons. I can totally see them all in my head. And the characters…OMG I love these characters. Coming into this book I was a little iffy about Viper. Honestly, he came of as an ass but I guess he was a very sexy ass. His character was introduced in that first book and in this one he pretty much stayed the same, except I think he kind of grew on me. Learning more about him was fun, he’s really an entertaining guy and he has a wicked sense of humor and the funniest sayings. “Devil’s Balls!” Every time he said it I could not stop myself from laughing. SO funny!!! Shay was a great heroine too. Her story is heartbreaking but once you get to know her, you know she’s no weakling to be felt sorry for. That girl can kick some ass and what makes it even better is that she can kick Viper’s ass too. I love the interaction between the two of them. They’re both perfect for each other and that’s made obvious very early in the book. And it was so sweet to see Viper be so loving and careful with Shay. *sigh* I’m such a sap! LOL

Levet….oh cute little mini gargoyle Levet. I think he’s my favorite character in the book. He’s SO freaking funny. Just imagine a tiny gargoyle with the attitude of a giant and the mouth of a wicked Frenchman. SO funny, I can't say that enough! Levet, Viper and Dante together, now that’s funny. That’s all I’ll say, he really is a great character.

Now Styx, man oh man am I excited to get to his book next. I can already tell you he’ll be my favorite. I love really big alpha males and Styx is definitely that. I can’t wait to meet the woman that brings that vampire to his knees. She better be some kind of woman! J

I give this book 5 Moons and I recommend anyone who enjoys paranormal romance and probably you people that prefer more contemporary, I think you might like this one too. A must read!!! It’s got all of the elements needed for a great romance, sexy love scenes, tons of action, a little bit of inner conflict, hilarious character moments and let’s not forget the incredibly sexy vampires. ;) One to the next book!!!(less)

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Feb 15, 2012 Elle A rated it 4 of 5 stars

’apprécie de plus en plus les romances paranormales pour leur simplicité de lecture et… leur romance, bien sûr. J’avais beaucoup aimé la douceur dans la relation des deux personnages du tome un de cette saga et lorsque j’ai su que Milady faisait une opération sur quelques livres, dans lesquels celui-ci y figurait notamment, je l’ai, parmi d’autres, acheté.

On suit Viper, l’ami de Dante, un vampire qui aime vraiment les plaisirs de la chair et le luxe. Il se procure la Shalott que détenaient les...more ’apprécie de plus en plus les romances paranormales pour leur simplicité de lecture et… leur romance, bien sûr. J’avais beaucoup aimé la douceur dans la relation des deux personnages du tome un de cette saga et lorsque j’ai su que Milady faisait une opération sur quelques livres, dans lesquels celui-ci y figurait notamment, je l’ai, parmi d’autres, acheté.

On suit Viper, l’ami de Dante, un vampire qui aime vraiment les plaisirs de la chair et le luxe. Il se procure la Shalott que détenaient les sorcières dans le tome un, et qui avait été récupérée par un troll puant et obsédé. Cependant, elle est poursuivit, ardemment désirée par l’ennemi du Phénix. Viper fera tout pour la protéger, elle est sienne.

Le personnage de Viper m'intriguait beaucoup dans le tome précédent. Je ne parvenais pas à déterminer s'il s'agissait d'un homme orgueilleux, prétentieux et aguicheur ; ou si cela n'était qu'une façade. Cependant, suite à l'arrivée de son achat, on le découvre attentionné et protecteur, puis carrément capable de sentiments. Il se dévoile peu à peu tout au long du roman aux côtés de sa belle, qui lui en fait voir de toutes les couleurs.

La Shalott, ou Shay, a une sainte horreur des vampires. Durant sa captivité, Shay a pris sous son aile une goule, Levet, plus inoffensif n'existant pas, qu'elle désire sauver une fois installée chez Viper. D'ailleurs avec celui-ci... Entre son kidnapping par Evor, le troll, sa réduction en esclavage, tout cela ne les aide pas forcément et Shay éprouve beaucoup de mal à donner sa confiance. Pourtant, parallèlement, elle ne pense qu'à lui et prend conscience qu'il déploie des efforts considérables pour elle.

On sait, comme dans le premier tome, qui est la menace, néanmoins, ça ne gâche rien. J'ai trouvé ce roman plus riche en actions, avec plus d'assaillants, de créatures montrées. Viper et Shay sont deux personnages qui ne se laissent pas faire, ce sont des guerriers tous deux, et l'aide de l'autre ne sera pas de trop face à leurs adversaires. Oui, ce tome est riche en attaques démoniaques...

La romance des deux personnages est particulièrement agréable à suivre car Viper doit à tout prix mettre en confiance Shay s'il veut la faire sienne. Elle le craint, pour ce qu'il exigera d'elle, pour le traitement qu'elle savait qu'Evor lui réservait à ce moment-là. C'est particulièrement appréciable de voir Viper lutter contre les peurs qui la hantent, de ne pas tout précipiter. De ne pas lui sauter dessus tout de suite.

L'écriture de l'auteure est toujours aussi fluide, douce et efficace. Elle crée des personnages intéressants et de tentantes histoires d'amours. J'aime bien ce concept, aussi, d'intégrer un autre personnage, puis de l'utiliser dans la suite, etc. même si dans ce tome-ci, Styx arrive un peu loin. Quoiqu'il en soit, je me procurerai volontiers le troisième tome de cette saga Styx donc - que je recommande à tous les fans de romances paranormales !

http://books-in-bag.blogspot.com/2012...(less)

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Mar 21, 2012 Lisa rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Jade

Shelves: 2012, kindle-baby, own

Another 2.5 really, and another enjoyable piece of fluff to punctuate the chapters of the more heavyweight non-fiction I'm reading at the moment.

This time around it's Viper's turn to find his mate (apparently vampires are like swans, and do it for life) meaning that pet replaces lover as the new constantly uttered term of endearment, although he continues the vampiric tradition of apparently believing all women are like Mariah Carey and need carrying everywhere.

In the short hop between the firs...more

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Aug 09, 2011 Denise rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: guardians-of-eternity-series, favorite, nook

In the second book of the Guardians of Eternity we spend more time with Viper. He is the chief of his clan in Chicago and a personal friend of Dante.

He stumbles upon a Shalott on the auctioning block. Once captivated by her presences, he now holds her service in his hands, literally.

Shay, who's friend is a gargoyle, was cursed by her father, or so she thought. Now that Viper "owns" her, she tells of the curse and with Viper's help, she searches for the troll that can take the curse back.

Again...more

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Oct 24, 2010 Zohrah rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I won't tell you what who is in the story but I would give you my opinion of the story.

I'm still wondering what is a Shalott. Part human and what kind of demon. The sexual detailing have been toned down in this book, which I find it quite nice. Plot of story is good too as it's like you are searching for something and it's just there right underneath your nose. Surely, when the story mentioned...her curse bind to troll that would be your clue but you keep dismissing it.

Nonetheless a good story...more

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Feb 28, 2013 Riley rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Half Shalott demon and slave Lady Shay is purchased at an auction by Viper, clan leader of the Chicago vampires, outbidding a human representative of another demon who will stop at nothing to obtain the Shalott.

Previously, Shay had saved Viper's life and he could not stop thinking about her. Shay, who is bound to be a slave due to a curse, hates vampires, who only want her because her blood is like nectar to them. Viper is not at all the evil vampire Shay imagines him to be, nor is he intereste...more

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Mar 14, 2011 ♡ Sassy ~ Amy ♡ rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: own, vampire, paranormal-romance

I really like Viper, even later on. I also live Levet, a TON. He gets funnier. This story was pretty good & I stayed up until 3:30 am to finish it, but I ended up NOT liking Styx. Later I do, but not at the end of this one.

I think people need to be redeemed in books (not to spoil anything), but there was one character that I think needed to DIE, and didn't. BUT that did not take away from the quaity or story the book keeping me up all night. Sooo it gets the full 5 stars. There are several b...more

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Nov 05, 2010 Bronwyn Rykiert rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: vampires, series, paranormal-romance

This is book 2 in the Guardian of Eternity Series. I did not want to put this book down.

Shay was born half human and half shallot demon and has lived her life as a slave, when the vampire clan leader Viper buys her she is ready to fight him but she finds there is a darker force that needs to be conquered. Someone wants her blood for it's healing powers. Viper, Shay and Levet (a 3ft gargoyle) set out to find whoever wants Shay dead.

It was one of those stories that grip you so you don't want to pu...more

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Dec 06, 2011 Patricia rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, _adult, genre-paranormal-romance, paranormal-angels-demons-gods, paranormal-magic, paranormal-vampires, review-planned, setting-present

It took me six days to finish this novel and it was not cool. It didn't interest me in the slightest, although both characters had so much potential.. Well, I'm also very frustrated about the freaking Goodreads Choice Awards right now, so I will just stop this now. In short:

The heroine had no real personality. I basically forgot most of her already. She's the last Shallot, was/is a slave, blah, blah. The type of heroine I dislike.

The hero was just blah. He could have been my favorite person in t...more

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Dec 09, 2012 Sharona rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-favorite

Oh...... I really loved this book. Viper is wonderful. His character is and will be one of my favorites for sure. Shay is also great. I like a strong willed female character that is more then willing to a badass with the boys. The love story between these two was beautiful. Not dumb and mushy but very realistic. The side characters like Levet are priceless as well. Can't help falling in love with him. I also like how Ivy sets up the next storyline by introducing you to the characters with just e...more

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Apr 14, 2010 ~*~Princess Nhya~*~ rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Okay I must say this book is a 100x's better than the 1st book! The great thing is u don't have to read the 1st book to become well aquainted with the characters in this one. Viper, DUDE IS BAD! I love the dynamic with he and Shay. This one was very interesting in given the details of Shay's Past and Present and how Viper, whether she admits it or not, is the key to helping her unlock the closet and put her demons to rest so to speak. Levet "the Gargoyle" and Shay's best friend is so adorable an...more

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About Alexandra Ivy

I'm not exactly sure when I fell in love with books. Probably on my mother's knee listening to her read Dr. Seuss to me. I do remember that I was barely old enough to cross the street by myself when I discovered the delights of the local library. Could anything be more wonderful than spending summer days surrounded by stacks of Nancy Drew mysteries? Over the years I fell in love with Victoria Holt...more

More about Alexandra Ivy...

Books by Alexandra Ivy

When Darkness Comes (Guardians of Eternity, #1)

Darkness Everlasting (Guardians of Eternity, #3)

Beyond the Darkness (Guardians of Eternity, #6)

Darkness Revealed (Guardians of Eternity, #4)

Darkness Unleashed (Guardians of Eternity, #5)

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Quotes from Viper

“What was the point in satin and lace if it didn't make a man struggle to speak?” — 57 people liked it

“Cherie, did the table do something I did not see or were you just attempting to teach it a lesson?"

"I was imagining it was Evor."

"Strange that they do not resemble each other."

"I have a good imagination."

"Ah, in that case, I do not suppose you are imagining I'm Brad Pitt?” — 44 people liked it

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Viper (Guardians of Eternity #2)

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