Dark Predator (Carpathians, #22)

Sep 10, 2011 Katie(babs) rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: gag-worthy-book

One of my all-time favorite romances is Dark Prince by Christine Feehan. Since then I’ve read other novels from Christine’s Carpathian series and for the most part enjoyed them although the stories and the characters seemed to be identical. But then I walked away from the series when I noticed her heroes were becoming too unbalanced. These male characters were far too obsessed with the heroine, and regardless of her wants, they claimed her as their own, almost forcing her to bend to their will,...more

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May 08, 2012 UniquelyMoi *Dhestiny* BlithelyBookish rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ebook-own-have-read, 2011-reads, 4-stars, 4-5-stars, series-carpathians-feehan, vampires, pnr-vampire-slayers, pnr-vampires, reviewed-by-me, review-hard-to-write, 3-5-stars

Dark Predator is the 22nd installment in the Carpathian series and I'm just not sure how I feel about the book. I can understand why some will be disappointed in it, and while I definitely enjoyed it, this wasn’t exactly the story I had anticipated. I’ll try to explain.

Zacarias was, in my opinion, perfect. He was true to what I would expect from a Carpathian who is as ancient as he is. He’s kept himself at a distance from his brothers and from modern civilization as a whole and he really is a lo...more

Dark Predator is the 22nd installment in the Carpathian series and I'm just not sure how I feel about the book. I can understand why some will be disappointed in it, and while I definitely enjoyed it, this wasn’t exactly the story I had anticipated. I’ll try to explain.

Zacarias was, in my opinion, perfect. He was true to what I would expect from a Carpathian who is as ancient as he is. He’s kept himself at a distance from his brothers and from modern civilization as a whole and he really is a loner, in every sense of the word. Physically, mentally, emotionally… he’s a man who embraces solitude. Because of that I can see how he would have no idea, whatsoever, what a modern woman would be like. How independent they are, how self sufficient. They’re no longer the shrinking violets in need of protection that they used to be and are more capable of taking care of themselves. Had he been around more, he’d know that they had to “evolve” in order to survive, and this is especially true of the Carpathian women.

For the most part, Marguarita seemed to have a foot in both worlds. She was thoroughly modern and self sufficient, and yet she seemed to know exactly what Zacarias needed and why, and had no problem accommodating him. She accepted him for the male he is, and while she tried to help him see things through her eyes, she didn’t resort to the kinds of ridicule that some of the females in the stories have when they met their lifemates, and I respected her for that. BUT, I never got the feeling that she was surprised, or honored, to be Zacarias’ lifemate, and that’s something I really had expected.

Regarding the story itself, there didn’t seem to be as much action, or overall plot resolution or progression as there has been in the last couple of books, and that surprised me. The first ½ of Dark Predator seemed entirely focused on Marguarita’s and Zacarias’ relationship. Normally that would be great, but the problem is that because Marguarita pretty much did whatever Zacarias wanted, there wasn’t a lot of page time devoted to the relationship building - that struggle for independence and acceptance that normally occurs in this series. I didn’t mind that Marguarita didn’t fight and argue, not at all, because she was true to her nature. True to the woman she’d been raised to be. She was still a strong, modern woman, but she was exactly the old fashioned kind of female Zac needed for his Lifemate. But with that lacking in Dark Predator, the relationship building seemed uneventful to me.

And what happened to the celebration we always see when a male finds his lifemate!? There was nothing… just… nothing. This is Zacarias we’re talking about! The one who did so much for everyone, who was so close to becoming evil, the one male everyone worried about more than any other!!! Why didn’t we see his brothers celebrating life with him! And how very sad that, even though he has his lifemate, he’s still so alone. If there’s one thing I want out of the next book, it’s to see Zacarias and his brothers able to be together, to rejoice! To be a family again.

So, as I said, I really enjoyed the story, but I have to be honest and tell you that I didn’t love it, and that makes me very sad. Zacarias deserved a story with depth, passion and intensity, and in my opinion, he didn’t get it.
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Sep 08, 2011 Jen (Red Hot Books) rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Carpathian world has gotten a little more complicated lately. What was once a series focused almost completely on an individual romance in each book, picked up broader, ongoing arcs in later installments. Mages, jaguars, and dragons joined the mix. Longtime mysteries were finally solved. But Christine Feehan is taking a step back from all that in Dark Predator.

As the book begins, Zacharias de la Cruz is ready to end his own life. He is unable to fight the darkness within him any longer. But...more The Carpathian world has gotten a little more complicated lately. What was once a series focused almost completely on an individual romance in each book, picked up broader, ongoing arcs in later installments. Mages, jaguars, and dragons joined the mix. Longtime mysteries were finally solved. But Christine Feehan is taking a step back from all that in Dark Predator.

As the book begins, Zacharias de la Cruz is ready to end his own life. He is unable to fight the darkness within him any longer. But he is undeniably drawn to one of his properties first. There, he sees Marguarita, the young woman made mute and nearly killed by a vampire in the last book. He considers her to be a fine choice for his last vision before death. Marguarita isn't having that, though. She realizes what he is doing and despite his mental protests, she saves his life. And that is the beginning of their journey to becoming lifemates.

The romance in this book was slow in coming. One third of the way through and our couple hadn't even kissed... a bit unusual for a book in this series. Even stranger, the word "velvet" didn't make an appearance until page 101 in my ebook. Unheard of. But just because the "velvet" count was low -- Feehan kept up with her reputation for repetitive themes. Zacharias is dangerous, dangerous, dangerous. And "predator" was the word of hour, used in some form 54 times in the course of the book. But I digress.

In what's become the standard for the series, Zacharias is the darkest Carpathian ever. (Aren't they all?) But he is so close to the edge, that the whole lifemate business doesn't work quite right for him. In fact, it takes some time before he even realizes that Marguarita is his fated mate. He is violent, cruel at times, and ridiculously overbearing... giving the Daratrazanoff men a run for their money in the domineering department. And Marguarita just takes it. She feels guilty for ruining his chance to meet the sun, at first. Later, of course, she experiences those lifemate ties. But it's still alot to accept that she would essentially give up the reigns of her life to him so quickly. I guess if you have a male lead who is that dominating, a relationship won't work without a female willing to be submissive.

So like I said in the beginning, the story is kind of a throwback in the sense that it is all about the relationship and conflict directly surrounding our couple. All the side stories of recent books are essentially ignored. I kind of missed them. The love story was ok, but at times Zacharias and his angst were just too much. It was also really slow in the beginning, with more drawn out descriptions than I cared to read. On the plus side, I finally got the answer as to why a bunch of brothers from the Carpathian Mountains ended up with Hispanic names. (It's been bugging me since this family has been introduced.)

I'm kind of curious who will be featured in the next book. There is no obvious set-up that I can see.

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Sep 16, 2012 Carinae L'etoile rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I am a CF fangirl, but these past 2 books have been an utter disappointment. Mercifully she didn't shove the language down our throats as she had before. It was still there, but in more tolerable and acceptable doses.

I have been trying to find the words to explain my sheer disappointment without dropping the F bomb. Because to date, this was one of the worst books she has written. If I had purchased this book as an actual book, I'd be using it line my cat's litter pan. After initially finishing...more I am a CF fangirl, but these past 2 books have been an utter disappointment. Mercifully she didn't shove the language down our throats as she had before. It was still there, but in more tolerable and acceptable doses.

I have been trying to find the words to explain my sheer disappointment without dropping the F bomb. Because to date, this was one of the worst books she has written. If I had purchased this book as an actual book, I'd be using it line my cat's litter pan. After initially finishing the book on the first go, I set it down, shaking my head. I couldn't believe it - it was awful. I stepped away and re-read a day later after having done my normal day things...and the second read had me even more upset than the first.

Her depiction of Zacarais was so one dimensional that I just could not feel any empathy for him. I expected a character so rich in flavor and experience. In my mind, I had built him up as one thing, while CF made him completely the opposite. I found his character to be stagnant, unable to be anything more than dismissive and derisive towards Marguarita.

As for Marguarita herself...she didn't make an impression on me. The only thing that made me think she was remotely even close to being his lifemate was the fact he saved her from a vampire. Other than that, I felt this novel overall was a slap in the face for her fans. I wish I could say that this novel was even self-indulgent for Miss Feehan, but even self-indulgence has some kind of creativity meter, right? In my head, I've likened this book to Madonna's American Life album - I felt like it was obligatory and mocked the fans for their loyalty and dedication to her. I felt this book was all id for Miss Feehan, as if what she wrote should be good enough for her fans because...she is Miss Feehan and we are her fans. Not sure if I'd say I'm one right now after the last two clusterfuck novels she wrote in the Dark Series. She's made this series Dark, all right...Darkly Boring and Unimaginative.

I wasn't too keen on her love scenes, either. It's much like everything else in her other books - guy goes down on girl. Girl goes down on guy. Missionary. Girl on top. He takes her from behind. They do it in nature. *yawn* You get it. *rolls eyes* Again, repetitive. For a girl who worked on the estate, are lace panties and a bra *really* necessary when you're working with the animals? Just one of those issues that I found so incongruous within the book.

If she has a 23rd book out, I doubt be buying it. I'll go look for free downloads or I'll go to the library. I can think of other authors I'll drop my hard earned money on.(less)

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Sep 07, 2011 Kara-karina rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I have so many words for this book, and none of them fit for your ears. So sorry, it's going to be an angry rant, not a review.

Dark Prince was THE BOOK which introduced me to the genre of paranormal romance, and for years I loved this series. The men were noble, the women were strong and powerful in their own right, some of them pretty awesome and kick-ass, even the plot was somewhat unique. Sadly, it all ended at Dark Slayer.

I though Dark Peril was the most god awful book in the series, surely....more

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Nov 14, 2011 Tilly Slaton rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviews-completed

As most of my friends and family know, Christine Feehan is my favorite author. The Dark series, is my favorite series, followed by the Leopard series.

I have been looking forward to this book ever since Feehan’s site posted it as an upcoming release.

With that said, I was somewhat disappointed. Total bummer.

Zacarias, the oldest of the De La Cruz brothers, sets out to accept the sun’s destruction. He can no longer handle the dreary gray existence and tells his brother that he will seek death in hon...more

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Sep 15, 2011 Melindeeloo rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: vampires

Hmmm.... Well I now know why this book polarized its readers.

Dark Predator is exceedingly slow to get rolling, about 120 pages out of 332 slow - the rest of the "400 pages" are our old favorite healing chants (not used here at all, by the way) followed by the ever popular "Carpathian for Dummies".

In Dark Predator, the long awaited lead Zacarias De La Cruz takes the uber alpha Carpathian male of the earlier books to a new level and, for me at least, this is not a positive thing. His heroine, Ma...more Hmmm.... Well I now know why this book polarized its readers.

Dark Predator is exceedingly slow to get rolling, about 120 pages out of 332 slow - the rest of the "400 pages" are our old favorite healing chants (not used here at all, by the way) followed by the ever popular "Carpathian for Dummies".

In Dark Predator, the long awaited lead Zacarias De La Cruz takes the uber alpha Carpathian male of the earlier books to a new level and, for me at least, this is not a positive thing. His heroine, Marguarita whose loyalty to the De La Cruzes resulted in the loss of her voice - a vampire tore her throat because she would not betray the Carpathian's secrets - doesn't manage to bring light to his darkness. And even though she saves him four times, three of those times Zacarias punishes his 'beautiful lunatic' - lovely pet name, Not - for her disobediance, the third time going as far as initiating the final exchange to 'turn' her in an exceedingly brutal way. For a male who has lived his life for honor, Zacarias doesn't have much here and his treatment of Marguarita constantly violates the vows he makes to her to cherish her as his lifemate and see to her happiness.

There isn't much about Marguarita's relationship with Zacarias that is romantic, it is pretty much all about him and she is just a possession. Zacharias terrorizes her from the start, but when she 'sees' how he really feels - though he is completely cut off from his own emotions - she completely submits to his ownership and decides that she loves him, and despite the acts of rebellion that are supposed to make us think Marguarita is a strong character, up until pretty much the last handful of chapters, when in Zacarias' presence she is pathetic at best.

The book however does have it's moments, I enjoyed all of the battle scenes between Zacharius and the vampires. Also after Marguarita's turning is complete, there is finally a bit of what the whole book should have been, too bad we couldn't have lopped off 50 or so pages from the beginning and used them at the end to allow Zacarias to properly grovel enough to finally earn the redemption he is supposed to have achieved and to bring all the De La Cruzes together for a reunion.

Bottom line is that I liked the last few books much more than this one, and have a whole new appreciation for the past 'neanderthal' Carpathians, they may have been bossy and arrogant but at least they treated their lifemates like the treasures that they were.

(Oh, I just have to say I won this book on WickedScribes, which is an awesome blog.)(less)

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Oct 03, 2011 Chris rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I was extremely disappointed in this book after looking so forward to the next installment of the Dark Series. I have loved all of Ms. Feehan's Carpathian love stories, from Mikhail and Raven in Dark Prince to Dominic and Solange in Dark Peril. While all the male characters have been very Old World in their views on women and how they should behave and be treated, it was never to the point of abuse. I understand that Zacharias De La Cruz is the oldest of the Carpathians and the closest character...more I was extremely disappointed in this book after looking so forward to the next installment of the Dark Series. I have loved all of Ms. Feehan's Carpathian love stories, from Mikhail and Raven in Dark Prince to Dominic and Solange in Dark Peril. While all the male characters have been very Old World in their views on women and how they should behave and be treated, it was never to the point of abuse. I understand that Zacharias De La Cruz is the oldest of the Carpathians and the closest character to turning vampire, and that makes him the closest to evil. His past, his life and his present state of mind does not excuse the abuse, both physical and mental, that he inflicted upon Marguarita. Marguarita was already severely traumatized by her attack and subsequent loss of speech via a vampire in an earlier novel. Zacharias saved her life at that time. Upon returning to his ranch to meet the sun and end his life, Marguarita thought she was saving his life in return. Throughout the book, he switched from adoring her to threatening her, physically and mentally. He subjected her to severe pain on more than one occasion, reveling in her silent cries of pain. Twice he almost drained her dry to "teach her a lesson," both times for risking her own life to save his. She continuosly forgave him for his abuse, because she could see what was truly inside him and knew he wasn't truly evil. Anybody who has ever been abused or known someone who has been abused can see the dangerous pattern in their relationship. He called her silly, a lunatic, dimwitted. He ordered her to stay in the house, not speak to anyone she called family, forbid her to visit her beloved horses, and at one point, wouldn't allow her to communicate with her friends and family via pen and paper: the only way she could communicate with them. I know this is a work of fiction, but I was sadly disappointed in its acceptance of this abusive relationship. I made myself finish it, hoping that Zacharais would redeem himself in my eyes, but was not rewarded for my diligence. To top it all off, there was an additional abusive relationship between a brother, sister and third party. This book never showed my one iota of romance. Once I did laugh, during this conversation between them. Marguarita: "You would never hurt me. Never. It isn't in you." Zacharias: "I did hurt you. Several times." Marguarita: "You were strking at yourself, Zacarias, not at me."

Denial is not just a river in Egypt. I hope the next Carpathian novel is better.(less)

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Sep 16, 2011 Caty rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: why-did-i-bothered

I think someone should give me an award for finishing this book.

Seriously. Maybe it was me, but this book felt like it was never ending.
It had WAY too many chapters dealing with the qualities that made Zacarias such a cold hearted predator, his past, his lack of emotions and then it switched to more of the same, this time about the heroine. The plot never really caught me and I wasn't particularly thrilled with miss Feehan's constant ~~abuse~~ use of similes either. I found myself skipping parts of...more

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Oct 08, 2011 Kathy Davie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal, romance, erotica

Twenty-second in the Carpathian paranormal-romance series revolving around two groups of vampires, one good and the other evil. In this installment, the couple focus is on Zacarias De La Cruz and Marguarita Fernandez.

The Story
Determined to preserve the honor of the De La Cruz family, Zacarias intends to seek the sun before the pull to drink someone to their death overcomes him and turns him into a vampire. Another pull is on him now. Insisting he meet his fate on the De La Cruz ranch in Peru and...more

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Sep 07, 2011 M.E rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal

I am a fan of the Dark series but I must say that the stories have been going down hill since Dark Possession. Manolito was a great character with a great heroine and the glimpses we got of Zacarias were fascinating - setting him up as a great story. That, unfortunately, is not what we got. Zacarias is a man of his time but he is also an intelligent being and when he was wondering if Marguerita might be dim-witted, it said more about him than her. After the umpteenth time he self flagellates tha...more I am a fan of the Dark series but I must say that the stories have been going down hill since Dark Possession. Manolito was a great character with a great heroine and the glimpses we got of Zacarias were fascinating - setting him up as a great story. That, unfortunately, is not what we got. Zacarias is a man of his time but he is also an intelligent being and when he was wondering if Marguerita might be dim-witted, it said more about him than her. After the umpteenth time he self flagellates that she mated a Neanderthal - he goes right ahead and behaves like a dim-witted ass instead of the cunning, intelligent, thousand year old man he is supposed to be. Ms Feehan sets him up as this incredibly scary persona when his own brothers tremble in front of him and immediately negates the four heroes in one paragraph. Raphael, Manolito, Nicolas and Riordan it seems are real wooses at heart. They part like the Red Sea and let him go off without so much as a tussle. Wow the man must be the scariest mofo this side of the Carpathians. In fact the prince and the bogey man himself, Gregory, never came across that scary. Margarita is the classic virginal heroine who is so sweet and good and gets her own way because big beefy scary man's brains turn to mush every time he sees her goodness and is shamed into letting her have her own way! Oh were is Lucian? He is older than Zac, killed more people, his soul was completely in pieces - for heaven sake he spoke to Christ (who by the way was extremely mean in telling him that Gabriel had a LM but not him - pet peeve (another pet peeve is when he tells this story to Jaxon she does not jump up and down and say YOU SPOKE TO JESUS FACE TO FACE? She says nothing....now she was dim-witted). Back to my point, Lucian ,older, meaner but understood human nature was a scholar and student of life on Earth, knew Jaxon was a woman of her time and because he was meant to make her happy new that behaving like man born in the BC was not going to go down well with a woman born in the AD! So if this man born a thousand years before Zac could do it, Zac could at least have tried - he didn't have a twin to keep him grounded he had four woossey brothers! I loved the idea of Zacarias but unfortunately my idea and Ms Feehan's vision did not mesh this time. And the plot you ask...let's not even go there. I gave the book three stars out of love for the De La Cruz brothers otherwise it's a definite two.(less)

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Sep 11, 2011 Kris (KindleRomance) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Absolutely, positively loved it! I loved Zacarias. As one of the oldest Carpathians, you know he's also one of the more damaged. He was definitely rough around the edges, but never pretended that he wasn't. He wasn't even aware of how damaged he was in some ways. Yet Marguarita loved him completely and totally and showed him what an amazing person he really was. I loved Marguarita. She was strong and capable and stubborn when she needed to be. I loved the dialogue between these two, and slow bui...more

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Sep 09, 2011 MelissaB rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: carpathian-series, paranormal-romance, vampires, 2011-reads, kindle

** 3 1/2 stars **

Kind of disappointed, Zacarius was kind of cruel to his lifemate at times, he didn't care enough about her feelings. He is no Lucian who lived much longer but was still wonderful to his human lifemate.

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Nov 04, 2011 Sheba rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I often suspect that Feehan writes this series in daily or weekly installments without ever having gone back over what she's already written. Like Hamilton, Feehan has a tendency to needlessly repeat information. The result are stories that are cumbersome and at a pace that can drive any sane reader mad, mad, mad. The premise is weak enough as it is without exacerbating it with clunky, lazy writing. And what is that equally often repeated premise? Dark man meets light woman. Light woman half-stu...more

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Nov 01, 2011 Sara rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I thought this was a great book-in spite of everything all the other reviewers have said (I don't think they get that the darkness of Zacharias's soul was a natural culmination of the development of his character throughout the series...didn't any of these other reviewers read Manolito's book? Or the one about Riordan? the DeLaCruz brothers are some of my favcrite dark heroes (& and that is a star-studded list!) Get this: Zacharias was only a step away from walking into the sunlight & ki...more

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Sep 20, 2011 Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary, action-adventure, non-erotic, paranormal

Originally posted at: http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...

The dark makes me shiver but the latest story about the Carpathian people makes goose bumps arise for totally different reasons.

First off, this book might be part of a series but it’s a complete standalone. A first time reader won’t be lost because the entire focus is on the relationship between Zacarias and Marguarita. It’s volatile, arousing, annoying and fierce. Actually, that pretty much sums up the hero too.

Zacarias has been th...more Originally posted at: http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...

The dark makes me shiver but the latest story about the Carpathian people makes goose bumps arise for totally different reasons.

First off, this book might be part of a series but it’s a complete standalone. A first time reader won’t be lost because the entire focus is on the relationship between Zacarias and Marguarita. It’s volatile, arousing, annoying and fierce. Actually, that pretty much sums up the hero too.

Zacarias has been through a lot in the centuries he’s been around. He’s different than the other guys in the series and I liked how Ms. Feehan explored that so I’d understand. For fans of the series, they’ll see him act in his own story exactly like he was when he starred as a secondary character in other books. He’s a robot, a warrior, a man without emotion that Mr. Spock could only envy. His dedication to honor and duty has finally been satisfied and he makes the ultimate choice to never ever turn into the things he hunts. He didn’t count on a stubborn woman like the heroine to mess up all his good intentions.

In some books, what the heroine did could have humorous connotations because she derailed his carefully planned agenda. But that is not the way Ms. Feehan writes her heroes and heroines. Zacarias is a throwback to a bygone era where a man’s word was law and unquestioned. He isolated himself so much that when he finally finds a lifemate, he has no idea how to act, how to handle her or how to relate. He knows what he knows and that’s that. Which of course kept me highly entertained and interested.

Marguarita lost her voice in the previous book. The back story is revealed in the normal course of events so there’s no info dump and no confusion for first time readers. In Dark Predator, I got to see the ramifications of that fateful day. Yet, the heroine is one tough cookie. She doesn’t back down, give up or take any guff. Believe it or not, her strength against Zacarias at his most obnoxious is her willingness to give of herself. Utterly and completely does she relent to his needs. By doing so she shows him by example how things should be, how they can be, and it’s beautiful, romantic and poignant. Even when she’s terrified and horrified, Marguarita stood up for herself and for her man, much to his consternation and bad temper. However, I respected her strength, and her personality was a perfect balance.

There is the classic battle of the male mind versus the female mind, and with Carpathians, that can be taken literally. For fans of the series, they know there is going to be an epic battle between the hero and the vampires, and Ms. Feehan delivers a gruesome but gripping account of the confrontation between the two. Sometimes the author has quite a few Carpathian brethren show up in her books to spice up a tale and provide that sense of community that I enjoy so well. Except for two brief interludes, this story is solely focuses on Marguarita and Zacarias and the hurdles they have to jump over to have their happily ever after. Part of the conflict is their differences and part is the external conflict. Actually, there are two separate altercations that showcase the brutality and harshness that try to poison and destroy them. No matter which one it is, both are written so well that they can leave a reader shocked, grossed out and one hundred percent riveted.

The only thing that drives me nuts, and it seems to be a consistent thing with Ms. Feehan’s writing, is the repetition. I know that Zacarias thinks himself a monster, that he can do atrocious things, that he has darkness inside him, that he’s an animal, a predator. I get it, I get it. I just wish those filler sentences could be replaced with a more positive agenda or at least a hint of it instead of the hero constantly beating himself up. It does get a bit old but that is what skipping paragraphs is for. The mind has its own fast forward. I just wish I didn’t have to do that because there is so much about the story and the writing that appeals on many levels.

Secondary characters are from the ranch and its environs. They propel the hero into action, some good some bad, but they are all important to the plot. The author used them to good effect.

Dark Predator is another well written, deeply emotional story that pulls a reader in. There is action, suspense, gentle and subtle humor and a hero and heroine worth rooting for. It’s a long book but I was so engrossed in the emotional tug of war between a man who needs to learn what love is, and the woman who is determined to teach him, that the hours flew. It’s another keeper of a romance where love finally does the impossible and saves a man who thought he was unsalvageable. How can readers resist a hook like that? I couldn’t. Read it and find out why.

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Sep 10, 2011 Edwina " I LoveBooks" "Deb" rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I have waited year after year for Zacarias De La Cruz's story and who would get the HONOR of becoming his Life Mate, only to be very disappointed in the way both the characters were written.

We have been told over the years that Zacarias was one of the Greatest and Strongest Carpathian Warrior/ Hunters alive and that he was feared by vampires and Carpathians. We are also, told over and over how Carpathian Males Love, Cherish and Protect their Life Mates above all others. This didn't happen in thi...more I have waited year after year for Zacarias De La Cruz's story and who would get the HONOR of becoming his Life Mate, only to be very disappointed in the way both the characters were written.

We have been told over the years that Zacarias was one of the Greatest and Strongest Carpathian Warrior/ Hunters alive and that he was feared by vampires and Carpathians. We are also, told over and over how Carpathian Males Love, Cherish and Protect their Life Mates above all others. This didn't happen in this book. My first point is I did not fine Zac to be that great of a Warrior or Hunter. He didn't have the skill or the strength of a Gregori,a Dominic or a Lucian. He didn't have strength enough to keep his L.M. Marguarita from being savagely beaten by human vampire hunters who invaded their home. He would have died by the hands of his oldest and greatest vampire enemy, if Solange Life Mate to Dominic had not answered his call for help and return the day before to give him her Royal Blood, this is all that saved him. My second point is my beloved Zacarias was turned into an abusive monster. He abused his L.M. Marguarita both physically and mentally, on more than one occasion, he said it was to teach her a lesson. Others have justified Zac's behavior by saying he did this because he didn't recognizes her as his L.M.,he didn't feel any emotions or see in color like other Carpathians males did when they first encountered their L.M.. Now that's just strange to me because in all 21 books before this one the male immediately felt emotions and saw in color. Zacarias was different, but so was Gregori and Julian. I didn't like this new change in Zac. I was disappointed in how Zac was written all around.

My second point of disappointment was his Life Mate Marguarita, she was an abuse spouse and she acted like it, Marguarita was very submissive and fearful of what he was going to do to her if she disobeyed, But it was OK because he was the Great Zacarias De La Cruz, even when he picked her up and threw her into the wall; after DS the human vampire hunter had kicked and beaten her for hours.!! Her psychic gift was not that impressive either. I call her the horse whisperer . I wanted a Great Life Mate for a Great Warrior/Hunter and I did not get that in this book for either of them. Zac only gets a Half of his HEA, he only can see in color or feel emotions when Marguarita is with him. The possibility is out their for him to still turn vampire, if something happens to Marguarita. What a disappointment End!!

Why make devoted fans wait a year to find out Zac's L.M was Just Poor Submissive Marguarita. I SAY ADVERTIZING STUNT!!! To promote book sales!!

The story is not romantic or sensual as the other books in the Dark Series. I did not feel the love or bonding between Zacarias and Marguarita. I can only hope the next book in the series is better.

I think it must be very hard for Ms. Feehan to write 4 different series at the same time. Something is going to go lacking and Dark Predator was indeed Very Lacking all around. I can only give this book 1 star and I would suggest if you are reading this series, to get this book from the library!! (less)

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Sep 08, 2011 Kaye620 rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I’ve been a fan of CF’s for a while. I have to say that this was the least favorite of the series for me. I thought Z’s cave man reactions were often abusive and that M allowed him to get away with too much. I get the fact that Z is so close to turning and that he is more animal than man. I get that M’s gift is being able to calm animals and how that talent would be such an asset for Z.

(view spoiler)...more I’ve been a fan of CF’s for a while. I have to say that this was the least favorite of the series for me. I thought Z’s cave man reactions were often abusive and that M allowed him to get away with too much. I get the fact that Z is so close to turning and that he is more animal than man. I get that M’s gift is being able to calm animals and how that talent would be such an asset for Z.

(view spoiler)

I’m hoping that in one of the up coming books we’ll be able to revisit this couple and see that Z has learned some manners and how to compromise with his life mate. I’d like to see that M has learned that it’s okay to just say no. If not, I wonder if this will be the first Life Mate couple to get a divorce.
(less)

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Sep 13, 2011 ~Megan~ rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: pnr-uf, vampires, dangerous-dudes, psychics-paranormal-powers, scarred-tortured-hero, tormented-heroine, shifters-cats

Hmmm....I have mixed feelings on this book. On one hand, it was good to be back in the Carpathians world, on the other hand, this book was not anywhere near on par with the last couple books in the series. It felt cut off from the overall storyline, and I was upset none of Zacarias' brothers or their lifemates got to meet and know Marguarita. The ending was abrupt and felt WAY too soon, with hardly any of the issues resolved. There was also no clear direction for the series or even the next stor...more

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Dec 05, 2011 Julie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

More like 3.5 stars, liked it. I know some people didn't care for Zacharias and Maurgarita relationship, but I liked it. It was a nice change to read about a happy and logical heroine, as I have been reading about way too many "fiesty" and "independant" heroines in PNR lately(aka bitchy). Anyways, Maurgarita still held her own against a very dominant male and didn't have to a be a harpy about it. I think this book should get more credit than it does...

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Sep 07, 2011 Destiny rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I wanted to like this book, but I felt that there was too much description and not enough dialogue and action.

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Apr 21, 2011 Rose marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Oh my gosh, so long await I cannot wait...
I will have to go to chridtine feehan site now and .......

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Nov 09, 2011 OCLS Staff Picks rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Zacarias De La Cruz has returned to his home in Peru to die. He has finally given up on living- his four brothers have found their lifemates and are safe from immediate danger. Zacarias has lived for thousands of years and is tired of hunting and killing vampires. On returning to his home, he becomes more involved with the workers on his ranch, including Marguarita. Marguarita can no longer speak due to an earlier vampire attack and is well respected on the ranch due to her ability with horses....more

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Sep 29, 2011 Kathy rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy-romance, vampire, sensuous

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. 'If this is what you need - truly need - my obedience to your will in that moment, it will be themost important thing inthe world to me. No matter how hard. I meant what I said when I asked you to stay. I serve youout of choice. I want your happiness.'

'I will always return to you - always, but I can only be who I am, Marguarita. I want to bge gentle for you. I want to give you all the things you deserve. I will always expect you to follow my lead...'

'I want who you are, Zacarias, but I expect yo...more 'If this is what you need - truly need - my obedience to your will in that moment, it will be themost important thing inthe world to me. No matter how hard. I meant what I said when I asked you to stay. I serve youout of choice. I want your happiness.'

'I will always return to you - always, but I can only be who I am, Marguarita. I want to bge gentle for you. I want to give you all the things you deserve. I will always expect you to follow my lead...'

'I want who you are, Zacarias, but I expect you to follow the vows you swore to me. I want to be cherished. I want you to have in mind my happiness when you make your decisions. And youhave to know I will always be me. I will make up my own mind whin I feel you are wrong.'

Marguarita - bred to provide for the De La Cruz's - protection, blood, home base, care of their holdings... she was raised at one of their haciendas. And in the last book, she would not tell of the sleeping place of the DeLaCruz's, and a vampire tore her throat. Zacarias gave her his blood to keep her alive, but now she cannot speak. She lives in the main house, and represents the DeLaCruz's to the employees and to the neighbors. Her psychic power is in her affinity/communication with animals.

And after the De La Cruz's defeated the Malinov's, crippling their preparation against Mikhail, because Zacarias joined them.

Zacarias is the oldest De La Cruz brother. There is a darkness that has always been in him, a darkness his father had, which made them both supereme warriors. And apparently Zacarias' father was only to ward off complete darkness when his mother was near - to the point of bringing her with him to fight the vampire... and when his lifemate was killed, he turned vampire, and Zacarias had to embrace his darkness to defeat his father, stop him from hurting others, and to protect his younger brothers. He pushed his emotions to the point the disappeared early. He is a fierce warrior, for 1,000 years - acting only from honor, not passion, not emotion, not caring.

After the last battle, and with all his brother's with their lifemates, he knows it is time to die - he is too close to the edge, and must end it before his brothers are forced hunt him. And though he doesn't understand why, he is drawn to the ranch where Marguarita lives. He has not healed himself since the battle, losing much blood, and exhausted he positions himself to be able to watch marguarita as she is riding the horse. And he feels the sun, and pushes the pain away, looking for peace. But when marguarita realizes what he is doing, she rushes to him, and though he orders her away, she pulls him inside out of the sun, saving his life.

And hence they begin... he doesn't feel a lifemate the way of the other Carpathians... at first he thinks she is bewitched... but finally realizes she is his lifemate. He slowly begins to feel emotions, and to see colors - but only when mind connected to her, and it grows as their physical closeness increases. She is fearful - she mixes him up with the vampire attack, she works to do her duty. And when she enters hi mind, and 'sees' his aloneness, she can connect to him as she does to the animal.

And he wants to master her... and she wants to give him what he needs - and she comes to trust him that he will cherish her and not hurt her, but she must also be true to herself.... hmmmm and when she is in his soul, her light fills in the holes, the holes left from all the battles he has been in... but when needed, he cuts himself off from her, returns to the nonemotional warrior and wins his battles - something she appreciates, because it ensures his success. And his greatest fear is that he will put her in harms way the way his father did his mother, because of his great need of her...

There is a wrenching scene when a vampire hunter tricks his way into her house, beating her to make her tell where Zacarias sleeps. Zacarias is awake and orders her to tell him (so that she won;t be hurt), but she refuses - taking the beating, buying time to bring it closer to night when he will be more powerful. and in retaliation, in anger, in fear, he forces the third exchange of blood so that she will become Carpathian - and she turns from him in the agony of the conversion - which brings him to a place where he more fully understands her love for him, that motivated her to protect him.

But when he calls her to help him, she goes mentally immediately to him - to reinforce his strength, and then brings the helicopter to him to bring him to safety.

and when he is healed, they both better understand their connection, their love, and the sacrifices both need to make.(less)

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Sep 22, 2011 Sarah Jordan rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I was really excited to read about Zacarias De La Cruz, one of the oldest and darkest of the Carpathians hunters. The identity of his lifemate was a much debated question on the internet prior to the book release, and I certainly never guessed who it would be - well done, Ms. Feehan!
At its heart, Dark Predator is truly the intimate story of Zacarias and his lifemate, how they come together, fall in love/lust, and begin their relationship. Most of the other Dark books have sub-plots involving the...more

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Sep 17, 2011 Emily rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Warning: Possible spoilers ahead? I'll do my best to refrain but you never know. Ye be warned.

True to form, I devoured this book in a single sitting. I think the next button on my Kindle has a dent in it, that's how engrossed and involved I was with this book. That hasn't happened in awhile, so right off the bat that's a good thing.

With that said, I knew going into this book that it was going to be an interesting read. The author had spent a lot of time in previous books detailing how completely...more Warning: Possible spoilers ahead? I'll do my best to refrain but you never know. Ye be warned.

True to form, I devoured this book in a single sitting. I think the next button on my Kindle has a dent in it, that's how engrossed and involved I was with this book. That hasn't happened in awhile, so right off the bat that's a good thing.

With that said, I knew going into this book that it was going to be an interesting read. The author had spent a lot of time in previous books detailing how completely unsuited Zacarias was to being a lifemate and how close he was to going evil so it was going to be interesting to see how all of that was overcome.

***Possible spoilers, if you haven't guessed already***
I wasn't surprised about the female lead in this book and frankly am not sure why it was kept a secret. Marguarita's experiences in her past were what helped her decide that she wanted to be committed to Zacarias. She has faced down a true monster in the past so she's able to tell the difference. Zacarias is scarred, battered, and tired of dealing with never-ending responsibility, but he's not a monster. He makes mistakes, big ones at times, and is lacking in social skills, but ultimately he doesn't feel that he's worthy of being loved or protected, and that's the true obstacle Marguarita has to overcome.

Zacarias has faced down incredibly trauma in the past, and some of that trauma calls everything we as readers think we know about the way the world of this series operates into question. Maybe I've missed references to some of this stuff in previous books, but apparently there is a way that a Carpathian can still turn vampire even after finding a lifemate. I thought that was impossible! I understand why the idea was introduced in this book and it worked for me in this context, but it's like, I liked my fictional enduring love right where it was, thanks.

In terms of the overall story arc, not a whole lot moves forward, although another Malinov bites the dust. Admittedly, I've lost track of how many are left at this point, but the point is, evil was defeated! And defeated in such a way that both Zacarias and Marguarita are left with a better understanding of each other and what their experience has been and what they bring to the table in this relationship. As is par for the course for this series, Zacarias tramples all over Marguarita's feelings and feels horrible and remorseful, but there was an interesting twist here where Marguarita got to understand a little better why Zacarias does the things he does and why certain courses of action are so second nature to him. Daddy issues are tough to overcome.

On an unrelated note, seeing how other people treated Zacarias pissed me right off. He's been alone pretty much forever, perpetually taking care of other people and seeing to their safety, and he doesn't get so much as a hey how are you from most of them. Even Dominic, the one guy on the planet who could be considered a friend, was like, "well I'm kind of busy" when Zacarias finally asked him for help. He did come through but I was like, wait what? The people that worked on the De La Cruz ranches, too, had lots of mistrustful and nasty things to say about him but didn't have a problem working for him, living on his land, or spending his money. I'm just saying.

While I guess I'm not completely sold on some of the more minor details of this novel, I did enjoy watching Zacarias and Marguarita grow as a couple and overall I was satisfied with the story and how things turned out. I admit it's a bummer that, unless anyone has heard differently, it'll be another year before we get the next installment. Life isn't fair I guess.

Overall Grade: B+(less)

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Sep 06, 2011 Mirjam rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-romance

Another great one by Christine Feehan! It will not join my list of favourites, but it's certainly a delightful addition to the Dark series. The last De La Cruz brother finally found his lifemate and what an unexpected pairing! Zacarias has made an occasional appearance in previous books, but remained an enigma. Finally getting to know him was definitely a pleasure. Marguarita is the right lifemate for him, I think. She is independent, stubborn, honourable yet also very complying at times. Her fa...more

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Sep 08, 2011 Belinda Boring rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Heaven help me but I need assistance with this review because 30 minutes after finishing this book, I'm STILL in full HARD swoon mode. I feel like I've run an emotional marathon, my eyes are still teary and my heart feels like it's ready to explode. Holy heck! I was worried going into this story. Zacarias has always given off the dangerous vibe and I was terrified that this would be an epic fail. He is so intense and what I got was epic swoon instead! He has to be one of the most TORTURED charac...more
Heaven help me but I need assistance with this review because 30 minutes after finishing this book, I'm STILL in full HARD swoon mode. I feel like I've run an emotional marathon, my eyes are still teary and my heart feels like it's ready to explode. Holy heck! I was worried going into this story. Zacarias has always given off the dangerous vibe and I was terrified that this would be an epic fail. He is so intense and what I got was epic swoon instead! He has to be one of the most TORTURED characters I've read in a very long time, my heart instantly connecting him and I seriously didn't think I'd survive the book. Even now, I feel the need to cry because I feel like my heart was ripped out of my chest for the last 5 hours and held hostage. Amazing story and definitely my FAVORITE in the entire series.

How do you even describe Dark Predator? Zacarias has come to the end. He knows it, embraces it and letting go of the burden of responsibility he's carried for centuries, he seeks an honorable death and no one will keep him from it. Used to being obeyed in all things, he doesn't foresee one problem in his plans - Marguarita, a woman whose life he once saved and who now lives on one of his ranches. Raised from birth with the strictest of commands to ALWAYS obey the De La Cruz brothers, she defies all sense of survival and logic, and saves Zacarias from death. This opens her up to his wrath and a lesson she will never forget. Unknown to him though, the greater lesson is for him as he discovers he isn't as lost as he thought was and no darkness is safe for the light and love of a lifemate.

While I will admit that the wordiness of the story was a lot in places, it still didn't detract from the powerful punch the relationship between Zacarias and Marguarita had. The things they said to each other, the way she balanced and accepted him, the way he felt he was completely unworthy of her, made my heart beat and twist over and over. The way he burned for her, needed her was intense and I think a lesser woman would've been terrifying. All I can say is god bless Marguarita for having the courage to look deep into Zacarias and not be put off by the darkness inside him. For being able to love him despite himself and being brave enough to stand up to him. I loved his term of endearment for her, it made me laugh and it was very telling that she didn't take offense by it. She had a great sense of humor, gentleness and fire about her and I really appreciated her.

Zacarias, how could I possibly explain how wonderful I thought he was. There's definitely something to be said for letting the reader deep into the mind of the hero, especially one full of flaws. He is SOOOOO tortured, and it made me giddy as I devoured everything about him. To be so alone, to feel so completely void of everything that you just want it to end, it broke my heart. It hurt that it seemed at every turn he was trying to show Marguarita just how unworthy he was of her, and how he believed if she truly saw him, she'd flee. The idea of her leaving terrified him, which was amazing to read because in the beginning he was so dang convinced she'd placed a spell on him. He had no idea why he was feeling what he was, the compulsion he had to be near her and the incessant craving he had. Watching him soften toward her, banter and laugh made me sob because these were things he never thought possible and it was his reactions that made this an epic read for me. To watch him stumble, make mistakes made him incredible and I loved when he told her "Tell me when I hurt you or do something wrong. I'll only ever make that mistake once" (I kinda paraphrased LOL) Here was a man not used to emotions but once she returned it to him, he just couldn't get enough and there were times he thought he'd go crazy from it. I can't gush enough about him ... he's completely stolen my heart. HARD swoon!!! No, make that UBER hard swoon!!!

This is definitely my favorite of the entire series. Where ZacariasZacarias was the epitome of all things delicious and THANK YOU for doing him justice Christine!! I definitely recommend this book to everyone. I know after 22 books, some may feel the series gets repetitive, but don't let that stop you from enjoying an amazing book! Come on, it's Zacarias .... happy reading!(less)

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Sep 07, 2011 Mollie *scoutrmom* rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: fans of paranormal romance

Shelves: read-in-2011, read-in-2012

I was so excited to encounter this today, I thought it was not coming out until next week.

I really liked this book. It was more of a stand-alone than the last few in the series. The hero's brothers made brief appearances, no other characters from the series were involved.

Feehan always surprises me with her ability to change it up just a little with each new release in this series, and this story is no exception. Zacarias is about to meet the dawn and end his own life rather than allow his honor...more I was so excited to encounter this today, I thought it was not coming out until next week.

I really liked this book. It was more of a stand-alone than the last few in the series. The hero's brothers made brief appearances, no other characters from the series were involved.

Feehan always surprises me with her ability to change it up just a little with each new release in this series, and this story is no exception. Zacarias is about to meet the dawn and end his own life rather than allow his honor to be compromised by descent into vampirism. He has satisfied himself that his duties have been met. His brothers and his people are safe.

Marguarita has suffered enough in her life. She has no idea what compulsion makes her rescue this creature despite his orders requiring her to leave him alone. Thus begins a fascinating story of two individuals who overcome differences in outlook, perceptions, experiences, and species to find their way to each other.

Fans of the series may miss the involvement of some formerly recurring themes and characters. We have no healing chants, no gathering of the gang to participate in aspects of the story. I felt they were not needed.

I believe the theme of this story is 'no man is an island.' In spite of Zacarias' every wish, he is drawn to find the softer side of life through Marguarita. Her unwavering belief in his goodness, her ability to see him as he is unable to see himself, wreaks lasting change upon him.

Yes, his instinctual need to dominate and protect will cause him to mess up more than once. Her ability to trust in spite of fear makes her an intriguing person. The background of war with vampires and evil human elements just highlights these aspects of their growing relationship.

Unlike some of the earlier books, it seemed to me that the love scenes in this tale were unnecessary interruptions to the flow of the story. The characters did not find their minds or hearts changed due to feelings they experienced during sex, therefore I thought the scenes were gratuitous. They were still very well written, though.

I thought the battle scenes were much better than any I have read before, whether by this author or not. We get more of the sense of heightened tension, some of the strategic planning, and a lot of graphic description that is not gratuitously violent. This guy is the best anti-vampiric warrior yet.

Well worth buying in hardcover, presently 20% off at Barnes & Noble (plus an extra 10% off for me because I bought the membership).(less)

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Sep 07, 2011 N.L. Riviezzo rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: vampires-succubi-incubi-zombies, books-i-own, read-in-2011

While I'm not completely sold on Margarita as Zacarias' life mate, I do understand the connection between them. Her gift and his more animalistic nature. I was a bit disappointed in Zacarias. His scenes were often very repetitive - as far as his thoughts and reflection about emotions were concerned - and this repetition made him come across as broody and emo rather than strong and tormented.

Sadly, no hints really for who the next book is about although a scene with Dominic did imply that it will...more

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Dark Predator (Dark Carpathian #22)

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