Dark Curse (Carpathians, #19)

by Christine Feehan

book data

568 ratings, 4.14 average rating, 56 reviews (more data...)

rating	frequency	%
5		45%
4		32%
3		17%
2		3%
1		1%

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published

September 2nd 2008 by Berkley Hardcover

binding

Hardcover

url

http://www.christinefeehan.com/dark_curs...

characters

Lara Calladine, Nicolas De La Cruz

isbn

0425223434 (isbn13: 9780425223437)

description

A new Carpathian novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling "queen of paranormal romance." (USA Today)

Born into a world of ice, slave to ...more

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07/05/08

Julie (jjmachshev) rated it:

(review of isbn 0749908831)

bookshelves: 2008-reads

Read in September, 2008

recommends it for: Carpathian fans

Let me first say that Feehan's 'Dark' series is akin to literary crack for me. I just can't stop reading them! I agree that her books have become very predictable, yet I still love those Carpathian dudes. I want one for myself. Anyway, I picked up "Dark Curse" which is #16 I believe. If you've read one, you know the story. He's a tortured hero who's ready to give up his soul to the dark when suddenly...he hears the voice of his lifemate and is saved. He quickly falls under her s...more Let me first say that Feehan's 'Dark' series is akin to literary crack for me. I just can't stop reading them! I agree that her books have become very predictable, yet I still love those Carpathian dudes. I want one for myself. Anyway, I picked up "Dark Curse" which is #16 I believe. If you've read one, you know the story. He's a tortured hero who's ready to give up his soul to the dark when suddenly...he hears the voice of his lifemate and is saved. He quickly falls under her spell, and now he has to learn some gentleness and patience (which never comes easy for these Alphas) to lure his lifemate into loving him while saving her from the dark creatures who hunt for her. And YES, this book is the same story...but I still like it.

He is Nicolas. She is Lara. He is one of the famous De La Cruz brothers. She is the daughter of the ?evil? Razvan and granddaughter of the wicked Xavier. She still has flashbacks to her nightmare childhood where she was kept for food by Xavier and Razvan. She escaped with the help of her two great-aunts, full blood Dragonseekers, who were also held by the wicked pair. Now that she's an adult, she has come to find and bring the bodies of her great-aunts home.

What I liked: Feehan gives us a lot more information on Xavier's plot against the Carpathians. We find out why Carpathian women have such difficulty with pregnancy and why their children are so fragile. We find out more about Razvan including some facts that should provide at least one, if not two, novels in and of themselves! The sex is still mega hot.

What I didn't like: Several indexes about the Carpathian language. This isn't high fantasy...get over yourself. The cutesy, non-rhyming, chants (which are WAY too detailed). Lara being a bit too whiny. The diatribe about women fighters. A happyish ending, but Lara is still not Carpathian and can't be turned for a while which means Nicolas and she will continue to suffer. BOO.

Is the book worth reading? If you have been following this series, then absolutely. If you haven't...read Dark Prince (the very first one). If you like it, you'll pick up a couple more. Then you'll be hooked like the rest of us!(less)

Like this review? yes (9 people liked it)

11 comments

06/01/08

Heather rated it:

(review of isbn 0749908831)

bookshelves: kindle, paranormal-romance

Read in September, 2008

recommends it for: Carpathian Fans

First off, I LOVE The Carpathians! I know that these guys are almost always overbearing, controlling and bossy... but I still think they are sooooo sexy! Yum! This story about Nicholas and Lara is no exception.

Lara is part mage/dragonseeker/carpathian and as a child is kept captive by her evil grandfather Xavier and her "evil" father Razvan. These two baddies have made an appearance in quite a few (if not all, I dont remember) of the Dark books. They use Lara for her blood...more First off, I LOVE The Carpathians! I know that these guys are almost always overbearing, controlling and bossy... but I still think they are sooooo sexy! Yum! This story about Nicholas and Lara is no exception.

Lara is part mage/dragonseeker/carpathian and as a child is kept captive by her evil grandfather Xavier and her "evil" father Razvan. These two baddies have made an appearance in quite a few (if not all, I dont remember) of the Dark books. They use Lara for her blood as often as possible and they torture and abuse her as they see fit. Only her Aunts, the two Dragonseekers that are kept in the form of Dragons all the time, speak to her in her mind and keep her safe. They are the ones who sacrifice themselves in order for Lara to escape.

Fast forward 20 years and Lara is a Caver. She explores caves for scientific research and she remembers only some of her horrible childhood in the ice caves with Xavier. When she and two of her colleagues are exploring a very creepy cave in the Carpathian Mountains, a freaky creature attacks them and her friend gets injured. She uses a little magic to get away and they head into town to the Inn that Slavica owns. She is a friend to the Carpathians. Lara feels her dragon mark glow and she fears a vampire must be close by... however, up walks Nicholas. He is so shocked, he utters the bonding words and bites Lara! She knows who and what he is and now she knows they are bonded, but she freaks out when he bites her! She is terrified of other people taking her blood.

Nicholas and Lara have to learn to work with each other because neither of them is used to that. They have a ton of adversity to overcome, Lara wants to see if she can save her Aunts (the dragons), Nicholas wants to keep her safe, and Lara thinks she might be able to help with all the miscarriages the Carpathian woman keep having. They ultimately have to learn what all lifemates have to learn. To love and trust.

I just thought this book was hot hot hot!! Nicholas and Lara are so great together... the sex was amazing and I love the inner dialogue between the two of them. Plus, the plot was really good in this one. I was just as interested about what was going to happen to the aunts and the pregnant woman as I was about Nicholas and Lara's love story. There is just something about these Carpathian men. I wish I had one for myself. ;)

xo(less)

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16 comments

08/23/08

Inky rated it:

(review of isbn 0749908831)

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

I have an addiction to Christine Feehan's Dark Series. I admit it. Sometimes the writing is awkward. Sometimes the characters are inconsistent. But I read on, compelled by the emotion infused into the story. If you haven't read any of the Dark books, this is not the place to start. That being said, stop reading now if you don't like spoilers....

Dark Curse brings Nicolas De La Cruz together with his lifemate Lara Calladine, the descendant of an evil mage out to destroy the entire Carp...more

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04/02/08

Susan Evans rated it:

(review of isbn 0749908831)

bookshelves: do-you-believe-in-magic, fiction, own-in-book-format, paranormal, paranormal-romance, read-in-2009, romantic-fantasy, shapeshifters, to-re-read, vampire

Read in February, 2009

Nicolas De La Cruz has come back to the Carpathian mountains to deliver a serious message to Mikhail Dubrinsky, the prince of the Carpathian people. The De La Cruz brothers have discovered a terrible plot against their people and the prince, and must get word to him and the other Carpathian hunters to remain vigilant. Once he has delivered his message, Nicolas has every intention of meeting the dawn and ending his life. He has been living in an emotionless, colorless world for many centuries, an...more Nicolas De La Cruz has come back to the Carpathian mountains to deliver a serious message to Mikhail Dubrinsky, the prince of the Carpathian people. The De La Cruz brothers have discovered a terrible plot against their people and the prince, and must get word to him and the other Carpathian hunters to remain vigilant. Once he has delivered his message, Nicolas has every intention of meeting the dawn and ending his life. He has been living in an emotionless, colorless world for many centuries, and has become tired of battling the enemy. He has no idea that destiny will bring his salvation to him that very night.

Lara Calladine spent the first years of her life trapped in the ice caves, a victim of her demented grandfather Xavier, the dark mage. After escaping, she learned to hide her "special" abilities from the humans around her, and has returned to the Carpathian mountains seeking her answers from her past. Part human, part mage, and part Carpathian, she will need all of her power to cope with the aggressive Carpathian male claiming her as his lifemate.

Nicolas must move beyond his domineering instincts toward Lara and help her find her way back into the deadly ice caves, for within her memories lie the key to the problems the Carpathian race has been facing for years. Lara has the power to unlock the mysteries surrounding Carpathian pregnancies and the high infant mortality rate. She may be the only one powerful enough to save the Carpathian people.

Dark Possession seems to follow the new pattern that has emerged in the last three books. The series is evolving, adding new and exciting elements, while giving us thrilling stories of new lifemates. Lara and Nicolas were compelling characters, and their story was very well-written. Dark Possession added to some of the other stories, and some lurking questions from the last few books were resolved. The only problem I have with this book is that it had a weak ending. I realize the purpose was to really leave things open for future books, but it was still a little disappointing.

Overall, Dark Possession was a little different and refreshing. Now I just have to wait until September to see what happens next!
(less)

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02/12/09

Pat Cromwell rated it:

(review of isbn 0749908831)

Another hard cover that was worth the money. I felt so sorry for Lara. Her story is the 2nd of the series that made me friggin cry. If you read previous reviews, you know the first was Lucian and Jax's story. I felt so bad for this girl I could not think straight. I was so overcome when Lara and her aunt my girl Natalyia discovered the truth about Lara's father! I read the book and saw so many sequels. Daark Curse has breathe new life into this series. There are so many possibilities and...more

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04/03/09

Lisa rated it:

(review of isbn 0749908831)

bookshelves: romance, urban-fantasy

Read in April, 2009

This is a Vampire story - I seem to be reading a lot of these at the moment! - and I enjoyed it for the most part. Lara's background is quite horrific and Feehan plays out the repercussions of such horror throughout this novel instead of glossing over them.

The best thing about the novel is the relationship between the two characters, although I was a bit taken aback at some of the scenes.

The worst thing about the novel was the Women's Rights vs Men's Role as Protector asp...more

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01/15/09

Rebyj rated it:

(review of isbn 0749908831)

As a big fan of the Carpathian books it really pains me to say that I didn't find this book as enjoyable as some of the others. The addition of a lot of magic rituals got confusing, the ice cave descriptions had me going around in circles. The spiders seem like they're strong enough to take over the world.

Nicholas's personality wasn't strong enough and Lara although intriguing in her childhood traumas and current problems wasnt as strong as it could have been if the years in betwee...more

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06/05/09

Mary rated it:

(review of isbn 0749908831)

bookshelves: carpathian

Read in June, 2009

Lara and Nic De La Cruz's story. Lara's story reveal the details of the child escaped from the ice caves. She is mentioned within earlier Dark Carpathian stories. I was intrigued with the mystery of a girl child mage, human, Dragon-seeker. Her tale makes the read worthy.

The De La Cruz boys are more of everything - arrogant, irritating, and over bearing. No relief in that arena. However, Nic is given a clue as to the repercussions created by extreme dominance.... Let's hope he shares ...more

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02/01/09

Jodi rated it:

(review of isbn 0749908831)

bookshelves: audiobook

Read in February, 2009

I used to love this series until I grew disenchanted with the whole Alpha male must provide smothering to his mate to keep the species alive. Yeah, I know it's protection not smothering, but it amounts to the same thing. This is a complicated story that had some redeeming qualities and since I haven't read this series in a while, I didn't know the entire cast of characters. But this was an audio and I was annoyed because the readers didn't know the cast of characters either so their voices, with...more

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01/26/09

Donna rated it:

(review of isbn 0749908831)

Read in January, 2009

Lara Calladine gets away from the ice caves where her evil grandfather has kept her trapped. As an adult, she comes back to rescue her aunts who are also being held prisoner. When she gets in the area, she meets her lifemate Nicholas de la Cruz. Nicholas' authoritarian stances make her feel imprisoned again.
The Carpathians are still trying to figure why their women are miscarrying and the infants who are born die young. Lara recognizes the taint of her grandfather, the evil mage who hat...more

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12/14/08

Michelle rated it:

(review of isbn 0749908831)

bookshelves: vampire-romance

Read in December, 2008

This is the first of the Carpathian Novels that I've read--Lara and Nicholas De La Cruz's story. It involves vampires, vampire hunters (Carpathians), werewolves--all my usual choices for entertaining fiction! It's an interesting blend of material, though--this book in particular involved organisms that live in extreme environments, a recent topic of interest to scientists studying life (or looking for it) in such far flung places as volcanic vents on the ocean floor and the surface of Mars. I...more

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03/25/09

K rated it:

(review of isbn 0749908831)

bookshelves: 2009, june-challenge, paranormal

Read in June, 2009

I know when i reviewed Dark Secret i said i probably wouldn't like any of the South American Carpathian men because Rafael was just so obnoxious to me, but i think Nicolas more or less redeems all the brothers in this one. Eventually.

The prologue itself got me completely involved in the book and with Lara. I've been looking forward to reading more on Razvan, Xavier and the past between the mages and the Carpathians, and this book added a lot to that story.

Nicolas is here ...more

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09/04/08

Lisa rated it:

(review of isbn 0749908831)

bookshelves: fantasy, fiction, paranormal, paranormalromance

Read in September, 2008

Finally, finally, finally!! I'm overjoyed that we finally got a good taste of the new story arc. Don't get me wrong, I love the entire Dark Series, however you can only read so many of the same storyline with different names and faces before it's just "eh" and that's what was happening with the Carpathians. Although, I still read them - of course.

I am also relieved that Nicholas was not as much of an arrogant ass as his brothers (to date) have been. I mean, sure, he was at ...more Finally, finally, finally!! I'm overjoyed that we finally got a good taste of the new story arc. Don't get me wrong, I love the entire Dark Series, however you can only read so many of the same storyline with different names and faces before it's just "eh" and that's what was happening with the Carpathians. Although, I still read them - of course.

I am also relieved that Nicholas was not as much of an arrogant ass as his brothers (to date) have been. I mean, sure, he was at first - BUT after Lara decided she'd rather die than live under his thumb he changed his tune. I was right there with him on the heartbreaking journey through Lara's childhood, seeing the horrors she experienced and lived through every day. Never knowing love except the whisperings of her aunts, she didn't even know her father loved her. Heartbreaking scenes for the reader and Nicholas. He grew up with a loving family and I truly believe he would never have comprehended her struggles without living through them. Bravo C.Feehan for allowing him to take that journey. It was much needed as the De La Cruz brother are entirely too arrogant to deserve their lifemates. I don't care how much they tout that it's for the protection of the women - they needed a good take down and it was finally provided. Nicholas redeemed the De La Cruz brothers in my eyes - at least a little.

I also enjoyed reading the true evil that is Xavier and was so relieved that Razvan was, in fact, not evil but only doing his best to protect his daughter. How horrifying that his abuse and vendetta against the Carpathians has been going on for so long undetected. How is that even possible? Wouldn't Syndil have felt the disturbances within the soil? Wouldn't Shea have tested it for impurities since it's crucial for their survival. I thought this was a rather shocking display of ignorance that it had not even been considered before Lara came along.

It should be interesting to see what develops with Lara's two aunts. These are two powerful ancients, or at least they will be once they regain their strength, and as we all know there are plenty of Carpathian males desparate for their lifemates to be found. Hmmmmm - wonder who they will end up being the other half of...

I'm also encouraged for the series that she's finally allowing the discovery of the what and why of fewer births and especially fewer female children. This story turned a corner for me that really encourages me there's hope for the Dark Series to continue without getting old.(less)

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02/04/09

Diana rated it:

(review of isbn 0749908831)

bookshelves: fantasy, romance

Read in February, 2009

This book proves you can't write about the same theme 19 times in a row without sounding like it's the same book 19 times warmed over. I appreciated the attempt to weave in new elements to the story (the overarching enemy conspiracy arc), but I wish it didn't feel so heavy handed and cheesy. Feehan writes hot scenes well, but doesn't write mystery or fantasy well as stand-alone items. I think it's time to give up the Carpathian world until some fresh inspiration strikes.

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06/29/09

Teresa rated it:

Read in June, 2009

I finished this book - finally. This is the second latest book of hers that I have read that I just did not like and took forever for me to finish reading. She used to be one of my faves but something seems to be missing from her writing now and I can't figure it out. I'll probably keep reading her in hopes that she finds whatever it was that made her writing sizzle, but if this keeps up I'll have to take her off my list.

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09/24/08

Tasha rated it:

(review of isbn 0749908831)

bookshelves: audiobook-audible, feehan, paranormal

Read in September, 2008

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

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09/30/08

July rated it:

(review of isbn 0749908831)

Read in October, 2008

Nicolas De La Cruz is in the Carpathian Mountains to pay homage to the prince Mikhail Dubrinsky of the Carpathians and give a message from the De La Cruz brothers from the Amazon. After giving the message he feels like his duty will be done and since he is so weary of his long existence he plans to end his life away from his brothers.

Before he can deliver his message to Mikhail he meets his lifemate Lara Calladine. The need to end his existense is suddenly over. He wants Lara more t...more

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04/10/09

Abrown rated it:

(review of isbn 0749908831)

Read in April, 2009

The story of Nicholas (De La Cruz) & Lara. An enjoyable read. I agree she could have left out all the carpathanian chants, spells, etc. I found it very distracting. I also found the end to be a tad abrupt--left it for the next installment. But I am still a big of fan of Feehan and her Dark Series.

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12/29/08

tosca rated it:

(review of isbn 0749908831)

bookshelves: fiction-romance-paranormal

I read Feehan's Carpathian series out of habit - because I started and I feel like I should finish. But I much prefer the Drake Sisters series *winces* I'm at the point where I could exchange any Carpathian book hero/heroine for some other exotic sounding names and have another Dark something-or-other. Ack it pains me to admit that.

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12/31/08

Vannessagrace Vannessagrace rated it:

(review of isbn 0749908831)

Christine Feehan has a knack for storytelling. For anyone wanting to read true sensual romance the Carpathian series is for you. Feehan knows how to put the romance in sex instead of the other way around. Dark Curse is a page turner.

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