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Dark Stranger (Primes #8)

by Susan Sizemore (Goodreads Author)

4.0 of 5 stars 4.00 · rating details · 399 ratings · 33 reviews

New York Times bestselling author Susan Sizemore presents an exciting twist on her popular Primes series: the novel read by the one and only Vampire Book Club! Share the thrills as you discover a hidden world where passions and fear run high, and a vampire General and an Empire princess together find illicit, unquenchable desire....

A twist of fate made Zoe Pappas heir to...more

ebook, 384 pages

Published October 27th 2009 by Simon & Schuster (first published October 3rd 2009)

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Nov 11, 2009 Melindeeloo rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-romance-vampire, sci-fi-romance

Liked the Futuristic Primes in Space - but the epilog cut short the HEA

Zoe Pappas is a diplomat who is captured and sent to a surprisingly benign prison world. There she meets the rugged powerful former General and doctor Matthias "Doc" Raven who serves as the leader of the humanoid prisoners. In a place where exclusive relationships are discouraged, the pair are drawn together by an irresitble attraction, though both hide secrets which do not bode well for a happy after should they ever escape...more

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Aug 28, 2010 Monica rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed

Let me start by admitting I have not done my author research yet for this book. I finished the book in one 4 hour sitting and then once I started to put the review up learned that this book is part of a series...it is actually number eight in Susan Sizemore's 'Primes' series. Well, color me shocked, I had no idea this part of a series as I read it, I never felt like I was missing anything and there wasn't any reference (that I noticed) to previous books or anything like that, crazy. Now on to wh...more

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Dec 05, 2009 Katie(babs) rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Zoe Pappas, diplomat and heir to the Byzant throne has been taken as a prisoner by the Hajim, an enemy alien race and sent to their underground prisoner-of-war-camp run by another alien race called the Krils. There she keeps her identity a secret and is mistaken as a lieutenant pilot. She is surrounded my many other war prisoners who vary from humans to other interesting life forms. One such prisoner gives her pause. He is Dr. Matthias Raven, the highest-ranking Byzant officer at the camp and in...more Zoe Pappas, diplomat and heir to the Byzant throne has been taken as a prisoner by the Hajim, an enemy alien race and sent to their underground prisoner-of-war-camp run by another alien race called the Krils. There she keeps her identity a secret and is mistaken as a lieutenant pilot. She is surrounded my many other war prisoners who vary from humans to other interesting life forms. One such prisoner gives her pause. He is Dr. Matthias Raven, the highest-ranking Byzant officer at the camp and in charge of all the human POW’s. Matthias goes by the nickname of Doc and has been at the underground prison for sixteen months. Now that eighty new humans have arrived, he must acclimate them to their new home and warn them that there is no escape.

Doc finds Zoe to be very brave and outspoken. Because there are not many women at the prison, he feels he must watch over her and protect her from those males who have been without a woman for so long. Zoe is a quick learner and is able to navigate around and make some new friends. She finds herself bonding with Doc and ignores the jealous feelings she has, especially when some female prisoners have a habit of latching onto Doc. But Doc doesn’t want any of them, only Zoe.

When Zoe is attacked and almost killed, Doc is there to save her and she finds out his secret. Doc is not human, but an alien with the worst type of reputation. He is a vampire, a parasite that comes from a planet known for its dark pleasures where blood sucking during sex is accepted. Doc tells Zoe his true identity and is in for a shock when Zoe tells Doc that she is the heir to the Byzant throne and must find a way to escape before her mission is lost. If the Hajim figure out who Zoe is, her life will be forfeit. Only Doc can save her and possibly the whole empire.

DARK STRANGER is a great gross-genre book that takes the vampire myth and evolves it into a very believable science fiction tale. The sexual tension between Doc and Zoe is very intense and these two work very well together as a team. There are no stereotypical clichés in regards to any miscommunication between these two and they are very upfront and honest with one another. Readers who enjoy a more mature hero and heroine will certainly like Doc and Zoe.

I also loved the world building as well as many other characters Zoe and Doc interact with. Susan Sizemore has a great skill of building up a sympathetic response with her readers in regards to the situations that arise in Dark Stranger. Even though there is danger and death, there are some light moments, especially when the prisoners try to find ways to relax and forget their closed in quarters.

Susan can sure write some steamy love scenes and even though Zoe and Doc have an intense physical relationship with one another, I loved how their emotional bond grew. It was very believable and I kept turning the pages, hoping they would escape their prison and work towards a happy and long life with one another.

If you like a different type of science fiction story with a great futuristic feel and well written romance with lots of action, definitely give Dark Stranger and Susan Sizemore’s Prime series a read.
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Nov 19, 2009 Gaby rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

Dark Stranger: Book One of the Vampire Book Club is set in a future world populated by a variety of intelligent species that originate from and inhabit different planets at a time when interplanetary travel is a reality. Descendants of man from planet Terra co-exist with various "suprahumans" that include werewolves and vampires. There are many other species as well and the different life forms trade, forge alliances and compete with each other. On the one side is the Byzant Empire (the "Empire"...more Dark Stranger: Book One of the Vampire Book Club is set in a future world populated by a variety of intelligent species that originate from and inhabit different planets at a time when interplanetary travel is a reality. Descendants of man from planet Terra co-exist with various "suprahumans" that include werewolves and vampires. There are many other species as well and the different life forms trade, forge alliances and compete with each other. On the one side is the Byzant Empire (the "Empire") which has a royal family that originated from Terra. The most powerful enemy of the Byzant Empire are the Hajim.

In the course of a diplomatic mission on behalf of the Byzant Empire, Zoe Pappas and her bodyguard are caught in the middle of a surprise attack. Aside from being highly skilled and with expensive and rare technological implants, Zoe Pappas is somehow of great significance. While she is able to escape the attack, Zoe is among the prisoners brought to a Hajim underground outpost.

Zoe spars with the head of the human delegation, General Raven, but they quickly read each others' strengths and work together. General Raven's main goal is to protect the humans and help them survive captivity. Zoe wants to form alliances with the other captive species and nations and arrange an escape. While they work together to smooth volatile relations with the other captives and deal with Hajim, their mutual attraction spills over. Both Zoe and General Raven hold deep secrets. Will they trust each other and combat the increasing demands of the Hajim?

Review:
Dark Stranger: Book One of the Vampire Book Club is my first exposure to Susan Sizemore and her Prime novels. I thoroughly enjoyed it! The world that she created with the peaceful coexistence of the different intergalactic species reminded me of Star Trek in a good way. The Byzant Empire with its commitment to equality and fairness was not too different from the Federation. The main characters of Zoe Pappas and General Raven, the suprahumans (vampires and werewolves), and the romance took this book away from the Star Trek model.

In Zoe Pappas, Susan Sizemore created a strong, sympathetic and interesting action lead. I was engrossed in the book and very much look forward to the next in the series.

I highly recommend Dark Stranger to anyone looking for fun escapist fiction with fantasy, science fiction and romance.
Publisher: Pocket Star (October 27, 2009), 384 pages.
Review copy provided by the publisher.(less)

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Dec 03, 2009 Cindy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: keepers

Excellent read - Sizemore's Primes universe with a futuristic twist. This is a very successful science fiction romance. She fits it into the chronology of the Primes by having it be the first book the vampire ladies are reading for the newly formed Vampire Book Club.

The plot is set in a prisoner of war camp - and it is definitely NOT Hogan's Heroes. But it's also not Auschwitz. One of the reasons it is as good as it is is the hero Matthias Raven; the ranking human officer [a Brigadier General wi...more

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Nov 28, 2010 Brandy *Ahviel* rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010, library-shelf, need-to-buy, paranormal-romance, vampires

A twist of fate made Zoe Pappas heir to the Byzant throne. Bound by duty and devotion to keep the Empire safe, Zoe is captured while on a secret diplomatic mission and sent to an underground prisoner-of-war camp. In this strange, shadowy place, residents are governed by fellow inmate General Matthias "Doc" Raven, whose powerful magnetism rouses an urgent desire in Zoe. But the intensity of her attraction is matched by her surprise at discovering that Doc has a secret of his own: he is a vampire....more

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Dec 12, 2009 Mandi Schreiner rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

“Time flies when you are having orgasms.” HA! That quote kills me.

Dark Stranger is first book I have read by Susan Sizemore, but I had absolutely no trouble following it. I believe this to be a spin-off of her Prime series, and based on the epilogue, those that have read that series might get a little chuckle.

I think there is a wonderful twist halfway into this book, which I was not expecting and since it is mentioned in the blurb above, I am going to talk about it, but I do consider it a bit of...more “Time flies when you are having orgasms.” HA! That quote kills me.

Dark Stranger is first book I have read by Susan Sizemore, but I had absolutely no trouble following it. I believe this to be a spin-off of her Prime series, and based on the epilogue, those that have read that series might get a little chuckle.

I think there is a wonderful twist halfway into this book, which I was not expecting and since it is mentioned in the blurb above, I am going to talk about it, but I do consider it a bit of a spoiler. Susan Sizemore writes a wonderful sci-fi book, and Dr. Matthias Raven, is a vampire, which I think just throws in a really cool twist. Not only do Zoe and Matthias have to find a way to escape this awful prison, and survive the dark, oppressive conditions while they are held captive, but they must also deal with Matthias’ vampire self – the blood lust and the soul mating. It definitely adds a more complex element that made the story better. Matthias is not the only one with a secret. Zoe has to pretend to be someone else, in reality she is the Porphyrgia, the heir to the Byzant empire. The Hajim are looking for that heir, but they have no idea what he or she looks like. Zoe feels a huge responsibility to keep all people safe, and considers her safety last of all – which bugs the hell out of Matthias. He is drawn to her independent spirit and calm attitude.

Their relationship is very much a mature one, and I really enjoyed that aspect. Nothing is rushed – heck they don’t even kiss until page 165! (Not that I was waiting, or anything ;) But that is not to say romance is lacking in this book. It is very much there, and makes for a much more realistic relationship. Although the two of them have attraction for each other from the get go, they both realize they have other responsibilities they must face before they can give into temptation. Let me tell you though, once the dam is burst open, the sexin’ is very nice.

My biggest complaint is that at some points the story moved so slow I found myself trudging through some parts that probably could have been left out. However, it was an enjoyable read and one that I recommend.(less)

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Nov 16, 2009 Debbie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I have never read any of Susan's books before so I am not that familiar with her Prime series but I thought this book was just ok. The story just did not grab me and I think it was because Zoe's character seemed so wishy washy for someone who was supposed to be the heir to the throne. Yes, she was not initially first in line but for someone who was trained to be the ultimate diplomat and a strong leader I was surprised how quickly she became dependent on Doc. Even some of her actions like trying...more

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Nov 19, 2009 Bridget rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Zoe has found herself the heir to the throne. She is determined to protect her people and ends up in a POW camp. Her status in the world makes her a threat to the rest of the inmates.

She meets Doc who runs the camp from the inside. Doc is a vampire and he wants nothing more than to make Zoe his own. Does he care enough to break her out of this prison hell and in turn save her life or will his powerful feelings keep him from letting her go?

Hot, hot, hot! This is a spicy romance with unforgettable...more

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Apr 05, 2011 Kasey rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-romance, vampires, owned

I was so confused when I started this book. It does not fall in line with the other Prime books. Once I got past my shock of the obvious and unexpected difference in this book I was pleasantly surprised. This is the Prime world, but is set far into the future. So it comes off a little more sci-fi romance and urban fantasy romance mixed. It could have actually been a spin off from the series, but either way I liked the book and look forward to more like it. In this future world the story starts l...more

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May 17, 2012 Sirenprincess rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I couldn't get into this one. First of all, although it says Vampire Club Book #1 on the cover, it is actually like #8 in a larger Prime's series. I felt very lost trying to just pick it up and read it. That wasn't the only problem, though. The characters felt very flat. There was very little inner thoughts, and the book seemed to be written in the X happened, Y happened, Z happened format. Just didn't work for me, which is a pity because I greatly liked one of Sizemore's short stories.

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Apr 22, 2011 Cassandra Curtis rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: other-authors-books-i-ve-read

By far the best Susan Sizemore book I've read to date. Loved the fresh and unique setting, the backstory, and the characters. She really did create a compelling page-turner. If you like vampires that don't sparkle, enjoy sci-fi elements in your romance, but also like a touch of gritty realism, then you Must. Read. This. Book. I'd give it three thumbs up if I had an extra thumb. :D

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Dec 03, 2009 Stacie added it · review of another edition

Zoe is captured and kept as a prisoner of war. The doctor in the camp is a vampire but wants that knowledge hidden. It took a while for the relationship between Zoe and Doc to get going. Zoe hardly seemed like a prisoner of war in this story. The dilemma of the story is that Doc wants to help Zoe escape but he knows that if he does he can not go with her.

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Jan 30, 2013 Maria rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Definitely an awesome book. It was a bit confusing at first because I've just started reading the Primes series and was disoriented about the setting, but it was a pretty good book that can stand on its own. The epilogue was hilarious because I was expecting more on Doc and Zoe and I ended up getting all the characters I'm used to instead.

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Nov 30, 2010 Joeanne rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, paranormal

It was an amazing book if you like syfy. i just hate that it wasn'tapart of any series it sucks because the book seemed like it did havea purpose. But the whole but was a goodread.

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Jun 09, 2010 T.J. Michaels rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: futuristic, hot, interracial, vampire

I love vampires, which is why I write them. This book put a very different spin on vamps. Brilliant. Very well done. Oh, and it was kinda hot, too ;D Not explicit, but it didn't need to be.

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Jun 09, 2012 Michele bookloverforever rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-rom

vampire princess taken as prisoner of war under assumed identity is protected by a prime. takes the "prime" series into the far, far future and among the stars.

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Jun 13, 2010 Debbie rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I've always loved the books in this series, but, I was pretty disappointed in this one. The author went into a totally different and unexpected direction with this one.

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Sep 14, 2010 Rochelle added it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010-read, gave-up-on

aliens, royalty, and vampires.
I felt like I was watching the SyFy channel, something Battlestar Galactica or something, and so not my thing. I skimmed it.

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Jul 18, 2010 Martha rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance

I'm not normally a fan of vampire romances, but I enjoyed this more than I expected to. If you like vampire heroes in romance, you'll probably love this book.

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Feb 09, 2010 Karen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This one had everything! Futuristic space travel, science fiction, vampires and romance! Terrific book!

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May 12, 2012 Karry rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Fantastic book! I want to read more like this one!! I want to join the Vampire reading club!!!!

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Aug 03, 2011 Stacie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Vampires and aliens in this one.....plus a lot of sensual talk and scenes.....probably R rated if i had to rate it, so choose for yourself if you want to read it.

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May 09, 2011 Meg Myers rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I didnt think I would like this book....and I didnt! I absolutly positivly looooooved it!

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Jan 08, 2010 Lynn Calvin added it · review of another edition

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Nov 02, 2011 Karen Desmond rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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Jan 06, 2012 Heather rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The start of this book was a little slow for me. I was hesistant on continuing it becuase the future aspect of it all; but once i got past the first few chapters I really got into it. It is a good read, but I wasn't to sure i liked the whole alien future part of it. but Susan Sizemore still didn't let me down with her writting.

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Mar 24, 2012 Paula rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, lendable

I love this book, while I don't not worry if I haven't read all of susan sizemore's books. This one is a definite keeper. The characters are so well drawn, you feel for them right from the start.
Not really deep but a very interesting story line and the characters shine.

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Nov 02, 2011 Rebecca rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Not bad but not the best for me little out of where the others where with aliens and ships still it was hot just not my favorite still loved it the passion between them

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Mar 10, 2013 Cindy Gatlin rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Started this book on March 3rd. I enjoyed the first book in the Vampire Book Club.

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About Susan Sizemore

Susan Sizemore's life and interests include such varied activities as medieval costuming and embroidery, being a chef, and working in the defense industry.She is owned by her spoiled rotten, beloved mutt dog, rather than the other way around, and this is just fine with her.Current hobbies include hiking and studying t'ai chi. She travels whenever she can, loves history, loud music, movies, good co...more

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Dark Stranger (Primes #8)

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