A Darker Shade of Dead (Guardians of the Dark, #3)

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A Darker Shade of Dead (Guardians of the Dark #3)

by Bianca D'Arc (Goodreads Author)

3.66 of 5 stars 3.66 · rating details · 100 ratings · 25 reviews

Intrigue, terrifying betrayals, and a dangerously commanding hero make Bianca D'Arc's newest paranormal romance an irresistible temptation...

Tapped for a classified military program, Dr. Eileen McCormick has nothing left to lose. Bad enough her genetic experiments were used to turn innocent victims into zombies; worse still, a ruthless ex-colleague is threatening to expose...more

Paperback, 277 pages

Published October 26th 2010 by Brava (first published September 25th 2010)

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Dec 26, 2011 Lola4 rated it 3 of 5 stars

I don't know why I didn't enjoy this book more than I did. I really was in the mood for a good zombie story and may have been wishing for more Zombie and less romance. I read a previous Zombie novella about two of the characters and liked it much better, so maybe the story fit better into novella length and couldn't sustain my interest in a full-length novel. The book bogged down in places in the first half before the action really got started. The real kicker was the stupid heroine--nothing rui...more

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Jan 08, 2012 Kezermezer rated it 3 of 5 stars

Dr. Sandra McCormick has just signed onto the military's top secret team fighting an outbreak of zombies. She has plenty of experience with the pathogen that creates the creatures - she was part of the original science team that accidentally developed it. But Sandra also has a secret involving her role in the initial outbreak. Between trying to keep her secret and desperately trying to come up with new ways to combat the deadly virus, she doesn't have time for the intense attraction she feels fo...more Dr. Sandra McCormick has just signed onto the military's top secret team fighting an outbreak of zombies. She has plenty of experience with the pathogen that creates the creatures - she was part of the original science team that accidentally developed it. But Sandra also has a secret involving her role in the initial outbreak. Between trying to keep her secret and desperately trying to come up with new ways to combat the deadly virus, she doesn't have time for the intense attraction she feels for the leader of her new team, the sexy Matt Sykes. Too bad her heart won't listen to her head...

This book reminded me of that old classic at amusement parks, the water log ride. It's pretty basic, you get slammed around a lot, but it's undeniably fun.

It's the writing itself that does the slamming. Unfortunately, A Darker Shade of Dead is the anti-manuel for show-don't-tell. D'Arc tell us pretty much e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. that happens. And you can be reasonably sure that for everything that happens, she will not only beat you about the head with it, but she will do so repeatedly. Some examples (of the beating, not the repetition):

- "Rodriguez. He may have a Ph.D. in molecular biology, but the man had always struck her as a pig. He thought he was some kind of smooth Latin lover. In reality, he was gross. A disgusting specimen of a man who thought he was super macho but was really a fool."

- "She had a few snacks left over from her drive that made a makeshift dinner. She consumed the half sandwich, bag of chips, and can of pop, then headed straight to bed. It was early, but she was completely worn out from the excitement of the day. (page break) Sandra felt a hundred percent better the next morning."

Plunk, plunk, plunk, all laid out neatly and lifelessly in front of the reader. It's like this from the beginning to the end.

Fortunately, D'Arc weaves an exciting tale nonetheless, with characters you enjoy, more or less. I mean, zombies! Yay! Mystery! Action! Life or death situations! But I wonder what a different story this could have been if the prose was more polished, with special attention to the show-don't-tell aspect. I would definitely like to read that book.

I also like a lot of good, steamy sex in my romance novels, and while there is a good amount here and it's kind of hot, it's also waaaay overblown and cliched. See: "He wasn't sure who moved first, but a moment later, their lips met in a kiss fiercer than they'd shared previously. Lips and tongues met and held, dueling and daring, inflaming and heightening the pleasure that burst between them."

And then later: "He gave her what they both wanted, riding her hard and fast toward the inevitable explosion. When it came, he fell off the edge of the earth with her. Together they flew outward, toward the stars, her body clamping around his as she thrashed beneath him in ecstasy. He grunted as she screamed his name, a gift he hadn't expected and didn't know he'd wanted until he heard it. It sent him even higher. Inevitably, when they fell back to earth, they did it together."

Ouch.

I also have to bring up the fact that a couple of times in the very beginning D'Arc included snippets from the POV of supporting characters that seemed really out of place and detracted from the reader getting to know the main characters. Then, nothing, just Sandra and Matt. I'm not sure why the author felt the need to add those bits.

All in all, this book definitely had its issues but was still good fun. It's the third in this series, and I've only read this one and a short story that takes place in the middle of this timeline, but I'll be seeking out the rest. (less)

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Feb 10, 2011 E. rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal

Zombies have been unleashed on the world, partly due to the actions or rather inactions of Dr. Sandra McCormick. The unit that is formed to combat the attacks is headed by Matt Sykes, a charismatic leader who struggles against his attraction to the scientist because he suspects that she has secrets to hide. An evil researcher strives to improve the horrors being unleashed upon the world while Sandra and her colleagues struggle to formulate an antidote to the zombie infection. The zombies seem to...more

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Mar 31, 2013 Theresa Scarangella rated it 5 of 5 stars

A Darker Shade of Dead by Bianca D’Arc
This is a story of Dr. Sandra McCormick and because of an event eight months ago, she now is working for the military to make a serum and to help stop some scientists who want to make zombies. While working she meets Matt Sykes who is her boss and she can’t stop thinking of him. She will be working with a bunch of people whose goal is to stop the zombies.
I normally don’t like to read about zombies, but the story is more about the people than zombies and I fo...more

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Nov 16, 2010 Darcy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010

I like this series, but there was parts of the book that were confusing due to the time line. The previous story took place at the same time as the first half of this book. Once I realized just where we were in the overall time line things gelled better.

I liked that we were able to get more of the big picture of what is going on with the zombies and to see where all of our players come in within the overall operation.

In the past books Matt as come off as cold and almost robotic, so it was nice t...more

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Feb 15, 2011 Laura rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: goodreads-first-reads, adult-uf-pr, zombies

Rating: 2.5/5 stars

The most adequate way to describe how I felt about A Darker Shade of Dead is, “Meh...” It certainly wasn’t an awful book, but I found myself feeling rather apathetic about the plot and the characters. This book is actually the third installment in a paranormal romance series, which came as a surprise when I won it on Goodread’s Giveaways because nowhere in the description or on the cover/spine does it indicate that there are two books prior to this one. Perhaps if I had read b...more Rating: 2.5/5 stars

The most adequate way to describe how I felt about A Darker Shade of Dead is, “Meh...” It certainly wasn’t an awful book, but I found myself feeling rather apathetic about the plot and the characters. This book is actually the third installment in a paranormal romance series, which came as a surprise when I won it on Goodread’s Giveaways because nowhere in the description or on the cover/spine does it indicate that there are two books prior to this one. Perhaps if I had read books one and two before attempting this story, I would have enjoyed it more, but A Darker Shade of Dead gives me only a brief glimpse of the events that lead to the world’s current state before thrusting me into the middle of a zombie war.

The main character, Dr. Sandra McCormick is responsible for unleashing a bunch of zombies into the world when her experiment on improving healing and endurance goes horribly wrong. Overcome with guilt and a need to make things right, she joins a military program hoping that their many resources will provide her with the materials necessary to develop an antidote for the virus. Commander Matt Sykes, leader of this top secret project, proves to be quite the distraction for Sandra with is enticing physique and killer smile. It’s too bad that I didn’t swoon quite like the protagonist did every time Sykes entered the room. I’m sorry to say that the sexual tension between the two was practically nonexistent because the readers spent more time in the character’s heads than witnessing their heated encounters. Even when the two were intimate it just sort of fell flat.

One of the things I found most disappointing about this novel was the massive information dump in the first 100 pages. Between introducing all the characters from the earlier novels, highlighting previous events, describing the evolution of zombies and what measures the military took to keep the situation contained, I’m surprised that there was any page space left for romance. I just kept thinking, “When am I going to get to the good stuff?” A looming zombie apocalypse isn’t exactly a very romantic setting for two strangers hoping to find love, yet if Joss Whedon can somehow manage to make it work, I’d like to think that other writers can too. (less)

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May 11, 2011 Heather rated it 4 of 5 stars

In this installment of the series, Matt Sykes is the leader of a unique military team cobbled together to combat a number of scientists who accidentally created a zombie virus and are now using it as a weapon. Dr. Sandra McCormick is one of those original scientists who unknowingly created the original virus and is now trying to make amends. In the midst of fighting against this enemy in the shadows sparks fly between the two and they have to decide whether they should get involved and if they t...more

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Feb 11, 2011 Les rated it 4 of 5 stars

Won a free copy here a Goodreads and quite enjoyed it. Although I was a little confused at first (my fault for not reading the previous books) I managed to figure out the basics as I went along. The characters will easy to like except for Sandra. She took a little getting used to for me. I never did care for women with no real backbone, but I began to see more of her reasoning as the book went on. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes the sci-fi/fantasy genre no matter what their favor...more

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Aug 27, 2011 Lisa Jo rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, physical-collection, paranormal, suspense

With A Darker Shade of Dead, you are jumping into book three of the Guardians of the Dark Series. I will admit, I was a bit confused for the first few pages with not having read the previous installments. There is a larger cast of characters and if you are not familiar with them from the previous novels, you will have a little catching up to do. Mainly because all the characters have an intricate part in the groups objective...to rid the world of dangerous zombies and their creators.

Still once y...more With A Darker Shade of Dead, you are jumping into book three of the Guardians of the Dark Series. I will admit, I was a bit confused for the first few pages with not having read the previous installments. There is a larger cast of characters and if you are not familiar with them from the previous novels, you will have a little catching up to do. Mainly because all the characters have an intricate part in the groups objective...to rid the world of dangerous zombies and their creators.

Still once you jump into this novel and go through your introductions with the other characters, you will move on to this books focus which is Sandra and Matt. Sandra McCormick is a doctor working for a secret military program which develops genetic experiments to use in the war against the new and destructive race of zombie killers. She has a past and secrets that could ultimately destroy her chances of remaining on this team if they were discovered. Her involvement in the program is her form of atonement for the devastation she feels she caused when this war began.

Matt Sykes is the commanding officer of the team. He is a strong and intelligent leader who trusts no one. Especially not the attractive new doctor whom he can’t stop thinking about. He has been fighting this war for quiet some time and is determined to end it. Matt knows the greatest weapon would be the genetic concoctions Dr. McCormick is developing. When he realizes the enemy is trying to kidnap Sandra, he decides he need to keep her close in order to protect her. Matt and Sandra want each other desperately, but her secrets made be his undoing...

The attraction isn’t instantaneous between these two characters, but when they do connect, the sparks fly. Their romance is sexy, steamy and most times chaotic since they have to develop their relationship amongst all the action and suspense in the story. Ultimately, the background story interrupts the romance quit often and was sometimes a hindrance to fully enjoying their relationship. Sandra and Matt are growing closer during brief moments alone because there is always some much else going on. Yet you will still be drawn into this suspenseful and sexy world D’Arc creates.

A Darker Shade of Dead was an exciting and enjoyable read. D’Arc writes an action filled and romantic story that promises danger at every corner. A large cast of resilient characters, a chilling foe and a passionate romance are just a few of the elements that make this a great paranormal read. It’s really a great mixture of all the best genres. You have the zombies to make the paranormal element, the military action to make for the suspense and the relationships on this team which amp up the romance factor. A little something for every reader can be found in A Darker Shade of Dead.

Series Order:
1) Half Past Dead
2) Once Bitten, Twice Dead
3) A Darker Shade of Dead

Overall Rating: 3/5
Heat Level: 4/5

Lisa @ Once Upon A Chapter(less)

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Dec 02, 2011 Michelle (In Libris Veritas) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads, romance, science-fiction, zombies

I was a little skeptical about the combination of zombies and romance, it seemed a little odd to me. To me zombies are terrifying, great to read and watch but scary as hell, so to add a main romantic storyline just reads odd to me. To be honest I’m still not sure I like it, it’s just too unrealistic for my tastes. The characters are fairly stereotypical despite their new and fancy roles as a military commander and a scientist. The woman is still the independent, strong, yet silent type who is un...more I was a little skeptical about the combination of zombies and romance, it seemed a little odd to me. To me zombies are terrifying, great to read and watch but scary as hell, so to add a main romantic storyline just reads odd to me. To be honest I’m still not sure I like it, it’s just too unrealistic for my tastes. The characters are fairly stereotypical despite their new and fancy roles as a military commander and a scientist. The woman is still the independent, strong, yet silent type who is unaware of her appeal and the man is the uber confident and physically wonderful sex god. Nothing new there, good characters for a story without a storyline but kind of flat for one that does. Now the zombie storyline, there is an actual storyline…or there was until the sex got in the way. It's pretty interesting, and I will admit to having missed out on the books before this one since it wasn't listed as a series at the time. So I'm sure there are things I still don't know that would probably make this more enjoyable for me. The way the zombie outbreak started is fairly standard but I liked Sandra's part in it. But then Matt and Sandra get together and suddenly zombies are no longer important, it becomes relationship first and zombies second.I got tired of them having sex every 5 pages. Now don't get me wrong, I enjoy that type of story too but that wasn't what I was looking for in a book that takes on a heavy topic like zombies. I'm a firm believer that if you are going to create a storyline (outside the erotic genre) then you should stick with it, not half way neglect it for a romance. Their relationship is an enjoyable one, it's just not at all what I was expecting out of this.

As I said before this is number three in a series, it doesn’t tell you that anywhere on this book so I was a little lost at first but I caught up pretty quickly. The author did a nice job of recapping in a believable way. I personally don’t think I’ll be reading the other books in this series unless I happen across them and they are cheap (or free). It gets a three because it wasn’t terrible and it wasn’t wonderful, it’s fairly standard. (less)

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Nov 15, 2010 Bubbles Hunty is currently reading it

Shelves: gr-1st-read

I didn't read book 1 or the mini prequel book .5 but I looked at the book pages to find out character names. Because page 20 or so it hanged pov to Sarah. Found out she mc in book 1. Anyway this is a huge pace killer and a big WTF and couldn't she have made this "emotional" phone call to her dad in her own book? She's really boring me and completely pued me out of this story and to only be on page 20 and ready to set it Down is t promising.

Also it's kind of repetitive so far. And lots of typos...more I didn't read book 1 or the mini prequel book .5 but I looked at the book pages to find out character names. Because page 20 or so it hanged pov to Sarah. Found out she mc in book 1. Anyway this is a huge pace killer and a big WTF and couldn't she have made this "emotional" phone call to her dad in her own book? She's really boring me and completely pued me out of this story and to only be on page 20 and ready to set it Down is t promising.

Also it's kind of repetitive so far. And lots of typos for only being at the very beginning still.

Doctor Sellars was alive and trying to recruit the female mC in chapter 1 but chapter two which starts immediately after chap 1 ended Sellars is now dead? And been dead for awhile? Um okay yeah that makes sense

In chapter one when she meets Matt or mike or whatever his name is there was some polite words exchanged and he gave her a little tour and dropped her off at work after. He's her boss. There was no awkward moments or attraction. In fact she seemed attracted to some blonde pretty boy Matt/mike introduced her to. Now chapter two the next day she's head of heels for Matt/mike and no ones ever made her feel like does. And of course they're with a group of people so she can be all embarrassed by her attraction and the way forgettable name makes her melt. WTF? When did this happen? Seriously?! This doesn't tie in with the first meeting in chapter one at all!

Omg now end of chapter two switches to female from first books brother. It's like the author is doing everything she can to justify the obvious instant love from book one. And all previous couples are engaged so bet this couple gets engaged too by end of the book. it's pretty boring and slow so far. On page 41 and it's like nothing's happen. Sandra the main female in this ones already annoying with her instant lust. Just seeing the strong male there is no chemistry left and she knows no other man will ever do. Too bad she's so old and blah blah. Yeah she's internally whining about how not worthy or attractive she is and blah blah. Going to page 50 and if something mildly interesting doesn't happen this will be a dnf(less)

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Aug 20, 2011 Brenda rated it 4 of 5 stars

Alas, once again I read a book out of order. I hate when I do that. However, I loved the story, and need to get the first two books in the series. I thought it was a cool take on zombies-very different from other books I've read. I love the upsurge in zombie stories, but sometimes it seems like same old, same old when it comes to plots. Not so with A Darker Shade of Dead. I loved the characters and the plot was original and made me want to read nonstop.

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Aug 27, 2011 Valerie Abbott rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Zombies, genetic experiments, and special military force tied up with romance. I wasn't sure how it was all going to flow together but it was really good. Story was fast paced and fun. Characters were interesting. Definitely Recommended! Will check out more of D'Arc's books soon.

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Sep 08, 2011 Wendy coling ( trowbridge) rated it 5 of 5 stars

wow i loved this book and the charactures in this book. the story is well written and you get drawn into the book.

sandra and matt become a couple even when she keeps secrets

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Jan 03, 2011 Nocturne Romance Reads rated it 3 of 5 stars

SEE OUR REVIEW AT:
http://paranormal-romancejunkies.webs...

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Nov 19, 2011 Diane rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary, kindle-version, military-romance-suspense, paranormal, zombie

an interesting freebie about the creation of zombies and how the miliary fights them!

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Aug 06, 2012 Nicole rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Zombie fans

Shelves: adult, paranormal-romance, sexy, zombies

Sexy & Satisfying. ;-)

I didn't read the first 2 but had no trouble reading this as a stand alone.

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Nov 11, 2010 shinfu marked it as to-read

This looks like it will be a great book to read.

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Aug 02, 2011 Amy or "Ames" marked it as own-but-unread

Shelves: kindle, free-read, paranormal-romance, death-reapers-zombies

Kindle Freebie downloaded Aug 1, 2011.

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Sep 04, 2011 Sarah.W added it

Shelves: pararom

Zombie's zow!

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Nov 13, 2010 Rena marked it as to-read

Looks good.

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Aug 06, 2011 Mitzi marked it as to-read

Shelves: a-free-ebook-kindle, a-own-tbr-k2

Free Kindle book 8/1/11.

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Nov 23, 2011 Karen Desmond rated it 4 of 5 stars

I do like this series - the right combination of suspense and sizzle IMHO

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Mar 18, 2012 Deb Allen rated it 1 of 5 stars

An ok book. Didn't realize there was so much sex in the fine art of zombie hunting

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Oct 24, 2011 Tina rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle-read, free-read

Great story a little romance, a little military add some zombies and what else can you ask for. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.

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Jan 25, 2011 Renee (Reneem1) marked it as to-read

Received the copy I won from Oct/Nov giveaway!!

I WON THIS BOOK!!!! CAN'T WAIT TO GET IT & READ IT!!
Thank you Goodreads!!

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May 19, 2013 Pam marked it as to-read

May 13, 2013 Sharyn marked it as to-read

May 13, 2013 Stoli marked it as not-at-library

May 10, 2013 Sara rated it 5 of 5 stars

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About Bianca D'Arc

Bianca enjoys mixing her real-world knowledge of science with imaginary worlds in her writing. A former chemist, she tends to mix genres, concentrating most of her writing in the paranormal, sci fi, fantasy and futuristic realms, with some contemporary and urban fantasy thrown in for fun."

More about Bianca D'Arc...

Books by Bianca D'Arc

Lords of the Were (Tales of the Were, #1)

Sweeter Than Wine (Brotherhood of Blood, #4)

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A Darker Shade of Dead (Guardians of the Dark #3)

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