Dark Peril (Carpathians, #21)

Dec 24, 2012 Book Chick City rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance-paranormal

Reviewed by Laura for Book Chick City. Rating 5/10 on the blog.

I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with Christine Feehan books. I have been a fan of her for a long time, and to put things into perspective I have read every one of her books. But of late, particularly with her Carpathian books, I feel like they have been losing their way. Then last year I read 'Dark Slayer' and was pleasantly surprised at the improvement in writing and characterisation. Sadly, 'Dark Peril' seems like a step b...more Reviewed by Laura for Book Chick City. Rating 5/10 on the blog.

I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with Christine Feehan books. I have been a fan of her for a long time, and to put things into perspective I have read every one of her books. But of late, particularly with her Carpathian books, I feel like they have been losing their way. Then last year I read 'Dark Slayer' and was pleasantly surprised at the improvement in writing and characterisation. Sadly, 'Dark Peril' seems like a step backwards.

The two main characters are Dominic and Solange. Dominic is the oldest of the Dragonseeker lineage, determined to get to the bottom of the vampire plot he has ingested vampire blood in order to infiltrate their ranks as a spy. He believes it to be a suicide mission, but an honourable way to die.

Solange is one of the last surviving women of the jaguar people, she is described a tough, physically scared from her battles and a warrior in her own right. And has dedicated her life to freeing women from her evil father Broderick, who believes jaguar women are only good for breeding and abuses and terrorises them. Solange is intent on stopping her father once and for all even if it means her own death.

The premise of the book is a good one, so I was very much looking forward to this story with two very strong characters. I've also been enjoying that the back story around the darker vampire plot that we have seen in recent books in the series too. But it all seemed to get a bit lost in this book.

I felt like Solange lost all of her toughness and personality as soon as she entered the relationship with Dominic. She went all meek and barely spoke to him at first. I wanted sass and fire between them.

Dominic sensitively decides not to push Solange into sex too soon into their relationship given her past. But, instead we get these strange scenes where he gets her to dress up in these sexy outfits, which seems like an uncharacteristic thing for a battle-scarred woman to do. Then there are scenes when he gets her to relax in and out of a bath while he washes her hair and gently touches her and it literally goes on and on for chapters. And I didn't find it sexy or climactic, unfortunately I just got bored.

This is really the crux of the problem of the book, it focuses far too much on the relationship between Solange and Dominic with endless chapters of nothing much really happening at all at the expense of the plot. There is very little action - only at the beginning and the end and no twists or suspense to keep the reader intrigued. In want of a better word, it was all a bit blah. Which is a shame as I know Christine Feehan can do much better.

Also, while this book is 400 pages long, 60 pages of this is appendices at the end with details of the Carpathian language and healing chants. I do appreciate that this is the 21st book in the series and that Christine Feehan has put a lot of time, research and passion which I commend her for. But this seemed very excessive for a paranormal romance and if I'm honest I looked at it in disbelief, but did not read it at all.

VERDICT:

As a fan of this series, I was really disappointed with this book. I felt like it lost its way and I would have liked to have seen a bit more story and action and yes, I know it's a romance, but a bit less of the love story which seemed to go on just too much.

Yet despite all of this, I'm already intrigued by Zacarias who was introduced in this story and know that I'll be reading his story and really cannot wait for Dimitri and Skylar's book, but I beg you Ms. Feehan re-read some of your earlier books and go back to your roots, remind me why I used to love this series so much.(less)

9 likes · like · see review

Nov 01, 2010 UniquelyMoi *Dhestiny* BlithelyBookish rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010-reads, author-christine-feehan, challenge-reads, pnr-vampires, possessed-heavily-influenced, series-carpathians-feehan, vampires, magicians-mages-witches, 4-5-stars, reviewed-by-me, pnr-shifters

4.5/5

Christine Feehan’s Carpathians and Leopard People series are 2 of my favorites, and this book combines the best of both. No matter how hard I’ve tried, I can’t find the words to express my love for Dominic, who I never imagined could touch me this deeply, and Solange, a Jaguar shifter, who I never thought I’d be able to like, let alone, adore.

I found this story to be very refreshing, in that Dominic was so patient, and not borderline insane with the need to turn Solange fully Carpathian… I...more

16 likes · like · see review

Sep 02, 2010 Mollie *scoutrmom* rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: fans of paranormal romance

Shelves: paranormal, romance, read-in-2010, read-in-2012, read-in-2013

I absolutely adored this book. If you have not been reading the series, that's all you need to know. I suggest you quit reading this review here and now, and go back to the beginning of the series. Go to the public library and get started! NOW!

I love the way Dominic has infinite patience with Solange's insecurities, the way he will wait and let her learn something rather than trying to instruct. He is the exact opposite of the Prince and Gregori. I don't know if it's his Dragonseeker blood, or t...more I absolutely adored this book. If you have not been reading the series, that's all you need to know. I suggest you quit reading this review here and now, and go back to the beginning of the series. Go to the public library and get started! NOW!

I love the way Dominic has infinite patience with Solange's insecurities, the way he will wait and let her learn something rather than trying to instruct. He is the exact opposite of the Prince and Gregori. I don't know if it's his Dragonseeker blood, or the fact that he had given up on finding a lifemate, but this patience makes him the perfect mate for Solange. He appreciates her strengths, and other than bringing her to an appreciation of her softer side, he makes no effort to change who she is. He can let her keep her warrior side, and protect without smothering. He can fight by her side. He can wait for her to learn to trust him.

A large part of the book deals with Solange's battered heart, her fear of loving because she has lost nearly everyone she ever loved, and her fear of males because of the abuse she has battled. She learns that her scars do not make her ugly. She learns to appreciate her own sensuality. The high quality of the emotional growth she experiences put this book into the five out of five category.

For those who have been following the series, the Jaguar male plot thread appears to be completed with this story. The ongoing vampires' conspiracy plot thread is expanded but not settled, I can see that it will be part of the next book.

One feature that had been missing or downplayed in earlier books is addressed here: the use of modern technology by paranormal beings. The bad guys had been compiling a database that the good guys could find useful, and Dominic had to take instruction from young Josef on how to steal the data and destroy the evildoers' network. We also learn that the vampires are utilizing satellites to track the Prince.

I also liked the scenes that include Zacarias De La Cruz. I hope he gets his happily ever after soon. Mary Ann, Juliette, Jasmine and the younger De La Cruz brothers are mentioned in this book but do not appear.

Borders had this for 30% off, and as a Borders' Rewards member I was able to get another $5 off. Not bad for a hardcover!

Another one for the keeper shelf, definitely.

(view spoiler)

I'm going to be reading this again and again and again.(less)

5 likes · like · see review

Oct 11, 2010 Mojca rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: series-carpathians, christine-feehan, paranormal-romance-fantasy, part-of-a-series, shape-shifters, vampires, monthly-challenge-read-october, read-the-month-challenge-october, rrrc-1st-reading-tournament, favorites, own

They were both ready to die—one last mission (a suicide one) for him, while she knew sooner or later the Jaguar-men would catch up to her and she wouldn't let herself be captured alive.

They were both dreaming of their perfect mate, never knowing those weren't dreams...Until one day, in the middle of the jungle, when a desperate cry awoke his emotions and his world turned into color. But the parasites in his blood, the ones he ingested to infiltrate the enemy camp, doomed their relationship even...more They were both ready to die—one last mission (a suicide one) for him, while she knew sooner or later the Jaguar-men would catch up to her and she wouldn't let herself be captured alive.

They were both dreaming of their perfect mate, never knowing those weren't dreams...Until one day, in the middle of the jungle, when a desperate cry awoke his emotions and his world turned into color. But the parasites in his blood, the ones he ingested to infiltrate the enemy camp, doomed their relationship even before it started...

This was yet another winner from beneath Ms. Feehan's talented and proficient fingertips. This series is a perfect example of how a series could evolve in a good way (there are so many examples out there of a bad evolution in a series and while I stopped reading those, I'm sticking with this one for the time being). We went from dominant, arrogant alpha Carpathians dictating to somewhat TSTL, fragile, and whiny heroines when the series started to dominant, arrogant alpha Carpathians trying to dictate to self-reliant, self-confident, kick-ass heroines that are as much warriors as their male counterparts (and those male counterparts wouldn't want them any other way).
This is perfectly illustrated at the beginning of this book when Dominic thinks about his "dream woman", how he made her a warrior like himself, because that's the type of woman that suits him, the type of woman he needs at his side - the warrior to aid him in battle, the woman for...anything else. ;) He knows full well, a fragile woman would never do for him.

And that's the beauty of the last two books in this series. The heroine is as strong as the hero in battle. Bye-bye whiny, spoiled, selfish and childish heroines, welcome kick-ass, Amazon-like heroines.
And I'm liking this new angle so much I cannot describe. There isn't a thing I would change in either Dominic or Solange. They were absolutely perfect as individuals and equally perfect together. True partners in all aspects of their lives, and they knew it, accepted each other flaws and all.

The action scenes were great as per Ms. Feehan's usual, the man arc is nicely evolving, there's a new angle involving royal Jaguar blood, and a promise of Zacarias' story in the future. Dare I guess who his lifemate might be?

Another keeper in this amazing series.(less)

6 likes · like · see review

Feb 04, 2011 N.L. Riviezzo rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: vampires-succubi-incubi-zombies, books-i-own, read-in-2010, werecats-werewolves-shifters, read-in-2011

While some of the descriptive language was kind of silly (which is often typical of Feehan's writing), the story and the characters were fantastic. I really liked the pairing of Dominic and Solange. Their relationship was more believable than some of the pairings from earlier books in the series. I also liked the inclusion of Zacarias de la Cruz into the storyline and I hope that he'll be the subject of the next book in the series. I look forward to knowing even more about him.

First Read: Sept....more

3 likes · like · see review

Aug 31, 2010 Melindeeloo rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Having given up hope of ever finding his lifemate in this life time and determined to end his existence with honor, Ancient Carpathian warrior Dominic has begun a suicidal quest to gain the information necessary to save his Prince and his people. Dominic has ingested vampire blood, knowing that the parasites which now infect his body will provide the camouflage needed to allow him to walk among the enemy in order to get the intel necessary to foil the vampires' foul plots. But even as the parasi...more Having given up hope of ever finding his lifemate in this life time and determined to end his existence with honor, Ancient Carpathian warrior Dominic has begun a suicidal quest to gain the information necessary to save his Prince and his people. Dominic has ingested vampire blood, knowing that the parasites which now infect his body will provide the camouflage needed to allow him to walk among the enemy in order to get the intel necessary to foil the vampires' foul plots. But even as the parasites attempt to seduce Dominick into taking the final step and becoming vampire himself, Dominick has begun to dream, and in his dreams he 'feels' hints of the emotions that he has lost. Emotions stirred by the unique woman of his dreams, a woman who shows a warrior face to the world but who shares her softer side with him.

Jaguar shifter, Solonge survived the annihilation of her family and friends perpetrated by the ruthless males of her species. Solonge now fights a guerilla war against the Jaguar men - stealing back captives and working wipe their evil from the world. Unsurprisingly, her experiences with men in general are not good, and she is also distrustful of domineering Carpathian males - her cousin is mated to one of the Delacruz brothers. But in Solonge's dreams she has created the perfect man, sexy and strong to be a partner to her but one who will also allow her to be a woman in addition to a warrior.

Both of the pair are a bit surprised to find that the one who they've been dreaming of is real. That they are lifemates adds a level of complication because both have upcoming battles - Solonge against the evil leader of the Jaguar men who has dastardly plans for her, and Dominick against the vampires - battles which neither of them expected to survive. But now that they've found each other, dying for a noble cause no longer seems like a good plan, instead the pair will work and fight together in the hopes of having a long and loving future together.

I really really liked the first third of the book, I liked both Dominick and Solonge and I liked the fact that Dominick wants a partner to fight beside him and that he trusts Solonge's skills as a warrior. And I liked Solonge much more than I thought I would from her appearances in early stories - she ends being a good mix of strong and vulnerable. There are so many things about this paring which makes them actually feel like destined mates. And I liked the role that blood plays in the story - both have unusual things going on with their blood - and also the advantage of their special heritages - Jaguar and Dragonseeker - are key to the resolution of the story.

Whereas I loved the setup, once Dominick and Solonge find each other in the flesh they spend an awfully long time in Solonge's cave as Dominick slowly cultivates Solonge's trust and works to wins her love. And as much as I liked the idea that Dominick was willing to wait for Solonge's complete acceptance, I found myself impatient for Dominick's efforts to finally come to fruition.

But once Dominick and Solonge make it back out of the cave, the story ramps back up to speed and Dominick's strike at the vampires - with Solonge watching his back - and Solonge's final confrontation against the Jaquar leader - with Dominick returning the favor- finish the story on a high note. (less)

4 likes · like · see review

Oct 31, 2012 Kelly-Jane rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: it-hurts-like-i-can-t-even-tell-you, mmm-cheesy-cheese-cheese, to-be-punlished

You know what?

I don't even have the energy to write a snark review for this.

I'm too depressed.

DNF at 25%.

This is my second DNF in as many days.

I am Sadness.

Hold me.

3 likes · like · see review

Jan 20, 2011 Tasha rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal, audiobook-audible, public-library-booksfree, hardcover, own

Solange and Dominic’s relationship began before they actually met each other. They were dream lovers of sorts, that neither believed to be real people.

Solange is a jaguar shifter and Dominic is a Carpathian of the Dragonseeker lineage. She has major trust issues when it comes to men, due to all the violence she has seen inflicted upon women by her male jaguar counterparts.

When they finally do meet, of course he’s already in love with her. He has to prove to her that is love for her is true and...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 10, 2011 Jennifer rated it 4 of 5 stars

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

4 likes · like · see review

Oct 31, 2010 Carolyn F. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance

I had taken a Carpathian break for awhile because I stopped liking them as much and I was crazy about these books when I began reading them. When I picked up this one, I was a little worried. But this ended up being a great book. This was about Solange, the jaguar shifter, and Dominic, the Dragonseeker. As strong as Solange is when fighting, she's very insecure about her body and her scars when it comes to romance. This was such a nice change from the absolutely beautiful women I usually read ab...more

4 likes · like · see review

May 26, 2012 Bookswithbenefits rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Okay...look...I get it. Feehan, you want to save the rainforest. I am so down with this. But...could you...I don't know...maybe put an Ad at the back of the book? No, I get it. I really do. The power of the novel is that the narrative seeps into the conscious and subconscious mind to create cultural memory that is easy to swallow and recall...but...man am I tired of chapters (CHAPTERS) that are only shotgun splattered with the main couple and real plot. Dark Peril had so much potential, Feehan....more

like · see review

Aug 27, 2011 Lisa Jo rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal, physical-collection

Another spell binding story from Feehan! In this relationship-driven novel, you will find a romantic and thrilling tale. Carpathian fans are sure to be enthralled!

Dominic is a Carpathian warrior sacrificing himself for his people. A short time ago, he volunteered to infect himself with vampire parasites into to infiltrate the vampire forces as a spy. He found this as no hardship since he was on the verge of turning to the dark side anyway and figured his sacrifice would result in an honorable de...more Another spell binding story from Feehan! In this relationship-driven novel, you will find a romantic and thrilling tale. Carpathian fans are sure to be enthralled!

Dominic is a Carpathian warrior sacrificing himself for his people. A short time ago, he volunteered to infect himself with vampire parasites into to infiltrate the vampire forces as a spy. He found this as no hardship since he was on the verge of turning to the dark side anyway and figured his sacrifice would result in an honorable death for him people. The only thing keeping him on the edge of sanity is the image he has created of his lifemate. The one he converses with in a dreamlike state. Down to the last detail, he has created her as a figment of him imagination and it is the thought of her alone that saves him from completely losing himself to the dark whispers of the parasites inside.

Solange is a jaguar shapeshifter on a mission of revenge. She has lost many of her family and friends to her father’s psychotic dreams of pure blooded shape shifters. He has sought out the females in her life and either tortured them or killed them right before her eyes. Forced to endure a horrible childhood, she has lived a secret life as her father thinks she was killed during one of his attacks on her family. Really, Solange has waited patiently for her revenge. Now she is moving in closer...trying to discover more about her father’s evil plan in order to use that knowledge against him. She knows most likely she will not survive this showdown, but she will not go down without taking her father with her.

Two warriors...both set on sacrificing themselves for the greater good. Neither have many ties to this world and resign themselves to a noble death. Then they find each other and suddenly realize dying is the last thing they wish to do.

He laughed softly. “You shocked me as well. We have bad timing...maybe the worst timing of any couple in history.”

The last few Carpathian novels had lost some of their sparkle and it was beginning to look as if the series was hitting a plateau. They were good, but just not holding the same magic as the earlier novels. Dark Peril completely breaks that trend. This book reads as if Feehan as found her stride again, the characters were magnificent the action was vivid and writing was extraordinary. If you’re looking for a novel with emotional punch...Feehan will always deliver. Her Carpathian characters are never about just falling in love, but an out of this world romance. One that transcends so many different levels of being. Its about nothing their mate inside and out and connection with the other person on a much deeper and more complex level. You be hard pressed to find another novel with as much detail and description as this one. I didn’t just read about the characters joy and anguish, I felt it. It wasn’t just reading a book about vampires, but about amazing character dimensions and giving as much depth to their individuality as possible.

Solange would have to be one of my favorite females from this series. She is a jaguar shape shifter with many extraordinary powers, but has many insecurities as a woman. Raised to believe being a female makes her weak, a part of her has crawled into a corner and refuses to face the fears that have plagued her for so long. Finally meeting a man that desires her and one that she desires in return is not only shocking, but terrifying. I love reading the battle scenes with her as a fearless warrior but when she was left alone with Dominic, she was an absolute coward. She was such a contradiction and very intriguing to read about. Her night and day personalities made for a wonderful character.

Finally, I can’t forget to mention how steamy this novel is! Dark Peril pulls you into the sensual attraction between two people and burns up the pages. The intimate scenes between Solange and Dominic are intense and will take your breath away. Feehan has crafted two tortured and lost souls who find each other in a world of anguish and pain to reveal a gentle and compelling romance. Her story is detailed, fascinating and thrilling. You will find a fabulous story in Dark Peril.

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

Lisa @ Once Upon A Chapter(less)

like · see review

Jul 27, 2011 Tonya Warner added it

Dominic knows he is at the end of his time on earth. As a Dragonseeker, he has spent a thousand years searching for his lifemate and protecting his fellow Carpathians. Infecting himself with deadly vampire parasites so he could infiltrate and destroy the enemy camp, he dreams of a jaguar-woman. Telling her all his secrets and sharing his joys and fears, he comes to seek out the feeling she instills in him.

Solange Sangria is warrior, first and foremost. She is the last of her royal line, a jaguar...more

like · see review

Apr 17, 2011 Jacqueline rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: from-work-borders, in-the-jungle-wilderness-desert-tun, paranormal-romance

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I'm pretty sure I had a review for this here on GRs. It seems to have disappeared. So here it is again.

This was okay. It wasn't as good as the earlier books in the series. I think maybe she is running out of ideas and maybe (gasp!) CF needs to wrap this series up. This book just seemed really slow and not a lot actually happened. The characters were okay but I didn't fall in love with them. The hero was a little too alpha for my tastes. And I like alpha heros. There were a couple of places where...more I'm pretty sure I had a review for this here on GRs. It seems to have disappeared. So here it is again.

This was okay. It wasn't as good as the earlier books in the series. I think maybe she is running out of ideas and maybe (gasp!) CF needs to wrap this series up. This book just seemed really slow and not a lot actually happened. The characters were okay but I didn't fall in love with them. The hero was a little too alpha for my tastes. And I like alpha heros. There were a couple of places where he was pretty bossy and not in a good way. For instance he asked her a question and when she didn't answer right away told her that when he asked a question he expected an answer and that just hit my feminist bone. Don't tell me that just because some man asked I have to answer. But he was serious and she rolled over. Ick.

Only one other Carpathian made an appearance in this story and it was one of the De la Cruz brothers. I kept waiting for Mikail to show up or Gregory etc., but no. I guess I am used to the new lifemate being introduced to the Prince in these books and for the Carpathians to have to come together somehow to solve the big problem or fight the big battle and I like that. But here Dominic and Solange do the whole thing by themselves. How you ask? Why with the aid of deus ex machina of course. Apparently Dominic can create multiple copies of himself. No other Carpathians are needed! Plus he can breathe fire! Here is yet another series falling prey to exponentially expanding powers. Got a problem that there is no way your hero can solve? Give him a new and super power! Never before seen or even hinted at in previous books!

I'm sorry. I think that once you have created your paranormal world you should stick with the rules you have developed. Show me your writing chops by getting your characters out of a sticky situation using the magic you have already set in place. No fair just making them spontaneously have just the power they need to get out of jail free.

Other differences, good or bad, you decide. No chanting to save a life. I'm thinking mostly good on that one. No endlessly repeating love scenes. There were two I think but they were not the derivative love scenes that have been recycled throughout this series. He didn't bend her over a rock or log or what have you for some doggy style for example. So good on that one for me since I've read her love scenes so many times I can repeat them. He didn't quote the lifemate pledge verbatim. Bad for me. Where's my comfort food?(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Feb 02, 2011 Michelle O'flynn rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I enjoy the stories of Christine Feehan, but having read the first two of this series and then jumping to this, I wonder at the technique employed. Ms. Feehan seems to have taken a leaf from Laurell K Hamilton in that the further into a series, Ms. Feehan is now employing the endless ramblings and repetitions that are unnecessary and annoying. However the storylines are consistent with the other Carpathian editions and intertwined with her jaguar shifters, I did enjoy this book. I just wish that...more

like · see review

Jan 15, 2011 ♆ BookAddict ~ La Crimson Femme rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Women looking for happily ever after

Shelves: paranormal, romance, vampire

I am a fan of Christine Feehan. This latest shifter book is in the same vein as her previous ones. There is no shocking plot twist or revelation. Boy dreams of girl. Boy finds girl when he's given up all hope. Girl is a warrior who matches him to a T. Girl falls for dominant sexy warrior boy despite her sexual hangups. Boy and girl become lifemates and live happily ever after.

This is about what I expected and I still enjoyed it. I enjoy Ms. Feehan's writing voice. She paints a good picture witho...more

like · see review

Jan 14, 2011 Daniela rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is a series with a new species (new to me) The Carpathians. The language is old fashioned and sometimes not even grammatically correct, seemingly woven so as to fill the pages of the book. As are the repeating and repetative love making scenes. These scenes are quite nicely written porn and to those who it appeals to might very well be arousing, but did I mention they were repetative? And terms like "hot, internal heat" and such are just annoying me, because what else but hot would heat be?...more This is a series with a new species (new to me) The Carpathians. The language is old fashioned and sometimes not even grammatically correct, seemingly woven so as to fill the pages of the book. As are the repeating and repetative love making scenes. These scenes are quite nicely written porn and to those who it appeals to might very well be arousing, but did I mention they were repetative? And terms like "hot, internal heat" and such are just annoying me, because what else but hot would heat be?

Other than that there are abusive Jaguar Shapeshifters that are killing off their own race, Vampires that are disgusting (they can put on a good looking facade but are internally rotting and ridden with parasites and when they put down their put-on appearance they are writhing worms....yikes! absolutely nothing romantic about these vampires), some humans (stupid ones at that!), well and our hero and heroine: The last of the Jaguar Shapeshifter Royal women and the sexiest, stone ages old Carpathian with all his special abilities (this guy is too good too be true, so this truly is a fantasy novel). They are what others call soul mates "lifemates" and destined to be together and we follow their journey -if they meet... (don't want to spoil it for you).

Anyhow, as I seem to have picked up the latest of a 21 series of books without having read any of the previous ones, I have to say though that thanks to a glossary of family trees, maps etc. I could quickly catch on to what I was reading about. Since this book was filled with more love scenes than other content this might be the explanation for me not having missed much other content in the previous 20 books. Therefor I do not feel the need to pick up any of the other novels in this series...

If you love a turn-on love scene book though with not too many complicated twists and turns in between, this book is for you. That is, if you can forgive the occasional funny language (a heart hypnotised by his strength...?!?) and I could only count three different terms for the male sex organ, ... and that leaves something to be desired ... sheesh, no pun intended...(less)

like · see review

Nov 20, 2010 Emily rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: dee-the-kindle, reviewed-books

The Carpathian series is one that I find myself returning to over and over again, not because there's something new to be discovered, but mostly because there isn't- I know that a book from this series will deliver the same sort of punch over and over again, regardless of where it is in the series. While the later books, particularly this one and the last two are showing the series to start to kind of branch off in a different direction, for the most part the flow of the story and the order of t...more The Carpathian series is one that I find myself returning to over and over again, not because there's something new to be discovered, but mostly because there isn't- I know that a book from this series will deliver the same sort of punch over and over again, regardless of where it is in the series. While the later books, particularly this one and the last two are showing the series to start to kind of branch off in a different direction, for the most part the flow of the story and the order of the plot points remains pretty much the same across stories.

What makes each story unique, in my mind, are the dynamics between the starring couple and what background and experience they bring to the story. Dominic and Solange are an excellent example of this, because while the trajectory of their story may not necessary be unique, their interactions and the path they take to becoming a couple is definitely not standard fare.

Dominic and Solange are way more alike than either of them would like to admit. Both are loyal, noble and self-sacrificing to a fault, and neither of them thinks they'll ever find someone who could possibly love or understand them. Solange thinks this because of her quest to save the female jaguar shifters from their psychotic male counterparts, and Dominic thinks this because he ingested poisonous blood to be able to travel in vampire territory and act as a spy, and therefore he's going to die soon. When they accidentally discover that they're lifemates, their initial plan is to just enjoy the sensation for whatever time they have; once they realize that forever isn't going to be long enough, they both start to fight, not only for others, but for themselves.

We get a little bit of advancement in terms of the overall story; we defeated the evil mage in the last book but it's apparent that the threat to the Carpathians isn't just from him, and that his evil plans were just the beginning. We learned that the superbug parasites were the cause of the high infant mortality among the Carpathians; in this book, we see a way to cure them without someone like Lara from two books ago having to do something really dangerous. In a way, this book was less about advancing those storylines than about reframing them, cutting away the excess, and getting ready to move forward in future installments. I'm in with this series for the long haul so I don't mind waiting to see how things develop from here, but for folks who are in this series for the overall plot and not for the individual couples, I can see how that would be frustrating.

Speaking of individual couples, I'm really, really hoping that the next book is about either Dmitri and Skylar (probably too early for that but I can hope) or Zacharias and whoever his lifemate is. Either way is good for me!

Anyway, if you're interested in this series then I would definitely start at the beginning, as there's a relatively wide cast of characters and having read the books in order definitely makes it easier to keep everyone straight.

Overall Grade: B+

Read more reviews and other good stuff at What Book is That?(less)

1 like · like · see review

Oct 04, 2010 Grammy 1 rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I am surprised at what a mix of reviews are posted here. When reading about the 2 characters previously, Solange is the most surprising in this story. When Dominic injests the Blood previously, he as an ancient who had never found his mate, took this responsibility to help the Carpathian people and his Prince Mikhail. He was very honorable and like Gregori and the ther elders wanted to help their people.So I found it very 'sweet' that he would make up a woman of his dreams.

Solange in other stor...more

1 like · like · see review

Sep 27, 2010 Alix Taylor rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Let it be noted that I am a huge Christine Feehan fan. I have told people for the last 2 years that all I want for Christmas are some of her books so that I can have a complete collection of all of the books. I read every one of her books multiple times, have enjoyed the building of the Drake sisters and the Carpatian families and really look forward to seeing what the Ghostwalker series goes, now that the originals have been completed. Just so you know how much I looked forward to this book.

Da...more Let it be noted that I am a huge Christine Feehan fan. I have told people for the last 2 years that all I want for Christmas are some of her books so that I can have a complete collection of all of the books. I read every one of her books multiple times, have enjoyed the building of the Drake sisters and the Carpatian families and really look forward to seeing what the Ghostwalker series goes, now that the originals have been completed. Just so you know how much I looked forward to this book.

Dark Peril was one of the books that I have really looked forward to in the series. Solange Sangria was one of the great characters of the Jaguars series. She was a fighter, tough, strong, flawed, I really looked forward to finding out what and whom would have been the one to break through that shell. Dominic Dragonseeker is a man who was on what was essentially a suicide mission ingesting parasite ridden vampire blood to be able to be identified as a vampire, to infiltrate their camp and find out what they were planning and pass on that information before going into the light. They meet as both of them are on suicide missions to be able to help their people before going to their deaths.

I won’t spoil the book for those of you that are going to read it, but my honest opinion is that this book could have been so much better. I felt like the book paid so much attention to the relationship between the characters, it felt so micro?? I felt like the story got lost in the relationship, it just felt like these characters overtook the story so much that what I really loved about Ms. Feehan’s writing, the ability for her to balance the relationship in the story and the story in the relationship, that was somewhat absent here in my opinion. I wanted more of what we saw with MaryAnn’s book, the balance and the interesting changes that the outside world had on her relationship. I didn’t see that balance in this book. I wanted it. I liked the relationship, I liked the way that Dominic made Solange reveal who she really was and could be to him, but I also wanted to see them interact with more people more Carpathians, those that knew Solange before to see how she would or would not change, and that wasn’t there. Maybe as a fan girl I wanted it to be perfect, but then again I truly believe that this book could have been better.

Did I buy this in hardcover; YES. Will I keep it; YES. Is it better than most other books pubished; YES. Did I still hope it would be more/better/life-changing. Perhaps.

Maybe I love her writing so much and hold her in such high esteem that I expected too much of someone who regularly publishes 4+ books per year, 4+ QUALITY books per year, she’s not just phoning it in like many authors.

I will continue to purchase her books with relish and she will continue to be on my automatic to be purchased list.

Rating: B: read it, see for yourself, if you’re a Christine Feehan Fan, let me know what you think. If you’re a Feehan newbie, start with Dark Possession.

Alix Taylor is a blogger and avid reader of all things book. You can find her at www.romancebooksforum.com, or on twitter @alixntaylor, where the snark flows free and the romance books are dissected with abandon.

(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Sep 20, 2010 Bookaholics rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Dark Peril (Carpathian) by Christine Feehan
Paranormal Romance- Aug. 31, 2010
4 stars

Christine Feehan’s strong writing makes her Carpathian series a guaranteed read. Fans of the series will not want to miss this story. In this book the mysteriously powerful Carpathian Dominic the Dragonseeker and the noble heroine Solange Sangria (an abused shifter) find well-deserved love and calm with each other in a world filled with seemingly endless battles.

Dominic the Dragonseeker is weary. In his long li...more Dark Peril (Carpathian) by Christine Feehan
Paranormal Romance- Aug. 31, 2010
4 stars

Christine Feehan’s strong writing makes her Carpathian series a guaranteed read. Fans of the series will not want to miss this story. In this book the mysteriously powerful Carpathian Dominic the Dragonseeker and the noble heroine Solange Sangria (an abused shifter) find well-deserved love and calm with each other in a world filled with seemingly endless battles.

Dominic the Dragonseeker is weary. In his long life he has never found his life mate. Discouraged with the realization that he will never find her warmth to bring his dark life light he vows to make one last stand. He has finally given in and consumed vampire blood. Its parasites fight within him to convert him to a man without conscience and indiscriminate violence. But Dominic has purposely ingested this contaminated blood so he can infiltrate the vampires who are trying to murder his Prince and the Carpathians and kill them on a suicide mission. Unfortunately, while tracking the vampires he comes across his life mate. But Dominic fears to contaminate her and knows they can never have a future together.

Solange is a warrior. Her family has been slowly murdered by her mad father. Her sole purpose is to kill him and the crazed soldiers under him who rape and murder the women of their line and anyone else who gets in their way. But she is surprised when she finds the man who haunts her dreams is real. He is noble and heroic and one she easily trusts. But she soon realizes that Dominic is on a suicide mission. And their love is doomed.

Christine Feehan creates a brutal villain and very tragic but courageous main characters that really deserve each other. I loved that they were both confident warriors in their own right and found the scenes where they fought together exciting. Dominic is a strong alpha male and seeks to protect Solange but he also respects her decisions and does not pressure her or make decisions for her. He doesn’t ‘hurt her to protect her’ which always annoys me in books. This was an extremely enjoyable book mainly because I was so happy they had finally found each other and were able to find comfort and happiness together. The only difficulties I had with the story was how pat the problem of Dominic’s contamination was solved. I was also surprised once they found the way to ‘heal’ vampire contamination they didn’t try to replicate it or hoard it for the future or study it since it was so vital. The story also had long sections of internal monologue which seemed a little drawn out and slowed down the pacing and action in the book.

This was solid and enjoyable read that fans of the Carpathian series will love. The wounded and noble main characters deserved each other.

Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
(less)

like · see review

Sep 15, 2010 Belinda Boring rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

"I claim you as my life mate. I belong to you. I offer my life for you. I give to you my protection, my allegiance, my heart, my soul, and my body. I take into my keeping the same that is yours. Your life, happiness, and welfare will be cherished and placed above my own for all time. You are my life mate, bound to me for all eternity and always in my care."

Without fail, I melt when I hear those words. Shivers race over my skin and my breath hitches as I imagine such an intimate connection where...more "I claim you as my life mate. I belong to you. I offer my life for you. I give to you my protection, my allegiance, my heart, my soul, and my body. I take into my keeping the same that is yours. Your life, happiness, and welfare will be cherished and placed above my own for all time. You are my life mate, bound to me for all eternity and always in my care."

Without fail, I melt when I hear those words. Shivers race over my skin and my breath hitches as I imagine such an intimate connection where two people reach out to one another and bond their souls as one. It is always such a pivotal (and not to mention incredibly romantic) moment for me so when my husband came into my work with Dark Peril as a surprise, I found my hands shaking in anticipation. Now a few days later and with the book devoured, all I can say is as the 21st book in the series it continues to pull on my heart strings and pack a powerful emotional reaction.

It has always broken my heart each time I'm reminded that the powerful hunters I fall in love with each book, fight a constant battle to maintain their honor when living through countless centuries without the ability to see in color and feel any kind of emotion. It's hard to understand what one hour would feel like enduring such a bleak existence but add to that the constant battle to hold off the darkness that would turn them into vampires (and ultimately become the very thing they've spent centureies hunting) and it's pretty easy to say that it has to suck being a Carpathian male. The only way to save these larger than life men is for them to find their lifemates, those women who have the ability to not only restore what they've lost but also complete them. This is the hope of every male but for some that hope runs out and they're faced with either succumbing to evil or ending their lives with honor.

Enter Dominic Dragonseeker. The most feared and revered of all Carpathian hunters, you just KNOW that he is going to sizzle. My gosh what this man did to my heart. The thing that touched me most about Dominic was the sheer patience this man had. He had every reason to be an arrogant, domineering jerk. He came from a line that had NEVER turned vampire and had survived 1000 years of bleakness. When he finally meets with Solange and realizes who she is, he could steam roll right over her, especially when he realizes there is a side of her with extreme insecurities. But no, this mighty warrior, a powerhouse amongst his people, provides Solange with the space to make choices for herself. I loved the image of him asking her questions, asking her to trust him, asking her to come to him and standing there waiting with his hand out. He doesn't take her, he doesn't try to force or control her. He stands there patiently and I have no doubt that he would stand there as long as it took. Another thing I LOVED Dominic for was the way he treated Solange. He was just so gentle with her, always putting HER needs first before his own. Everything he did was to help her realize how loved and truly beautiful she was and it made my heart MELT. He was a perfect mixture of fierce and protective warrior and the gentleness and sensuality of a lover. Perfect !!!

To me, Solange was a prime example of how looks can be very deceiving. So often we judge people by their appearances, by the front they present and we never realize that behind the mask is a person who also has insecurities and fears of being vulnerable. I would imagine that it would make it even more difficult for someone, who has always appeared strong, to let down that guard and appear what they feel is weak. It takes a special person to be patient, to gently reassure Solange that it's ok to be both the warrior and the woman and I was so happy for her that it was Dominic. Solange's world was turned upside down with the realization that the man she has dreamed of, the man that she had shared her most deepest secrets with was real and for the first time is unsure how to act because it isn’t the warrior in her that is responding to Dominic but the feminine part of her she has spent years surpressing. She really struggles with her relationship with him because she fears she is lacking and that if she steps one foot out of line and isn't perfect, he will leave her shattered. Solange holds to the belief that to please him, she must hold back the part of her that has kept her protected from hurt. It was beautful to watch her relax and open up to Dominic as she finds her courage to accept that he loves her and to him, she will always be the one he wants. She was the shock of the story because I NEVER would have thought she struggled with self image.

As much as it pains me however, there was something that I guess made me a little sad and it had nothing to do with the story or the AMAZING characters and more with the author and her need to be a little too descriptive for my liking. Let me explain. I’m by no means a prude. I can appreciate a tasteful love scene filled with intimacy and the magic of the moment. I love the melding of two people in total connection with other. But where it turns a little ick for me is when certain things become descriptive. Did I need to know that part of him was shaped like a fungus? Isn’t it enough that I know she uses her mouth for a variety of things without having an anatomy lesson? It takes the magic created in that perfect moment and turns it into a biology lesson. When you think of the birth of a baby, for me its that moment when a new baby enters the world as a tiny bundle of perfection. There is that feeling, that connection, that “sigh” moment that you have witnessed something beautiful and seeing I just helped my friend with the birth of her son, it’s INCREDIBLY awe inspiring. Now imagine expecting a birth how I just described but in the middle of that I talk about all the gunk and blood that’s involved in descriptive detail. How about I take a moment to describe what the mother looks like there, all tired, sweaty and bleeding. Did you need to know? Maybe you do, after all it is reality. But for me, I rely on whatever moments I can get that reminds me that not everything in the world is harsh and ugly. I don’t even think it would have bothered me so much but on example was part of the bonding ritual scene. I can skim a sex scene if it becomes uncomfortable but what if that scene is an important and intimate moment, one I expressly read the book for? Like I said, just made me a little sad.

But despite my own little quirks about being descriptive, I really LOVED this book. It was such an emotional experience and I was still sighing days later over Dominic. I loved how the characters made me feel and how involved I became in the story. Now all I need to do is patiently wait for the next Carpathian male to come along and steal my heart. GREAT series for all lovers of romance.
(less)

1 like · like · see review

Sep 11, 2010 Suz rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: pnr

The first Carpathian novel I read was Dark Slayer. I liked it so much that I immediately proceeded to read the rest of the series back to back from the beginning. Several times through the course of this heinous experience I also wanted to flush my eyes with eye bleach. I have a love/hate relationship with Christine Feehan's works. Her worlds are rich and well thought out, her lore is believable and in depth, her story arcs engaging, and some of her characters are multi layered and multi faceted...more The first Carpathian novel I read was Dark Slayer. I liked it so much that I immediately proceeded to read the rest of the series back to back from the beginning. Several times through the course of this heinous experience I also wanted to flush my eyes with eye bleach. I have a love/hate relationship with Christine Feehan's works. Her worlds are rich and well thought out, her lore is believable and in depth, her story arcs engaging, and some of her characters are multi layered and multi faceted. These are the things that keep me returning to Feehan. But make no mistake, her books are romances and they are quintessential, gut churning, over-the-top cliche romances at that. I'm also convinced that I can now pick out where she stopped writing on one day and returned to the story the next because she restates the foundational relationship premises as if she's trying to reconnect with the story so she can continue writing it. That means she restates the basic premises to the story every 10 to 20 pages. Either the editor is sleeping or the word count for publishing is critical.

As I slogged through the Carpathian novels (Dark series) I realized that as the books got further into the series the long story arcs were maturing and becoming more interesting. Dark Slayer paid so much attention to those long story arcs, and so broke the "I am dominant male and take what I want, you are submissive female even if you don't know it and only need good sex to realize it - so let it be written, so let it be done" mold of this series that I was hopeful for future installments. I must give a nod to Ms. Feehan in that in this installment Dominic Dragonseeker was patient with his lifemate and didn't just bind her to him without her permission, as is the usual way. Unfortunately it seemed as if Ms. Feehan wasn't sure how to move the story along with this new paradigm. I read an electronic version of this book that was 350 pages long. The first 250 pages of the books was nothing but Dominic being patient with Solange. The entire first 250 pages was restating the same thing over and over. Solange is afraid of men because of her horridly abused past and doesn't trust men although she wants to trust Dominic. Dominic seduces Solange slowly, showing her that he is trust worthy and bringing her around to wanting and needing him before he takes her. Bravo for the new approach, massive fail on taking 250 pages to convey it.

On a side note and to address a personal peeve regarding Ms. Feehan's writing style, I'd like to thank her for only referring to female sexual body fluid as "creamy" or "cream" twice in this book. That particular adjective used in this way always reads "smegma" to me and it's like getting hit with a bucket of ice water when I read it. So, less cream in these books is a good thing to me. Thank you, Ms. Feehan.

I'm going to close this review with a wish for either this series or perhaps and idea for a new series for Christine Feehan. I have read all of her series and I have to admit that hands down she has one of the most fertile imaginations I've ever read. I adore the worlds that she weaves around the lore that she builds as a foundation to the worlds. I love the characters and I even like the tension between the characters. I like the sex too. But her romances are infuriating because they are 2/3 to 3/4 sex and very little story beyond the romance. I'd stand in line for a series from her that was Urban Fantasy rather than just PNR. Don't get me wrong, I like the sex and in Dark Peril she seemed to spend a bit more time on the orgasm itself rather than all the build up for a single sentence orgasm. Even so, give me a 350 page story with 5 or 6 sex scenes and the rest story and I'd be a very happy camper. Instead we're getting 350 pages of sex scenes and foreplay with 5 or 6 scenes devoted to the long story arc.

I'm bored with her romances and frustrated that her real story telling talent isn't getting more effort. Dark Peril is no exception.(less)

4 likes · like · see review

Sep 06, 2010 Shana Jones rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Huge dissapointment. I found it dull and predictable. I eventually just started reading the dialog only because I could only stand so many paragraphs of parasites and what noises the animals of the jungle were making.I don't understand why all the female lifemates have to be from a certain race or species now either. The thing that I loved most about these books when she first started writing them was that alot of the women were just special people. I am way over the tortured story of all the fe...more

like · see review

Sep 05, 2010 Kaleigha rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A couple of years ago, someone lent me a few Chrisine Feehan books, since I had given up reading years earlier and was looking to take it up again. The problem was, I didn't know who, or what, would interest me. Turns out that paranormal romance was exactly my thing, and I have held Christine Feehan in high regards for my love of it ever since. Not that I am one of those who thinks that their favorite authors are perfect. Here, for example, I enjoyed Dark Peril, but there were a few issues I had...more A couple of years ago, someone lent me a few Chrisine Feehan books, since I had given up reading years earlier and was looking to take it up again. The problem was, I didn't know who, or what, would interest me. Turns out that paranormal romance was exactly my thing, and I have held Christine Feehan in high regards for my love of it ever since. Not that I am one of those who thinks that their favorite authors are perfect. Here, for example, I enjoyed Dark Peril, but there were a few issues I had.

We have had the build-up to Dominic's story for quite a while. As one of the legendary Dragonseekers, he has chosen to end his existence in one last service to his people. Even though a feared and respected ancient warrior, he knows that he can hold on no longer without a lifemate of his own. He will do his duty, then seek her lifemate in his next life. He volunteers to infect himself with deadly parasites, making him a Trojan horse into the midst of his vampire enemies...the very vampires he once called friends. Everything is planned...except finding his lifemate in the form of Jaguar shifter Solange Sangria.

Solange is a warrior herself, fighting a losing battle to save the females of her shifter race from the rape, torture and murder they are facing at the hands of the males. The males lead by her vile father, Broderick. As one of the last of her kind, she is stronger, faster, and more deadly...but she, too, is tiring of the fight. She knows that in battling her father, she is unlikely to survive. The best she can hope for is to take him and as many of his kind with her as she can. Her life has only been one of training, fighting, and pain since she was a child. The only softness, the only comfort she allows herself is the man she has created in her dreams. Her Carapthian fantasy man is the only one she has ever been able to show her true self, the softer, scared side she hides from the rest of the world. She is safe with her dream man, since dreams can never come true. Or so she thinks until she finds Dominic Dragonseeker to be all too real, and all too focused on her.

Neither Dominic or Solange had planned to find the other half of their soul on one of their last days. Both had determined to do all they could for their people while seeing an end to their own suffering. But both of these people who had nothing left to live for find each other, and neither can walk away. That is, if they can survive the many, many enemies standing in their way of a happily ever after.

In the previous Carpathian book, Dark Slayer, Christine Feehan changed her dynamic a bit. She made the hero, while still alpha and powerful, less of a chest-thumping, demanding, uber-alpha. She continues that here with Dominic. Dominic is both feared and revered, one of unquestionable strength, but he is somehow...more soothing, as well. And like Dark Slayer's Ivory, Solange is a self-sufficient warrior in her own right. She fights her battles, always alone, scarred but determined to do what is right, no matter the pain to herself. What is different in these books from most of the previous ones is that the heros accept the heroines as they are. Even though they want to protect their lifemates, the males recognize that their mates are skilled, strong women who not only can fight, but need to fight. And that is a nice change.

I found the relationship between Dominic and Solange surprisingly sweet. Cominic is quiet strength, sure of Solange and what he wants. Solange, on the other hand, is terribly afraid. Even though she wants Dominic, wants a life with him, outside of fighting and violence she is lost. While a fighter without equal, she is completely unsure of herself as a woman. She is ashamed of herself, and scared her flaws will only drive Dominic away. What she does not count on is Dominic's determination to make Solange see herself as he sees her...beautiful, sexy, passionate and perfect for him. And that is a hard thing to resist.

As Dominic and Solage get to know each other, they also get to know themselves. They begin to realize that a future, something neither thought to have, can be theirs. But to get there, they have to fight the battle of their lives in the form ancient, powerful vampires determined to end the Prince, and Solange's father determined to capture her at all costs. It is only together, working as a team, that they have any hope of survival.

I did enjoy this story, with it's change of tone and surprisingly vulnerable Solange and sensitive Dominic. Not that these two were not warriors, because they were, but they were also so much more. I loved finally "meeting" Zacarias, and I am completely frothing for his story. I do hope that it is Bronwyn who ends up with him, because it will take a woman of both immense strength and character to handle what just might be the ultimate alpha male. In fact, I think it is partly Zac's fault that I didn't give this book five stars...I am so focused on getting his story that nothing else will do.

I know some people felt that the middle section dragged, but that was actually my favorite part. I enjoyed seeing the seemingly invincible Solange find herself, and I loved Dominic's strong yet tender treatment of her. The only drawbacks for me were the almost mass-introduction of to this point unknown vampire bad guys. I was expecting a Malinov brother, even if just setting up a showdown with one for Zac's story, but instead there were seemingly endless random sorta-bad guys that didn't make much of an impression. I know not everyone can be "the big bad", but these ones just didnt' really register for me. I pretty much just skimmed over them. And, as others have said, the whole Carpathian language thing can get a bit old. I don't mind a word here and there, especially an endearment, but whole phrases and expressions were a bit of a pain and a little distracting. But these are minor nit-picks on my part, since this was a very good, and surprising Carpathian tale.(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Mar 01, 2012 Shannon Noelle rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

i've read feehan's "Dark" novels before, and i remember clearly why i stopped reading them. she used the same phrases repetitively, the patterns of the novels all followed generally the same track (as with most successful romance writers), and some of the sex scenes were almost complete replicas of others. i became bored and found myself wishing i was her editor, to push her to be a better writer. with that said, i picked up this book at the grocery store in desperation, because i can't go a day...more

like · see review

Sep 09, 2010 Lynette rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Carpathian Series by Christine Feehan is one of the old school paranormal romance series that I still make a point to keep up on. These are before Twilight and the end of Harry Potter caused the paranormal romance world to explode. I know some people don't like her Carpathian series, but it is still a favorite of mine. There are also debates among readers of the series as to if they prefer the earlier novels to the later ones. I actually prefer the later novels for some reason. The series di...more The Carpathian Series by Christine Feehan is one of the old school paranormal romance series that I still make a point to keep up on. These are before Twilight and the end of Harry Potter caused the paranormal romance world to explode. I know some people don't like her Carpathian series, but it is still a favorite of mine. There are also debates among readers of the series as to if they prefer the earlier novels to the later ones. I actually prefer the later novels for some reason. The series didn't pick up for me until the twin's books Lucien and Gabriel. Some of the books in the series didn't do it for me but the originality of the world (at that time before the market became over saturated) and the overall story arc kept me reading the series.

Now, years later, the overall story arc of the world doesn't interest me as much even though it's being expanded and going off in different directions, but the writing and the romance between the hero and heroine appear to be stronger and more compelling.

If I hadn't read the other 20 books in the Carpathian series, I would've thought Dark Peril was an awesome entry into the series. The romance between Dominic and Solange was lyrical and magical. Dominic is the type of man that would have intrigued any romance zealout into calling him her book boyfriend. The way he acted toward Solange is what dreams are made of. Yet because I read the other novels in the Carpathian series, had problems with DARK PERIL.
My major problem with DARK PERIL is that there really was no conflict between Solange and Dominic. The only conflict came from the outside world and nothing internal between Solange and Dominic. In previous books in the series Solange has been built up as a hard-ass damaged woman and I couldn't quite buy into her quick turn around of accepting that she's in a relationship with Dominic, even some of Ms. Feehan's weaker heroines fought more than Solange did. It was kind of a let down actually.

Truthfully, that was my only issue. I am curious about the next book in the series. I'm wondering if it'll be Zacharias. In DARK PERIL there is a woman who gets injured who Dominic and Zacarias assist. I think she's going to be Zacharias's lifemate. But the thing is her vocal chords were damaged in the vampire attack and she can't speak. The way Carpathian's discover their lifemates is by hearing the woman speak. So, I'm dying to see how this is resolved. I am also looking for some major plot threads from previous books to be tied up. Like Dominic's nieces who were finally freed from Xavier, Dimitri and Skylar, Skylar's relationship with Razan. Etc., etc., etec.

Overall: Great emotional romance that made me sigh and moon over Dimitri. But the conflict was blah!

(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Aug 22, 2011 Anna rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Very good. Christine Feehan united 2 characters we have known or known of from earlier books in the Dark series. Dominic, a Carpathian of the Dragonseeker line, and Solange, a cousin to Juliette from Dark Hunger, and one of the jaguar people. In fact, Solange is the last of the royal line and her pure blood is in demand. Her evil father, Brodrick, wants to kidnap her and force breeding on her.

Dominic is one of the ancient Carpathians and has decided to end his existence--he has given up hope of...more

1 like · like · see review

Feb 13, 2012 Allison rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. In earlier books, I didn't like how Solange actively cultivated and reinforced anger and hatred towards men, even though she had reasons to feel that way and it was how she was able to save so many women from rape and torture. So I was glad to see that she had a softer side to her that she had buried. I don't see it as an about-face on her character because the premise of the series is that the women are the light to the men's darkness, yet Solang...more I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. In earlier books, I didn't like how Solange actively cultivated and reinforced anger and hatred towards men, even though she had reasons to feel that way and it was how she was able to save so many women from rape and torture. So I was glad to see that she had a softer side to her that she had buried. I don't see it as an about-face on her character because the premise of the series is that the women are the light to the men's darkness, yet Solange was forcing herself to choose darkness to fuel her cause.

She meets her lifemate, Dominic Dragonseeker on what each believes will be their last mission. Despite the pull of the lifemate instinct, each is determined to choose honour, but find themselves carving out a few moments of happiness before they die and take their enemies with them.

Admittedly dominant, Dominic guides Solange into rediscovering her femininity. They basically have a D/s relationship where he pushes her boundaries and encourages her to become comfortable with who she really is. He took care of her and seduced her into letting go of her fear and anger, giving her the freedom to be female without being weak. But he has the added advantage of being able to see inside her head and having talked to her during unguarded moments where each believed the other to be a figment of their imagination.

As Solange's confidence in her appeal grew, she never became a submissive doormat. Instead she teased him and they taught each other about fun and humour.

I won't spoil anything from Dark Peril, but this book continues the trend of the Carpathians making headway in their fight for survival, but possibly not as much as the previous couple of books.

There was something I couldn't help but wonder about: In earlier books, we know that vampires infected with the parasites even spit vile parasites that kill grass and burn through anything they hit. So why was Dominic worried about the parasites in his blood and semen, but licked Solange's wounds and kissed her?

That small point aside, Dark Peril is well worth reading.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Nov 03, 2011 KJ Shadows rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, xxxrated, most-shocking, vampires, witches-magic, fantasy

4 stars

This one truely has left me stumped and in the dust. If I ever become an author, I know that I'm going to get torn apart by my reviews of certain books. Lately, I've fallen into a certain slump of bashing novels because I seriously must have read atleast ten books in a row that was either boring, poorly written, or just straight bad. I almost just wanted to take a break from reading (Sacrilege I know right?) but I got this book for $7.99 at Walmart because sometimes I like to take a brea...more

like · see review

title link	preview: Dark Peril
avg rating	preview: Dark Peril Goodreads rating: 4.20 (4988 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7705774-dark-peril?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1266115138l/7705774.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7705774-dark-peril?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Dark Peril by Christine Feehan[/url]

Dark Peril (Dark Carpathian #21)

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (20)

Videos About This Book

Genres

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Christine Feehan

Books by Christine Feehan

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Dark Peril

Quotes from Dark Peril