Dance with the Devil (Dark-Hunter, #4; Were-Hunter, #1)

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Dance with the Devil (Dark-Hunter #4)

4.38 of 5 stars 4.38 · rating details · 30,067 ratings · 939 reviews

Zarek's Point of View:

Dark-Hunter: A soulless guardian who stands between mankind and those who would see mankind destroyed. Yeah, right. The only part of that Code of Honor I got was eternity and solitude.

Insanity: A condition many say I suffer from after being alone for so long. But I don't suffer from my insanity-I enjoy every minute of it.

Trust: I can't trust anyone.

...more

Mass Market Paperback, 362 pages

Published December 1st 2003 by St. Martin's Paperbacks

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Sep 21, 2010 Julie (Mom2lnb) rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of PNR Romance, Dark-Hunters, or Sherrilyn Kenyon

Shelves: desert-island-keepers, paranormal-romance, read-2009

Reviewed for THC Reviews
"4.5 stars" At last.....another Dark-Hunter book that I could really sink my teeth into (pun intended;-)). I had greatly enjoyed the first book of the series, Fantasy Lover, but the stories in between that book and Dance with the Devil had left me feeling underwhelmed and less than satisfied. As I suspected it might, Dance with the Devil gave me a meatier tale with two well-developed characters that I could totally root for and who were very relatable, as well as getting...more

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Jul 09, 2012 Alkyoni rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: clash-of-the-titans, from-dusk-till-dawn, nobody-puts-baby-in-the-corner, paranormal, dreamcatcher, say-anything

I’m really not getting any points for originality, am I?

Dark Hunter Flashcard #3

Name: Zarek

Age: 2,150 give or take

Former Occupation: Greek slave to the Romans

Special D.H. power: Telekinesis, Enchanted hearing, Energy blasting, Pissing everybody off…

Reason why he became a D.H.: The Romans were beating the crap out of him since the day he was born.

Best thing that came out of his mouth: I don't suffer from my insanity -- I enjoy every minute of it.

He finds his one true love when: She is sent to jud...more

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Jun 11, 2012 ✿Alyssa✿ rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: dark-hunter-series, sherrilyn-kenyon

This review was posted at My Secret Romance

To sum it up:

(Zarek's Point of View)

Dark-Hunter: A soulless guardian who stands between mankind and those who would see mankind destroyed. Yeah, right. The only part of that Code of Honor I got was eternity and solitude.

Insanity: A condition many say I suffer from after being alone for so long. But I don't suffer from my insanity- I enjoy every minute of it.

Trust: I can't trust anyone... not even myself. The only thing I trust in is my ability to do t...more

6 likes · like · see review

Jun 10, 2012 Lindsay rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, read-multiple-times, sherrilyn-kenyon, will-read-again, reviews

Upon revisiting this (long time) favorite of mine, I decided that Zarek deserved a review.

This was my first Sherrilyn Kenyon book (once upon a time) and it was the book that started my love of the Dark-Hunters. Zarek has remained my favorite hero all this time, and while there are others that I love, none match Zarek for me. Every glimpse of him throughout the series is a treasured moment.

Reading Zarek's story breaks my heart. He was a truly tortured hero who deserves all the good things in li...more

9 likes · like · see review

May 09, 2010 Leah rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: in-my-harem, by-george-thats-awesome, cherry-poppin, series-dark-hunter, author-sherrilyn-kenyon, 5-stars, come-here-baby-so-i-can-lick-you, scars-and-tats-and-piercings-oh-my, thats-some-funny-shit, its-all-in-the-accent, bad-boy-take-me-away

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Dance with the Devil is the fourth book in Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark-Hunter series and, in my opinion, has to be one of the best of the series. In this book, we get to see more than just the surly, hateful side of Zarek; we get to see his pain, his hurt, and all the love and tenderness he is capable of. In this book, both Artemis and Dionyous have condemned Zarek to death, calling out everyone they can to kill him. Acheron, however, is able to convince Artemis to have one of Themis' justice nymphs...more Dance with the Devil is the fourth book in Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark-Hunter series and, in my opinion, has to be one of the best of the series. In this book, we get to see more than just the surly, hateful side of Zarek; we get to see his pain, his hurt, and all the love and tenderness he is capable of. In this book, both Artemis and Dionyous have condemned Zarek to death, calling out everyone they can to kill him. Acheron, however, is able to convince Artemis to have one of Themis' justice nymphs judge him. So they send in Astrid. Blind for two weeks so Z's looks could not affect her impartiality, Astrid takes Zarek in and pushes all his buttons in order to make a decision about him. Throughout their time together, she starts to learn about him and the pain, humiliation, degradation, loneliness he has had to suffer through his whole life; she falls in love with him, and even though he doesn't admit it until she's gone, Zarek falls in love with her, too. In the end, Astrid acquits him and declares him fit to be around people, fit to live. Finally, with Ash's help, Zarek is able to realize that he deserves love, too, and goes to Astrid. She turns him into a demigod and they live happily ever after.

Now, throughout basically the whole of this series, I have not read the books in order. Before I read Dance with the Devil, I already loved Zarek. I love the cold, acerbic, scarred characters more than anything else because they are the ones who often need the most love and care; they are the hardest to reach and often the gentlest person once you do breach their barriers. Zarek would definitely fall into this category. His extremely brutal past evokes the deepest kind of sadness in me and at some points I almost cried for the pain he had to suffer; in many ways, he reminded me of Acheron, or even Zsadist from the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Z survived through such a horrific life, so who could blame him for being surly and hesitant to trust, to love. Once the gentle feminine hand of Astrid touched him, though, he was lost and she saved him. She showed him the loving, yet ferocious, man he could be. At the end of this book, Zarek remains one of my favorite characters from the series and he'll always have a special place in my heart.

Astrid was an interesting character. I found her highly amusing a lot of the time, and I loved how gentle and sweet she was with Zarek. She could see the real him and didn't give up when the going got tough. She gave him the one thing she had given no man at the risk of losing everything she had: her virginity. She gave Zarek something special, something all his own, and she stood by him even when he was trying to send her away.

Simi, always an interesting character to me, was once again one of my favorite things about this book. I love the little demon and how she just goes off on random tangents when she talks. Her devotion to Ash always succeeds in warming my heart and endearing her to me even more than her humor.

I want to kill Artemis. I really do. I really, really wish that Ash could just let the Simi eat the bitch-goddess and be done with it already. She does nothing that does not benefit herself and never considers how she hurts Acheron or anyone else. And it was really pissing me off that she was calling Simi "it." She has a name! So I was very happy when Ash finally told her off and demanded she stop calling Simi "it." The parts with her are always the worst parts of the Dark-Hunter books for me, though. I cannot stand the time that Ash has to spend with her. It's even more horrible when I have to read about Ash and Artemis having sex. I literally cringe and read those parts as fast as I can because I cannot stand that Acheron has to lower himself to that level for his Dark-Hunters and to get sustenance.

I have to say that I honestly thought that Sundown was trying to kill Zarek in the beginning. I guess I should have been able to figure out that he was just playing the Squires and that Ash had sent him, but I just didn't. So I was relieved to get into Jess' point of view and see the truth. Even if he wasn't a great character, I would have loved him because of his defense and protection of Zarek.

Dance with the Devil was a fantastic book, and if there was an option of giving it even more than five stars, I would. This has got to be one of Sherrilyn Kenyon's best books to date, in my opinion, and I would read it over and over again.(less)

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Jan 03, 2008 Laura rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: fans of paranormal romance novels

Shelves: paranormal-romance

This is Book Four of the "Dark-Hunter" series, and so far it is my favorite. It tells the story of Zarek, who died a tortured Roman slave and was reborn by Artemis as a Dark Hunter. Haunted by his past, he is considered insane and dangerous. Zarek is disliked by all the other Dark Hunters except Ash, who is the only one trying to keep him from being executed by Artemis.

When Zarek goes on "trial," Astrid, a nymph, is chosen by Ash to judge him. Never before has she judged a Dark Hunter innocent...more

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Oct 20, 2011 Sari rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: fisdha

Shelves: supernatural

Baru baca novel ini semalem jam 23.00, saking ramenya sekarang d hal 261. Alhasil badan ngilu" karena begadang :(.
Kisah Zarek sesuai prediksi, bikin penasaran, akankah dia bisa dpt kebahagiaan. Dari awal kenal tokoh ini di buku ke 3 di novel ttg Talon, gw mang d penasaran ma nih tokoh, segetir apakah hidupnya ampe sinis sama semua org maupun bukan org disekitarnya.
Tnyata bener" sadis dia diperlakukan, baik waktu masa hidup jd manusia, sampe jd dark hunter pun tetep diperlakukan semena", bahkan...more

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Jun 25, 2010 Mersina rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: my-fav-s

There is not a rating I can give this book. It beats any expectations I had and then some!

My heart ached, bled, & cried for Zarek. I don't think I have read another character so tormented and abused as him. I wanted to throw my hands into the book and wrap him up around me.

He was hard done by, by a lot of people but he still cared in his way. Still put everyone's else needs before his.

I adored Astrid, I honestly could not fault her nor could I fault this book.

Oh and the introduction to Je...more

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Mar 24, 2011 Lupdilup Duffy rated it 4 of 5 stars

I started listening to it last night, I'm half way done already… wow I love this book, and I can't help myself when it comes to a torture hero.

4.1/2 stars.
I’m really starting to get into this series; after listening to first book and not being that impressed I kept putting it in the back burner. I’m so glad I picked it back up, I really enjoyed this one, and it could be that I’m a sucker for torture heroes, or just that I’m becoming more familiar with the characters. I see now why everyone love...more

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Feb 17, 2010 Zeek rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites-all-time, favorites-pnr, pnr, angels-gods-demons, vamps, pnr-kitchen-sink, alpha-hero

Despite it's flaws (Kenyon tends to repeat herself, and she's obviously ripping off Buffy and Charmed)- I like the series. It's all about the characters, dude. I love them, and though the heroes all tend to look and act alike ... you just gotta love them too.

Dance with the Devil, is considered one of the best in the Dark Hunter series. Although it's a good story, I wouldn't say it's my favorite so far. Zarek is a one hard, tortured hero and considering his past, he has every right to be.

Never sh...more

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Aug 15, 2011 Jessica `~Blahyze~` rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favourites, sherrilyn-kenyon, dark-hunter-series, books-i-own

The thing I like about these Dark-Hunter books is that on the most part the men are the ones that need saving by the women not the other way around, it’s a nice change of pace. Astrid, a nymph of justice, is sent from Artemis to judge Dark-Hunter Zarek on whether he was innocent or guilty and if guilty having him executed and whenever Astrid was sent to judge someone she is rendered blind as to not interfere with her decision. The parts with Sasha are funny, when Astrid connects with Sasha and h...more

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Sep 10, 2008 Miss Kim rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: dark-hunters, paranormal, 2008

I knew I would like Zarek's story! I am so glad he found someone to soften him up. I really liked Astrid, too. He was banned to Alaska 2 thousand years ago because he killed a village of humans. After an incident in Mardi Gras, the bitch Artemis has decided that Zarek is out of control and needs to be destroyed. Acheron bargains with her to give him another chance and let him be judged 'guilty' or 'innocent' of his horrible crimes in the past. Astrid is a nymph sent by Artemis and Acheron to jud...more

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Jan 08, 2008 faeriemyst rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: paranormal romance lovers

Shelves: romance, romance-paranormal, own, alaska, heroes-to-die-for

I really don't know what to say about this book. I loved Zarek, Astrid was wonderful (I love that name!), the story was perfect. The End.

Okay, so maybe I have a bit more to say...
I believe Sherrilyn Kenyon's writing has gotten better as the series has progressed. Fantasy Lover was great but a bit choppy, Night Pleasures was nice but the weakest so far and still somewhat choppy (not to mention it's the only one I've given away), Night Embrace (Dark-Hunter, #2) was nice and enjoyable but needed th...more

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Mar 18, 2009 Jodz rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2009, paranormal-romance, favourites, sherrilyn-kenyon

This is my favourite in the dark-hunter series to date!!
I loved everything about this installment in the series - FANTASTIC read!

Dance with the devil is book #6 in the series and it's the story of dark hunter Zarek and Astrid a justice nymph.

Astrid is sent to judge Zarek - to decide if he shall live or die.
She has never before found a charge innocent...

The only fault i found with this book is with one of the intimate scences, Zarek removed his clothes twice ...which had me confused lol.

Can't wai...more

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Feb 15, 2009 Pat Cromwell rated it 4 of 5 stars

The absolute best Dark Hunter tied only with his brother Valerius's story. Zarek is the "B" in bad boy. Excellent book. The thing is, Kenyon made Zarek so real and I felt such compassion for him that I found myself disliking the other Hunters who treated him so badly. The dislike turned to hate when I read Seize the Night (Valerius's story). Zarek had the absolute perfect woman who seemed to be like living breathing Ritalin -- she regulated and calmed him.

The thing is, the Dark Hunter's always...more

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Apr 12, 2013 Miraphora rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-romance

Non pensavo che questo giorno sarebbe arrivato. Non ho mai sperato, lo giuro, che questa autrice e soprattutto questo libro venissero pubblicati in Italia. Eppure eccomi qua, a commentare un libro che amo, adoro e venero nella sua edizione originale e ora anche in quella italiana. Grazie Fanucci, se anche smetterete di pubblicare la serie grazie...mi avete portato Zarek in Italia, e questo mi basta.
Non so da che parte iniziare. Potrei provare con un 'la prima volta che ho letto DwtD anni fa...'...more Non pensavo che questo giorno sarebbe arrivato. Non ho mai sperato, lo giuro, che questa autrice e soprattutto questo libro venissero pubblicati in Italia. Eppure eccomi qua, a commentare un libro che amo, adoro e venero nella sua edizione originale e ora anche in quella italiana. Grazie Fanucci, se anche smetterete di pubblicare la serie grazie...mi avete portato Zarek in Italia, e questo mi basta.
Non so da che parte iniziare. Potrei provare con un 'la prima volta che ho letto DwtD anni fa...' ma non ne ho voglia. Chissenefrega di quanto tempo fa l'ho letto, ciò che importa è che anche in italiano ha saputo trasmettermi le stesse emozioni della prima volta. Ci sono storie e personaggi che toccano alcune persone, mentre altre ne rimangono completamente indifferenti. Zarek è così, lo prendi o lo lasci; la sua storia ti piace o non ti piace. Non ci sono vie di mezzo perchè non ci sono diverse chiavi di lettura. La Kenyon espone chiaramente la storia di un personaggio e del suo percorso, o meglio dire fatica, per arrivare alla felicità. E' ovvio che ci sono degli espedienti fantastici (well, duh!, è un paranormal romance, buddies) che semplificano la storia, cancellando ostacoli che sarebbero insormontabili, ma il bello di questa storia sta proprio qui, nella morale a 'Il piccolo principe': l'amore e la felicità trionfano sempre, su tutto. Quella di Zarek è una parabola: il debole, chi ha subito violenze e dolore, alla fine avrà la sua fetta di felicità. Certo, la Kenyon ha esagerato con le sfighe ma ha saputo costruire, in ogni caso, un personaggio maschile interessante. Nonostante l'infanzia infelice, fatta di schiavitù, violenze e abusi di ogni tipo, Zarek ha la sua occasione come dark-hunter anche se nemmeno Artemide lo tiene in grande considerazione. La sua mente, infatti, è partita per la tangente e la sua capacità di stare in mezzo alle altre persone è inesistente. Anche gli altri hunters lo evitano, lo disprezzano e non vogliono cercare di capirlo, isolandolo totalmente da quella che dovrebbe essere la sua famiglia adottiva. Fisicamente è isolato - poverello tra le lande ghiacciate dell'Alaska - e emotivamente è una bomba ad orologeria: pronto a implodere al primo segnale. Quello che nessuno, tranne Ash, capisce è che Zarek nasconde molto bene un animo gentile e affamato di affetto, calore umano e rispetto. Nemmeno lui si sente degno di essere trattato come un essero umano anche se incosciamente si comporta proprio da uomo. Quando Astrid si trova obbligata a giudicarlo sente, come lo sente il lettore, che sotto sotto Zarek ha tutto in regola: sentimenti, amore, fiducia, compassione...non c'è niente che non vada in lui, solo che fino a quel momento tutti lo trattavano con disprezzo e lui, non conoscendo altro, si adeguava alle aspettative degli altri facendo tutto quello che era in suo potere per far incazzare il prossimo. La tenerezza che Zarek mi ha suscitato non credo che nessun altro personaggio me l'abbia mai fatta provare. Non l'ho mai visto come un eroe sexy (lo è, no worries) ma come un amico. E' strano, ma bello, che un romanzo puramente romantico vada al di là della storia d'amore e tocchi ciò che ci rende umani e civili: l'amore, la compassione, il voler aiutare il prossimo. Zarek è un mezzo, un esempio per far sentire al lettore che lo schifo della vita può essere superato, che anche chi viene visto come un nemico nasconde un animo e un cuore e che alla fine, dopotutto, l'amore vince.
Non si deve leggere questo romanzo aspettandosi un eroe sexy e azione intrisa di sesso e sangue. C'è tanta emozione, divertimento e sentimento. Dovrebbe bastare, secondo me, per far vedere la serie e l'autrice in una luce diversa. Non è il solito paranormal romance, è qualcosa di più, è la storia della redenzione di un'anima data per persa e il resto non conta. La storia d'amore è solo un aspetto, trascurabile, gli altri personaggi sono un contorno ma il piatto principale è Zarek.
Basta non dico altro...se non vengo capita è destino, io lo conservo e rileggo certe parti quando ne sento il bisogno e ogni volta sa emozionarmi. Vorrà dire qualcosa, no?(less)

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Apr 03, 2013 Tyra (PHR) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Overall, the story was good. I really liked it. Zarek kind of reminds me of Zsadist from BDB. Even their nickname was similar, which was Z by the way. They're both tortured heroes who find it hard to trust anyone and they think that's impossible for anyone to love them. Tortured heroes are really appealing for me. I don't know, I just love it when they overcome their own insecurities. There's just one thing that I find really weird. If Zarek was not really a dark-hunter, then how come he loved t...more

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Mar 02, 2013 Eileen Bell rated it 3 of 5 stars

I wish I hadn't started this series with number 4. I spent most of my time trying to figure out what was going on behind the scenes... how the characters knew each other and how this world worked. It is obvious that there has been a ton of world building, but there were so many characters thrown at me, I never really felt like I knew what was going on. Which is fairly surprising, given the number of dreams and flashbacks used.

There were two characters that I immediately liked. The wolf and the t...more

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Feb 18, 2013 Christina rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

Zarek was the first hunter I was exposed to. I was a teen, visiting my brother in the hospital and this book stood out to me in the gift shop. I think it was the title that caught my eye but instantly I took it home.

From then on Zarek had a place in my heart. Him, and Astrid will always be my loves of the series.

More, I think what I loved about Zarek was how much I could relate to him on a personal level. I did not suffer like he did, but I was someone abused growing up, more by my peers than by...more

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Feb 11, 2013 L.M. David rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is a really good book to sit down on a cold evening and read. The story begins with Zarek, wanted dead by Artemis. She has unleashed Thanatos to kill him and Archeron's pissed about it. His hands are tied because Artemis made him promise to stay with her for two weeks...and he is a man of his word. But Archeron believes Zarek should be spared, gets Artemis to allow him to be judge by an neutral party ... Astrid. She has the power to save Zarek's life, but he isn't making it easy because his...more

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Oct 03, 2012 Guilty Pleasures rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: guiltypleasures-kimber

Kimber's review posted on Guilty Pleasures

Dance with the Devil is a Collector’s Edition re-release and is the 4th book in the Dark-Hunter’s series by Sherrilyn Kenyon. I felt it only fitting to do a re-read and I’m so glad I did. After just reading Time Untime, the latest Dark- Hunter release, I didn’t realize how many characters were tied to this book. The author has a way of keeping us on our toes with her intricate world building but it fascinates me how all the worlds are tied to each other....more Kimber's review posted on Guilty Pleasures

Dance with the Devil is a Collector’s Edition re-release and is the 4th book in the Dark-Hunter’s series by Sherrilyn Kenyon. I felt it only fitting to do a re-read and I’m so glad I did. After just reading Time Untime, the latest Dark- Hunter release, I didn’t realize how many characters were tied to this book. The author has a way of keeping us on our toes with her intricate world building but it fascinates me how all the worlds are tied to each other. In this story we bounce back and forth between the Greek pantheons and modern day Alaska.

This story reminded me of several things. One, Sherrilyn Kenyon is brilliant at writing paranormal. Two, her heroes are the most tortured men on the planet. Three, her heroines all have strong personalities and are very likable. Four, she’s skilled at writing heart and panty melting love scenes. Five, there’s never a secondary character that you don’t want to know more about. Six, as good as the recent books are, nothing compares to the ones from the beginning of the series. Seven, there were characters who recently got their story told that I didn’t remember even being in this book. Eight, though I’ve come to terms that the romance now takes a back seat to the story, I definitely miss it because it’s so beautifully written. Nine, and lastly, I was reminded why this is one of my favorite books in the entire series.

The hero of our book, Zarek, is agonizingly scarred, physically and emotionally. He was so abused as a child he feels completely worthless. Fast forward 11,000 years, he’s now one of Artemis’s Dark-Hunters but he’s so incredibly miserable he pushes everyone away, has no friends, and is utterly misunderstood, but that’s his fault. Years ago he was exiled to Alaska instead of being killed for his infractions, but Acheron (leader of the Dark-Hunters) brings him to New Orleans whenever they need help to fight the Daimons. Zarek makes a mistake in the previous book trying to help a fellow Dark-Hunter and is exposed to the New Orleans police. Ash has the powers to scrub their minds, but it’s sort of the last straw for Zarek, and Artemis wants him put down once and for all and orders his death. Ash pleads his case with Artemis to have him Judged and if the Judge finds him guilty, he will go along with the decision.

Astrid lives on Olympus, the daughter of the Greek goddess of justice Themis, and her sisters are the Three Fates. In all of her years as a judge, she’s never found anyone innocent and has lost hope that anything good exists. She was sort of numb to everything and longed to find her compassion again. Once she arrives in a secluded ranch house in Alaska and Zarek crosses her path, everything changes. Feelings are brought back to life. Since she is there to judge him, she must find a way to see his true heart, not the one he wants everyone else to see. At first, she has to figure out how to touch a man who doesn’t want to be touched. She carefully begins to penetrate all the walls he’s put up and their love affair begins. They are a beautiful couple who needed each other to realize what happiness and love truly mean.

Favorite Line: Astrid: “Tell me of a happy memory, Zarek. One thing in your life that was good.” He hesitated for so long that she didn’t think he would answer. When he spoke, his voice was so soft that it made her ache. “You”

The things he says to her melts my heart. Oh, this man’s entire 11,000 years of life has been nothing but shunned, abused, unwanted, and rejected. So, once Astrid comes into his life with kindness he finally realizes that with her love he can be a whole person who deserves to be…..cared for and treasured.

Dance with the Devil is a fan favorite and it’s no wonder or surprise. If you are a fan of paranormal romance, this series is a must read and I highly recommend it. If you are already a fan and it’s been a while since you read some of the earlier books, you’ll enjoy revisiting this one. It was fun to see some of the characters knowing their stories are already written.

The Dark-Hunter books are keepers. In my golden years, I’ll be sitting around still reading these….
Enjoy everyone!(less)

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Sep 21, 2012 Amarilli73 rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

ZAREK NON E’ ZSADIST, PERO’ MI PIACE
Quarto capitolo delle avventure dei Cacciatori oscuri. Qui il tono lieve e scanzonato dei primi libri lascia il posto a una struggente malinconia (seppur condita con gli immancabili sprazzi folli e ironici della Kenyon) nel raccontare la storia di Zarek, un tempo schiavo romano, trasformato, dopo ... (continua)

Quarto capitolo delle avventure dei Cacciatori oscuri. Qui il tono lieve e scanzonato dei primi libri lascia il posto a una struggente malinconia (sep...more ZAREK NON E’ ZSADIST, PERO’ MI PIACE
Quarto capitolo delle avventure dei Cacciatori oscuri. Qui il tono lieve e scanzonato dei primi libri lascia il posto a una struggente malinconia (seppur condita con gli immancabili sprazzi folli e ironici della Kenyon) nel raccontare la storia di Zarek, un tempo schiavo romano, trasformato, dopo ... (continua)

Quarto capitolo delle avventure dei Cacciatori oscuri. Qui il tono lieve e scanzonato dei primi libri lascia il posto a una struggente malinconia (seppur condita con gli immancabili sprazzi folli e ironici della Kenyon) nel raccontare la storia di Zarek, un tempo schiavo romano, trasformato, dopo una vita di maltrattamenti, umiliazioni e torture, in un Cacciatore oscuro, solitario, cupo, e ovviamente bellissimo (ma lui non se ne rende conto, perché è abituato da sempre a pensare a se stesso come un essere ripugnante e sfregiato).

Zarek è stato condannato all’esilio in Alaska e addirittura messo al bando dagli stessi Cacciatori oscuri. Il misero non può nemmeno “chattare” a distanza, perché gli altri Cacciatori lo insultano pure sul sito www.darkhunter.com!

Alla fine, pur di toglierselo dai piedi, Artemide decide di metterlo sotto processo e manda a giudicarlo quella che tutti ritengono essere un giudice crudele e impietoso, l’incorruttibile e incorrotta (visto che è, ovviamente, pura e vergine) Astrid. E nella gelida Alaska si sprigioneranno scintille…

Non sono d’accordo su chi vede Zarek come un clone di Zsadist (uno dei guerrieri vampiri della Confraternita del Pugnale Nero della Ward); sì, di base sono entrambi due vampiri, guerrieri, ecc., con un passato di abusi e sofferenze alle spalle, ma se guardiamo ai questi modelli letterari possiamo perderci nella notte dei tempi, e senza limitarci alle saghe paranormal. Zarek, alla fine, ha un suo carattere, una sua personalità, mi piace di per se’ e non perché mi ricorda qualcuno.

Senza svelare nulla, penso che si possano dedicare un paio di serate di lettura a questo piacevole episodio della serie. C’è una storia d’amore molto tenera, e un personaggio maschile adorabile: basta immaginarsi Zarek, solo soletto nelle notti invernali, che intaglia animaletti nei ciocchi di legno e legge Il Piccolo Principe…
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Aug 15, 2012 Jessilie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Like all dark hunters every one of them has a sad story to begin with and has a dark past.Zarek lived a life of slavery from his own family just like acheron's.He sees himself worthless and undesirable even though he is drop dead gorgeous...He is insane as said by his fellow dark hunters but who will not be if you live in isolation for nine hundred years even i will go insane...but through his bad ass exterior hides a kind heart and an artist who even quote little prince and that was damn cute.....more

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Aug 07, 2012 Kyra rated it 3 of 5 stars

Zarek is the Dark Hunter everyone loathes. A tortured slave in his human life, in his rebirth he was banished to the harsh Alaska for massacring his village. He hates everyone but most of all hates himself. Now, after another incident in New Orleans Acheron, their leader has called for Astrid a Justice Nymph who has never judged anyone innocent to judge him. Artemis, meanwhile having agreed to Ash’s decision, is having trouble calling off Thanatos whom she has released to kill Zarek. Thanatos ga...more Zarek is the Dark Hunter everyone loathes. A tortured slave in his human life, in his rebirth he was banished to the harsh Alaska for massacring his village. He hates everyone but most of all hates himself. Now, after another incident in New Orleans Acheron, their leader has called for Astrid a Justice Nymph who has never judged anyone innocent to judge him. Artemis, meanwhile having agreed to Ash’s decision, is having trouble calling off Thanatos whom she has released to kill Zarek. Thanatos gathers an army to seek revenge for his wife’s death. Astrid tricks Zarek into staying with her. She is reluctant to pronounce him guilty even after his anger outburst and sees the good in him through his warm gestures. Zarek on the other hand is afraid of the warmth he feels for his blind host and decides to leave but Astrid drugs him to see into his dreams. She learns more about him and the reason behind the person he is as she further invests emotionally in Zarek. She is pained and angered at what he had to go through in his life. In the dream, Zarek finds himself changing; letting Astrid close and into the depths of his heart. Soon he learns of Astrid’s identity and they are forced to hide from Thanatos. Concurrently, Acheron is furious to learn of the damage being caused by Thanatos and sends his baby demon, Simi to protect Zarek and Astrid. Zarek however, decides to finish this off with Thanatos but he has other plans. .....

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Dancing With the Devil” although doesn’t have an original underlying concept, was executed well. It was well thought and had a good plot.

Zarek’s character was well sculpted and his present complemented his past perfectly. His personality was strongly built without being over the top or cliché. I liked how he has a truly caring heart but a crude exterior that put everyone off. His story was written in a way that made the reader truly hurt for him. Astrid was a very sensible person and I really appreciated her patience and character. I felt I could relate to her.

As for their relationship, I’m having mixed feelings. Their beginning interaction reflected on the contradiction between Zarek’s words and actions. Astrid was herself, being very calm and grounded sifting through his personality, not rushing to judging him. He was changing her and she was changing him. I couldn’t feel that impact as we were told Astrid was unfeeling, but never saw it. And I couldn’t see Zarek as horrible person in this book. He seemed so sweet and thoughtful except to the squire in the beginning. The dream walking is where their relationship grew and blossomed. The plot and scenes here I thought were emotional and well developed, though I wasn’t very happy that the most crucial moments in their bonding happened in dreamscape. I hope there were more buildup and growth towards the dream. I also felt a little stunted after the dream. Apart from these, we were treated to a very sweet romance.

Secondary characters like Jess, Sasha, Ash, Artemis and Simi complemented the plot well. There was a very interesting buildup of Ash and Artemis’s relationship that intrigues the readers. Sasha and Simi were really entertaining with their humor and sarcasm.

Personally, I couldn’t get emotionally involved in this book as most for some reason. But it’s definitely worth reading for its logical plot, Zarek’s heartbreaking story, its sweet romance, and dry humor.
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Jul 02, 2012 Martina Koleva rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is no doubt the best book so far. I think that it will remain as my favorite even after I read the rest but I we'll see. I just know that it was incredible read even though I wanted to cry for the most part.
It was so heartbreaking. Learning bit by bit Zarek's story. Reliving his memories through his nightmares and through Astrid's dreams... I have no words for it. I nearly cried at those parts. To see the reason for Zarek's hatred and fury, the person behind the scary face.
After you guys...more This is no doubt the best book so far. I think that it will remain as my favorite even after I read the rest but I we'll see. I just know that it was incredible read even though I wanted to cry for the most part.
It was so heartbreaking. Learning bit by bit Zarek's story. Reliving his memories through his nightmares and through Astrid's dreams... I have no words for it. I nearly cried at those parts. To see the reason for Zarek's hatred and fury, the person behind the scary face.
After you guys read the book you'll see an entirely different person.

Again, I absolutely loved the mythical part of the book but the most I loved Zarek's P.O.V. It was a firsthand experience of his past and so far... I think he's suffered the most.
I feel like I say this after every review but it's the truth. Zarek is the outsider that nobody likes and everyone fears. He is the psychopath and the killer. At least that's how everyone sees him and his life gets even harder.
The way he thinks, the way he lives, it's sad and heartbreaking and I still can't gather my thoughts to write something meaningful. I'm just shocked by what I read it the book.
I mean... Zarek literally had a horrific childhood and then what happened after he got turned into a Dark-Hunter and then the exile in Alaska. It's awful...
I actually am a little scared to read the next one because as I said, I started to repeat myself saying that every next book is better and the characters have it the worst. After reading Zarek's story I expect something even worse for the next guy and I am not sure I want to see the horrors of his human life.
That's a bunch of guys with f****d up lives and I don't know how much worse can it get.

There was a little bit more about Acheron and that was awesome. I start to get answers to some of my questions about him but at the same time so many more pop up and I'm at loss again...
It's an amazing book, this one, and the series is unbelievably awesome so far. And even though I'm scared of starting the next one, I can't wait to start it! (less)

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Jun 14, 2012 Maria rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: demons, demons-magic-weres, magic, vampires, werewolves

I’m pretty sure that I don’t want to write a review about this book. I think that it’s enough to say that this book was AMAZING!! It’s not a secret that I love a tortured hero and Zarek is the poster boy for tortured heroes! I wanted to know more about him since I read the previous book of the series but while I was reading the story I was so sad for what happened to him and so angry with everyone else in these books.

Zarek had the worst life I’ve ever read for a man in a paranormal romance book...more I’m pretty sure that I don’t want to write a review about this book. I think that it’s enough to say that this book was AMAZING!! It’s not a secret that I love a tortured hero and Zarek is the poster boy for tortured heroes! I wanted to know more about him since I read the previous book of the series but while I was reading the story I was so sad for what happened to him and so angry with everyone else in these books.

Zarek had the worst life I’ve ever read for a man in a paranormal romance book. Born at the ancient roman era, he was unwanted by his parents and he was a whipping boy for everybody. Since he was a child nobody was kind with him. He was humiliated in every single chance. His own father paid a slaver to take him. All he ever knew was hatred and rejection. He feels unworthy and after his unfair death he became a protector of humanity against Daimons. When the humans in the village he was responsible about, murdered, everybody thought he was guilty and from then he was living in exile, somewhere in Alaska, for the last 900 years. He lived like an animal and nobody wanted to see him. He is very lonely. He always says that he doesn’t need anyone but it’s a lie. He wants so bad to have companion that it hurts. He is jealous of the other Dark-Hunters and their friendships but deep down he believes that he doesn’t deserve kindness because he’s nothing more than a slave. While I was reading his story, I was very angry with the other characters in this book. Why they were so mean with him? Why they didn’t understand what a great person he is? Everybody was so damn stupid to realize that this man is just a man who needs to be loved? He is still a child inside him and the proof is that he reads “The Little Prince” with great hope! He also helps people without taking credit for his actions. I really loved him and I cried too many times while reading his story!

Astrid is a very nice character in this book. As a minor goddess of justice and sister of the Fates, she is responsible of judging Zarek. She has to decide if he is guilty of his crimes or not. She has never find a man non-guilty and she has nearly lost her faith in humanity, but after she meets Zarek she knows that he is a worthy man and she really wants to know him better. She is a very kind and patient person and I really liked the way she treated Zarek. Both of them are a great couple!

While I was reading this book, the only thing I wanted to do is to kill slowly and painfully Artemis! She is such a bitch! She thinks only about herself and she is the most cold-hearted woman EVER! I really hate her!!

On the other hand, I really liked Sasha the wolf and Simi the demon. Both of them are very interesting characters and I really want to know more about both of them.

Of course, the mystery I want to solve is the mystery of Acheron. I can’t wait to learn the whole truth about him!

As you can see, the book is amazing! Great plot, characters and action are always the keys to the success! If you like paranormal romance you have to start this series!
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Mar 21, 2012 Izamari rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

Tengo que advertirles que cuando lean este libro, tengan a la mano pañuelos, pues la historia de Zarek… la historia de Zarek es bastante fuerte y dejara con la lagrimita a más de uno.

Después de lo acontecido en “El Abrazo de la noche”, Dionisio y Artemisa quieren muerto a Zarek. El primero paga a un escudero para terminar con el cazador y Artie-bitch… perdón, y Artemisa ha soltado a su mascota más poderosa, Tánatos
Acheron no está dispuesto a perder a uno de sus cazadores, por eso negocia con la...more

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Mar 09, 2012 readinrobin rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

I think this might be my favorite book in the Dark-Hunter series now. This series seems to get better with each book, but this one was fantastic. If I could give it more than five stars I would.

We met Zarek in the previous book, “the most dangerous of all the Dark-Hunters”. In his human life he was a Roman slave, and as a Dark-Hunter he was exiled to Alaska after going rogue and killing the people he was supposed to be protecting.

Astrid is a goddess and a judge, who in her hundreds of years ca...more I think this might be my favorite book in the Dark-Hunter series now. This series seems to get better with each book, but this one was fantastic. If I could give it more than five stars I would.

We met Zarek in the previous book, “the most dangerous of all the Dark-Hunters”. In his human life he was a Roman slave, and as a Dark-Hunter he was exiled to Alaska after going rogue and killing the people he was supposed to be protecting.

Astrid is a goddess and a judge, who in her hundreds of years career has yet to find anyone innocent. Artemis wants Zarek killed, but Acheron convinces her to allow Astrid to judge him.

So Astrid, with her sight taken away to keep her impartial, and her wolf companion, Sasha, are set up in a house in Alaska, where Zarek ends up after being wounded in a fight, and unable to leave due to a ferocious blizzard. He doesn’t know who Astrid is, he thinks she’s just some rich blind woman with a pet wolf who dragged him into her home after finding him unconscious in the snow.

Dance with the Devil is just packed with emotions. Of course all the Dark-Hunters have suffered in their lifetimes, it’s part of what makes them a Dark-Hunter. But Zarek’s childhood was just horrendous, and my heart broke for him again and again.

The secondary characters are enjoyable as well. Sasha, the wolf, and Astrid can speak to each other telepathically, and his smart ass comments about Zarek, whom he hates from the minute he sees him, often made me laugh. And we also meet Simi, an adolescent demon creature who belongs to Acheron and calls him her daddy. She provided much comic relief as well.

I only had one issue with this book, and it’s a small one but it bugged me nonetheless. In Chapter 5, on one page it said: "He could kill her and neither she nor Sasha would see him coming." On the very next page it said: "Because she was immortal, he couldn’t kill her, but he could hurt her." I don’t like contradictions, I want consistency.

But I absolutely loved this book, and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next one.
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Mar 07, 2012 Fanny Roswita Ria rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: dastan, fantasy, romance, funny

Zarek rupanya romantis yah,,hihihihihi,,bener2 deh Astrid menaklukan Dark Hunter yang satu ini.

Astrid, seorang Nymph keadilan, mendapat misi menilai Zarek apakah pantas untuk melanjutkan hidupnya sebagai Dark Hunter atau bersalah sehingga dibunuh dan jiwanya melayang-layang tidak jelas. Terlebih lagi ini permintaan khusus dari Acheron, sosok pria yang dikagumi Astrid sejak dirinya masih kecil. mengawali dengan menolong Zarek dari insiden keroyokan squire dan Thanatos, Astrid belajar memahami pri...more

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Dec 06, 2011 Fangs for the Fantasy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: sherrilyn-kenyon

Zarek is a Dark hunter – who has been alone for 2,000 years. And as a human before that he only wished he was alone rather than ciosntantly abused and tortured as a slave of cruel Roman masters. Living in Alaska for the last 600 years has been hard and lonely and only further hardened him and made him crueller

Until, in the last book, he went to New Orleans and apparently screwed up. One time too many for Artemis who is tired of him as a liability (and she’s looking for an excuse) who dispatches...more Zarek is a Dark hunter – who has been alone for 2,000 years. And as a human before that he only wished he was alone rather than ciosntantly abused and tortured as a slave of cruel Roman masters. Living in Alaska for the last 600 years has been hard and lonely and only further hardened him and made him crueller

Until, in the last book, he went to New Orleans and apparently screwed up. One time too many for Artemis who is tired of him as a liability (and she’s looking for an excuse) who dispatches Thanatos to have him annihilated once and for all. Except Acheron, the Dark Hunter leader, believes Zarek is redeemable, that there is still hope for him. Striking a deal with Artemis, Astrid, daughter of Themis and immortal judge who has never found a man innocent is sent to decide whether Zarek is guilty or innocent.

Unfortunately, when Atremis calls Thanatos back, he doesn’t want to heel. Instead he returns to his people, the daimons as their chosen one, the Day Slayer. And what does he want to slay? Why, the Dark Hunters of course. And being a nearly invincible killing machine, that’s somewhat of a problem
Even more of a problem is the fact that Acheron, who is most definitely an invincible killing machine, is currently stuck in Artemis’ temple and unable to return to Earth and swat Thanatos down like the petty annoyance he is.

What should be a simple judging ends up being a desperate fight for survival against a force that has raised armies and killed cities before

I think the Dark Hunters are badly in need of some therapists. I get that they’ve had tragic pasts (all of them) but after 2,000 years? Time to move on guys. And yes, that “all of them” is relevant. Because of the way Artemis works (approaching people who have been horrendously betrayed to induct them into service in return for a last act of revenge) the Dark Hunters are almost guaranteed to have a horrendous, traumatic past. And, as I’ve mentioned before, the sheer prevalence of traumatic pasts in the genre – and the series – makes it really hard for me to appropriately engage their hurt and pain because it’s so over done.

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About Sherrilyn Kenyon

Sherrilyn Kenyon lives a life of extraordinary danger... as does any woman with three sons, a husband, a menagerie of pets and a collection of swords that all of the above have a fixation on. But when not running interference (or dashing off to the emergency room), she's found chained to her computer where she likes to play with all her imaginary friends. With more than ten million copies of her b...more

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